8 Most dangerous areas in Paris
Ever dreamt of wandering through Paris, soaking up its romantic vibes, exploring ancient landmarks, and diving into its rich culture?
It’s truly a magical place!
But, just like in any big city, some spots can be a bit dangerous. I mean sure, the worst that can happen to you in Paris is getting your wallet or your phone stolen – but still, that’s not very fun!
To help you navigate the streets of Paris without getting your bag swiped, I have put together a list of the most dangerous neighborhoods of Paris. When visiting these areas you might want to keep a keen eye on your belongings!
Here are 8 unsafe areas in Paris
Is Paris Safe? Or is it a dangerous place?
Paris is, overall, not a dangerous place.
I would not say that there are any real places to avoid in Paris or really unsafe areas.
That being said, there is a lot of petty crime in the city.
But we have to be honest here – most major cities in Europe, and in fact around the world, suffer from petty crime. Where there are unsuspecting tourists, there are pickpockets. And all in all I don’t think Paris is less safe than let’s say Brussels or Athens.
The worst that can happen is that you get your wallet or your phone stolen or that you fall for a scam.
If you are someone who has travelled to Europe before – you will honestly be fine. If this is your first time in Europe or a big European city, I would invest in a theft-proof backpack and keep a keen eye on your stuff.
Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world and one of the most popular travel destinations. I would be surprised if there was no petty crime – especially near tourist hot spots.
Here are 8 dangerous places in Paris.
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1. Château Rouge (18th Arrondissement)
Château Rouge is this super vibrant and multicultural spot in Paris’s 18th arrondissement. It’s famous for its awesome African markets, colorful streets, and a really strong community vibe. I love coming here but I know that if I attend markets here I need to watch my stuff.
If you have a few days to burn in Paris I would 100% recommend visiting Chateau Rouge (I sometimes even stay here!) but just be careful.
I once had my wallet stolen here. I was talking to a vendor because his spices just smelled amazing (I think he was cameroonian, amazing guy!) and when I reached for my camera bag to take a picture I noticed it was unzipped and that my wallet was gone. That was a lesson learned! Luckily they didn’t see my camera!
Why It’s Considered Dangerous
- Petty Theft: The bustling markets and packed streets are like a playground for pickpockets and bag snatchers in certain neighborhoods. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, you’ve got to watch out – everyone’s a target.
- Street Crime: There are occasional reports of muggings and scams, particularly targeting unsuspecting visitors.
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2. La Chapelle (18th Arrondissement)
La Chapelle is a really cool, diverse neighborhood where all kinds of cultures mix, making the streets super lively. It’s got a big immigrant community and tons of ethnic shops and restaurants to check out. But yeah, despite all the awesome cultural vibes, it is considered one of the unsafe areas of Paris.
I personally love La Chapelle and its proximity to areas like the Porte de la Chapelle. When I’m in Paris it is my go-to spot for Indian food. However I would recommen watching your bag, especially when you walk away from Rue Marx Dormoy.
(No but really, the Saravanaa Bhavan Paris is amazing here! We used to go to the ones – yes there are multiple – in Dubai a lot and now I try and go to the one in Paris every time we visit.)
Why It’s Considered Dangerous
- Petty Theft and Pickpocketing: this place is infamous for pickpockets and bag snatchers, especially in crowded spots and near bus stops.
- Homelessness and Social Issues in the French capital: Seeing homeless folks around and sometimes public disturbances might make you feel a bit unsafe in the area. Most homeless people here are harmless but I know it might make some people feel uncomfortable.
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3. Belleville (19th and 20th Arrondissements)
Belleville is a cool, culturally rich area that stretches across the 19th and 20th arrondissements. I love the area around Belleville because there is a really great art scene, culturally very diverse people and shops, and awesome views from Parc de Belleville.
It’s not necessarily dangerous in Belleville. It is gentrifying (not sure if I like this) super fast with lots of hipsters and street art. Over the years I have actually felt more and more safe at night and I even think the tourists in Paris ars starting to discover these parts of the city.
I have stayed here a couple of times with my husband because it is cheap and we have never really felt unsafe or noticed a higher crime rate. We love it here but we do understand that there are problems here, especially with gangs. Admittedly, as a normal tourist you probably won’t notice anything.
That being said, this is not a neighborhood you would want to stay in if it is your very first time in Paris. We stay here because we have done all the touristy stuff and want to live like locals – which this area is amazing for.
Why It’s Considered Dangerous
- Gang Activity: The neighborhood’s got a bit of a history with gang violence, which can make it feel a bit risky.
- Petty Crime: Watch out, pickpocketing and bag snatching happen a lot, especially in busy spots and markets.
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4. Goutte d’Or (18th Arrondissement)
Goutte d’Or is part of the larger Barbès-Rochechouart area, it is ethnically very diverse and I love it for its vibrant streets. There are, however, quite a lot of problems in this area as well.
I am not a massive fan of the area because certain parts make the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Sure, the are on the other side of the tracks from Marx Dormy, but for me there is just a completely different atmosphere here sadly. For me this is probably one of the most unsafe areas in Paris. I have only been here once so maybe it has changed – but I am not inclined to really go back.
Why It’s Considered Dangerous
- Drug Dealing: This area is pretty notorious for stuff like drug dealing and drug use.
- Violent Crime: We’ve heard about some pretty bad stuff happening, like violent muggings and assaults.
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5. Stalingrad (19th Arrondissement)
I absolutely LOVE Stalingrad – there are so many amazing restaurants and bistrots along the Le Bassin de la Villette. That being said, there are some problems in the area (although it is gentrifying very quickly which is a problem in itself). Although I love Place de La Bastille, the area around Stalingrad can feel a bit dodgy which is why I have included it in my post about areas to avoid in Paris.
