Where To Stay In Paris: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Paris has 20 official arrondissements, and each one has its own personality. Some are great for first-time visitors. Others are better for nightlife, shopping, food, or a quieter stay.

Every neighborhood has its own personality, and picking the wrong one means wasting half your day stuck in transit. Whether you want quiet cobblestone streets or late-night wine bars right outside your door, where you sleep matters just as much as what you see.

Take Le Marais, for instance. It’s vibrant, walkable, and packed with history. Back in the Middle Ages, it was actually a swamp before turned into the playground for French royalty. Today, you can stroll past medieval architecture, grab incredible falafel on Rue des Rosiers, and shop at independent boutiques all in one afternoon. If you want that classic, postcard-worthy Parisian energy, this is usually the top spot to start looking.

We’ve rounded up the best areas to stay in Paris, so you can find the one that fits your trip.

In this travel guide:

The 7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower)

Best area for: upscale, sightseeing, central stay

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to look out your window and see the Eiffel Tower? If this sounds like something you would love, the 7th Arrondissement is the best area for you to stay in Paris.

The 7th Arrondissement delivers an unbeatable mix of famous landmarks, world-class art, and authentic local living. You get all the glamour of classic Paris packed into one walkable neighborhood.

Situated on the Left Bank of the Seine, this historic area transformed from quiet farmland into the political and aristocratic heart of the city during the seventeenth century. Grand government mansions and iconic landmarks line the streets.

The star attraction is of course the Eiffel Tower, towering over the open lawns of the Champ de Mars. Beyond the famous iron lattice, the neighborhood holds world-class culture.

We head over to the Musée d’Orsay to admire massive impressionist collections inside a gorgeous former train station. Sculpture lovers can explore the quiet gardens at the Musée Rodin, while the nearby Hôtel des Invalides houses Napoleon’s tomb alongside military history.

For lunch or a quick afternoon espresso, we grab a outdoor table at Le Petit Cler. Set right on the lively, pedestrian-only Rue Cler, this cozy spot serves fantastic classic French comfort food, light bites, and rich wine. Sitting on their patio while watching daily market shoppers pass by is pure magic.

Best place to stay in 7th Arrondissement

Hotel Le Cinq Codet. Address: 5 rue Louis Codet, 7th arr., 75007 Paris, France

1st Arrondissement (Le Louvre)

Best area for: history, central stay, culture

The 1st Arrondissement is about as central as Paris gets. Also known as the Louvre district, it puts us right in the middle of some of the city’s biggest sights. It’s touristy, sure, but there’s a reason people come here.

The Louvre Museum is the obvious star. We could easily spend an entire day inside, and still barely scratch the surface. The former royal palace holds thousands of works, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.

Right outside, the Tuileries Garden gives us a welcome break from the crowds. The garden dates back to 1564 and was redesigned by André Le Nôtre, the same landscape designer behind the gardens of Versailles. It’s also packed with sculptures, fountains, and shady spots for a little people-watching.

We also like popping into the Palais-Royal. Its elegant arcades and garden feel surprisingly calm, especially compared with the Louvre. For shopping, head toward Rue Saint-Honoré, while Rue de Rivoli has plenty of stores and cafés.

One interesting detail: this area played a major role in the French Revolution. The Tuileries Palace was stormed in 1792, helping bring down the monarchy. The palace was later destroyed by fire in 1871 and was never rebuilt.

For coffee, we’d grab something around Rue Saint-Honoré, then take it into the Tuileries. That’s a pretty unbeatable Paris morning.

Best place to stay in 1st Arrondissement

Hotel Le Meurice, Paris. Address: 228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France

Cheaper alternative:

Hôtel Paris Louvre Opéra. Address: 4 rue des Moulins, 1st arr., 75001 Paris, France

The 8th Arrondissement (Champs-Elysees)

Best area for: upscale, shopping, landmarks

Are you into shopping? If so, you have probably never been to somewhere like the 8th Arrondissement. This area, also known as Champs-Elysees, is the number one place in Paris to go shopping. In addition, you will get an amazing view of the Seine river while shopping. It doesn’t get much better than that.

