Paris, ‘the city of lights,’ is one of every tourist’s dream destinations. Also known as the city of love, the French capital has been attracting visitors worldwide.
When you think about Paris, you might imagine the Eiffel Tower, dazzling nightlife, and busy streets. But there’s more to this romantic city than that. From its magnificent historical monuments to its distinctive culture, art, and cuisine, Paris is a destination like none other.
If you’re planning to visit Paris for the first time, you might feel a little bit lost about where to stay in Paris. The city has many amazing areas, each with different characteristics.
In this post, I collected the best arrondissements to stay in Paris that are perfect for both first-timers and seasoned Parisian tourists as well.
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Table of Contents
Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Paris
As a tourist, you need to look into the Paris city layout first. The city is situated at the north-bending arc of the Seine river and is a part of northern-central France, otherwise known as Ile-de-France. It is a relatively flat city spread widely on both banks of the river.
Paris is divided into 20 administrative units that are called arrondissements. The 1st arrondissement is right at the center of the city. From there, the other arrondissements spiral out in a clockwise fashion till the 20th arrondissement in the northeast.
The Seine River cuts through the middle and divides Paris into right and left banks, also named Rive Droite and Rive Gauche, respectively.
The best arrondissement to stay in Paris completely depends on what you want to do as a tourist and how much time you have in hand. If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, you will probably like to stay near the Seine River (1st to 7th arrondissement), where the major tourist attractions are located.
On the other hand, if you are a regular/frequent tourist to this land of romance, you could look for a more off-the-beaten-path experience. In this case, the 8th to 18th arrondissements can be the best areas to stay in Paris for you.
Here’s a quick overview of the best arrondissements to stay in Paris with hotel recommendations for each area. In case you prefer staying in apartments rather than hotels, check out my post about the best apartments in Paris with Eiffel Tower view!
| AREA | BEST FOR | RECOMMENDED HOTEL | MORE HOTELS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Arrondissement (Louvre) | Sightseeing, Museums, Shopping | Hôtel Crayon Rouge by Elegancia | More hotels in the 1st Arrondissement |
| 3rd and 4th Arrondissement (Le Marais) | Art and History Museums, Sightseeing | Hôtel de Joséphine BONAPARTE | More hotels in the 3rd and 4th Arrondissement |
| 5th Arrondissement (Latin Quarter) | Affordable accommodation, Nightlife | Hôtel des Grands Hommes | More hotels in the 5th Arrondissement |
| 6th Arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés) | Family friendly, Coffee shops, Restaurants | Grand Hôtel de L'Univers Saint-Germain | More hotels in the 6th Arrondissement |
| 7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower) | Sightseeing, Restaurants | Le Pavillon Hotel | More hotels in the 7th Arrondissement |
| 8th Arrondissement (Champs-Élysées) | Traditional restaurants, Shopping | citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées | More hotels in the 8th Arrondissement |
| 14th Arrondissement (Montparnasse) | Affordable accommodation, Shopping | Novotel Suites Paris Expo Porte de Versailles | More hotels in the 14th Arrondissement |
| 18th arrondissement (Montmartre) | Affordable accommodation, Local feel | Hôtel Littéraire Marcel Aymé | More hotels in the 18th Arrondissement |
Best Arrondissements to Stay in Paris
Each traveler has their own specific requirements while choosing the place to stay – budget, facilities, time, and other similar factors. It is best to look through the best locations to stay in Paris and then decide which one you want to opt for.
You’re still not sure where to stay in Paris? Don’t worry, I got you covered! In this article, you will find all the best arrondissements to stay in Paris, together with a bunch of useful information about each district, pros and cons, and some hotel recommendations.
If you’re a visual type, you can use the below map for getting familiar with each arrondissement mentioned in this article. Let’s dive right in!
1st Arrondissement (Louvre) – Best neighborhood to stay in Paris for sightseeing
The 1st arrondissement of Paris, located in the center of the city, is full of tourist attractions, famous landmarks, beautiful parks, and renowned museums.
