France

Where to Stay in Paris: The Top 8 Neighbourhoods

July 14, 2024 /

Paris is a fantastic destination. But choosing where to stay in Paris is a key element to planning a perfect trip. If you don’t do your research, you might end up in one of the surrounding areas like I did when I visited.

Paris is divided into twenty numbered Arrondissements (districts). Many of the less expensive accommodations you’ll find in Paris are actually located in the districts on the outer parts of the city. But, trust me, it’s worth the extra money to get a place nearer to the city centre.

The suburbs (the outside districts) are not included in the standard tickets for public transportation in Paris. So if you’re traveling with public transport, you’ll have to pay more to get to and from your accommodation!

To make it easier for you, I’ve compiled this in-depth list of the best areas to stay in while visiting Paris.

1. Le Marais (3rd and 4th Arrondissements)

As one of the oldest districts in Paris, Le Marais is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and sites like the Place des Vosges and the Hôtel de Ville (city hall). Le Marais is historically known as a Jewish Quarter. It is now one of the most culturally diverse areas in the city.

It is the perfect area to take a stroll on cobblestone streets and do some people watching from a local café. Additionally, it’s perfect if you want to experience the nightlife and the general buzz of the city while visiting Paris.

Le Marais lies in the central part of Paris, so it’s an ideal starting spot for sightseeing. The quarter is within walking distance to a handful of famous landmarks, including the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Seine River. On top of that, it is also home to many different museums and art galleries.

This district also has some of the best variety when it comes to food. You’ll find anything from trendy, modern restaurants, cafés, and international cuisine to more traditional French bistros.

Some accommodation options in Le Marais include:

2. Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement)

If you are particularly interested in cultural impact of French literature, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the perfect district for you to stay in. It was home to famous philosophers and writers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.

The district is known for its bohemian atmosphere and historical cafés, like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots.

The oldest church in Paris – Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church – is also based here, as well as the lush green Luxembourg Gardens. Like many other districts, there are tons of art galleries and museums you can visit. From here, you can easily visit many other famous attractions, including the Louvre and the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

The 6th Arrondissement is also a great place to go shopping. You can find some of the best antique shops, bookstores, and thriftstores in the area. If you prefer shopping for newer or luxury items, there are also many high-end and designer shops.

In terms of dining options, the area is known for its French bistros and cafés, but also has a lot of gourmet restaurants.

Some places to stay in the area are:

3. Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement)

The Latin Quarter is one of the oldest, most historically significant districts in the city. At its heart is Sorbonne University, which gives the neighbourhood its title as the academic centre of Paris. Because the neighbourhood is filled with students, it is has a lively, vibrant atmosphere.

There are many important attractions in the district; the Pantheon, the Cluny Museum, and the Jardin des Plantes are in the Latin Quarter.

If you’re a book lover, you’ll be in paradise as you explore all the little bookstores in the area. You can also visit the Shakespeare and Company bookstore nearby, which is one of the most famous English bookstores in the world. It offers a beautiful view of the Seine River and is right across from the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

The district is also home to one of the most picturesque streets in Paris, Rue Mouffetard, which is known for its market stalls and restaurants. Here you’ll find French restaurants, as well as international cuisine.

Because of its central location, the Latin Quarter is perfect if you want to visit some of the most famous attractions in Paris. Sainte-Chapelle, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Seine River are all within close proximity.

Some good accommodation options in the Latin Quarter are:

4. Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)

Montmartre is the district that is the furthest from the city centre on this list, but it is still a fantastic option. It is particularly great for anyone interested in art and wanting to be in one of the less busy locations.

The district is one of the more romantic spots, so it’s ideal for a couples trip. You can wander around the narrow streets and the most charming little squares, away from the bustling of the big city.

The 18th Arrondissement is home and inspiration for famous artists like Picasso and Van Gogh. Of course, you can visit some of the most beautiful art galleries and studios here.

Though it is not in the city centre, it is home to some of the must-visit attractions in Paris. The famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica is in Montmartre, which offers the most beautiful views of the City of Love. The Moulin Rouge is also here – one of my favourite places in all of Paris – as well as the Musée de Montmartre.

Some good accommodation option are:

5. Champs-Élysées (8th Arrondissement)

Eiffel Tower, Where to stay in Paris

The Champs-Élysées is probably the most famous street in Paris. It is the best neighbourhood to stay in if you want to be close to all the major attractions in Paris. The area is one of the best places for both shopping and sightseeing.

You can reach a variety of iconic attractions easily and in no time at all – the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and so many more. The Champs-Élysées is often the location for parades, events, and celebrations. So you’ll be in the centre of all the action if you decide to stay here.

Due to its central location, it is unfortunately always flooded with tourists. It is also one of the more expensive and noisy areas. If you want a more authentic Parisian experience, I’d choose a different area, because the district is often criticised for being too commercial and targeted at tourists.

Nevertheless, it is one of the most well-connected areas in Paris, so here are some good options if you want to stay here:

6. Opéra (9th Arrondissement)

Louvre, Where to stay in Paris

The 9th Arrondissement is another great, centrally located district to stay in in Paris. It is known as Opéra because it is home to the Palais Garnier, one of the most famous and stunning opera houses worldwide.

Around here is also where you’ll find the Galeries Lafayette, one of the most elegant luxury shopping centres in the world. It also has a terrace that offers panoramic views of the city.

The district offers a lot of different cultural experiences, including the Musée Grévin (a wax museum), theatres, and concert venues. There are constantly events happening in the area, so make sure to do your research before you visit Paris.

Opéra is also close to many attractions, like the Louvre, Place Vendôme, and the Tuileries Garden.

Like Champs-Élysées, Opéra is often disliked by anyone looking for a less touristy, more authentic experience. Many of the prices are higher than in the rest of the city. The restaurants may seem inauthentic because they are heavily aimed at tourists.

Some of the best options for accommodation in the district are:

7. Le Quartier du Canal Saint-Martin (10th Arrondissement)

Canal Saint-Martin is situated on the eastern side of Paris, and is one of the more suburban and less busy places on this list. It is a great neighbourhood for experiencing the local art scene is perfect if you want to have a bit of a slower-paced visit to Paris.

All along the canal, you’ll find charming cafés and trendy bars, but it is also just a great place to go for a leisurely stroll. It is also great for shopping for vintage and artisinal items, with lots of smaller, independently owned stores taking up the majority of the retail scene.

Though it isn’t right in the hustle and bustle of the big city, the area often hosts events, including open-air markets and festivals. These events are usually less touristy than the ones directly in the city centre, so it’s a great place to see the how the locals spend their days.

Le Quartier du Canal Saint-Martin might not be situated directly in the centre of Paris, but it is still in relatively close proximity to many attractions. It is just a short walk from the Opéra district, as well as Le Marais and the Centre Pompidou.

Here are a few good options for accommodation in the area:

8. Eiffel Tower/Champs de Mars (7th Arrondissement)

Champs de Mars, Where to stay in Paris

If you want to wake up to views of the Eiffel Tower, the 7th Arrondissement is the perfect place to stay. Surprisingly, it is not as noisy and busy as many of the other neighbourhoods on this list, and has a more residential vibe.

The Champs de Mars is the beautiful, famous park right in front of the Eiffel Tower. It is a great place to go for a walk or plan a picnic.

The district is also considered to be one of the safest in Paris, so it’s ideal if you’re traveling solo or with children.

From here, it’ll be very easy to reach most attractions in Paris, whether by walking or public transportation.

Unfortunately, due to its location, it is more expensive than many of the other Arrondissements in Paris, so keep that in mind if you plan to stay here.

Some of the best options include:

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