CC 72100
Established Member
- Joined
- 23 Jan 2012
- Messages
- 3,777
If Gare du Nord keeps coming up, then unfortunately the suburban lines that feed into it are relevant; the Northern suburbs of Paris do have a (justified in many cases) reputation, and so if the station has a bit reputation it is probably reflective of its clientele that feed into it (ie. from the RER B & RER D).
That and the fact that it is not in the best part of Paris city either.
In terms of Cologne Hbf, having stayed there and used the station over the time I was there, it didn't feel particularly unsafe to me, and was no better/worse than other German main stations. I do think - as much as they are criticised - being behind barriers does help on occasions in the UK, as stations on the continent tend to attract a lot more down and outs as a result. Also would agree with other comments that probably felt safer on the open platforms above as opposed to the tight-for-space subway and concourse area.
I've felt much safer in German cities and parts of Eastern Europe than I ever did in Paris; and I lived in Paris for just under a year and speak fluent french! I'm still not a huge fan of Paris, but the city did feel safer in my last visit (July 2019) than my time before that in July 2017 and when I lived there 2013/14.
That and the fact that it is not in the best part of Paris city either.
In terms of Cologne Hbf, having stayed there and used the station over the time I was there, it didn't feel particularly unsafe to me, and was no better/worse than other German main stations. I do think - as much as they are criticised - being behind barriers does help on occasions in the UK, as stations on the continent tend to attract a lot more down and outs as a result. Also would agree with other comments that probably felt safer on the open platforms above as opposed to the tight-for-space subway and concourse area.
I would also agree about Gare du Nord. I think it applies to most of Paris too. I've travlled to most parts of Western and Eastern Europe now, and Paris is the only place i've felt really unsafe. The amount of times gangs of people tried to corner me or grabbed me by the arm was terrifying - and this was in very busy areas in the middle of the day. Goodness knows what the grimy parts of Paris in the evening are like. I've visited three times and always had issues.
I've felt much safer in German cities and parts of Eastern Europe than I ever did in Paris; and I lived in Paris for just under a year and speak fluent french! I'm still not a huge fan of Paris, but the city did feel safer in my last visit (July 2019) than my time before that in July 2017 and when I lived there 2013/14.