Paris is and always be a good idea; however; it has gotten a little bit less safe than it used to be from when I was last here this past summer. In the last week alone, a friend of mine got mugged in the streets of Paris (thankfully she is physically ok and all was recovered) and another friend got her purse stolen at the airport (also OK and has already obtained emergency passports from the US embassy).

Despite this, Paris is still one of my favorite cities to visit in the world and it is still safe to come here—you just need to be more hyper aware and vigilant as you would be in any metropolitan city. Here are five tips for staying safe in the city of lights.

Tip 1: Be Aware

As a New Yorker, I feel like I have been trained on this since birth. Anytime you are out and about, especially in a crowded place like a metro, tourist attraction or high traffic area make sure you are aware of your surroundings. Yes, that means, get off your smart phone. Make sure that your personal belongings are close to you and out of plain sight. It can be basic things like not putting your phone or any valuables in your back pocket.

Pro-Tip: If you see a group of individuals together (can even be kids!) that seems sketchy, avoid going in that direction. There is swarming going on in Paris where a group will surround you and go for your belongings.

Tip 2: Dress Smart

This doesn’t necessarily mean dressing down, just putting some thought into what you walk out in so you don’t draw a lot of attention to yourself. I will say that I wouldn’t advise stepping out in obvious and loud designer head to toe. During this trip I have been mixing it up and only using my designer bags on special occasions. Most days, I tend to wear a crossbody bag for my excursions and turn it in if it is a flap bag so the opening is facing my body and not outwards. Another option is to wear your bag underneath your coat. It’s been so warm in Paris the few weeks I’ve been here, that doing that has not been an option. As for jewelry, I always put my necklace underneath what I’m wearing and turn my ring around until I get to my destination.

Pro-Tip: Invest in a belt bag, cross body, or an outfit with front pockets.

Tip 3: Be and Act Parisian

From what I’ve heard from some of my French friends who live here is that they are targeting tourists, especially Americans and Asians. EVERYONE is traveling in France now, EVERYONE, so it’s a field day for pickpocketers since no one has been traveling since covid. So how do you act and look parisian?

1-Don’t be loud. Americans and Brits seem to be the biggest offenders here, sometimes myself included 🙃. If you are talking loudly in a language other than French on a metro or even walking, you become a target. Try to keep this to a minimum especially if you are in an unfamiliar place.

2-Try and look French. Even though I’m American, it’s easy to spot a tourist right away, sometimes by what they are wearing. Here in Paris, even their casual wear is chic and effortless. For a casual look, I would opt for a pair of jeans, tshirt/top and blazer or a trench, with stylish sneakers, NOT athletic reeboks.

3-Don’t smile so much. So when I’m out by myself my RBF is always on. If there is anything more French, it is the look of ambivalence.

Pro-Tip: Follow the hashtag “#parisianstyle” for some inspiration

Tip 4: Be Hyper-vigilant after Sundown

This one is a hard one as I LOVE walking around the streets of Paris at night. Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and wandering around after dinner is one of my favorite pastimes. I haven’t done this so much on this trip based on what I’ve heard and what has happened to my friends. I will still walk with friends if we are in a big group and the neighborhood is legitimately safe, but will no longer stroll alone late at night. Please note, that even walking in a group will not make you completely safe as my friend was mugged walking with a group and one of the people she was with was a man. If you choose to walk, just refer to tips above and make sure to be completely aware of all your surroundings. I recommend using uber, bolt or the g7 app to go to and from your destination at night and wait indoors till the car arrives.

Pro-Tip: My uber drivers have been waiting till I enter my building, which I truly appreciate. If you feel your driver is not going to, I would ask them before you exit the car and leave a tip after.

Tip 5: Don’t carry all of your belongings

I always prepare for worst case scenario despite being careful. When going out, don’t bring all your items with you—i.e. if you have two credit cards, bring one, leave the other in the hotel safe, so if something does happen you will have one working credit card. If you do, place it in different places—maybe one card in your purse, the other on your person, but NOT your back pocket. I also don’t carry a lot of cash on me or any at all—mostly everything here is cash free so there isn’t a need for it. Don’t bring your passport unless you plan on making a big purchase to get VAT back. And this should be unsaid, but if you don’t have a copy of your passport, make one before traveling because in the event it gets stolen you will be able to be fast tracked at your consulate.

Pro-Tip: If you are traveling with someone, split up your belongings so not one person is carrying everything. Also if you are doing a lot of shopping and have accumulated A LOT of bags, drop them off at your hotel first before you continue on. Also if you are shopping high end designer, you can also ask for a nondescript shopping bag. I have heard that Hermès now has unbranded white bags for this purpose alone.

In the event you are a victim of a crime in Paris, here is some information to keep handy.

List of embassies and consulates in Paris

List of police stations in Paris

Emergency Numbers:

Police: 15

Ambulance: 17

Fire: 18

Emergency European Number: 112

Declare a lost item: https://objetstrouvesprefecturedepolice.franceobjetstrouves.fr/

Paris Survival Guide: Staying Safe