Is Berlin Safe to Visit? Travel Tips and Safety Statistics

Short answer: Yes, Berlin is generally perceived as a safe city for travelers – thanks for reading! But if you feel like sticking around for the long answer, read on.

Germany shares the 17th rank with Croatia on the Global Peace Index, showing the nation’s favorable safety record. Like any other major global city, awareness of one’s surroundings and applying common sense are necessary to ensure personal security in Berlin.

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. So before you pack your bags and book your hotel, take a minute to figure out where the rough edges are in Berlin.

Yes, Berlin is generally considered safe for tourists. While petty crimes such as pickpocketing may occur, using common sense and being aware of your surroundings can help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Stick to well-lit areas at night and avoid displaying valuable items openly to minimize potential risks.

Is Berlin Safe to Visit?

Berlin is renowned for its rich history, diverse cultural scene, and captivating landmarks that draw millions of travelers annually. It is one of our favorite cities on Earth, and most of our team has explored Berlin at least once.

Over 13 million travelers visit Berlin annually, making it one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. The city’s nightlife, historical sites, and diverse cultural offerings continually attract many international visitors, which indicates a generally positive and safe tourist experience.

But, like any major city worldwide, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions while exploring Berlin. Most tourists visit without significant safety concerns, but being informed about potential risks and taking preventive steps greatly contributes to a safe and enjoyable trip – even if it’s just peace of mind.

To best ensure your safety while visiting Berlin, staying alert and practicing common-sense safety measures such as keeping your belongings secure, being aware of pickpocketing risks in crowded areas, and avoiding isolated or poorly lit areas at night are recommended.

Safety Reports and Crime Statistics

Looking at the numbers can provide a broader perspective on safety in Berlin. When examining safety statistics, Berlin is generally considered one of the safer major cities in Europe. While petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams targeting tourists are common, violent crime rates remain relatively low compared to other major European cities.

Here’s our rough safety report and a comparison of German and U.S. crime stats. It considers various factors such as crime rates, political stability, and violent demonstrations, offering an overall picture of the city’s peacefulness on a global scale.

Key Crime Statistics

It’s worth bearing in mind that while Germany has an astronomically lower rate of violent crimes than the U.S., the risk of becoming a victim of property crime nearly doubles. But these statistics provide a general idea of how safe Berlin is and won’t capture every individual experience.

Berlin is one of the safest cities we know. Germans are fantastic hosts, with Berlin being no exception. Here are a few sensible precautions you might want to take.

Is Berlin Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Yes! Berlin is considered one of the world’s safest and best cities for solo female travelers. The same can be said for most East Germany, so get out there and explore.

Is Berlin LGBTQIA+ Friendly?

Yes! Berlin is a queer-friendly city, considered one of the major LGBT capitals of Europe. Berlin is particularly well known for its LGBT nightlife scene.

Exploring Berlin Safely

Berlin is a vibrant city with tons of fascinating landmarks, unique attractions, great food, mouthwatering beer, and enthralling museums and galleries. Here are some common sense tips to help you them all safely.

Getting Around Berlin

Public transport systems, including U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains, as well as buses, offer reliable and secure modes of travel across the city. They’re also pretty clean and extremely cost-effective.

Stick to Well-Lit and Populated Areas

Like any city, it’s best to stick to well-lit areas with plenty of people when exploring Berlin, especially at night. Most touristy areas will have abundant light and pedestrians. The busy areas also tend to have a higher police presence, offering a safer environment to enjoy the city after dark. Speaking of which…

The Cops

The officers of the Berlin Police are incredibly helpful and maintain a good presence throughout the city. If you need assistance, directions, or tips on a great bite to eat nearby, don’t be afraid to ask. Most police officers will also speak excellent English.

Be Mindful of Your Belongings

This is a pretty obvious tip, but it serves as a reminder that it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of visiting new places. But please keep an eye on your belongings! Avoid leaving bags or valuables unattended, even for a moment.

Pickpocketing can happen in crowded spaces or tourist attractions, so keeping your belongings secure is crucial. Consider using crossbody bags or backpacks with anti-theft features for added security.

Use Digital Maps and Apps for Real-Time Information

Digital maps and location-based apps can be valuable tools for staying safe while exploring Berlin. They provide real-time information about your location and nearby amenities and offer directions to help you navigate the city efficiently.

Many apps offer insights into public transportation options, ensuring you know the best routes and schedules. For example, apps like Google Maps and Citymapper not only provide detailed maps but also offer real-time updates on public transportation schedules and any potential disruptions you should be aware of.

Where to Stay in Berlin

Berin has tons of incredible places to stay. From hotels to hostels and trendy rentals in all shapes and sizes, any traveler of any budget at any party will find the right place to hand their hat. Here are a few safer neighborhoods/areas we highly recommend staying in:

• Charlottenburg
• Marzahn-Hellersdorf
• Mitte
• Prenzlauer Berg
• Spandau
• Potsdamer Platz

I stayed just south of Potsdamer Platz at the Lulu Guldsmeden Hotel. It featured a great blend of price and quality. Next time, though, I’d like to stay closer to the city, likely Mitte. Read my full review of the experience.

