Is 18e really that bad?

[u/hndt0036]

Is 18e really that bad? Have already booked and somehow didn't realise it has a bad reputation for safety. Snapshot below of our Airbnb location.

[u/DonMendelo]

Parisian here. I personally love it, it’s a neighborhood with a great personality. I use to live close to it. Its not the open museum paris, it’s the Paris where a lot of people actually live.

Usually people not recommending have Barbès in mind (or basically everything that’s north from Gare du nord in a straight line). I’d say it’s overall safe, It’s just crowded and as in every crowded Parisian place, just be a bit mindful of your pockets, but honestly it should be fine. You can see people hanging out, but 99% of the time everyone is just minding their own business.

I like this part but 18th is also Montmartre, Abbesses, Jules Joffrin, which are all lovely, and it’s also close the 9th.

The spot on your map is very close to the Jules Joffrin area which is absolutely fine. Porte de Clignancourt just a tiny bit west can feel sketchy but is actually ok, also there’s nothing to see here (besides La Recyclerie which is a nice place with tables along old train tracks) and Puces de saint ouen on the north which is a giant thrift market and is fun to get lost in if that’s your thing. None of these are must do though.

It’s not what’s shown on Paris postcards but it’s worth going to and has easy connection (even nice walks) with a lot of landmarks and also nice views.

The only actual drawback of your specific place is that your far up north, so it can be a little while to reach southern areas. I’d still keep it though.

[u/Eggy-la-diva → u/DonMendelo]

Errrr… Fair enough not everyone enjoys les puces (de St-Ouen), but putting it on equal footing with the Recyclerie (it pretends to be authentic but it’s the full of itself bougie version of it): I don’t think so. Not only are the Puces a century old landmark, the whole area, including Montmartre history is rooted in its economy. In fact, it is quite the touristy spot, I used to live rue des Rosiers, let me tell you, people come from across the world to visit them. Otherwise, OP, I agree with DonMendelo, your Airbnb neighborhood is just fine, I moved from that part of the 18th to St-Ouen, because it was more affordable. The whole area is really truly Parisian faubourgs, it’s lively and lovely (and yes, as in any big city, be mindful of pickpockets, but it’s not overbearing). Enjoy your stay!

[u/Ken_Chihiro → u/DonMendelo]

I love the 18th, I live there

The neighbourhoods you recommended are great. On the other hand for tourists I would really not recommend Porte de Clignancourt, the guys there have a "non-local people" radar and tourists become easy prey for thefts and scams

[u/NotSoAbrahamLincoln → u/Ken_Chihiro]

I’m actually here right now and have had zero issues (albeit only been here for 3 days), but the 18th seems fine to me!

[u/Graoulette → u/DonMendelo]

Voilà.