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A Warning for Travelers: The Most Dangerous Cities In The World

Monica January 20, 2024

Traveling is one of the greatest ways to broaden your mind and give you new perspectives. While there are many wonderful cities out there to visit, there are simply many others where you shouldn’t step foot in. To warn all of you seasoned world travelers or ones thinking about making a journey, we’ve compiled a list of the most dangerous cities in the world.

Unfortunately, these dangerous cities have murder and crime rates that’ll make your jaw drop. For some reason, they seem to attract crime and murder. Many of these cities are located in Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, and the U.S.A. If you find yourself traversing any of these countries, then keep an eye out and make sure you don’t accidentally stumble into a city notorious for its danger and murder rates. Use this guide below to know which cities are truly the most dangerous in the world.

New Orleans, USA

We’ll start with good ‘ol New Orleans, Louisiana. Even though it has the lowest murder rate out of all of these cities, it still has a high murder rate that makes it one of the most dangerous cities in the world. It has a murder rate of 36.87 per 100,000. Even though it’s a touristy and popular place to visit, it’s still unsafe.

In 2020, there were over 250 murders. Violence is also on the rise. If you do want to visit New Orleans, try visiting during Mardi Gras when the most tourists are there, which also means there’s a lot of police around for added protection. Always stick to the main parts of the city and avoid the lesser-traveled spots (via Statista).

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Chihuahua, Mexico

This historic city is not a place you want to visit during your travels in Mexico. Even though it has a government building with huge, intriguing murals, it’s a place worth skipping. You can learn about Mexico’s history a multitude of ways, and visiting Chihuahua should not be one of them.

It’s one of the most dangerous cities in the world, with some of the highest counts of assault and murder in the whole country. It’s just not worth putting your life at risk. There are some places in the world you shouldn’t visit, and this is one of them (via Statista).

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Teresina, Brazil

Ironically, Teresina was deemed as a capital with the first best quality of life in northern Brazil. It also has one of the highest murder rates in the world. In 2017, there were over 300 homicides alone.

There’s no way we’d ever visit that city even though it has a high quality of life. Despite its beauty, there are other cities in the world worth visiting, that have not only a high quality of life but a murder rate much closer to zero (via Statista).

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Durban, South Africa

Durban is known as being an irresistible vacation spot even though it’s one of the most dangerous cities in the world. It’s home to some of the best surfing in the world. The long stretch of coastline is extremely appealing, especially since it’s dotted with hotels.

That won’t get us anywhere near the city. There’s a high murder and other places in the world you can vacation in without having to worry about getting murdered (via Statista).

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Detroit, USA

Detroit borders Canada and is the largest city in Michigan. It owns the nickname “Motor City,” but that doesn’t mean it’s a place you’d want to visit. It’s one of the most dangerous cities in the world with a murder rate of 38.78 per 100,000. It’s also the second most dangerous city in the USA.

The city’s financial downfall aided in its crime and murder rate rising, but it’s best to skip this city. There are other places in Michigan, and the United States overall, that are a lot safer (via Statista).

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Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa

As the second most violent city in South Africa, Nelson Mandela Bay isn’t a place you’d want to find yourself wandering around. It has one of the highest murder rates in the entire country and the world. Previously, reports of double-murder cases were recorded.

Like Cape Town, this is a place in South Africa you won’t want to visit. South Africa is a huge country with a lot of beautiful cities. Avoid these two cities and you should feel a lot safer (via Statista).

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João Pessoa, Brazil

João Pessoa has intriguing architecture, beautiful chapels, beaches, fun clubs and delicious restaurants. Hopefully, that doesn’t give you a reason to visit since it’s one of the most dangerous cities in the world.

At night, it’s very sketchy and has a high murder rate of 41.36 per 100,000. Also, the Southern part of the city is known for its dangerous neighborhoods. If you do find yourself here, make sure you stick to the touristy part of the city where it’s a lot safer (via Statista).

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Reynosa, Mexico

Reynosa is ridden with danger from gang activity. It’s located directly across from the Rio Grande near the US border, which is one of the reasons why there’s so much violence. Gangs are known for fights with one another, which results in murders and heightened violence in other ways.

