Paris, a beautiful and massive city, needs no introduction. It is one of the most visited destinations in the world. Paris is home to world-famous landmarks and tourist attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame. In addition, its rich history and world-class restaurants make Paris a great tourist destination.
However, visiting Paris may overwhelm you, especially when choosing a neighborhood to stay in. Paris is divided into arrondissements, starting from the city’s center and moving towards the suburbs. Choosing the right neighborhood depends on your needs. Every arrondissement has advantages; some are within walking distance from the city center, while others are ideal for shopping or site viewing.
You should also be careful when choosing neighborhoods to stay in as the arrondissement furthest from the city center(central Paris) experiences insecurity.
Best Paris Neighborhoods to Stay
When visiting Paris, consider staying in one of the following neighborhoods.
Marais
It is no secret that Marais is the trendiest neighborhood in Paris. It is an enriched and diversified neighborhood characterized by the serene and historic place des Vosges, the famed Jewish quarter, and the burgeoning LGBT scene. Besides, there are history museums, including Musée Carnavalet and Musée National Picasso. In addition, the Museum of the Art and History of Judaism and the moving Mémorial de la Shoah keep visitors entertained.
You’ll also love this neighborhood if you like shopping. It has narrow streets packed with indie galleries, stores, and boutique hotels. The close proximity to the metro station makes it easily accessible.
Best Hotels in Marais
Midrange/Cheap Hotels in Marais
Hôtel De Neuve – great mid range hotel
Jeanne d’Arc le Marais
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, not to be confused with Saint-Germain-en-Laye, has a lot of attractions that give you an entirely different experience with every visit. The neighborhood has world-class restaurants, galleries, and jazz clubs, ideal for nightlife lovers. It is the home to some of the elegant historic and luxury hotels, including L’Hotel, where the famous Oscar Wilde lived and died in the late 1890s. Other landmark hotels are Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, home to favorite writers and philosophers Camus, Sartre, and de Beauvoir in the 50s.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the prime destination for locals and tourists, especially those into fashion and food. Also, its unique galleries make it a great hit with art lovers. There’re also plenty of sights to enjoy, including the Musée National Eugène Delacroix, manicured gardens, austère Palais du Luxembourg, Serge Gainsbourg’s graffiti-covered former house, and the medieval Church of St-Germain-des-Prés.
Fortunately, many restaurants and shops in Saint Germain-des-Prés remain open in the summer while those in other neighborhoods are shut. However, luxury hotels in this neighborhood are relatively expensive. For cheaper accommodation, consider moving to the neighboring Latin Quarter.
Best Hotels in Saint Germain-des-Prés
Best Mid-range Hotel
Montmartre
Montmartre is on a hill, so you’ll get the most breathtaking views. The neighborhood came into the limelight in the 19th and 29th centuries, thanks to famous artists including Renoir, Braque, Picasso, and Degas.
The main attraction in this neighborhood is the iconic Sacré-Coeur. Other unique attractions include Place du Tertre and Moulin Rouge Cabaret. You’ll also love the beautiful houses on Avenue Junot. Enjoy the splendid scenery of this street while walking to the Lamarck-Caulaincourt neighborhood. If you want to learn about the neighborhood’s history, visit Musée de Montmartre. You can view Degas, Stendhal, and Berlioz’s tombs at the tranquil Montmartre Cemetery.
Unlike other popular neighborhoods in this list, Montmartre has few hotels. Apartment rentals dominate the area. The good thing is that there is a wide range of apartment rentals to fit all budgets.
Best Hotels in Montmartre
Best Cheap/Mid Range Hotels
Latin Quarter
If you prefer a central location when you visit Paris, consider going to the Latin Quarter. The neighborhood is charming but affordable and close to central Paris. The main attractions in the Latin Quarter are the diverse architectural designs, including but not limited to gothic spires, Roman ruins, and the innovative Institut du Monde Arabe. If you need wine bars or great restaurants, pass by Rue Descartes and Rue Mouffetard.
