7 Safest Places to Stay in Paris (And Areas to Avoid)
Looking for the safest places to stay in Paris? This guide covers the top safe neighborhoods in Paris for tourists, families, and solo travelers—plus areas to avoid and essential safety tips.
The safest arrondissements in Paris include the 6th (Saint-Germain), 7th (Eiffel Tower), 5th (Latin Quarter), and the 3rd & 4th (Le Marais). These central neighborhoods are well-lit, walkable, and have lower crime rates.
I’ve written this guide based on my personal experience visiting and working in Paris. Plus, I’ve added some local insights to help you choose the best area to stay—along with hotel recommendations in each safe district.
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The best and safest places to stay in Paris are in the 6th Arrondissement, and here are a few top hotels to consider:
📍 Budget-Friendly: Hôtel La Parizienne
📍 Mid-range: Hotel de Seine
📍 Luxury: Hôtel d’Aubusson
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The 7 Safest Places to Stay in Paris
There are many safe areas to stay in Paris, and while this list doesn’t include them all it does include the best and safest places to stay in Paris for visitors.
Additionally, there are a variety of highly-rated hotels for each area that are perfect for a trip to Paris.
1. The 6th Arrondissement – The Safest Place to Stay in Paris
The 6th arrondissement is a beautiful part of Paris, filled with charming cafes and restaurants, and near many of the main attractions such as the Luxembourg Gardens, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Seine River, and more.
Specifically the neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th arrondissement is easily one of the best and safest places to stay in Paris.
The neighborhood is filled with charm and has a variety of restaurants, cafes with outdoor seating, boutique shops, bookstores, and art galleries.
Saint-Germain-des- Prés is known for its rich history, and became a cultural hub in the 19th and 20th centuries for intellectuals, writers, and artists.
Why the 6th Arrondissement is a Safe Place to Stay in Paris
The 6th Arrondissement tends to have low crime rates and is one of the safest areas in Paris.
Its central location and beautiful atmosphere make it a very popular area to stay for people visiting Paris.
I have personally stayed in the 6th arrondissement on several occasions, both on my own and while traveling with my partner.
During my trips, I have always felt very safe and comfortable in the 6th, which is one of the reasons I love staying in this part of Paris.
Best Hotels in the 6th Arrondissement
📍 Budget-Friendly: Hôtel La Parizienne
Hôtel La Parizienne is a 3-star hotel that features chic décor and an ideal location, but is still budget-friendly for what is typically a more expensive part of Paris.
The rooms are comfortable and stylish, and it’s within walking distance to the Luxembourg Gardens and other nearby attractions.
📍 Mid-Range: Hotel de Seine
Located in the heart of St Germain, Hotel de Seine has traditional Parisian décor but with modern amenities such as air-conditioning. Its perfect for those who want a a hotel with an elegant, traditional feel to it.
I’ve stayed here and recommend it – the hotel is an absolute gem with a very friendly staff. I also felt super safe here and would say this is one of the safest places to stay in Paris.
One of my favorite parts about this hotel is the location – you are steps away from charming cafes and restaurants, and just a short walk to the Seine River.
📍 Luxury: Hôtel d’Aubusson
Hôtel d’Aubusson is a 5-star hotel in one of the best neighborhoods in Paris. The luxurious hotel is set in a 17th-century mansion and features a jazz bar, elegant rooms, and a beautiful inner courtyard.
A highlight of this hotel is its large indoor pool and spa area – a perfect place to relax after exploring Paris.
2. The Latin Quarter – 5th Arrondissement
The Latin Quarter is a historic neighborhood in Paris, located in the 5th arrondissement on the Left Bank.
The Latin Quarter is known for its rich academic history and was where the first university in Paris, la Sorbonne, was established in 1160 AD. Today, Sorbonne remains one of the oldest universities in the world.
In addition to its historical significance, the Latin Quarter has a vibrant yet charming vibe. On the Boulevard Saint-Michel, you will find many restaurants, bookstores, and cafes. There are also several pubs and bars in the area.
The Latin Quarter is home to several landmarks including the Panthéon, the Saint-Étienne-du-Mont church, and the very popular Shakespeare and Company Bookstore. The neighborhood is also a short walk from the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral.
Why the 5th Arrondissement is a Safe Place to Stay in Paris
The 5th Arrondissement is another one of the safest places to stay in Paris. It is home to many university students, but also is popular amongst tourists, therefore the area is well-monitored and safe.