Luckily, there aren’t many tourist attractions in Reynosa, which means it’s typically not a place you’d find yourself traveling to. That, and since it’s one of the most dangerous cities in the world, make it a place you should never visit, (via Statista).

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Valencia, Venezuela

For a city with many top industries, you would assume Valencia is safe. Think again. Valencia is one of the most dangerous cities in the world with a murder rate of 42.2 per 100,000. That’s too high for any place we’d ever want to visit.

There’s also a high likelihood of theft, robbery, and kidnapping. Having your phone or other valuables stolen while traveling can ruin a trip. If it’s likely to happen, it’s best not to go in the first place (via Statista).

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San Juan, Puerto Rico

For a lively city with clubs, casinos, and beachfront restaurants, San Juan has it all. But don’t be fooled by its energetic nightlife since it’s deemed one of the most dangerous cities in the world. It has a high murder rate and is known for other crimes like theft and robbery.

There are certain areas in the city which are recommended to avoid as a tourist altogether, and it’s safer to avoid walking around at night. San Juan just isn’t worth it. Additionally, other parts of the island are desirable destinations, so it’s best to head straight there instead of lingering in this city (via Statista).

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Tegucigalpa, Honduras

The capital city of Honduras is not a place you want to visit. It’s one of the most dangerous cities in the entire world, and like many others on this list, has an extremely high murder rate. This makes it unappealing, especially when there are so many other places in the world worth visiting.

Whenever you visit a new country, it’s always exciting to visit the capital. Unfortunately, there are several capital cities around the world we advise not to visit, and this is one of them. Even its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture doesn’t give it a good reason enough to go there (via Statista).

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Recife, Brazil

Recife does a great job at attracting visitors with an old town center, rivers, bridges, and a harbor. On paper, it sounds like a wonderful vacation spot, especially after looking at its gorgeous buildings that look like they’re out of a movie set.

Unfortunately, it also has an extremely high murder rate with 43.72 murders per 100,000. Its history of gang violence is also high, so you’ll likely never feel safe wandering around the city (via Statista).

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Guatemala City, Guatemala

We don’t want to scare you, but you may get robbed or mugged walking on the streets of Guatemala City. It has a high murder rate of 43.73 per 100,000. Many zones in the city are downright sketchy, so it’s best if you just don’t visit. Even if you end up flying into Guatemala City, it’s best to either transfer at the airport or travel to your next destination right away.

The country itself also has one of the highest crime rates in all of Latin America. Nothing about it sounds appealing. There are other places in Guatemala like San Marcos and Antigua that are a lot nicer and safer to visit than Guatemala City (via Statista).

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Manaus, Brazil

We don’t recommend visiting Manaus, the seventh-largest city in Brazil, even if it does have a striking phenomenon the “Meeting of the Waters,” where two rivers converge. It has an extremely high murder rate, which is reason enough to not visit. In the last decade, violent crime has skyrocketed more than ever in previous years.

Even if you’re aware of all the risks of visiting this city, it doesn’t mean you’re safe. You never know what could happen, and since this city is already prone to violence, chances are it might happen during your visit (via Statista).

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Tepic, Mexico

With all its intriguing history, you’d think Tepic is a place you’d want to visit. Think again. Despite the museum dedicated to national hero Juan Escuita, who died fighting U.S. forces in 1987, it’s one of the most dangerous cities in the world.

It has a high murder rate of 44.89 murders per 100,000. Stick to one of the many other cities in Mexico, even though there doesn’t seem to be many left, since Mexico is quite prevalent on this list. Even so, Mexico is a huge country with a lot to offer as long as you avoid these cities (via Statista).

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Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil

In 2018, Campos dos Goytacazes had over 200 murders. That’s a big reason why it’s not a city we’d want to find ourselves in. Not only does it have a high murder rate, but it’s deemed the most violent city in the Southern half of Brazil. Between the murders, theft, and armed robbery, it doesn’t sound like a place to travel for a quiet, relaxing holiday.

The city is on the coast with some beautiful beaches, but honestly, there’s not much of a reason to travel here, especially with a murder rate this high. No one wants to worry about getting murdered when they’re vacation. Many other places in Brazil are a lot safer to visit, so avoid this one (via Statista).

