Where to Stay in Paris – Neighborhoods & Area Guide

Paris, one of the most-visited cities in Europe, is on every traveler’s wish list. And, how could it not? The city is filled with history, glamour, style, and not to forget, romance – lots and lots of it. Home of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, the charm of this characteristic French city shifts from one area to another.

Whether you are planning your first trip to the “City of Light” or your tenth, where you spend most of your time and where you stay to make the most of your trip will always be two of the most significant questions in your mind. It helps to know the ins and outs of the city to make an informed decision.

Before we jump into the list of areas, it helps to know that most of Paris is divided into the Right Bank (north of River Seine) and Left Bank (south of River Seine). Furthermore, the street names are hardly used for reference since they are all just a few blocks away from one another. Rather, they are referred to as Arrondissements (districts) which are numbered from 1^st to the 20^th.

Below is a comprehensive rundown of some of the best areas to stay in Paris.

Latin Quarter – 5^th Arrondissement

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One of the oldest neighborhoods, the Latin Quarter is on the Left Bank and is most suitable for the lovers of history and architecture. Swarming with students and enthusiasts, the district is home to endless significant structures that depict the true essence of ancient Rome. Some of the most prominent attractions in the arrondissement include Arènes de Lutèce – a Roman amphitheater that was built in the 1^st century, Thermes de Cluny – ruins of a Gallo-Roman thermal bath from the 3^rd century, the Panthéon – once a church but now a mausoleum constructed between 1758-1790, and Sorbonne University (University of Paris), established in the Middle Ages, is also a must visit. The Latin Quarter is filled with several restaurants (themed and otherwise) and shopping avenues. Rue Mouffetard, especially, is known for its bright market streets.

Good For: History and art lovers, young travelers.
Other Highlights: Jardin du Luxembourg, Musée Cluny, St. Michel District, Eglise Saint-Séverin Saint-Nicolas, Musée National d’Histoire Naturelle and Seine-Side quays.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Select Hotel – Located right in the center of the Latin Quarter, Select Hotel is close to several metro stations and popular attractions in the city. They offer free breakfast and plenty of ensuite facilities and is a great choice for solo travelers.
• Hotel Henri 4 – A 17^th century property within a couple of minutes from Notre Dame Cathedral, the hotel is located between St. Michael and St. Germain, two of the most prominent and happening streets of Paris. Great for lovers of art, history, and food.
• Résidence & Spa Le Prince Régent – Situated within 2 minutes from the Old Sorbonne University, the aparthotel offers the luxury of a hotel within the comfort of a home. Features include luxury spa, fully-equipped kitchen, indoor pool, and quick access to the nearest metro. Great for families and couples.

Montmartre – 18^th Arrondissement

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Undeniably, one of the most romantic districts in Paris, Montmartre, also known as “Mount of Mars” and “Mount of Martyrs,” is a large hill located on the Right Bank of Paris. Noted for its historic district, the white-domed Basilica of Sacre-Coeur, and a thriving nightlife, the iconic hilltop is filled with retro cafes and artists painting on the sides of the cobblestone streets. Multi-colored buildings, old-school shops, and the rustic ambience disperses a village-like feel. Among the several distinguished attractions are the Cimitière du Nord – a 19^th century necropolis known to be the third largest of its kind in the city, Espace Dalí – a permanent exhibition to commemorate the work of Salvador Dalí, and of course, the Moulin Rouge. A stroll around the Rue de Steinkerque will take care of all your shopping needs.

Good for: Couples, art and history lovers, young travelers.
Other Highlights: Musée de Montmartre, Musée de la Vie Romantiqe, Place du Tertre, Place des Abbesses, and Moulin de la Galette.

Hotel recommendations:

• Hôtel des Arts Montmartre – Only 400m from Moulin Rouge, the hotel is located in the heart of Montmartre and provides easy access to two nearby metro stations. Ask for a room with a view over the district. Great for solo travelers and couples.
• Maison Lepic Montmartre – A garden, a shared lounge, a terrace, and extremely easy access to quite a few popular sights, the hotel is one of the best around the area. Great for couples and small families.
• Terrass” Hôtel Montmartre by MH – A 19^th century building with a view of the Eiffel Tower, the hotel is among the top-rated luxury properties in the area with excellent facilities. Great for couples and families, especially luxury travelers.

Le Marais – 3^rd and 4^th Arrondissement

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Another historic district on the Right Bank of River Seine, Le Marais is one of the primary locations in Paris for the lovers of art. No wonder, it is home to some of the finest art galleries and art museums in the world, including that of Picasso (Musée Picasso), the collections of Théodore-Ernest Cognacq and Marie-Louise Jay (Musée Cognacq-Jay), and the largest French museum dedicated to Jewish art and history (Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme). The area became a major LGBT hub around the 1980s, and as a result, 40% of LGBT businesses in the city are now spread across the streets of Le Marais. Aside from all the history and architecture, Le Marais also has plenty of fun bars, nice restaurants, trendy fashion stores, and a hip crowd. Rue des Francs Bourgeois is where you should be if you wish to shop for the most iconic Parisian brands.

