Is Paris Safe For Travel? What You Need to Know

Paris seems to be the most loved or most hated city among travelers these days. Some adore its classic charm, dazzling lights, delicious patisserie, and high-class fashion. Others ramble about its cleanliness, rampant phone-snatching thieves, and rude French waiters. Paris is one of my favorite cities, and I love it so much! Despite its controversial reputation, millions visit the City of Lights, and that’s only positioned to increase with the 2024 Olympics in Paris this July. Whether you’re wondering, “Is Paris safe?”, looking for information on Paris’s crime rate, or finding the safest place to stay in Paris, this comprehensive guide will address all your concerns. So, is Paris safe?

A Comprehensive Look at Paris Crime Rates

According to Numbeo, the Paris crime rate (crime index) is 57.74, and the safety index is 42.26. This means that Paris has moderate crime levels and moderate safety. For violent crime, Statista shows that it has increased from 2016 to 2023. From the data, Paris is a reasonably safe city. While there are crime concerns, they are not overwhelmingly high compared to other major cities worldwide.

Violent crime is relatively rare but not unheard of, particularly during nighttime. As a tourist, you are very unlikely to face violent crime. Your biggest worry will be petty scams and pickpocketing.

The U.S. State Department gives France a level 2 advisory, telling visitors to exercise increased caution when visiting France. This is due to terrorism and civil unrest, with the potential for terrorist attacks in Paris. Peaceful demonstrations and strikes often occur in Paris, regularly disrupting transportation or closing down central streets.

Is Paris Safe for Travel?

Yes, Paris is safe for travel! It’s not unsafe, nor is it extremely secure, either. Its safety and crime index falls in the middle compared to other European cities. More than 20 million people visit each year without encountering any significant issues. However, crowded tourist areas have an increased risk of petty theft, like any major metropolis.

If you come from a safe city like Tokyo or Copenhagen, Paris might feel more unsafe than usual. But if you’re coming from a big city like New York or Sao Paolo, known for being less safe, Paris will feel pretty average or even safer than usual. I’m from near San Francisco, known for having unsafe areas, and Paris felt moderately safe to me!

Most importantly, as long as you are aware of your surroundings, carry some street smarts, and are careful about your belongings, you will be fine in Paris.

American Xenophobia

Americans are friendly and respectful tourists (most of the time). But we seem to have a bad reputation in Paris for being stupid, dumb, and loud, which makes for lousy treatment in restaurants, cafes, and more. So much so that someone might comment if they hear you speaking English with an American accent. Crazy, right? While no one will physically bother you, some peoples’ attitudes or service towards you might not be as warm. Then again, service in Paris is generally direct and to the point, so adjusting expectations is a good idea!

Racism

France also has a reputation for being discriminatory towards minorities (colonization, anyone?). So, if you’re a minority, you probably wonder if you’ll be okay in Paris. For the most part, you should be fine in Paris since it’s the largest city in France and extremely diverse. There are many ethnic enclaves (African, Vietnamese, Middle Eastern, etc.), and you’ll see people from all walks of life on the street, in stores, and on public transport.

My Experience: I am Asian-American and experienced no discrimination in Paris. I felt like I was living my best life and didn’t worry about someone attacking or berating me. There are lots of Asian people in Paris. Paris has one of the highest concentrations of Vietnamese people outside of Vietnam, so it was nice to feel like I blended in.

Is it Safe to Travel Solo in Paris?

Yes, Paris is safe for solo travel! Arguably, traveling solo might be better as you draw less attention to yourself than traveling with a group. Paris has over 11 million inhabitants, and it’s a lively city, so people walk around at almost all hours, so rarely do you find yourself alone. And as with most big cities, people tend to keep to themselves and won’t bat an eyelash if you’re alone.

As long as you blend in with other people, don’t draw too much attention to yourself, and don’t make it obvious you’re alone, you will be unbothered.

