Discover the Best Paris Districts: Safety, Attractions, and Where to Stay
Paris, often called “The City of Light,” is a dream destination for many travelers. Before you embark on your journey, understanding the layout of Paris districts and the safety of each area is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable trip. This guide will help you navigate the city, highlighting the safety levels, key attractions, and ideal places to stay within each district.
The Paris Olympics have made me dream of traveling to Paris once again. Paris is as diverse as it is fascinating, so I’ve broken down the city by neighborhoods and provided a handy list of hotels and places to visit in each.
Paris Districts Overview
Did you know that Paris is smaller than New York City? Paris is about one-sixth the size of New York City, making it a city you can explore relatively quickly. Paris is divided into 20 districts (arrondissements), starting from the center and spiraling outwards in a clockwise direction. This unique layout makes it easier to understand the city’s geography and navigate through it.
Safety in Paris: An Overview
Safety is a top concern for travelers, and Paris is no exception. While the city is generally safe, some areas are safer than others. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the safety levels in each district:
The map is sourced from https://www.france-justforyou.com/paris-main-districts-paris-map
Safe Paris Districts (1st to 8th Arrondissements)
- 1st Arrondissement: Home to the Louvre Museum, this district is historically significant and very safe.
- 2nd Arrondissement: Known for its financial institutions and banks, this area is secure and bustling during the day.
- 3rd & 4th Arrondissements: These areas are popular shopping destinations, making them vibrant and safe.
- 5th Arrondissement: With several prestigious universities, this district is both intellectual and safe.
- 6th Arrondissement: Famous for luxury boutiques and hotels, ensuring a safe environment.
- 7th Arrondissement: The location of the Eiffel Tower, this area is heavily monitored and safe.
- 8th Arrondissement: Featuring the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées, this district is safe but watch out for pickpockets.
While these districts are safe, always remain vigilant against pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist spots.
Moderate Safety Paris Districts (15th to 17th Arrondissements)
- 15th Arrondissement: Popular among Korean residents and relatively safe.
- 16th Arrondissement: A wealthy neighborhood near the Eiffel Tower, known for its safety.
- 17th Arrondissement: A modern area with new developments and good safety records.
These districts are great for finding accommodations due to their balance of safety and convenience.
Paris Districts to Exercise Caution (9th to 14th, 18th to 20th Arrondissements)
- 9th to 14th Arrondissements: These areas can be safe during the day but may become risky at night.
- 18th Arrondissement: Known for Montmartre, be cautious of pickpockets and avoid wandering at night.
- 19th & 20th Arrondissements: These districts have mixed safety records and should be navigated with care, especially after dark.
Paris Districts and Their Attractions
Attractions in Safe Paris Districts (1st to 8th Arrondissements)
- 1st Arrondissement: Louvre Museum, Palais Royal.
- 2nd Arrondissement: Bourse, Rue Montorgueil.
- 3rd & 4th Arrondissements: Le Marais, Centre Pompidou.
- 5th Arrondissement: Latin Quarter, Pantheon.
- 6th Arrondissement: Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Luxembourg Gardens.
- 7th Arrondissement: Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides.
- 8th Arrondissement: Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées.
Attractions in Moderate Safety Paris Districts (15th to 17th Arrondissements)
- 15th Arrondissement: Parc André Citroën, Beaugrenelle Shopping Mall.
- 16th Arrondissement: Bois de Boulogne, Trocadéro Gardens.
- 17th Arrondissement: Parc Monceau, Batignolles.
Attractions in Cautionary Paris Districts (9th to 14th, 18th to 20th Arrondissements)
- 9th Arrondissement: Opéra Garnier, Galeries Lafayette.
- 10th Arrondissement: Canal Saint-Martin, Gare du Nord.
- 11th Arrondissement: Place de la Bastille, Oberkampf.
- 12th Arrondissement: Bercy Village, Parc de Bercy.
- 13th Arrondissement: Chinatown, Bibliothèque Nationale.
- 14th Arrondissement: Catacombs of Paris, Montparnasse Tower.
- 18th Arrondissement: Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
- 19th Arrondissement: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, La Villette.
- 20th Arrondissement: Père Lachaise Cemetery, Belleville.
Additional Safety Tips for Paris Travelers
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always be conscious of your environment, especially in crowded places and tourist attractions.
- Avoid Displaying Valuables: Keep your valuables such as phones, cameras, and jewelry out of sight to avoid attracting attention.
- Use Reputable Transportation: Stick to licensed taxis and public transportation. Avoid unmarked cabs and be cautious when using ride-sharing apps.
- Stay in Well-Lit Areas at Night: If you must walk around at night, stay in well-lit and populated areas.
- Learn Basic French Phrases: Knowing a few key phrases can help you in emergencies and improve your interactions with locals.
Accommodation Tips in Paris
When booking accommodation, you might not always know the district by name. To identify the district, look at the last two digits of the address’ postal code. For example, if the postal code ends in “15,” the accommodation is in the 15th arrondissement.
Summary
- Paris is compact, about one-sixth the size of New York City.
- The city is divided into 20 districts, arranged in a clockwise spiral from the center.
- Districts 1-8 are the safest and best for tourists.
- Districts 15-17 are moderately safe and good for accommodation.
- Districts 9-14 and 18-20 require caution, especially at night.
- Always be mindful of pickpockets, regardless of the district.
Enjoy your trip to Paris and stay safe!
For itineraries and reviews of other fascinating French cities, Lyon, Chamonix, and Annecy, check out our posts below.
Lyon Trip _ Ultimate Tips & Itinerary