When planning an international trip, few things matter more than feeling secure. While every destination has its own risks, some cities consistently stand out for offering travelers peace of mind. According to a recent safety ranking, one city has once again risen above the rest.

Reykjavik Takes the Top Spot

Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, has been named the safest city in the world for travelers in a new report released by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection and shared with Travel + Leisure. What makes Reykjavik exceptional is that researchers found no area of the city that failed to meet the highest safety standards, an achievement few destinations can claim.

Carol Mueller, head of marketing at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection, noted that travelers are increasingly prioritizing safety when choosing where to go. She explained that the annual report is designed not only to rank destinations, but also to help travelers feel confident when planning their trips amid global uncertainty.

Photo: unsplash.com/@bengrayland

Safety Meets Culture and Nature

Beyond its reputation for safety, Reykjavik is known for its vibrant food scene, bright, colorful buildings, and its close proximity to Iceland’s dramatic natural landscapes. The city also topped the same list last year, reinforcing its long-standing reputation as a low-risk destination.

While crime is rarely a concern, the report does caution visitors to remain aware of volcanic activity in the surrounding region—a natural risk unique to Iceland rather than an urban safety issue.

Other Cities That Ranked Highly

Coming in second place is Copenhagen, which reclaimed its position near the top of the list. Described as stylish yet welcoming, Denmark’s capital offers a strong sense of security overall. However, the report advises extra caution in the autonomous neighborhood of Christiania, where photography is restricted, and occasional tourist theft has been reported.

Zurich secured third place after being absent from last year’s rankings, followed by Amsterdam and Honolulu, which completed the top five. Honolulu’s rise was particularly notable, jumping from 13th place last year. Its remote location and lower per capita car dependence were cited as contributing factors to its improved ranking.

Safest Countries Overall

On a national level, the Netherlands was ranked the safest country for travelers, with Australia and Austria close behind.

Photo: unsplash.com/@giovannidonnarumma10

How the Rankings Were Determined

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection analyzed the most popular domestic and international destinations among U.S. travelers. Survey participants were asked to evaluate safety across several categories, including violent crime, terrorism, transportation reliability, public health, and inclusivity for women, LGBTQIA+ travelers, and people of color.

The 15 Safest Cities in the World

According to the report, these are the top 15 safest cities for travelers:

1. Reykjavik
2. Copenhagen
3. Zurich
4. Amsterdam
5. Honolulu
6. Sydney
7. Barcelona
8. Lisbon
9. Tokyo
10. Dublin
11. Venice
12. Seoul
13. London
14. Singapore
15. San Francisco