A Safe Guide to Paris: What parts of Paris Should you Avoid?

Paris, often called the City of Light, is known for its romantic charm, popular landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods. 

However, like any major city, not every corner of Paris is postcard-perfect. 

While most areas are safe and welcoming, some spots can feel less comfortable or secure for visitors, especially for first-timers unfamiliar with the city’s layout. 

Whether it’s due to petty crime, heavy crowds, or simply a lack of charm compared to the city’s highlights, knowing what parts of Paris to avoid can help you plan a smoother, more enjoyable trip.

This guide isn’t meant to scare you away from exploring Paris but rather to provide practical advice for staying safe and getting the most out of your visit. 

By understanding which areas might pose challenges, be it due to pickpockets, scams, or a less-than-ideal atmosphere, you can navigate the city confidently and focus on the magic it has to offer. 

Let’s take a closer look at the spots you might want to steer clear of, especially if you’re aiming for an unforgettable Parisian adventure.

Quick links to plan your stay in Paris

Paris Areas to Avoid

1. Châtelet–Les Halles at Night

During the day, Châtelet–Les Halles is a bustling commercial and transportation hub.

You’ll find shopping malls, the Forum des Halles, and access to several metro and RER lines. But at night, especially after stores close and commuters thin out, this area can feel quite different.

The large underground corridors become eerily quiet or are occupied by small groups loitering around, and the surrounding streets are known for occasional petty crime.

Tourists have reported pickpocketing attempts, aggressive panhandling, and occasional drug activity in the area.

What to watch out for:

• Pickpockets, especially near the metro entrances
• Unsettling encounters with intoxicated individuals
• Poor lighting and minimal police presence late at night

Tip: Avoid walking alone through Les Halles at night. Opt for a taxi or Uber if you’re staying nearby and coming back late.

2. Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est Areas

These two major train stations are key entry points to Paris, serving high-speed trains, international lines, and regional routes.

But the areas around them, especially Gare du Nord, have a rougher reputation.

You’ll often see a heavy police presence, which is both reassuring and indicative of ongoing security issues.

The area is known for thefts, aggressive loiterers, and occasional scams. Drug dealing and consumption also occur near the metro entrances and side streets.

What to watch out for:

• Pickpocketing, especially at metro entrances and taxi queues
• Fake charity petitions and luggage assistance scams
• Occasional aggressive behavior from people under the influence

Tip: If arriving at Gare du Nord, head quickly to your accommodation or a safer neighborhood. Try not to linger outside the station, especially at night.

3. Barbès–Rochechouart

Barbès is a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood located in the 18th arrondissement.

It’s home to street markets, North African stores, and cultural diversity, but it’s also one of the more chaotic and congested parts of Paris.

The Barbès–Rochechouart metro station and its surrounding streets are known for petty crime, open-air drug dealing, and counterfeit goods.

While not inherently dangerous, the atmosphere can be overwhelming for visitors unfamiliar with big-city street life.

What to watch out for:

• High density of people makes pickpocketing common
• Street harassment, especially of women
• Counterfeit product vendors who may become aggressive if confronted

Tip: Visit during the day if you’re curious about the markets, and be sure to keep valuables close and out of sight.

4. Northern Parts of the 18th and 19th Arrondissements

While Montmartre (in the south of the 18th) is a beloved spot, the northern reaches of the 18th and the 19th arrondissements, especially around Porte de la Chapelle, La Chapelle, and Marx Dormoy, tend to have higher rates of poverty and crime.

These areas have long been associated with homelessness, drug trafficking, and squatting camps, often due to their proximity to major highways and less-policed areas.

Tourists rarely have a reason to go there unless staying in a budget hotel or taking the wrong turn from a nearby attraction.

What to watch out for:

• Drug use and related activity on public streets
• Muggings or phone thefts in poorly lit or isolated areas
• Aggressive panhandling

Tip: Stick to well-lit main roads if you’re passing through, and avoid wandering on foot at night.

5. Stalingrad and Jaurès

Located near the Canal de l’Ourcq, these adjacent metro stations are in a transition zone between the romantic canalside and rougher parts of northeastern Paris.

