Top 12 Most Dangerous Cities in the World
Some places in this world are much more dangerous to visit or live as an outsider if you visually stand out, such as some of those in our list below. We picked these cities for inclusion in our top 12 most dangerous cities in the World due to their extremely high crime rates, percentage of violent crimes and reputation of unreported crimes crime being the daily norm with no particular group as a target. In most of these dangerous cities, crime seems to find those who just may be in the wrong place at the wrong time, or otherwise present an opportunity too hard for criminals to resist.
Here’s our list of the 12 Most Dangerous Cities in the World.
Let us know in the comments if you think we skipped a particularly dangerous one, or wrongly accused a city.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa, suffers from high crime rates, partially due to separation of wealth and dangerous sections of the city. Though a major international tourist location, people who travel there should do research to be safe on their journey.
Cape Town is known to be one of the most beautifully located and culturally active cities of South Africa, but is also the least safe place to be. As it is a big city with many different parts, certain sections of it are safe, but others have high rates of all sorts of crimes, including kidnapping, murder and robbery. There are also staggering rates of rape and car hijacking in Cape Town and the rest of South Africa, and gangs and drug warfare are also a reality.
Part of the reason Cape Town is so dangerous is that South Africa has large social and economic disparities. This city still feels the residual effects of apartheid, which is still a factor in everyday life. While parts of the city are safe to walk around, this should be done in well-lit streets and while lots of people are out. Many of the outlying hills and suburbs surddounind the center of Cape Town are very poor, unsanitary and hostile. Some of the dangerous areas of this city are Greenpoint, Salt River, Seapoint, Cape Flats, Mowbray and Observatory. One of the most dangerous areas of Cape Town is Nyanga, where there is an unemployment rate of about 70%, as well as a huge breakout of HIV/AIDS amongst its residents.
As Cape Town remains a huge tourist destination, there is ample advice on how these visitors can avoid being a victim of dangerous factors. ATMs are common spots for con-artists and muggers, so they should be avoided at night. Taxis are often illegitimate, and mini bus taxis often drive uncontrollably and do not follow traffic laws. Though most murders happen between people who know each other, there have been attacks on tourists in this city, so people are encouraged to take precaution and travel in groups
Karachi, Pakistan
Karachi, Pakistan, is one of the biggest cities and metropolitan areas in the world, and also one of the most dangerous international places. There are long-standing political, ethnic and religious tensions in sects of the population, as well as ongoing problems with human trafficking and widespread property damage.
Karachi is the largest city and financial capital of Pakistan, and also the most dangerous place in the country. All kinds of crimes take place in this very corrupt city.
Karachi suffers problems of underlying organized crime, themed around drug trafficking, gunrunning, poaching, human trafficking, murder for hire, money laundering and extortion. It is also plagued by many violent crimes, such as terrorism, political violence, religious-motivated violence and ethnic violence. There are long-standing differences between certain populations living around this city and Pakistan, which are likely to go unresolved any time soon.
There are sometimes violent bouts between political or religious sects, who commit crimes of drive-by shootings that aim at random pedestrians or motorists. The year 2009 saw some unfortunate ethnic clashes and car torching during riots, when the Urdu-speakers and ethnic Pashtuns fought. In 2010, there were a few weeks of bomb attacks against Shiite Muslims that resulted in riots and political shootings. During these violent episodes, parts of the city will shut down for a couple days, and even when it reopens, people still remain tense.
Apart from violence, property damage is a common occurrence in Karachi. Burglaries, arson, motor vehicle theft and armed robberies are all fairly common.
There are also about 600 known human traffickers around Pakistan, many of which are located in Karachi. A major route for human trafficking is from Karachiās coastal belt to Balochistan. Many youngsters get smuggled out of the country via this route, and then taken into Iran.
Due to all of these factors, plus a widening separation of wealth, Karachi, Pakistan, is one of the most dangerous cities in the world.
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Guatemala has high crime rates all over the country, and they are highest in its capital. There are problems with drug dealers, gang warfare and high murder rates, and there is not an efficient system to solve these problems.
Guatemala City has a problem of ongoing crime, partially due to lack of efficient law enforcement. The majority of officials are inexperienced and underpaid, so do not have the resources to begin with to handle the high volume of crime. Apart from the police, the justice system is also inefficient, overworked and not effective. Police officers usually work on bribes, leading to corruption. These factors have contributed to the surge in murder and other crime that has been going on for the past decade.
Apart from law enforcement, Guatemala City is subject to its social problems, like street gangs and rival drug dealers, which often affect the lives of everyday people. The country of Guatemala has a wide separation of wealth as well, leading to unrest. There are also issues of kidnapping and organ harvesting around the country, and this city is not necessarily safe from these incidents.
Different parts of the city are more dangerous than others. Zona 1 is noted to be very dangerous, full of drug deals, gangs and other illicit activities, so it is advised to not be there at night. Zonas 2, 6, 18 and 21 should also be avoided; Zona 10 is known to be a safer district.
People who visit Guatemala City are warned to not walk around alone at night, especially not through dangerous areas. Even during the day, they should not draw attention to themselves, and not wear flashy clothing or jewelery, nor look like they are lost. Though most of the crime committed has to do with Guatemalans, tourists are also victims of armed robbery, rape and murder.
It is recommended to avoid taking buses inside Guatemala City, as there are incidents of people getting robbed by gangs on buses, and sometimes the driver gets murdered. People who take taxis should also make sure that they are registered.
Bogota, Colombia
Bogota, Colombia, is a very vast, cosmopolitan city that is unfortunately affected by the drug crimes and political upheaval around its premises and the rest of the country. Though some areas of the city are fine, there are others where one should be extremely cautious.
Bogota, Colombia, is one of the biggest and most vast cities in the Americas. Though there are very nice areas of Bogota, it still remains one of the most dangerous cities in South America. Though things have gotten better since the 1990s, it still remains a violent place. As Colombia has many problems with drug trade and political warfare, Bogota and its outskirts are affected by these factors.
Bogota is a huge city that is gridded, and divided into the north and south sections. The north section is definitely more safe. The south section of the city becomes more dangerous around 19th street, and then gradually turns into slums. There are lots of firearms around Colombia, and many people in Bogota possess weapons. Some of the areas of town that people should be cautious about include Bosa, Kennedy, Suba and Barrios Unidos. Even in the city center and historic districts, there are many scam artists and pickpockets. It is advised not to go out exploring at night, especially while alone. It is also recommended to call up taxi companies for rides rather than finding one on the streets.
For additional safety, it is also advised not go wander outside of Bogotaās city limits. People who do risk being attacked by political groups that rebel against Colombiaās government, as well as people involved in drug trading and terrorism. There are a couple known political faction groups, as well as other individuals, that will kidnap people and hold them for ransom. Some of these kidnappers will blockade highways and capture people, and although some highways are patrolled, there is little for authorities to do once people are kidnapped.
