Paris is a captivating global city, and like all major metropolitan areas, safety is a prime concern for visitors. The good news is that Paris is generally a very safe city with a low rate of violent crime. The biggest threat to tourists is petty crime—specifically pickpocketing and scams—in crowded areas.
When choosing where to stay, focusing on the central and wealthy Arrondissements significantly reduces your risk, especially after dark.
Here is your guide to the safest neighborhoods in Paris for your first, or next, trip.
The Safest Zones: Low Crime & High Security
These central and affluent areas are statistically the safest, well-lit, and heavily monitored due to the presence of tourists, wealthy residents, or political centers.
1. The 6th Arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
-
Vibe: Elegant, intellectual, and refined. Considered by many locals to be the safest place to stay in Paris.
-
Safety Profile: Crime rates here are consistently among the lowest in the city. The area is highly residential, upscale, and filled with chic boutiques and historic cafés, meaning there is less loitering or rough activity.
-
Why Stay Here: Ideal for solo female travelers, families, and anyone prioritizing peace and security. You are also walkable to the Musée d’Orsay and the Luxembourg Gardens.
2. The 7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower & Invalides)
-
Vibe: Stately, quiet, and primarily residential. The wealthiest part of the Left Bank.
-
Safety Profile: Due to its high concentration of embassies, government buildings (Les Invalides), and wealthy residents, this area is heavily policed and extremely safe.
-
Why Stay Here: Perfect for families and couples who want a beautiful, quiet base with close access to the Eiffel Tower and Rodin Museum.
3. Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arrondissements)
-
Vibe: Historic, vibrant, and trendy.
-
Safety Profile: Le Marais is incredibly popular with tourists and locals alike, making it well-monitored and lively well into the evening. It’s well-lit and the central energy discourages most issues. The area is very safe during both the day and night.
-
Why Stay Here: Best for first-time visitors who want safety combined with a strong nightlife and dining scene.
4. The 5th Arrondissement (Latin Quarter)
-
Vibe: Academic, youthful, and historic.
-
Safety Profile: Home to the Sorbonne University, the streets are constantly bustling with students and professors. This high level of activity, even late at night, ensures the area is well-lit and does not feel isolated.
-
Why Stay Here: Great choice for budget-conscious travelers or younger travelers who want safety without the ultra-high prices of the 6th or 7th.
Areas Where Caution is Required
These areas are generally fine during the day but require increased vigilance due to high foot traffic, transit hubs, or a shift in atmosphere after dark.
| Arrondissement | Area | Cautionary Advice |
| 10th Arr. | Gare du Nord & Gare de l’Est | Major international train stations attract crowds, making them hotspots for pickpocketing and luggage scams. Exercise extreme caution when buying tickets or walking immediately outside the station after 10 PM. |
| 1st Arr. | Châtelet–Les Halles | While the 1st Arrondissement is generally very safe, the underground mall and major Metro interchange at Châtelet can attract a rowdier crowd late at night. Be alert in the Metro station at all times. |
| 18th Arr. | Northern Montmartre | The tourist heart (around Sacré-Cœur and Place du Tertre) is generally safe, but avoid wandering north of the main tourist streets, especially the areas around Barbès-Rochechouart or Porte de la Chapelle, after dark. |
| Crowded Tourist Sites | Eiffel Tower, Louvre Queue, Metro Lines 1 & 4 | These are where pickpockets operate most actively. Never keep your phone or wallet in a back pocket, and keep your bag zipped and worn across your chest. |
Essential Safety Tips for Paris
Safety in Paris is less about avoidance and more about vigilance.
-
Guard Against Pickpockets: The most common crime. Use a cross-body bag or a jacket with secure inner pockets. Be especially cautious in crowded spaces like the Metro, the steps of the Sacré-Cœur, or waiting in line at the Louvre.
-
Avoid Scams: If someone tries to give you a “friendship bracelet” or asks you to sign a petition, keep walking and firmly say “Non.” They are often highly aggressive and work in teams with pickpockets.
-
Late Night Transport: If you are staying in a quieter area or returning late, use a registered taxi or a ride-share service (like Uber) instead of walking long distances from a remote Metro station.
-
Use ATMs Inside Banks: To prevent distraction scams and card theft, only use ATMs located inside a bank lobby or secure building.
By choosing a central, well-lit neighborhood and staying aware of your immediate surroundings, you can ensure your Parisian journey is safe, secure, and wonderfully memorable!