If you’d like to learn more about where you should stay in Berlin, feel free to check out:

• Where to Stay in Berlin: Our Favorite Areas & Fun Neighborhoods
• The Very Best Hotels in Berlin

Risks and Dangers

Berlin is a vibrant and exciting city with a thriving cultural scene. However, like any major urban area, it has potential risks. One of the most common issues in busy tourist areas is pickpocketing.

Remain vigilant when exploring popular attractions or using public transportation, especially during peak travel times. Keep your belongings secure, remain aware of your surroundings, avoiding wearing flashy jewelry or dressing like a tourist with easily accessible fanny packs and cargo pockets!

Pickpockets in Crowded Areas

Traveling in areas with large crowds, particularly around places like Alexanderplatz, Zoologischer Garten, and Brandenburg Gate, increases the likelihood of encountering pickpocketers. It’s important to keep an eye on belongings and avoid exposing valuable items such as jewelry, electronics, or excessive cash in crowded places.

Historical Sensitivity

Be mindful of engaging in discussions involving sensitive historical topics related to Germany’s past, particularly the Nazi era. While Germany has made significant strides in acknowledging and healing from its history, it’s essential for visitors to show respect and sensitivity.

For example, the residents of Berlin know better than most the ravages of Nazism. Berlin was the heart of Hitler’s regime and was almost razed in retribution when conquered by the Soviets. Making jokes or references about this period can be offensive and uncomfortable for locals and even get you in trouble with the law.

Likewise, jokes or comments about the Cold War and the Berlin Wall can be made. As fascinating as topics like “Ostalgie” are to delve into, the partition and semi-occupation of the city (and Germany as a whole) is still a traumatic memory for millions of Germans.

Are There Dangerous Parts of Berlin?

In all honesty, there aren’t very dangerous parts of Berlin. This is a very safe city, especially during the day. But like any major city, crime sees a bump after dark, and some parts of town shed their family-friendly atmosphere once the clubs open up. No part of Berlin is off-limits, but here are a few tips to bear in mind:

• Luisenstadt – Not great for kids, especially after dark
• The Oranienplatz / Kottbusser Tor area – Not great for kids, especially after dark
• Görlitzer Park – Caution advised after dark
• Wrangelkiez Turmstraße – Not great for kids, especially after dark
• Beusselstraße Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg – Not great for kids, especially after dark
• Neukölln – Keep an eye out for pickpockets
• Mitte – Keep an eye out for pickpockets

Tips for Security and Safety in Berlin

By practicing these preventative measures and exercising caution during your exploration of Berlin, you’ll be better equipped to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey while gaining peace of mind amidst unfamiliar surroundings.

Emergency Services

Having emergency numbers at your fingertips is a good idea when exploring Berlin. In case of a medical emergency, ambulance,, or fire, dial 112. For police intervention, dial 110. For medical and general emergency information and services, dial 115.

Bring the Right Day Bag

Consider investing in anti-theft bags or wallets to help thwart any theft attempts. Whether exploring historic landmarks or navigating public transport, remaining alert about your surroundings is key.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Considering the nature of international travel, securing travel insurance tailored for your trip is as vital as packing your essentials. Comprehensive travel insurance that encompasses medical coverage, trip cancellations, and theft protection can safeguard you from undesirable financial stressors amidst unforeseen events during your visit to Berlin.

Compare policy pricing and coverage on marketplaces like TravelInsurance.com. I’d also recommend VisitorsCoverage for trips to Germany.

Health Emergencies and Solutions for Tourists

As you gear up to navigate the cultural plethora of Berlin, let’s delve into tips for handling health emergencies and solutions for tourists. Whether it’s a sudden illness or an injury, being aware of the available resources can make a big difference in ensuring your well-being while traveling.

Who to Call

The Berlin Citizens Helpline at 115 is a valuable tourist resource if you need medical assistance. They can provide vital information and help guide you to the nearest medical facility.

In addition, the city offers a reliable medical emergency services hotline at (030) 310-031, which can connect you with emergency medical services or offer essential guidance. Dialing 112 will also put you in contact with the local ambulance service.

Don’t Forget Your Meds

Bringing necessary medications is non-negotiable when traveling abroad. Be sure to bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you may need during your trip. This includes keeping a list of your medications and their dosages handy. Consider grabbing a pill carrier to stuff into your backpack or tote bag.

Is Berlin Safe?

Yes. Berlin is about as safe as you can hope for, and Germany is one of the safest countries in the world. What also helps is that Berlin is a terrific city and well worth your time. But it never hurts to take sensible precautions, even to keep yourself from fretting.

Should you decide to visit Berlin, equip yourself with the right knowledge and resources to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. You can also help plan your trip with your free Berlin itinerary here!