Written by: Ibrahim Molough and Nayonika Manna
It’s no secret that Copenhagen ranks among the world’s most liveable cities— known for its picturesque canals, colourful facades, and innovative cycling infrastructure. But its appeal goes far beyond aesthetics. Safety is a major factor that contributes to the quality of life in the Danish capital, and recent studies confirm its reputation.
In The Economist’s Safe Cities Index 2021, Copenhagen was ranked the safest city in the world, overtaking Tokyo from last year’s data, thanks to strong digital security, low crime rates, and effective infrastructure.
A more recent confirmation comes from the European Union’s 2023 Report on the Quality of Life in European Cities, where Copenhagen again comes out on top. However, this second ranking is based on residents’ perception of safety — meaning it’s a reflection of how secure people feel, which, while valuable, is more subjective than hard crime data.
But what do the locals and expats have to say?
“Overall, when I’m wandering in the city, I feel safe,” says Alberte, a local resident. Alma, another Dane, adds, “When I think about what’s happening in America with gun violence, we don’t have that here.”
Marine, who moved from Greece to Copenhagen nine years ago, sees a noticeable difference. “I feel safe, even at night. But it’s not perfect — some of my expat friends have had things stolen, so I’ve become more cautious.” Despite this, she insists that violent incidents are rare. “If I had kids, I’d feel totally fine letting them walk alone here. That wouldn’t be the case in Athens,” she concludes.
In the end, both the statistics and the testimonies align: Copenhagen doesn’t just appear safe — for many who live there, it feels safe too.
This article would appeal to globally minded professionals, experts, and urban lifestyle enthusiasts and could be well-suited for publications like Monocle, The Local, or Courrier International.