Is Nice safe to visit? A comprehensive safety guide

Nice is the enchanting capital of the French Riviera, located on the Baie de Anges, about twenty miles from the Italian border. It’s a seaport city with a pleasant climate, endless entertainment, and a beautiful seven-kilometer seaside promenade with palm trees along the walkway and the beach right beside it. It’s a city where your travel dreams come true, offering something to marvel at no matter how often you visit.

Besides stunning ocean views and incredible weather, Nice boasts fine wines, delicious cuisine, and sophisticated architecture. With many things to offer, it’s no surprise that this city attracts about 5 million tourists yearly. While it has one of the warmest winter climates among any Mediterranean hotspot, Nice remains a favorite summertime destination. June through August sees the highest number of tourists, but spring is a popular time to explore the region.

Home to over 342,000 people and visited by millions, Nice can be a busy city, especially during peak tourist season. It’s important that you take care of your belongings by storing your bags safely in Nice when navigating the French Riviera capital.

Is Nice safe to visit right now?

Yes! Tourists can visit Nice without encountering troubles or safety threats, with France having a high safety score of 1.895 based on the 2022 Global Peace Index. The overall risk and crime rate are low and violent crime is rare. You have a slim chance of being a victim of assault or muggings, so you can explore the city and enjoy sightseeing with peace of mind.

Graffiti in Nice, France, does not mean gangs but is part of its rich street art scene. Although a relatively safe city, some areas here merit extra caution, especially when strolling outside the city center and wandering after dark.

However, like any big city, the French Riviera capital attracts scammers and petty thieves, like pickpockets.

Stay informed by doing additional research and keeping up to date with your government’s travel guidelines and advisory for the city or country you plan to visit.

Top petty crimes and scams in Nice affecting tourists

The strong police presence and the many security cameras in the area contribute to the low rates of violent crimes in Nice. It’s generally safe for tourists compared to other European cities, though some petty crimes and scams still exist. However, as long as you’re careful, it won’t be too challenging to avoid being a victim of these.

Beach grab

The city of Nice is renowned for its stunning pebble beaches, which locals and tourists frequent. However, visitors aside, it’s also a hotspot for pickpockets. If you’re going for a dip, don’t leave your belongings unattended. Make sure there’s at least one person looking after your stuff if you want to swim or participate in water sports. You can also use your purse as a pillow when sunbathing, so it’s not away from your sight.

Vol a la portiere (car door grab)

Another common petty crime in Nice is called the car door grab, referred to by the locals as vol a la portiere. Criminals forcefully pull the car door and steal the purse or valuables inside, whether there’s someone in the vehicle or not. Car grab usually happens in parking lots and stoplights, but could also happen anywhere.

Ensure your rental car is always locked, keep the windows up, and don’t leave your belongings inside the vehicle unattended.

Pickpocketing

Nice is a famous tourist destination, and it’s usually crowded, so it’s expected that there will be pickpocketing cases now and then. It’s not very prevalent compared to other cities in France, but there’s still a risk, especially around tourist attractions and bus and train stations.

Although you cannot entirely avoid being a target, you can mitigate your risk of becoming a victim by not putting your phone or wallet in your pocket or carrying a small cross-body bag. To be completely safe, only bring what you need for the day and leave the rest with Bounce secure storage.

Is Nice safe to travel alone

One of your primary concerns when planning to travel alone is your safety and the security of your belongings. Fortunately, Nice is a charming destination not only for families and couples but also for solo travelers. It’s easy to get around on foot, so you can walk around and visit numerous historical sights without worrying about getting lost.

If you’re concerned about Nice safety as a solo female traveler, don’t be. France ranks 14th among the safest female travel destinations on Bounce Women Travel Safety Index and 15th on the 2022 Women Peace and Security Index. Therefore, as the country’s fifth-largest city, you should feel confident and secure while discovering Nice and its offerings.

Of course, you should still be vigilant and know what’s happening around you. Walking around the city after dark is generally safe, but you should consider your personal level of comfort, the area you’re in, and the time of the night. If you’re alone, it’s best to avoid poorly-lit and deserted places.

Safest neighborhoods in Nice

You’ll want to stay in a neighborhood close to city attractions and sights during your visit to Nice. This way, you won’t have to travel far from your accommodation to your target location. However, it’s also essential to think about the neighborhood's safety. This way, you can enjoy your visit without worrying about your security. Here are some of the safest Nice neighborhoods to consider.

Cimiez

Tourists frequent Cimiez for its prestigious museums and historical relevance. It is home to the renowned Monastère de Cimiez and Chateau Valrose. Apart from these, the area doesn’t have much going on and is primarily residential, making it an ideal spot for a quiet and peaceful neighborhood with exciting attractions and entertainment sources.

Gambetta District

Another safe neighborhood in Nice is the Gambetta District. It’s also mainly residential and is located only west of the city center, so it’s easily accessible and near many famous attractions. You’ll also love its architectural style and many dining and shopping options. However, it doesn’t have the hustle and bustle of the city and is, therefore, generally safer and more peaceful.

Is Nice public transportation safe?

Nice boasts a convenient, safe, and reliable public transport system, with buses serving all major tourist spots. There’s no feeling of being unsafe when taking public transport. You should also be aware of pickpockets and petty thieves targeting tourists on buses, and skip the train when traveling late at night.

Driving isn’t recommended because parking is limited and car traffic can be frustrating, so there’s no point in renting a car for tourists. Your best options are taking trains and buses, getting a cab, or exploring on foot.

Important emergency numbers in Nice

You’ll never know when might need an emergency number, so you should know the numbers of the proper authority to make a quick call. It’s also a good idea to keep your embassy’s contact details and save them on your phone, so you have immediate access to them when needed.

• France country code: +33
• Nice area code: 4
• General Emergency: 112
• Ambulance: 15
• Police: 17
• Fire: 18
• International SOS: +1 215 942 8478

Enjoy a safe trip to the French Riviera capital

Nice is a must-visit city for anyone looking for a fantastic time in southern France. The seven-kilometer Promenade des Anglais should be part of your itinerary, as well as the iconic Old Town and the Colline du Château overlooking the city. No petty thieves should ruin your trip, so use your common sense and follow safety practices to enjoy a fun and stress-free French city adventure.