Europe‘s vibrant cities, ancient ruins, and breathtaking landscapes cast a powerful spell on travellers worldwide. However, regular visitors will tell you about one thing that many travellers will face – pickpocketing! Many of Europe’s most loved destinations abound in pickpockets who prey on unsuspecting tourists. To safeguard your valuables and ensure a stress-free vacation, here’s a heads-up on some of Europe’s most notorious hotspots for pickpockets.

Italy: Trevi Fountain

Italy, a treasure trove of art, architecture, and history, also holds the unfortunate distinction of being a prime target for pickpockets. Be especially vigilant in bustling Rome, where iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum attract large crowds alongside skilled thieves. The Spanish Steps, a popular gathering spot for tourists, is another area that warrants extra caution.

France: Eiffel Tower

The “City of Lights,” Paris, shimmers with romance and cultural allure. But lurking in the shadows are pickpockets who target tourists engrossed in the city’s magic. Be wary of your belongings around the Eiffel Tower, a perennial hotspot for petty theft. The famed Champs-Élysées, with its chic stores and throngs of visitors, is another area where you’ll need to keep a watchful eye. Don’t let your guard down in the crowded metro stations or on the Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Paris, which can be breeding grounds for pickpockets.

Spain: Las Ramblas

Spain’s vibrant cities and sun-kissed beaches are a magnet for tourists – and, unfortunately, pickpockets. Barcelona’s Las Ramblas, a bustling pedestrian strip lined with shops and performers, is notorious for petty theft. Keep your belongings close as you marvel at the Sagrada Familia, another prime target for light-fingered individuals. Beyond Barcelona, be cautious in Madrid’s lively Puerta del Sol square and Seville’s historic centre, where pickpockets can blend into the crowds. Remember, the bustling atmosphere of the Barcelona metro system also presents an opportunity for pickpockets to operate.

Germany: Brandenburg Gate

Berlin’s iconic Brandenburg Gate takes the prime spot as the most possible pickpocketing location in the country. The area is often busy and crowded, hence you need to be extra careful when travelling to this 18th century monument.

The Netherlands – Red Light District

Amsterdam, famous for its canals and liberal culture, also has a reputation for pickpockets. While the Red Light District is a well-known area, staying vigilant throughout the city is crucial to avoid becoming a target.

Portugal: Alfama

Lisbon’s Alfama district is a labyrinthine gem. Here, vibrant houses climb the steep hillsides, their colourful facades and hidden patios a hit with tourists. And thieves. Hence even as you navigate the district’s many alleys, make sure to not get lost, and keep your bags and baggage close to you.

Turkey – Sultanahmet District

Steeped in history and architectural marvels, Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district is the heart of the old city. Here, iconic landmarks like the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia and the majestic Blue Mosque dominate the skyline. The tourist footfall also makes the area prone to pickpockets.