Best Areas to Stay in Paris
Paris is neatly divided into 20 arrondissements. Imagine these as slices of a pie, starting from the iconic Notre Dame—considered ground zero—spiraling outwards in a clockwise fashion. Each slice, or arrondissement as they’re called, is numbered 1 through 20, offering its own slice of Parisian life.
In the guide I’ve put together, I’ve packed in all the must-know details and personal takeaways from each district. You’ll find the ups and downs of each area, alongside my top picks for hotels, eateries, and bars. Because let’s face it, navigating Paris’s arrondissements can be as daunting as it is delightful.
If you are in a hurry:
- If it’s your first time in Paris and you’re after that postcard-perfect experience, consider setting up camp in the 7th arrondissement, right near the Eiffel Tower, or dive into the vibrant life of Le Marais. The Hotel Le Cercle Tour Eiffel promises an affordable stay with stunning views of the city’s crown jewel. For a lively vibe surrounded by cafes and restaurants, Hotel Le Compostelle in Le Marais is a gem.
- For those wanting to be a stone’s throw away from iconic attractions like the Louvre, while also dipping into the city’s nightlife (and perhaps finding a bargain on accommodations), the 2nd arrondissement is your go-to. The My Maison In Paris – Sentier (I stayed there), complete with kitchen facilities, is perfect for those who might want to whip up their own French cuisine.
- Looking for a budget-friendly option? The 9th arrondissement, home to the Opera area, is teeming with affordable hotel options. Hotel Joyce and Hotel Joke, both part of the Astotel Group, offer great value without skimping on comfort.
- Romantic souls searching for a cozy corner in Paris should look no further than Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement. Hotel de Flore offers a romantic retreat with easy metro access, ideal for couples looking to explore the city’s charms together.
- Shopaholics, set your sights on the Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement. Yes, it’s bustling and yes, it’s lined with high-end hotels, but venture off the main drag and you might just stumble upon more wallet-friendly options like the citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées.
1. Bourse (2nd arrondissement), the best area to stay in Paris
The 2nd arrondissement, or Bourse, is hands down my favorite spot for staying in Paris. It’s smack in the center of everything, right next door to the 1st arrondissement and the majestic Louvre. It’s a prime location if you’re looking to be surrounded by the city’s heartbeat, with key attractions and a bustling atmosphere at your doorstep.
While the 1st arrondissement, the Louvre area, might tempt you with its proximity to iconic sights, I’d gently steer you away due to its typically higher price tags.
Bourse is not just central; it’s stylish, named after the Palais de la Bourse, the heartbeat of Paris’ stock exchange. Staying here means you’re sandwiched between the chic neighborhoods of Le Marais and the Champs Elysées, with easy access to cross the Seine via numerous bridges. Plus, the area offers a taste of Parisian nightlife, with an array of bars and clubs, further enriched by the vibrant scene in neighboring Le Marais.
A must-visit is the Louvre Museum, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious museums. It anchors one end of the beautiful Tuileries Garden, home to the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and several museums, including the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Orangerie. Not to miss are the National Library and the Basilique Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, architectural gems that add to the district’s charm.
Connectivity here is top-notch, and the variety of accommodations is vast, though be prepared for the price tag that comes with such a coveted location.
Pros:
- Unbeatable central location next to the Louvre, within walking distance to the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.
- Excellent connectivity, making it easy to navigate the city via metro lines 8 and 11.
- Abundant dining options, cafes, and bars to explore.
Cons:
- While accommodation options are plentiful, they tend to be on the pricier side.
- The lively atmosphere and crowds can be a bit noisy for some, but it’s all part of the Parisian charm.
Best Hotels in Bourse
- I stayed at My Maison In Paris – Sentier. It’s perfectly located and offers a deluxe studio with an equipped kitchen and a washing machine, ideal for travelers with just carry-on luggage.
- Hôtel Lucien is a great choice for an affordable stay. Located near the metro, it’s a cozy hotel in a 17th-century building, offering a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.
- Hotel Opera Maintenon is just a two-minute walk from the metro. It’s family-friendly, offers stylish rooms in a historic building, and is close to great dining and shopping options.
- Le 123 Sébastopol – Astotel is near the metro. This modern, cinema-themed hotel provides all the essentials, including a breakfast buffet, free snacks, and a gym.
