When we think of Paris, we think of crêpes, croissants, cool museums, and whatnot! The City of Light is a dream that every tourist, student, or even professional wants to live. However, we often get overwhelmed by the glamorous Parisian streets and barely look up anything about the areas to avoid in Paris. For example, pickpocketing is by far the most significant problem here, but there’s more around every turn. Of course, this does not mean you should not pack your berets and bags and already picture yourself standing in front of the Eiffel Tower! So, until you find a friend in the City of Love, this guide will keep you safe. Here, we will discuss the common problems people face in dangerous neighbourhoods in Paris. Also, to make sure you have the best time of your life, we will talk about useful safety tips in Paris.
Is Paris Safe?
There may be several areas to avoid in Paris, but these are not the most dangerous places in the world. In 2023, Numbeo (a crowd-sourced global safety index) ranked Paris 74th out of 468 cities in terms of safety. While the number does not look bad and violent crimes rarely occur, phone, car, and wallet thefts are pretty common. The city is divided into 20 arrondissem*nts, and you can make a list of unsafe areas in Paris. However, while exploring the beauty of Paname, you should be cautious like you would be in any other large city on Earth. While the 10th arrondissem*nt is popular for its hip vibe, crime rates have increased. Similarly, locals suggest staying vigilant in the areas around Bois de Boulogne.
8 Areas to Avoid in Paris: Things to Keep in Mind
When you are already travelling on a budget, sudden setbacks like a stolen wallet or phone can be a downer. If you are cautious about the places to avoid in Paris, a beautiful journey awaits you. Keep these neighbourhoods in mind when planning your itinerary, and have a gala time ahead!
1. The Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est
When to Avoid: After 10 PM
Common Crime: Pickpocketing
Crime Rate: Moderate to high
As mentioned earlier, the 10th arrondissem*nt is one of the neighbourhoods to avoid in Paris. Though many will suggest you stay here, owing to the international railways nearby, the area can be dodgy. It has become one of the areas to avoid in Paris due to people selling drugs at night. You might even find people high on drugs or alcohol, compel you to buy illegal substances, pickpocket, and fight. For this reason, it may be the worst neighbourhood in Paris for students or tourists.
2. Les Halles
When to Avoid: On weekends
Common Crime: "Free gift" scams, bag snatching
Crime Rate: Moderate
Located in the 1st arrondissem*nt, Les Halles is popular for its proximity to Forum des Halles, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Louvre Museum. While it's near one of the top 10 Instagrammable spots in Paris, it's also one of the unsafe areas. What happens is that you may see someone approaching you with a desirable gift. Once you show interest, they will make you jump through hoops to claim your prize; in the end, you will end up with a low-quality item or even nothing. Due to the high foot traffic, criminal activities like pickpockets are rampant — even in the crowded shopping malls. Regardless of how great your shopping experience will be, you should always keep your bags close here, as it's also one of the places to avoid in Paris.
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3. Porte de La Chapelle
When to Avoid: Late hours
Common Crime: Friendship scams, change scams, fake tickets/tours
Crime Rate: Moderate to high
The neighbourhood, decked in vibrant murals and graffiti, screams a raw and authentic feel that's very different from the sophisticated sides of the city. You can keep Porte de La Chapelle in your itinerary, but it's also one of the Paris arrondissem*nts to avoid. Keeping aside the cultural vibrancy you can find, higher crime rates around the metro station are alarming. Drug-related crimes are moderately high in Porte de Chapelle, making it one of the common areas to avoid in Paris. Also, watch out for fake friends who fleece you, tricky cash exchanges, and false tours that will leave you empty-handed, making it one of the more dangerous areas in Paris!
4. 19th Arrondissem*nt
When to Avoid: On summer nights
Common Crime: Petty theft, pickpocketing
Crime Rate: Moderate
The city buzz sprawling at Parc de La Villette is one of the reasons to visit the 19th arrondissem*nt; however, the northern part may make you feel less safe. Stalingrad, Jaurès and Mouzaia are some areas to avoid in Paris when you are travelling alone on summer nights. Stay extra vigilant in crowded spaces, especially on public transport. Parc de Buttes-Chaumont and Ourcq Canal are also two areas to avoid in Paris in summer because of the widely seen public intoxication. The 19th arrondissem*nt is definitely one of the neighbourhoods to avoid in Paris.
5. Barbès-Rochechouart
When to Avoid: After 8 PM
Common Crime: Friendship bracelet scams
Crime Rate: Moderate to high
While the Barbès-Rochechouart, located in the 18th arrondissem*nt, is a must-visit for Sacré-Coeur Basilica and its breathtaking views, it is one of the places to avoid in Paris. While daytime is generally okay, avoid walking alone after dark, especially on the less-travelled streets. The area is a melting pot of cultures with abundant shops for African fabrics and Asian electronics. After sunset, the bustling market vanishes, making it one of the unsafe areas of Paris. Meanwhile, beware of the aggressive sellers forcing you to tie friendship bracelets only to ask for your money.
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6. Porte de Clignancourt
When to Avoid: Late evenings; after 8 PM
Common Crime: Fake antique scams, pickpocketing
Crime Rate: Moderate to high
Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, the star of flea markets, is a paradise for antique lovers and fashionistas on a budget. If you are planning to have a delicious breakfast in local cafes around here, avoid wearing flashy jewellery or carrying expensive bags. It is one of the areas to avoid in Paris for petty theft and pickpocketing. As long as you take your friend and know when to leave – only if you are visiting in the late evening – this will not feel like one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Paris. Just in case you fall in love with antique pieces, be sure to look through the overpriced fakes in one of the bad areas in Paris.
7. 20th Arrondissem*nt
When to Avoid: After dark
Common Crime: Bag snatching, ATM scams
Crime Rate: Moderate
For anyone who enjoys the city buzz and panoramic views from the beautiful parks, the 20th arrondissem*nt has a lot to offer. However, do not get lost in the glamour of the trendy cafes or lively street scenes. It's also one of the neighbourhoods to avoid in Paris! Areas near the metro stations can make you feel less safe, particularly at night. It's best to stick to well-lit areas and use public transportation during the day. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables close. Of course, be wary of ATM skimmers and shoulder surfers in Paris who steal your card details!
8. Bois de Vincennes
When to Avoid: At night
Common Crime: Petty theft
Crime Rate: Low
Often referred to as the second-largest lung of Paris, Bois de Vincennes is a place where you can rejuvenate. However, it can be one of the places to avoid in Paris once you leave your bags unattended. Immerse yourself in history at the medieval fortress or explore the botanical gardens, all while being aware of your surroundings.
Quote - If something feels off, move to a popular area.
It may be one of the common areas to avoid in Paris, but you can enjoy the beauty of Bois de Vincennes with extra caution.
Basic Safety Tips in Paris
While we have walked you through the common crimes and the areas to avoid in Paris, here are a few tips you can consider. Common scams are prevalent, but you can stay vigilant to avoid such cases. Let's go through the common safety tips before travelling to dangerous places in Paris:
1. Daylight Savings: Explore during the day and stay in well-lit, populated areas, especially at night.
2. Essential Fashion: Wear a crossbody bag with a secure zip and keep it close to your front.
3. Hide The Bling: Don't leave your phone or wallet on the table or peeking out of your pockets.
4. Avoid Public Transit at Night: Rather than taking the subway at night in one of the areas to avoid in Paris, go for a taxi or Uber.
5. Avoid Clipboards: Avoid if a person carrying a clipboard approaches you. Keep walking even if the person asks you for a light or directions.
6. Splurge on Safer Stays: Do not compromise on your stay and rent a cheap apartment. You can consider a few tips for safe hostel hopping to find the perfect accommodation.
7. Staying Out of Sight: If you end up finding a stay in the 18th, 19th, 10th, or 20th arrondissem*nts, never keep expensive belongings near the window.
8. Plan Ahead: Before going out at night, plan your route. Take a friend with you or let your friends know where you are going.
9. Get to Know The Locals: Know the people around you; only then can you feel safer.
10. Trust Your Gut: Do not answer a stranger when you feel your safety is in question.
While Paris is a captivating city, there are certain Paris suburbs to avoid, particularly at night. In fact, the City of Light is not more dangerous than other metro cities in the world, and it is one of the best places to live in France. There may be some places to avoid in Paris; however, you can make the best of your experience following extra caution. Whether you are going to study at one of the best art schools in Paris or shop till you drop out, the city will leave you breathless. Just be careful around districts to avoid in Paris; you will have a blast!
