WHERE TO STAY IN PARIS

Where to stay in Paris

Paris is huge so picking the right area to stay in is key to having the best trip. Check our guide of where to stay in Paris!

Where should you stay in Paris?

There isn’t one neighbourhood that is the best place to stay in Paris, as this magical city is so spread out and there are activities all over the place that you can enjoy. The city centre doesn’t have a specific downtown area, and therefore, where you stay isn’t governed by what there is to do in its vicinity. Instead, look at the city as it’s divided – into the Right Bank (north of the River Seine) and the Left Bank (south of the Seine). 

Paris is then further broken up into 20 districts or arrondissements. The districts are given numbers and, starting from just north of the Seine, swirl out clockwise. This means that the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th arrondissements are the most central neighbourhoods and the higher the numbers, the further out the area is, and the more residential it is. People refer to districts by their numbers or the closest metro stop. Street names don’t actually mean much – and if you try using them you’ll get confused, as streets often change names halfway along.

Paris’ central area is full of safe, walkable neighbourhoods. This is where you’ll find the most well-known restaurants, shops, tourist attractions and city landmarks. These districts include the Marais on the Right Bank (located in the 4th arrondissement) and Saint-German on the Left Bank (in the 6th arrondissement). As a rule of thumb, the Left Bank is full of classic architecture and historic places where Hemingway used to hang out, and the Right Bank is more hip and trendy. These areas are also home to some of the best hotels in Paris as well as the best family-friendly hotels in the city. But you can also find some of Paris’ best hotels in other areas. 

It’s very easy to get around Paris, even if this is your first visit. It’s easy to walk around and it the location you want to visit is further afield, the city is connected by a fabulous metro system that is relatively simple to use. You can also hail a taxi, or even hire a public bike. Metro tickets cost €1.80 regardless of how far you’re going – and you can buy them at the machines in every station, which take cash or credit cards, have instructions in English and also offer the option of buying an entire booklet of 10 tickets for €14.10. This carnet, as it’s called, offers a small discount and is great if you’re planning to use the metro regularly. Metro trains are very reliable and there are signs telling you when the next one is arriving. Paris’ 16 metro lines cover all districts in the city and this is definitely the fastest and most effective way to get around the city.

Highlight hotels in good areas

Best neighbourhood in Paris for sightseeing: 1st Arrondissement

If you’re planning to go sightseeing, then stay in the 1st, home to many of Paris’ sights and landmarks and close to others in nearby neighbourhoods. This district is where you’ll find the Louvre, the stained glasswork of Sainte-Chapelle, get to stroll through the Tuileries Garden, or enjoy a glass of wine at one of the little cafes lining the Palais Royale garden. The legendary Place Vendome where Coco Chanel used to live is also here, home to the stunning Ritz Carlton where you can enjoy a drink at the Hemmingway Bar. You’re also within easy walking distance of Notre Dame Cathedral, the Centre Pompidou, the famous Champs Elysees and just across the river from the Musee D’Orsay and Saint Germain. You can take the metro to the Eiffel Tower, but that’s not difficult, as the station Chatelet in the 1st is one of the biggest hubs, serving 5 different metro lines. In fact, you can take the train from here to Disneyland.

Best neighbourhood in Paris for food and restaurants: 11th Arrondissement

If you love gourmet food, then stay in the 11th. It’s situated just outside the central arrondissements and offers restaurants cheaper rents, so many up and coming chefs have set up shop here. Prices are also more affordable and the restaurants are more relaxed. You’ll also find a wider variety of eateries, everything from newly awarded Michelin-star establishments to hip establishments and wine bars.

Best neighbourhood in Paris for nightlife: Marais

Every Paris neighbourhood offers its own take on fabulous nightlife – it just depends what you’re looking for. The Marais is known for its excellent bars, a diverse blend from secret speakeasies to chic cocktail lounges. If you’re looking for a more lively evening, head for Pigalle to enjoy a cabarets show like the Moulin Rouge, or a concert hall with live nightly bands and a selection of neighbourhood dives with an array of DJs. Further out in the 13th you’ll have unique options, such as the massive complex housing Nuba and Wanderlust, and small docked boats that have been transformed into intimate concert and dance spaces.

Best neighbourhood in Paris for a local vibe: 11th Arrondissement

The 11th arrondissement is the most authentic neighbourhood; it captures the spirit of how Parisians really live. Away from more glamorous districts like Saint Germain and the Marais, you’ll enjoy informal bistros, fashionable cafes, hip boutiques and galleries and plenty of local nightlife. It’s also a multi-cultural area, which is what makes it so fascinating.

Best neighbourhood in Paris to stay for first timer: 7th Arrondissement

If this is your first time in Paris, stay in the 7th. It’s home to the Eiffel Tower, famous museums like the Musée d’Orsay, iconic restaurants, superb architecture and the charming market street of Rue Cler, so you’ll experience what most people imagine Paris to be like. You’ll also have the benefit of being away from bustling Saint Germain nearby, but will still be close enough to enjoy its wine bars and jazz clubs.

