Is Nice Safe? What You Need To Know (2024)

Is Nice safe? Here’s what you need to know in this beautiful coastal city in 2024.

Every belle époque mansion, baroque church, and Mediterranean-blue chair on the promenade in the city of Nice, the queen of the French Riviera, oozes grace and style.

Despite its relatively small size, the capital of France’s glamorous Côte d’Azur offers visitors a wide variety of activities and attractions, including strolls along the Promenade des Anglais and relaxing on the beach’s pebbly shores.

But like in any visit to a new city, you must take into consideration the safety of the city of Nice before you even start preparing your itinerary.

In this guide, we’ll  have a look at how to plan a trip to Nice that is both pleasurable and risk-free.

The following information should come in handy in case you have any worries about your security or are looking for some helpful tips for traveling safely.

Is Nice Safe? What You Need To Know (2024)

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If there is anything to be wary about Nice, it is not because of attacks on visitors. These incidents are caused mostly by drug trafficking and competition between gangs.

They are also mostly found in specific areas outside of Nice’s downtown. Neither inhabitants nor visitors need to worry about their safety in Nice, except in a few key locations. Later in this article, we’ll tell you the best places to be and areas to avoid while in Nice.

Thus, tourists visiting Nice or spending their vacation there should not be concerned about their safety. You’ll get to safely explore this beautiful city and all it has to offer (beaches, old town, flower market, Promenade des Anglais, Castle Hill, etc.)! Of course, like with any tourist destination, it’s important to keep your wits about you to avoid being targeted by petty criminals.

Safety Concerns in Nice

Public Transportation

Late-night rail travel in Nice should be avoided by visitors because of an uptick in incidents of pickpocketing on buses. Unless necessary, you should also avoid using a rental automobile in light of the recent reports of car thefts. Since parking is difficult downtown, walking is also recommended. Taxis and other modes of transportation, meanwhile, carry a moderate risk.

Pickpockets

Pickpockets are a common problem in tourist areas like Nice. You should be especially careful at the harbor and on the Promenade des Anglais, both of which are frequented by tourists.

Of course, being alert is the way to go no matter where you are, including in your town or city.

Keep your valuables near you at all times and in a closed bag; never leave your bag unattended. Don’t flaunt your wealth by donning a lot of expensive jewelry; take all the standard measures.

Scams

Nice is just as susceptible to fraud as any other popular tourist destination.

Groups of youngsters or middle-aged adults may try to distract tourists to steal their valuables. That’s why it’s smart to avoid giving the impression that you’re a tourist or new to a foreign place. Hide any obvious signs that you are not from the area, as they may lead people to suspect that you are not a local.

For instance, you should always try to conceal a camera because it usually says “I’m new” wherever you go. Those who prey on tourists won’t suspect a thing when you do it.

Locals say that in Nice, beach grabs are the most common con. So make sure you avoid leaving valuables unattended, and if you must bask in the sun, tuck your wallet into your shirt.

You should also be on the lookout for car theft. Make sure the car’s interior doors are locked before you leave. If so, watch where you stow your belongings. There is no protection in some areas of Nice, making it risky to get out of a car there.

Terrorism

Nice, like every other major city in Europe, faces a significant risk from terrorist attacks. There is a possibility that certain terrorist groups may issue frequent threats anytime. Thus, the government has issued a warning to exercise heightened vigilance in public places.

A great number of explosions have been documented in history up until this point. Despite this, the level of risk posed by terrorism remains on medium.

Safety for Solo/Female Travelers

Nice is a wonderful place, and it is not difficult to explore it. There are beautiful bicycle or strolling lanes along the Promenade, which enchant a lot of female tourists.

They usually don’t have any issues, but they don’t feel very safe spending the night in the area around the train terminals or the port. It is strongly advised that women should remain vigilant and vigilantly check over their personal belongings.

Still, the danger faced by female tourists is minimal in Nice.

Night Safety

The answer to this question is context-specific and hence subjective, taking into account aspects such as the area you are walking in, the time of day/night, and your level of comfort. Even so, it is typically regarded as safe to walk around Nice, France at night.

Even if some parts of Nice are not recommended to be visited after dark, the city as a whole is quite safe. But if you’re still feeling unsafe on foot late at night, opt for a taxi or public transportation instead.

Safe Neighborhoods

One safety tip when in Nice:  choose an apartment or hotel in one of the top areas in Nice whether you are there for an internship, a business trip, a holiday, or just searching for a place to stay.

Cimiez

Cimiez is a residential region with gorgeous palaces and beautiful luxury structures located close to the center of Nice but quietly on the hill. The Chagall Museum and the Matisse Museum can both be found in this beautiful neighborhood. An excellent 19th-century luxury hotel, the Excelsior Regina Palace may also be found here.

Gairaut

Gairaut is a great place to stay in Nice, and it is one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods. The area is atop the same-named hill to the north of Nice. A magnificent fountain dating back to the 19th century, the Gairaut waterfall may be seen here, as can the Château de Gairaut and the house de Châteauneuf.

Mont-Boron

The Mont-Boron region is one of the most attractive parts of Nice due to its many magnificent Belle Epoque villas. The exclusive neighborhood of Mont-Boron sits on a ridge to the east of Nice and offers a stunning panorama of Cap Ferra.

Places to Avoid

As in every other city, some locations should be avoided by both tourists and locals to keep their safety. The following are some areas to avoid in Nice:

L’Ariane

The eastern Nice neighborhood of L’Ariane has a reputation for high criminality and regular acts of violence. Visitors and locals alike need to exercise caution in this region.

Gare du Sud

The southern Nice area of Gare du Sud has a bad rep for being a hotspot for theft and minor crime. Tourists visiting this location should be on guard and watch their possessions closely.

La Trinite

In the northern part of Nice lies a neighborhood called La Trinite, which is notorious for the high crime rate and the number of violent occurrences there. It is  best to steer clear of this location, particularly after dark.

Les Moulins

The eastern Nice area of Les Moulins has a bad rep due to its high crime rate, drug trade, and gang warfare. Visitors and residents alike should stay away from here, especially at night.

Safety Tips

1. Avoid going alone at night Walking at night, especially in unknown locations, should be avoided. Stay in areas that are well-lit and be cautious of your surroundings if you have no choice but to stroll alone.

2. Always be conscious of the area around you. Always pay attention to your immediate surroundings, and trust your gut feelings. Get out of there if you have the slightest suspicion that something is wrong.

3. Don’t leave your drinks unattended. In places like pubs and clubs, you shouldn’t just leave your drinks sitting there unattended. Doing so might put you at risk of being drugged.

4. Divide your cash. If you’re going to be gone for a while or have a lot of Euros on hand, spread them out and don’t keep them all in one wallet. Separate it into several pockets and bags, some of which you can leave in the hotel safe and some in a secret compartment in your checked luggage.

5. Do some research on the area. Before going to Nice, you should do some research on it. Learn about the neighborhood where your accommodation is located, as well as the places you want to visit. You will gain a better awareness of any potential safety issues as a result.