Paris. The Light City Finding the perfect spot to stay might be difficult for first-time visitors because the city has 20 arrondissements (neighbourhoods), amazing historic sights scattered throughout, and dozens of hotels, hostels, and apartments to pick from.
I’ve stayed in every neighbourhood and a variety of various lodgings during the course of my numerous trips to Paris (as well as my several months spent residing there). Each neighbourhood in Paris has a distinct character, as well as advantages and disadvantages. One must constantly make a trade-off in this situation.
I’ve put up this thorough guide on where to stay in Paris to assist you in deciding where the best spot to stay for your trip is. I’ve given a quick overview of each place, explained why I prefer it, and listed my top lodging options there.
Arrondissements
- 1st Arrondissement: Louvre
- 2nd Arrondissement: Bourse
- 3rd Arrondissement: Temple
- 4th Arrondissement: Hôtel-de-Ville
- 5th Arrondissement: Panthéon
- 6th Arrondissement: Luxembourg
- 7th Arrondissement: Palais-Bourbon
- 8th Arrondissement: Élysée
- 9th Arrondissement: Opéra
- 10th Arrondissement: Entrepôt
- 11th Arrondissement: Popincourt
- 12th Arrondissement: Reuilly
- 13th Arrondissement: Gobelins
- 14th Arrondissement: Observatoire
- 15th Arrondissement: Vaugirard
- 16th Arrondissement: Passy
- 17th Arrondissement: Batignolles-Monceau
- 18th Arrondissement: Butte-Montmartre
- 19th Arrondissement: Buttes-Chaumont
- 20th Arrondissement: Ménilmontant
If you don’t want to read the rest of this piece, here are the two questions about Paris that I get asked the most:
Where in Paris is the best area to stay on a tight budget?
For vacationers on a tight budget, Montmartre is one of the city’s least expensive neighborhoods. Some of the nicest city views can be found from this 18th arrondissement location (especially at sunset).
Which area of Paris is ideal for families?
Families on the road will appreciate Montparnasse’s peace and affordability.
What area of Paris is ideal for first-time visitors?
Stay in the Marais if it’s your first time visiting Paris.
What area of Paris offers the best shopping?
The world-famous Champs-Élysées is known for its upscale shopping. The world’s top brands are all available here. It’s in the 8th arrondissement of Paris.
What part of Paris has the finest nightlife?
One of the greatest areas to stay in if you want to party and experience Paris’ nightlife is Le Marais. It is situated in the 4th arrondissement and is surrounded by fantastic cafes, eateries, and stores. A fantastic nightlife can be found in Bastille as well.
What is Paris’s overall finest district?
My favourite Parisian neighbourhoods are the Latin Quarter and Le Marais. Both cities have a lot to offer tourists in the way of attractions, dining options, and attractive neighbourhoods. Remain there!
Following that, the following summary of the major arrondissements will help you choose the ideal area for your trip:
Best Paris Neighborhoods
- Bastille (11th)
- Latin Quarter (5th)
- Champs-Élysées (8th)
- Le Marais (4th)
- Montmartre (18th)
- Île de la Cité/Île Saint-Louis (4th)
- Montparnasse (14th)
- Les Halles (1st)
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th)
- Belleville (20th)
- Eiffel Tower/Champs de Mars (7th)
Bastille (11th arrondissement) (11th arrondissement)
The name of this area, which spans the 4th, 11th, and 12th arrondissements, comes from the renowned jail that once stood there (the storming of which started the French Revolution in 1789). The prison is no longer there, and this vibrant and energetic neighbourhood is now recognised for its hip pubs and clubs that cater to young Parisians.
I’d suggest staying in this arrondissement if you’re seeking a good time. The narrow cobblestone streets and convenient location make it feel quite Parisian.
The best hotels in Bastille
BUDGET: Auberge Internationale des Jeunes (International Youth Hostel) -Although the amenities are modest, the hostel is safe and well-maintained. There is no kitchen where guests may prepare their own meals, but there is a micro9 a.m.wave, and complimentary breakfast is offered every day a.m.om 7am to 9:45am. In addition, there is a safe place to store luggage and a common room with vending machines where people prefer to hang out. You must be younger than 30 to stay here because it is a youth hostel.
MID-RANGE: Paris Bastille -The Paris Bastille is a classy, peaceful hotel with soundproofed rooms and spacious walk-in showers that is directly across from the Opera House and close to the Gare de Lyon. Additionally, they offer a daily breakfast buffet and complimentary Wi-Fi.