Plus, if you’re looking for the most Instagrammable places in Paris, you will find some of the best photography spots in this district.
The Louvre is situated on the right bank of the River Seine. This area is one of the oldest and one of the smallest neighborhoods in Paris. The Louvre is the best neighborhood to stay in Paris for first-time travelers who plan to visit all the popular sightseeing attractions.
The Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Gardens occupy a good portion of the 1st arrondissement. The other popular attractions in this district include the Palais Royal, the Conciergerie, and Place Vendôme.
While staying in the 1st arrondissement, you are also within walking distance of attractions like Notre Dame Cathedral, the Centre Pompidou, Champs-Elysèes, and just across the river from Musee D’Orsay and Saint Germain.
Pros and cons of staying in 1st Arrondissement
PROS
- Proximity to major landmarks in Paris
- Multiple metro and bus stations help tourists to travel to other areas
- Shopping options are extensive, from street shops to exclusive boutiques
CONS
- The area is crowded with tourists
- Stay options are a bit expensive, not suitable for budget travelers
Best places to stay in 1st Arrondissement
LUXURY – Hôtel Regina Louvre
Overlooking the Louvre, the exquisite Hôtel Regina Louvre is located in the center of Paris. The property offers air-conditioned rooms with elegant period furnishing and some of the rooms boast views of Tuileries Gardens or the Louvre.
MID-RANGE – Hôtel Crayon Rouge by Elegancia
This intimate hotel is located near some of the city’s main attractions, including the Louvre and Notre Dame, and offers guests air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and satellite TV.
BUDGET – Hotel Opera Maintenon
For a budget-friendly option in the heart of Paris, consider the Hotel Opera Maintenon. This property is a short walk from the Opéra Garnier and has tastefully furnished and quiet rooms with modern amenities.
3rd and 4th arrondissement (Le Marais) – Best arrondissement to stay in Paris for art lovers and architecture buffs
Le Marais, situated at the River Seine’s right bank, is the favorite hangout for most youngsters in Paris. It houses several boutique shops and gourmet chocolatiers. The nightlife in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements is relaxed and vibrant.
Also, the influence of contemporary art can be observed in the buildings in this area. These arrondissements are also called the Jewish neighborhood of Paris.
One of the oldest squares in Paris, Place des Vosges, is located in the Le Marais neighborhood. The 4th arrondissement is home to the Notre Dame Cathedral, located on an island in the center of the Seine River.
The area is surrounded by beautiful art galleries and museums like the Museum of the history of Paris, National Archives, Picasso Museum, Museum of Arts and Crafts, and Place de la République, making them both the best arrondissements to stay in Paris.
Nicolas Flamel House, the oldest house in Paris, is also located here.
Pros and cons of staying in 3rd and 4th Arrondissement
PROS
- Best location to stay in Paris for people who love to explore the place’s art and history
- The area is close to other attractions like Louvre and St Germain
CONS
- If you are looking for a thoroughly modernized area, this won’t be the best place to stay in Paris for you
- Public transport is not as efficient in this neighborhood as in the other parts of the city
Best places to stay in 3rd and 4th Arrondissement
LUXURY – Hotel Dupond-Smith
The Hotel Dupond-Smith offers guests a sophisticated and charming option in the heart of Paris. This property is located near some of the city’s most famous attractions, such as the Louvre and Notre Dame, and features individually decorated rooms with antique furnishings.
MID-RANGE – Hôtel de Joséphine BONAPARTE
For those looking for a little bit of history with their Parisian accommodations, the Hotel de Joséphine BONAPARTE is an excellent option. The hotel is set in a 17th-century convent in the historical Marais district of Paris and offers individually designed rooms with free Wi-Fi access.
BUDGET – Hôtel De Nice
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel in a great location, the Hôtel De Nice is a great choice. This property is located on a charming side street in the heart of the Marais district and offers guests simple but comfortable rooms with Wi-Fi access.
5th Arrondissement (Latin Quarter) – Best location to stay in Paris for budget travelers
The Latin Quarter is one of Paris’s most popular areas, located on the left bank of the River Seine. This neighborhood is the student hub of Paris with several prestigious high schools and universities.
