Vienna, Austria: A Safe Haven?

Vienna, Austria's grand capital, is a surprisingly safe city, even at night. It has been ranked as one of the safest cities in Europe and the world. However, it is important to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas, as petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching do occur, with thieves targeting tourists in popular areas. Here is a guide to staying safe in Vienna and making the most of your visit to this beautiful city.

Vienna is one of the safest cities in the world

The Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Vienna first in the 2024 Global Liveability Index, and the city also came out on top in the 2023, 2022, 2019 and 2018 reports. In the 2019 Mercer report, which included a separate ranking for personal safety, Vienna placed sixth in the world, one spot below Zurich. Vienna was also ranked first in Monocle magazine's 2023 Quality of Life Survey.

Despite this, visitors to Vienna should still take the same care they would when travelling to any large European city. Crime in Vienna is generally low, but there is still crime. Pickpockets, for example, operate in busy areas, particularly during the Christmas markets, and on packed trams and trains. Criminals often work in teams and use distraction tactics to take your attention away from your valuables. They may spill drinks on you or your belongings, engage you in lengthy conversations, or persistently offer to assist you.

However, for the most part, Vienna is a very safe city. The local media may emphasise the negative, but there's not much of it. The city's streets are flat and well-kept, perfect for baby strollers or wheelchairs, and public transport has ramps and is very accessible. Walking and cycling are the way to go in Vienna, with tons of bike paths and eco-friendly Austrians.

Violent crime is rare

Vienna is a very safe city, and violent crime is rare. In fact, Vienna has been described as "one of the safest cities in Europe" and "one of the safest cities on this planet".

One source states that "you can go out without worries", and that violent crime "happens mostly between criminals or inside the family". Another source says that "you will probably be asked if you sell or buy drugs (in unintelligible Viennese slang) but otherwise left alone".

However, it is still important to take general safety precautions when visiting Vienna, or any other large city. Violent crime may be rare, but petty crime does occur, particularly in busy tourist areas, and it is important to be vigilant and keep personal belongings secure.

One source advises that "the only worry" about Vienna "is that everything closes at 8pm".

Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common

Vienna is a very safe city, and tourists can feel secure walking around the city at night. However, as with any large city, pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common, particularly in busy areas such as tourist hotspots, public transport, and train stations. Tourists are often targeted, so it is important to be vigilant and keep personal belongings secure.

International trains travelling to and from Austria, as well as airports, are also places where travellers should be vigilant. Criminals may engage you in conversation or offer to assist you, only to take advantage of your distraction and steal your belongings. It is advisable to keep your passport and other important documents secure and be wary of anyone who tries to distract you or lead you away from your possessions.

Additionally, it is recommended to avoid walking alone after dark and to refrain from carrying large sums of cash or valuables unless necessary. By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of petty crime in Vienna.

While Vienna is generally a safe city, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take standard safety precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Public transport is safe

Vienna is a very safe city, and this extends to its public transport system. The city's public transport is just as good as other major European cities, with trams, buses, and a subway that are all safe even at night. You can also buy a 24-72-hour pass and travel wherever and whenever you want. Vienna's streets are flat and well-kept, perfect for baby strollers or wheelchairs, and public transport has ramps and is accessible, too.

However, it is important to note that petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, does occur in Vienna, particularly in crowded public areas like public transport. Criminals may try to distract you and take your attention away from your valuables. Be cautious of tactics such as people spilling drinks on you or your belongings, engaging you in lengthy conversations, or offering to assist you. Keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place, and avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily.

The threat of terrorism exists

Vienna is considered a very safe city, but it is important to be aware of the threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities, and further attacks are likely. The Austrian Interior Ministry maintains a public alert system on terrorism, and Austria's current threat level is "high".

Terrorists target government buildings, schools, universities, airports, transportation hubs, tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels, and other sites frequented by foreigners. They may also use occasions such as religious and political events and gatherings to mount attacks. Therefore, it is essential to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings when in public places, especially during such events.

• Enroll in a travel safety programme like the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Consult your embassy or consulate for specific safety and security advice.
• Be cautious of petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching, which are common in crowded tourist areas, public transportation, and restaurants.
• Keep your valuables and travel documents secure, and avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily.
• Avoid walking alone after dark, and always be aware of your surroundings.
• Be cautious when accepting food or drinks from strangers, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.
• When using public Wi-Fi, be cautious of cybercrime and malware attacks. Criminals can compromise public networks to steal personal data or credit card information.

While Vienna is a safe city, it is always important to stay vigilant and follow basic safety precautions to ensure a pleasant and secure trip.

Frequently asked questions