In recent years, these areas have been plagued by issues such as drug trafficking, addiction, and encampments.

While some parts of the canal are lovely for a daytime stroll, the Stalingrad/Jaurès zone has earned a reputation for being a hot spot for crack cocaine use and street violence, especially after dark.

What to watch out for:

• Drug users congregating around metro exits
• Stolen bike and phone resale markets
• Occasional fights or aggressive behavior

Tip: Enjoy the canals in areas closer to Bassin de la Villette or Parc des Buttes-Chaumont instead. Avoid this section after dusk.

6. Certain Areas Around Montmartre

Montmartre is one of the most charming districts in Paris, known for the Sacré-Cœur Basilica and artistic history.

However, the lower part of the hill, especially around Boulevard de Clichy and Place Pigalle, is not exactly family-friendly.

This area is filled with adult shops, sex clubs, and can attract some sketchy nighttime activity.

Pickpocketing is rampant near the metro and souvenir shops, and aggressive scammers often target tourists on their way to Sacré-Cœur.

What to watch out for:

• “Friendship bracelet” scams (more on that below)
• Overpriced, poorly rated restaurants aimed at tourists
• Pickpockets near Sacré-Cœur and the Anvers metro station

Tip: Visit Montmartre during daylight, and keep your bag zipped up and close to your body at all times.

7. Subway Lines and Tourist Attractions

While this isn’t a specific neighborhood, it’s important to highlight that Paris’s metro system and major attractions are prime spots for petty crime.

Thieves often operate in teams, especially on crowded metro lines like Line 1 (which passes through Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and Arc de Triomphe) and Line 4 (which goes through Gare du Nord and Châtelet).

Likewise, popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame attract crowds, and where there are crowds, there are pickpockets.

What to watch out for:

• People bumping into you “by accident”
• Distraction techniques (like someone asking you for directions while another steals from your bag)
• Metro scams where someone offers to help you with the ticket machine and then charges you for it

Tip: Never keep your phone or wallet in your back pocket. Use a crossbody bag with zippers, and keep it in front of you.

Most Common Crimes and Scams in Paris – and How to Avoid Them

Knowing which areas to avoid is only half the battle; being aware of the scams and petty crimes common in Paris can make a huge difference in your experience.

Pickpocketing

This is the number one issue tourists face. It often happens in crowded areas: metros, lines at monuments, or busy streets.

How to avoid:

• Never leave your phone or wallet on café tables or in back pockets
• Use bags that close fully and are worn across your body
• Stay alert if someone suddenly causes a commotion or asks you for help

The Petition Scam

Young people (often pretending to be deaf or mute) approach you, asking you to sign a petition. As you’re distracted, someone else goes through your pockets or bag.

How to avoid:

• Don’t engage—just say “non” firmly and walk away
• Keep walking if they follow you

Fake Ticket Helpers

At metro machines or train stations, someone might offer to help you buy your ticket. In reality, they’ll either overcharge you, give you a wrong ticket, or expect a “tip.”

How to avoid:

• Politely decline assistance
• Use the machines yourself or ask a uniformed RATP employee

The Bracelet Scam

Usually found near Sacré-Cœur, scammers will tie a string around your wrist and then demand money for it, sometimes getting aggressive if you refuse to pay.

How to avoid:

• Don’t let anyone touch your hand or wrist
• Keep your distance if you see someone approaching with a thread

Street Games

You may see people playing “shell games” on the street, moving a ball or coin under cups and inviting tourists to bet money.

These are 100% scams.

How to avoid:

• Never engage—watching or betting puts you at risk
• The bystanders are usually part of the scam

Conclusion

Paris is undoubtedly one of the most magical cities in the world, but even magic has its shadows.

Knowing what areas to avoid and how to navigate common scams can mean the difference between a stressful trip and a dream vacation.

That said, don’t let fear hold you back.

Most of Paris is perfectly safe and welcoming, especially during the day and in tourist-friendly areas.

Like in any big city, it all comes down to awareness and preparation.

Keep your eyes open, your belongings close, and your plans flexible, and you’re bound to fall in love with the city just like millions of visitors before you.

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