Pickpocket Hotspots in Europe and How to Avoid Them

Europe is a traveller’s dream: ancient cities, cultural richness, bustling markets, and charming streets at every turn. But along with the continent’s allure comes a less glamorous reality—pickpocketing. In some of the most visited European cities, petty theft is an unfortunate, if common, part of the travel landscape.

Whether you’re navigating a packed metro in Paris or marvelling at Gaudí’s architecture in Barcelona, staying vigilant is essential. This guide highlights Europe’s top pickpocket hotspots, explains how these scams operate, and offers practical traveller tips to improve your pickpocket safety without letting paranoia spoil the adventure.

Why Pickpocketing Is So Common in Europe

Unlike violent crime, which is rare in much of Europe, pickpocketing thrives in tourist-heavy areas for three key reasons:

• Distraction: Tourists are focused on sights, maps, or their phones.
• Density: Crowds make it easy for thieves to brush past undetected.
• Opportunity: Easy targets often carry cash, cameras, and unlocked phones.

Pickpockets are often skilled, subtle, and surprisingly organised—sometimes operating in pairs or small groups.

Europe’s Top Pickpocket Hotspots

Here’s a list of cities and specific locations where extra vigilance is strongly advised:

1. Barcelona, Spain

Hotspots:

• La Rambla (especially at night)
• Metro L3 (especially between Liceu and Drassanes)
• Sagrada Família and Park Güell

Tactics:

• Distraction scams involving flowers, petitions, or sudden “accidents”
• Unzipped backpacks or phones placed on café tables

Traveller Tips:

• Keep your valuables close in zipped, front-facing bags
• Never leave your phone on an outdoor table—grab-and-run thefts are common

2. Rome, Italy

Hotspots:

• Termini Station
• Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps
• Vatican Museum queues

Tactics:

• Groups of children asking for coins or “help”
• Fake officials checking your “documents” or “tickets”

Traveller Tips:

• Be suspicious of anyone asking for signatures, especially near monuments
• Use money belts or internal pockets, not backpacks for valuables

3. Paris, France

Hotspots:

• Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro
• Métro lines 1 and 4
• Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur

Tactics:

• Bracelet scam near Montmartre (they tie something on your wrist, demand money)
• Metro crowd surges, especially during boarding or delays

Traveller Tips:

• Stand with your back to a wall or pillar when stationary
• Don’t engage with petitioners or overly friendly strangers

4. Prague, Czech Republic

Hotspots:

• Old Town Square
• Charles Bridge
• Trams 9, 17, and 22

Tactics:

• Bag slashing in dense tourist crowds
• Team diversions (one asks a question, another steals from behind)

Traveller Tips:

• Wear your backpack on your front in crowded areas
• Avoid withdrawing cash in public ATMs in high-traffic spots

5. Athens, Greece

Hotspots:

• Omonia and Monastiraki stations
• Acropolis and Plaka neighbourhood
• Central market areas

Tactics:

• Pickpockets on packed metro cars
• Distraction via staged falls or loud commotion

Traveller Tips:

• Use crossbody bags that fully zip and wear them in front
• Always keep one hand on your bag in crowded metro stations

6. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hotspots:

• Red Light District
• Central Station
• Dam Square and nearby trams

Tactics:

• Confusion created by street performers or rowdy groups
• Bicycle theft (if you’re renting one)

Traveller Tips:

• Lock your bike with two locks and never leave bags in baskets
• At bars or clubs, don’t leave jackets or bags unattended—even briefly

7. Lisbon, Portugal

Hotspots:

• Tram 28
• Alfama and Bairro Alto
• Miradouros (viewpoints)

Tactics:

• Bump-and-grab on trams or in elevators
• Distraction at scenic overlooks with vendors or musicians

Traveller Tips:

• Avoid standing by tram doors—this is a favourite exit point for thieves
• Keep your phone tucked away when enjoying views or snapping selfies

8. London, United Kingdom

Hotspots:

• Oxford Street and Leicester Square
• London Underground (especially Circle and Central Lines)
• Camden Market

Tactics:

• Theft during escalator use—especially while distracted
• Grab-and-run phone theft near open-air markets or while seated outdoors

Traveller Tips:

• Keep handbags zipped and in front of you on public transport
• Avoid using your phone near open train carriage doors or bus stops

Common Pickpocketing Tactics to Watch For

Understanding the tactics is half the battle. Here are some common scams:

1. The Petition Scam

You’re asked to sign a clipboard or petition, often by children or teens. While your hands are busy, their accomplice is helping themselves to your bag.

2. Fake Accidents or Distractions

Someone spills something on you or drops coins. As you help, another person relieves you of your belongings.

3. Crowd Surge

Sudden commotions (real or staged) lead to tight physical contact—an ideal moment for pickpockets to strike.

4. Over-Friendliness

Someone starts dancing with you in a bar or hugs you playfully. Their hands are in your pockets before you realise what’s happened.

Traveller Tips: How to Outsmart Pickpockets

Here’s how to increase your pickpocket safety without becoming overly cautious:

1. Wear Anti-Theft Gear

Invest in:

• Crossbody bags with slash-resistant straps
• Lockable zippers or clip-on fasteners
• Money belts or hidden neck pouches

Bonus: Pacsafe, Osprey, and Travelon make excellent theft-resistant travel bags.

2. Keep Essentials Separate

Avoid putting all your valuables in one place. Instead:

• Keep small amounts of cash in different pockets
• Store your passport and backup cards in your day bag or under clothes
• Use cloud storage for copies of travel documents

3. Be Alert in Transit Zones

Bus stations, train platforms, and metro cars are prime hunting grounds.

• Enter carriages away from the door if possible
• Keep bags in your lap or wrapped around your leg
• Never leave luggage unattended, even for a few seconds

4. Watch Your Tech Habits

Phones and cameras are the most targeted items.

• Don’t leave your phone on café tables or beside you on a bench
• Use wrist straps for cameras
• Be mindful when using phones for navigation—especially near exits or crowded sidewalks

5. Don’t Be the Obvious Tourist

You don’t need to disguise yourself, but avoid:

• Flashing maps or large cameras around your neck
• Wearing bags open or loosely slung over one shoulder
• Walking with headphones in while unaware of your surroundings

If You’re Pickpocketed: What to Do

Despite best efforts, theft can still happen. If it does:

Step 1: Stay Calm

Panicking won’t help. Take a moment to collect yourself.

Step 2: Notify Authorities

Report the theft to local police—even if recovery is unlikely, you’ll need documentation for insurance.

Step 3: Cancel Cards Immediately

Use your banking app or call your provider. Many banks offer emergency replacements abroad.

Step 4: Contact Your Embassy

If your passport is stolen, contact your country’s consulate or embassy for emergency replacement.

Step 5: Revisit Your Itinerary

Some tourist offices offer assistance or direct you to safe spaces. Take time to decompress before moving forward.

Key Takeaway

Pickpocketing is opportunistic, not personal. Thieves target what’s easy, not who’s deserving. By staying alert and preparing intelligently, you can enjoy Europe’s treasures without becoming an easy target.

The goal isn’t to fear every passerby—it’s to move through your journey confidently, consciously, and with a little streetwise savvy.

Travel Smart, Not Scared

Europe is filled with life-changing views, flavours, and friendships—and you deserve to enjoy them without stress. Being aware of your surroundings, taking practical precautions, and understanding common tactics are simple ways to enhance your pickpocket safety.

So cinch that crossbody bag, zip your pocket, and hit the streets—because a smart traveller sees the world without losing their wallet.