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Ensenada, Mexico

Even though Ensenada is known as a cultural center in Mexico, it’s also one of the most dangerous cities in the world and has a high murder rate. Luckily, many of the recent killings that took place were in the nighttime and away from the city center. Even though that’s slightly reassuring, it’s still not reason enough to visit. There’s nothing appealing about visiting a place with a high murder rate.

If you’re a tourist in Ensenada, you’ll notice a strong police presence which keeps things at bay. Mostly. This alone might make you feel safer. Make sure you stay in the center of the city and avoid walking around at night, especially if you have valuables (via Statista).

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San Pedro Sula, Honduras

San Pedro Sula, one of Honduras’ main transportation hubs, is also one of the most dangerous cities in the world. The city is notorious for muggings, kidnappings, and armed robberies. Additionally, it has a murder rate of 46.67 per 100,000.

Despite this, it’s close to many beautiful beaches and has some of the best food in Honduras. We’re not sure we’d want to find ourselves in a place with a high murder rate like San Pedro Sula, no matter how good they claim the food is (via Statista).

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Celaya, Mexico

At 46 murders per 100,000, Celaya is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. The city’s architecture is similar to that of San Francisco with large colonial buildings, a cathedral, and museums. Unfortunately, the city is notorious for kidnappings, home invasions, and armed robbery.

In 2020, it was deemed the most violent city in the world. Even though telling your friends you’re going to a dangerous city might seem like a brave thing to do, it’s pretty stupid. Don’t do it, especially after seeing what happens in the city. It’s never worth the risk (via Statista).

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Cali, Colombia

Don’t get fooled by the name, this isn’t California. This is a dangerous city in Colombia with a high murder rate. Full of clubs, salsa dancing, and lively bars, Cali seems like a fun city to visit on a trip to Colombia. Unfortunately, though, its murder rate is 47.03 per 100,000, meaning it’s one of the most dangerous cities in not only Colombia but the entire world.

Not only is there a lot of crime, but it’s prone to natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes. Petty theft and crime are also common, and it’s advised to never flash your personal items when walking around. This is not the place to show off your new gadgets (via Statista)

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Macapa, Brazil

Macapa has a population of over 500,000 people and is one of the most dangerous cities in the entire world. It’s situated near the Amazon River, and has succumbed to high poverty, levels of violence, and drugs. Also, the war between gangs, over drugs and money, is common.

Its murder rate is 47.2 per 100,000 people, which is extremely high. Again, there are tons of other cities to visit in Brazil, so just don’t go to this one. We promise that your safety is more important than checking off a bucket list city (via Statista).

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Salvador, Brazil

Salvador is home to incredible Portuguese architecture, a tropical coastline with palm trees and white sand, lively nightlife, and baroque churches. On paper, it certainly seems like a beautiful city to visit, but, unfortunately, it’s one of the most dangerous cities in the world. You aren’t able to tell it’s a murderous place from the photos of smiling tourists.

It still has a high murder rate of 47.23. Even though a lot of this violence occurs in the areas where tourists don’t go, it’s best to avoid the city altogether. You never know when a murderer is going to make their way into the city center (via Statista).

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Maturin, Venezuela

Maturin is popular with the petroleum industry in Venezuela. Because it’s a hotspot for the oil industry in Venezuela, it quickly became one of the most dangerous cities in Venezuela, if not in the world. For some reason or another, it attracts a lot of violence and robberies in addition to murder. It has a murder rate of 47.24 murders per 100,000 people and is certainly not a city you’d want to visit.

It’s also prone to high crime and kidnapping, mugging, carjacking, and burglary. It’s best to avoid this one with a 10-foot pole or maybe a 40-foot one just to be safe. There are not many attractions in the city, anyway, so as a tourist, you probably won’t find yourself here (via Statista).

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Palmira, Colombia

Palmira is located in the eastern part of the Cauca River in Colombia. It’s one of the centers of sugar mills and is an important hub both agriculturally and industrially. Unfortunately, there’s not only a high crime rate but also a high murder rate of 47.97 murders per 100,000.

