A lot of people ask the same question before visiting Paris: “Is it safe?”
If you read the news or watch TV, you might feel nervous. Stories about protests or crime can make Paris sound scary.
But the truth is more balanced. Paris is a big city. Like all big cities, it has problems — but most trips are safe and fun.
In this article, I’ll share the facts and my personal experience. I want to help you feel ready and confident about your trip.
The Short Answer: Yes — But Like Any Big City, Use Common Sense
Let’s answer the question right away: Yes, Paris is safe to visit in 2025.
Every year, millions of people come to Paris. Most of them have a great time and go home with happy memories.
The biggest risks are not dangerous crimes. They’re small problems like pickpocketing or scams.
These things can be annoying, but they usually don’t ruin a trip — especially if you’re careful and prepared.
The Most Common Issues Visitors Face
Let’s look at the things tourists are most likely to deal with. These aren’t very serious, but it’s still good to know about them.
1. Pickpockets
Pickpockets steal things from your bag or pocket without you noticing. And usually, they’re good at it.
They often work in busy places where people are distracted.
Here are some areas in Paris where pickpockets are more common:
- The Eiffel Tower area
- The Metro (subway), especially line 1
- Sacré-Cœur area
- Champs-Élysées
- Major train stations
Pickpockets look for easy targets. If your phone or wallet is in your back pocket or your bag is open, it’s easier for them to steal.
Read more: What Every Paris Tourist Needs to Know to Outsmart Pickpockets
2. Scams
Some people try to trick tourists. These scams don’t usually involve violence, but they’re annoying and can cost you money.
Common scams include:
- The friendship bracelet: Someone comes up to you in Montmartre and tries to tie a bracelet on your wrist. Then they ask you for money.
- The fake petition: Teenagers might ask you to sign a “petition” and then demand a donation.
- The gold ring trick: A person “finds” a ring near you and pretends to give it to you. Then they ask for money as a reward.
If someone comes up to you and seems suspicious, it’s okay to say “No, thank you” and walk away.
Read more: 6 Common Scams in Paris Tourists Are Falling For Every Day
3. Metro Thefts
The Metro is a fast and cheap way to move around Paris. But it’s also one of the places where theft happens most.
Thieves often wait near the doors. Just before they close, they grab a phone or bag and run off the train.
Some Metro lines have more theft than others — especially lines 1, 4, and 9. Be extra careful at busy stations like Châtelet, Gare du Nord, and Saint-Lazare.
To stay safe: hold your phone tightly, keep your bag zipped and in front of you, and avoid standing too close to the doors when the train is about to leave. Most locals do the same.
What Rarely Happens (But People Fear)
Now let’s talk about the things that people worry about the most — but that actually don’t happen very often.
1. Violent crime
Serious violent crime (like attacks or muggings) is very rare for tourists in Paris.
You are very unlikely to be hurt or threatened.
Most crimes that happen to tourists are not violent — just sneaky, like pickpocketing.
2. Terrorism
Yes, there have been terrorist attacks in the past. That’s why France has very high security now.
Since 2015, Paris has taken big steps to protect public places.
You’ll see police and soldiers in some areas.
This is normal. It doesn’t mean something bad is happening — it means they are working to keep everyone safe.
3. Random attacks
Some people worry about being in the “wrong place at the wrong time.” But random attacks are extremely rare in Paris.
Most people go through their whole visit without seeing anything dangerous at all.
What Parisians Themselves Say
To understand how safe a city feels, it helps to look at how the people who live there behave.
In Paris, locals take the Metro every day.
They walk at night.
They sit outside at cafés and enjoy the city.
That should tell you something: they feel safe.
Of course, there are some neighborhoods outside the center that have problems. But these are places that tourists don’t visit.
In the main parts of Paris — like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Montmartre — it’s safe to walk, explore, and enjoy.
Read more: Paris Safety Guide: Areas to Avoid at Night
How to Stay Safe (Practical Tips)
Here are some simple ways to stay safe while visiting Paris:
- Keep your valuables close: Use bags that zip and wear them across your body.
- Don’t flash cash or phones: If people can see your phone or money easily, it’s more tempting for thieves.
- Be aware in crowds: In busy places, stay alert. Don’t let someone bump into you “accidentally” and reach into your bag or pocket.
- Don’t talk to scammers: If someone tries to give you something or ask for money, just walk away. It includes people asking to sign petitions.
- At night: Stick to well-lit areas. If the Metro feels empty late at night and makes you uncomfortable, take a taxi or walk with a friend.
These tips are not about being scared. They’re about being smart — just like you would in any large city.
Bonus: Is Paris Safer Than American Cities?
Some people ask, “Is Paris safer than cities in the U.S.?”
For most travelers, the answer is yes.
Paris has less violent crime than many big American cities. There are fewer guns, and fewer serious attacks or robberies.
However, Paris does have more pickpocketing than most U.S. cities. So, it’s a trade-off: less danger, but more small theft.
In general, you’re more likely to lose a phone or wallet than to get hurt. That’s something most travelers would prefer.
My Honest Take
I’ve walked around Paris hundreds of times. I’ve done it in the daytime, in the evening, and even late at night.
I’ve taken the Metro, walked through tourist areas, and visited parks and cafés.
Have I seen pickpockets? Sometimes. Have I been in danger? No.
If you stay alert and take simple precautions, Paris is a safe and welcoming city.
Don’t let news headlines scare you too much. They often focus on rare events, not daily life.
Conclusion
So — is Paris safe in 2025?
Yes. It is safe for visitors who use basic common sense.
Keep your things close. Stay alert in crowds. Avoid people who seem suspicious. That’s it.
If you do that, you’ll likely have a great time.
Don’t let fear stop you from enjoying this amazing city. Paris is full of beauty, history, and fun.
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
