Where to Stay in Paris: The Best Areas, Street-by-Street Guide

Best Area to Stay in Paris France : The City of Light, as Paris is often referred to in a metaphorical manner, holds the hearts and attention span of travelers from all around. No matter if you go for the legendary landmarks, discovering it is historical gems or just to taste some of that famous Parisian lifestyle – where you stay will have a massive influence on your entire experience. An impossible city not to fall in love with, even the most cynical traveller will be swooning by their third croissant on La Rive Gauche… but finding the best area to stay in Paris felt like mission IMPOSSIBLE! Below, we guide you through the city’s arrondissements and help match what kind of traveler would value each best (and at which price point).

Paris — The City of Light, Explored

Short story and charm in Paris

Best Area to Stay in Paris France : Being a city established over two millenniums ago, Paris is rich in history. Paris is a city that has grown and evolved over the centuries, from its bawdy medieval streets in Le Marais to grand boulevards blown apart by Baron Haussmann; yet returning always back to itself. Paris is a city of art, fashion and food as well as its culture that cannot be seen from anywhere else.

Why Location Matters

Between the corners of Paris hides its charming magic, and where you stay can make all the difference. Whether the heart of your favorite places (Best Area to Stay in Paris France), or rather choose to nest in an intimate bubble with family game night; going out and partying through late nights – I am sure you will find very specific areas who would accommodate best for their unique history-making holiday. Twenty divided arrondissements (or areas), which each widely vary, are essential to know when planning your ideal visit.

Also Read

France Itinerary | France Itinerary 7 Days – First Time Going to Paris?
Paris Bus Tours: which is the best? | Honest Review
The 10 Best 4 Star Hotels in Paris Near Eiffel Tower

A Guide to Parisian Neighborhoods

Paris Districts Each Have their Own Peculiar Taste

The personality of every arrondissement in Paris is define by its own heritage, buildings and people. From the high end boutiques of the 8th Arrondissement to bohemian Montmartre. Paris is compose of a rich tapestry of neighborhoods ready for an adventure.

Arrondissements Explained

Paris is made up of 20 arrondissements that spiral out from the city center in a clockwise direction, starting with the first one. Those districts are more than a figure, they symbolize the varied and lively communities that turn Paris into such an exciting thing to discover.

Where to Stay in Paris for Your First Time

The Heart of Paris: The 1st Arrondissement

The 1st Arrondissement is a great district if this will be your first time in Paris Set right in the middle of Paris. It is here where you will find some city classics – like Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden and Palais Royal. Its very central location will be perfect for you to visit the main attractions and move around. This location means you’re near many of Paris attractions that cannot be missed

7th Arr. – Eiffel Tower Area – Best Area to Stay in Paris France

The 7th Arrondissement also is where to settle if you have fantasies although waking up with the Eiffel Tower in your front door. And lets not forget the Eiffel Tower of course and Musée d’Orsay, Les Invalides or Rodin Museum. The 7th is more of a residential area and quieter. Which means you can still be close to the main attractions in Paris, but have somewhere peaceful to stay.

Le Marais 4th Arrondissement

Le Marais, one of the oldest and delightful districts in Paris. This combination of the narrow medieval streets, bustling Jewish Quarter filled with shops and chic boutiques is history & contemporary in one place. The place also garners a reputation for an active nightlife with so many local bars and restaurants. Perfect for those who want enjoy Paris’ history right alongside modern niceties, Le Marais has it all.

Quality And Luxury Areas

8th Arr., Champs-Élysées

8th Arrondissement — For Luxury indulgence, stay here Known for the famous shopping street called Champs-Élysées. This district is also know as a luxury retail and hotel location. Likewise, the 8th is where you’ll find grand sites like the Arc de Triomphe and Grand Palais. It’s also ground zero for anyone layering on luxe Paris.

Trocadéro (16th Arrondissement)

Best Area to Stay in Paris France – Aristocratic 16th Arrondissement is located in the western Paris and it’s one of the city’s most bone-chilling areas. For a residential neighborhood with all the high-end Parisian charm—wide avenues, parks stretching under leafy trees and fancy boutiques aplenty—the 16th is where you need to be. It has wonderful schools, parks and the Bois de Boulogne is also in close proximity.

Top 8 Budget Best places to study\Blueprint Travel

Bastille — 11th Arrondissement

Budget travelers should head to the lively 11th Arrondissement. It is the district to come to for cheap eats and a drink, as well night life with bars all around the Bastille area. It is also where you can find street art at every corner. If you want to be in one of Paris’ more bohemian, artistic neighborhoods. And still keep a little money left over for dining explorations, the 11th is it.

The 18th Arrondissement – Montmartre

The 18th in Montmartre known for its bohemian past and artistic history. Montmartre — Formally home to the likes of Picasso and Van Gogh, this charming neighborhood (cobblestone streets galore) is teeming with cute cafés and great views of Paris from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. It is also one of the more inexpensive locations to remain in if you are not fussy as it includes a handful of wallet-friendly accommodations.

Best Areas for Families

15 Arrondissement — Grenelle

Residential and family-oriented, the 15th Arrondissement provides a calmer respite from central Paris. There are many parks, local markets, and the use of spacious apartments also makes it a great place for families which do not want everything to happen at full speed. It is also very well connect to the Eiffel Tower and Seine River.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 6th Arrondissement

Another fine choice for families is Saint-Germain-des-Prés, which boasts a wealth of artistry nestled amid historic cafés and green spaces. The Luxembourg Gardens, one of the most beautiful parks in Paris are in this area. There is plenty of green space for families to relax with a picnic. The 6th is well endowed with bookstores, boutiques and bistros as wellhence a great place to drop your bags.

Best Areas for Couples

Latin Quarter – 5th arrondissement

One of the most romantic areas in Paris, The Latin Quarter situated at 5th Arrondisment. La Rive Gauche — The left bank of the Seine, known for its intellectual and artistic history. A great mix between historical charm in a lively student area. Take a stroll along its winding streets, stop by the legendary Shakespeare and Company bookshop or have dinner in one of the many atmospheric bars & restaurants.

Île Saint-Louis – Best Area to Stay in Paris France

Île Saint-Louis is an adorable island in Paris and a perfect couple-y place to go. It is a haven in the middle of bustling Paris, and you can walk along lovely streets from which to witness stellar views of housing facades more than 400 years old—and grab some artisanal ice cream at one such hidden gem.

Top Spots for Nightlife and Entertainment

9th Arrondissement – Opéra

Paris: 9th Arrondissement (Opera) The nightlife and non-stop beat of the Parisian pulse line this neighborhood inside out. This area is known for the Palais Garnier opera house and a profusion of theaters, concert venues, bars and restaurants arrayed along its bustling streets. Perfect if you are in Paris for their contagious night life and awesome art vibe.

2nd Arrondissement – Sentier

2e ArrondissementSentier is a cool, upcoming part of the city with cocktail bars and nightclubs sitting alongside sleek restaurants. This more modern and edgy district is not like the others. Which will appeal to a younger audience of party girls enjoying a Parisian night out.

Things to do in Paris are so vary you will surely find the one for yourself and picking a right place. Where to stay can make quite a difference. From first-time visitor to luxury traveler, family and couple-friendly areas or places bursting with nightlife. Paris has a district that will shape your stay into an unforgettable experience. This magic city has a charm in every of its arrondissements. And to know what each area brings will give you an answer about. Where is the place for your accomodation.