Most romantic neighbourhood in Paris: Montmartre

In the hills of Montmartre it’s as romantic as it gets, an ideal setting for a honeymoon visit or romantic outing. This district is quaint with a unique village charm and offers breathtaking views. Stroll around its cobbled streets and climb its picturesque hills and staircases. Stroll past ivy-covered townhouses or the vines of Paris’s only winery. Have a picnic on the steps of the Sacre Couer and enjoy one of the best Paris views.

Best neighbourhood in Paris for families: Saint Germain

Most districts in Paris are great for families but a few do stand out. Depending on your kids’ age, choose one of the central areas with playgrounds like Saint Germain near the Luxembourg Gardens, the Marais near Places des Vosges or the 1st near the Tuilleries. All of these areas are easy to walk around, have access to shops, attractons and restaurants. You could also consider the 5th, although it’s not as well connected by metro, but still very central and has a quieter, more village-like atmosphere. Here you’ll find the Natural History Museum and the famous botanical garden, Jardin des Plantes. If the kids are a little older, the Marais is an excellent choice, with its trendy boutiques, galleries and cafés as well as numerous cultural activities like the Centre Pompidou.

Best neighbourhood in Paris for shopping: Marais

The Marais offers something for everyone, from chic fashion boutiques to French chain stores like APC, international brands like American Apparel as well as upscale stores for men and women. While most tourists head to Galeries Lafayette, stylish Parisians shop at BHV (short for Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville) which offers a little bit of everything under one roof, from tools in the hardware department to the latest Marc Jacobs garments. Here, tourists receive 10% discount when they show a foreign passport.

Unsafe areas of Paris

Paris is quite safe and most crime revolves around pickpocketing. However, there are some unsafe areas, especially at night, like Goutte D’or and the areas around the metro stops Barbes Rouchechouart and Chateau Rouge. The area around Gare du Nord train station is also considered unsafe after dark. In recent years, a few areas have become makeshift refugee camps, and are worth avoiding, particular the area  around the metro Stalingrad, a section near the Colonel Fabian metro station and the Halle Pujol market area in the 18th.

The Best spots for tourists

1. Marais

Paris’ hippest neighbourhood is defined by the cool Parisians who come to eat, drink and shop in this trendy district. Though the Marais’ tone slants towards a younger crowd, its diversity offers something for everyone, from its iconic Jewish quarter to the historic Place des Vosges. It’s the perfect place to understand Paris outside of the guidebooks.

2. Saint Germain

Saint Germain retains the timeless charm of the Left Bank while buzzing with a vibrant selection of galleries, restaurants and jazz clubs. From the upscale shops along bustling Boulevard Saint Germain to the aristocratic calm of the Jardin du Luxembourg, this neighbourhood is a popular spot for locals and tourists. It attracts a well-heeled crowd who come to enjoy the biggest names in food and fashion. Tourists love it here, but its biggest advantage is the numerous shops and restaurants that are open in the summer when other parts of Paris are quiet.

3. Latin Quarter

This neighbourhood is ideal for those who prefer a reasonably quiet, central location with lots of Parisian charm. Move away from the area’s popular student hangouts and you’ll find yourself strolling along cobbled streets, in leafy squares and viewing some of the city’s most fascinating architecture, including Roman ruins, gothic spires and the Arabic-style Institut du Monde Arabe. There are lots of excellent restaurants and wine bars here, as well as the lively market street Rue Mouffetard.

4. The 7th

The 7th is home to many of Paris’ famous landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and the Seine, as well as excellent museums, stunning architecture, charming markets, superb shopping and world-class restaurants. It’s extremely diverse, which is part of its charm, and offers a myriad experiences, including romantic outings around the beautiful Beaux-Arts bridges and family fun in Berges de Seines, a riverfront play area stretching from the Musee D’Orsay to the Pont D’Alma. And let’s not forget the charming market street of Rue Cler with its charming village feel…

5. South Pigalle

For a local Paris vibe, stay in South Pigalle, located near the former red light district. It’s Paris’ most up-and-coming area, with tranquil tree-lined streets lined with fashionable boutiques and cafes and a thriving restaurant and bar scene. There are a few boutique hotels tucked away here, so you can stay here happily. Best of all, it’s close to the hills of Montmartre and nearby Sacre Coeur.

6. Montmartre

Montmartre’s charm and breathtaking views are the reasons to stay in this stunning old world part of Paris, although it’s a little away from main attractions – but they are easily accessible if you take the metro. Aside from touristy spots like Sacre Couer, Moulin Rouge and Place du Tertre, there are quaint cobbled streets to explore including Avenue Junot, home to some of Paris’ most beautiful houses and Rue des Saules which climbs past the Vigne de Montmartre (the city’s only vineyard). The street also connects the Montmartre hilltop with the Lamarck-Caulaincourt neighbourhood with its several stretches of stairs (its beauty was immortalised by artists such as Cezanne and Van Gogh).

7. The 1st

A great base for sightseeing, the 1st arrondissement is in the heart of Paris with many attractions within walking distance including the Louvre, Tuileries Garden and Notre Dame Cathedral. Also, the Musee D’Orsay and Saint Germain are just across the river. Combined with a fantastic restaurant selection, visitors have an abundance of activities to choose from day and night.