If you find yourself here, don’t leave anything in your car since it’s likely it will be broken into. Don’t walk around at night since that’s when crime, theft, and assault are most likely to happen. Additionally, you’ll likely hear insults or sexual harassment comments just walking around. Luckily, there are many other cities in Colombia, so it’s not even worth visiting this one (via Statista).

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Coatzacoalcos, Mexico

This city in Mexico is one of the most dangerous in the world, especially at night. Not only this but because of the lack of a proper sewage system, a lot of the waste is dumped into the ocean, making it unsanitary. Its murder rate of 48.35 per 100,000 makes it extremely unsafe for tourists.

This is not a city you’d want to visit in Mexico, not only because of the danger but because you could also get sick just by swimming in the ocean. That doesn’t sound worth it. If you can’t even safely swim in the ocean in this city, what’s the point of visiting (via Statista)?

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Aracaju, Brazil

Full of delicious seafood restaurants, a beachfront promenade, and an aquarium full of different marine-life animals, Aracaju seems like a desirable destination to visit. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most dangerous cities in the world in addition to Brazil. Luckily, aquariums exist all around the world, so you’re not missing anything by not visiting this one.

Its high crime and murder rate make it extremely unsafe. There’s a lot of petty theft, crime, and assault, so it’s best to avoid the city at all costs, just like all of the other cities on this list. It’s not worth vacationing in a place with a lot of crime. If one bad thing happens, it could ruin the entire vacation (via Statista).

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San Salvador, El Salvador

San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, is also one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Its high murder rate of 50.32 per 100,000, makes it an extremely dangerous place to visit. It also has one of the highest crime rates in all of Latin America, which is just another reason to cross this one off of your list of cities to travel to.

First, there’s a lot of gang violence, and while the violence usually occurs in specific areas of the city, no area is truly safe. If you are in the city, make sure you stick to the touristy parts and never wander far from that area. Don’t walk around at night, and, as we’ve mentioned before, never carry valuables (via Statista).

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Baltimore, USA

Baltimore is a historic city in Maryland and a major seaport. If you’re an American, surely you’ve heard of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” That anthem was actually born in Baltimore. Despite Baltimore’s importance in the USA, it’s still one of the most dangerous cities in the world with a high murder rate of 50.52 murders per 100,000.

Many neighborhoods in the city are best avoided altogether. This seems like it’s a common occurrence in these dangerous cities. The main, touristy part of Baltimore has tons of restaurants, cafes, and bars, so if you do visit, make sure you stick to these popular areas. There are also a few museums, parks, and a beautiful harbor, but considering the US is so large, it won’t be hard to avoid visiting Baltimore (via Statista).

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Victoria da Conquista, Brazil

Victoria da Conquista has a murder rate of 50.75 per 100,000, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the world. With a population of 341,000, it’s the third largest city in Bahia, a state in Brazil. It slowly developed after its founding in 1783 and became the fourth most dangerous city in Brazil.

Tourists are prone to pickpocketing, mugging, scams, and assault, so it’s best to avoid this city completely because there are so many other cities in Brazil that are a lot safer to visit. You’re not missing out on anything by not traveling there, especially because it’s not a major tourist destination, which also means there isn’t much to do (via Statista).

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Maceió, Brazil

With a murder rate of 51.46 per 100,000, Maceió is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Even though the city’s historic center showcases gorgeous architecture, with pastel-colored colonial buildings, white-sand beaches, and a striking coastline, it’s not worth visiting, at all. Unfortunately, even though it looks incredibly beautiful from the outside, the city itself is very dangerous.

Risking your life to look at beautiful buildings is not worth it. Despite the beauty, it offers, it’s still extremely dangerous, with violence that’s growing outwards from inner-city neighborhoods. Even if you stay in the touristy part of the city, you’re still at risk (via Statista).

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Ciudad Obregón, Mexico

We see yet another city in Mexico on the list. There’s a high prevalence of police roaming the street, to try and combat the high crime rates that the area experiences. It has a population of 339,000 and is a key area for drug and human trafficking trades because of its location in the country.

Their website claims it has “extremely low rates of street crime and violence” but that’s not the case. They’re lying as a way to get more tourists to visit the city. It’s advised to avoid this city completely, especially because of the human trafficking trade. If you’re caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, it could end up horribly (via Statista).

