Where to stay in Paris

The best districts for every type of traveller!

Paris. The City of Light. With 20 arrondissements (districts), incredibly historical sights scattered throughout the city and thousands of hotels, hostels, and apartments to choose from.

Especially if you are visiting Paris for the first time, you will be wondering which district is the best choice or which is closest to all the city's top attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and the Louvre.

Or perhaps where should you stay if you're travelling with children? Or which areas should you avoid? 

Deciding on accommodation, especially in a large city with so much to see and do, is the most crucial part of planning your trip. The good news is that there isn't just one or two good areas to stay in Paris, but many wonderful neighbourhoods.

So, essentially, you will only need to make two choices: decide which neighbourhood you want to stay in according to what you want to do in Paris, and then choose the perfect hotel or Airbnb that combines the amenities you desire while staying within your budget. Fortunately, in all Parisian districts, you can find accommodation to suit every taste, from budget rooms to family apartments or luxurious suites.

So go ahead and book your cheap flights to Paris, check out our detailed article on how to get from Paris airport to the city centre, and learn everything about your accommodation!

So how can you choose which neighbourhood is ideal for your stay?

We suggest 5 different areas for your visit to Paris based on your interests, along with hotel recommendations for various budgets. Please note that hotel prices in Paris vary greatly depending on the season – so even "budget" hotels might seem expensive in summer, while prices for luxury hotels might be better during the winter months.

Let's begin our exploration of Paris with a map showing all the arrondissements and the most important monuments. You will notice there are 20 arrondissements, numbered in a spiral shape from the city centre outwards. The blue line you see is the River Seine. The two small islands in the middle of the Seine are Île de la Cité, where you will find Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle, and the smaller Île Saint-Louis, known for its elegant 17th and 18th-century houses.

The most central arrondissements, numbered 1 to 9, are ideal for accommodation, as you are close to most of Paris's popular attractions. Here you will find the city's most significant sights and have the opportunity to enjoy your time in Paris in the best possible way.

The 10 Best Neighbourhoods in Paris for Visitors

Apart from Montmartre, all the neighbourhoods we recommend are located in the central core of the city, in the single-digit arrondissements. Montmartre is a little further out but easily accessible via the metro.

# Best Area in Paris if you're visiting for the first time.

Louvre/Palais Royal/Tuileries, 1st Arrondissement

If you're coming to Paris for the first time and want to be close to the most famous attractions, the area around the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Gardens, in the 1st arrondissement, is ideal. This area offers easy access to significant sights such as the Louvre, Sainte Chapelle, and the Palais Royal garden.

The Tuileries Garden has spaces for relaxation, and it hosts the Christmas market in November and December, while various events also take place there in the summer. Enjoy an evening cruise on the Seine, or a hot chocolate at Angelina’s, and explore the jazz clubs on Rue des Lombards.

The area offers an excellent variety of restaurants – from bakeries and cafés to romantic bistros and Michelin-starred establishments. Additionally, other top city attractions are just an easy stroll or a short metro ride away.

Where to stay in the 1^st Arrondissement 

Luxury Hotels

• Hotel de la Tamise: Once a private mansion, it is now a luxurious boutique hotel with only 19 rooms, beautiful décor, an excellent art collection, and attentive staff.
• Hotel du Louvre by Hyatt: A 5-star hotel exuding Parisian elegance in a prime location just a 2-minute walk from the Louvre Museum.

Mid-range

• Hotel Molière: A highly-rated 4-star hotel in an ideal location on a quiet side street just 5 minutes from the Louvre, with comfortable beds and an elegant atmosphere.
• Hotel Royal Saint-Honoré Paris Louvre: A 4-star hotel with 68 rooms and suites, many of which feature balconies.

Budget-friendly

• Hotel Paris Louvre Opera: This luxurious 3-star hotel is housed in a magnificent 17th-century building on a quiet street near elegant cafés and large boutiques.
• Welkey’s Richelieu Apartment: A wonderful location very close to the Palais Royal garden and about a 6-minute walk from the Louvre Museum, suitable for 2 people.

# Best Area in Paris for Culinary Experiences: Les Halles, 1st & 2nd Arrondissement

If you dream of a trip to Paris filled with culinary discoveries, the Les Halles neighbourhood, located in the northeastern corner of the 1st arrondissement and extending into the 2nd, is the ideal spot for you.