Though Bogota is a major tourist destination with lots to see and explore, it is definitely advised for people to remain within the safer areas of town in the north side, and not go into the rural areas around the city. But since Bogota is much less dangerous than it used to be, hopefully things will continue improving.
Grozny, Chechnya, Russia
Grozny is the capital of Chechnya, and also a very dangerous location in this ruined country.Ā Grozny, Chechnya, has undergone very destructive warfare since the mid-1990s, when the Russian army demolished much of the city. Some of the population has fled, but those who have remained mostly live in shells of their old homes and risk dangers from the local gangs and mafia, along with remaining mines.
Grozny was named the āmost destroyed city on earthā by the United Nations in 2003. This was due to the First Chechen War with Russia from 1994-96, and the Second Chechen War from 1999-2000, both of which caused thousands of fatalities and the explosion of many buildings and other structures. Russians fired five huge ballistic missiles all over the city, then a wide range of shelling, dynamite exploding and mining caused many parts of the city to go to shambles. This also left the infrastructure very battered. The city of Grozny was empty for some time, and even when people started returning, most peopleās homes were ruined, and demolition went on.
Even though the fighting supposedly ended around 2006, this city is still loaded with ongoing problems. Currently, Grozny is going under a state of reconstruction and restoration, but things are not the same. Some apartments are being rebuilt, but many continue to live without water or electricity. Many Chechens have fled to places like Georgia, Dagestan or Azerbaijan, as their native country is not safe.
Though the government is centered in Grozny, the power lies more in the hands of the mafia and gangsters. Political and criminal murder, as well as rape rates, are very high, and people who just walk down the street risk getting pick-pocketed or mugged. Kidnappings are a serious issue; gangsters will abduct Western foreigners and hold them for ransom. People who walk into certain areas also risk exploding a mine that was left there.
Detroit, Michigan, USA
Detroit, Michigan, consistently ranks as the most dangerous city of the United States, with consistent high violent and property crime rates every year. Though some parts of this Midwest city are safe, others are in a state of abandonment and decay.
Detroit was originally an industrial boom town up through the 1950s, when its population went from 250,000 in 1900 to 1.8 million in 1950. Since its peak of population and prosperity, about half of that number has fled from the urban area in Detroit proper. Economic outsourcing occurred, so factories were shut down and jobs became scarce. Thousands of people moved out into the suburbs, or to entirely different places. This ongoing white flight effect has resulted in leaving back entire sections of the once-bustling city into depressed blocks of abandoned buildings undergoing urban decay. While some districts of Detroit, like downtown, are safe, other parts are full of falling-apart houses, stray animals running around and garbage thrown around the streets. In the past ten years, the city government has made efforts to demolish some of the abandoned buildings from federal funds, as renovations do not appear likely.
Though it used to be much worse in the 1970s, Detroit is still plagued by the acts of various crimes. About 1 in 16 people are likely to be victims of a property crime, ranging from theft, burglary or arson. Detroit is also a notorious violent city, with murder rates that are always within the top ten for American cities each year. In 2009, there were 379 counted homicides, and 364 of these were determined as criminal homicides. The year 2008 had a high volume of violent crimes, with rates of 40.6 homicides, 36.4 forcible rapes, 675.1 robberies and 1,178.8 cases of aggravated assault per 100,000 people in Detroit. Many of these unfortunate incidents are due to gangs and drug-related incidents.
The police force of Detroit also factors in as a problem to the greater picture. Not enough resources have been invested into public safety, and when budget cuts occur, crime enforcement takes a toll.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is a huge urban area in Brazil, but people there must go around with caution. There are many dangerous slums located around the city, ongoing drug warfare, corruption and criminals who target visitors in tourist areas.
Rio de Janeiro is a major city in Brazil with a huge tourism industry, but it also is plagued by astounding crime rates. There are many incidents of homicide, particularly in poor areas that are controlled by the cityās drug dealers. About 30 victims are murdered in Rio de Janeiro per week. Many of these incidents have to do with stray bullets, muggings and narcoterrorism. There is ongoing urban warfare in this city between police and drug traffickers, and over 1,000 people are killed this way each year.
Many of the problems of Rio de Janeiro have to do with the widening gap between the rich and the poor segments of society. There is a huge impoverished part of the city, and about 20% of Rioās population live in its sprawling shanty towns and slums, known as favelas. Many of the hillsides are crowded with these favelas, and these are dangerous areas to navigate without proper guidance.
The police in Rio de Janeiro are known to be corrupt, part of the reason being they are not paid very well. It is recommended not to interact with officers, as they are known to threaten for bribery. Sometimes innocent people are framed for being involved with the drug economy, so they have to bribe the police to get out of it.
Though the city has beautiful and famous beaches, it is recommended to avoid them at night, as they are infested with drug dealers, and this could lead to more dangerous situations. Many of the drug trafficking is tied in with Rioās powerful mafia, and this is not something anyone should be involved with; police also use zero tolerance with drugs, and will use brutal and violent tactics if they catch anyone.
Apart from drug-related violence, there are also many incidents of robbery. It is dangerous to go to ATMs at night, as people risk being abducted and robbed. Beatings and rape occasionally occur in these situations as well. Though less serious, pickpocketing is also an issue in Rio de Janiero, especially in the airport or in tourist-frequented areas.
Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
Ciudad Juarez is an insanely dangerous border town in Mexico, with recent arising problems of drug cartels, gang warfare, as well as many dangers for female factory workers.
Ciudad Juarez is a border town between the United States and Mexico that has grown especially dangerous in recent years. It is plagued by poverty and common violence, and is a site for drug smuggling and gang warfare.
Juarez became more dangerous after the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was implemented in 1994, when thousands of new people flocked to this location for jobs that were established. Many women started working in factories, but at a cost. Hundreds of these factory worker women have since been murdered in Juarez, and over 3,000 have gone missing. Over the past ten years, there have been over 400 known cases of sexual homicide of women, some of their bodies later being discovered in ditches around this city.
In the past few years, Juarez has become a main site of narcotic-related warfare. About 1,600 people were murdered in drug-related incidents in 2008, and then this increased to about 2,600 in 2009. It does not look like these rates will lower any time soon.
There are also problems with the local authorities, because Juarez is a very difficult city to maintain an effective police force. Many officers have been assassinated, and the department is known to be corrupt. Many of the business groups in Juarez are seeking UN intervention to help solve these problems.
Juarez has one of the highest murder rates in the world, with about 130 per 100,000 inhabitants. Since the recent escalation in violence, the vast majority of Juarez residents have had to change their daily routines. Most people try to refrain from going out at night; even during daytime, people risk being kidnapped or hit by bullets just by walking down the streets. There have also been recent incidents of car bombings, so no one is safe in such unpredictable situations.
