These 10 cities are straight-up no-go zones—you’ll gasp at how dangerous they are! Keep scrolling to see which spots make the list.
TOP 10. Caracas
Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, is a city drowning in violence and drugs. Robberies happen in broad daylight with zero consequences—so brazen that even locals live in fear. Foreign tourists are easy targets here. The city’s security situation is dire, with sky-high crime rates; after dark, danger lurks around every corner.
TOP 9. Mogadishu
Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, has endured over two decades of civil war, leaving the country and its people battered by conflict. Hardly any buildings in the city remain intact—this place is basically a warzone, known as the least safe city on Earth. While reconstruction is slowly underway, parts of the city are still unstable, and terrorist attacks occur regularly.
TOP 8. Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s second-largest city and a major port, has a massive wealth gap. Around 20% of its population lives in slums on the city’s outskirts. If you’re traveling here, stick to downtown areas and never linger on the streets at night. To make matters worse, the police are notoriously corrupt—they might even pose a threat to you. Slums are hotbeds of crime, with rampant drug trafficking and gang wars.
TOP 7. Grozny
Grozny, the capital of Russia’s Chechnya region, saw its civil war with Russia end in 2006—but the city’s still dotted with hidden bombs and landmines, making every step a total gamble. It’s a nightmare no one wants to live through. War did irreversible damage to Grozny; its infrastructure is in ruins, and reconstruction is still dragging on. Keep reading, you won’t believe what’s next!
TOP 6. Juárez
This Mexican city is basically a synonym for drugs—drug cartels are the real bosses here. It’s long been the UN’s top target for anti-drug efforts. The out-of-control drug trade has fueled violent crimes, making the city’s safety situation super shaky. Residents live in fear 24/7.
TOP 5. Bogotá
Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, is another city plagued by drug issues. Travelers are warned to stick to the northern part of the city—the south is its most dangerous zone. Drug trafficking has spawned a wave of crimes, from kidnappings and robberies to murders, totally wrecking public safety. Don’t stop here, the following cities are far scarier!
TOP 4. Baghdad
Baghdad, Iraq’s capital, was reduced to rubble during the Iraq War. Stay far away from vehicles—car bombs are basically a "local staple" here. The scars of war run deep; terrorist attacks and violent incidents still pop up now and then, making reconstruction an uphill fight.
TOP 3. Guatemala City
In Guatemala City, the government and police are totally untrustworthy. Let’s be real—anyone could become a robber’s target. This place is a certified crime capital. Crime runs amok, public order is a mess, and neither residents nor tourists can feel even remotely safe. Stay tuned, the top 2 will blow your mind!
TOP 2. San Pedro Sula
This Honduran city is also a known crime capital. Minor squabbles often blow up into large-scale street violence. There are basically no safe zones for tourists here. The violent crime rate is through the roof, with gang wars and drug trafficking posing major threats to public safety.
TOP 1. Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa’s most beautiful city, is a dream spot for many travelers—but criminals here have got tourists in their sights. Never wander into government-designated restricted areas! When using an ATM, keep your eyes peeled—but don’t stare around randomly when walking down the street. It’s a city of extremes, where beauty and danger walk side by side.