I have stayed in the Latin Quarter several times and always felt safe here – even when walking back to my hotel at night. The area has many other people around at night time (especially on the weekends) so it doesn’t feel isolated after dark.
Of course, you always should use common safety precautions, but I felt this was a very safe area to stay in Paris.
Best Hotels in the Latin Quarter
📍 Budget: Hotel Minerve
Set in a Haussmann-style building, Hotel Minerve is the perfect place to stay for Parisian charm while on a budget.
The hotel has historic character, with some rooms featuring exposed stone walls. Other rooms have a more modern feel and some have large Parisian-style windows that overlook the front street.
☑️ Check Availability and Book Hotel Minerve
📍 Mid-Range: Hotel La Lanterne & Spa
Hotel La Lanterne & Spa is a lovely boutique hotel located in the center of the Latin Quarter, just steps from the Cluny Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral.
The hotel features cozy, modern rooms and amenities that are sure to provide a comfortable stay. A highlight of this hotel is its small indoor pool and spa, which gives a relaxing atmosphere.
☑️ Check Availability and Book Hotel La Lanterne & Spa
📍 Luxury: Maison Colbert
Maison Colbert is a 5 star hotel in the heart of the Latin Quarter. This stunning hotel has an elegant front facade with beautifully styled rooms – some of which have glimpses of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral.
Although the hotel has a very central location, it is located on a quiet street which ensures you will get a peaceful night’s rest while staying here.
3. Le Marais – 3rd & 4th Arrondissements
Le Marais spans both the 3rd and 4th arrondissements and is on the Right Bank of the Seine.
It is a very trendy neighborhood with narrow streets, medieval architecture, and a lively atmosphere. It is also amongst the safest places to stay in Paris.
The area has historical significance that dates back to the medieval period in Paris, and it is actually where you will find the oldest house in Paris which is located at 51 rue de Montmorency.
Highlights of the Le Maris neighborhood include the beautiful historic square of Place des Vosges and the renaissance-style city hall Hôtel de Ville. There are also several shops, restaurants, and a lively and fun nightlife scene.
Additionally, the Pletzl area of Le Marais was once the historic Jewish Quarter of Paris, and today is still home to many kosher shops and Jewish cultural institutions.
Le Marais is also known for being the LGBTQ+ hub of the city, which gives it a friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
Why Le Marais is a Safe Area to Stay in Paris
Le Marais is considered a very safe area in Paris. It is a very tourist-friendly part of the city and the area is well-monitored.
Since Le Marais is considered a safe area during both daytime and nighttime, It is a great area to enjoy some of the nightlife scene in Paris. There are several bars, pubs, and clubs around and it is a lively and fun atmosphere.
Additionally, Paris is a great city for LGBTQ+ travelers, but the Le Marais neighborhood in particular is very welcoming and safe for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Best Hotels in Le Marais
📍 Budget-Friendly: Hotel Sookie
Hotel Sookie is an adorable boutique hotel with a small cafe located on the ground floor. The hotel has modern, bohemian-style decor and a great location on the edge of Le Marais.
☑️ Check Availability and Book Hotel Sookie
📍 Mid-Range: Hôtel de Joséphine Bonaparte
Set in a 17th-century building, Hotel de JoBo is a modern hotel that is filled with historic charm. Each room features vibrant and unique décor, which adds to the overall ambiance.
One of the best aspects of this hotel is its location in Le Marais – just a short walk to the famous Place des Vosges.
☑️ Check Availability and Book Hôtel de Joséphine Bonaparte
📍 Luxury: Hotel Dupond-Smith
A 5-star hotel in the vibrant Le Marais district, Hotel Dupond-Smith is a perfect choice for a stay in Paris. The rooms are thoughtfully designed in a modern style, which adds to the character.
The hotel has raving reviews, with guests loving being steps away from several of the cafes, bars, and restaurants in Le Marais.
☑️ Check Availability and Book Hotel Dupond-Smith
4. The 7th Arrondissement – Eiffel Tower
The 7th Arrondissement is known for being the neighborhood of the iconic Eiffel Tower, which is the symbol of Paris.
The 7th arrondissement is an elegant part of Paris and has many Haussmannian-style buildings, residential homes, and grand boulevards.
It is still a central location in Paris, but it has a calmer feel compared to the more lively districts like the 6th.
