Where to stay in Paris

The 1st arrondissement is the historic heart of Paris, where you'll find the Louvre, Tuileries Gardens, and the posh Vendôme Square. It's a prime location with high-end shopping and dining options. While aesthetically stunning and conveniently central, it can have a rather corporate atmosphere and the prices are among the highest in the city. Not particularly known for its night scene, it might not appeal to those looking for more bohemian or hipster vibes.

The 4th Arrondissement encompasses the Notre-Dame cathedral, the vibrant Le Marais district, and the Île de la Cité. It is a historic area with a diverse population, including the central hub of Paris's LGBTQ+ community. You'll find everything from trendy boutiques and galleries to classical architecture. The area is quite busy and can be noisy, particularly on weekends. Accommodations here are a mix of luxury and boutique hotels. Suitable for travelers looking for a central location rich in history and culture.

The 5th Arrondissement, known as the Quartier Latin, is the intellectual heart of Paris and is home to the Sorbonne University. It’s a vibrant mix of educational institutions, bookshops, and charming cafes. This area is relatively affordable and youthful due to the student population. However, it can get loud at night and crowded during the day. The dining and nightlife are eclectic and international cuisine is readily available. Visitors will enjoy the historic ambiance and proximity to the Seine and Notre-Dame.

The 6th arrondissement is quintessentially Parisian with its literary cafés and luxury boutiques. It's upmarket and full of historic charm, especially in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Visitors looking for a quieter, more refined experience will enjoy this area, though it can be expensive, and some may find it less dynamic or too polished for their taste.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is a chic and upscale neighborhood known for luxury boutiques, antique shops, and the former haunts of famous intellectuals and writers. The area boasts some iconic cafes like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots. It tends to be quieter and more expensive, offering an elegant Parisian experience. While you’ll find timeless Paris here, the cost of accommodation and dining can be high. It’s a great area for those interested in an upscale stay with a rich literary and artistic history.

Straddling the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, Le Marais is trendy and historic, filled with hip boutiques, galleries, and vibrant nightlife. It's a favorite among younger travelers and the LGBTQ+ community. It's a great area for dining and is centrally located, but streets can be narrow and crowded, and it's often pricier than less centrally located neighborhoods.

Montmartre is known for its bohemian and artistic past, with the infamous Basilique du Sacré-Cœur perched atop its hill. It's a neighborhood that offers stunning views over Paris and charming, albeit sometimes steep, streets to explore. While this area exudes romantic charm, it can become crowded with tourists and the nightlife can be rowdy. The accommodation here varies from quaint boutique hotels to smaller lodgings. As a more residential neighborhood, local shops and eateries are plentiful but be prepared for a workout with all its hills.

The Champs-Elysées is an iconic, albeit tourist-driven, area known for its prestigious avenue lined with shops, theaters, and cafes. It leads to the Arc de Triomphe and is close to several major attractions. This area is bustling with tourists and shoppers during the day and is known for its luxury stores. While the avenue has undeniable appeal, it can feel impersonal and is one of the priciest areas for accommodation. The nightlife can be vibrant, but commercial rather than authentic Parisian.

The 7th arrondissement is an elegant and affluent area known primarily for housing the Eiffel Tower. It's a great location for first-time visitors who want that quintessential Parisian experience. However, dining and shopping here can be expensive, and the area can feel quite touristy. It's not the best spot for nightlife but is wonderful for leisurely strolls along the Seine and visits to museums like Musée d'Orsay.

Encompassing the Champs-Elysées, the 8th Arrondissement is both an upscale business district and a tourist hotspot. The area is known for its grand boulevards, luxury shops, and the proximity to the Eiffel Tower and the Seine. It has high-end accommodation options and boasts some of the best dining in Paris. Despite its opulence, the area can sometimes lack the charming, local neighborhood feel found in other parts of the city. It's an excellent location for first-time visitors who want to be close to iconic sights.

Part of Le Marais, the 3rd is trendy and full of history with charming old mansions and a significant LGBTQ+ community. It's a fantastic area for boutique shopping and is also known for its vibrant Jewish quarter. It can be very crowded, especially on weekends, and one might find it lacks green space compared to other districts.

The 2nd Arrondissement is the smallest and one of the most central districts of Paris, known for the bustling business district Bourse and the covered passageways like Galerie Vivienne. It's less touristy and provides easy access to various attractions. You’ll find a mix of quaint boutiques, historic bistrots, and trendy eateries. Accommodations can be high-end to mid-range, suited for business travelers and those who prefer a quieter, yet central, location. It’s an excellent choice for convenience without the usual tourist crowds.

The 9th is a bustling area offering a blend of shopping, with spots like Galeries Lafayette, and culture, with venues such as the Palais Garnier opera house. It's centrally located, though the charm varies street by street, with some parts being quite commercial. Accommodation ranges from luxury to mid-range, and the diversity of restaurants and bistros is a plus. However, it can feel less personal due to the high volume of shoppers and office workers.

