20 Most Dangerous Cities on Earth in 2025

Cape Town, Africa
Adobe Stock

Some of the most beautiful and interesting places in the world are also the most dangerous. Tourists may be tempted by sunny beaches or mystical ruins in brochures only to find that visiting some of these places is not only less than desirable, but downright dangerous. If you are considering travelling to one of these cities, think again. Here are the 20 most dangerous cities on Earth in 2025.

Tijuana, Mexico

Tijuana, Mexico
Photo by Magdiel Barragán on Unsplash

2025’s murder capital of the world is Tijuana, Mexico. It’s not just your better than 1 in 1,000 odds of being murdered that make it a dangerous city. Tijuana is caught in a war between the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels. Violence, drugs, human trafficking, and extortion are all part of daily life there.

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Photo by Kenny Nguyễn on Unsplash

The highest murder rate in the U.S. belongs to St. Louis. The city has had a declining population for more than 75 years. Poverty and crime are rampant. Adult literacy rates are low. Opportunities for education are lacking. St. Louis has a lot to do to make their city less dangerous and more desirable to visitors.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa
Photo by Tobias Reich on Unsplash

Stunning landscapes, rich culture, and a booming tourism industry make Cape Town sound like a safe travel option. The truth is, the city hides a much darker side. Cultural unrest, crime, and violence make many would-be tourists uneasy. Violent crime, corruption, and instability make the South African capital unsafe.

Newark, New Jersey, USA

Newark, New Jersey, USA
Photo by Robert Thiemann on Unsplash

Tourists looking for a more economical option while seeing New York City might consider Newark, NJ. Staying in Newark is unsafe due to high crime rates, gangs, and gun violence. Also, getting from Newark to NYC is dangerous in a small state with more than 500 fatal accidents every year, and a terrifyingly dangerous public transit system.