Other than the Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars, highlights of the 7th include the Musée d’Orsay, Les Invalides, Rue Cler, and Quai d’Orsay.
Why the 7th Arrondissement is a Safe Place to Stay in Paris
The 7th Arrondissement is a safe neighborhood in Paris that has an elegant feel to it. While it is a quieter neighborhood, it is also typically a pretty clean part of the city that has many upscale residences and hotels.
Of course, being the home of the Eiffel Tower there is a police presence to keep the area very safe and well-maintained for visitors.
You will however want to watch out for pickpockets, especially near the Eiffel Tower as they tend to target distracted tourists.
Best Hotels in the 7th Arrondissement
📍 Budget-Friendly: Hotel Duquesne Eiffel
Hotel Duquesne Eiffel is a 3-star hotel within a short walk to Champ de Mars. Rooms are small but cozy, and some rooms even have views of the Eiffel Tower. It’s a great choice for a simple, budget-friendly option.
☑️ Check Availability and Book Hotel Duquesne Eiffel
📍 Mid-Range: Hôtel La Comtesse
Set in a 19th-century building, Hôtel La Comtesse features beautiful Hausmannian-style architecture. The rooms are a contemporary design, with some rooms offering views of the Eiffel Tower and a small balcony.
📍 Luxury: Le Narcisse Blanc
Le Narcisse Blanc is a stunning 5-star hotel near the Eiffel Tower. The hotel features elegant, spacious rooms with all of the amenities you would expect at a luxury hotel. There is also a beautiful spa area, which is perfect for relaxing while in Paris.
5. The 15th Arrondissement
The 15th arrondissement is located on the Left Bank, not far from the Eiffel Tower in the 7th. It is a very safe and family-friendly area of Paris and is more residential than touristy.
While this Parisian neighborhood doesn’t have as many tourist sites, it is still a beautiful part of Paris and has a very local feel.
The area has a great mix of the beautiful Haussmann architecture, as well as more local restaurants and cafes. It is perfect for those who want to experience more of what everyday life would look like in Paris in a quieter, yet safe neighborhood.
Highlights of the 15th include the Parc André-Citroën, Beaugrenelle Shopping Center, and the Grenelle District which has a great mix of shops and restaurants.
The 15th arrondissement is also well-connected to the metro, making it easy to access other parts of Paris.
In addition to the metro, there is a RER C train stop which means it is easy to reach the Palace of Versailles directly from the 15th.
Why the 15th Arrondissement is a Safe Area to Stay in Paris
The 15th is mostly a residential part of Paris, but it is one of the safest places to stay in Paris and is also a very family-oriented area.
The 15th is a safe place to stay in Paris and you can also get some great hotel deals since it is a bit further from the main tourist attractions.
I stayed in the 15th arrondissement during my first trip to Paris and felt incredibly safe here. I will say that it is quieter at night, but it still felt very safe. It was also easy to figure out the Metro to visit other areas.
Best Hotels in the 15th Arrondissement
📍 Budget-Friendly: Hotel Korner Eiffel
Hotel Korner Eiffel is a great choice for a budget-friendly hotel. This small boutique hotel has simple, but modern rooms with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
I stayed here on my very first trip to Paris and loved the relaxing feel of the neighborhood. It is also a short walk to the metro, the Eiffel Tower, and to the Seine River.
☑️ Check Prices and Book Hotel Korner Eiffel
📍 Mid-Range: Hôtel Gustave
Hôtel Gustave is an upscale boutique hotel with rooms decorated in the Belle Epoque style. Some rooms offer beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower and there are also family-size rooms available.
☑️ Check Prices and Book Hôtel Gustave
📍 Luxury: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
The Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel is a 4-star luxury hotel located next to the Eiffel Tower. It features contemporary-style rooms, some with balconies and incredible views of the Eiffel Tower.
This is the perfect option for families as the hotel offers connecting rooms and family-size rooms.
☑️ Check Prices and Book Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
6. Bastille – 11th & 12th Arrondissements
Bastille is a neighborhood that spans the 11th & 12th arrondissements. It is centered around the Place de la Bastille – a large square that commemorates the events of the French Revolution and the storming of the Bastille in 1789.
Today, the Bastille area is known for its lively atmosphere and great nightlife options, including a variety of bars and clubs. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes in the area.
Bastille is a perfect place to stay for travelers in their 20s or 30s, or for anyone who is looking for a more lively and fun area in Paris.
