Are you hesitant to come and visit Marseille because you hear everywhere that Marseille is a dangerous city?
So, before showing you all the tourist attractions of Marseille, it is essential to give you an update on how dangerous the Phocaean city is in 2025!
Here is a complete study on security in Marseille with a list of the most dangerous neighborhoods but also areas to favor for a safe stay.

How dangerous is Marseille in 2025?
The crime rate in Marseille is significantly higher than the French national average, with a homicide rate of around 2,7 per 100000 inhabitants, compared to the French average of 1,35 per 100000.
And Marseille still remains ranked as the 2nd most dangerous city inEurope after Bradford with a crime index of 65.66 (Source: Numbeo.com).
In a few years, Marseille has become more criminal than the European cities of Naples, Catania, Montpellier, Athens ou Brussels.
To address these challenges, the authorities continue to deploy strategies to combat this high level of crime (operations called “Place Nete” and additional staff allocated as part of the “Marseille en Grand” plan).
Moreover, according to official figures, the situation is improving. In fact, drug-related homicides have been divided by three in 2024 compared to 2023.

Is Marseille safe for tourists?
Although Marseille is well known for its trafficking and insecurity, it should be noted that crime is mainly linked to settling scores between rival gangs and drug turf wars.
Tourists who visit this beautiful city are generally not the target of this type of crime. Tourists are more exposed to petty crime (theft and scams).
Additionally, the city is not uniformly dangerous. Popular tourist areas and the city center are generally safer.
We can therefore say that by avoiding certain districts of Marseille (list below) and remaining cautious, tourists can consider visit Marseille.
So don't miss out on a splendid day in the sun of the old port just because there are a few dangerous neighborhoods that are easy to avoid!
The most dangerous neighborhoods in Marseille
These neighborhoods are characterized by high crime rates, drug trafficking problems and social tensions.
The northern districts, with about a third of Marseille's population, are marked by a high concentration of social housing and a high unemployment rate. These are the districts that record the most crime and crime.
The northern districts of Marseille
You've understood: If you have to avoid certain neighborhoods in Marseille, they are mainly the northern neighborhoods of Marseille.
Moreover, they are of no interest to tourists because they are located far from the tourist attractions of Marseille (old port, creeks of Marseille, Panier district, Cannebière).
The most dangerous neighborhoods in this area of the northern districts of Marseille are:
- La Castellane (15th arrondissement): Infamous for being the home of organized crime figures and for its frequent incidents of urban violence and score-settling.
- The city Bellevue or Felix Pyat (13th arrondissement).
- The Rosebushes and La Bricarde : These two neighborhoods are particularly violent.
- kalliste : Located in the 15th arrondissement, Kallisté is also one of the most difficult neighborhoods in Marseille, with a high unemployment rate and frequent incidents of violence.
- Out of date is a sensitive area in the north of Marseille, facing problems of crime and poor housing.
Map of the northern districts of Marseille
The northern districts of Marseille are located in the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th arrondissements (see map below). They represent more than 280 inhabitants. The complete list of these northern districts is in full on Wikipedia.

Other areas to avoid in Marseille
And in addition to these northern districts, here are the other districts in Marseille which record high crime (source map on date.gouv.fr:
- The Bel Air and Felix Pyat estates (3rd arrondissement)
- La Cayolle (9th arrondissement)
- And, in the 1st arrondissement, only certain areas in the Belsunce district and around the Gare Saint-Charles (the other districts of the 1st arrondissement are not dangerous).
Please note that the Marseille Sud ZSP includes the 9th, 10th and 11th arrondissements for around ten sensitive cities. This area, although located in the south of the city, is also the subject of particular attention in terms of security.
Hot districts Marseille
The red light districts of Marseille are an integral part of the city's nightlife and entertainment but of course they are places to avoid for families.
Today, the red light districts of Marseille are located in a few streets of the Old Port and Joliette.
Although Marseille's red light districts are not part of the city's dangerous areas, they still face security problems on some streets at night.
In fact, as in all red light districts, late at night there can be problems with theft, fights and harassment.
Are tourist areas safe?
Yes, the main tourist attractions in Marseille within 1er (except the Belsunce district), 4ndLa Javie, 6nd and 7nd boroughs are not part of the areas to avoid.
However, as everywhere, tourists must remain cautious, watch out for pickpockets, not leave their bags unattended in cafes or restaurants or venture into a narrow, dark alley at night.

Best Safe Neighborhoods to Stay in Marseille
Far from the neighborhoods to avoid, the most chic neighborhoods to live in Marseille are located around the Prado and in the 7th, 8th and 9th arrondissements.
But for a tourist stay in Marseille, the 2 safest and most interesting districts are:
- Le Old Port district with its lively atmosphere and proximity to major tourist attractions. It is a central and safe area, ideal for tourists.
- Le Prado district for its elegance and tranquility, perfect for travelers looking for peace and quiet. It is a chic neighborhood that offers easy access to the Prado beaches, the Stade Vélodrome and the Parc Borély. It is an excellent choice for families.
Where to stay for a tourist stay?
Here are 3 hotel recommendations in the best areas for tourists far from the areas to avoid in Marseille:
- NH Collection Marseille hotel in the La Joliette district
In a magnificent building of character from 1864, this hotel is very well located in the quiet area of La Joliette. It is the new business and leisure district of Marseille which is located in the 2nd arrondissement right next to the Old Port and the Panier. Its location is ideal because it is right in the city center, very close to tourist sites, 15 minutes walk from the Saint Charles train station and next to the La Joliette metro station.

- Hotel ibis budget Old Port district
For those who wish to visit Marseille and stay in the heart of the most touristy district of Marseille, I recommend a cheap hotel in the old port. It has all the amenities and great value for money!

- Hotel Golden Tulip Villa Massalia
And for a more luxurious stay, in the very chic 8th arrondissement, a few minutes from the Prado beaches, here is the hotel that I recommend for its calm and tranquility: the Golden Tulip Villa Massalia.

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