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If you’re wondering where to stay in Paris for the first time, or even if you’ve been there before, there are several great neighborhoods to stay in. As they all have their own highlights, attractions, and advantages, you should plan your itinerary first. Below are my favorite Parisian neighborhoods that you can base yourself in for an unforgettable trip.
Best Places To Stay in Paris
In a hurry to find out where to stay in Paris? Check out my top picks:
- 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Hôtel Central Saint Germain
- 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
- 👪 Best for Families – Hôtel Central Saint Germain
- Best for Business – Mandarin Oriental Paris
- 🏨 Best Boutique – Hôtel Saint-Paul Rive Gauche
- 🗼Best Near the Eiffel Tower – Mandarin Oriental Paris
- 🤑 Best Budget – Hôtel Rivoli
- 🏖️ Best Resort – Le Narcisse Blanc Hôtel & Spa
Now, let’s look a little closer at the best Paris neighborhoods to stay in.
6 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Paris
1. The Heart (1st and 2nd arrondissements) – Best location for museums
Unofficially known as “the Heart” of Paris, the 1st and 2nd arrondissements host some of the most famous points of interest in the city. Even if you don’t base yourself here, you’ll likely venture to this part of Paris at some point. Staying here just makes your itinerary super convenient!
Perhaps the most important attraction in the Heart of Paris is the Louvre Museum, where you’ll find Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, amongst an array of other prestigious artwork. Nearby, you can also visit the Tuileries Garden, Galerie Vivienne, and the famous Rue Saint-Honoré.
If you want to see a few museums while in Paris, the area is home to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the famous Musée de l’Orangerie. For those interested in live performances, there’s also the Madame Sarfati Comedy Club and Théâtre National de l’Opéra-Comique.
As the area straddles the Seine, you’ll also get a chance to take a photo by the charming Pont Neuf!
Being one of the most popular and posh areas of Paris, many restaurants and hotels in this location will set you back quite a bit. This may not be the best pick for those traveling on a budget.
However, you can still find affordable eateries and accommodations as long as you overlook the busiest and most obvious choices.
The Heart (1st and 2nd arrondissements) Mini Guide
- Best Hotels – Hôtel Odyssey by Elegancia • Mandarin Oriental Paris • Lion Du Lion d’Or Louvre Hotel & Residence
- Best Hostels – Maison Axel Opera
- Best Apartments – 1 Bedroom Louvre Saint Honoré • Appartement Quartier Chatelet Les Halles • Lavie Voyage face Palais Royal
- Where to Eat – Pizzeria Popolare ($), Angelina ($$$), La Pâtisserie du Meurice par Cédric Grolet ($$$$)
- Where To Drink – Restaurant, Terrasse et Bar Anglais de l’Hôtel Regina, Bar Tuileries, Bar 8
- Top Attractions – Tuileries Garden, Galerie Vivienne, Place de Victoires, Pont Neuf, Domaine National du Palais-Royal, Musée de l’Orangerie, Musée du Louvre, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, LV Dream, Madame Sarfati Comedy Club, Rue Saint-Honoré, Jeu de Paume, Théâtre National de l’Opéra-Comique, Bouffes Parisiens
2. Le Marais (3rd and 4th arrondissements) – Best location for nightlife
Each year, Le Marais, which spans across the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris, becomes more popular. Much cooler than everywhere else in the city, this neighborhood is known for its nightlife scene. It’s a great area to stay in Paris if you’re interested in hitting the town after dark, but it also has plenty of daytime delights to discover, too.
There are a few great museums to enjoy in Le Marais, including Musée Carnavalet, Musée National Picasso-Paris, and Maison de Victor Hugo. It’s also the sight of the moving Place de la Bastille, the square highlighting the place where the infamous Bastille prison stood prior to the French Revolution.
Though this is the best place to stay in Paris for nightlife, it also offers a romantic setting. Many people imagine open cafes with sidewalk seating in Paris, sipping coffee and eating croissants as they watch people walk past, and that’s exactly the kind of experience you’ll get on the enchanting streets of Le Marais.
