Paris — the City of Light and a bucket-list destination for travelers around the world. From iconic landmarks to cozy cafés, it’s a city made for wandering. But is Paris safe?
Like any major city, a little awareness and a few smart safety tips can go a long way in making your stay smooth and stress-free. This Paris Safety Guide will walk you through practical ways to stay safe, avoid common scams, and choose the safest neighborhoods in Paris so you can relax and soak up all the beauty Paris has to offer worry-free.
Is Paris Safe for Tourists?
Overall, Paris is a safe destination — especially for tourists who stick to popular areas.
In general, violent crime is rare in Paris, and most safety concerns involve petty crime, like pickpocketing and tourist-targeted scams.
For perspective, according to the 2025 Crime Index, Paris scores 58.0, compared to New York’s 50.7. However, Paris’ violent crime rate is about three times lower than New York’s. When it comes to petty crime, Paris does see slightly higher rates than New York.
Areas to Be Cautious In (Most Dangerous Places in Paris)
While most of Paris is safe to visit and stay in, there are a few neighborhoods where petty crime is higher or where the atmosphere can feel less comfortable, particularly at night.
1. Northern Parts of the 18th Arrondissement (Beyond Montmartre)
Montmartre itself is charming, popular, and mostly safe during the day. However, be careful with these aggressive street vendors, particularly those running the bracelet scam, as well as pickpockets.
The bracelet scam works like this: a vendor will approach you, often smiling and friendly, and tie a "friendship bracelet" onto your wrist — sometimes without even asking. Once it's on, they'll demand payment, sometimes becoming pushy or aggressive if you refuse. Typically, it starts by asking for around €5 to €10 (about $5 to $11 USD). However, if you seem hesitant or confused, they might drop the price slightly, but they can also become more aggressive and demand €20 or more.
But from north of Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement, the ambiance can shift quickly, particularly in areas like Barbès-Rochechouart, La Chapelle, Porte de la Chapelle, and Porte de Clignancourt. Especially after dark, the environment can become noticeably less tourist-friendly. These areas can feel rough due to loitering groups, open-air drug activity, and occasional confrontations. They are not areas where you'd want to be at night — especially if you're a woman alone.
2. The Area Around Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est (10th Arrondissement)
These major train stations are transportation hubs, attracting large crowds — with them, a higher rate of pickpocketing and loitering. The side streets directly around the stations can feel gritty, especially after dark.
What to watch for:
- Petty crime (pickpockets, bag snatching)
- Scammers targeting tourists with luggage
3. Certain Parts of the 19th and 20th Arrondissements
These outer districts, like the 19th and 20th arrondissements, are more residential and see fewer tourists, which often means fewer security patrols. Belleville is an up-and-coming trendy neighborhood known for its great restaurants, bars, and cultural events. However, some parts of Belleville can feel a little bit intimidating at night, though the area is generally safe.
The areas around La Villette and Stalingrad can also feel uncomfortable after dark, particularly for solo travelers. While these spots are popular for events and nightlife, they can attract loitering groups and have a grittier vibe compared to central Paris.
4. Châtelet–Les Halles (1st Arrondissement)
By day, Châtelet–Les Halles is a bustling shopping area and a major public transportation hub with several lines of metro and RER. Theft does happen, so it's worth staying alert, especially in crowded places. At night, however, the vibe can shift quite a bit differently. The underground mall and surrounding streets tend to attract a rowdier crowd, and there have been reports of theft and occasional confrontations.
5. Super Touristy Sites (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Orsay Museum)
Some of the most iconic landmarks in Paris — like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Musée d'Orsay — are also prime hunting grounds for pickpockets and scammers. These world-famous attractions draw huge crowds, making them ideal places for thieves to blend in and operate unnoticed.
At the Eiffel Tower, you might encounter scammers offering souvenirs, people trying to sell you fake tickets, and the notorious petition scam, where someone asks you to sign for a cause only to pressure you for a donation afterward.
