Last updated on January 04th, 2023
When it comes to looking for a place to stay in Paris, there are may neighbourhoods to stay in this city. It’s difficult to say which one is the best, because all the best things to do in this city are spread around the city and you can almost find anything you are looking for. But one thing you should consider as you look for a neighbourhood to stay in Paris is that you are close to the metro station and this way getting around the area will be simple.
For you to make the right decision about where you will stay in Paris you have to understand the city very well. Paris is divided into the left and right Bank. The right Bank is north of River Seine while the left Bank is south of the same river.
The city further subdivides into 20 districts (arrondissements). Every district is given its number according to how far it is from the river. The districts are usually numbered starting from Right Bank in a swirling order and clockwise. The lower the number of the district, the closer it is to the centre. The districts that are furthest from the centre are more ideal for residential purposes.
The city’s central area is very safe and there are many walkable neighbourhoods that have restaurants, shopping, restaurants, tourist attractions and famous landmarks. Some of the most popular neighbourhoods include the Marais, and Saint Germain.
The Left Bank is mostly known for classic architecture while the Right Bank is more hippy and trendy. The best hotels to book and luxury accommodation in Paris are spread around the city centre and so you can basically stay in any of the districts or neighbourhoods. Paris is a very easy-to-get around place even for visitors. Most neighbourhoods are walkable and connected to the metro system. There are also taxis that are readily available for hire.
Choosing where to stay in Paris can be a hard task especially for a first time visitor. Paris has so much to offer and you have to visit several neighbourhoods to be able to enjoy this. This guide will give you some important details about the best neighbourhoods and sites in Paris.
Quick Overview – Contents
- What is the Best Area to Stay in Paris
- Best Area for Sightseeing (Main Attractions)
- Best for Romantic Stay (Honeymoon)
- Best Neighbourhood for Book Lovers
- Best Area for Art Lovers
- Best Area for Fashion Lovers
- Best Area to Stay for Shopping
- Where to Stay in Paris on a Budget
- 5 Best Neighourhoods to Stay for Tourists
Where is the Best Place to Stay in Paris?
Best for Visiting Main Attractions: 1st Arrondissement (Louvre Area)
The 1st arrondissement is divided into four different quarters: Quartier de la Place Vendome, Quartier des Halles, Quartier Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois, and Quartier du Palais Royale. The 1st arrondissement is perfectly Parisian because of its rich history: monuments, buildings, and restaurants that are antiquated and have become popular fashionable symbols of this city. You can visit the museums, take a walk in the beautiful gardens and take a photo or you can just visit a Parisian eatery and taste some good cuisines.
Where to Stay in Paris City Centre
- Best 5 star Hotels in Paris
Ritz Paris • Le Narcisse Blanc - Best Great Value – Top Rated Hotels
Hôtel Comete Paris • Hôtel La Nouvelle République - Best Cheap Hotels in Paris
Hotel Darcet • District République - Best Bed & Breakfast in Paris
Relais12bis B&B By Eiffel Tower • Villa Montabord Bed and Breakfast - Best Budget Hostels in Paris
Les Piaules • Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels
What is the Best Area in Paris to Stay?
Best places to stay in Paris for romantic trip (honeymoon)? Montmartre – Le Marais – Île Saint-Louis
Ideally there are several hotels and areas that are suitable for honeymoons or a romantic stay. Montmartre being the first and it is conveniently located just north of central Paris. Visit here the Moulin Rouge or the Sacre Couer. The natural island Île Saint-Louis offers great views of both sides of the Seine. It’s often described as the most romantic part of Paris’. It’s a lovely area to wonder around in the morning or evening when most tourists are gone. Le Marais is also another great place for your honeymoon it is closer to the city centre’s sites and little restaurants surrounding the area, or why not book a hotel with the best view of Eiffel tower and other great services.
What’s the best neighborhood in Paris for book lovers? Latin Quarter in 5th arrondissement
The 5th arrondissement is a historic centre of learning, artistic and scholarship achievements in Paris. The 5th arrondissement is well-merited and it has so much to offer to book lovers. However, this area is a little bit crowded due to its popularity and it can be difficult to see through some of this neighbourhood’s artifices. You can visit the Shakespeare and company bookshop where you will find so many books, or you can simply visit the St. Michael district or the siene-side quays.