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Kingston, Jamaica

Jamaica might be a country high on your bucket list. Luckily, the country itself is relatively safe but it’s its capital you have to worry about. The capital of Kingston is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. It has an extremely high murder rate, with a lot of gang violence and shootings. Once you’re out of the capital, though, the country is a very desirable destination with a lot to offer.

These crimes mainly take place in the inner cities; however, violence has started expanding outside of those areas. Some areas in Kingston are recommended to completely avoid, so if you find yourself in Jamaica, make sure you get out of the capital as quickly as possible. It’s best to fly into the capital and then take transportation to one of Jamaica’s coastal towns (via Statista).

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Uruapan, Mexico

Because of Uruapan’s geographic location, it’s an important city economically. It’s also known as the World Capital of Avocado since the surrounding region is ideal for avocado growing. Because of this, many companies and distributors locate themselves in the region.

It succumbed to a lot of crime over the years and became one of the most dangerous cities in the world, with a murder rate of 54.52 per 100,000. That’s very high – higher than most city’s around the world, so it’s best to just avoid this city in the first place. Because there are so many other cities in Mexico, it’s just not worth visiting this one (via Statista).

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Barquisimeto, Venezuela

Located on the Turbio River, Barquisimeto is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Its atmosphere seems inviting, as it’s home to a large museum, with artworks from nearby regions and a beautiful cathedral. It’s also known as the musical city of the country.

However, it’s ridden with gangsters, drug crimes, theft, and murder. If you get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, it could mean trouble. And that’s not something you want to happen when you’re a tourist in a foreign place. It’s a place you’d feel like you’d constantly have to look over your shoulder to make sure you’re not being followed (via Statista).

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Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela

This city is a major river port for the Eastern regions of Venezuela. Still, it’s one of the most dangerous cities in Venezuela and the world. It has a high murder rate of 60.09 per 100,000. Even though there are museums, a river, and a beautiful bridge, it’s best to avoid visiting this city in the first place. Honestly, there are many other cities around the world with the same attractions, but a safe atmosphere.

There are many reported crimes involving drugs, murder, and theft. Even if you’re an off-the-beaten-path traveler, don’t go anywhere near Ciudad Bolivar. It’s never worth the risk. And, if you do find yourself there, make sure you don’t wander around at night and keep all of your valuables locked away somewhere safe (via Statista).

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Culiacán, Mexico

With a murder rate of 60.52 per 100,000, Culiacán is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. It’s a city located in Northwestern Mexico and one of the most dangerous cities in all of Mexico. It’s even considered a lawless city by some. At first glance, it seems like a wonderful city to visit, especially because of its attractions like the historic center, “dancing fountains,” Basilica Cathedral, and the sanctuary.

Honestly, best to avoid this city altogether as a tourist, even though visiting a lawless city sounds kind of appealing. Maybe it’s the modern-day version of the Wild West, which could sound like a fun place to visit, but is dangerous in retrospect. Regardless, stay far away from this place if you value your life (via Statista).

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St. Louis, USA

As the second largest city in Missouri, you would think St. Louis is one of the safest cities to visit. You would be wrong. With a murder rate of 60.59 per 100,000, this city is one of the most dangerous in the world. It has more crime than an average city and was at one point deemed the “Least Safe City in America.” That alone is enough of a reason to stay far away. It’s one of those cities that’s better left observing from far away.

There are also many homeless people living on the streets as well as a high drug problem among civilians. Despite this, there are still zoos, a botanical garden, and the famous Gateway Arch, which is the symbol of the expansion of America. Honestly, you’re better off sticking to cities like New York or Boston, which are not on this list (via Statista).

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Feira De Santana, Brazil

Feira De Santana is the second most populous city in the state of Bahia, Brazil, and one of the most dangerous cities in the world. It lies between two gushing rivers and is a major part of the livestock-raising region. It’s also home to several gorgeous churches that date back to the 1700s, which might make it seem like the perfect place for photography.

It’s also home to attractions like buildings and sights such as Igreja Senhor dos Passos and Santuario do Bom Jesus da Lapa, which initially makes it seem like it’s worth a visit. However, there are many violent crimes reported in the city, as well as assault and theft. It also has one of the highest murder rates in the world. It doesn’t sound too appealing, after all (via Statista).