Is Paris Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

For the most part, yes. Paris is generally safe for solo female travellers, especially if you are European-looking and dress conventionally. As someone who visit Paris for two weeks as a solo female traveller, I feel safe and had a great experience. People keep to themselves and won’t bat an eyelash if you’re alone. Thousands of women commute to and from work, school, dates, etc., daily, and you’ll see many women going about their daily lives peacefully.

However, although no one harassed me in Paris, there are dozens of stories of women being harassed in Paris or feeling objectified. Unfortunately, that feeling of never letting your guard down follows you in every large city, and it’s possible that it might happen to you.

Is it Safe to Walk Around Paris at Night?

Paris becomes alive when the sun sets, with bars, clubs, cafes, bookstores, and much more to see, including catching the Eiffel Tower’s twinkling lights. And it’s pretty safe to walk around well-lit and busy areas like the Champs-Élysées, Le Marais, Montmartre, etc. Like any big city, you’ll see plenty of people walking to and from work, to dinner, to go out, and more.

However, don’t walk in secluded areas, down dimly lit alleys, large parks, or areas known for having more drug-related activities. Paris doesn’t become especially dangerous at night, so using some precautions is enough to stay safe and happy. I tried my best not to stay out too late after dark in Paris because that meant I’d have to be more aware of my surroundings when commuting back to my accommodation.

Public Transportation Safety in Paris

Paris public transportation is very safe, and thousands of Parisians use it daily to commute to work, home, dinner, and more. Metro cars are standard, some newer and cleaner than others. Station officers are always walking around; sometimes, you’ll even see police officers. Most people on public transport keep to themselves and patiently wait to get to their destination.

However, it can get crowded during commute hours (like sardines in a can), so avoid going during peak times. And, like most European cities, the more crowded it is, the higher the risk of pickpocketing. But as long as you keep your belongings out of sight and close to your body, no one will successfully pickpocket you. You can use bags with zippers or tote bags to prevent someone from easily reaching your items.

At night, public transportation is still safe. Most passengers are tired from work and often fall asleep commuting back home. You won’t really see noisy or rowdy people unless you are near bar areas. You may find sparsely populated cars, so always move to one with more people if you feel less safe.

Here’s how to get from Paris to London via the train!

Safest Places to Stay in Paris

Paris has 20 arrondissements (districts), each with its unique character. Most areas in the city center are pretty safe, and neighboring suburbs are extremely safe. Here are some popular safe neighborhoods to stay in Paris:

Le Marais (3rd and 4th)

Le Marais is one of Paris’s most charming and historic districts, known for its narrow medieval streets, trendy boutiques, and amazing food. It’s one of my favorite areas in Paris and feels like a small village. Marais means ‘marshland’ in English, as the area was built on top of an old marsh. There are tons to do in this area, and a lot of my favorite cafes and shops are in Le Marais.

If you stay here, you’re central to many great Parisian shopping, dining, entertainment, and nightlife. There are also multiple metro stations in Le Marais as well. There are always people out, so you never feel alone or unsafe. Le Marais has the best nightlife in my opinion, with world-class bars literally on the same street!

Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th)

Saint-Germain-des-Pres is similar to Le Marais but think of it as Le Marais’ older sister. A little more refined and a little older. It’s a prestigious neighborhood on the Left Bank, home to great Parisian writers and international artists for centuries. Art galleries, literary cafes, bookstores, boutiques, and great nightlife make it a great safe place to stay in Paris.

It’s also an upscale area, perfect for if you’re seeking a more refined Parisian experience.

Bourse (2nd)

The 2nd Arrondissement is Paris’ smallest neighborhood and is also the center of finance in Paris. Bourse means ‘stock exchange’ in English. You’d expect a financial district to have towering skyscrapers, but it couldn’t look more different. The 2nd Arrondissement has the most glass-covered shopping arcades, where you’ll find hidden cafes, boutiques, art galleries, and more. There are also excellent restaurants and a high-end side to Bourse with fancy hotels and boutiques.

You have amazing access to the Galleries Lafayette, Tuileries Garden, Louvre, and other tourist attractions without the crowds.

