Where to Stay in Paris (Best Places & Areas in 2024)

There are 20 Paris neighborhoods. These districts are called the “arrondissements.” They are arranged like a snail’s shell. The first arrondissement is at the center. Double-digit arrondissements fall along the outer edges of the city. A highway, the “Périphérique,” surrounds the entire city.

Here’s where to stay in Paris:

1st Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For Sightseeing | ✨ Best 1st Arrondissement Hotels: Hôtel Regina Louvre • Hôtel Molière • Hôtel Louvre Richelieu

The 1st arrondissement is where to stay in Paris when you want to be in the city center. The 1st arrondissement is the perfect area of Paris for first-time visitors. Here, you’ll be within walking distance of major attractions like the Louvre Museum, Sainte Chapelle, and others.

Many parts of the 1st arrondissement are luxurious. You’ll find upscale boutiques, several Michelin-starred restaurants, and beautiful hotels around the Metro station at the Place de la Concorde. Rue Saint Honoré and Rue de Rivoli are upscale streets nearby with even more to check out.

The Hôtel Regina Louvre is one of my favorite Paris hotels. It’s right across from the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Gardens. It has a terrace, antique furniture, huge rooms, and even Eiffel Tower views.

Pros of Staying in the 1st Arrondissement:

• Extremely centrally located
• Top sites, including the Louvre and the Palais Royal
• Easy access to Charles de Gaulle airport

Cons of Staying in the 1st Arrondissement:

• Hotels and restaurants can be pricey 
• Busy and mostly non-residential 

3rd Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For Museums | ✨ Best 3rd Arrondissement Hotels: Le Pavillion de la Reine • Hôtel National des Arts & Metiers • Hôtel de Roubaix

The 3rd arrondissement is where to stay in Paris if you’re a museum-lover. The museums in the 3rd are close to the city center. These Paris museums range from the tiny Museum of Hunting and Nature to the enormous Centre Pompidou. The 3rd arrondissement is another top Paris neighborhood for first-time visitors.

This Paris neighborhood forms the “Le Marais” with the 4th district. “Le Marais luxury” is considered a “younger” type of luxury than the luxury you’ll find in the 1st or 8th arrondissements. 

The 3rd arrondissement has several Metro stations at its edges but fewer within it. Plan on exploring this district on foot. It’s within walking distance of other attractions, including Notre Dame and the city center.

Le Pavillon de la Reine is a great choice for a peaceful hotel that’s close to a Metro station. Try the Hôtel National des Arts & Métiers with its rooftop bar for a livelier experience. 

Pros of Staying in the 3rd Arrondissement:

• Many famous museums
• Centrally located but generally peaceful
• Small, winding streets to explore on foot

Cons of Staying in the 3rd Arrondissement:

• Metro stations are mostly at the district’s edges
• Hotels tend to be small and can fill up fast

4th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For Parisian Charm | ✨ Best 4th Arrondissement Hotels: Cour des Vosges •Hôtel le Presbytère • Hôtel de Joséphine Bonaparte

The 4th arrondissement is where to stay in Paris if you’re coming for the charm. This fantastic neighborhood includes the oldest parts of Paris, the Île de la Cité, and the Île Saint Louis in the Seine River. The oldest house in Paris (Nicolas Flamel’s house) and the oldest planned square (the Place des Vosges) are also in the 4th.

The escape from the city bustle is why I love the Cour des Vosges hotel. This boutique hotel is in the Place des Vosges park, which is part of the “Le Marais” section of the 4th district. It is very peaceful. Rooms are enormous for an area that’s known for its crowds. Cour des Vosges also has an indoor pool, a rarity in Paris. 

You can also find small galleries and the famous Dammann Frères tea shop under the arches at Place des Vosges park. 

Pros of Staying in the 4th Arrondissement:

• Centrally located yet residential
• Close to the Seine River 
• Beautiful architecture (including Notre Dame) and parks

Cons of Staying in the 4th Arrondissement:

• Hotels can be pricey
• Very busy on the weekends

5th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For History | ✨ Best 5th Arrondissement Hotels: Hôtel les Dames du Panthéon • Hôtel Montecristo • Les Jardins du Luxembourg

The 5th arrondissement is where to stay in Paris for history lovers. This area contains many important historical monuments and sites including the Latin Quarter district and Sorbonne University (founded in the 13th century)!