2. Le Marais (3rd and 4rth arrondissement), a bustling area to stay in Paris
Le Marais, straddling the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, is a bustling neighborhood that’s arguably the best place to stay in Paris. It’s a stone’s throw away from most major attractions, excluding the Eiffel Tower. The 4th arrondissement edges closer to the river, while the 3rd stretches further north.
This area boasts proximity to the Louvre Museum and is home to landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral (currently undergoing renovations from the 2019 fire) and the Centre Pompidou. Le Marais is one of Paris’ oldest and most central neighborhoods, characterized by vibrant streets filled with an array of shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants.
The 3rd arrondissement, slightly removed from the river, offers a cozier atmosphere, whereas the 4th is more tourist-centric, bustling with commercial activity and large crowds.
Pros:
- Central location near the Louvre and Notre-Dame, with easy metro access.
- Abundant dining and nightlife options.
- Quintessential Parisian charm and picturesque streets.
Cons:
- Can be pricey due to its prime location and high demand.
- Noise levels might be high, depending on your hotel’s exact location.
Best Hotels in Le Marais
- Hotel Le Compostelle offers an affordable stay with a prime location near the Seine and Saint-Paul metro, featuring modern amenities and a convenient tea kettle in each room. Though perfect for food enthusiasts with nearby cafes and restaurants, its WiFi might not suit work needs.
- Hôtel de Roubaix is another budget-friendly option, is located just north of the Seine, close to Les Halles metro. It offers vibrant, uniquely decorated rooms, ideal for groups of three, despite being slightly compact. The hotel provides a breakfast room and is praised for its helpful staff.
- Les Tournelles is a cozy hotel near Place des Vosges, offering home-like rooms and excellent breakfast. It’s in close proximity to bars and restaurants, making it a great choice for a comfortable and convenient stay.
- For a touch of luxury, Hotel Duo is located just 10 minutes from Notre-Dame, featuring stylish rooms, a sauna, a gym, and a bar for evening relaxation, along with daily breakfast service.
3. Quartier Latin (5th arrondissement), where to stay in Paris for nightlife
Nestled right next to Le Marais, the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter) is a bustling hub known for its vibrant nightlife and bohemian student vibe.
Spanning the 5th and 6th arrondissements on Paris Left Bank, this area is home to the prestigious Sorbonne University, making it a lively student quarter.
Personally, what draws me to this area the most is its nightlife. From dinner spots to cocktail bars, discos, and even some salsa bars, it’s a haven for night owls.
The Quartier Latin is perfect if you’re looking for evening entertainment while being close to landmarks like the Panthéon, Sorbonne University, and Jardin du Luxembourg.
It’s particularly welcoming to backpacker travelers, offering more affordable hotel options compared to other central areas.
Pros:
- Energetic area filled with cafes and bookshops.
- Wide variety of restaurants.
- More budget-friendly hotel options.
Cons:
- Not directly on the RER train lines.
Best Hotels in Quartier Latin
- Hôtel Des Mines offers an affordable stay near Luxembourg Gardens, ideal for those looking to explore Paris on a budget. With well-decorated rooms and breakfast service options, it provides comfort without the high cost.
- Hotel Minerve stands out with its beautiful architecture and classic interior decor, located conveniently near the Cardinal Lemoine metro station. It offers a cozy stay with a breakfast buffet and computer room access for an extra fee.
- Hotel du College de France is perfectly placed near the Sorbonne University and Notre-Dame, with easy metro access. Known for its modern/classic rooms, exceptional staff, and tasty breakfast, early booking can yield great deals.
4. Saint Germain des Prés (6th arrondissement), one of my favorite areas in Paris
Best Hotels in Saint Germain des Prés
- Hotel Delavigne offers an affordable yet quality stay near Odeon metro and Luxembourg Gardens, mixing modern and classic design with daily breakfast and proximity to dining and sights.
- Hôtel Belloy Saint Germain provides great value near key attractions like Notre-Dame, offering well-decorated rooms, a commendable breakfast, and a bar, with the nearest metro just a short walk away.
- Hôtel Baume is a 4-star option for those looking to splurge, featuring stylish rooms, suites, a bar, and massage services, all close to Luxembourg Gardens and Odeon metro station.
5. Eiffel Tower (7th arrondissement), the best area to stay in Paris for first time
The 7th arrondissement, embracing the area around the Eiffel Tower and the Champs de Mars, radiates charm. Many first-time visitors to Paris choose to stay here, drawn by the allure of this historic district.