Mogadishu, Somalia
Mogadishu, Somalia, is plagued with the effects of civil warfare and violence, and much of this city has gone in shambles. Much of the infrastructure has been destroyed, and many of the residents have fled or live in refugee buildings.
Somalia is a very dangerous country in general, full of constant clan and ethnic warfare. There is strife between the Ethiopian and Somali government troops, as well as with the Islamic guerrillas. All over, residents and visitors are also not safe from random kidnappings and coastal pirates, nor the high volume of terrorists.
Mogadishu is the capital of Somalia, and acts as a central location in all of such happenings. The northern section of the city is known to be much more dangerous than the southern, and very few vehicles are allowed to even cross the checkpoints between the two sections. Because of the ongoing civil war that has been active for over 20 years, about half of the cityās population has fled. Bombings, gunshots, guerrilla attacks, lootings and riots are a daily occurrence in Mogadishu. Dozens of people are injured daily, and hospitals are overcrowded with the casualties. Many of those who choose to remain in Mogadishu have ended up in the cityās sprawling refugee camps. Some of the refugee camps are former ministries buildings, universities, schools and other campuses.
Though there have been efforts on several different levels to protect and provide aid to Mogadishu, bouts of violence always occur. In 2008, more than half of the population abandoned the city, and many of the streets had turned into rows of bombed-out buildings. In 2009, there was a rise of violence and suicide bombings, which had been a rare occurrence in the past. The roads of Mogadishu are extremely battered with potholes, and flood horrifically when it rains.
Though there is no certain collected statistical data related to what goes on in Mogadishu, it is certainly an extremely dangerous city.
Baghdad, Iraq
Though American troops have occupied Baghdad since 2003, problems have since escalated. Suicide bombers and car bombs from the sectarian strife are a constant threat to anyone who is there, and the cityās infrastructure has since been torn apart.
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq, a torn nation with constant strife. Though an ancient city that has seen times of prosperity, it has taken a turn for danger within the past few decades. The headline and reports about Baghdad through the media constantly give the unfortunate insight of one of the worldās least safe spots.
Times have been turned in a hostile direction since the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s. More damage to Baghdad occurred during the Gulf War in 1991 and then the US invasion in 2003. This has caused dramatic effects on the cityās power, transportation and infrastructure.
Since the invasion in 2003, Baghdad has been suffering the worst of its ongoing problems of violence, crime, corruption and lack of internal stability. There are problems from the Al-Qaeda attacks and Kurdish rebels, as well as sectarian suicide bombers who attack all parts of city. The streets of Baghdad are also lined with unpredictable mines and explosives, along with random attacks from gunfire and mortars. There are common car bombs that set off at places like police checkpoints, water treatment plants, police headquarters, hospitals, commercial zones, mosques, buses, markets and basically anywhere. Areas of the city that had once housed useful residential, administrative, religious and commercial activities now get torn to rubble that buries men, women and children.
Ever since the invasion of 2003, thousands of Iraqis have fled their country for other places, like Syria, and many more have been killed, injured or displaced. Even if they choose to return home, their former lives are now almost impossible to relive. Many parts of the city have no garbage collection, and even if water or electricity works, it is usually only during certain hours of the day. Though food is available, many merchants have shut down their stores due to the danger and violence.
Caracas, Venezuela
Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, is full of several safe areas, but there are many other sections that should definitely be avoided. Armed robberies are a common occurrence, and this city has some of the highest murder rates in the world.
Caracas is the capital and largest city in Venezuela, and is also the most dangerous place to be. Violent crime is a serious problem, as Caracas has one of the highest murder per capita rates in the world (between 130-160 per 100,000). Most of these murders remain unsolved mysteries. Kidnappings, robberies and assaults are also a daily occurrence. Many of the locals refrain from going out at night, and warn visitors to do the same.
Because of the separation of wealth, there are parts of the city that are safe and others that should be avoided. Anyone who visits Caracas should steer clear of violent areas, like in the impoverished areas up in the hills. These parts of the city are lined with armed criminal gangs, and police refrain from patrolling the area.
Crimes are committed during the daytime and nighttime hours in Caracas. Though there are some safe tourist areas of the city, it is advised to not wear flashy jewelery or carry huge amounts of accessible cash, as armed group robbery is common. Even locked rooms, safes and cars are commonly stolen from; people should not walk alone through dark areas or parking garages, as they may be robbed at gunpoint. Demonstrations, riots and protests are not an uncommon occurrence, and gunshots are commonly fired.
Even the areas outside of Caracas are reported to be dangerous. There have been a few reports of kidnappings and ransom holdings on the road between the Maiquetia Airport and the city of Caracas, where travelers have been captured and held captive by people in roadside huts who hide along the highway. There are also incidents of taxi drivers robbing their clients from the airport, and it is difficult to determine if a taxi driver is legitimate.
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, has issues with rebel soldiers from elsewhere in the country, as well as internal problems like gang warfare, rape, property damage, poor sanitation and disease.
Kinshasa is the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Though the Democratic Republic of Congo is a large country that is full of natural resources, its population suffers from ever-lasting lawlessness and recklessness. Ever since the Second Congo War, this city has undergone much damage. Its slums are plagued with lots of gangs who commit many violent and unpredictable crimes on the rest of the population.
There are also problems due to ethnic conflicts, where rebel soldiers are fighting to control the diamond mines. There are many different factions at war in the eastern part of the country, and sometimes this conflict enters the city.
Kinshasa also has problems with common muggings, robberies and kidnappings. It is not recommended to try to visit Kinshasa by car, as it is very dangerous outside of the city and people risk abductions. Travel via public transit is also not reliable, as the roads are very muddy and get very dangerous when it rains. Kinshasa and the rest of the DRC is considered a very dangerous place for women, as rape and other acts of sexual assault are common.
The streets of Kinshasa are also not the safest place to be, outside of the downtown area and the suburban Gombe district. In addition to random acts of violence, there are dangerous sanitation issues, as sewage and garbage are also scattered everywhere. There are also risks of disease in this city, including polio, pox and malaria.
There was a Russian businessman shot dead in Bogota a few days ago in a robbery.
why every1 is trying to make our country look as bad as possible? Its a very beautiful, clean and by the way very wellcoming country. There is other nationalities living too. We have visiting there the most famost people in the world like Roberto Cavali and others. A lot of people working there too from other countries. There is 1 canadian model Kristall Kalahan she was invited to work there in our tv channel so now she bought a flat there and staying there and very much happy. So go and see ur self. Its safe, and its only some peoples imagination who never been there that its nt safe. We are always happy for guests.