The 8th Arrondissement is pure, unfiltered Parisian energy. It brings together high fashion, grand monuments, and classic Parisian charm. You get total postcard views around every corner.

Once a marshy countryside retreat, Andre Le Notre transformed the area in the seventeenth century. Baron Haussmann later carved out its wide, monumental avenues. Today, it stands as the city’s epicenter of power, luxury, and high fashion.

The main attraction here is the Champs-Élysées, of course. It stretches from the massive Arc de Triomphe down to Place de la Concorde. Beyond the crowds on the main boulevard, you will find unbelievable art and culture.

We usually head to the Petit Palais to admire its stunning courtyard and fine art collection. Right across the road sits the Grand Palais, famous for its massive glass dome. For a break from the concrete, grab a bench at Parc Monceau, surrounded by quiet mansions and grand wrought-iron gates.

Finding great food among the tourist traps takes some planning. For lunch, we usually grab a table at Le Relais de l’Entrecote on Rue Marbeuf. They serve a single classic dish: fantastic steak frites drenched in their secret green sauce. It comes with extra helpings, so bring a big appetite.

Best place to stay in 8th Arrondissement

Hôtel de Crillon – A Rosewood Hotel, Paris. Address: 10 Place de la Concorde, 8th arr., 75008 Paris, France.

Cheaper alternative:

Best Western Plus Hotel Sydney Opera. Address: 50 rue des Mathurins, 8th arr., 75008 Paris, France

The 3rd and 4th Arrondissements (Le Marais)

Best area for: nightlife, trendy, LGBTQ+

Are you more of a night owl? If you love to be more active at night, staying in this area of Paris is a must. Nightlife in the 4th Arrondissement is upbeat, exciting, and filled with fun.

The 3rd and 4th Arrondissements are home to Le Marais, one of our favorite areas to explore in Paris. It’s right in the middle of the city, but it doesn’t feel quite as grand or polished as some other neighborhoods. Instead, we get narrow streets, old stone buildings, hidden courtyards, trendy boutiques, and plenty of cafés.

There’s a lot of history here, too. The name Le Marais means “the marsh,” since this part of Paris was once swampy. By the 17th century, it had become a fashionable neighborhood for French aristocrats. You can still see their grand private mansions, known as hotels particuliers, throughout the area.

We usually make our way to Place des Vosges first. It dates back to 1605 and is one of the oldest planned squares in Paris. The red-brick buildings and covered arcades make it a great place to sit for a while.

There’s plenty for museum fans, too. The Musée Picasso, Musée Carnavalet, and Maison de Victor Hugo are all in the neighborhood. For something different, we head to Rue des Rosiers. This is the heart of Paris’s historic Jewish quarter, with bakeries, restaurants, and famous falafel spots.

For lunch, we’d grab a falafel on Rue des Rosiers. For coffee, we’d pick one of the many small cafés tucked along the quieter northern streets. Le Marais is also packed with boutiques, galleries, and lively bars, so it’s easy to spend most of a day here without even trying.

Best place to stay in Le Marais

Hôtel Des Deux-Iles Notre-Dame. Address: 59 Rue Saint-Louis En L’ile, 4th arr., 75004 Paris, France.

The 18th Arrondissement (Montmartre)

Best area for: history, picturesque, budget-friendly

If you are on more of a budget for your Paris stay, it would be helpful to know that the 18th Arrondissement, also known as Montmartre,  is one of the most affordable places to be in Paris.

The 18th gives you steep staircases, rich artistic history, and incredible views. It captures the artistic heart of classic Paris better than anywhere else.

Known mostly for Montmartre, this hilltop district started out as an independent village full of windmills and vineyards before artists like Picasso and Van Gogh moved in and made it famous.

These days, the vibe blends romantic bohemian charm with gritty, vibrant city energy. The white-domed Sacré-Cœur Basilica sits right at the highest point, offering panoramic views across the rooftops below. Nearby, painters sell portraits on Place du Tertre.