The major tourist sites of this arrondissement are the Pantheon, the National Museum of the Middle Ages, Jardin des Plantes (botanical gardens), Menagerie (the oldest zoo in France), the Museum of Natural History, the Paris Mosque, and Arenes de Lutece (Roman Coliseum).
The Latin Quarter neighborhood offers a calmer and more relaxed atmosphere while not being away from the important attractions in the 1st and 7th arrondissements.
The famed Shakespeare and Co. bookshop is also located in the 5th arrondissement. This is the best area to stay in Paris for tourists who are on a budget trip but still want to reside centrally.
Pros and cons of staying in 5th Arrondissement
PROS
- Affordable rates for stay and dining
- The area is closer to important landmarks in Paris
- Youngsters will love the vibrant nightlife in the area
CONS
- Mostly crowded by youth
- Not suitable for families who look for calm places
Best places to stay in 5th Arrondissement
LUXURY – Hotel Parc Saint Severin
The Hotel Parc Saint Severin is a beautiful property located in the Latin Quarter of Paris. This hotel offers guests elegant rooms with antique furnishings, some of them come with a private terrace where you can relax after a busy day.
MID-RANGE – Hôtel des Grands Hommes
The Hôtel des Grands Hommes is a charming and affordable hotel located in the heart of the Latin Quarter. This property offers guests a pleasant stay in Paris, with simple but cozy rooms and easy access to some of the best restaurants and nightlife in Paris.
BUDGET – Hotel Apolonia Paris Mouffetard
For a great budget-friendly option in the heart of the Latin Quarter, consider the Hotel Apolonia Paris Mouffetard. This hotel is located just steps away from some of the best attractions in Paris, including Notre Dame and the Pantheon, and offers guests simple but comfortable rooms.
6th arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés) – Best area to stay in Paris for families
The 6th arrondissement, also known as Saint-Germain-des-Prés, is located at the River Seine’s left bank.
Major attractions of this neighborhood are the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Luxembourg church) and Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg gardens). The gardens are popular for picnicking with families.
The Saint Germain neighborhood is known for its excellent café culture. You can visit the oldest cafe in Paris, Le Procope, while you stroll through the streets of this area.
The picturesque backstreets like the Place de Furstenberg are incredibly beautiful. Also, the Latin Quarter is an easy reach from the 6th arrondissement.
Pros and cons of staying in 6th Arrondissement
PROS
- Centrally located
- The area is surrounded by several little parks and gardens suiting kids
- This area has several cafes, restaurants, and pubs, and the nightlife is lively
CONS
- Stay options are expensive
- Travel through the metro is not so convenient, a change of lines is required on most trips
- Crowded by tourists
Best places to stay in 6th Arrondissement
LUXURY – Hôtel D’Aubusson
Housed in a 17th-century luxurious mansion, The Hotel D’Aubusson features a jazz bar and an inner courtyard with a fountain. Original beams, antique furniture, and a colossal fireplace of Burgundy stone are among the features of guest rooms at this hotel.
MID-RANGE – Grand Hôtel de L’Univers Saint-Germain
Grand Hôtel de L’Univers Saint-Germain is a mere 15-minute walk from the Louvre Museum. Each room at this boutique hotel is distinctive and decorated with Pierre Frey, Manuel Canovas, and Rubelli textiles. A continental breakfast is available each morning.
BUDGET – Hotel de Nesle
The Hotel de Nesle is a fascinating historical landmark in the center of Saint Germain des Près, only a 10-minute walk from the Louvre. The hotel’s guest rooms are accessible via a stairwell and have a bright design with private bathrooms that include showers.
7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower) – Best area to stay in Paris for first-time travellers
The 7th arrondissement is a walkable neighborhood situated on Rive Gauche, the River Seine’s left bank. This area is home to the Eiffel Tower, one of the most recognizable monuments in the world.