Pigalle is famous, or infamous, for being Paris’s red-light district, sporting adult shops and the Moulin Rouge. In recent years, it has also developed a trendy, hip vibe with cool bars and live music venues. It is a neighborhood with a buzz, but it can be seedy, especially at night. Accommodation is typically mid-range, and you’ll never be short of nightlife options. For some, Pigalle's edginess is part of its charm, but it may not be the best choice for families or for those seeking a tranquil retreat.

This eclectic district is characterized by a vibrant mix of cultures and is a hub for foodies and nightlife seekers due to areas like Canal Saint-Martin. It's more affordable than central Paris but can be crowded and sometimes noisy. The 10th arrondissement lacks major tourist attractions, making it less touristy but also less conventionally charming than other districts.

The 11th Arrondissement is a vibrant and trendy area known for its dynamic nightlife and dining scene, particularly in the Bastille and Oberkampf districts. While bustling at night, the district is lower-key during the day, with an array of hidden courtyards and artisan shops. It's edgier and more affordable than central Paris, though sometimes the gritty vibe may not appeal to everyone. Noise can be an issue, but the lively atmosphere makes it a favorite among younger travelers.

The 15th Arrondissement, known as Arrondissement de Vaugirard, is the city's most populous, offering a more residential atmosphere. It lacks the famous landmarks that attract crowds but provides a genuine Parisian experience. The area features the Parc André Citroën, perfect for relaxation, and Beaugrenelle for modern shopping. Convenience to the Eiffel Tower and lower accommodation prices are a plus, but it's not the best for nightlife or if you're seeking a quintessential tourist experience.

More residential and less frequented by tourists, the 17th offers a more authentic Parisian experience. It's home to the charming Batignolles neighborhood, with a village feel, organic markets, and family-run bistros. Accommodations are usually more affordable here. However, it's farther from major tourist attractions, and travelers might feel disconnected from the city's buzz.

The 16th is known for its grandiose architecture, prestigious schools, and museums like the Palais de Tokyo. It's a high-end residential district, safe and clean, but not the best for vibrant nightlife or budget options. Some visitors might find it too quiet in the evenings and lacking the charm of the busier arrondissements.

The 14th Arrondissement offers a mix of residential peace with a bohemian and artistic flair, especially in areas like Montparnasse. It's away from the tourist crowds, with sleepy cafés and creperies lining its streets. The district is rich in history and perfect for those interested in the artistic and literary past of Paris. While it's charming and less expensive, it's also fairly quiet at night and might not offer the vibrant nightlife some travelers seek.

This large arrondissement features the Bois de Vincennes and the modern Bercy Village. It is diverse, with a mix of quiet residential areas and the more animated Aligre market. Great for families or those looking for a more relaxed environment. It's less central, which means fewer tourists but also a bit of a commute to the more famous sights.

The 13th Arrondissement is known for its eclectic mix of old and new, hosting the National Library and the contemporary business district of Paris Rive Gauche. The area, especially around the Asian quarter, is less traditional and offers great food options. It's relatively calm and safe, suitable for families and those looking to stay away from tourist hubs. However, the lack of Parisian landmarks and the modern look might not appeal to travelers seeking the classic Paris charm.

Home to Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the 18th Arrondissement is renowned for its bohemian past and stunning views of Paris. This hilltop haven can be touristy, especially around the major landmarks, but it also has charming, quieter spots. The southern part closer to Pigalle is known for its nightlife and the famous red-light district, which may not be suitable for all travelers. This area offers a mix of enchanting history and an edgier, urban experience.

The 20th Arrondissement is an out-of-the-way residential area known for the Père Lachaise Cemetery, where famous personalities like Jim Morrison are buried. It's a diverse neighborhood with a mix of cultures and a burgeoning arts scene. More affordable than central Paris, it gives an authentic residential experience. However, it's less conveniently located for tourist attractions, and some parts may feel less safe at night. The area has fewer tourists, offering a quieter stay with a community feel.

The 19th Arrondissement is an up-and-coming area featuring cultural diversity and green spaces, like the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. It's less frequented by tourists and offers affordable accommodation options, appealing to budget travelers. The district has an emerging arts scene and vibrant local life, though some parts might feel remote and are less polished than the city center. It's perfect for those seeking a more local, non-touristy experience, but travelers should be mindful of their surroundings at night.

L'Odeon is situated in the 6th Arrondissement, not far from the Latin Quarter, offering a lively mix of theaters, cinemas, and eateries. This area has a youthful and intellectual atmosphere, intersecting with the elegant Saint-Germain-des-Prés. It's central and has excellent dining options, but can be quite noisy at night due to the active social scene. Accommodations range from upscale hotels to charming boutique lodgings. Ideal for those seeking a cultured, vibrant urban experience.