Previously, this area housed the enormous Les Halles market, which was the centre of Parisian gastronomy since the 15th century. Today, although the market has been replaced by a large shopping centre, the area remains vibrant with homeware shops, famous restaurants, and a pedestrian street lined with cheese shops, patisseries, and cafés.

Here you can enjoy breakfast with pain au chocolat at Stohrer’s, lunch with snails at L’Escargot, and dinner at Au Pied de Cochon or a gourmet restaurant such as Frenchie or the 3-Michelin-starred Kei Restaurant.

The Les Halles neighbourhood also offers easy access to Paris's top attractions, much like the Louvre/Tuileries area, but without the crowds of tourists on the streets. Furthermore, you are close to the lively Marais district, with its bustling bistros, bars, and nightlife.

Where to stay near Les Halles

Luxury Hotels

• Maison Albar Hotels le Pont Neuf: An elegant 5-star hotel with an indoor pool, gym, and spa.
• The Hoxton: A luxurious hotel with 172 rooms housed in an elegant 18th-century mansion.

Mid-range

• Novotel Paris Les Halles: This 4-star hotel with 285 rooms offers the recognised comfort of Novotel in an excellent location next to the Forum des Halles shopping centre.
• Hotel Bachaumont: Located near Rue Montorgueil and the Les Halles market, offering easy access to gourmet shops and cookware.

Budget-friendly

• Hotel Crayon: This stylish and affordable 3-star hotel features rooms with vibrant colours and a fun atmosphere, in a perfect location.
• Hotel Le Relais des Halles: A boutique 3-star hotel with 19 rooms, elegant Parisian decor, and excellent prices, in a 17th-century building near the Louvre, Les Halles, and the Marais neighbourhood.

# Best Area in Paris for Shopping: Champs Élysées / Golden Triangle, 8^th Arrondissement

For fashion and design enthusiasts, the Golden Triangle neighbourhood, next to the Champs Élysées, Avenue George V, and Avenue Montaigne in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, is ideal. Here you'll find leading fashion houses and designers such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Saint Laurent, and others.

Nearby are two important fashion museums: the Palais Galliera with impressive fashion exhibitions, and the Musée Yves Saint Laurent, dedicated to the fashion legend.

Even if your budget doesn't allow for purchases from famous designers, there are many affordable options, such as Sephora and H&M along the Champs Élysées, as well as many French brands.

Where to Stay in Paris's Golden Triangle

The area mainly caters to the very wealthy, but there are also more affordable accommodation options.

Luxury Hotels

• Four Seasons George V: A luxurious hotel with an impressive pool, spa, and spacious rooms.
• Le Plaza Athénée: A palace-like hotel with stunning decor and luxurious rooms.

Mid-range

• Hotel Claridge Paris: A 4-star hotel with beautiful décor and a close proximity to the Arc de Triomphe.
• Hotel Chateau Frontenac: Featuring a glass roof and Art Deco design, it offers comfortable rooms and suites.

Budget-friendly

• Hotel Ekta Champs Elysees: A 3-star hotel with a fun 1970s atmosphere, near the Arc de Triomphe.
• Adveniat Paris: A hostel offering simple decor and excellent value in a fantastic location.

# Ideal Neighbourhood in Paris for Families: Saint Germain des Prés, 6th Arrondissement

If you're looking for the perfect neighbourhood to stay in Paris with your family, Saint Germain des Prés in the 6th arrondissement is an excellent choice. Although it's renowned for its luxury boutiques, antique shops, and famous cafés like Café de Flore, it's also a fantastic area for family activities.

The neighbourhood's large park, the Jardin du Luxembourg, is an ideal space for families with children. There you'll find a carousel, pony rides, a pond where you can go boating, a playground, carriage rides, and a children's puppet theatre. There are also snack bars and outdoor cafés to enjoy your day.

The neighbourhood also offers Parc Rives, a riverside park with activities for all ages, a climbing wall, skateboarding areas, jogging paths, snack bars, and the floating gallery Fluctuart, dedicated to Street Art.

Explore the many sights of Saint Germain, such as the beautiful churches Église de Saint Germain des Prés and Église Saint Sulpice. The neighbourhood is also close to other major Parisian attractions, including the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Catacombs, and is easily accessible via numerous metro stations.

Accommodation in Saint Germain des Prés

Luxury Hotels

• Hotel Lutetia: A 5-star Art Nouveau hotel with an indoor pool and spa.
• Hotel Montalembert: With elegant contemporary design and a location near the Seine.

