Is Vienna safe?
One of Europe's safest capitals. Pickpockets work the U-Bahn and tourist spots; Praterstern and a few U6 stations feel rough late at night.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 5/5, very safe.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2026-08-20.
- Homicide rate in Austria: 0.9 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Austria: 4.9 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 133 · Ambulance 144 · Fire 122 · All emergencies 112.
Safety in Vienna at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5/5 · Very safe |
| Crime | Pickpocketing in the center, on the U-Bahn and at Christmas markets; bike theft; occasional drug dealing around Karlsplatz and Praterstern. |
| At night | Trains and the U-Bahn run all night on Friday and Saturday; night buses (N lines) on other nights. Walking in central areas is fine. |
| Solo women | Comfortable alone, including at night; normal care around Praterstern and U6 stations. |
| Other risks | Cyclists in bike lanes on pavements; Icy streets in winter |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Costumed 'Mozart concert' ticket sellers near Stephansdom charge inflated prices
- Fake petition or donation collectors near the Ringstrasse
Take care
- Praterstern and parts of the U6 late at night
- Karlsplatz underpass: drug scene
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Motorways and expressways need a vignette; driving without one brings steep fines.
- Nazi symbols and salutes are serious crimes.
- Riding public transport without a valid ticket brings an on-the-spot penalty fare.
How Vienna compares in Austria
Quick answers
Is Vienna safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable alone, including at night; normal care around Praterstern and U6 stations.
Is Vienna safe at night?
Trains and the U-Bahn run all night on Friday and Saturday; night buses (N lines) on other nights. Walking in central areas is fine.
What is the crime rate in Vienna?
Pickpocketing in the center, on the U-Bahn and at Christmas markets; bike theft; occasional drug dealing around Karlsplatz and Praterstern. Nationally, Austria records 0.9 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Vienna?
Police 133 · Ambulance 144 · Fire 122 · All emergencies 112.
More about Vienna
Going to Vienna solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Wiener Linien
- Vienna Airport
- Vienna Tourist Board
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.