Please watch the documentary on black hawk down
Today the world is going on the path of darkness. Why? Why? šæ people don’t understand what is humanity. I feel still they š” šæ have chances 2 change themselves
i feel they a power 2 change themselves if they want.I want the world of love, peace, harmony and devoid of terrors and crimes.I have read my case studies in field of crimes, terror and many more in the titled,” THE TIPPING POINT”, below the title is the most beautiful sentence that is,”A little things make a big difference.” I feel according 2 my age(15 yrs,India) I think a lot on this topic………………………….
I been there a couple times , and i swear to god its one of the most beautiful country on earth
“There was a Russian businessman shot dead in Bogota a few days ago in a robbery.” Two people were murdered in South Bend, Indiana today. What’s your point?
My wife is Colombian and her family still lives in Bogota. I’ve been going every year for the last 8 years and spending months at a time. Although the traffic is a nightmare, I have never had any problems other than a minor theft from a vehicle while in Arbalaez. It is no different than any other big city. Chicago has the Englewood area, L.A has South Central. It’s the normal ills of any major city. There are fantastic places in Bogota to go to. My in-laws live by Huyalos Centro Commercial. The neighborhood is middle class and safe. Use your head. Candelaria can get a little hairy at night as well as immediate downtown. Parque 93 is bustling with chic clubs and restaurants. Club 80’s is awesome as well as Shamua. Both are around 116th street. Grande Estacion has fantastic shopping. Like the above post mentioned, heading south to Villavicencio is not a wealthy area but I’ve never had any issues. Colombians are proud of who they are and are some of the friendliest people I have ever met. I’m always treated with respect. Granted, I am lucky to have friends and family that know the area well and what to avoid. If your play it with common sense Bogota is a great place to visit. Plaza Bolivar, Monseratte, La Quinta Bolivar, and Panaca are great places to go. I’m looking forward to retiring in Bogota.
I am Guatemalan. I travel a lot to many other dangerous cities. I have been a victim of violence as well as my family. As usual, we all complain about the government, about the corruption, about the general situation. All we argue is definitely true… but… are we ACTUALLY doing something about it? I think ourselves as guatemalans love to complain but there’s just a few who are REALLY brave to do something about it. MY RESPECT to them and hopefuly you won’t go corrupt along your way.
If you consider Cape Town the world’s most dangerous city then you clearly haven’t heard of Johannesburg where we live behind electric fences, have gated off roads, CCTV, alarm systems and private armed response.Hijackings are a common occurrence (even in your own driveway) and there are few open spaces where walking about is safe. Cape Town in comparison is a lot safer and nowhere near the most dangerous city in the world!(have lived there most of my life)
No one comes to your country. You come to ours to support your country. You people hype your country up so much, but you cant even live there. Its different with different races that now that about their own country, but you guys live in a fake world. Everything they say is true. Even peopel that live in Colombia ask each other if its safe to travel at certain times. You dont see that in Miami.. “Hey do you think I can drive on I-95 after 6 or do you think the Guerilleros are there?” Thats what happens when there is no control in government.
Oh my god.. Thats another thing.. You people are so funny. Even if a movie uses your country in a in a negative way you all hate the movie..Mr. and Mrs Smith. You people are a joke. You take everything so seriouse yet talk shit about every nationality when you people are raised here to support your parents back home. The only good thing Colombia might have are girls.. Because every butt ugly guy looks like that coffee indian with the donkey… Yet they all think they look like models..Lol… Sorry if Colombia is so great stay there… Every other latin American comes here to better themselves because they know their country though beautiful is not a place they can strive. Yet you talk about Colombia as its the best place on earth yet live in the United States. Get out of here… Half the chicks I know or guys which are jsut happy to have a girlfriend are together out of need. They dont love each other.. The guy is ugly and happy to have a girl.. And the girls are raised like the stone age.. Just marry someone with money.. Who cares if hes ugly or doesnt have anythign in common…
Al I do not know what you are talking about but Colombian guys are freaking fine. Todos los Colombianos son hermosos. Pal carajo el estupido comentario. š
āTwo people were murdered in South Bend, Indiana today. Whatās your point?”
How many of those were tourists?
“āTwo people were murdered in South Bend, Indiana today. Whatās your point?ā
How many of those were tourists?”
Shouldn’t be any violent deaths though, tourists or no tourists? And how am I sure, as a BogotĆ” native, that the same thing that happened to those people in South Bend won’t happen to me if I visited and did the sort of things they were doing?
“Even if a movie uses your country in a in a negative way you all hate the movie..Mr. and Mrs Smith.”
Would you love it if New York or LA were to be portrayed as some hot, full-of-moustachey-“Mexicans”, small towns in the middle of nowhere? While it’s not necessarily a reason to hate the movie, it won’t have the best perception in those cities, especially if whoever did the research wouldn’t bother at least knowing how BogotĆ” looks like. I actually thought that Clear and Present Danger’s (from early 90s, predating Mr. and Mrs. Smith for a decade) portrayal of the city wasn’t that terrible (no matter if filmed in Mexico), and yes, this was in the middle of the war with the MedellĆn Cartel.
Talking about that, yes, there are even less safe places both in Colombia and Latin America (hell, possibly, in the entire Americas, as you may know it) than here. To tell you the truth, living here for my entire life, I could’ve agreed 10 years ago about this being an unsafe place to live. I think that for the last decade it’s been getting better though (not that I approve of most of the last president’s actions, apparently responsible, according to most people, of the improvement in security, though the city feels like functioning as an independent corpus of its own).
Now, imperfect? Yes. Crime/corruption rate? Yes. A little lack of organization? Somehow, yes. But who’s telling me that other big cities don’t have their share of these? I think that for any big city like these you just gotta have common sense (don’t go out too late -and even so, you may go out certain nights in BogotĆ”, don’t go to what could be a bad neighborhood, those basic principles) and you’ll do just fine.
And these recs of not going out of the city limits seem exaggerated. Yes, not even as a Colombian I could wish of going to the southernmost parts of the country (damn you, civil war), but travelling north of the city you may find a plan for your Sunday (there’s rock climbing, a world-renowed salt cathedral, or just visiting some of the towns that are near BogotĆ” to check on the local culture?)
Thing is, this is not a perfect city, it has its share of bad things, but I enjoy the good things, it’s vibrant and dynamic, we have the biggest rock festival of this side of the world and diverse cultural activities.
PS: My Orlando-residing girlfriend would rather live here than there.
South Africa is a fools paradise. Lived there for 40 years and leaving was the best thing I ever did. I now live with my familty in peace and total freedom. I dont have to continually look over my shoulder be afraid my wife and children will be raped or murdered and dont live behind burglar bars, use security alarms linked armed response units etc etc. If you love SA you can have it! Its gone to the dogs, and I advise you to get out while you still can and experience true freedom.
to live in Brazil must have a lot of courage!
Hello guys! I have been to Bogota four year ago and I can tell you I felt very safe while visiting this wonderful country. The people are very kind. I will definitely visit this country again.