Skip the crowds and duck into the Musée de Montmartre, housed in the old studios where Renoir used to paint. You can even walk past Clos Montmartre, a tiny functioning vineyard hidden right in the middle of the urban neighborhood. Down at the bottom of the hill, the famous red windmill of the Moulin Rouge lights up the night skyline.

The local dining options are fantastic. For an outstanding morning coffee or lunch, we head to Les 5 Marches, a cozy café tucked into the cobblestone backstreets that serves great specialty espresso and seasonal dishes.

Best place to stay in the 18th Arrondissement

Hôtel Particulier Montmartre. Address: Pavillon D 23 Avenue Junot, 18th arr., 75018 Paris, France

Where travel critics stay in Paris

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Paris? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Paris.

Budget

Hotel Henriette.

“Interior designer Vanessa Scoffier scoured Paris’ flea markets for over a year sourcing unique pieces, such as Platner chairs and 1950s lighting, to give each of these 32 rooms a one-of-a-kind twist.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: 9 Rue des Gobelins, 75013 Paris, France.

Mid-range

Hotel Providence.

“With its classic-chic design, cozy restaurant and convenient location, the Hôtel Providence is a fashionable and affordable resting spot in one of Paris’s most dynamic neighborhoods.” — New York Times.

Address: 90 Rue René Boulanger, 75010 Paris, France.

Luxury

L’Hôtel.

“This address is famous for being the hotel where Oscar Wilde died, but it offers more than history, with an excellent location in the heart of St-Germain, a Michelin-starred restaurant and sumptuous décor from Jacques Garcia.” — Telegraph.

Address: 13 Rue des Beaux Arts, 75006 Paris, France.

FAQ: Paris hotel recommendations

If you’re looking for a budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Paris, or maybe your travel plans require a splendid hostel? Want to know which hotel serves the best breakfast? Here are all those answers and more about where to stay in Paris.

Best time to visit Paris

The best time to visit Paris is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to November) when things are easier to come by.

The weather during these periods is just heavenly! Imagine walking down the Champs-Élysées, under a sky that’s just the right shade of blue with a cool breeze accompanying you. Not too hot, not too cold, just perfect!

During these periods, the city isn’t overcrowded with tourists, giving you the chance to explore its beauty at your own pace. Imagine enjoying a croissant in a quaint little café without the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowd.

And let’s not forget about the fashion season in Paris! Spring and fall are when the city truly comes alive with fashion weeks and shows, adding another layer of excitement to your visit.

Best things to do in Paris

There are a lot of things to do in Paris and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Paris:

Louvre Museum Skip the Line Access Guided Tour

Experience culture and art through the ages with a small-group tour of Paris’ epic Louvre Museum. Jump the queue and learn about some of the museum’s 35,000 artworks across eight themed galleries from your art historian guide. Price: $83. More info.

Paris: 1-hour River Seine Cruise

Admire the iconic sights of Paris on a relaxing River Seine cruise. Enjoy audioguide commentary and learn about sites such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Price: $18. More info.

Ultimate Versailles: Skip-the-Ticket-Line Guided Tour

Enjoy an exclusive guided tour of one of the largest palaces in the world. See the State Apartments, the King’s Bedroom, the Hall of Mirrors, and more. Price: $60. More info.

More things to do in Paris

Deciding where to stay in Paris

In conclusion, this travel guide has covered the best areas and hotels in Paris and how to get around. Now it is up to you to decide which area suits your needs the most.

Top 5 areas to stay in Paris

• 18th Arrondissement – Montmartre
• 3rd Arrondissement – Le Marais
• 8th Arrondissement – Champs-Elysees
• 1st Arrondissement – Le Louvre
• 7th Arrondissement – Eiffel Tower

As you have seen in this travel guide, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Paris is important. Whether you stay in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 7th, 8th or 18th Arrondissement, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Paris.

More Paris tips

Take a look at our other guides about the best places to stay in Paris:

Hotels in Paris

Hostels in Paris

Boutique hotels in Paris

Luxury hotels in Paris

Cheap hotels in Paris

Eco-friendly hotels in Paris