A seasoned solo female traveller has sparked conversation online by revealing the five European cities where she felt most unsafe during her extensive journeys across the continent. Having visited 24 European countries, the tourist, Sarah Lim, took to TikTok to share her candid experiences, breaking away from typical travel content to discuss personal safety concerns, particularly as an Asian woman travelling alone.
Beyond the Tourist Brochure: A Candid Safety Assessment
In her video titled "Five cities where i didn't feel safe in Europe (as an Asian female)," Sarah Lim provided a frank perspective that challenges idealised travel narratives. She noted that, contrary to some expectations, she found Western Europe to feel more unsafe than Eastern European regions she visited, including the Baltics and Balkans. This revelation adds nuance to common perceptions about travel security across different parts of Europe.
Paris: Multiple Disturbing Encounters
Sarah's experiences in Paris were particularly troubling. She recounted being stalked at night during her first solo visit to the French capital, then later being chased by a group of men while with five friends on a subsequent trip. Beyond these personal incidents, she highlighted widespread issues with bag thieves and pickpockets operating throughout the city, suggesting systemic safety concerns for visitors.
Brussels: Persistent Unease After Dark
Although Sarah avoided direct harm in Brussels, she described an inescapable feeling of unease, especially after sunset. She observed "many groups of men lingering around the city centre at night" which created a consistently unsettling atmosphere. Her concerns were validated by news of a Singaporean exchange student being stabbed in Brussels, reinforcing her apprehensions about safety in the Belgian capital.
Milan: From Accommodation Scams to Nighttime Fears
Sarah's Italian experience began with a sophisticated scam attempt at her accommodation, which she described as "very convincing" due to the fraudster having multiple "accomplices." Beyond this initial incident, she felt particularly vulnerable when walking near residential areas at night, to the extent that she needed to call male friends to escort her and a companion back to safety.
Barcelona: Constant Vigilance Required
While Sarah reported no direct incidents in Barcelona, she maintained "very vigilant" behaviour throughout her stay, influenced by the city's notorious reputation for pickpocketing. Her caution was further justified by reports from fellow Erasmus students about stabbing and mugging cases in the area, suggesting that even without personal victimisation, the threat felt palpable.
Rome: Tourist-Focused Criminal Activity
During her time in Rome, Sarah observed that the city's popularity with tourists seemed to attract corresponding criminal activity. She noted that Rome "felt the most touristic - hence the number of scammers in the open," with pickpockets and snatch thieves operating commonly in visible areas.
Viewer Responses: Shared Experiences and Counterpoints
Sarah's video resonated strongly with other travellers who shared similar concerns. One commenter who lived in Brussels for eight months confirmed feeling consistently unsafe, while another dismissed Paris's romantic image by highlighting experiences with stabbings, stalking, and pickpocketing. Additional anecdotes included being stalked in Paris during daytime hours and successfully preventing a pickpocketing attempt in Belgium.
However, not all responses were negative. Some viewers offered contrasting perspectives, with one former Paris resident noting they felt very safe except near the Gare du Nord area, and another reporting feeling completely secure during a month-long stay in Paris. Another commenter shared positive experiences in Rome, demonstrating how personal safety perceptions can vary significantly between individuals.
This discussion highlights the subjective nature of travel safety and the importance of sharing diverse experiences to help future travellers make informed decisions about their journeys across Europe.