Other significant tourist attractions include Les Invalides and famous museums like Musée d’Orsay, Musée Rodin, and the Musée du Quai Branly. With so many major landmarks within walking distance, the 7th arrondissement is definitely one of the best arrondissements to stay in Paris.
When you walk through the narrow streets of the 7th arrondissement, you will find chic restaurants and boutique stores. You can also book a hotel with view of the Eiffel Tower and have a romantic dinner on a cruise down the Seine.
Night walks in this area are even more beautiful with less crowd and the exquisitely illuminated Iron Lady (i.e., the Eiffel Tower).
Pros and cons of staying in 7th Arrondissement
PROS
- Famous landmarks in Paris are within walking distance
- Foodies can peek into the line of restaurants to explore the varieties of cuisines
CONS
- Nightlife is not that active in this area
- It is not the best area for people with a limited budget
- Crowded with visitors and heavy traffic is experienced
Best places to stay in 7th Arrondissement
LUXURY – Le Cinq Codet
Le Cinq Codet is a luxurious hotel located in a quiet residential area of the 7th arrondissement. Guest rooms feature modern amenities and private balconies with views of the Invalides Dome. This property also offers a fitness center, spa, and restaurant.
MID-RANGE – Le Pavillon Hotel
Le Pavillon Hotel is a charming property located in the heart of the 7th arrondissement. The double glazing windows, parquet flooring, and carpet give the rooms a lovely touch. Le Pavillon Hotel also has a garden courtyard for guests to relax in.
BUDGET – Amélie Hotel
The 16 bright and differently designed rooms of this 2-star hotel, which have a warm ambiance and are ideal for leisure stays in the city’s center, welcome you all year. You will immediately feel absorbed into Parisian life as you walk along the shopping avenues surrounding the property.
8th arrondissement (Champs-Élysées) – Best neighborhood to stay in Paris for shoppers
The 8th arrondissement is a famous area located at the River Seine’s right bank and is Paris’s main business district. Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, and Place de la Concorde are the major attractions in the 8th arrondissement.
The Champs-Élysées marks the backbone of the 8th arrondissement, spreading its entire east-west length, from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, marking the meeting point of the 8th, 16th, and 17th arrondissements.
If you are looking for the ultimate shopping experience, then Champs-Élysées is the best area to stay in Paris for you. The famous French fashion brands have their store in this neighborhood.
By staying here, you will be close to Cité, Opéra de Garnier, and the Grands Boulevards, the luxury shopping sites.
Pros and cons of staying in 8th Arrondissement
PROS
- You get the best view of the Arc de Triomphe by staying here
- The area is known for its authentic French food, making it one of the best arrondissements to stay in Paris for the foodies
- It is an area suitable for some terrific window shopping
CONS
- Tariffs of hotels are higher than the other areas
- The area is noisy due to the traffic and crowd
Best places to stay in 8th Arrondissement
LUXURY – Hôtel San Régis
This incredible 5-star boutique hotel is housed in a 19th-century private mansion and is richly decorated with tasteful wallpaper, springy carpets, and antique furnishings. Rooms are also equipped with a modish marble bathroom.
MID-RANGE – citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées
CitizenM Paris Champs-Élysées, located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, is less than a kilometer from Arc de Triomphe, Musée de l’Orangerie, and Eiffel Tower. A restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and a shared lounge are among the amenities available at this property.
BUDGET – Ibis Styles Paris Gare Saint Lazare
The Ibis Styles Paris Gare Saint Lazare is located in the heart of Paris, between Square des Batignolles and Parc Monceau. Modern-style rooms come with free WiFi access and are available at this location.
14th Arrondissement (Montparnasse) – Best arrondissement to stay in Paris for enjoying local life
Montparnasse is located at the Seine river’s left bank. This neighborhood is famous for its skyscraper, Tour Montparnasse.
Other major attractions of the area are the Paris Catacombs museum, Parc Montsouris, and Paris Observatory. There are lines of cafes and restaurants in this neighborhood, which you can explore while touring the area.