Around the Louvre, pickpockets often work in pairs or small groups, using distraction techniques like asking for directions or bumping into you. Petition scams also happen pretty often around the Louvre.
The Orsay Museum itself is less of a hotspot for theft inside. Still, the area outside, particularly along the Seine, can attract pickpockets, street performers, and vendors — some of whom may use these performances as a cover to scope out distracted tourists.
Sometimes, on bridges along the Seine, especially around Pont des Arts, Pont Neuf, you'll see scammers running street games like the cup-and-ball scam. These are rigged games designed to trick tourists into betting money they'll never win. The best approach? Keep walking and don't engage — the entire crowd might be part of the scam.
These touristy sites are absolutely worth visiting in Paris — just be aware that tourist-heavy areas always attract opportunists, so a little extra vigilance goes a long way.
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay in Paris
Choosing the right neighborhood can have a big impact on your trip, not just for convenience but for peace of mind. Here are some of the safest, most expat-friendly areas in Paris:
1. Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arrondissements)
Trendy, historic, and incredibly walkable, Le Marais is one of the best neighborhoods for first-time visitors to Paris. Known for its charming historical streets, trendy restaurants, quaint cafés, chic fashion boutiques, and museums, Le Marais offers a safe, lively atmosphere that blends old-world charm with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe. It’s busy both day and night, which helps create a secure environment, and its popularity with tourists and local Parisians means there’s a regular police presence to help keep things safe. Plus, Le Marais is very English-speaker friendly, with a number of expat residents as well as many restaurants, shops, and hotels accustomed to welcoming international visitors.
2. Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement)
This upscale, historic district, Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th district), is home to iconic literary cafés like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, along with prestigious art galleries and high-end boutiques, making it a favorite for visitors seeking both elegance and charm. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is also considered one of the safest areas to stay in Paris, thanks to its affluent reputation, consistent police presence, and a steady flow of both tourists and locals at all hours, all of which create a comfortable and secure atmosphere for visitors.
3. The 7th Arrondissement
The 7th Arrondissement, located on the Left Bank, is widely considered one of the wealthiest and most prestigious neighborhoods in Paris — and also one of the safest. Its elegant residential streets, along with the presence of numerous embassies, governmental institutions, and high-end residences, contribute to its strong security presence. The area is particularly popular with families, expats, and diplomats, and thanks to its high level of monitoring by local authorities, visitors can confidently explore the neighborhood both day and night.
4. The Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement)
The Latin Quarter offers a vibrant blend of student energy, rich history, and cultural charm, making it one of Paris's most lively and enjoyable areas to explore. Home to the famed Sorbonne University, the neighborhood's cafés, bookshops, and historic sites create a welcoming atmosphere, particularly around the Pantheon and Jardin des Plantes. With its well-lit streets, constant foot traffic, and friendly, youthful vibe, the Latin Quarter feels safe and inviting for visitors both day and night.
Common Tourist Scams to Avoid
While Paris is generally safe, there are a few well-known scams that target tourists, especially in popular areas like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Montmartre, and near major metro stations, including Châtelet–Les Halles, Gare de Lyon, Saint-Lazare, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Here are some of the most common ones — and how to avoid falling victim:
Petition Scam
A person, often a young woman or teenager, approaches you with a clipboard asking you to sign a petition for a "good cause" — animal rights, children's welfare, etc. Once you sign, they demand a donation, often getting pushy if you refuse. In some cases, they also use the distraction to let an accomplice pick your pocket.
How to avoid: Ignore anyone approaching you with a clipboard. Politely say "no thank you" and keep walking.
Bracelet Scam
The Bracelet Scam is especially common near Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre. A vendor will grab your wrist and tie a "friendship bracelet" around it — often without asking permission — then demand payment. They may become pushy and aggressive if you refuse.
How to avoid: Keep your hands close to your body and firmly decline any offers of free items or anyone trying to touch you.
