The world’s safest cities for travellers in 2027 include nine European destinations, according to a new international ranking that places Montreal, Canada, at the top. Zürich, Amsterdam and Reykjavik are among the European cities recognised for their safety, with several other popular destinations also making the list.
The ranking was published by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, an insurance company that assesses travel safety across popular international and domestic destinations. Montreal claimed first place, moving up significantly from 16th position in the previous year’s ranking. It received a score of 82.18 points, with its relatively low crime rate contributing to its position.
The study began with an initial selection of 38 popular cities frequently visited by US travellers. More than 1,500 people took part in the survey and were asked which of the selected destinations they had visited. Those with first-hand experience of the cities were then invited to assess their safety based on different measures.
Rather than relying entirely on travellers’ opinions, the researchers combined the survey findings with external safety data from Numbeo, The Economist and GeoSure Global. This approach brought together personal travel experiences and broader measures of urban safety.
However, the company has pointed out that the results should not be interpreted as a live assessment of conditions in every destination. The survey was conducted in August 2026, meaning the ranking reflects the situation at that time rather than changes that may have occurred since then.
Montreal’s first-place position comes with a few practical considerations for visitors. Although crime levels helped the Canadian city secure a strong score, traffic is identified as a potential inconvenience for travellers. The city extends across both sides of the Saint Lawrence River, and travelling between different areas can involve crossing busy bridges. Road construction is also a recurring issue, which can make journeys more complicated, according to the report.
Europe performed particularly well in the 2027 ranking, accounting for nine of the 15 cities listed. Switzerland’s Zürich secured second place with 81.03 points, improving from third position in the previous edition.
The report attributes Zürich’s strong safety performance partly to its relatively conservative character and high cost of living, which may make it less attractive to some mass-tourism crowds. Its public transport system also received positive attention for being clean and safe. The report described the city as being as secure as a Swiss bank.
For international visitors, however, there is another practical detail to consider. Switzerland is not part of the eurozone and uses the Swiss franc. Although card payments are widely accepted, the report recommends that visitors carry some local currency for smaller purchases and situations where cash may be needed.
Amsterdam took third place with 80.81 points, rising from fourth position in the previous ranking. The Dutch capital continues to attract large numbers of international visitors interested in its canals, museums and cultural attractions. Despite the busy tourist environment, the study gave the city a strong safety assessment.
For visitors, cycling traffic remains an important consideration. Amsterdam’s streets are shared by pedestrians, cyclists and other road users, making it necessary to pay attention when crossing roads and walking around busy areas.
Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital, ranked fifth with 78.90 points. The city had occupied first place in the 2026 ranking, making its movement down the list one of the more notable changes in this year’s results. Its relatively small size was highlighted in the report as one factor contributing to its safety, with the city described as being small enough to have almost no distinct neighbourhood divisions.
Norway’s capital, Oslo, secured sixth place, making it another strong European performer. Venice in Italy followed in eighth position, while Dublin ranked 11th. Copenhagen came 12th, Barcelona placed 13th and Paris completed the European representation in 15th position.
Outside Europe, Tokyo in Japan ranked fourth, while Singapore came seventh. Sydney, Australia, secured ninth place, followed by Honolulu in Hawaii at number 10. San Francisco was the final destination in the ranking, taking 14th position.
The results offer travellers a useful comparison of how different cities performed across the study’s safety measures. However, a high ranking does not mean visitors can ignore ordinary travel precautions. Safety conditions can vary between neighbourhoods, and issues such as traffic, pickpocketing, public transport and changing local circumstances remain relevant when planning a trip.
For travellers considering a European city break in 2027, the presence of nine European destinations in the top 15 provides several options to consider. From Zürich’s public transport network and Amsterdam’s busy canal district to Reykjavik’s compact urban setting, the ranking highlights different cities that performed strongly in the assessment.
The complete list places Montreal ahead of Zürich and Amsterdam, with Tokyo and Reykjavik completing the top five.