Le Marais (3rd and 4th arrondissements) Mini Guide
- Best Hotels – Hôtel Rivoli • Hôtel Caron Paris 4 • Grand Hôtel Malher
- Best Hostels – (N/A)
- Best Apartments – Cosy apartment in the Marais district • Appartement Quartier Le Marais 3 • Marais FULL AC Lift 5 hotel standards
- Where to Eat – Eataly ($), Breizh Café ($$), Chez Janou ($$)
- Where To Drink – La Resistance, Lizard, The Auld Alliance
- Top Attractions – Place de la Bastille, Place des Vosges, Musée Carnavalet, Museum of Hunting and Nature, Maison de Victor Hugo, Musée Cognacq-Jay, Musée National Picasso-Paris, Perrotin, Maison Européenne de la Photographie, Lafayette Anticipations, National Archives Museum – Hôtel de Soubise
3. Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement) – Best location for history and architecture
In the 5th arrondissement, the Latin Quarter of Paris is slightly further out from the Heart and doesn’t feature as many well-known landmarks. But still, this is one of the best neighborhoods in Paris to stay in.
One of the reasons why I love the Latin Quarter is that it’s still relatively close to many major attractions, especially when you make use of the convenient metro system. But because it’s a little further out, you won’t pay premium prices on hotels and restaurants, the way you would in other more central areas of Paris.
If you’re traveling with a large group of people or with family and need extra space (and extra meals!), you can end up saving a lot by staying somewhere with overall lower prices—though you can still find places to splurge here if you want to!
Another reason why the Latin Quarter is a great place to stay is the beautiful architecture. You can simply spend a day walking through these streets and you’ll be awed by the historic buildings lining your path.
If you are a history buff, there are plenty of cool attractions to check out in the Latin Quarter, starting with the National Museum of Natural History. Also be sure to visit the Cluny Museum, where you can learn all about life in medieval France.
Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement) Mini Guide
- Best Hotels – Hotel Saint Christophe • Hôtel Central Saint Germain • Hôtel Saint-Paul Rive Gauche
- Best Hostels – Hotel des Mines
- Best Apartments – Appartement Quartier Notre Dame de Paris 2 • 1 Bedroom Quartier Latin Royer Collard • Appartement Quartier Latin
- Where to Eat – Nuance Café ($$), Le Petit Pontois ($$), La Rôtisserie d’Argent ($$$$)
- Where To Drink – The Long Hop, Le Violon Dingue, Le Caveau de la Huchette
- Top Attractions – Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, Arab World Institute, Jardin des Plantes, National Museum of Natural History, Grande Mosquee de Paris, Grande Galerie de l’Evolution, Shakespeare and Company, Cluny Museum – National Museum of the Middle Ages
4. Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement) – Best location for culture and tranquility
When it comes to the coolness factor, Saint-Germain-des-Prés gives Le Marais a run for its money. This neighborhood in the 6th arrondissement is an art-lover’s dream, home to several galleries that will have far shorter lines and smaller crowds than the Louvre.
The area is set up around the old Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and is now known for its quirky stores and fashion boutiques.
One of the things that I love about this area is that it’s quieter than other more popular Parisian neighborhoods, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the French capital.
If you are an art enthusiast, you can’t miss the Eugène Delacroix Museum. Housed in the former residence of Delacroix himself, the museum catalogs the work and life of the French Romantic artist, who is thought of as a pioneer of his craft and influenced icons like Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet.
You might also like to base yourself in Saint-Germain-des-Prés if you’re a writer or reader, as the area is home to many independent bookshops and publishing houses. With a string of delightful cafes, it’s the perfect place to kick back with a book and a café crème and take Paris at your own relaxed pace.