Saint Cloud (Local Experience)

If you’re looking for a local experience in Paris, I highly recommend staying in a Parisian suburb vs. the city center. It’s more affordable, quiet, and not as busy as the city center of Paris. I stayed in Saint Cloud during my last trip to Paris and absolutely loved it.

It’s safe, peaceful, and only 20 minutes to the city center by light rail. The Paris suburbs are perfect for anyone who likes staying in peace and quiet but has the city accessible by public transportation.

Where Not to Stay in Paris

No specific arrondissement is more unsafe than the other, so telling you which Arrondissement is safer is not very helpful. For example, if you visit San Francisco, most locals will tell you to steer clear of the Tenderloin, which is known for having large populations of drug users and unhoused individuals.

When picking where to stay, it’s more helpful to know what you want to be close to, like grocery stores, shopping, public transport, etc. And in terms of safety, it’s more important to know what to look out for when you’re out and about.

Like most big cities, Paris has less safe areas, which I’ll get into now.

Less Safe Areas of Paris

While you’re exploring beautiful Paris, here are some less safe areas you should know ahead of time:

• The Lower Level of the Seine at Night
  • Next to the Seine River is a lower-level walking path popular for walking, running, and biking. It’s lovely during the day and early evening for a pre- or post-dinner walk. However, the path goes under several bridges that can get very dark at night. I don’t recommend walking there alone at night because visibility is low and fewer people are around.
• Major Train Stations at Night
  • Main train stations like Gare du Lyon and Gare L’est are hotspots for drunk and unhoused people, as well as drug users. There are more rowdy people at night, but if you need to catch a late-night train, people shouldn’t bother you too much. You might be uncomfortable or slightly anxious, but you’ll get to the train without problems.
• Champs-Élysées During Celebrations or Protests
  • If you catch yourself in Paris during the World Cup or any major sporting event that has a fan base in Paris, steer clear of the Champs-Élysées. Most celebrators (or protestors) gather at the Champs-Élysées, closer to the Arc de Triomphe. I was there when Morocco beat Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and it was fun at first with the cheering and the fireworks, but navigating the crowd and leaving the area was a nightmare.
  • The police closed all nearby metro stations to the Champs-Élysées, so I walked nearly 40 minutes to the next one. The crowd also consumes the sidewalk, with little to no space to wiggle through. Crowd-crush is entirely possible there, so please be careful and make sure you have an out if you decide to celebrate or protest.

Saint Denis’ Reputation

Saint-Denis, or the 10th Arrondissement, has a reputation for being unsafe, and while it is where the main train stations are, it’s definitely not as dangerous as people make it to be. The Arrondissement is more working-class, and many immigrants live there. The streets are always lively, with food and grocery stalls, and people walk outside and live their daily lives.

If you’re a solo woman, you might get some looks here and there, but no verbal or physical harassment. I was definitely shocked visiting for the first time, as it’s a little dirtier and busier than other arrondissements. Still, it’s nothing out of the ordinary, especially comparing it to areas like S.F. or N.Y.

It’s not the quintessential French Paris people expect, but it is daily Parisian life, where people are working, buying groceries, running errands, and living in France.

So, with that, let’s talk about pickpocketing in Paris.

Pickpocketing in Paris

Pickpocketing is a common concern for travelers in many major cities, and Paris is no exception. Popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Louvre, and crowded times on public transport can be a prime target for pickpockets. Understanding how pickpockets operate can help you keep your belongings safe.

How Pickpockets Operate

Pickpockets often work in teams and use various tactics to distract and steal from unsuspecting tourists. Common techniques include:

• Spilling:
  • Someone may spill something on you and offer to clean it, and while you’re distracted, someone else will pickpocket you. The same person might even do it.
• Asking for Help:
  • It works similarly to someone spilling something on you. While you’re distracted, they or someone else will pickpocket you!
• Using Crowds:
  • The most popular way for pickpocketing is to pickpocket you in close quarters where they’re less likely to be caught.
• Snatching Loose Phones:
  • This is particularly infamous in Paris, where leaving a phone on a table or chair or leaning it against something for a photo is a bad idea. Similarly, don’t have your phone in your back pocket or in your lap. Phone snatchers happen instantly, from someone passing by on foot or bike, and by the time you realize it’s gone, it’s too late! Keep your phone in your bag or in your hand.
  • If you’re on the metro, watch out for phone snatchers when standing close to the doors. There have been instances of people taking phones right before the doors close, and you’re out of luck.