Pros and cons of staying in 14th Arrondissement
PROS
- Hotels are available at affordable rates
- Suitable for people who love shopping, as there are several European chain stores
- Easy access to transportation by metro stations nearby
CONS
- Not a quiet neighbourhood
- Less aesthetically pleasing compared to other areas
Best places to stay in 14th Arrondissement
LUXURY – Niepce Paris, Curio Collection By Hilton
This hotel is a part of the Hilton Curio Collection and is located in the heart of the Montparnasse district. This modern hotel boasts 52 rooms and suites that offer personalized service and free WiFi. The Niepce Paris Hotel perfectly complements Montparnasse’s artistic quarter, reflecting the French art of living.
MID-RANGE – Novotel Suites Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
The Novotel Suites Paris Expo Porte de Versailles is located 13 kilometers from Orly Airport and is a few minutes walk from the Porte de Versailles Metro Station, which leads straight to the city center. It has a fitness center that is open 24 hours a day and air-conditioned apartments with soundproofing.
BUDGET – Terminus Orléans
The Hotel Terminus Orléans is located minutes from the Metro Porte d’Orléans and tram stop so guests can easily reach Paris’ most famous attractions directly from the hotel via metro or bus. Each room features basic furnishings and has safe, double-glazed windows, a TV, and a private bathroom.
18th arrondissement (Montmartre) – Best location to stay in Paris for honeymooners
Montmartre, located at the right bank of the River Seine, is an area that upholds the charm of old Paris. It is the most popular outer neighborhood of Paris.
The 18th arrondissement is actually a high hill that houses one of Paris’s most famous landmarks – the white Sacré-Coeur Cathedral.
Moulin Rouge – the number one cabaret show in the universe is another tourist spot in Montmartre. The area is also well-known as many famous painters like Pablo Picasso, Renoir, Edgar Degas had their work studios in this place in the 19th century.
You could literally spend hours exploring the cobbled alleyways of Montmartre. Visit the cemetery, the vineyards, and the stairs of Montmartre from where you can get the best views of Paris.
A stay in the hills of the 18th arrondissement will guarantee the best sights and a romantic getaway, making it amongst the best arrondissements to stay in Paris or honeymooners.
Pros and cons of staying in 18th Arrondissement
PROS
- Affordable rates for tourists to stay
- Incredible view of the entire city
- Far from the maddening crowd of the city center
CONS
- Far from the major landmarks of Paris
- You need the strength for a long walk uphill and to climb several stairs
- Lesser metro stations in this area
Best places to stay in 18th Arrondissement
LUXURY – Terrass” Hotel
Set in a 19th-century building, Terrass” Hotel is located in the heart of Montmartre. Rooms at the hotel offers amazing views of the city and guests can even dine by the view of the Eiffel Tower on the rooftop terrace.
MID-RANGE – Hôtel Littéraire Marcel Aymé
The Best Western Plus Hotel Littéraire Marcel Aymé is located a few minutes’ walk from the Moulin Rouge and the Sacré Coeur. The decor of the rooms is influenced by writer Marcel Aymé and each room offers a flat-screen TV and free WiFi access.
BUDGET – Simon’s Boutique Hôtel
Simon’s Boutique Hôtel boasts a bar, private parking, a shared lounge, and a terrace. The establishment offers free WiFi throughout the property, as well as a 24-hour front desk and room service. Guest rooms come with air conditioning, and some include satellite TV.
Final Thoughts
Paris is quite safe no matter where you stay. It is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in France and one of the top-visited destinations in the country, for a good reason!
No matter what sort of vacation you are planning for exploring Europe, you must include Paris for at least a few days in your itinerary.
If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment below or send me an email, I always love helping you out! Do you know some other great neighborhoods to stay in the city that you would like me to add to the list of best arrondissements to stay in Paris? Let me know in the comments!
xoxo, Kriszti
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Want to read more about Paris?
Wonderful article- coming to paris for the month of june and plan on following all your ideas and tips for getting to explore the city. Thank you.
You’re very welcome! Hope you will have an amazing trip.
Thanks good article. Very helpful.
Thank you, I’m so happy you found it useful!