Saint-Germain-des Prés (6th arrondissement) Mini Guide
- Best Hotels – Hôtel du Danube Saint Germain • Hôtel Fougère • Hôtel de Seine
- Best Hostels – (N/A)
- Best Apartments – St Germain des Prés, Paris • Superbe Appartement Bon marché Saint Germain • Studio – Appartement Quartier Montparnasse 2
- Where to Eat – Le Relais de L’Entrecôte ($$), Les Deux Magots ($$$), Ladurée ($$$)
- Where To Drink – Chez Papa Jazz Club, CRAVAN Paris, Le Bar
- Top Attractions – Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Eugène Delacroix Museum, École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, Bd Saint-Germain, Lumas Galerie Paris – Saint-Germain, Galerie La Forest Divonne, Laurence Esnol Gallery, Arenthon, Galerie Chastel Maréchal
5. Eiffel Tower Neighborhood (7th arrondissement) – Best location for sightseeing
The best place to stay in Paris near the Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly the 7th arrondissement.
Often thought of as the most central and convenient area in Paris for tourists, the Eiffel Tower area is perfect for those who are visiting for the first time and want to be within walking distance of major sights, such as the Rodin Museum and Musée d’Orsay.
If your life-long vision of Paris includes opening your hotel room window to a stellar view of the Eiffel Tower, and you don’t mind the fast pace of city life, then this area will definitely fulfill your dreams of the perfect Parisian vacation.
However, it also happens to be one of the most expensive places to stay in Paris. There are several luxury hotels and restaurants in the area that would break the budget of most travelers.
That said, this is a wonderful area to stay in for a special occasion, whether you’re in town for a milestone birthday, a honeymoon, or even a destination wedding.
In the area, you’ll also find the Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte and a few famous strips, including Rue Cler and Rue Saint-Dominique—with plenty of opportunities for retail therapy. There’s also a selection of museums and cultural landmarks to discover, from Musée Maillol to Maison de la Chimie.
Eiffel Tower Neighborhood (7th arrondissement) Mini Guide
- Best Hotels – Hôtel La Bourdonnais by Inwood Hotels • Hôtel de France Invalides • Le Narcisse Blanc Hôtel & Spa
- Best Hostels – Hotel Madrigal
- Best Apartments – Appartement Quartier Tour Eiffel Parc du Champ-de-Mars • Invalides – Beautiful flat in central Paris • Appartement Quartier Tour Eiffel 2
- Where to Eat – Kozy Bosquet ($$), Le Bistrot d’Eléonore et Maxence ($$), Chez Les Anges ($$$)
- Where To Drink – Le Gatsby, The Club, Rosa Bonheur sur Seine
- Top Attractions – Eiffel Tower, Rodin Museum, Le Bon Marché, Musée d’Orsay, Champ de Mars, Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, Grand Palais Éphémère, Musée Maillol, Maison de la Chimie, Rue Saint-Dominique, Théâtre de la Tour Eiffel, Jardin de la Tour Eiffel, Rue Cler, Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, The Army Museum, Esplanade des Invalides, Deyrolle
6. Champs-Élysées Neighborhood (8th arrondissement) – Best location for shopping and dining
Strolling along the Champs-Élysées is non-negotiable, whether it’s your first trip to Paris or your 10th.
While it’s enough just to walk slowly down the famous street and take in the iconic sights, there are also many things to do along the way, from shopping to eating to grabbing coffee and macarons. Staying in the 8th arrondissement is a good idea if you’d like to spend a lot of time around the Champs-Élysées and the surrounding sights.
Of course, at the head of the strip is the Arc de Triomphe, another of Paris’s most unforgettable monuments. It will likely be within walking distance if you stay in the area (but remember to use the underpass to reach the arch; don’t attempt to cross the roundabout!).
There are also plenty of other bucket list items to see in the area, including the Grand Palais and the nearby Petit Palais, Place de la Concorde, and Cathédrale Saint-Alexandre-Nevsky.
If you love to shop, there’s Galerie Lafayette and Galerie Dior, and you can visit the Théatre des Champs-Elysées for a live performance after dark.