Where’s the data on Cape Town’s crime statistics?
Karachi is by far the most dangerous place i have travelled to, i had horrible experiences here.
Unquestionably believe that which you said. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the internet the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people consider worries that they plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks
we’ve been to detroit before, its not bad at all in some places but my dad took a wrong turn and we ended up in a nasty looking area…old torn up buildings, some burned, and he even passed a car with bullet holes in it…detroit is only bad in certain areas š
@Ashley
Shootings of Columbine were done by Jewish youths. The Holocaust is a myth build up by Jews.
That is not a photo of CT, its obviously in Britan.
What an idiot.
my husband is there now!! it is no joke…everyday murders, robberies, and kidnapping express occurs, does not matter what time it is, as he was robbed at gunpoint on a motorcycle!it wasn’t a profile robbery,he is a typical venezuelan!
it is a beautiful country raped by discusting individuals who are going straight to hell when they die!!! šæ
God be with you if you travel there, cuz Chavez isn’t about to do anything to help you!
P.S. there aren’t any “safe” areas!! for anyone!!!
My daughter from Florida wants to take a trip to south Africa ,kids are 6year old twin boys and one little girl 9years old . All have some medical problems. Is it safe to go to CapeTown or johansburgh? She really wants to go. Not sure how safe it is with3small children?… Could you give me advice?. Please
Uhhh…Much rather be in Detroit than Peshawar, Kabul, Guadalajara, Tiujuana, Damascus, , etc etc etc This list includes one city in USA just to cause controversy and feed the lies that non-Americans believe: OMG USA is so dangerous. Get over yourselves.
Is it really much worse than bogota or detroit guys ?
Juarez is a place with many hard working people as a white american i lived there for two years …the violence is concentrated on folks involved with the drug trade with some innocent bystanders….Very sad..
People, stop calling him/her an idiot!I’m pretty sure he/she just made a mistake, that’s all.
I have lived in bogota for 2 1/2 years been home envaded twice by 6 people with guns and have been pick pocketed 1 time and been tried 3 times, and i live in a so called safe area,half the people here are drunks, and the men here try to see how many women they can screw and get them pregnant and want help the women are the child and they arn’t many married coulples here they just shack up and call them their wifes what a joke
my familly here has property with 6 oil wells on it that the goverment wants to take from them along with many other famillys, the roads here have pot holes that can swallow cars and people run around taking man hole covers out of the middle of the roads and you do have a robbery here like i have had done to me the police doesn’t do anything,atleast in the usa they investigate
šÆ
Well honestly, you can say that you live in a safe city when you don’t have to avoid walking in several parts of your city. Can you say such about Detroit? There you have it. You guys may think that “the US is the greatest country in the world”, sheesh, you know what? I think MY country is, but please don’t fool yourselves about your supposed safety.
this is a heartbreaker. rio is such a beautiful city. what they need is a good, thourough purging. by force
All I see in these pictures are MEN being their typical trouble making worthless lazy ass selves.
Bogota with the rest of Colombia continues to rise from up from its third world lifestyle. As a Canadian I have been visiting Colombia multiple times a year since 2007 and know the country better than many locals. Today Bogota is little different than Houston, L.A., N.Y.C., Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, Seattle, Denver, etc. Common sense will keep you out of danger. True there are the opportunists but the greater threat lies in areas most people would avoid as in the cities named above. Colombia has the friendliest people I have met anywhere. The major highways are well patrolled by the National Police and military at times almost to excess. As with the cities throughout Colombia the greatest threat comes from the traffic. A bit of common sense makes Bogota and the other cities most enjoyable. Soon I plan to be living in Bogota.
With respect to travel I have driven from Cucuta to Bogota to Medellin to Pasto to Santa Marta. The highways are not the same as N.America and extra time is needed. I have well placed military friends and the only road they asked me to avoid is the road through Ocana just to the NW of Cucuta. To drive out from Bogota feel safe. Just bring small bills for the tolls. Spend a day in Zipaquira. Be sure to see Medellin and ride the Metro and the cable cars. Manizales may be home to the friendliest people on the planet. In Bogota the museums are almost countless. Spend 1/2 day up on Monserrate. See my video riding up http://tinyurl.com/6g5b96z So little is known of the Colombia of today.
No joke. I spent 6 months in South America and Caracas was by far the most dangerous place I visited. I stayed 1.5 days and got the hell out. As with the posts above: there are no ‘safe zones’ and no difference between day and night (night being worse obviously) Daylight offers you no protection from being attacked/robbed. Venezuela is a beautiful country which I really enjoyed visiting and I would go back but would not go to Caracas ever again.
I find it amusing that this is written as if the US involvement did not make the situation so much worse. Obviously written by am American under the delusion that the US troops have benefitted Iraq!
@Pam Stewart
I live in Cape Town with my two small kids (5 & 3 yrs old). Of course it’s a safe place to come to.
Literally millions of people visit here each year.
Please drop me an email via http://6000.co.za/about/ if you want further advice.
Im living close to Cape Town you are so crazy..and that photo is not even Cape Town.Just like all parts and cities in the world, Cape Town, just like other cities do have parts you try to stay out. Please email me [email protected] if you want more info I have worked as social worker in many areas you wont even consider to go to and never ever something happend to me. Cape Town itself is safe and its a beautiful country!! š š
@Le Blanc, im very sorry for you cuz you had the worst of the lucks… I have 22 years living in Caracas and never got robbed or anything like that SOO.. talk for YOURSELF kthx.
I am in bobota now what a very interesting city nice people good food great coffee thanks
Excuse me but I have lived here most of my life and have not been assaulted or kidnapped or raped or anything! If you hang out in the really really poor areas then yeah I wish you luck coming out fine…but we aren’t living in a war here people. Statistics never tell the whole story.
That s true, Bogota & all Colombia is the most dangerous place to live.
I don t recomend to travel to Colombia
I don’t know every statistic, but I live in Michigan and even I know that as long as you don’t run your mouth, act unreasonably, or get involved with shit you probably shouldn’t get involved in you’ll be fine in Detroit. It all comes down to common sense and respect. The articles written about Detroit were most likely written by people who aren’t residents of Detroit or even Michigan, and have probably never been to either.
This article most be written by a fustrated person with a personal vendetta against particular places and without base of fact. To say, for example, that Bogota is more dangerous than Ciudad Juarez in Mexico is a complete travesty. The article shoes that the writer(s) have not traveled to any of these places and write based on gossip.
I grew up in El Paso and went to Juarez every day, in high school it was great since the drinking age was set for anyone with a $20 bill. Doctors were cheap and easy, and the food was great. Now I will not go back, I’ve had friends killed in cross fire and friends put in jail over stupid shit and not having cash to give the cops.
