Good to know
Good to Know
- Nice came in #3 in a 2024 survey by Le Parisian as one of the safest big cities in France; violent crime is rare and non-violent petty theft is the primary concern.
- The most dangerous areas for violent crime are the eastern area above the highway and near the river bordering the west side—both areas tourists would not normally visit.
- Pickpockets often operate in groups, usually offering to help you buy a ticket to distract you before taking what they can—be especially cautious of unsolicited "helpful" offers at transport hubs.
Major Downsides
Petty Crime & Pickpocketing
- Details
- Pickpockets operate across the city and target popular tourist locations; thieves ride scooters to snatch bags, iPhones, and watches. Pickpockets often adopt the 'crush' technique in crowded environments, with gang members crushing against victims while another reaches for belongings. The tramway line connecting to Nice Airport has become a hotbed for pickpockets, particularly targeting travelers. The French Riviera in summer experiences an influx in organized crime, with criminal elements tracking people from airports to villas, hotels, restaurants, and walks in town.
- Severity
- Significant in tourist areas
Harm Reduction
- Wear bags cross-body with zips closed
- Keep valuables in front pockets, not back pockets
- Avoid leaving phones or wallets on café tables
- Be vigilant at train stations and on trams during boarding/exiting
- Do not carry large sums of cash; use ATMs in banks or shopping centers
- At the beach, take only minimal valuables and never leave items unattended
High Risk Locations
- Old Town (Vieux Nice)
- Promenade des Anglais
- Train station
- Trams (especially airport line)
- Beach areas
- Markets and crowded public spaces
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this the honest downsides research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Nice
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.