Right beside the Seine, its central location ensures easy access to the rest of the city, boasting top-notch cafes and restaurants along with a wealth of tourist attractions.
The Champ de Mars serves as Paris’s largest “green space,” offering a serene escape amidst the bustling city attractions.
Beyond the Eiffel Tower, you’ll discover Les Invalides, Napoleon’s resting place, and museums like Orsay and Rodin, adding to the district’s cultural richness.
However, the 7th, along with the 5th arrondissement, ranks among Paris’s priciest. This means luxurious hotels and dining options come with a hefty price tag, though diligent searchers can find more affordable gems.
Pros:
- Proximity to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysées, and the Seine.
- Adjacent to Rue Cler, offering a diverse range of dining choices.
Cons:
- High costs, especially for hotels.
- Crowded, which could be a pro for some!
- Lacks a vibrant nightlife.
Best Hotels in Eiffel Tower
- Just steps from the Eiffel Tower, Hotel Le Cercle Tour Eiffel offers budget-friendly, modern rooms. Lucky guests might get an Eiffel view. It’s family-friendly with a bar, game room, and tasty breakfast.
- Hotel Duquesne Eiffel combines historical charm with contemporary comfort, catering to various guests with diverse room sizes, some boasting Eiffel Tower views, alongside breakfast and a bar, plus airport shuttle services.
- Hotel Relais Bosquet by Malone presents affordable elegance near the Eiffel Tower, with romantically decorated rooms, some featuring unique wallpapers or Tower views. It provides a cozy stay with breakfast and a snack bar, ensuring comfort without a hefty price tag.
6. Champs-Élysées (8th arrondissement), best area to stay in Paris for shopping
The area around the Champs-Élysées is Parisian elegance personified. This roughly 2-kilometer tree-lined avenue is a hotspot for shopping, traditional hotels, restaurants, bars, cinemas, nightclubs, and a few cocktail lounges and discos.
Stretching from Place de la Concorde, France’s second-largest square, to the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées is a testament to Paris’s grandeur.
Near Place de la Concorde, the Grand Palais and Petit Palais are must-visits, housing numerous museums and serving as venues for various events and exhibitions, respectively.
This district is a haven for those seeking luxury and upscale shopping, known for its lavish hotels making it one of the pricier areas to stay. Personally, I think there are better value accommodations in other parts of the city.
However, it’s an unmatched choice for a festive Christmas stay in Paris, thanks to its stunning decorations and lights.
Pros:
- A shopper’s paradise.
- Close to the Arc de Triomphe.
- Utterly charming.
- Renowned for its authentic cuisine.
Cons:
- Among the most expensive areas in Paris, with potentially overpriced accommodations.
- Noisy and busy, which might not suit everyone’s taste.
Best Hotels in Champs-Élysées
7. 9th arrondissement, also called Opéra
The 9th arrondissement, also known as the Opera district, sits at the heart of Paris, bordered by the Champs-Élysées and the Louvre. This elegant neighborhood is a paradise for shoppers, museum-goers, and culture enthusiasts, boasting a rich theatrical and musical scene.
Named after the iconic Palais Garnier Opera House, the area is also home to other theaters, event halls, the Grévin Museum, and the Museum of Freemasonry, adding to its cultural allure.
Hotels in the Opera district offer a range of options at more accessible prices compared to other central Paris areas, with excellent metro connections via lines 7 and 12.
Despite initial thoughts that it might lack a vibrant nightlife, the area, especially south of Pigalle metro station, surprises with delightful spots for dining and drinks.
Pros:
- More affordable dining and accommodation options than in many other districts.
- A variety of hotels at lower price points.
Cons:
- Limited nightlife options beyond the Opera.
- While not as polished as more upscale districts, it remains a safe place to stay.
Best Hotels in 9th arrondissement
8. Montparnasse (14th arrondissement), a quiet place to stay in Paris
Montparnasse, while not the most central, is a fantastic choice for staying in Paris, thanks to its excellent transport links. A quick metro ride can get you to the heart of the city, the Eiffel Tower, Luxembourg Gardens, or the Quartier Latin in no time.
Back in the 1930s, Montparnasse was the epicenter of Paris’s intellectual and artistic life, frequented by luminaries like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Ernest Hemingway, and Nina Hamnett.
