Safety for Tourists in Nice
Nice is a safe city for tourists. As in any big city, a few simple habits — being alert to pickpockets and keeping to well-lit areas at night — are all you need for a worry-free stay.
Nice is a fairly safe city, comparable to the major European tourist destinations. Police presence is visible in the busy areas: the seafront, the Old Town and the shopping districts. With the common-sense habits you would adopt in any big city, your stay goes smoothly.
As elsewhere, it is mainly petty crime — pickpocketing, snatch thefts — that affects visitors, especially in the tourist hotspots and on public transport.
Good habits in town
Do not show off your valuables and never leave them unattended: jewellery, cameras, phones and camcorders are the pickpockets' favourite targets. In the crowds of the Old Town, on the Cours Saleya market and on the tram, keep your bag closed and on the inward side of the pavement.
The most common problems remain snatch thefts, on foot and by car: wallets or phones left too visible in a stroller or an open bag, a handbag left on the ground at a terrace. Distracted tourists are the easiest targets.
Safety on the beach
Take only the bare minimum for your swim and leave your valuables at the hotel (reception or safe). On the beach, never leave a bag alone on your towel while you are swimming.
Travelling alone in Nice
A woman travelling alone has no more reason to worry than in Rome, Barcelona or Paris — that is, the same common-sense precautions. Simply avoid late-night walks in deserted, poorly lit areas.
At night and in the outlying districts
The centre, the seafront and the lively districts stay busy late into the evening. As anywhere, avoid walking alone down a dark, empty alley and stick to well-lit streets when walking home or taking a taxi.
A few outskirts districts such as L'Ariane and Les Moulins, far from the centre and with no tourist interest, have a reputation for being rougher — especially at night — but you would have to make a point of going there to find out. A stay focused on the centre, the Promenade and the tourist districts will never take you there. As a precaution, avoid walking there at night and leaving a car empty.
To choose accommodation in the safe central districts, see our guide to the districts where to stay in Nice.
Useful numbers in Nice
- Emergency (police, rescue, fire): 112, the single European number.
- Fire: 18. Medical emergency/EMS: 15.
- Nice municipal police: 04 97 12 50 00.
- Nice Côte d'Azur airport: 04 89 88 98 28.
In case of theft or loss, file a report at the nearest police station; if your ID documents were stolen, also inform your consulate.
FAQ
Is it dangerous to visit Nice?
No, Nice is a safe city for tourists. The crime you may see in tourist areas is essentially petty crime (pickpocketing), as in any major European city.
Is it safe to travel alone in Nice?
Yes. A woman travelling alone is safe here, with the same common-sense precautions as anywhere in Europe: avoid deserted areas at night and keep your belongings with you.
Which districts of Nice should I avoid?
The outlying districts of L'Ariane and Les Moulins are reputed to be rougher, especially at night. With no tourist interest and far from the centre, they are not on any sightseeing route.
Are there many pickpockets in Nice?
As in all tourist cities, busy areas (Old Town, tram, markets) attract pickpockets. Simple precautions — a closed bag, no visible valuables — remove most of the risk.
Which emergency number should I use in Nice?
112 is the European emergency number, valid for police, rescue and firefighters. Free to call, in French and English.
Is it safe to swim on Nice beaches?
Yes, swimming is supervised on the guarded beaches during the season. Leave your valuables at the hotel and never leave a bag unattended on the beach.