Champs-Élysées Neighborhood (8th arrondissement) Mini Guide
- Best Hotels – Hôtel Elysées Union • Hôtel Victor Hugo Paris Kléber • Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
- Best Hostels – Hotel Regina
- Best Apartments – Appartement Quartier Champs-Élysées 3 • Apartment Champs Elysées 3 • Appartement 140m2 proche des Champs Elysées
- Where to Eat – L’Italien ($$), Shabestan ($$), Le Taillevent ($$$$)
- Where To Drink – Bar de L’Escadrille, Blind Bar, O’Sullivans
- Top Attractions – Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Musée Jacquemart-André, Parc Monceau, Grand Palais, Petit Palais, Pont Alexandre III, Place de la Concorde, Galerie Dior, Galerie Lafayette, Église de la Madeleine, Élysée Palace, Musée Nissim de Camondo, Musée Cernuschi, Pagoda Paris, Salle Pleyel, Cathédrale Saint-Alexandre-Nevsky, Théâtre des Champs-Elysées
FAQs About Where to Stay in Paris
What are the best places to stay in Paris for tourists?
Staying central in Paris is always the best option, whether you’re a first-time visitor or have been a few times before. There’s so much to do in Paris that you don’t want to waste any time with long travel journeys, which you may experience if you stay too far out of the city.
If you’re a tourist who wants to see mostly traditional bucket list Parisian sights, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre, I’d recommend staying in the 1st, 2nd, 7th and 8th arrondissements.
Located around the very heart of the city, the Eiffel Tower, and the Champs-Élysées, they’re about as central and convenient as you can get.
The only thing to keep in mind when staying in these popular areas is that they can be expensive when it comes to food and accommodation. If you’re traveling on a budget or looking to cut a few costs, you might consider staying in other neighborhoods that are still considered central, but just a little further out.
Le Marais in the 3rd and 4th arrondissement, and the Latin Quarter in the 5th, tend to be more affordable. Though they are slightly further from most of the major landmarks, they are still great places to immerse yourself in the local culture, and also tend to be quieter.
Likewise, Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th arrondissement offers a more relaxed and affordable vibe while still boasting beautiful views and plenty of cultural attractions.
What hotels in Paris are best for families?
If you’re wondering where to stay in Paris with your family, there are a number of great accommodation options in the central neighborhoods mentioned above. European hotel rooms can be smaller and older than what Americans are used to, so be sure to read reviews of any hotel before you book.
When you’re traveling as a family, keep an eye out for hotel rooms that offer multiple beds, one or two-bedroom suites, and joining rooms. You might also consider staying in an apartment, which will likely be more spacious if you’re staying with a larger group of people.
Some of the best accommodation options for families include Lion Du Lion d’Or Louvre Hotel & Residence in the 1st arrondissement, Grand Hôtel Malher in the 4th arrondissement, Hôtel Central Saint Germain in the 5th arrondissement, Hôtel de Seine in the 6th arrondissement, Hôtel de France Invalides in the 7th arrondissement, and Hôtel Elysées Union in the 8th arrondissement.
Where are the best beaches in Paris?
As a landlocked city, Paris doesn’t actually have any beaches. However, there are artificial beaches that are organized by the Seine every year, known as the Paris Plages.
Each summer, the banks of the Seine are set up to resemble a beach resort, decked with palm trees and sand. There is also a free swimming area for when the temperatures soar.
However, if you’re after an authentic beach experience during your trip to Paris, you’ll need to plan a day trip. The good news is there are several beaches in France that are worth seeing, many of them just a few hours, or under, from Paris.
There are beautiful beaches in Normandy, in the southeast near Nice and Marseilles, and along the Basque Coast to the west.
What is the best way to get around Paris?
Regardless of which neighborhood you choose to stay in, you’ll be able to easily get around Paris via the public transport system. The Paris Metro has 16 lines to take you where you’d like to go, connecting to all major sights, and is the best way to get around.
There are also city buses and trams, along with trains that connect to the airport and Disneyland. Of course, if all else fails, there are lots of taxis in Paris that operate 24 hours a day.
The benefit of staying in a central location is that many of the stops on your itinerary will be within walking distance, and Paris is a beautiful city to walk through. However, if you do want to stay a little further out, there are many ways to get around the city.