This neighborhood is a treasure trove of culinary delights, from top-notch restaurants and patisseries to cozy creperies, not to mention attractions like the Tour Montparnasse, the Paris Observatory, and the Montparnasse Cemetery, the final resting place of many great thinkers and artists.
Choosing to stay in Montparnasse means enjoying great value for money and excellent connectivity.
Pros:
- Excellent public transport access.
- Great value in accommodations with a variety of budget-friendly options.
- Rich artistic heritage.
Cons:
- Slightly removed from central Paris and the Seine.
- Dependence on public transport to reach major attractions.
Best Hotels in Montparnasse
9. Montmartre (18th arrondissement), a romantic place to stay in Paris
Montmartre is a delightful escape from Paris’s bustling center, offering a picturesque setting that feels straight out of a storybook. Although it’s a bit removed from the heart of the city, convenient metro access via Anvers and Pigalle stations means you’re never too far from Paris’s iconic landmarks.
Famed for its romantic ambiance, Montmartre’s cobblestone streets, quaint shops, cozy restaurants, and charming bars capture the essence of old Paris. It’s also home to the legendary Moulin Rouge, offering a vibrant nightlife scene.
Perched atop the city’s highest hill, the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica offers breathtaking views of Paris below, accessible by stairs or funicular.
Notable spots in the neighborhood include the artist-filled Place du Tertre, Espace Dalí, and the Montmartre Museum, adding to the area’s artistic flair.
Montmartre stands out for its affordability, making it an ideal choice for those on a tight budget seeking a romantic backdrop for their Parisian adventure.
Don’t miss dining at Un Zèbre à Montmartre for a local culinary treat.
Pros:
- Enchantingly picturesque with its cobblestone streets and beautiful cafes, attracting both locals and tourists.
- The Sacré-Cœur Basilica offers some of the best views in Paris, rivaling even the Notre-Dame for its beauty.
Cons:
- Central Paris isn’t within walking distance, requiring a 15-20 minute metro ride to reach.
Best Hotels in Montmartre
- Hotel de Flore offers a peaceful stay near Sacré-Cœur, featuring clean, well-kept rooms, daily buffet breakfast, and easy metro access for exploring Paris.
- Terrass” Hotel is a couple’s retreat in a 19th-century building by Moulin Rouge, offering distinctive design, massage services, and dining options including a rooftop restaurant.
- Odalys City Paris Montmartre is perfect for a romantic spa getaway, located close to Sacré-Cœur with a wellness center, jacuzzi, hammam, and a variety of room types.
10. Place de la Bastille (11th arrondissement), best area to stay in Paris for families and kids
The Bastille area, nestled away from Paris’s core, is a splendid choice for your stay, boasting excellent connectivity to the vibrant Le Marais and the historic Quartier Latin .
This neighborhood not only offers easy walking access to many of Paris’s prime attractions but also benefits from a wealth of metro stops and proximity to Gare de Lyon, ensuring you’re well-linked to the entire city.
Renowned for its safety and culinary scene that ranges from budget-friendly to upscale, Bastille brims with lively bars, unique shops, and art galleries, presenting a more alternative vibe than the city’s more opulent districts.
For families, Bastille is an ideal base, blending proximity to key sights with security and more reasonable accommodation costs.
While expansive, securing a spot near Place de la Bastille places you in a prime location, akin to staying in Le Marais. If your accommodation is further out, having a metro station nearby is beneficial.
Pros:
- Peaceful yet vibrant, perfect for family stays.
- Active social scene with excellent dining options.
- Close to the Seine River.
- Hotels offer good value for money.
Cons:
- Might need public transport to reach certain destinations, especially if staying away from Bastille square.
- Apart from the square, the area lacks major attractions.
Best Hotels in Place de la Bastille
- Hotel Alhambra offers spacious, modern rooms near Bastille and Le Marais. It features a lovely garden view, family-friendly accommodations, breakfast, and is conveniently located 40 meters from Oberkampf metro station.
- Paris Bastille is ideally situated close to Bastille Square, perfect for families and couples. It boasts elegant decor, great design, excellent breakfast, and provides great value just steps from the metro.
- Hotel Bastille Speria is a top pick for families, located at Bastille Square and near the 4th arrondissement. It offers a cozy lounge, breakfast buffet, beautifully minimalistic rooms, and is a short 10-minute walk from the metro.