Mid-range

• Hotel Madison: A 4-star boutique hotel opposite the church of Saint Germain des Prés.
• Hotel de Buci: Featuring 18th-century decor and comfortable rooms.

Budget-friendly

• Hotel Clémont: A 2-star hotel with air conditioning and amazing prices.
• Hotel de Seine: A 3-star boutique hotel in a central location near the Seine.

# The Best Area for Boutiques, Galleries, Bistros, Bars, and Nightlife: Marais, 3rd & 4th Arrondissement

The Marais neighbourhood, spanning the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris, is an area rich in history and culture, known for its Jewish and LGBTQ communities, as well as parks like Place des Vosges and its significant museums.

The Marais is ideal for those seeking an area focused on art in all its forms, with unique boutiques, galleries, welcoming bistros and bars, and vibrant nightlife. Staying in the Marais places you at the heart of this lively atmosphere.

The location of the Marais provides easy access to Paris's most famous attractions. You are also close to eastern sights such as the Atelier des Lumières, Canal Saint-Martin, and the Pere Lachaise Cemetery. This particular neighbourhood is a destination you'll want to visit again and again.

Where to stay in Le Marais

Luxury Hotels

• Le Pavilion de la Reine & Spa: A 5-star hotel in a 17th-century building with a private garden and spa.
• Charles V: A 4-star hotel with Swedish-style decor in the quiet Village Saint Paul area.

Mid-range

• Les Tournelles: A 3-star hotel near Place des Vosges and the Picasso Museum.
• Hotel Jeanne D’Arc: A 3-star boutique hotel near the Saint Germain market and Saint Sulpice church.

Budget-friendly

• Hotel du Vieux Marais: A 3-star hotel with basic decor and an excellent location.
• Hotel Beaubourg: A charming 3-star hotel near the Pompidou Centre.

Where not to stay in Paris

When visiting Paris, it's important to choose the right area for your accommodation. While there are many charming districts, some areas might not be ideal, especially if it's your first time visiting.

Here are some tips for areas to avoid:

• Don't stay far from a metro station: Proximity to a metro station is very important for easy access to the city's attractions. A 5-minute walk or less is ideal.
• Avoid double-digit arrondissements: If you are visiting Paris for the first time, prefer the single-digit arrondissements or Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement for easy access to the main attractions.
• Don't stay outside the Périphérique: Avoid hotels beyond the Paris ring road, as these are usually located in industrial zones and require more travel time.

We hope you have found useful tips and suggestions that will help you make the most suitable choice for your stay in Paris. We hope our advice guides you to magical corners of the city, where you will experience unforgettable moments and enjoy every minute of your stay.

Paris is a city that embraces every visitor with its unique charm and eternal beauty. Each neighbourhood, every alleyway, and every square has its own story to tell, its own magic to offer you.

We wish your stay to be rich in experiences, full of beautiful memories, and unforgettable moments. Follow our advice, but don't hesitate to explore and discover your own magical corners in this wonderful city.

Paris awaits you to discover it, to love it, and to admire it, just as millions of travellers have done before you. Have a wonderful trip and enjoy every moment in Paris!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which area is best for accommodation at the destination?

The ideal area depends on the type of trip. If you are looking for vibrancy, restaurants, and easy access to attractions, choose the historic centre. For a quieter stay with good value, prefer neighbourhoods slightly outside the centre that are served by public transport. Families usually prefer accommodations with space and easy access to parks or beaches.

How many days do I need to visit the destination?

For a first introduction to the main sights, 2 to 3 nights are sufficient. If you want to explore the surrounding area, enjoy the gastronomy, and truly relax, allow 4 to 5 days. For a base trip with day excursions, a week is ideal.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) usually offer the best combination of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable accommodation prices. Summer is the busiest period, while winter suits those who want an authentic experience without tourist crowds.

How can I book accommodation at the best price?

Booking through Booking.com offers flexible cancellation policies, real guest reviews, and often the best available prices. Book 2-3 months in advance for the peak tourist season and compare prices between neighbourhoods, as a few minutes further from the centre often means significant savings.

Is the destination safe for tourists?

Yes, it is a visitor-friendly destination. As with any trip, caution is advised with personal belongings in crowded areas and on public transport, and the use of reliable transportation. Accommodations with high ratings are usually located in safe neighbourhoods.