Is Marseille Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Marseille, being the second-largest city in France, is mostly safe for solo female travelers. Like many large cities, there is a mix of safe areas and areas better to avoid, especially at night. During the daytime, you needn't have much concern as long as you follow basic safety guidelines such as staying alert and keeping your valuables secure. However, it is recommended to avoid isolated areas and be cautious at night, particularly around the Old Port and the train station, which can be a bit dodgy. On the whole, the citizens are friendly and helpful, and public transportation is reliable.

Safety rating

3.2 /5

Based on 16 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

2.9 /5

Based on 22 experiences from local women

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How safe is Marseille?

Safety at night:Moderate

Marseille has loveable, lively neighborhoods, but like any major city, it has its share of areas that pose a potential safety risk, especially at night. While walking alone, it's important to stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid deserted streets or areas known for crime. Most of the main tourist areas are fairly safe, and local police are visible. Like any urban setting, caution and awareness of one’s surroundings are key.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Marseille, is generally safe, reliable, and well-maintained for travelers. The city has a good network of buses, trams, and metros that are commonly used by locals and tourists alike. During the day the frequency of travel options is also accommodating, however, like anywhere you would still need to exercise common sense and personal safety, especially at night or at less crowded stations. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can still be a concern, as is common in many major cities. Overall, Marseille's public transportation safety is more or less comparable to other major European cities.

Street harassment:Low

In Marseille, you can expect the typical urban environment. Occasional stares and passive remarks may be commonplace but most locals are respectful and keep to themselves. It's always important to stay alert and aware, as in any large city. Unwanted attention can occur from time to time, but it's generally not an oppressive environment for solo female travelers.

Petty crimes:Moderate

Marseille does have its share of petty crime such as pick pocketing and bag snatching, often in crowded or touristy areas. However, taking typical travel safety precautions such as keeping the valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings can significantly lower the risk.

Is Marseille worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.9 /5

based on 16 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

3.2/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

3.1/5

Couple travel

I heard a lot how dangerous is Marseille, but we stayed in the downtown, so I guess it’s nothing dangerous about it The people were nice, much nicer than in Paris, there was some free concert on the street A lot of sightseeing places are completely free

Posted: April 11, 2025

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Solo travel

It was honestly a beautiful city; I really loved the beach and the people are super friendly. To stay safe in this city, you should especially avoid going out alone at night and choose the neighborhood where you'll stay during your visit. You can find all types of cuisine possible to meet everyone's needs. There are many affordable transportation options, making it easy to get around the city.

Posted: April 2, 2025

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Group travel

Marseille was fun. We all heard it's super unsafe but didn't really feel like it. Of course I only stayed intramuros. Even at night walking with a friend felt okay. Always be careful but I'd say it's all good.

Posted: March 12, 2025Experienced: December, 2024

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Sydney

United Kingdom

Solo travel

Marseille is a gorgeous place near hiking in the mountains, nightlife in the city, and beautiful beaches. Truly one of my favourite cities in the world! I felt very safe— even did a bit of hitchhiking around in the Calanques. Went cave diving and spent most of my time by the sea.

Posted: March 11, 2025

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Laureline

France

Solo travel

Marseille is the biggest city in south France. It allows you to go check a lot other places in south of France by train/buses. You can also enjoy the sea and typical food there. Some neighbor (in North) and quite not safe for solo female so please stay in the center ! And not to close to the train station. Enjoy !

Posted: February 4, 2025Experienced: December, 2024

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Is Marseille safe for women?

Safety index

2.9 /5

Based on 22 local experiences

Crime index

2.8 /5

Based on 22 local experiences

Valentina

This Mediterranean city is rich in culture, color, and contrasts. I live in a nice neighborhood, not far from the sea, in an urban part of the city near the metro station Rond-Point du Prado. Marseille isn’t the safest city in every corner. Some neighborhoods can be risky, especially at night. For girls, I’d recommend always going out accompanied, just to stay on the safe side. With a little caution, you can still enjoy everything this unique city has to offer!

Posted: April 24, 2025

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Meet locals in Marseille

Valentina

About Me

Hi! My name is Valentina. I’m 24 years old and currently living in Marseille but I am from Serbia. I work as a judo trainer. I enjoy helping kids grow through sport and discipline. Right now, I’m more of an “inside girl”, this city can be a bit overwhelming for someone who loves nature and peaceful places. But life brought me here for work, and I’m doing my best to make the most of it. I’d love to start crossing my own boundaries, share good moments, and spend meaningful time with someone open, kind, and full of life. Maybe that’s you? To all the amazing girls out there—I’d be truly happy to host you if you're passing through. My door is open, and good company is always welcome!

Speaking

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Anne-Astrid

About Me

Traveling solo can be pretty intimidating, especially when you're young. And when you're a woman, it adds another layer of challenge with everything happening in the world today. That’s why I’m hoping to find good advice from fellow travelers, a sense of hospitality, and maybe even create some great memories along the way. Traveling brings me so much joy—it’s turned me from a shy girl into someone full of confidence. I can’t wait to repeat the experience!!!

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Stay with locals in Marseille

Anne-Astrid

Marseille

Can host for:

1 day

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Valentina

Marseille

Can host for:

7 days

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Upcoming visitors to Marseille

Rozália

About Me

Hiii girlies, I am Rozi, a 21 year old student from Budapest, studying Film theory currently in Prague. My passions are films (ofc🎬), books, discovering the world and spending time with loved ones.❤️ This summer I'm looking forward to travel abroad with my best friend Julka from Poland. We are students travelling on budget but we do it with passion haha. Can't wait to meet and get to know you fantastic human beings!!!!

Speaking

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Luna

About Me

Heyho 🌚 My name is Luna, I‘m 24 and study Cognitive Science in Osnabrück, Germany. What brings me most joy is being in nature, exploring places and making inspiring connections with others 🌱 I’m here because I am seeking opportunities to travel on a budget, learn languages and meet new people from all over the world. Happy to help where I can 🫶🏻 ig @y_nfei ps: currently not able to host since I took the semester off to travel

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Safety in France

Paris

Nice

Toulouse

Antibes

Marseille

Nîmes

Strasbourg

Colmar

Avignon

Lyon

Cannes

La Réunion

Nantes

Etretat

Corsica

Bordeaux

Check the safest places in France