Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but not every stay here feels like a dream. Choosing the wrong accommodation can quickly turn an unforgettable trip into a frustrating experience. The worst places to stay in Paris are often incorrectly marketed as economical or ideal for first-time visitors.
Some of these areas are situated miles away from the main attractions and have limited access to transportation, while others are simply popular for different crimes. A charming façade can sometimes hide a long list of problems inside. Knowing these less-than-ideal options can save you time, money, and stress. To help you avoid common travel mistakes, here are some places you might want to skip.
1. 15th Arrondissement
There are 20 arrondissements in the French capital, Paris, including the 15th Arrondissement. Vaugirard, the fifteenth Arrondissement, is located on the Seine River's left bank. It is the most populated Arrondissement in the city and shares the Montparnasse neighborhood with the 6th and 14th arrondissements. The 15th Arrondissement is home to the nearby Gare Montparnasse and Tour Montparnasse, Paris' tallest tower.
It is also the location of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles conference center and the high-rise Beaugrenelle neighborhood. It is one of the places to avoid in Paris. Don't get lost in the excitement of trendy cafes or bustling street scenes. It is recommended to use public transportation and remain in areas with plenty of traffic and light during the day. Be mindful of your surroundings and keep valuables close at hand. Naturally, guard against Parisian peepers and ATM skimmers that take your card information.
2. Les Halles
Les Halles was Paris's central fresh food market. After closing on January 12, 1973, it was replaced by a park and an underground shopping center. The unpopular modernist building was again destroyed in 2010, and a contemporary shopping mall called Westfield Forum des Halles took its place. The mall is the busiest in France as of 2019, with almost 50 million visitors annually. It has easy access to Châtelet–Les Halles, Paris' busiest station and a major RER and metro transit hub.
This is one of the worst places to stay in Paris. You will be approached with a desired present. They force you to go through all the hassle of claiming the reward after you express interest in it, and you may receive nothing at all or a low-quality item. Even in congested retail malls, criminal acts like pickpocketing and robbery are common because of the heavy foot traffic. Regardless of how wonderful your shopping experience is, you should always have your bags in sight because this is one of the worst places to go in Paris.
3. Porte De La Chapelle
Tucked away in the 18th Arrondissement, it's a bit strange—not your typical neighborhood in Paris. It may be well-known due to its proximity to two of Europe's busiest train terminals, Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est.This is a busy neighborhood. It's where you'll first see Paris's multiculturalism, with a lively African market, brilliant street art, and a sense of community uncommon in many other areas of the city.
However, there has been a little increase in crime in this neighborhood in recent years. Petty theft happens frequently, particularly if you aren't watching your possessions. If you're in the vicinity to catch a train, stay on the main routes, watch your belongings, and everything will work out perfectly. It could be wiser to take a cab after nightfall rather than go for a solo walk, particularly if you're unfamiliar with the neighborhood.
4. Chateau Rouge
If you're not cautious, you might mistake this for a busy bazaar in some remote corner of the planet. It's a short walk from the Montmartre and Sacré Coeur, a bohemian refuge. Chateau Rouge resembles a UN. It's a multicultural hub where you can sample international cuisine, buy colorful textiles, and buy amazing spices.
However, the lively street markets that add to Chateau Rouge's allure also serve as a haven for con artists and muggers. It's among the worst places to stay in Paris for people who have never been there. If you want to visit Chateau Rouge, be careful. Keep your valuables nearby and don't be distracted by the crowds. It might be a good idea to visit this neighborhood during the day, when it is crowded with locals and tourists.
5. Stalingrad
Let's proceed to the 19th Arrondissement, Stalingrad. Stalingrad is renowned for its sharp contrast to the typical Parisian charm, and it is located close to Villette Park, an excellent spot for a picnic or a fun stroll on a sunny day. The City of Love is connected to the surrounding suburbs and other European cities by Stalingrad, a significant metro and transit hub. It is in the heart of Paris and one of the busiest areas in the city.
It's worth taking a snap picture of the “roundabout” area with its lovely rotunda, especially as the sun sets behind it. Stalingrad has experienced homelessness along with related problems despite its thriving activities, especially in the vicinity of the metro and the rail stations. More tents have been erected beneath the metro bridges in recent years. It can be disturbing when the scenario turns into a fight or a heated disagreement. If you ever find yourself in Stalingrad, you should use common sense and care. Especially in crowded places, pay attention to your possessions. After dark, we advise staying on the major roads or taking a cab.
6. Barbès-Rochechouart
The Sacré-Coeur Basilica and its stunning views make the Barbès-Rochechouart a must-see, but it's also one of the spots in Paris to avoid. Even though walking alone during the day is generally safe, stay away from the less-traveled streets after dark. There are lots of stores selling Asian technology and African textiles in this multicultural area. One of the worst places to stay in Paris is the busy market, which disappears after dusk. Meanwhile, watch out for pushy vendors who will make you tie friendship bracelets just to get your money.
7. Porte de Clignancourt
The Porte de Clignancourt is not among the top areas to stay in Paris. The flea market hotspot, Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, is a haven for thrifty fashionistas and antique enthusiasts. Don't wear flashy jewelry or bring pricey luggage if you intend to have a delectable breakfast at one of the neighborhood cafes.