When it is busy here you really need to watch out for pickpockets. I remember sitting on Place de La Bastille in Stalingrad. I had met a friend of mine who then lived in the area and we were just sharing a bottle of wine. It was super busy because it was one of the very first weekends the sun was out in full force. There were three teenagers sitting next to us playing music (which was annoying in itself) but suddenly one tried to swipe my bag. Luckily I had my foot in the shoulder strap so the only thing they were able to acchieve was pull me off the edge of the fountain we were sitting on.
Why It’s Considered Dangerous
- Drug Use and Trafficking: There’s a big problem with people using and selling drugs out in the open around here.
- Petty Crime: Watch out, pickpocketing and theft happen a lot, especially around bus stations and really crowded spots.
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6. Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)
Montmartre is one of my favourite areas in Paris. It is one of the most popular tourist areas. I just love walking through the little winding streets, especially early in the morning.
With millions of tourists heading up the Montmartre hill and the Sacré Couer every year, it is a hot spot for petty crime, especially pickpocketing and bag snatching so be careful.
At the top of the steps there are often people performing some stunts or playing some music. Make sure to keep your bag close as there are often pickpockets in the crowd – sometimes they actually work together with the performer.
At the bottom of the stairs you will find the bracelet scam where a friendly person will try to macrame a bracelet around your arm while talking to you. They say it is free but they will want payment afterwards. Just say no a couple of times and try to walk away. Last time I did that they got a bit annoyed but as long as you keep your bag close and walk away swiftly you should be fine. It also helps if you speak a bit of French. The best way to avoid this is to not let them get the bracelet around your wrist in the first place.
But then again – you will find these kinds of things near most touristy places in Paris including the Eiffel Tower and the Latin Quarter. Just be aware of your surroundings.
Why It’s Considered Dangerous
- Petty Crime: Watch out for pickpockets, bag snatchers, and scams, especially around places crowded with tourists like the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
- Tourist Scams: Scammers love to target tourists, hitting them up with all sorts of tricks like charging way too much for little macramee bracelets or peddling fake items.
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7. Les Halles (1st Arrondissement)
Les Halles is this super lively area right in the city center. This part of Paris is famous for its huge shopping streets, all kinds of cultural venues, and an awesome nightlife scene. I love Les Halles (and especially the early morning markets). But because there are lots of tourists here there is also a lot of petty crime.
Watch out for pickpockets and keep your bags close. Last time I walked to Les Halles there also were a lot of rough sleepers (clochards) around. My husband and I snacked on some rotissery chicken on a bench next to some men and they were super friendly albeit a bit drunk. I can understand that they might make you feel a bit uncomfortable or unsafe – but they are mostly harmless.
We also saw some girls trying to collect money for a charity for deaf and mute people, acting as if they were deaf and mute themselves. However they were chatting away right after they ripped off a tourist coming out of the metro station.
You will mostly see homeless people and scammers near the metro stations in this district of Paris.
Why It’s Considered Dangerous
- Petty Theft: Watch out, pickpocketing and bag snatching happen a lot, especially around the Châtelet-Les Halles metro station.
- Scams and Fraud: Tourists often get hit with all sorts of tricks, like bogus charity collections or services that cost way too much.
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8. Gare du Nord (10th Arrondissement)
Last but not least I would also recommend to watch your stuff around Gare du Nord. If you are taking a train from Paris to London this is where you will need to come. The station itself is gorgeous and very safe – just beware of getting your bag snatched in unsafe places.
I was looking for the Eurostar when I felt someone tug my holdall but luckily the strap was wound around the handle of my wheely suitcase.
My advice for Gare du Nord is to just be weary and to use your common sense. This station in paris is generally quite safe but you should always look out around train stations and subway stations in a large city like Paris. They are the best places for pickpockets in central paris to just disappear in the crowds or onto a bus, train or metro.
Why It’s Considered Dangerous
- Petty Theft: Watch out – pickpocketing and bag snatching are pretty common, especially around the busy station and its surroundings.
- Scams and Fraud: Watch out for scams like bogus taxi services or stuff that’s way too expensive, similar to those around the Puces de Saint-Ouen flea market.
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Safety tips in Paris for tourists in the city
If you’re heading to Paris, it’s true some areas can be a bit sketchy. But don’t sweat it; follow these simple safety tips to keep yourself out of trouble:
- Stay Sharp: Keep your eyes open and watch your stuff. You know, just in case.
- Lock Down Your Valuables: Get yourself an anti-theft bag and don’t flaunt your phone, camera, or anything valuable in public.
- Steer Clear of Crowds: Crowds are a pickpocket’s playground. Keep your things close and out of reach.
- Go Legit for Rides: Stick to official taxis or well-known ride shares like Uber. Skip all and any sketchy offers from unlicensed drivers. You can always have your hotel arrange you a taxi or use public transport instead.
- Watch Out for Friendly Strangers: Not everyone offering help is legit, especially in tourist spots. Keep your guard up.
- Stay Visible: The safest thing to to is hang out in well-lit, busy places at night and avoid those creepy alleys and dark shortcuts, like those in the Latin Quarter.
- Buddy Up: Everything’s better with friends, including your safety. Plus, it’s more fun.
- When in Rome: Or Paris, in this case. Try to blend in and not stick out as a tourist. It makes you less of a mark in busy Paris neighborhoods.
- Know Who to Call: Keep local emergency numbers and the nearest police station or consulate info handy.
- Listen to That Gut Feeling: Stay vigilant. If something feels off, it probably is. Trust yourself and get out of there.
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