The 5th arrondissement’s central location means you can reach other historic areas easily. Notre Dame, Le Marais, and Saint Germain are all within walking distance.

Hôtel Les Dames du Panthéon is perfect for history lovers. This luxury hotel is in an 18th-century building across from the Panthéon. It’s less than a five-minute walk from the Luxembourg Gardens which has a fascinating history. 

Another historical site in the 5th is Arènes de Lutèce, which is a first-century Roman amphitheater. The medieval Cluny Museum is also in the 5th, with centuries-old Roman baths. You can find more recent history at the Panthéon, the final resting place of some of France’s greatest heroes.

Pros of Staying in the 5th Arrondissement:

• Full of historical destinations
• A mixture of lively nightlife and family-friendly areas
• Many academic institutions and young feel

Cons of Staying in the 5th Arrondissement:

• The eastern edge of the district is far from central attractions
• Some areas can be hilly and hard to walk 

6th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For Cafés | ✨ Best 6th Arrondissement Hotels: Hotel Lutetia • L’Hotel • La Belle Juliette

The 6th arrondissement is best known for its cafés and access to the Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg). Famous cafes include Café de Flore and the Deux Magots. There are also great, lesser-known cafés overlooking the Luxembourg Gardens. 

This district also has great hotels. The Saint Germain des Prés area of the 6th district is home to the best mid-range hotel in the city, L’Hôtel. This hotel with baroque decor was the last place Oscar Wilde lived.

On the opposite side of the district from Saint Germain, you’ll find my favorite boutique hotel, La Belle Juliette. It has reasonable prices, an indoor swimming pool, and even a hammam. Hotel rooms also have air conditioning.

Lastly, the 6th arrondissement is home to great theaters and beautiful vintage bookstores. There’s just so much to check out in this charming neighborhood.

Pros of Staying in the 6th Arrondissement:

• A combination of small, winding streets and famous boulevards
• Known for its great Paris restaurants and historic cafés
• Tons of charming, unique hotels

Cons of Staying in the 6th Arrondissement:

• Restaurants can be expensive
• Public transportation is uneven. Areas near Montparnasse Tower and Odéon Metro station are better connected.

7th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area for First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best 7th Arrondissement Hotels: J.K. Place Paris • Hôtel la Comtesse • Académie Hôtel Saint Germain

The 7th arrondissement is the best place to stay if you’re a first-time visitor wondering where to stay in Paris. The Eiffel Tower is within walking distance here. The 7th is also home to attractions like Musée d’Orsay, a museum of 19th-century Impressionism art, and others. It has upscale department stores like Bon Marché, too. 

Calm streets are another reason why the 7th arrondissement is the best neighborhood for first-time visitors. This is particularly true once you get away from the Champ de Mars, where the Eiffel Tower is. Overall, the 7th is a great place to return to at the end of the day. However, it’s not great for party-lovers.

The 7th district is also home to one of my all-time favorite hotels. J.K. Place Paris is a beloved luxury hotel and one of the best hotels in Paris. Each hotel room has air conditioning, the staff is exceptional, and the interior design is world-class. 

Pros of Staying in the 7th Arrondissement:

• Peaceful, residential streets
• Walkable distance from central monuments
• Great views of the Seine River and the Eiffel Tower

Cons of Staying in the 7th Arrondissement:

• Not much nightlife
• Busses are easier than taking the subway, which can be far away

8th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For Luxury | ✨ Best 8th Arrondissement Hotels: Hôtel de Crillon • Monsieur George Hotel & Spa – Champs-Elysées • Nuage

The 8th arrondissement is where to stay in Paris for a trip full of luxury. The wide streets here feature some of the most famous designer names in the world. The 8th has upscale dining at historic restaurants like the Café de la Paix. Notable figures like writer Emile Zola and actress Marlene Dietrich have dined here.

Be careful when booking a Paris visit in the 8th arrondissement. This district has very different areas. The districts around the Opéra Garnier, the Champs-Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe, and immediately around the Parc Monceau are very upscale. The northeastern part of the district is less grand. 

You’ll see what I mean about the luxurious Paris Opera House district if you visit the Hôtel de Crillon. This world-famous hotel has sumptuous linens and great views. Some rooms have balconies. Bathrooms have underfloor heating and rain showers. There’s even an indoor swimming pool with a spa. There’s a reason Hôtel de Crillon is so iconic.