LUXURY: Hôtel l’Antoine -Originally a monastery from the 17th century, this 4-star boutique hotel now has an unusual interior with brilliantly patterned wallpaper and cement tiles. Here, no two rooms are alike. A snack bar, lounge, and daily complimentary breakfast are also available. A sauna and cold shower are both located in the fitness centre!
Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement)
One of my favourite parts of Paris is the Latin Quarter, which is surrounded by tiny squares with cafés and narrow alleyways that turn at odd angles. It always feels like you are travelling back in time a few hundred years while I am here exploring.. You’ll be in the centre of the activity even if it’s not as quiet as other parts of Paris because there are so many eateries, pubs, and jazz clubs there!
The best hotels in the Latin Quarter
BUDGET: Young & Happy Hostel –This hostel provides spacious kitchen facilities, modest but clean showers, and rather basic rooms with comfortable beds. The common room is a nice and unusual place to hang out because it is an old cellar with stone walls. There are daily happy hours for meeting other tourists, and occasionally the staff will offer evening events. A complimentary breakfast of pastries, coffee, and juice is also available.
MID-RANGE: Hôtel Minerve -Some of the best sights in the neighbourhood, including the Panthéon and the Jardin du Luxembourg, are close to the Grand Hôtel Saint Michel. Even though it mostly serves business visitors, it isn’t stuffy, and the location is unrivalled. Numerous upscale amenities are available on-site, including a hammam, fitness centre, spa, and concierge.
Champs-Élysées (8th arrondissement)
The most well-known and affluent street in Paris is dotted with theatres, cafés, high-end specialised shops, well-known chain restaurants, and large department stores. It’s a fantastic spot to shop and take pictures during the day or to hit the clubs at night. It’s in the 8th arrondissement. The neighbourhood that surrounds the street is among the most affluent and lavish in all of Paris.
It’s very calm if you stay away from the main street. Although it’s conveniently located and lovely, there aren’t many “interesting” things to do around. Additionally, the cost will rise.
The best hotels in Champs-Élysées
- BUDGET: BVJ Champs-Elysées –With a history dating back to 1948, this hostel in a former mansion is one of the oldest in all of Paris. Each morning, they offer a complimentary French breakfast, free bag storage, and a beautiful, quiet garden where guests can relax.
- MID-RANGE: Hôtel Magda Champs Elysées –The rooms at this hotel are sleek, contemporary, and clean. The bar is a great place to work while enjoying a cocktail (or some complimentary coffee). They even provide smartphones so that you can stream Netflix and make free calls. There is also a wonderful courtyard here.
- LUXURY: Marquis Faubourg Saint-Honoré – This hotel is stylish! The rooms include marble fittings and clawfoot bathtubs, and they are really comfortable (if not a little bit undersized). The breakfast is pricey, so skip it.
Le Marais (4th arrondissement)
Le Marais, which translates to “the marsh,” has recently undergone revitalization and is now a fashionable, vibrant neighbourhood with trendy art galleries, shops, and cafés. Here, you’ll also discover some of the city’s top eateries and pubs. My favourite part of Paris is there.
A lot of homosexual pubs, cafés, and stores can also be found here because it is the epicentre of LGBT life in Paris.
The best hotels in Le Marais
- BUDGET: MIJE Marais –This is a distinctive low-cost hostel because it is made up of three renovated buildings from the 17th century: MIJE Fourcy, Fauconnier, and Maubuisson. The rooms are quite modest, but there is a lovely outdoor courtyard, free breakfast, and free Wi-Fi.
- MID-RANGE: Villa Beaumarchais –The Opéra Garnier and Place de la Madeleine can both be reached on foot from this modest but charming hotel, which is located on a peaceful side street. As a result of the abundance of wood furniture and floral wallpaper, the rooms have an ancient feel to them. It’s quite cozy. Opt for a room that has a view of the inside courtyard. Along with free Wi-Fi, a fitness facility, and an American-style breakfast buffet, they also provide these services.
- LUXURY: Pavillon de la Reine – The Place des Vosges, one of the most stunning and historic squares in the world, contains the Pavillon de la Reine. Beautiful rooms with old furniture, large windows, and stunning, distinctive décor can be found in the structure covered in vines. On-site amenities include a spa and a fitness facility. This is a lovely small retreat. Fun fact: Queen Anne of Austria did in fact visit this location. If you want to treat yourself, have dinner at Restaurant Anne.
Montmartre (18th arrondissement)
Montmartre, which has long been the residence of hungry artists, offers a breath-taking panorama of the city. Cobblestone streets, hip cafés, pubs, and the only vineyard in the city are all found in this neighbourhood. Even if some of its former splendour has been lost, it remains one of Paris’ hippest neighbourhoods.