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Cancun, Mexico

It’s surprising to find out that Cancun made the list as one of the most dangerous cities in the world considering it’s such a popular vacation destination for Americans. With a murder rate of 64.47 per 100,000, this might make you want to change your vacation plans. Even though it’s a desirable destination, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s safe.

The good news is that the resorts are extremely safe if you don’t wander outside of them. With gorgeous beaches and turquoise blue water, this is still a dream vacation spot. But because it’s such a touristy, party destination, people reported various crimes, including theft and murder. This is a good enough reason not to leave your resort (via Statista).

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Belem, Brazil

With its unassuming Portuguese- colonial architecture and colorful houses, you might never think Belem is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Despite this, there are some attractive parts of the city, like the open-air market and 17th-century fortification, Forte do Presépio. Even though these parts make it sound very appealing, almost like a European city, it’s best to just play it safe and avoid the place.

In fact, it’s the gateway to the Amazon River, with a bustling port, bus station, and airport. It, like many others on this list, has an extremely high murder rate and isn’t a place worth visiting. Citizens are also prone to mugging, theft, and armed robbery. It’s always a smart idea to not carry any valuables around with you if you do find yourself in this city for one reason or another (via Statista).

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Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town might be a city high on your bucket list. After seeing it on this list, you might want to reconsider that. The port city of Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in South Africa, even though it’s one of the most dangerous cities in the country and the world. It’s known as South Africa’s “mother city.” Some parts of the city are safe for tourists and have a plethora of different restaurants to choose from. If you do decide to travel to Cape Town, make sure you stick to the touristy areas and don’t stray off of the main part of the city.

The capital sits beneath Table Mountain, which offers panoramic and sweeping views of the city from up above. Visitors often go to Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela was once held. Petty theft is a common occurrence here, as well as robbery and murder. If you do find yourself here, make sure you don’t go out at night and keep your valuables safe (via Statista).

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Fortaleza, Brazil

The beaches of Fortaleza are punctuated by beautiful red cliffs that are set against the beautiful beaches. Like Natal, it’s also home to dunes and lagoons, gorgeous dance performances, and impressive architecture. Unfortunately, it has a high murder rate of 69.15, making it one of the most dangerous cities in the world.

There are many reports of armed robbery, bribes, violent crime, and theft. Walking in the street can also be dangerous, especially if you have any valuables on you. Bribes are another major problem here. You might encounter corrupt police asking for high amounts of bribe money (via Statista).

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Natal, Brazil

With a murder rate of 74.67 per 100,000, Natal is one of the most dangerous cities in Brazil, if not the entire world. It’s the capital city of Rio Grande do Norte and is located on the northeastern tip of the country. It’s home to 16th-century fortresses, coastal dunes, and a freshwater lagoon. Even though diving into a lagoon sounds appealing, knowing what lurks underneath the surface of the lagoon doesn’t make it worth it at all.

Even though there’s a lot of natural beauty near Natal, it’s extremely unsafe. Homes are broken into, cars are stolen, and people walking in the street get mugged and robbed. Seriously, it doesn’t sound like it’s worth visiting, despite the attractions and natural beauty (via Statista).

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Guayana City, Venezuela

Here’s another city in Venezuela on this list. So far, Mexico and Venezuela have been the two most popular countries with the most dangerous cities. Guayana City, which is located in Venezuela, is one of the most dangerous cities in the world with a murder rate of 78.3.

Unfortunately, due to violence in Venezuela, it’s advised not to visit many of its cities, at least for the time being. Guayana City is located in a grassy region, which flanks towering mountains, and is only a short drive from towns with waterfalls. But, a lot of the danger comes from people dealing drugs, theft, and vandalism, and is still not a safe place to visit (via Statista).

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Irapuato, Mexico

Irapuato is located at the foot of the Arandas Hill in Guanajuato. It is home to rich cultural history, as the first inhabitants were the Chichimecas, and were later displaced by the Tarascans. Unfortunately, Irapuato has a murder rate of 81.44, and at times, there have been over 200 murders in one month. It became one of the most dangerous cities in the Western Hemisphere. That alone is enough to make us stay far, far away, even though it does have colorful buildings and rolling green hills.