The neighborhood is also adjacent to Le Marais, and not far from Canal Saint-Martin which can be considered one of Paris’ hidden gems.
Why Bastille is a Safe Place to Stay in Paris
Although the Bastille area is known for its vibrant nightlife, it is also a safe area of Paris to stay. There are many other people and travelers in this area, which adds to the feeling of safety as you won’t find yourself alone here.
When I was working in Paris, many of my French coworkers mentioned this area and that it was a great place for a safe, but fun night out.
However, as with any city, I do recommend taking a taxi or Uber back to your hotel if you plan to stay out late.
Best Hotels in Bastille
📍 Budget-Friendly: The People – Paris Nation
The People – Paris Nation is a budget-friendly hostel that is perfect for younger travelers or those wanting a more social atmosphere. The hostel has dormitory-style rooms, an outdoor terrace, a restaurant, and a bar.
☑️ Check Availability and Book The People – Paris Nation Hostel
📍 Mid-Range: Hotel Bastille Speria
Located on the border of the Bastille neighborhood and Le Marais, Hotel Bastille Speria is a perfect choice in a lively part of Paris.
The hotel features beautiful modern rooms with air-conditioning, which is definitely a bonus in the summertime.
☑️ Check Availability and Book Hotel Bastille Speria
7. Montmartre – 18th Arrondissement
Montmartre is a neighborhood in Paris that is perched on a hill overlooking the city. It is known for being the artist’s quarter of Paris and attracted several famous artists including Picasso and Van Gogh.
Montmartre feels more like a village than a city district, which makes it stand out from the other neighborhoods of Paris. The area is filled with a captivating charm and has winding cobblestone streets, Parisian cafes, and boutique hotels that exude the Belle Époque style.
Montmartre is best known for its beautiful white church, the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, which is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris.
Another highlight of this neighborhood is the iconic Moulin Rouge, which is a historic cabaret that puts on nightly shows with famous dances such as the French Can-can.
Why Montmartre is a Safe Neighborhood to Stay in Paris
Montmartre feels like a charming village and is what many people picture when they think of Paris. The beautiful area attracts many tourists, and because of this, it is a well-monitored area that is kept safe and secure.
Violent or dangerous crimes are rare in Montmartre, which means it is safe to explore. However, it is important to note that pickpockets are quite frequent in this area since it is popular among tourists. Therefore it is important to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in popular sites or crowded areas.
Another thing to note is that the area down by Moulin Rouge and the Piagelle District used to be the red light district of Paris. Today, it still has a variety of adult shops and shows, so it may not be an ideal place to stay with kids.
Best Hotels in Montmartre
📍 Mid-range: Hôtel des Arts Montmartre
Hôtel des Arts Montmartre is an adorable family-owned boutique hotel, that is very highly-rated with over 3,000+ 5-star reviews. Rooms have a modern décor and some rooms feature stunning city views.
☑️ Check Availability and Book Hotel des Arts Montmartre
📍 Luxury: Manolita Paris
Manolita Paris is a 5-star hotel located in the charming neighborhood of Montmartre. This luxurious hotel has elegantly decorated rooms, many which have balconies and beautiful views.
☑️ Check Availability and Book the Manolita Paris
Areas to Avoid in Paris
First, I want to mention that Paris feels safer than many cities I’ve visited in the United States.
However, Paris is still a major city, and like any city, some places are less safe than others.
Part of this also comes with being a tourist/outsider to the area, so while locals may feel safe in some of these areas it may not be as safe for those that are visiting.
These are essentially places I wouldn’t recommend to friends traveling to Paris and some of the places on this list I was told to avoid by coworkers (especially at night as a solo female).
On the contrary, I’ve stayed in one of the neighborhoods on this avoid list completely on my own while working in Paris (I just wouldn’t recommend it to people traveling for vacation).
Seine-Saint-Denis
Located in the northern suburbs, this area has higher than average crime rates in Paris. Plus, the suburbs are far out from central Paris which is where you will want to be when visiting anyways.
19th Arrondissement – La Villette
I stayed in this area as a solo female traveler (while working in Paris). The area seems fine during the day, and it does have great diversity as well as lovely park areas.
However, there are high levels of poverty in the 19th and you’ll want to watch out for theft. I was told by several coworkers to avoid walking around here at night, as it gets rather sketchy after dark in certain areas.
Again, it isn’t as dangerous as some parts of US cities, but I wouldn’t recommend the area to people traveling to Paris for vacation.