So, always be aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings hard to take and out of reach, and leave valuables at home! The harder you make it for someone to steal from you, the less likely you’ll part with your belongings. You don’t need to buy a special bag, just be smart with your things.

In addition to pickpocketing, you should know some common scams in Paris that could lead to pickpocketing or forceful money-giving.

Common Petty Scams You Should Know

Here are some common scams to watch out for in Paris, specifically in tourist-heavy areas:

• Petition Scam
  • Someone will approach you with a clipboard and a petition. They may claim to represent a fake charity or cause, asking for your signature and a donation. While you’re distracted, another scammer may pick your pocket or bag. If they approach you, politely decline and walk away. Be extra cautious of your belongings when they ask you!
• Gold Ring Scam
  • A stranger pretends to find a gold ring on the ground near you, picks it up, and offers it to you, insisting it’s real gold and a lucky find. If you accept it, they demand money as a reward or claim to be in need and ask you to buy the ring at a “bargain” price. Whatever you do, don’t take the ring from them and walk away. If you do take the ring, drop it and walk away.
• Bracelet Scam
  • This scam typically involves a friendly stranger approaching you with a bracelet, saying it’s free. They might grab your wrist and tie the bracelet before you can refuse. Once it’s on, they demand payment, often aggressively.
  • Similar to the gold ring, don’t accept the bracelet or let them put it on you. A bracelet is much harder to remove than a ring, and the people offering bracelets usually work in groups, so you may get cornered. Either ignore or walk away from strangers holding bracelets! Funnily enough, this scam is quite common in Italy as well.

Paris Safety Tips

Aside from knowing what areas to avoid and common scams in Paris, here are some Paris safety tips that will help you have a good experience.

• Learn Basic French + Greet People in French
  • Parisians are very particular about being greeted and greeting others with ‘Bonjour’ before any interaction. Learn some basic French and French culture and get familiar before your trip.
• Leave Valuables at Home
  • Don’t make yourself a target by wearing expensive jewelry or accessories.
• Keep Belongings Secure
  • Use a bag with a zipper, one you can keep hidden or in eyesight for reassurance. Loose items will always be more at risk of being pickpocketed.
• Avoid People Approaching You
  • Most French people keep to themselves and don’t approach strangers without reason. If there were tourists in your hometown, would you approach them? If someone approaches you and you’re unsure of their intentions, be cautious and keep your distance.
• Blend In
  • Now, I am not telling you what to wear—what you want on your trip! However, if you don’t want to draw attention to yourself and want to blend in, dress like how Parisians do. The fashion varies widely depending on the age, but most French people (or Europeans in general) look put together in public. Muted or classic colors like black, white, beige, etc. are also popular as well.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Important Numbers in Paris

Finally, if you ever find yourself in an emergency, here are some important numbers to note (available 24 hours):

• Ambulance via French Emergency Medical Assistance Service (SAMU) — 15
• Police Number — 17
• Fire Service — 18
• SOS Help – French mental health helpline for English speakers — 01 46 21 46 46 (3 pm to 11 pm)

Enjoy Paris!

Paris is like any other big city for safety; it has its safer and less safe areas, but overall it is a relatively safe city. Violent crime is rare, and tourists really only need to worry about keeping their belongings secure. As long as you are aware of your surroundings and know what to avoid, you’ll be safe and happy exploring the beautiful, timeless city of Paris. Make sure to greet people with ‘Bonjour!’ and have the best time in one of my favorite cities in the world. Happy travels!