Are you hesitant and don't know if it is possible to visit Marseille because you hear everywhere that Marseille is a dangerous city?
So, before showing you all the tourist riches that make Marseille a city worth seeing (see My good cheap weekend plan in Marseille), we must take stock of the dangerousness of Marseille!
So here is a complete guide to safety in Marseille which answers the following questions:
- Why does Marseille have a reputation as a dangerous city?
- Is Marseille really more dangerous than another big city?
- What are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Marseille, those to avoid, the red light districts?
- Where exactly are the northern districts of Marseille?
- Which neighborhood to choose for sightseeing?
This guide has been updated by synthesizing web data from serious and reliable sources (crime rankings, statistics, TV reports and press articles).
Is Marseille really a dangerous city?
Yes, Marseille has serious crime problems which continue to increase. We can even say that Marseille has never been so dangerous. In fact, the number of crimes committed is increasing sharply every year. See the article in the French newspaper Le Figaro: Shootings in Marseille – record number of homicides.
The television channel CNEWS explains in a report that Marseille and its nearby towns are experiencing an exponential number of deadly score-settling linked to narco-banditry (see online article on the site).
This is also what the site reports statista.com after the death of a young woman who was the collateral victim of a stray bullet during a shooting in 10e district of Marseille (generally usually quiet area).
Since the start of 2023, over just 9 months, 92 incidents of homicide in the context of an organized gang have been recorded for the city of Marseille. Other alarming figures: 44 deaths and 109 injured linked to score-settling and drug trafficking.
The newspaper La Provence has published a map which indicates all the crimes that took place in Marseille in 2024 as well as the exact location where they occurred: raccounts-in-marseille
Marseille most dangerous city in Europe in 2024
Today in 2024, Numbeo.com positions Marseille as the 2nd most dangerous city inEurope after Bradford with a crime index of 65.66,
In a few years, Marseille has become more criminal than the European cities of Naples, Catania, Montpellier, Athens ou Brussels.
Crime rate in Marseille
You will find the latest report on crime rates in French cities with Marseille of course on the Ministry of the Interior website where you can download the report in PDF.
But to put it simply, a site calculated that the average risk of being the victim of a crime in Marseille in 2022 was 81 per thousand, or 8.08%. Even if the figures are not yet published for last year, we can say that this figure must have increased significantly.
If we compare the crime rate of Marseille in 2024 at the global level, Marseille is not one of the most dangerous cities in the world according to the ranking of statista. Concerning the Numbeo 2024 ranking, Marseille is ranked 41st most criminal city in the world.
Marseille, however, remains less criminal than Baltimore, Memphis, Buenos Aires, Lima, Sao Paulo, Santo Domingo, Johannesburg ou Rio de Janeiro.
Is Marseille safe for tourists?
It is true that we cannot say that Marseille is a totally secure city where you can walk quietly at any time anywhere and without risk..
But while it's true that Marseille faces some security challenges, it's important to note that the city is not uniformly dangerous for tourists. Like any big city, Marseille has its share of safe areas and dangerous neighborhoods.
Even if Marseille is well known for its trafficking of all kinds (prostitution, drugs, weapons) and for its high crime rate, it should be noted that crime is mainly linked to settling scores between rival gangs or drug turf wars .
Tourists who visit this beautiful city are not generally affected by this type of crime. Generally, tourists are more exposed to theft and scams.
So it can be said that by avoiding dangerous neighborhoods and taking precautionary precautions, tourists can consider visiting Marseille (Tour to visit Marseille on foot).
So don't miss out on a splendid day in the sun at the old port just because there are a few dangerous neighborhoods to avoid in Marseille. And, to be sure to stay in good neighborhoods, discover below the red light districts of Marseille or simply those that it is better to avoid.
