Eight Popular Travel Destinations Tourists Now Avoid After Dark: Rising Safety Concerns In Barcelona, Paris, Rio de Janeiro And More

Published on December 29, 2025

The world’s famous places have amazing nightlife with their bustling streets and lively cultural activities, but at the same time, one of the most significant changes has just happened, the sun has set. For a lot of tourists, what used to be nice and romantic evening walks has become a very careful adventure as people become worried about the safety in the dark. The likes of Barcelona, Paris and Rio de Janeiro are still pulling in the same number of visitors. Nonetheless, there is a growing tendency of tourists to reconsider their night plans. Such a change has been caused by the increase in crime rates, the instability of safety conditions, and the growing awareness of the dangers associated with night excursions in these top travel destinations.

Let’s take a closer look at the cities where after-dark concerns are changing the way tourists experience these once-favourite destinations.

Barcelona: Europe’s Pickpocket Capital After Dark

Barcelona, Spain, known for its iconic Gaudí architecture and vibrant nightlife, faces growing concerns over petty crime after the sun sets. The city has earned a reputation as Europe’s pickpocket capital, and this trend has worsened in recent months. The metro stations and popular tourist spots, like La Rambla and El Born, are hotspots for organized theft, with thieves often working in teams to target unsuspecting visitors.

According to official reports, theft incidents, particularly in the La Barceloneta area, have spiked, prompting the Catalan Interior Ministry to reassess their crime prevention strategies. Tourists are advised to avoid less-patrolled areas like Raval and La Mina at night, with many opting to return to their accommodations earlier to stay safe.

Paris: The City of Light Gets Dimmer at Night

Paris, often dubbed the ‘City of Light’, presents a different experience after sunset. While the city remains one of the world’s top tourist destinations, rising petty crime has led to a noticeable decrease in safety after dark. Pickpocketing, phone snatching, and scams are common in areas like Gare du Nord, Les Halles, and Stalingrad, particularly when large crowds of tourists are distracted.

Authorities have bolstered security in tourist zones, but women travellers, in particular, are advised to avoid isolated streets and to stay in well-lit areas. In a recent survey, a large percentage of tourists cited the increased risk of petty crime at night, prompting many to rely on taxis instead of using the metro for late-night travel.

Rio de Janeiro: Beautiful Beaches Turn Risky After Sunset

The beaches of Rio de Janeiro, especially the famous Copacabana and Ipanema, attract throngs of visitors daily. However, once night falls, these same beaches transform into areas of heightened risk. While the city’s daytime energy remains contagious, the absence of adequate lighting and the reduction in crowds after dark make these areas prime targets for opportunistic criminals.

Local authorities advise against walking alone at night, especially near bus stations and public parks, where incidents of theft and violence have increased. Tourists are encouraged to use registered taxis or rideshares to reduce their exposure to danger.

Bangkok: Nightlife Zones Attract More Than Party-Goers

Bangkok, Thailand, is famous for its vibrant nightlife, with tourists flocking to areas like Khao San Road and Sukhumvit for its bars, markets, and street food. However, these same areas also attract pickpockets, scammers, and those looking to exploit unsuspecting travellers. Drink spiking, inflated taxi fares, and scam operations are common in these zones, making safety a significant concern for tourists venturing out at night.

To mitigate the risks, tourists are advised to remain vigilant, avoid accepting drinks from strangers, and always negotiate taxi fares in advance. Though Bangkok remains a top destination, these warnings have prompted many visitors to reconsider their late-night explorations.

Johannesburg and Cape Town: South African Cities with After-Dark Dangers

South Africa’s major cities, Johannesburg and Cape Town, offer unique cultural experiences, but after dark, safety concerns mount. In Johannesburg, areas like Sandton and Rosebank are considered safer for late-night dining and shopping, but the contrast between secure and high-risk areas can change rapidly. Visitors are advised to stick to well-patrolled zones and avoid wandering through quiet, poorly lit streets.

Similarly, in Cape Town, tourists are warned against hiking Table Mountain after sunset and are encouraged to stay in well-monitored areas like the V&A Waterfront. While both cities offer incredible beauty and experiences, they also require careful planning when it comes to after-dark adventures.

Kingston and Montego Bay, Jamaica: Island Vibes with Nighttime Pitfalls

While Jamaica remains an island paradise, Kingston and Montego Bay experience a surge in petty crime after dark. Incidents of bag snatching, unlicensed taxis, and even more serious crimes have been reported in certain neighbourhoods of these cities. Tourists are advised to use resort shuttles or trusted hotel drivers when travelling late at night, and to avoid wandering into unfamiliar areas once the bars close.

Local law enforcement continues to monitor high-risk zones, but tourists should always exercise caution, especially when venturing beyond their resorts after nightfall.

Nairobi and Mombasa, Kenya: Coastal Beauty with After-Dark Risks

Kenya’s cities, Nairobi and Mombasa, offer rich cultural and natural experiences, but both cities come with safety challenges after dark. The central business districts in Nairobi, while bustling during the day, become eerily quiet once businesses close, and thefts and assaults become more frequent. Mombasa faces similar concerns, particularly in poorly lit areas near the ferry crossings.

Visitors are advised to pre-arrange transportation, avoid street taxis, and stick to well-lit and populated areas at night. Most tourists travelling to Kenya for safaris spend limited time in the cities, opting to stay within hotel properties after sunset for safety.

Tijuana, Mexico: Border Town with Blurred Safety Lines

Tijuana, a popular destination for those seeking affordable nightlife just across the US border, has seen an increase in safety concerns after dark. While the city is renowned for its vibrant culture, unmarked taxis, gang activity, and territorial disputes have led to warnings for tourists to limit their movements between bars at night. Local authorities recommend staying in groups, avoiding deserted streets, and using recognised drivers for transport.

Though Tijuana offers unique cultural experiences, the after-dark risks mean tourists must remain cautious and plan their routes ahead.

Adapting to New Travel Realities: Staying Safe After Dark

These eight destinations highlight the changing travel landscape, where safety concerns after dark have forced tourists to alter their plans. While these cities remain full of charm and allure, travellers must now prioritise safety, opting for well-lit areas, organised tours, and verified transport over spontaneous nighttime exploration.