Good for: Solo travelers, couples, families, LGBT community, young travelers.
Other Highlights: Musée Carnavalet, Paroisse Saint Paul- Saint Louis, Jardin Anne Frank, Le Carreau du Temple, and Place des Vosges.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Paris Boutik : Suite “La Librairie du Marais” – A few minutes’ walk from Place de la République, the boutique hotel property is enriched with style and grandeur and of course, plethora of facilities. Suitable for couple and families.
• La Chambre du Marais – The property is within proximity to several prominent attractions around the 3^rd and 4^th arrondissement and offers great amenities such as an on-site bar, delightful breakfast, and parking facility. Suitable for solo travelers and couples.
• Le Roi de Sicile – Chic Apartment Hotel & Services – A stylish aparthotel in the 4^th, the property features opulent guest rooms with fully-equipped kitchen and bathrooms, optional breakfast, and easy access to public transport and metro to go anywhere in the city. Great for all kinds of luxury travelers.

Champs-Elysées – 8^th Arrondissement

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Often called the “most beautiful avenue in the world,” Champs-Elysées is a must-visit district in the City of Lights. The district offers a wonderful combination of history and modernity with some of the most gorgeous structures in the city along with innumerable luxury shopping arcades, fine dining restaurants, and nightclubs. The avenue stretches from Place de la Concorde to the Place Charles de Gaulle and is known as the site of the yearly Bastille Day Military Parade. Some of the famous tourist attractions in the area include the Arc de Triomphe, Théâtre des Champs Elysées, and of course, the Lido Cabaret – operating since 1946. Take a stroll through the Tuilerie Gardens and admire the Jardin des Tuileries.

Good for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Rue Poncelet, Grand Palais and Petit Palais, the Concorde, Montaigne Avenue, and the Invalides.

Hotel recommendations:

• Petit Madeleine Hôtel – 5 minutes’ walk from the luxury boutiques of Faubourg Saint-Honoré and a couple of minutes from Miromesnil metro, the elegant hotel property features splendid guest rooms with all modern amenities. Great for solo travelers and couples.
• Hotel Ekta Champs Elysées – A few minutes each from the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe, the classy hotel property houses brilliant double rooms and suites with an on-site bar and common lounge. Great for couples and families.
• Le 123 Elysees – Astotel – Located in the heart of the 8^th arrondissement, the hotel offers soundproofed rooms with luxury facilities such as iPod docking stations and four-poster beds. High-end brands surround the property and the Paris Christmas Market is just 5 minutes. Great for all kinds of luxury travelers.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés – 6th Arrondissement

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Unarguably, one of the classiest districts in Paris, Saint-Germain-des-Prés on the Left Bank is steeped in art and history – think upscale art galleries, illustrious museums, designer brand stores, eclectic restaurants, and the oldest church in the city – Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Extremely popular among locals as well as expats, the district has served residence to the likes of Picasso, Claude Monet, and Auguste Renoir. Musée d’Orsay, located closely in the 7^th arrondissement, is home to one of the finest collections of Impressionist paintings. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is also a great area to practice the art of “flâneur” – strolling. Oh! And, the exquisite gardens of Jardin du Luxembourg can’t be missed.

Good For: History lovers.
Other Highlights: Palais du Luxembourg, Musée national Eugène Delacroix, Théâtre de l’Odéon, Boulevard Saint-Germain and Le Bon Marché.

Hotel Recommendations:

• La Perle – Located in the very heart of the district, Le Perle offers beautifully decorated guest rooms within close proximity of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. Great for couples, families, and groups of up to 4 guests.
• Hotel De Seine – Featuring a period décor style, the hotel property in the historic district is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the closest metro and around 500 meters from Pont Neuf and Luxembourg Garden. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
• Millésime Hôtel – A 17^th century property with world-class amenities, Millésime is an epitome of Parisian luxury and grandeur. A 10 minutes’ walk brings you to the former royal palace, the Louvre. Great for luxury travelers.

Rue Oberkampf – 11th Arrondissement

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For travelers who enjoy a vibrant nightlife, the streets of Oberkampf are dotted with various kinds of bars, from basement digs to extravagant rooftop settings. Located on the Right Bank, the area is one of the most populated districts in the European continent. Highly diverse and engaging, Rue Oberkampf allows you to explore quite a few popular attractions including, but not limited to, the Place de la République and the Place de la Bastille. The streets here are considered among the trendiest in the city. Le Bataclan is the city’s acclaimed setting for various national and international music events.

Good for: All types of travelers, especially the young.
Other Highlights: Musée Edith Piaf, The Opéra Bastille, Cimetière du Père Lachaise, Bois de Vincennes and Rue de Charonne.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Hôtel La Nouvelle République – A 3-star property with a few minutes of some of the most prominent attractions in the district, the hotel offers soundproof guest rooms with all contemporary facilities. Great for couples and families.
• La Maison de Léa – An elegant B&B style property, the hotel is within walking distance from Bastille and Père Lachaise cemetery and has stunning guestrooms with modern facilities such as a flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and a delicious breakfast included in the room tariff. Great for couples and solo travelers.
• Hôtel Fabric – A former textile factory transformed into one of the most luxurious hotels in the area, Hotel Fabric offers guests free access to a fitness center and hammam. The common lounge hosts a lavish buffet breakfast each morning. Perfect for couples and families.