Due to the significantly lower rents here than elsewhere in the city, it is also home to a large number of students. Due to the high concentration of tourists and students that typically occurs at night, it is also quite noisy. If you’re searching for a calmer place to stay, consider staying on one of the lovely side streets.
The best hotels in Montmartre
- BUDGET: Le Village Montmartre By Hiphophostels –With a view of Sacré-Coeur, this compact hostel is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and stores. Each morning, a French breakfast is available for 6 EUR, or you can use the spacious kitchen to prepare your own meals.
- MID-RANGE: Le Relais Montmartre – This hotel is located in Montmartre on a peaceful lane. With exposed timbers and antique furnishings, the rooms have a rustic charm and are very affordable. If you want to splurge, check out the breakfast; it’s excellent, and the cellar restaurant is special.
- LUXURY: Terrass” Hôtel – Beautiful views of Paris can be seen from the hotel bar, and the sunset is just breathtaking. The rooms are more spacious than most in town and feature lovely interior design in a traditional Parisian flair. Yoga lessons and spa services are available at the hotel. A breakfast on the terrace is a must.
Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis (4th arrondissement)
The historic heart of Paris is located on these two islands in the Seine. In 52 BC, the Romans established a camp on the island that is now home to Notre Dame, the Sainte-Chapelle, office buildings, and the Conciergerie.
On the other hand, the wealthy and influential of Paris reside in the peaceful Île Saint-Louis area, which is full of beautifully preserved old buildings and streets. Stay here if you desire luxury and peace. There isn’t much else besides posh hotels.
Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis’ best hotels
FINANCES: HA! This place doesn’t have that!
- MID-RANGE: Hôtel De Lutèce – Notre-Dame –Given that it sits on Île Saint-Louis, this is shockingly inexpensive. It has many homey features, like functional fireplaces, despite being on the smaller side. There are only 23 rooms, but each one is soundproof and air conditioned. It has a homey vibe as opposed to a motel.
- LUXURY: Hôtel Saint-Louis en L’Isle –This hotel is housed in a townhouse from the 17th century that still boasts a lot of its original elegance, including exposed stone walls and wooden beams. The rooms are opulently large. Staying at one of the area’s most opulent hotels will make you feel like royalty. Even breakfast is served in the cellar with the stone vaults.
Montparnasse (14th arrondissement)
One of the more contemporary areas of Paris is Montparnasse, which has many more office buildings, brand-new residences, and a more neighborhood-like atmosphere. Montparnasse, which is situated in the 14th arrondissement next to the same-named train station, offers cheap lodging options and a sizable selection of eateries. Although it is less classically attractive than other areas of the city, it is also much more “local” and less expensive.
The best hotels in Montparnasse
- BUDGET: FIAP Jean Monnet – It is similar to a hotel conference centre and is not a party hostel; frequently, school groups stay here. It’s in a peaceful area. You cannot, however, bring your own food inside (they check!). Only people ages 18 to 30 can live in dorms.
- MID-RANGE: Novotel Paris Centre Gare Montparnasse –Everything you might anticipate from a chain hotel is there in this cosy, business-style hotel. Memory foam beds and spacious walk-in showers are features of the accommodations. It is sleek and well-lit. If you have children, they will adore the balloon animals the staff makes, and they also provide complimentary coffee and tea.
- LUXURY: Niepce Paris Hotel – This little boutique motel is lovely. Since the hotel is brand new, everything is still shiny. Even the junior rooms are contemporary and elegant, and some of them have patios outside with jacuzzi tubs. The restaurant offers distinctive French-Japanese fusion food.
Les Halles (1st arrondissement)
Les Halles (pronounced lay-AL), which served as Paris’s primary market until it was demolished in 1971, is the focal point of this posh, vibrant area. For many years, the market served as “Paris’s gut.” Staying here puts you in the middle of all the action (the mall receives around 150,000 visitors each day!).
The best hotels in Les Halles
- BUDGET: Hôtel de Roubaix –The subway is only two minutes away from this low-cost motel, which provides exceptional value. The rooms are clean and big, and it is only 1.5 km from the Louvre. A continental breakfast is also provided. Nearby restaurants and cafes abound, and the staff is quite welcoming.
- MID-RANGE: Hôtel du Cygne – You’ll have a homey feeling while staying at the Hôtel du Cygne. It has a very DIY/homey vibe to it because all of the bed linens and drapes were hand-sewn by the owner’s mother. This hotel is small, with only a few little rooms, but it’s a cosy place, and it’s close to the Etienne-Marcel Metro Station.