Besides the incredible architecture, the Latin Quarter is also characterized by the national museum, Musée de Cluny, which stores medieval history and art. There’s also the Panthéon, the graveyard for award-winning writers and philosophers, including Hugo, Voltaire, Zola, and Rousseau. You can also consider visiting the Sorbonne, otherwise called the University of Paris, on pre-arranged tours.
Moving to Jardin des Plantes, you’ll love the scenes of the old-fashioned greenhouses and museums, including the National Museum of Natural History. Another big advantage is it is close to the metro station.
Compared to Le Marais and Saint Germain-des-Prés, the Latin Quarter hotel rates are cheaper.
Best Hotels in the Latin Quarter
Best Cheap/Mid Range Hotels
Champs-Elysées
Champs-Elysées, the 8th arrondissement, hosts the most luxurious hotels in France. The main attraction in this neighborhood is the iconic Champs Elysées. Many people visit to see the 1.2-mile boutique-lined boulevard linking Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde. You’ll also love the unique designer flagships along Comme des Garçons, Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré – Chanel, Givenchy, and Christian Louboutin.
Those interested in the legendary Paris fashion house’s history should visit La Galerie Dior, while those into art exhibitions should visit the magnificent Petit Palais and Grand Palais. Moreover, the Musée Cernuschi houses Asian art, while Musée Jacquemart-André houses 15th Century European art.
Despite having the most luxurious hotels, accommodation here is relatively affordable with competitive rates.
Best Hotels in the 8th Arrondissement
- Four Seasons George V luxury hotel
- Fraser Suites Le Claridge Champs-Elysées
- Le Bristol Paris
- Hôtel San Régis
Best Mid-Range Budget Hotel
Paris 9 South Pigalle
Unlike other neighborhoods discussed in this review, Paris 9 South Pigalle is an up-and-coming tourist destination in Paris. The 9th arrondissement is just a walking distance from Montmartre.
The new emerging boutique hotels signify the growing number of visitors the neighborhood receives. Consider staying in this neighborhood if you’re a regular visitor in Paris, but for first-time visitors, you may consider starting from other arrondissements.
The neighborhood has great restaurants, eateries, bars, and cafes. It should be the perfect destination to experience and meld into the Paris lifestyle.
This neighborhood offers a great alternative to visitors who want to avoid the crowded zones around the Eiffel Tower. Hotels here are a mix of mid-range and boutique hotels.
Best Hotels in South Pigalle
- Maison Souquet – luxury hotel
- LAZ’ Hotel Spa Urbain – mid-range option
- Migny Hotel Opera Montmartre – budget hotel
Opera
Despite Opera not being as charming as other neighborhoods, it is very Parisian. It is the perfect spot for exploring Paris.
Visitors here enjoy a great view of the Eiffel Tower at sunset from the Galeries-Lafayette department store. On the other end, you’ll enjoy the incredible scenery of the edge of Montmartre. However, the neighborhood doesn’t receive as many tourists as Central Paris. Thus, it is the perfect base for visitors who like quiet street experiences.
In addition, there are many cafes, restaurants, and bars to sort your visit needs. You can pass by Chartier when around this neighborhood.
Best Hotels in Opéra
- Hotel Saint Petersbourg Opéra – Luxury hotels
- Hotel 34B Astotel – Mid – range option
- Hotel France Albion – Budget hotel
The best neighborhood for shopping lovers is the famous Champs-Elysees, 8th Arrondissement. On the other hand, Saint Germain-des-Prés is an excellent option for individuals traveling with their families. Its central location, number of shops, restaurants, Notre Dame Cathedral, canal saint martin, and Seine River make it ideal for families.
There’s no better place for those who like nightlife than Le Marais. This neighborhood has something to suit any taste, with cocktail bars, funky pubs, and cool speakeasies on their docket. Lastly, go to Montmartre if you like a romantic neighborhood.
Visiting Paris is always a fun time. If it’s your first time visiting, moving around the city is not difficult- the metro station is easily accessible and cheap. All you need is a pass for affordable and easy navigation around the city.
A bonus tip: Book a room at Charles de Gaulle Airport if you have an early flight to save on the hassle and stress of getting to the airport on time.
Wondering what to bring for your trip to the City of Lights? Check out our packing list for Paris.