Belleville and Ménilmontant – between 19th and 20th Arrondissement

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Once a couple of major wine-producing weekend getaways for Parisians, the districts of Belleville and Ménilmontant are on the Right bank of Paris. Home of the famous Père Lachaise Cemetery, known to be the final resting place of many celebrities such as Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde, the entire region has a bohemian vibe and is host to the second-largest Chinatown in the city. A hike up the Parc de Belleville offers you one of the most panoramic views of the city. Rue de Belleville is a must-visit for all your culinary needs. Canal Saint-Martin, in the 10^th arrondissement, is also a short stroll away.

Good for: All types of travelers, especially food lovers.
Other Highlights: Musée National Picasso, Place des Vosges, Musée des Arts et Métiers, Parc des buttes Chaumont, and Rue D’noyez.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Hôtel Comete Paris – A 15 minutes’ walk from the notable Père Lachaise Cemetery, the space-themed hotel features cozy guest rooms painted in warm hues and filled with several modern amenities. Great for all kinds of travelers including big groups of 5 or more.
• Hotel Scarlett – Free-Wifi, satellite TV, and an on-site bar are some of the great amenities available at the wonderful hotel property which is less than 2 kilometers from the famous Place de la République. Great for couples and families.

Quartier Pigalle – between 9th and 18th Arrondissement

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Pigalle, the infamous tourist district of Paris, is on the Right Bank of the city and is known for its adult entertainment businesses. Home of the world-class cabaret, Moulin Rouge, the district was once named the “Pig Alley” due to its raunchy reputation. South Pigalle, however, is more famous for housing retail shops devoted to music and musical instruments. One-time residence of artists such as Picasso, van Gogh, and Andre Breton, Pigalle is one of the best spots in the city to experience a buzzing nightlife. Laying on the foot of Montmartre, the area also welcomes a classier crowd to its many chic cocktail lounges, trend-setting bistros, and boutique cafes.

Good for: Young couples and solo travelers.
Other Highlights: Musée Gustave Moreau, Rue des Martyrs, and Divan du Monde

Hotel Recommendations:

• Hotel Joyce – Astotel – A 15 minutes’ walk from the Opera Garnier, Hotel Joyce offers comfortable, fully-furnished guest rooms with luxury facilities like soundproofing, organic toiletries, and a minibar. The glass-room lounge area is equally delightful. Great for all kinds of travelers.
• Hotel Saint-Louis Pigalle – Modern facilities, delicious breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk are some of the brilliant services offered at this property which is only a few minutes’ from Sacré-Coeur and Opéra Garnier. Great for couples and families.
• Grand Pigalle Hotel – A fine example of Parisian luxury, the luxurious guest rooms at Grand Pigalle are equipped with flat screen TV, a radio, and a telephone. Moulin Rouge and Sacré-Coeur are a few minutes away. Perfect for solo travelers and couples.

Canal Saint-Martin – 10th Arrondissement

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A long waterway interconnecting Canal de l’Ourcq with River Seine, Canal Saint-Martin lays on the Right Bank, starting at Place de Stalingrad and ending at Quai de la Râpée. The construction of the canal was commissioned by Napolean in 1802 and it was completed in 1825. The area around Canal Saint-Martin is frequented by locals and tourists alike. One of the most prominent leisure activities in the area is to take a passenger cruise and traverse around the calming canal waters. Plenty of chic bars and charming bistros are scattered around the district.

Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other highlights: Promenade Canal St. Martin, Musee de l’Eventail, Place de la République ,and Palais des Glaces

Hotel Recommendations:

• Helussi Hôtel – A couple of minutes from the nearest metro station and a 15 minutes’ walk from the Montmartre district, Helussi Hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, safety deposit boxes within the guest rooms, a complimentary sauna, and a business center. Suitable for couples and business travelers.
• 1er Etage Opéra – Named after the nearby Opera Garnier, the property offers contemporary living within a 19^th-century building, equipped with several amenities such as a concierge, continental breakfast, and a communal kitchen. Great for couples.
• Hotel 34B – Astotel – One among the many exemplary boutique hotels of the Astotel chain, Hotel 34B offers designer rooms with world-class amenities and services. The Louvre, the Opera Garnier, and the Tuileries Garden are just a few minutes’ walk from the property. Perfect for solo travelers and couples.
• Hotel Whistler – Slightly tucked away from the bustling streets of Belleville/Ménilmontant, this luxury property is within 1.5 kilometers of Sacré-Coeur and La Cigale Concert Hall and is known for its amazing breakfast. An in-house hammam, a shared lounge, and a 24-hour front desk is amongst the many superior facilities offered here. Perfect for all kinds of luxury travelers.