- LUXURY: Novotel Paris Les Halles – What’s not to love about conditioned rooms, round-the-clock room service, and enormous beds? In addition to being close to major shopping districts like Rue de Rivoli, Novotel Paris Les Halles is also accessible by foot from the Louvre. You may relax in the lounge after a day of exploration or enjoy traditional French cuisine or beverages on the gorgeous patio.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement)
In the past, Saint-Germain-des-Prés was a haven for creative people. It is currently one of Paris’ priciest and trendiest neighborhoods. Celebrities, expensive art galleries, fashionable stores, and upscale restaurants are now located in the area.
Although lodging there is not inexpensive, the area is lovely to stroll through. It is exactly what you imagine Paris to be.
Favorite lodging options in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- BUDGET: Hôtel de Nesle – Unfortunately, there aren’t many affordable hotels in this area of the city. Nesle is the spot for you if you enjoy kitsch! There is rarely a wall in the entire building that is unadorned. While some rooms have common bathrooms with showers, some have private facilities. You can unwind in the interior garden.
- MID-RANGE: Hôtel Moderne Saint Germain – Each air-conditioned room in this chic boutique hotel is designed with vibrant bursts of colour! There are tiny balconies in some rooms. Breakfast is also excellent here.
- LUXURY: Hôtel Récamier – The staff goes above and beyond to help you plan any excursions you’d like to take, and the included afternoon tea is a pleasant touch. The structure is old and gorgeous; the rooms are big and air-conditioned (I really like the mattresses).
Belleville (20th arrondissement)
Undoubtedly, one of the grittier areas of the city is Belleville. It has a bustling Chinatown and resembles a mingling of several cultures. Belleville, the hub of Paris’s immigrant population, is steadily gaining popularity among hipsters and younger children due to its lower cost.
This area has some of the best ethnic cuisine, a fantastic street market, and is close to the Marais, where you can always go for upscale French cuisine. More and more often, I choose to stay in this area of town.
The best hotels in Belleville
- BUDGET: Les Piaules -This somewhat new hostel features a rooftop area and an amazing chimney lounge. The beds are comfortable, and the rooms are very modern. It’s one of my favourite places to stay in the area, and if I organise a meet-up in Paris, it generally takes place here.
- MID-RANGE: Hôtel des Pyrénées –This hotel doesn’t particularly stand out, but it recently underwent significant renovations, so you may get stylish, modern rooms at reasonable pricing. Additionally, there are family rooms for up to four people, making it an affordable choice for families.
- LUXURY: Hôtel Scarlett – This hotel has been recently renovated and has some quite lovely places. Each room has a flat-screen TV and has a spacious, comfy bed. They have a helpful concierge who can guide you around the city and help you organise your trip.
Eiffel Tower/Champs de Mars (7th arrondissement)
If seeing the famous Eiffel Tower is your main reason for visiting Paris, you should stay near the Eiffel Tower or Champs de Mars (and have easy access to some other major attractions). In addition to the stunning architecture, there are a number of excellent museums of natural history and contemporary art, as well as the vast Parc du Champ-de-Mars. The 7th arrondissement is a busy, touristy (read: expensive) neighbourhood to stay in, but it’s also incredibly convenient!
Best hotels near the Eiffel Tower and Champs de Mars
- BUDGET: 3 Ducks Hostel –3 Ducks is in one of the best sites in town, just ten minutes’ walk from the Eiffel Tower. The staff is helpful, the accommodations are compact yet cosy, and the showers are spotless. This hostel has newly updated furnishings and is more posh. It is among my favourite in the city as well.
- MID-RANGE: Hôtel Eiffel Kensington –A basic hotel with private single rooms available for reasonable pricing and proximity to the Eiffel Tower. Although the rooms are on the smaller side, they are nonetheless plenty large and include a small desk. It’s a reasonable choice for the area.
- LUXURY: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel – With leather furniture and slick finishes, the rooms here are entirely modern and minimalist. Usually, there is a workstation and a small couch. A pretty excellent dining deck and a fitness centre are both available. Every room has breathtaking views of the city, and some have balconies that look out onto the tower.
You won’t go wrong staying anywhere in Paris, no matter what you decide. There is no such thing as a terrible eating area, and every location is lovely (after all, this is Paris!).
The Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Bastille, and Le Marais are my picks for the top four Parisian neighbourhoods to stay in.
But there is something in every neighbourhood for someone, so choose the one that best meets your requirements
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