Is Paris a Dangerous City?

I think it's high time to have the uncomfortable but vital conversation about Paris. Is it a dangerous city? I'm sure you've heard many people say that Paris is not the glittering metropolis movies make it out to be. These days, my city has gotten a bad rap, with many claiming it's overrated and others downright saying that it's a crime-filled dystopia. While I agree that Paris is far from the safest city in the world, don't just believe people's hyperbolic comments about my hometown. Is there crime here? Yes, there is. But I have a solid argument against those who say that it's a dangerous place that you should avoid!

The Crime Rate in Paris

The crime rate is the best indicator of how safe a city truly is. Currently, Paris's general crime rate is 62.23%, which is considered high. At the same time, the rate of increasing crimes is about 73.14%, higher than the general crime rate. So evidently, there's no denying that crime is a major issue in Paris. I already said that it's far from the safest city, but this is further proof that there's a lot to be concerned about here. But for me, I don't always feel the high crime rates. Though it probably helps that I live in the 18th arrondissement, which is a fairly popular and safe neighborhood.

The Most Common Crimes in Paris

Now that we know about Paris's crime rate, it's time to talk about the common crimes here. Namely, the highest-rated crimes in Paris today. The current highest is theft, which sits at a high 67.88%. This isn't particularly surprising considering that pickpocketing and petty thievery are still a huge problem, especially regarding the city's tourism. Right after that, there's drug-dealing at 64.86%. This is further proof that drugs remain a major issue among big European cities. And rounding up the top three are verbal attacks, which are currently at 64.58%. I blame today's tumultuous political landscape for this one, but I'm sure there are more factors to it.

How Safe is Paris Today?

I've heard many argue that just because a city has high crime rates, it doesn't automatically mean that it's a generally dangerous place. I live here, and though I can't deny the city has its sketchy areas, I often feel safe when I step out. I'm sure it's the same for many people, too, and so I think it's high time we focused on Paris's safety rate. Today, it enjoys a high of 62.59% at daytime, which is practically the same as its general crime rate. For me, this is a good sign that you can still explore the city, especially the most popular neighborhoods in Paris, without worrying too much about your safety.

Should You Go Out at Night in Paris?

Now, when it comes to the city at night, it's a different matter entirely. Remember how Paris's safety rate is at a high 62.59% during the day? Well, it decreases considerably to a low 35.89% at night. I know the difference is astronomical, but don't let it discourage you from going out at night. As a local, I never found it too dangerous to go out after dark. I do avoid a few areas here and there, but for the most part, the city is still fairly safe overall. You just need to take the usual safety precautions before going out.

What are The Areas to Avoid in Paris?

Perhaps one of the main reasons why many people think Paris is dangerous is that its sketchiest areas are spread throughout the city. Typically, the outskirts of big cities are their worst districts. Downtown areas tend to be dangerous, too, but that doesn't necessarily apply to all cities. As for Paris, it depends on the time of day. Unfortunately, even some popular spots like Les Halles and Bois de Boulogne become sketchy after dark. There's also Quartier Pigalle, the red-light district that boasts Paris's sexy side, which isn't that dangerous during the day but becomes a completely different place at night.

Here are the top ten areas to avoid in Paris, especially at night:

- Gare du Nord
- Les Halles
- Quartier Pigalle
- Porte de la Chapelle
- Bois de Boulogne
- Bois de Vincennes
- Rue St. Denis
- Belleville
- Barbès-rochechouart
- Porte de la Vilette

How Do Other Major Cities Measure Up?

I think it's worth mentioning that Paris isn't the only big city and major capital in Europe that's notorious for its crime rates. Places like Rome, London, Madrid, Amsterdam, Brussels, and more, unfortunately, have mid to high crime rates, too. London, for example, has a 64.77% general crime rate, which is slightly higher than Paris. Rome, on the other hand, currently has 51.10%, which is considered only moderate. And out of all the famous European capitals, Amsterdam has the lowest general crime rate at only 27.90%. Overall, Paris sits in the middle but near the higher side of the list.

Is Paris Still Worth Visiting Today?

I'm not saying this as a Parisian or anything, but I still think that Paris is worth visiting, at the very least. The city is undeniably beautiful, the food is great, the vibes are often lively and fun, and you need to see the famous landmarks at least once in your life. As long as you're aware of your surroundings and you know which places to avoid, there's barely anything for you to worry about as a tourist in Paris. But if you plan to move, you need further preparation. At the very least, it's better if you're already used to living in big cities before you relocate to Paris.

Tips to Keep You Safe in Paris

Here are a few tips you should follow to keep safe in Paris:

- Memorize the emergency hotline numbers in Paris (e.g., 112 for emergencies, 17 for the police, 18 for the fire brigade, etc.).
- The safest arrondissements in Paris are the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th, and 16th.
- Consider staying in the Paris Suburbs instead.
- Learn more than basic French to avoid getting scammed.
- Don't hang out in public transport stations for too long.
- Avoid the subway stations after dark.
- Keep to yourself when you're on the Paris Subway.
- Always go out at night accompanied, preferably by locals who know the area.



I know Paris is far from the safest city, but I'm here to prove that it's not all dangerous here. It's worth knowing things like the city's crime rates, areas to avoid, and more to truly understand just how safe Paris is.