Paris travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Paris, Île-de-France, France.
Paris is a safe city for tourists by global standards, but elevated vigilance is warranted at major tourist sites and on the Métro due to pickpocketing. France operates a national Vigipirate counter-terrorism alert system; the level is Urgence Attentat (highest) in Île-de-France following heightened threat periods, but visible security (armed police, bag checks at museums) means tourists are well-protected. Street crime involving violence against tourists is relatively rare.
Current safety advisory
Generally Safe
France's government Vigipirate alert level can be checked at sgdsn.gouv.fr. The US State Department rates France at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) primarily due to terrorism threat. UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office rates France as generally safe with standard precautions advised. Pickpocketing is the most common crime affecting tourists.
Last updated: 2026-06-29
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
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Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Use inside zip pockets or money belts on crowded Métro lines (especially 1, 4, 6) and at tourist sites
Keep bags in front of the body and wallets in front trouser pockets — not back pockets
Hold smartphones with both hands when checking maps near the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and the Marais
Do not accept gifts, bracelets, or help from strangers near tourist attractions without requesting it
At the Eiffel Tower esplanade, be alert for groups of young people who use distraction techniques
Use only licensed taxis (G7 taxi app, or hail a cab with the 'TAXI PARISIEN' sign lit) or verified ride-share apps (Uber, Bolt)
The Gare du Nord area (particularly around the main entrance) and Châtelet-Les Halles Métro station require extra vigilance at night
The RER B train from CDG airport is safe but carry bags on your lap and be alert when doors open at Gare du Nord station
Never leave belongings unattended at outdoor cafés — bag snatching from chairs is a known tactic
Register your trip with your home country's embassy or foreign ministry for emergency notifications during extended stays
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Petition Scam
People approach with clipboards asking for signatures on a 'petition for deaf children'; once signed, they demand money. Ignore and walk away. No legal obligation to engage.
Gold Ring Scam
Scammer 'finds' a gold ring on the ground and offers it to the tourist, then asks for money for a meal. Keep walking.
Friendship Bracelet
Man ties a bracelet around the tourist's wrist uninvited, then demands payment — usually €10–€20. Walk away immediately if anyone approaches with string or twine near the Sacré-Cœur steps.
Shell Game / Cup Trick
Street gambling game with three cups; always rigged. Participants you see winning are accomplices. Never bet money.
Taxi Overcharge
Unlicensed taxis at airports demand flat fees far above legal rates (€55–€80 from CDG vs. the legal fixed rate). Use only official taxis via the G7 app (+33 1 47 39 47 39) or Uber/Bolt.
Fake Wi-Fi
Hotspots named 'Free Paris WiFi' or similar harvest login credentials. Use only official Paris Wi-Fi (Paris_Wifi) or cellular data.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
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- Tap Water
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- Paris tap water is safe to drink and of high quality. Free water from public Wallace Fountains (green ornate fountains) dotted around the city. No need to buy bottled water.
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- Vaccinations
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- No vaccinations required to enter France from most Western countries. Standard up-to-date vaccinations (tetanus, hepatitis A) are recommended. Check current requirements at diplomatie.gouv.fr or with a travel medicine clinic.
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- Health Insurance / EHIC
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- EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC) for reduced-cost or free treatment at state healthcare facilities. Non-EU visitors should purchase comprehensive travel health insurance before departure.
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- Pharmacies
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- Pharmacies (marked with a green cross) are numerous and pharmacists can treat minor ailments and recommend over-the-counter medication. Open typically 09:00–19:30. Night pharmacies: Pharmacie des Champs-Élysées (84 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008) is open 24/7.
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- Heat Waves
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- Heatwaves above 35°C have become more common since 2003. Most Paris hotel rooms, Métro stations, and shops do not have air-conditioning. Pack a portable fan, stay hydrated, and seek air-conditioned museums (Louvre, Orsay) during peak afternoon heat.
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- Air Quality
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- Paris air quality is generally good. Pollution spikes can occur during warm, still weather in summer. Check airparif.fr for daily air quality reports. Asthmatics should carry inhalers.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travellers of all genders fare well in Paris. Hostels are social and well-connected (Generator Paris at 9–11 Place du Colonel Fabien; St Christopher's Inns at Gare du Nord). The main risks are pickpocketing and misdirection; carry a physical copy of your itinerary. The Paris tourist helpline +33 8 92 68 30 00 (French only) or the nearest police commissariat are useful contacts.
Female travellers
Paris is relatively safe for solo female travellers. The main concern is unwanted attention in certain areas (Barbès, Gare du Nord at night, outer Périphérique suburbs). Late-night Métro travel is generally fine on busier lines but stick to well-lit carriages. The app Parisien·ne allows women to report unsafe situations. Most Parisians, police, and café staff will assist if a situation feels uncomfortable.
Families
Paris is family-friendly with modern healthcare, reliable emergency services, and child-focused infrastructure. Children under 18 in France legally require a letter of consent from absent parents when travelling with only one parent (Autorisation de sortie du territoire). Baby-changing facilities are available in most major museums and shopping centres. The American Hospital of Paris (+33 1 46 41 25 25) has a paediatric department with English-speaking staff.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Paris is one of Europe's most LGBTQ+-friendly cities. The Marais (3rd–4th arrondissements) is the historic LGBTQ+ district with bars, clubs, and resources including Centre LGBT Paris-IDF (63 Rue Beaubourg, 75003; +33 1 43 57 21 47; centrelgbtparis.org). Public displays of affection are accepted throughout the city. France banned same-sex discrimination in 2013 with marriage equality legislation. Incidents are very rare but report any incident to police on 17 or SOS Homophobie (+33 1 48 06 42 41).
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
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