Fact Check: Is Ljubljana safe?

Is Ljubljana Safe?

The claim regarding the safety of Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia, has garnered attention, particularly among travelers and residents. Various sources provide differing perspectives on the safety of this city, with some highlighting its low crime rates and others pointing out specific incidents that may raise concerns. This article will explore the available evidence surrounding the safety of Ljubljana, critically evaluating the sources and their reliability.

What We Know

1. Crime Rates: Slovenia is reported to have a low rate of serious crime, with petty crimes being more common. The Australian government's travel advice notes that while serious crime is rare, visitors should be cautious of their belongings, especially on public transport [2].

2. Safety Rankings: According to a ranking by Best Diplomats, Ljubljana is listed as the third safest city in Europe, with a safety index of 78.6 [4][5]. This ranking is based on various safety measures, including the efficiency and security of public transport.

3. Public Perception: A survey conducted by Numbeo indicates that 90.50% of respondents feel safe walking alone during the day, while 76.82% feel safe at night [3]. However, it is important to note that the data is based on user-generated content, which may introduce bias.

4. Global Peace Index: Slovenia ranks among the top 10 safest countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index, which evaluates various factors including crime rates, political stability, and social safety [8].

5. Specific Incidents: There have been isolated incidents of violence, such as a shooting in 2023 linked to organized crime, which raises questions about safety in specific contexts [3]. However, these incidents are not representative of the overall safety landscape.

Analysis

The sources consulted present a mixed picture of safety in Ljubljana.

• Government and Official Sources: The Australian travel advisory [2] and the Global Peace Index [8] are credible sources, as they are published by government entities and reputable organizations that utilize systematic methodologies to assess safety. However, they may have a bias towards promoting travel to Slovenia.

• Ranking Organizations: The Best Diplomats ranking [4][5] is less transparent regarding its methodology. While it claims to assess safety based on various factors, the lack of detailed criteria raises questions about the reliability of its findings. Rankings can be influenced by subjective perceptions rather than objective data.

• User-Generated Data: The Numbeo safety index [3] relies on contributions from users, which can introduce bias based on individual experiences. While it provides valuable insights into public perception, it may not accurately reflect the overall safety situation.

• Contextual Factors: The mention of specific violent incidents, such as the 2023 shooting, indicates that while Ljubljana may be generally safe, there are localized risks that could affect perceptions of safety. This highlights the importance of considering both statistical data and anecdotal evidence when evaluating safety claims.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence suggests that Ljubljana is generally a safe city, supported by low crime rates, high public safety perceptions, and favorable rankings in safety indices. The Australian government's travel advice and the Global Peace Index reinforce this view, indicating that serious crime is rare and that Slovenia is among the safest countries globally.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the nuances in this conclusion. While the overall safety is high, isolated incidents of violence, such as the 2023 shooting, indicate that localized risks exist. Additionally, some sources, particularly user-generated data, may reflect subjective experiences that do not capture the complete picture of safety.

The limitations of the available evidence should also be noted. Rankings and surveys can be influenced by biases and may not always employ transparent methodologies. Therefore, while the claim that Ljubljana is safe is supported by substantial evidence, it is prudent for individuals to remain aware of their surroundings and exercise caution, especially in unfamiliar areas.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information themselves and consider both statistical data and anecdotal experiences when assessing safety in any location.

Sources

1. U.S. Department of State. (2023). 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Slovenia. Retrieved from State.gov
2. Australian Government. (2025). Slovenia Travel Advice & Safety. Retrieved from Smartraveller.gov.au
3. Numbeo. (2025). Crime in Ljubljana. Safety in Ljubljana. Retrieved from Numbeo.com
4. City of Ljubljana. (2023). Ljubljana is among the ten safest cities in Europe. Retrieved from Ljubljana.si
5. The Slovenia. (2024). Ljubljana is the third safest city in Europe in 2024. Retrieved from The-Slovenia.com
6. Travel Safe Abroad. (2025). Is Ljubljana Safe for Travel RIGHT NOW? Retrieved from Travelsafe-abroad.com
7. Schengen Visa Info. (2023). These Are the 10 Highest-Ranked EU Cities for Safety. Retrieved from Schengenvisainfo.com
8. Slovenia Tourism. (n.d.). Safety and security in Slovenia. Retrieved from Slovenia.info