It's one of the places in Paris to stay away from because of pickpocketing and small-time theft. Unless you visit in the late evening, this Paris suburb won't feel like one of the riskiest neighborhoods in Paris as long as you bring your friend and know when to leave. If you fall in love with antiques, make sure to check through the pricey fakes in one of Paris's spots to avoid.
6. 20th Arrondissement
The 20th Arrondissement has something to offer anyone who appreciates the bustle of the city and expansive views of the Eiffel Tower from the lovely parks. But don't let the glitz of the hip cafes and bustling street scenes fool you. It's also one of the worst places to stay in Paris. You may feel less secure near the metro stops, especially at night. During the day, staying in well-lit places and taking public transit is recommended. Keep your valuables close at hand and pay attention to your surroundings. Of course, watch out for Parisian shoulder surfers and ATM skimmers that try to steal your credit card information!
7. 10th Arrondissement
The Arrondissement is located on the right side of the Seine, known as Entrepôt. Two of Paris's six major train stations, the Gare du Nord and the Gare de l'Est, are located there. These two terminals are some of the busiest in Europe and were constructed in the 19th century. A significant section of the Canal Saint-Martin, which connects the Seine with northeastern Paris, is located in the 10th Arrondissement.
It's a place to stay away from in Paris. During the day, there are fewer violent occurrences and crimes, which makes it usually rather safe. However, at night, some harmful actions might take place. For instance, assembling people to use drugs in public areas or getting intoxicated and causing havoc. It can be unpleasant, but it doesn't always represent a risk to tourists or locals.
8. 1st Arrondissement
The Arrondissement, also called the Louvre, is primarily located on the River Seine's right bank. It encompasses the western portion of the Île de la Cité as well. The Arrondissement has a land area of just 1.83 km2, making it one of the city's smallest by area and the least populous. The Tuileries Gardens, Latin Quarter, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum take up much of the space. The biggest retail center in Paris is the Forum des Halles.
The Arrondissement's remaining space is mainly devoted to administration and business. It is one of the worst places to stay in Paris. Even though the area is popular with tourists, the largest challenge is avoiding pickpockets. During the day, the area around the Centre Pompidou and the famous indoor shopping mall, Les Halles, is busy and safe. On Saturday nights, however, Les Halles is less hospitable to visitors. The big Chatelêt-Les Halles metro station, possibly the largest in the world, should be avoided, especially after dark.
9. Porte de la Villette
The Porte de la Villette is located in the northeastern section of the City of Lights. It is home to some of Paris's hidden treasures that are frequently missed by the typical tourist route, such as the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, a museum dedicated to science and technology, and the large Parc de la Villette, which frequently organizes outdoor films in the summer. The neighborhood surrounding the metro station can seem deserted, mainly after midnight.
In recent years, there has been a sharp rise in drug-related activity and loitering near the Metro station. It can be very uncomfortable, especially if you are alone or unfamiliar with the city. It's a sharp contrast to the tranquil green park and thriving museum just a short walk away. If you plan on staying, we recommend scheduling your activities throughout the day and avoiding walking around after dark. Consider using a ridesharing service or taking a taxi or before leaving, especially if you are unfamiliar with the region.
10. Bois de Vincennes
The Bois de Vincennes is the biggest public park in Paris and is situated on the city's eastern outskirts. The bois de Vincennes and bois de Boulogne were sections of the ancient forest that encircled the ancient Roman town of Lutetia. The Chateau de Vincennes, a former home of the French kings, is adjacent to the park. Prostitution is common in the park after dark.
Here, theft is rampant. This makes it one of the worst places to stay in Paris. If you leave your luggage unsecured, it could be taken at any time. This is most likely one of the Parisian neighborhoods that merits attention. For a completely worry-free experience, staying sober is your best option.
5 Tips for Extra Caution in Paris
Because Paris is such a popular tourist location, extreme caution is necessary. Here are the top five safety tips for living in Paris.
1. Do not sacrifice your safety for a low-cost flat. To determine whether you feel safe, try walking around the neighborhood at various times of the day.
2. Because burglaries are widespread in the 10th, 18th, and 19th arrondissements, if you decide to rent a place there, ensure you get a strong lock and avoid leaving valuables in front of windows.
3. Spend some time interacting with your neighbors. You will feel safer if you know the individuals around you.
4 If you believe your safety is in jeopardy, don't feel compelled to respond to a stranger's question (for example, when they ask for directions).
5. Keep your valuables safe when visiting tourist attractions.
6. Plan your path for the night. If you must pass through sketchy neighborhoods, bring someone with you and notify your friends where you are going.
For many foreigners, Paris is their ideal place to call home. After all, there are many reasons why relocating to Paris is a fantastic idea, including the city's high salaries, work-life balance, quality of life, and nightlife. Therefore, don't let your fears stop you. It's time to rent a home in one of Paris's many safe districts now that you know which ones to stay away from.
Conclusion
There you have it – The worst places to stay in Paris. Not every stay in Paris lives up to expectations, and a poorly chosen neighborhood can affect your entire trip. Knowing which Parisian areas to avoid is just as important as knowing where to book. Keep these options in mind so you can enjoy the beauty of Paris without unnecessary hassles or regrets.