Many countries even advise their citizens to avoid traveling to Irapuato, to avoid any unnecessary trouble and violence. There are many other places to visit in Mexico where you don’t have to worry about high crime rates. Despite all of this, it’s known as the World’s Strawberry Capital. But don’t be fooled by its mouth-watering strawberries, as it’s an extremely dangerous place to visit (via Statista).

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Ciudad Juárez, Mexico

A brutal drug war tore apart Ciudad Juarez. It’s located near the border of the USA, just south of Texas. There’s an industrial center in the city, and it’s also a major point of entry into the USA, which is why it’s one of the most dangerous cities in the world. To put it into perspective, at one point, the homicide rates in Ciudad Juárez were higher than in Damascus, Syria, during the Syrian Civil War.

Unfortunately, growing violence towards women, as well as governmental corruption, contributed to the unsafe nature of this city. It also has a murder rate of 85.56 per 100,000, which is extremely high when compared to other cities around the world. Even though you can visit the city as a tourist now, it’s still recommended to avoid the city (via Statista).

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Ciudad Victoria, Mexico

Located in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria is one of the most dangerous cities not only in Mexico but in North America. With a murder rate of 86.01, this is not a city you’d want to find yourself wandering in the middle of the night. Even though it seems like a welcoming city, with a large zoo, beautiful parks, gorgeous churches, and impressive buildings, it’s still one of the most dangerous cities in the world.

Murdered and burned bodies have been found in this city. A lot of the crime here comes from the Cartel that observes the area, so it’s best to avoid this city at all costs on your world tour. If you do happen to find yourself here, take extra precautions and avoid walking around at night at all costs (via Statista).

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Caracas, Venezuela

Venezuela is notorious for its dangerous cities. But the most dangerous city in Venezuela is Caracas. Despite it being a cultural center in the country, it’s full of crime and danger. It sounds terrifying just reading about it. Nevertheless, there’s Renaissance architecture dating back to the 17th century, the 225-meter-high Twin Towers, and was a place of modern architecture during the 20th century. While some green, luscious areas of the city make it feel safe, tourists still need to be careful.

Because it’s so dangerous, at night, the bars close their doors after a certain hour. It’s advised against wandering around the city past dark since that’s when the most crime occurs. If you are out, head straight home in a reliable taxi. There are 99.98 murders per 100,000 in Caracas, making it the third most dangerous city in the world because of its civil unrest, poor infrastructure, and high crime rates (via Statista).

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Acapulco, Mexico

Next up is another city in Mexico. At 110.5 murders per 100,000 people, Acapulco, Mexico, is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Even though this idyllic beach town looks beautiful and inviting, there’s something dangerous lurking under the surface. It flanks the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains, has a fun and energetic nightlife, and has opportunities to lounge on the beach and golf. It first gained popularity in the ’50s when it became a hotspot for Hollywood personalities.

Additionally, you can watch divers plunge 40 meters into the ocean every single day, which is one of its main attractions. The reason Acapulco is so dangerous is because of drug and gang-related activity in the area, which means it’s a place you’ll want to stay far away from. Over the past decade, it’s gained negative media coverage from murders that happened in the area. Even though many of these murders weren’t aimed at tourists, it’s still a good idea to stay away (via Statista).

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Tijuana, Mexico

This city, located in Baja Mexico just South of California, is the most dangerous city in the world. As of 2022, it’s the it has a concerning 138 murders per 100,000 people. It’s controlled by the Sinaloa Cartel, which is why it’s such a murderous place. This is a city you never want to visit, ever, even though it attracts visitors because of its bullfighting and racetracks. That makes it sound even more dangerous, so stay as far away as possible.

You wouldn’t think it’s extremely dangerous, though, considering its main street is lined with lively bars, souvenir shops, and live music. It also boasts stadiums with live wrestling matches and is the second most populous state in Mexico. Despite the liveliness, about six people are killed every day in Tijuana. That’s a crazy high rate. You’re better off visiting one of the many other cities in Mexico (via Statista).

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