Don’t think about this city. There is very dangerous and you can find only big problems in Grozny. Be Sure. I know about what I’m talking…
It’s a shame that the women aren’t joining in and adding to the bloodshed and unrest, isn’t it?
Gringosā¦ So Ignorant people that they can not find their country in a map. what a crapy bullshit this article isā¦ what can I expect for such people that the most exciting thing for them is super man and britney spears, you should ask spiderman to save you for be SUCH A IGNORANT!
Aren’t Tegucigalpa in Honduras and Salvador quickly gaining on GC in this respect?
Very bad, I got lost and stopped to ask for directions and got beat up and lost my money and a little ring.
I will never visit the U.S. again. š
If you are not a muslim they will kill you, but they want your aid (money) to help them.
Now that just makes me feel great by helping?? š
Colombia isn’t the place it used to be years ago; it has gotten much better. Bogota? Please, this city doesn’t even compare to other cities in Colombia when it comes to crime and danger. I can name many more cities in the US and Europe that are far more dangerous. While I wouldn’t say Colombia (as a whole) is one of the safer countries in Latin America, I commend my country for taking steps FORWARD and not backward.
WTF is with that photo, thats not Cape Town or any other part of South Africa that is friggin UK and that photo is of soccor hooligans which are a huge problem in the UK, the person who posted that photo is a dumb ass.
By the way Cape Town isn’t that bad and is actually pretty safe, iv’e been there and i loved it and would love to go there again someday and would love to visit some other South African cities to, the bad areas of Cape Town are mostly townships but the city itself is pretty safe and Cape Town is by far the safest city in South Africa, Johannesburg Durban Pretoria East London and Port Elizabeth are alot more dangerous then Cape Town and Cape Town is no where near close to being in the top 10 most dangerous cities in the world.
Have been to Rio De Janeiro and it is a beautiful city and i loved it and it is my favourite city i have been to, it has huge problems with crime violence drugs and poverty but it is still a wonderful and great city with alot of good, when i went there i felt safe and never felt like i was in danger, it is a pretty safe city to visit depending on where abouts you go, the resort areas are safe and are well guarded by lots of police and security officers, the bad areas are mostly the favelas and surrounding areas near the favelas, it’s also best to stay in the resorts and don’t go out at night and it’s best to get guided tours that way you will be safe, would definitely love to go back there again someday and would love to visit other cities in Brazil to.
Bogota is not the most dangerous city in Colombia and it never was, Medellin is by far the most dangerous city in Colombia and always has been, Medellin holds the record for the all time highest murder rate of any city in the world, at itās peak it had an extremely high and appalling murder rate of 302 per 100,000 and the murder rate there and the murder rate in other Colombian cities has also gone way down to and the second most dangerous city in Colombia is Cali. Bogota was once ranked in the top 10 most dangerous cities in the world but not anymore.
To Mike yes cities in Honduras and El Salvador are more violent and dangerous, San Pedro Sula Tegucigalpa and San Salvador are very dangerous and are more dangerous then Guatemala City, Guatemala City is still very dangerous though.
You are right Toshi what you say, theres no way any city in the US should be in the top 10 or even top 20 30 40 50 or 100 list of most dangerous cities in the world, there are literally hundreds of cities in the developing world which are way more dangerous then any city in the US, any city in Africa Central America South America the developing parts of Asia most of Eastern Europe the Caribbean and most of Oceania are more way dangerous then any city in the US, people are such ignorant fools and people love to always criticise and bag the US saying it’s violent and dangerous which is crap, the US is no more violent and dangerous then most developed countries and infact there are many developed countries which are more violent and dangerous then the US such as my home country Australia the UK France Italy and Greece, all of those countries have higher crime rates aswell as higher violent crime rates then the US, you hear about crime aswell as violent crime more often in the US then you do in other developed countries because the US has a much bigger population then other developed countries and the US is also more culturally diverse and has more poverty and more drugs then other developed countries, overall the US is a safe country and is one of the safest countries in the world.
Mogadishu is by far the most dangerous city in the world, it is a totally lawless wartorn city and the entire city is swarming with heavily armed militias and heavily armed bandits and for visitors who come to the city the only way it is safe to get around the city is being escorted in an armoured vehicle or a tank and hiring heavily armed militias to provide security and protection, visitors to the city are also advised to wear bullet proof vests incase they get shot and every civilian in Mogadishu is armed and carries a gun for protection, every man woman and child in Mogadishu has to carry a gun for protection because if they donāt they wont live long.
Ciudad Juarez is now the most dangerous city in the world outside of war, it has the highest murder rate in the world, in 2009 it had a murder rate of 130 per 100,000 and had more then 2,000 murders in 2009 and in 2010 itās murder rate increased and was 230 per 100,000 and it had 3,100 murders in 2010.
i think there is something called being at the wrong place at the wrong time cause ive been to petare and im alive
As an outsider, looking at ways to live cheaper, how can I derive anything from these unbelievably opposite posts. There is high crime there isnt. Who should I believe? Let me guess I would have to go there and see if I am ok after a week? If I gave you a specific address, could you tell me if I was safe? Also, these homes for dirt cheap, do they have plumbing ect?
I have been to Cape Town! By far one of the most fantastic places to visit in the world! I have no idea who makes this articles but Cape Town is a great place to be, not a dangerous one!
yawns at this articles
more pseudo-journalism from anglo assholes in the UK, usa or whatever…. always critiZing other countries while in theirs there are riots, thugs burning buildings and terrorizing capital cities….. we dont have a detroit in colombia!
Yeahhh… We are dangerous!!! šæ
What a complete load of bollocks, who on earth came up with this?
In my personal experience, London is more dangerous than Cape Town, so the article is halfway there…
who ever wrote this has never been to Venezuela there is NO place in Caracas where you can be safe, no even in your own home. And if nothing has ever happend to you then you are one of the few. Everyone I know has been robbed at least one time (for me it has been 3 times). Maybe nothing has happened to you but do some research and find out how many people have died in the last few years in Venezuela and how many people have died any other dangerous city and you’ll see that we probably have more deaths (killed)so we live in an extremely dangeous city as much as it pains me to say this, it is true.Just because nothing has happened to you it doesn’t meen that where we live is a safe place, you are just very very very lucky
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this whole page. Iāve seen ignorance, laziness, hostility, anger, passion, sheer stupidity, closed mindedness, love, contentment, patriotisms, and even critical thinking.
From a country where people think that Las Vegas is a state and that Paraguay is somewhere north of Pakistan, I canāt think of a country who has less bragging rights than the U.S. Yes, we are ā1st worldā, but this is because the welfare system has kept the poverty line up for generations of the same family who are lazy and refuse to flip burgers for a living or could care less to educate themselves. Donāt get me wrong. I choke back tears when the national anthem is sung and when people want to protest the pledge of allegiance in the U.S. schools, I think they should be exported to a lesser country for a couple days for educational purposes. We have professionals and educated people and superb health care (when you can afford it), but even these same educated people know so little about what goes on outside their little geographic box itās a crying shame. For people who travel, this is completely different and I applaud those who even go to Mexico to party because it does open up their world so much more than Backroad, Texas or Po Dunk, Arkansas could ever offer.