The area around Gare du Nord Train Station
This may be overgeneralized, but I try to avoid staying near train stations in European cities. They tend to have a lot of pickpockets circling about, and Gare du Nord is no different in this.
During the day, Gare du Nord is safe (minus the pickpockets) but late at night, it can get kind of sketchy here.
I’ve traveled through Gare du Nord several times with no issues, but again I wouldn’t recommend staying right by here unless you are just staying 1 night before catching your next train.
Where to Stay in Paris for First-Time Visitors
One of the safest places to stay in Paris and the best area to stay for first-time visitors is the 6th arrondissement, specifically the Saint-Germain-des- Prés neighborhood.
The 6th arrondissement is one of the safest areas in the city and is a great place to stay for couples, families, or solo travelers.
Not only is this one of the most beautiful areas of Paris, but it is also very central to many of the top attractions including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Luxembourg Gardens, and much more.
It is also well-connected to the Paris Metro, making it easy to visit other parts of Paris.
Safest Neighborhoods in Paris
There are many safe neighborhoods to stay in Paris, and below is a short list of the safest neighborhoods in Paris for visitors:
Safest Neighborhoods in Paris for Tourists:
– Saint-Germain-des- Prés (6th arrondissement)
– Odéon Neighborhood (6th arrondissement)
– The Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement)
– Le Marais (3rd and 4th arrondissements)
Tips for Staying Safe in Paris
While there are many safe places to stay in Paris, you should always follow common safety tips as you would in any big city.
Below are a few safety tips to follow while staying in Paris:
- Watch out for pickpockets – especially in crowded tourist areas or attractions and on the Paris metro
- Use a crossbody purse or a money belt, or put your valuables in your front pocket (with a hand on your pocket while in a crowded space like the metro). Never put anything valuable in a backpack or a back pocket.
- While at a cafe or restaurant, don’t leave your phone or purse on an outdoor table where it would be easy for someone to grab it while passing by
- Paris has frequent demonstrations – while these don’t typically pose any danger to tourists it is best to avoid getting in the middle of them
- If asked to sign a petition, accept a flower, put on a bracelet, etc, just ignore or say a firm “no” and keep walking. These are common scams to either distract and pickpocket you or demand money.
- Don’t leave drinks unattended while at bars or clubs or accept drinks from strangers
- Avoid walking alone after dark (as you would in any city). If you don’t have a friend to walk with, it is best to take a taxi or Uber back to your hotel.
- When traveling internationally, US Citizens should enroll in the US Department of State STEP Program which makes it easier for the US embassy to locate or alert you if there is an emergency where you are traveling.
For more tips on safety in Paris, visit the France page of the US Department of State.
FAQ: Safest Areas to Stay in Paris
The 6th arrondissement is the safest place to stay in Paris. This area has a low crime rate and attracts many visitors due to its central location near many of the best attractions in Paris. It is also close to the Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement) which is another great choice for a safe neighborhood to stay at while in Paris.
The Eiffel Tower is located in the 7th arrondissement, which is a very safe area in central Paris. The 7th arrondissement has a low crime rate compared to other parts of the city. The biggest thing to be aware of in this area is to watch your belongings closely as there are pickpockets that operate near the main tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower.
The safest areas of Paris include the central neighborhoods of Saint Germain, Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, Montmartre, Champs Elysées, Bastille, and the Eiffel Tower. Several more residential areas are very safe to stay at, including the 15th arrondissement, the 16th arrondissement, and the 14th arrondissement.
The safest areas to stay in Paris include the 6th arrondissement (Saint-Germain), 7th (Eiffel Tower area), 5th (Latin Quarter), and the 3rd & 4th (Le Marais). These neighborhoods are well-lit, central, and have lower crime rates, making them ideal for tourists, families, and solo travelers.
The Wrap-Up: Safest Places to Stay in Paris
When traveling to a new city (especially internationally) finding a safe place to stay is important. Whether you are going for a weekend getaway or a 10-day trip to the City of Lights, this list of the safest places to stay in Paris is sure to help you find a perfect area to stay in.
Staying in a safe place will not only make you feel more secure, but it will help you to be able to relax and enjoy your trip to the fullest. If you are visiting Paris for the very first time, you may be wondering a few other things like do you need to speak French or can you use your phone abroad? If so, check out these related posts:
Is Paris Overrated or Worth Visiting
How to Use your Verizon Phone in Paris
