Château Rouge and Goutte d’Or District
Château Rouge, situated in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, is next on our list of most dangerous areas. Just a stone’s throw from the Sacré-Cœur, this area is infamous for pickpocketing and the trade of stolen goods, particularly mobile phones taken from unsuspecting tourists around Sacré-Cœur and Barbès. With a highly diverse population, the area suffers from delinquency, burglaries, scams, and drug and cigarette trafficking.
However, the vibrant street markets that give Château Rouge its charm are also a breeding ground for pickpockets and scam artists. It’s not the safest part of the city, especially for those unfamiliar with it. The colorful bazaar-like atmosphere can easily distract visitors, making them prime targets for theft.
Barbès-Rochechouart Station Area
While the Barbès-Rochechouart, located in the 18th arrondissement, is a must-visit for Sacré-Coeur Basilica and its breathtaking views, it is one of the places to avoid in Paris. While daytime is generally okay, avoid walking alone after dark, especially on the less-travelled streets. Barbès-Rochechouart has a reputation for being vibrant but risky at night. Many users report feeling insecure due to groups loitering in the area and a perceived lack of safety measures.
The area attracts illegal cigarette vendors and suspicious individuals, particularly around the metro exit. The police are very present and security has been stepped up in recent years, but the area remains sensitive and is best avoided.
Gare du Nord Train Station
If your first introduction to Paris is the area surrounding Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, you might wonder why you even came to the city. Near the train stations, it’s dirty, transient loitering is common, and it feels sketchy. It is the busiest railway station in Europe by total passenger numbers, and the busiest outside Japan. Because of the nighttime drug sales, it has become one of the Places to stay away from in Paris. You may even come across drug or alcohol addicts, who may force you to purchase illicit substances, engage in pickpocketing, and engage in combat.
Gare du Nord is a major transport hub. While it offers extensive connectivity, it also attracts potential pickpockets and large crowds, which may feel threatening at night. Increased security has been implemented, but some still express caution. The combination of international travelers with luggage makes this a particularly attractive hunting ground for criminals.
Châtelet-Les Halles Metro Complex
Châtelet-Les Halles is a busy interchange in the heart of Paris. Although often bustling, it can feel deserted during late hours. Reports of harassment and theft have been noted, causing some to avoid it after dark. The Châtelet Metro Station is especially like a maze and is most known for bag cutter thieves.
There is more opportunity for theft in this major train station because many travelers coming from the airport transfer trains here. This makes Châtelet-Les Halles the perfect place for pickpockets to hang out and wait for someone to target. The vast underground network with multiple levels and endless corridors creates perfect conditions for criminals to operate undetected and escape quickly.
Stalingrad District
Indeed, Stalingrad is a drug hub and drug addicts congregate here particularly at night, mainly on Rue de Flandre and Pont Stalingrad. It’s definitely dangerous and one of the most unsafe areas of Paris. However, this district is infamously nicknamed “Stalincrack” by the locals due to its reputation for robberies and drug trafficking, making it an area to avoid when traveling alone on summer nights.
Located between the 10th and 19th arrondissements, this area has become synonymous with open drug dealing and addiction. According to u/sirius1245720 on Reddit, “Avoid [Place de la Bataille] Stalingrad from 11 p.m. … But there is also, on weekends, police on the place.” So while it still may be a dangerous area at night that you should avoid whenever possible, there is a bit of relief in the fact that the local police are working to make it safer.
19th Arrondissement Northern Areas
Uploaded by paris 17, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27261465)
The city buzz sprawling at Parc de La Villette is one of the reasons to visit the 19th arrondissement; however, the northern part may make you feel less safe. Stalingrad, Jaurès and Mouzaia are some areas to avoid in Paris when you are travelling alone on summer nights. Stay extra vigilant in crowded spaces, especially on public transport.
If you plan to live in the 19th arrondissement, avoid these areas at night when alone: Stalingrad and Jaurés on the west, Danube and Mouzaia in the east, and Cambrai in the North. The 19th district is considered the least safe in Paris. The combination of empty streets after dark and higher crime rates makes solo travel particularly risky in this area.
La Chapelle and Porte de La Chapelle
La Chapelle is a neighborhood in the 18th arrondissement. Like most parts of Paris, this area isn’t overly dangerous. However, it is one that becomes a little uncomfortable when the sun goes down. It’s a popular spot for drug activities and where many people choose to sleep in the streets if they don’t have a home or safe space to visit.
U/Diligent-Level-6016 said, “I wouldn’t recommend staying in La Chapelle. Especially with young children/walking around after dark. It’s a hub of many refugees sleeping on the streets and addicts, unfortunately.” U/Sangfoudre added, “This is not a warzone but definitely one of Paris’ worst zones. If you have a choice, choose a location elsewhere.” The area suffers from a visible homeless population and drug-related activities that intensify after dark.
Porte de Clignancourt Market Area
Porte de Clignancourt is located on the northern outskirts of Paris, next to the suburb town of Saint-Ouen in the 18th arrondissement. There are several places named “Porte de” in Paris; these serve as gates providing direct car access to the city center from the “Périphérique,” the ring road that encircles France’s capital city. The district is home to the oldest flea (and counterfeit) market, an institution for those who love to bargain.
However, it’s best to steer clear of Porte de Clignancourt, as it’s a densely populated and fairly poor neighborhood, and at dusk, you may come across drug dealers and prostitutes near the metro exits. It’s another gate of Paris in the 18th arrondissement, and seriously, the worst Paris ghetto for me. Porte de Clignancourt is the only place on this list that is dangerous during the day and at night. It’s part of the 18th arrondissement of Paris and is well-known for its giant market, the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen.