Where to stay in Paris: the best areas

Paris. The city of light. with 20 arrondissements (neighborhoods), incredible historical attractions scattered throughout the city, and thousands of hotels, hostels, and apartments to choose from, finding the best place to stay in Paris can be a challenge for first-time visitors to the city.

Over dozens of visits to Paris (and several months of living there), I've stayed in all areas and in all kinds of different accommodations. Each neighborhood in Paris has its own personality and its own pros and cons. There is always a trade-off to be made.

To help you know the best place to stay on your trip, I have created this Detailed guide on where to stay in Paris. I've included a brief description of each area, why I like it, and my favorite accommodations in that neighborhood. Check out this guide to book the cheapest flights to Paris.

Arrondissements (neighborhoods)

• 1st Arrondissement: Louvre
• 2nd Arrondissement: Stock Market
• 3rd Arrondissement: Temple
• 4th Arrondissement: Hotel-de-Ville
• 5th Arrondissement: Panthéon
• 6th Arrondissement: Luxembourg
• 7th Arrondissement: Palais-Bourbon
• 8th Arrondissement: Elysee
• 9th Arrondissement: Opera
• 10th Arrondissement: Entrepôt
• 11th Arrondissement: Popincourt
• 12th Arrondissement: Reuilly
• 13th Arrondissement: Gobelins
• 14th Arrondissement: Observatory
• 15th Arrondissement: Vaugirard
• 16th Arrondissement: Passy
• 17th Arrondissement: Batignolles-Monceau
• 18th Arrondissement: Butte-Montmartre
• 19th Arrondissement: Buttes-Chaumont
• 20th Arrondissement: Menilmontant

Second, here are the questions I get asked the most about Paris (if you don't want to read this whole post):

What is the best neighborhood in Paris for budget travelers?

Montmartre is one of the cheapest neighborhoods in the city for budget travelers. It is located in the 18th arrondissement and offers some of the best views in the entire city (especially at sunset).

What is the best neighborhood in Paris for families?

Montparnasse is quiet and affordable, making it a good choice for families on the go.

What is the best neighborhood in Paris for first-time visitors?

If this is your first time visiting Paris, stay at Le Marais.

What is the best neighborhood in Paris for shopping?

Champs-Élysées is world famous for its luxury shopping. Here you will find the best brands in the world. It is located in the 8th district.

What is the best neighborhood in Paris to party?

Le Marais is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in if you want to party and enjoy the nightlife of Paris. It is located in the 4th arrondissement and has many great cafes, restaurants and shops. The Bastille also has a great nightlife.

What is the best neighborhood in Paris overall?

The Latin Quarter and Le Marais are my favorite neighborhoods in Paris. Both offer visitors many things to see and do, places to eat and drink, and are beautiful neighborhoods that are full of life. Stay there!

So, with that said, here's a rundown of the main ones. districts to help you find the best neighborhood for your trip:

Bastille (11th arrondissement) Where to stay in Paris.

The Bastille straddles the 4th, 11th and 12th arrondissements arrondissements and takes its name from the famous prison that occupied this neighborhood (whose assault started the French Revolution in 1789). Today, the prison is gone, and this lively and lively neighborhood has become known for its bars and clubs popular with Parisian youth. I leave you this post so you can book the best hotels at the best price.

If you are looking for a fun arrondissement to stay, I would recommend this one. It's centrally located, and the small cobbled streets give it a classic Parisian feel

The best places to stay in the Bastille. Where to stay in Paris.

• CHEAP ACCOMMODATION IN PARIS (LA BASTILLE): Auberge Internationale des Jeunes (International Youth Hostel) – This is a safe and well-maintained hostel, but the services are basic: there is no kitchen to cook your own meals, but there is a microwave and a free breakfast is served daily from 7 to 9:45 h. There is also a common room with vending machines where people like to hang out, and a secure area to store luggage. As this is a youth hostel, you have to be under 30 to stay here.
• MEDIUM: Paris Bastille – Located right across from the Opera and close to the Gare de Lyon, the Paris Bastille is a quiet, elegant hotel with soundproofed rooms and large walk-in showers. They have free Wi-Fi and also a buffet breakfast every morning.
• LUXURY: Hotel l'Antoine – This 4-star boutique hotel was once a 17th-century convent, but its modern decor of cement tiles and bright patterned wallpapers make it an eccentric space. No two rooms are the same here. There is also a snack bar, a lounge area and offers free breakfast each morning. The fitness room also has a sauna with a cold shower

Latin Quarter (5th district)

The Latin Quarter, one of my favorite areas of Paris, is filled with narrow streets that turn at odd angles and open onto small squares lined with cafes. I love walking around here - it always seems like you step back a few hundred years in history. It is located in the 5th arrondissements and it is a very lively neighborhood. It's not as quiet as other parts of Paris - there are plenty of restaurants, bars and jazz clubs - but you'll be right in the middle of the action. We continue to discover where to stay in Paris.

The best places to stay in the Latin Quarter

• CHEAP ACCOMMODATION IN PARIS (LATIN QUARTER): Young & Happy Hostel – This hostel has quite simple rooms but with comfortable beds, small but very clean showers, and ample kitchen space. The common room is an old cellar lined with stone, making it a cozy and unique place to hang out. The staff sometimes hosts evening events, and there's a daily happy hour for mingling with other travelers. They also offer a free breakfast with croissants, coffee and juice.
• MEDIUM: Hotel Minerve – In a quiet street, close to Notre Dame and the Sorbonne, the Hôtel Minerve is housed in a historic Haussmannian building from 1864, with flowered balconies. This place has been recently renovated to give it some charm, including exposed stone walls, visible beams and original artwork throughout the building. There is also a large central courtyard. You can have a decent breakfast every morning for 9 EUR and they also offer a shuttle to the airport (not free).
• LUXURY: Grand Hôtel Saint Michel – The Grand Hôtel Saint Michel is within walking distance of some of the best attractions in the area, such as the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Pantheon. It's aimed mostly at business travelers, but it's not overdone and the location can't be beat. There are plenty of high-end services at the hotel, such as a concierge, a gym, a spa, and even a hammam.

Champs-Élysées (8th arrondissement)

The most famous and exclusive street in Paris is lined with cinemas, cafes, luxury specialty stores, big brand stores and restaurant chains. Located in the 8th arrondissement eIt's a fun place to party at night or take photos and shop during the day. The area surrounding the street is one of the most exclusive and luxurious in Paris

If you stay away from the main street, it will seem very quiet. It's nice and located in the center of everything, but there aren't many "cool" things to do in the area. It will also be more expensive.

The best places to stay on the Champs-Élysées

• CHEAP ACCOMMODATION IN PARIS (Champs-Élysées): BVJ Champs-Élysées – This hostel located in an old mansion is one of the most historic in Paris, having been around since 1948. They have a free French breakfast every morning, free luggage storage, and a sunny private patio to hang out.
• MEDIUM: Hotel Magda Champs Elysées – This hotel has modern, clean and stylish rooms. The bar is a good place to work over a cocktail (or complimentary coffee). They even put smartphones in the room so you can make free phone calls, watch Netflix and much more. Here is also an excellent patio.
• LUXURY: Marquis Faubourg Saint-Honoré – This is a fancy hotel. The rooms are super luxurious (if a bit small) with marble fixtures and claw-foot tubs. Skip breakfast; it is excessively expensive.

Le Marais (4th arrondissement)

Le Marais (meaning "the swamp") has been revitalized in recent years and is now a chic and lively area, filled with art galleries, boutiques and trendy cafes. The narrow, winding streets are lined with ancient architecture, semi-hidden courtyards, and plenty of museums. You will also find here some of the best restaurants and bars in the city. It is my favorite area of Paris

In addition, it is the center of gay life in Paris, so here you can find many gay bars, cafes and shops, as well as many restaurants.

The best places to stay in Le Marais

• CHEAP ACCOMMODATION IN PARIS (LE MARAIS): MIJE Marais – This is a unique budget hostel as it consists of three 17th century buildings renovated to create a trio of hostels: MIJE Fourcy, Fauconnier and Maubuisson. The rooms are pretty basic, but there's free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a nice outside patio.
• MEDIUM: Villa Beaumarchais – This tiny, attractive hotel is on a quiet side street, a short distance from the Opéra Garnier and the Place de la Madeleine. The rooms have an old-fashioned feel, with lots of wooden furniture and flowery wallpaper. It is very cosy. Try to get a room facing the inner courtyard. They also offer an American-style buffet breakfast and have free Wi-Fi as well as a gym.
• LUXURY: Pavillon de la Reine – The Pavillon de la Reine is on the Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful and oldest squares in the world. The vine-covered building is beautiful and the rooms have amazing and unique decor, with antique furniture and huge windows. There is also a spa and fitness center on site. It's a wonderful little hideaway. Fun fact: Queen Anne of Austria once stayed here. Eat at Restaurant Anne if you feel like splurging.

Montmartre (18th arrondissement)

Home to hungry artists for decades, Montmartre offers a stunning view of the city. The district is home to artsy cafes and bars, cobblestone streets, and the only winery within the city limits. It is one of the most modern parts of Paris, although it has lost some of its former grandeur

It is also home to many students, as rents in this part of the city are much cheaper than in other places. It is also quite noisy at night, as there are usually a lot of students and tourists. Try to stay in one of the nice side streets if you are looking for a quieter stay.

The best places to stay in Montmartre

• CHEAP ACCOMMODATION IN PARIS (MONTMARTRE): Le Village Montmartre By Hiphophostels – This small and cozy hostel overlooking the Sacré-Coeur is literally surrounded by bars, restaurants and supermarkets. Every morning there is a French breakfast for EUR 6, or you can take advantage of the spacious kitchen to cook your own meals.
• MEDIUM: Le Relais Montmartre – This hotel is on a quiet street in Montmartre. It offers great value for money and the rooms have a rustic charm with exposed beams and period furniture. Try the breakfast -it's really good- and the cellar restaurant is unique if you want to treat yourself.
• LUXURY: Terrass Hôtel Montmartre by MH – The views of the hotel bar over Paris are impressive, and the sunset from here is spectacular. The rooms are larger than most in the city and beautifully decorated in a classic Parisian style. The hotel offers yoga classes and spa treatments. Be sure to have brunch on the terrace.

Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis (4th arrondissement)

These two islands of the Seine are the historical center of Paris. The Romans camped on the Île de la Cité in 52 BC, and the island is now home to Notre-Dame, the Sainte-Chapelle, administrative buildings, and the Conciergerie. It is also very noisy and crowded day and night.

Île Saint-Louis, on the other hand, is a quiet neighborhood where the rich and powerful of Paris live, full of well-preserved historic houses and streets. If you want luxury and tranquility, stay here. They are luxury hotels and little else.

The best places to stay on the Isle de la Cité and the Isle of St. Louis

• CHEAP ACCOMMODATION IN PARIS (Ile de la Cité and Ile de Saint-Louis): AH! That doesn't exist here!
• MEDIUM: Hôtel De Lutèce – Notre-Dame – It's surprisingly affordable, considering it's on the island of Saint-Louis. It's smaller, but with lots of cozy touches like working fireplaces. There are only 23 rooms, but they are all air-conditioned and soundproofed. It looks more like a house than a hotel.
• LUXURY: Hôtel Saint-Louis in L'Isle – This hotel is housed in a 17th-century terraced house that has retained most of its original charm, such as exposed wooden beams and stone walls. The rooms are spacious and regal. It is one of the most luxurious hotels in the area and will make you feel like royalty. They even serve breakfast in the stone vaulted cellar

Montparnasse (14th arrondissement)

Montparnasse is one of the trendier parts of Paris, with many more office buildings, new apartments, and a more local vibe. Located in the 14th district Close to the train station of the same name, Montparnasse has cheap accommodation and a good number of restaurants. It's not as classic and pretty as other parts of the city, but it's much more "local" than other districts, and also much more affordable

The best places to stay in Montparnasse

• CHEAP ACCOMMODATION IN PARIS (Montparnasse): FIAP Jean Monnet – This is not a party hostel: there are often school groups, and it is similar to a hotel conference center. It is in a quiet neighborhood. However, you cannot bring your own food (they check!). The dormitories are available only to those between the ages of 18 and 30.
• MEDIA: Novotel Paris Center Gare Montparnasse – This comfortable business-style hotel has everything you would expect from a chain. The rooms have large showers and memory foam mattresses. It is modern and bright. They offer free coffee and tea, and if you have children, they will love the animal balloons that the staff make
• LUXURY: Hotel Niepce Paris – This small boutique hotel is charming. It's a new hotel, so everything is still sparkling clean. Some rooms have outdoor patios with whirlpool tubs, but even the Junior Rooms are modern and luxurious. The restaurant serves unique Japanese/French fusion cuisine

Les Halles (1st arrondissement)

This chic and bustling neighborhood is centered on the former central market of Paris, Les Halles (pronounced lay-AL), which was torn down in 1971. The market was "the stomach of Paris" for centuries. There is now an underground shopping mall, and the surrounding streets are lined with designer shops, cafes, and artisan food shops. Staying here puts you in the center of all the action (more than 150,000 people visit the mall every day!).

The best places to stay in Les Halles

• CHEAP ACCOMMODATION IN PARIS (Les Halles): Hôtel de Roubaix – Located two minutes from the metro, this budget hotel offers excellent value for money. It is only 1.5 km from the Louvre, includes a continental breakfast and the rooms are clean and spacious. There are many cafes and restaurants nearby and the staff is very friendly.
• MEDIA: Hotel du Cygne – The Hôtel du Cygne will make you feel like you are with family. The owner's mother has hand-sewn all the bedding and curtains, so it has a very homey, DIY feel. There are only a few tiny rooms in this hotel, but it's a comfortable place and located a quick walk from the Etienne-Marcel metro station. Every morning there is a breakfast (which you have to pay for).
• LUXURY: Hotel Novotel Paris Les Halles – Rooms with air conditioning, room service 24 hours a day, gigantic beds… what's not to like? The Novotel Paris Les Halles is next to the big shopping areas (such as rue de Rivoli) and also within walking distance of the Louvre. There's a nice patio where you can enjoy traditional French meals or cocktails, or you can hang out in the lounge and relax after a day of exploring.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement)

Saint-Germain-des-Prés used to be the home of artists, writers and thinkers. Now it is one of the most expensive and fashionable neighborhoods in Paris. Today, the neighborhood is home to celebrities, high-priced art galleries, designer shops, and upscale restaurants.

It's not cheap to stay in, but it's a lovely area to walk around. It is everything you imagine Paris to be.

The best places to stay in Saint-Germain-des-Pres

• CHEAP ACCOMMODATION IN PARIS (Saint-Germain-des-Prés): Hôtel de Nesle “Unfortunately, there aren't many cheap accommodations in this part of town. If you like kitsch, Nesle is your place. There is hardly a single wall that is not covered in some kind of decoration. Some rooms have a private bathroom with a shower, while others are shared. There is an inner garden where you can relax.
• MEDIUM: Hôtel M Saint Germain – This boutique hotel is super stylish, and each air-conditioned room is decorated with bright pops of color. Some rooms have small balconies. There is also a delicious breakfast here.
• LUXURY: Hôtel Récamier – The staff are extremely helpful in arranging any excursions you want to do, and the complimentary afternoon tea is a nice touch. The rooms are spacious and air conditioned (love the mattresses too), and the building is historic and beautiful.

Belleville (20th arrondissement)

Belleville is undoubtedly one of the most troubled areas of the city. Home to a bustling Chinatown, it is something of a melting pot of different cultures. Center of the immigrant community in Paris, Belleville is slowly becoming popular with hipsters and young people as it is more affordable

Here you eat the best ethnic food; there's an awesome street market, and it's right next to Le Marais, so you can always drop by and buy fancy French food. I find myself more and more in this part of the city.

The best places to stay in Belleville

• CHEAP ACCOMMODATION IN PARIS (Belleville): Les Piaules – This new hostel has a fantastic lounge with a fireplace and a space on the roof. The bar/restaurant downstairs is popular with locals and groups alike, so it's always a fun time. The rooms are super modern and the beds comfortable. It is one of my favorite hostels in the city (whenever I organize a meeting in Paris, it is usually here).
• MEDIUM: Hôtel des Pyrénées – Although there is nothing really that stands out about this hotel, it has recently undergone extensive renovations, so you will find stylish and modern rooms at affordable prices. There are also family rooms for up to four people, making this a reasonably priced option for families.
• LUXURY: Hotel Scarlett – It is a fashionable hotel, renovated, with very nice spaces. The beds are large and comfortable, and all rooms have a flat screen TV. Your knowledgeable concierge can help you find your way around the city and plan your trip

Eiffel Tower/Champs de Mars (7th arrondissement)

As you may have guessed, the Eiffel Tower/Champs-de-Mars is the place to be if your main reason for visiting Paris is to see the iconic Eiffel Tower (and have easy access to other great attractions). Aside from the impressive architecture, there are several great natural history and modern art museums you can visit, as well as the sprawling Champ de Mars Park. Located in the 7th arrondissementThis will be a very crowded and touristy (ie expensive) area to stay in, but there's nothing better than convenience

The Best Places to Stay at the Eiffel Tower/Champs de Mars

• CHEAP ACCOMMODATION IN PARIS (Eiffel Tower/Champs de Mars): 3 Ducks Hostel – A 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower, 3 Ducks has one of the best locations in the city. The staff is friendly, the rooms are small but comfortable, and the showers are clean. This is a higher category hostel, with a recently renovated decoration. It is also one of my favorites in the city.
• MEDIUM: Hotel Eiffel Kensington – It's a no-frills hotel, but it's meters from the Eiffel Tower, and you can get private single rooms at decent prices. The rooms are smaller, but they are spacious enough and have a small desk. It's a good budget option for the location
• LUXURY: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel – The rooms here are all modern and minimalist, with leather furnishings and sleek finishes. Most have a desk and a small sofa. There is a fitness room and a very nice terrace for dining. All rooms have incredible views of the city, and some have balconies facing the tower.

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No matter where you choose to stay in Paris, you can't go wrong. It is well connected by metro, there is no area with bad food, and all the areas are beautiful (it is Paris, after all!)

For me, Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, the Bastille and Saint-Germain-des-Prés are the four best neighborhoods to stay in when visiting Paris

But every neighborhood has something for everyone, so choose the one that suits your needs. I promise you won't be disappointed