So, I married a Colombian. Due to the economy here in the U.S., we are planning on making a new start in Bogota with our family. Of course because of stereotypes, bad press and lack of education, my family and friends are scared spitless for me. Iāve done what I can to educate them and let them know that the only uncertainty I have is going from a geographical area of 1 million to a metropolis of 10 million. Iāve never been to LA or NY. Iāve been to Vancouver, BC and that is the only likeness I can form in my head for a largely populated city. I know being in a big city will take some adjusting, especially when I grew up smelling mint farms and hearing roosters crow. My husband is very anxious for me, God bless his soul, in ways I tell him are silly. I speak Spanish so that isnāt an issue. He tells me of poverty and bums and crowds and lines FOR EVERYTHINGā¦.his plan of attack I think is to make it sound so scary, that when I arrive, I will be relieved. But I tell him that in our small suburban town of 70,000, I had to walk by 3 homeless people in the four blocks from my park n ride to my work. Now after daylight savings has ended, I’m afriad to walk to my car in the dark. As the economy falls, even in the Pacific Northwest, we are seeing so much more theft, poverty and homelessness. People who once had a job and car and place to live are now either desperate to keep their standard of living or going to do whatever it takes to get it back. I donāt feel safe anymore.
If Iām not going to feel safe in the PNW where the most culture we have is tree huggers, āOccupiersā, and Starbucks, I might as well go someplace where people love people, where you will find educated people even driving taxi cabs, where there are museums, history and culture. I wonāt be wearing a Rolex on the Transmileio, but I will enjoy life, nature andā¦.I guess, just like here in the PNWā¦.Rain.
Thank you everyone for sharing. This has been very educational.
i think so its a very dangerous country but it is also a polluted city of pakistan š³
Hahahaha, i just can’t stop laughing over this, i live in juarez, and honestly is not that bad, and is not ALL our fault, the main reason to this “WAR” is the US demand of drugs.
oh i almost forgot,
1 have you ever came to juarez
2 have you lost a family member because of this stupid senseless war?
if you answer no, then shut up, my uncle was shot in the head just because some north americans can’t live without their drugs, BUT i have never been a victim of any crime. I agree that it is a dangerous city but i’ve been outside till 3 am and i’m still alive.
It is always prudent to take precautions when traveling anywhere in the world, but to say Capetown is one of the most dangerous cities in the world is like saying youāre one of the best journalists in the world, absolute crap! Capetown isnāt even the most dangerous city in SA, iv lived in SA my entire life, iv traveled to every corner of the globe and Capetown is safer than 99% of the places iv been! If you looking at crime Johannesburg my home city is worse than it! So before you slate a city with such proud citizens I suggest you do your research.
I have just returned from a trip to Colombia visiting Bogota,Sopo,Zipaquira and on the coast Cartagena,Barranquilla,Santa Marta,and The Great Jungle Park of Tayrona and found myself never in danger.It is a shock to see very wealthy people and very poor so close together but I do believe that over the years like in India and China the wealth of the underpravilaged will rise and the key point to help this will be the end of corruption by the ruling classes and politicians.But this takes time.There is a great chance to import the various products from Colombia.Textiles,Gold,Emeralds and Terracotta.Plant pots,roof tiles.The people of the country are very happy and friendly and forever optimistic.There was a great difference on the coast to the interier highlands.Sopo is a wonderful typical small Colombian Town.All you want you may locate there.I would advise anyone to check it out at any time.We all have to be watching our back in these time of austerity but I advise anyone to checkout Colombia Bogota included.
Ok. I live in BogotĆ”, and I don’t think it is one of the most dangerous cities in the world, it’s just like every other big city, sure not everything is perfect, but we don’t carry around weapons or guns, neither drugs, we just live normally, and there are crimes, yes, but just like in any other part of the world. So if you want to come here, you are going to be fine.
I’m colombian, born and raised in BogotĆ”. I’m 22 years old and never found myself in danger. Who ever made this post should do research… most of the conflict, drug crimes etc. take place deep in the woods of the country. I’m not saying is the safest place in the world, there is a certain level of insecurity as in any other city in the world as big as Bogota. I feel sorry for the ignorance shown by the admin of this website.
What a total idiot.. My God, how do you even get away with posting such trash??! Lol. Retard.
all u people that think you know cape town dont know shit. yes it is safer on a whole than joburg but the cape flats has one of the highest murder rates in the world. go ask people that live in the wrong areas about how much shit they see go down. cape town has a reputation for a reason, jsut because you have only stayed in the wealthy parts only means you have been lucky enough not to see the bad
Personally it has it good sides and its bad sides. If you usually stay in the tourist areas in general it will be safe. But if you have gone to the more crime ridden areas you will see the bad. When I went to the tourist areas I was in awe. I wanted to take a picture at every corner (However it probably has a harder time attracting tourists now then it did when I went there, I went there 2-3 yrs ago) and the food was excellent (Like all Mexican food =D) and the people were friendly. However, when I went to the areas of the city where it was degrading, I was scared, I was in the third grade and I was just standing outside all by myself for two hours and I almost got kidnapped, saw someone being hung, saw someone being shot, saw a store get robbed, and saw numerous drugs being dealt. So it is a dangerous city but it has its bright sides (as dim and ray-like as they are)
I travelled around Colombia and visited Bogota as a 21 year old female travelling solo and felt completely safe 99.99% of the time. Colombians are extremely friendly, especially so in Bogota and Medellin. Categorising this city as one of the worst in the world is highly inaccurate and not fair to those who live there. Having suffered such an awful reputation for so long through the media, this ignorant misjudgement should not be taken into account by anyone wishing to travel or visit Bogota. Yes Colombia has suffered from conflicts and drug crimes, but as far as I’m concerned you will have to search quite hard to find yourself caught up in an undesirable situation. People still live a day to day life in countries with unrest, something the media often tends to leave out. Don’t believe everything you hear on the news or read in the paper.
If you visit Colombia be sensible, flashing your wealth is unnecessary, you stick out as westerner which is enough. Enjoy it, it’s a beautiful country with beautiful people. Do not be put off by the idiots who write negative articles about a country based on statistics and out of date information.
