Is Paris Safe to Visit?

Q: What should I know about using public transport in Paris?

Paris has an extensive public transport system, including the Paris Metro, buses, and trains, making it easy to get around the city and reach tourist attractions. Here are some helpful tips: - Paris Metro: The Paris Metro is the quickest way to travel around the city. It's well-connected to popular tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame. Keep an eye on your belongings, as the metro can get crowded, especially during rush hour. - Train Stations: Train stations in Paris, like Gare du Nord and Gare de Lyon, are busy, so exercise caution, particularly in crowded areas. Be sure to watch your bags and valuables, especially when traveling late at night. - Public Places: While Paris is generally safe, be cautious in public places, particularly in crowded areas like shopping districts or tourist sites. Never leave your bags unattended, and keep an eye on your belongings.

Q: Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of while traveling to Paris?

When visiting Paris, there are a few safety tips to follow for a safe and enjoyable trip: - Increased Caution: The French government recommends increased caution in certain areas, particularly crowded locations or places of high tourist traffic. Always be mindful of your surroundings. - Late Night Travel: When traveling late at night, try to avoid poorly lit areas or quieter streets, and stick to well-populated places. If you’re traveling by public transport, be cautious about traveling alone late at night. - Places of Worship: While Paris is known for its beautiful churches and places of worship, they can also be high-traffic spots for tourists. Always follow safety guidelines and be cautious in these areas.

Is Paris safe? The short answer is yes, but with any new destination, you need first to do a little research and investigate on how to safely navigate the city and what areas are best avoided. Keep reading for our tips on how to stay safe when you visit Paris.

Overall Security & Safety

Virtually every corner of the world has been affected by the global pandemic, public demonstrations, and terrorist attacks in recent years, leaving travelers a little understandably apprehensive. The good news is that you can now freely travel to Paris from the United States once you provide proof of vaccination or a negative test. Keep in mind that travel restrictions are updated periodically, so always check your official government website for updated information. Masks are no longer required in most places and transports since May 16th.

Neighborhoods

Of course, it is legitimate to ask yourself if Paris is safe before booking your trip. Some of the best and safest areas to stay in are within The Latin Quarter, Le Marais, Chatelet, and Montmartre. Using common sense, especially at night, is important anywhere you travel, and some areas that are to be avoided in Paris at night time are the Gare du Nord train station and Place de Clichy. Whatever neighborhood or arrondissement in Paris you are visiting, there are always some straightforward tips to observe, such as keeping a close eye on your bags, especially in touristy areas or public transportation, and keeping your cash and credit cards safe, ideally not in the same location.

Transportation

Is Paris safe when it comes to transports? In general, public transportation is safe in Paris. However, you do need to be alert to pickpockets who frequent the metro lines. When traveling on any public transportation, carry your backpack in front of you. Try not to hold your mobile phones, especially iPhones, while walking in the metro station, and avoid taking your cash out if possible. Often thieves work in teams, so take note of who is around you and if someone is trying to distract you or get your attention. Paris has a great metro and public transportation network, which will help you enjoy the City of Lights to the fullest for very little money. So don't let your fears stop you from making the most of the city. Just be aware of your surroundings and stay tuned on notifications such as upcoming strikes.

Emergency Numbers Paris

No matter where you go, it is important to know how to be taken care of in case of an emergency. Here are some important numbers to save when planning your trip to Paris.

US Consulate, emergency number call 01 43 12 22 22
Medical Emergency call 0147 07 77 77 or 36 22
Pharmacy (English Speaking) call 01 42 65 88 29
Europe Wide emergency number call 112

If you are calling from a French phone, there are three emergency numbers you will need.

medical services: dial 15
fire Services dial 18
police services dial 17

In the unfortunate event of lost or stolen items, you should, of course, first report this to the French police. If your credit or bank cards are stolen, be sure to block them immediately, you can call your bank directly or the emergency numbers for the main card providers.

American Express call 01 47 77 70 00
Visa call 08 00 90 11 79
Mastercard call 08 00 90 13 87

Hopefully, this has helped you with your travel plans to the beautiful City of Lights.

Fly to Paris

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I know about using public transport in Paris?

Paris has an extensive public transport system, including the Paris Metro, buses, and trains, making it easy to get around the city and reach tourist attractions. Here are some helpful tips:

Paris Metro: The Paris Metro is the quickest way to travel around the city. It's well-connected to popular tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Notre Dame. Keep an eye on your belongings, as the metro can get crowded, especially during rush hour.
Train Stations: Train stations in Paris, like Gare du Nord and Gare de Lyon, are busy, so exercise caution, particularly in crowded areas. Be sure to watch your bags and valuables, especially when traveling late at night.
Public Places: While Paris is generally safe, be cautious in public places, particularly in crowded areas like shopping districts or tourist sites. Never leave your bags unattended, and keep an eye on your belongings.

Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of while traveling to Paris?

When visiting Paris, there are a few safety tips to follow for a safe and enjoyable trip:

Increased Caution: The French government recommends increased caution in certain areas, particularly crowded locations or places of high tourist traffic. Always be mindful of your surroundings.
Late Night Travel: When traveling late at night, try to avoid poorly lit areas or quieter streets, and stick to well-populated places. If you’re traveling by public transport, be cautious about traveling alone late at night.
Places of Worship: While Paris is known for its beautiful churches and places of worship, they can also be high-traffic spots for tourists. Always follow safety guidelines and be cautious in these areas.

How can I stay safe and protect myself during my trip to Paris?

Here are some practical tips for staying safe while exploring Paris:

Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any unexpected incidents, such as lost luggage or medical emergencies. It can provide peace of mind throughout your trip.
Exercise Increased Caution: Pay attention to any travel warnings or updates issued by the French government or local authorities. If you hear about a specific area requiring increased caution, be sure to follow the instructions and avoid those locations.
Never Leave Your Bags: Whether you're visiting tourist attractions or enjoying a meal in a local restaurant, never leave your bags unattended. Thieves are known to target distracted tourists, so always keep your belongings close.