Best neighbourhood in Paris for art lovers? Saint-Germain-Des-Prés in 6th Arrondissement
The 6th arrondissement is among Paris’ most lively areas. During the 20th century, this neighbourhood became home to thousands of writers and artists. This district is on the Left Bank of Paris and it hosts so many popular institutions like the Academie Francaise. This neighbourhood is more of a cultural centre that shows the essence of Parisian life. Around the 6th arrondissement you will find the great Musee de Cluny which is housed in the Gothic mansion. This building is dedicated to all the arts of the middle ages. This is an enchanting neighbourhood that is good for a stay in Paris.
What’s the best district to stay in Paris for fashion lovers? Champs-Élysées in 8th Arrondissement
The Champs Elysees is the most famous area for fashion lovers. The avenue is large and it has an exciting view on the Arc de Triomphe. The district is pretty at night; illuminated by lights from the city and cars. Many people think of it as a chic place with various stores and many people walking down the streets. There are so many tourists and Parisians in this part of the city. There are many clothing stores where you can shop some of the best fashion and accessories such as Adidas, Zara, Celio, Gap, Benetton, Louis Vuitton among others.
Where to stay in Paris for best shopping? Le Marais (SoMa) in 4th arrondissement
The amazing fashion designer boutiques in the 4 arrondissement have given Marais a strong reputation. Le Marais is a pleasant area to stroll around. There are main streets like the rue des Rosiers that is more of pedestrianized, the rue des Francs-Bourgeois and the rue du Temple. The Marais is filled with so many fashion shops such as Eleven Paris, COS, Erotokritos among others. There are also skincare and perfume shops that have been opened up in the district. You can shop all you want at Le Marais.
Where to stay in Paris on a budget? Gare du Nord – Gare de l’Est area (10th arrondissement) – 19th District – 20th District
If you are looking for accommodation in budget hotels then the 10th arrondissement is the best area you should be looking. This area has so many tourist attractions and you can book accommodation in the many hotels available. There are guest rooms, hostels, apartments and villas. There are also some few restaurants and stores where you can go for shopping.
The 5 Best Districts in Central Paris for Tourists
1. Eiffel Tower area (7th arrondissement)
There is so much to be enjoyed in this part of the city. You can enjoy wine at the foot of the Eiffel tower. This tower is surrounded by large lawns where people love to sit during summer and spring. One of the best things you have to do around the Eiffel tower is to enjoy some wine and cheese.
You can also choose to climb the 1700 steps, or wander around metallic structure of the tower.
- Best Hotel (Great Value): Hotel Le Petit Chomel
- Best Cheap Hotels: Hôtel Eiffel Turenne • Hotel Korner Eiffel
2. Quartier Montmartre area
The streets of Montmartre are full of artists who are usually painting some breathtaking views, surprising sculptures and talented street artists.
By visiting this area you get to discover about the historic past and the present through some of the best museums and tourist attractions. The best way to discover all this is by visiting the Musee de Montmartre.
- Best Hotel (Great Value): Hôtel des Arts Montmartre
- Best Cheap Hotels: Regyn’s Montmartre • Hotel Audran
3. Le Marais area
Le Marais is Parisian’s favourite neighbourhood. It is home to the finest architecture, nice, and cheap bars, and an eccentric crowd. This area has amazing fashion stores and good food. There is a lot for tourists in the Marais region.
On a sunny day you can just stroll down the lanes of the district or go out and eat some of the best French meals or go for shopping at some of the available stores such as the Mamz’elle Swing.
- Best Hotel: La Chambre du Marais
- Best Cheap/Great Value Hotels: Paris France Hotel • Hotel Americain
4. Saint Germain des Pres Quarter
Saint Germain-des-Pres which is the 6th arrondissement of Paris is famous for the artistic and literary celebrities who worked and lived there in the 19th and 20th century. At that time it was a meeting point for writers, painters and existentialists.
In the current world, it has remained an artistic district but it has also become a shopping destination in Paris. Everything is at the doorstep; bars, cafes, brasseries, and restaurants. You can also tour art galleries, cinemas, theatres, antique stores and clothing retailers.
- Best Hotel: Millésime Hôtel
- Best Cheap/Great Value Hotels: Hotel Le Petit Chomel • Hotel Clément
5. Louvre area (1st arrondissement)
The Louvre district is located at the heart of Paris. It is a touristic neighbourhood and one of the oldest districts in the city. When it is nice weather, Louvre area is nice to visit.
You can get to enjoy the beautiful Tuileries Garden or just take a walk under the archways of rue de Rivoli. There is also the famous and large Louvre Museum that is definitely worth your visit.
- Best Hotel: Hôtel Le Relais des Halles
- Best Cheap/Great Value Hotels: Hotel Prince Albert Louvre • Hôtel Avenir Jonquière
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