Pros of Staying in the 8th Arrondissement Neighborhood:

• Home to major monuments, including the Champs-Elysées Boulevard and the Arc de Triomphe.
• Many luxury stores and upscale boutiques
• Site of cultural attractions including the Grand Palais

Cons of Staying in the 8th Arrondissement Neighborhood:

• Some areas, particularly in the northeast part of the district, are less luxurious
• Central attractions like the Louvre are slightly far away 

Grands Boulevards

👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best Grands Boulevards Hotels: Maison Souquet Hotel & Spa • Hôtel des Grands Boulevards • Hotel Bloum

The Grands Boulevards neighborhood is where to stay in Paris for its buzzing nightlife. This area extends into both the 2nd and 9th arrondissements. Be sure to check hotel locations carefully. Part of the 2nd arrondissement is the financial district with a very different energy!

Covered passages, nightclubs, theaters, and bars fill the Grands Boulevards area. The area is so well-known for partying that director David Lynch opened his club, Club Silencio here. It’s for members only, though the public can get in for certain events. You can also see the Musée Grévin wax museum here!

I recommend the Hôtel des Grands Boulevards in this area. It’s set back from the noise of the district a bit but still in the center of it all. It’s technically in the 2nd arrondissement, which makes it closer to other attractions. Its designer rooftop terrace is a bonus.

Pros of Staying in the Grands Boulevards Neighborhood:

• Fun and lively nightlife
• Top-tier department stores
• Iconic 19th-century architecture

Cons of Staying in the Grands Boulevards  Neighborhood:

• Noisy in the evening
• Many chain bars and restaurants are present

10th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For Budget Travelers | ✨ Best 10th Arrondissement Hotels: Renaissance Paris République Hotel & Spa • Hôtel Esté • Moris Grands-Boulevards

The 10th arrondissement isn’t usually on visitors’ lists of where to stay in Paris. However, the 10th arrondissement is a great area for budget-minded travelers.

There’s great transportation from the Metro station at République. You can reach most major Paris attractions easily, including the Eiffel Tower. The Canal Saint-Martin runs through the 10th arrondissement. It’s surrounded by hip cafés, restaurants, bars, and vintage clothing stores.

This area is home to one of my all-time favorite budget hotels: Moris Grands-Boulevards. The wooden floors and patterned wallpaper in this budget hotel are beautiful. Amenities like the air conditioning and buffet breakfasts are more reasons why this is one of my favorite hotels in Paris.

Some travelers worry about the safety of the 10th arrondissement. Generally, it’s safe if you take basic safety precautions. The areas right around the train stations can be dangerous, though, similar to many European cities. For more, read my full article: “ Is Paris Safe?”.

Pros of Staying in the 10th Arrondissement:

• Home of the picturesque Canal Saint-Martin
• Close to two major train stations (Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est)
• Lots of arty cafés and boutiques

Cons of Staying in the 10th Arrondissement:

• Areas around the train stations can be dangerous at night
• Not many major attractions

11th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For an Artsy Atmosphere | ✨ Best 11th Arrondissement Hotels: La Maison Gobert Paris Hotel Particulier • Maison Bréguet • The People – Paris Nation

The 11th arrondissement is the best neighborhood for travelers in their 20s and 30s who want a quirkier stay in Paris. The location of the 11th arrondissement is fantastic. You’ll be close to major metro lines at Bastille and Nation, and a short metro ride away from the Eiffel Tower and other tourist attractions.

The 11th is one of the artsier Paris neighborhoods. This area is full of pottery studios, pop-up stores, and other unique attractions. There’s even a cat café! The nightlife is great, with bars ranging from old warehouses to tiny dive bars.

Some of Paris’s best hotels are in the 11th arrondissement. I love the beautiful décor and courtyard at the townhouse hotel La Maison Gobert Paris Hotel Particulier. This boutique hotel has the feeling of much more expensive luxury accommodation.

The People – Paris Nation is perfect for travelers on a budget. This hostel has air-conditioning and friendly, bilingual staff. 

Pros of Staying in the 11th Arrondissement:

• Artistic and unique stores and galleries
• Lively nightlife in quirky locations
• Great value for a central location

Cons of Staying in the 11th Arrondissement:

• Fewer attractions within the area itself
• The energy of the neighborhood isn’t for everyone

12th Arrondissement