Gold Ring Scam
Someone (usually near popular tourist sites) "finds" a gold ring on the ground and offers it to you, claiming it must be valuable. They'll insist you keep it, then quickly demand a cash reward for their "honesty." The ring is, of course, worthless.
How to avoid: If someone offers you a found item, refuse and walk away — it's always a scam.
Cup-and-Ball Scam
Often found on bridges along the Seine, around Pont Neuf, Pont des Arts, and occasionally near major tourist spots, this scam involves a street hustler moving a ball between three cups, inviting passersby to bet on where the ball is. It may look fun and spontaneous, but the game is rigged, and the surrounding "crowd" often includes accomplices pretending to win to lure you in.
How to avoid: Don't stop to watch, and never place a bet — the game is always fixed, and the entire setup is designed to part you from your cash.
Fake Metro Tickets
Outside some metro stations, scammers pose as helpful locals offering to sell you metro tickets. These are often used, fake, or invalid, leaving you stuck at the turnstile — or fined if caught by metro inspectors.
How to avoid: Always buy tickets directly from official machines inside the station or use a contactless card for payment.
Smart Safety Tips for Visiting Paris
- Use an anti-theft bag or crossbody bag, and always keep the zippers fully closed. Keep your bag in front of you in crowded areas, especially on public transportation and in tourist hotspots.
- Avoid flashing valuables such as your phone, jewelry, expensive cameras, or luxury brand shopping bags, especially when walking in crowded areas, on the metro, or sitting at outdoor cafés near the street.
- Be extra cautious on the metro, particularly when the doors are about to close — this is a prime moment for grab-and-run thefts, where a thief snatches your phone or bag just before the doors shut, leaving you trapped inside the train while they escape. It's safest to avoid using your phone near the doors and keep a firm grip on all belongings.
- Stay alert in crowded metro cars, especially near major stations like Châtelet–Les Halles, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Chaussée d'Antin — La Fayette, Gare du Nord, and Barbès-Rochechouart, where pickpockets often operate in teams, using distractions like bumps or commotions to grab your belongings.
- Be wary of overly friendly strangers, particularly anyone who approaches you offering unsolicited help, gifts, or petitions to sign. Many of these interactions are distraction scams designed to divert your attention while an accomplice targets your valuables.
- Stick to well-lit, busy streets, especially at night. Avoid taking shortcuts through deserted alleys or poorly lit parks.If a place or situation feels uncomfortable, trust your gut and leave — whether it's a metro station, a street corner, or even a bar.
- Use only official taxis (found at marked taxi stands) or reliable ride-sharing apps like Uber. Avoid accepting rides from unlicensed drivers who approach you near train stations or tourist areas.
- Be discreet with maps and phones when navigating, especially if you need to check directions. Step inside a café or shop to avoid drawing attention on the sidewalk.
- Don't hang bags or jackets on the backs of chairs at cafés or restaurants — keep them on your lap or between your feet.
- Keep a photocopy of your passport and store it separately from your actual passport in case of loss or theft.
Emergency Numbers
Save these in your phone before you go:
- Police & Emergency Services (Europe-wide): 112 (works across Europe)
- Police Direct Line (France): 17
- Fire Department (Pompiers): 18
- Medical Emergency (SAMU): 15
- US Embassy in Paris: +33 1 43 12 22 22
- Tourist Assistance Line (for advice and reporting theft): +33 1 47 03 99 00
- English-Speaking Medical Service (SOS Médecins): +33 1 47 07 77 77
- Lost or Stolen Credit Cards (Visa Global Assistance): +1 303 967 1096 (US-based, available internationally)
- Lost or Stolen Credit Cards (Mastercard Assistance): +1 636 722 7111 (US-based, available internationally)
- Paris Taxi Dispatch (official taxis): +33 1 45 30 30 30
Paris is a beautiful, exciting city, and with a little preparation, your stay can be just as safe as it is unforgettable. By choosing the right neighborhoods, staying aware, and knowing what to avoid, you’ll be able to focus on the fun — and not the stress.
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