The most dangerous neighborhoods in Marseille
To better identify the areas to avoid in Marseille listed below, here is the map of the main districts of the city: Google map
According to the latest data published on the internet, the neighborhoods which recorded the highest crime rates in Marseille are:
- the Northern Districts (see details below)
- Castellane
- the rosebushes
- the chestnut
- The Laurels
- Navy Blue
- Out of date
- Felix Pyat (or Bellevue)
- AirBel
- the pebbles
- the heights of Mazargues (la Cayolle-la Soude)
- belsunce
- Noailles
Northern districts of Marseille
If you should avoid certain neighborhoods in Marseille, they are undoubtedly the northern districts of Marseille. In fact, these are the neighborhoods that record the most crimes and crime. In addition, they have no interest for tourists who come to discover the tourist attractions of Marseille (old port, creeks of Marseille, basket district, Cannebière) which are far from it.
Where are the northern districts of Marseille located?
When we talk about the northern districts of Marseille, this brings together the 13e, 14e, 15e and 16e districts (see map below). They represent more than 250 inhabitants. The list of these northern districts is given in full on Wikipedia.
Other areas and neighborhoods to avoid in Marseille
And in addition to these 4 districts in the northern districts (the most dangerous districts of Marseille), there are other districts which are recording an increase in crime as indicated by the map published on date.gouv.fr.
Here are the other districts to avoid in Marseille with their Google Maps location: These are the 3rd, 11th and 9th arrondissement, part of the 1st arrondissement in particular the Belsunce district and around the Saint-Charles train station.
- the 3rd district with, in particular, the Bellevue city or Felix Pyat as the Marseillais call it: See its location on Google Maps
- The 11th arrondissement and its Air Bel city: See its location on Google Maps
- But also the 9th arrondissement, notably Hauts de Mazargues (la Cayolle-la Soude): See its location on Google Maps
- And finally, in the 1st arrondissement, only certain areas in the Belsunce district and around Gare Saint-Charles (the other districts of the 1st arrondissement are not dangerous): See its location on Google Maps
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 the red light districts of Marseille are not part of the city's dangerous areas, they still face security problems. In fact, as in all red light districts at night, there can be problems with theft, fights and harassment.
Safest neighborhoods in Marseille
Apart from the districts listed above, the other districts are not to be feared. Walking around the tourist sites of Marseille is no more risky than walking around Athens, Barcelona, Rome or even to Paris !
Are the tourist areas of Marseille safe?
Yes, the main tourist attractions in Marseille within 1er (except the Belsunce district), 4rd, 6rd and 7rd districts are not among the areas to avoid. In fact, these neighborhoods are not considered dangerous. Of course, as in all big cities, tourists must remain cautious, watch out for pickpockets, do not leave their bags unattended in cafes or restaurants or even do not venture into a narrow and dark alley at night.
Best neighborhoods in Marseille
The most chic neighborhoods to live in are around the Prado and in the 7th, 8th and 9th arrondissements.
Best neighborhood in Marseille for tourists
For tourists keen to be as close as possible to tourist sites and in lively places (cafes, restaurants, shops), the Old Port district is recommended.
Indeed, tourists who choose their hotel in the Vieux Port district will obviously be close to the old port, the main historical monuments, museums, other typical neighborhoods but also restaurants, cafes, and other activities.
Mythical district of Marseille
For those who want to stay in the typical “Marseille of postcards” district, I recommend the oldest district of Marseille: Cart.
Located in the historic center of the city right next to the Old Port, it is a well-placed and very picturesque area with its narrow streets and pretty Provençal facades. The Panier district is therefore ideal for a tourist stay!
Chic district of Marseille
In the 8th arrondissement (south of the city centre, along the coast to the Calanques) is the Prado district which is one of the most beautiful in Marseille. There are beautiful and elegant buildings, parks, good restaurants, beautiful shops and the large Prado beach!
In which safe area to stay in Marseille?
Here are 3 hotel recommendations for staying far from neighborhoods and areas to avoid in Marseille:
- NH Collection Marseille hotel in the La Joliette district
In a magnificent character building from 1864, this hotel is very well located in the quiet district of La Joliette. It is the new business and leisure district of Marseille which is located in the 2ᵉ 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 the tourist sites, a 15-minute walk from the Saint Charles train station and next to the La Joliette metro station.
See this hotel in La Joliette district
- 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.
Do you want to visit Marseille? here's how Visit Marseille in 1 day or how Visit Marseille in 2 days or, Marseille with his dog