Europe is absolutely amazing, but if we are being honest, it’s also home to some seriously skilled pickpockets who view tourists as walking ATMs with fanny packs. But don’t panic! I’m not telling you to skip these incredible places or wrap yourself in bubble wrap and duct tape. But, knowledge is your best defense.
This countdown reveals Europe’s pickpocketing hotspots and shares practical tips to keep your stuff where it belongs: with you. Consider this your street-smart cheat sheet to enjoying Europe’s most stunning (but sticky-fingered) destinations without funding someone else’s shopping spree.
10. Guinness Storehouse, Dublin
The area around Ireland’s top tourist attraction isn’t just flowing with stout, it’s crawling with opportunists targeting tipsy tourists. After a few pints in the Gravity Bar with its amazing city views, visitors often leave with a warm buzz but cooler pockets. The surrounding streets can be particularly dicey, especially when groups are distracted discussing whether Guinness really does taste better in Ireland.
So be smart and keep your celebration in check. Being obviously drunk makes you an easy target. Use your inner pockets or money belts, especially when heading back to your hotel. And maybe save that “I <3 Dublin" shirt purchase for wearing at home because nothing screams "tourist" like new city merchandise and a wobbly walk.
9. Rynek Glowny Central Square, Krakow
This stunning medieval square draws crowds for its beauty, history, and ridiculously affordable pirogies and beer. Unfortunately, it also attracts teams of pickpockets working together to separate you from your belongings. Watch for distractions like street performances, someone “accidentally” bumping into you, or even seemingly friendly locals offering to take your photo.
So keep your phone in your front pocket (not back) when taking photos and stick to cross-body bags with the zipper facing towards you. But there is good news. Krakow remains incredibly affordable, so you can recover from any losses without breaking the bank (though losing your ID still sucks).
8. Acropolis, Athens
While you’re busy contemplating ancient civilization, modern thieves are contemplating your valuables. The hike up to the Acropolis gets crowded, creating perfect conditions for pickpockets who target visitors distracted by both the stunning views and the physical effort of climbing in the Greek heat. The surrounding neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki are also prime hunting grounds.
Stay especially alert when in tight crowds or narrow passages. And take your main photos once you’re settled at the top rather than stopping frequently on the crowded path up. Those “quick photo” moments when you’re juggling a camera and blocking foot traffic are when you’re most vulnerable.
7. Sultanahmet District, Istanbul
This historic district houses the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, drawing massive crowds that blend tourists, locals, and nimble-fingered thieves. A common scam involves someone “helpfully” pointing out bird poop on your shoulder (that they secretly placed there) while an accomplice lifts your wallet during the cleanup. The Grand Bazaar nearby requires equal vigilance with its narrow, crowded pathways.
It is al always a good idea to keep a healthy distance from overly helpful strangers. You can also wear backpacks on your front when in crowded areas (yes, you’ll look dorky, but your stuff will stay yours). And when bargaining with merchants, keep your money separate! Don’t flash a wad of cash that shows exactly how much you’re carrying.
6. Alfama, Lisbon
Lisbon’s oldest district charms visitors with its narrow winding streets and authentic atmosphere. Those same charming narrow passages create perfect pickpocketing opportunities, especially on the famous Tram 28 that squeezes through this historic neighborhood. The combination of tight quarters, tourist cameras pointed at colorful buildings, and jerky tram movements creates a pickpocket’s dream scenario.
On Tram 28, hold bags on your lap with zippers facing you, not standing on the floor. You should also consider visiting Alfama early in the morning when it’s less crowded. At traditional Fado music venues in the evening, keep bags on your lap or between your feet with straps wrapped around your leg (sounds paranoid, but locals do this too). The good news is that Portuguese people are genuinely friendly, so don’t mistake all kindness for scam attempts!
5. Red Light District, Amsterdam
Beyond the infamous window displays, Amsterdam’s Red Light District is a paradise for pickpockets targeting distracted tourists. Between the legal marijuana, colorful windows, and general sensory overload, visitors often let their guard down completely. Crowded “coffee shops” and the narrow bridges over canals are particular hotspots for theft.
Invest in a phone leash because thieves on bikes have perfected the grab-and-go technique here. If you’re partaking in Amsterdam’s legal substances, have a designated “security friend” who stays clearheaded. And never, ever set your bag down, even for that perfect canal-side selfie!
4. Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
This iconic symbol of German reunification draws massive crowds, creating the perfect environment for pickpocket teams to operate. The open plaza around the gate makes it easy for thieves to disappear into crowds after a successful snatch. Street performers and petition-signers often serve as distractions while accomplices work the crowd.
Here you should be wary of charity collectors with clipboards asking for signatures – this is often a distraction technique. Consider using anti-theft bags with locking zippers for extra peace of mind. The adjacent Tiergarten park is gorgeous but keep your belongings secure there too, especially if you’re relaxing on the grass with a typical Berlin beer in hand.
3. Las Ramblas, Barcelona
Barcelona’s most famous street is practically pickpocket university. Professional theft rings operate with disturbing efficiency along this bustling pedestrian boulevard. Watch for the “sandwich technique” where one person stops abruptly in front of you, another bumps you from behind, and a third person relieves you of your valuables during the confusion. Street performers create perfect distractions for teams to work the captivated crowds.
Stay extra vigilant at outdoor café tables and hanging bags on chairs is basically gift-wrapping them for thieves. And those delicious sangria pitchers? They’re fantastic but pace yourself because pickpockets specifically target those showing signs of intoxication. Barcelona is absolutely worth visiting, just channel your inner security guard while enjoying its beauty.
2. Eiffel Tower, Paris
The lines for this iron lady are a pickpocket’s dream come true. You have distracted tourists standing in one place for long periods, often with valuables in easy-to-reach spots. Jackpot! The surrounding Champ de Mars park sees countless visitors with bags set carelessly aside during picnics. Scammers also work the area with petition schemes and friendship bracelet tactics to distract while accomplices do the actual stealing.
So, when taking photos, keep your phone gripped tightly or attached to a wrist strap. Also beware of anyone approaching with clipboards or trying to tie strings around your wrist. Despite these warnings, the Tower’s magic is absolutely worth experiencing but just channel your inner French attitude of elegant suspicion.
1. Trevi Fountain, Rome
Taking the crown as Europe’s pickpocketing capital, Rome’s magnificent Trevi Fountain creates the perfect storm: massive crowds, tourists distracted by the stunning monument, and everyone focused on getting that perfect coin-tossing photo. The narrow surrounding streets provide quick escape routes for thieves after successful snags. Groups of children sometimes work together, with some creating distractions while others handle the actual theft.
This place is always rammed but early morning or very late at night are probably the safest. When tossing your coin, don’t set bags down even for a moment. Despite these warnings, most visitors enjoy the Trevi without incident, and your chance of returning to Rome (according to legend) doesn’t depend on how much cash you’re carrying – just that one coin you toss in!
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