Lists about the most awesome places that you absolutely have to visit are very easy to find. But what about a list of the most dangerous cities in the world? If you ever consider planning a trip to any of the destinations in this list, take a zillion precautions and, of course, make sure that you insurance is up to date! Here is a list of the most dangerous cities in the world you would do well to avoid.
1. Mogadishu, Somalia
Why: With millions fighting for their lives in between violent crime and famine, Somalia's largest city is undisputedly the world’s most dangerous city. Ruled by several clans and warlords, Somalia is unsafe for citizens and tourists alike.
Photo of Mogadishu (by CT Snow from Hsinchu, Taiwan)
2. San Perdo Sula, Honduras
Why: It is the most violent city in the world outside a war zone with a murder rate of around 173 per 100,000 residents.
3. Caracas, Venezuela
Why: It’s a haven for people involved in drug trafficking. Robbery and other street crimes are commonplace and the police is quite ineffective.
Photo of a protest in Caracas (by Andrés E. Azpúrua)
4. Nairobi, Kenya
Why: High street crime with mugging and looting being a routine affair, Nairobi is a city you should think twice about visiting. Recently, twin explosions in the city killed around 12 people and left many injured.
Photo of Nairobi during a terrorist incident (by khym54)
5. Cape Town, South Africa
Why: High crime rates due to the prevalent poverty and social unrest makes Cape Town one of the most dangerous cities in the world.
Photo of Cape Town (by András Osvát)
6. Acapulco, Mexico
Why: This once popular tourist destination has transformed into a city of drug lords and criminals and has seen a drastic rise in violent activities.
Photo of Acapulco (by randomaze)
7. Peshawar, Pakistan
Why: With tribes fighting for supremacy, suicide bombings and attack on security forces being the norm, Peshawar qualifies for a place in the list of the most dangerous places in the world.
Photo of Peshawar (by Drsaeed90)
8. Baghdad, Iraq
Why: Unpredictable outbreaks of terrorism, bombings, gunfire and other violent activities being common, Baghdad remains a dangerous place to visit.
Photo of Baghdad (by Robert Smith)
9. Sana'a, Yemen
Why: A politically unstable country and recent fatal al-Qaeda battles with the country’s armed forces makes Yemen another dangerous place you should avoid going to.
Photo of Sana's, Yemen (by stepnout)
10. Kabul, Afghanistan
Why: Although US forces are gradually being removed from the country, the future still remains uncertain as terrorist attacks and bombings still continue to be a common occurrence.
Photo of Kabul (by Christopher Killalea)
So think twice (and maybe thrice) before you plan a trip to any city mentioned in our list of the most dangerous cities in the world. But, of course, if you absolutely must go, be very careful.