This is sadly true. My close friend goes to Guatemala to visit family that live there. On one trip she and her mom went to one of the stores there. A lady working at the store told them it was a rule to leave their bags and other items (phones, ipods etc.) in a locker inside the shop, she said their things would be waiting for them when they finished shopping. When they came back they found out that all their things were stolen, there were no locks on the locker, and no one was guarding it! Another time when she went there she and her family were all have dinner when suddenly BANG a gunshot is herd from outside and they all have to get on the floor incase of any straight bullets, two of her uncles peaked out the window when it started to quiet down and saw two dead people and that’s when they heard the police coming. Another visit there she was driving with her family getting home and her cousin saw the body of a dead man cut up, she barely saw the head and didn’t know what it was till her cousin told the family when they got home.
I am NEVER going to Guatemala!
Yes it is, no doubt in one year I was robbed twice on very busy streets, every second person compalined similar incdent. Extraordinary.
RUBBISHHH!!!!!!!! Karachi as compared to the cities of the world has not many crimes as you all are highlighting. Dont you know crimes in the world?? Rape cases are very common and almost neglect able.
Do you advise people not to go outside of the city? Seriously? FARC are not threat anymore!
I must say that I have been there a couple of times and I’ve never felt unsafe! You say it is dangerous to go outside of the city… The Farc are almost finished! Seriously,, I have some Colombian friends and they say war is not a common topic on every-day conversation.
I have to say that the information you give is dreadfully biased and out of date. Indeed, Bogota is one of the safest cities on the continent…You’ll face more problems in Rio, or even SĆ£o Paulo…
be factual this site is informative.
i am a businessman in karachi and travel extensively around the worlds major cities. karachi lovers and haters aside,i wana give facts.
karachi is a city of over17 million people cramped in 600 sq miles or so of land,its crowded and polluted and overstretched infrastructure but its the financial capital of pakistan and in this city money is made thats why this city keeps growing very fast.theres too much money in parts of the city and too much poverty in many parts.
risk of being a victim of crime is comparable to bangkok,manila ,chicago and rio,all major tourist cities.murder rate in karachi is 18 per 100,000.high but for a mega city not huge like african and latin american cities.and murder is the most reported crime so it gives the real picture.not to mention murders are mostly political and takes place mostly in selected areas.
as for reported kidnappings for 2010 they were 300 or about 2 per 100,000.other crimes like stealing bag/phone snatchings are high in most areas.rape is mostly unreported in pakistan so the picture not clear,but hearing about it its less then american cities.
the biggest problem wid karachi is everyones moving here from all over pakistan.the city should stop growing.
So you lived in cape town for so many years and having never met crime? It doesnt means it safe. Plenty of people are living in Kabul and Baghdad for years without being attacked or robbed. That does not mean that these cities are safe. That means that they were not part of the unlucky ones.
I think the author is a complete IDIOT….
Cape town is the most vibrant place i have ever seen.Manenberg and Bontheuwel is dangerous,but that is out of tourist destinations.The cape coloureds live there and they are classified as dangerous gangsters,killers and murderers but even they have the utmost respect for tourists.
The coloureds even entertain the tourists in the festive season and dress up like clowns,singing and dancing in the city centre.WELCOME TO CAPE TOWN,CANT SEE YOU SMILLING,PUT ON YOUR DANCING SHOE,CAPE TOWN WELCOMES YOU……YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE SONG FROM YOU-TUBE IF YOU WISH.CAPE TOWN IS A GREAT TOWN AND ONE OF THE SAFEST PLACES IN AFRICA AND THE CLEANEST. š
This was quite true in the 90s, but Bogota today is very different. It is like any large city, you cannot be stupid or go into questionable areas–I would not be wandering around in the Bronx at midnight either. It is an incredibly cosmopolitan city that boasts beautiful public parks, historic and cultural treasures, upscale shopping, wonderful crafts and a thriving restaurant and night life scene. I have been there twice and am looking very much forward to my next trip. The surrounding countryside is gorgeous and charming. I never felt unsafe.
One point is true–there is still a striking divide between the haves and have-nots. True everywhere in the world, but glaringly apparent in Colombia at times. It takes you back a bit.
I am a seventeen year old girl from the states and this past summer I spent five weeks volunteering in Cape Town. I lived with a family in one of these so called dangerous suburbs and worked in Vryground, a township, every day. I took mini buses regularly, and never had a problem. All I encountered were friendly people, if you simply use common sense, I would not walk alone in dark alleys at night in my home New York City, then you’ll be fine. Implying that by being a tourist in Cape Town and happening upon the wrong area you put yourself in danger is complete rubbish.
And next time you’d like to use a visual representation of “the world’s most dangerous city” maybe you’d like to google a photograph from the right continent. Or perhaps actually visit the city yourself, this piece shows a complete lack of research and understanding, quite frankly I’m appalled. I’m seventeen and proud to say I have a better understanding on this matter than the incompetent fool who wrote this. š
that can never be true we stay in cape town how can it worse š than Mogadishu(somalia ) yet there is war
that is misguiding
first u change yourself then change others …. š” we do not look to our mistaks and bad habits and point out others mistakes. š”
Dear Editor of this page, i’ve gone through your page. But according to me, I think you should put IMPHAL (A small city in the extreme north-eastern part of India) capital of the Indian state- Manipur. Violent rate is as high as most of the mentioned cities on this page. Everyday there’ll news of dead, war, inflation, very limited gas, electricity, poor road transportation, in fact from every point of view, i should say it’s the worst city in India, unknown to the rest of the world due to lack of exposure and communication. Please check on internet and put it and let the whole world know about it! Thanks
Ok,
So let’s see if we can do a little profiling on our esteemed author:
He places as little regard in other people’s feelings as he does in research. Well done there, bud.
Then, I think he wasn’t just born in the back of a speeding El Camino, but was then sent to beg for food when he was just a mere 4 years old. This spurred his keen interest in journalism but because of his Juvenile record, he couldn’t travel at all. So he started fabricating some stories about a bunch of places he’d heard of while his girlfriend was leaving him for an actual writer and the hooker he was paying felt more attracted to the dude sweeping the road-side motel floors he was staying in than to his inverted little……..oh, let’s say personality.
Anyway, of course I joke……sort of. Point is, it hurts when people write grossly inaccurate sh*t about you or your neighborhood.
Stop writing lies !!!
I have been to Rio twice, and never saw any crime.
I am not saying there is none, on the contrary…I am pretty sure in the slums it occurs every day, however as I stayed mostly in the South Side (Ipanema, Leblon, Copacabana) with some incursion into the Downtown area, I didnt see any crime nor did I felt threatened…
Also, I think this rank is kind of biased, because how can you possible compare Mogadishu ( Somalia), Baghdad ( Iraq) or Grozny (Chechnya in Russia) with Rio???
Rio is a tourist destination that receives close to 2 million tourists a year, with hundreds of hotels, museums, convention centers, etc. and a infra-strutucture designed for tourism.
When was the last time you heard someone going on vacations to Mogadishu?
So I don’t see the the scientific method of this rank.
What a BS list. Just another way to scare people and drive traffic to your site.