Where to Stay in Paris: A Comprehensive Guide to the City’s Arrondissements

The 20 arrondissements (city districts) that make up central Paris are defined by their own unique character. Understanding each district’s distinctive offerings is essential when planning your visit. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly environments, vibrant nightlife, or budget accommodations, here’s how to decide where to stay in Paris.

1er (1st arrondissement) is the best place to stay if you want to be close to everything

It doesn’t get more central than the 1er (premier; 1st) arrondissement, which, along with the 2e, 3e, and 4e, form the collective administration of Paris Centre. Staying in the 1er places you just footsteps from the city’s mega sights, such as the enormous Musée du Louvre and the beautifully landscaped Jardin des Tuileries along the Seine. To venture further, Paris’ largest metro and RER (commuter train) hub, Châtelet–Les Halles, is conveniently located beneath the 1er’s canopied shopping mall Forum des Halles.

However, convenience comes at a premium, with the arrondissement featuring luxurious hotels like the Hôtel Ritz Paris and boutique stays such as the artistic Hôtel Crayon.

The 4e is central too, with cheaper places to stay

Also epicentral, the 4e boasts stunning high-end accommodations on the Île St-Louis, the smaller of Paris’ two inner-city islands, and offers more affordable options in Le Marais, known for its narrow, medieval streets lined with stylish boutiques, restaurants, and bars.

First-time visitors should stay in the 8e (8th arrondissement)

If it’s your first time in Paris, sightseeing is likely at the top of your list, making the 8e a perfect base. Here, you can take in the 360-degree panorama radiating from Place de la Concorde; stroll the storied av des Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe; shop at luxury fashion houses in the Triangle d’Or (Golden Triangle); and consider a scenic river cruise to glide past the city’s most famous landmarks, particularly enchanting when illuminated at night.

Magnificent palace hotels like the 8e’s Hôtel de Crillon are available, alongside more affordable options such as the bright rooms at Hôtel Alison.

The 7e is also good for newbies, with many hotels to choose from

Across the Seine, the 7e, home to the Eiffel Tower and museums, including the Impressionist-filled Musée d’Orsay, provides a variety of mid-range and high-end hotel choices, alongside a few budget-friendly options.

6e (6th arrondissement) is the best neighborhood for families

The city’s best-loved park, the Jardin du Luxembourg, located in the 6e, is dedicated to the children of Paris and is particularly family-friendly. Within the chestnut-shaded gardens, children can engage in fun activities such as pony rides, sailing wooden boats in the pond, and enjoying puppet shows at the theater. It’s an ideal spot for picnicking, with numerous family-friendly restaurants nearby, including the splendid art nouveau brasserie Bouillon Racine, which offers a kids’ menu.

Family-friendly accommodations include Le Six, conveniently located just steps from the gardens’ gates. Additionally, Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris offers serviced, kitchen-equipped apartments that can accommodate families.

The nearby 5e (Latin Quarter) also has sights popular with children

The Jardin du Luxembourg is bordered to the east by the bustling bd St-Michel. On the boulevard’s eastern side, the 5e (Latin Quarter) is also an excellent family base, home to English-language bookshops with dedicated children’s sections, charming sweet shops like Le Bonbon au Palais, and a historic magic shop, Mayette la Boutique de la Magie, among various accommodations tailored for families.

Budget travelers should look to stay in the 10e (10th arrondissement)

The 10e holds some of the city’s biggest backpacker hostels, including the vibrant St Christopher’s Gare du Nord, known for its lively atmosphere and events; and the popular Generator Hostel, which includes a rooftop bar, cafe, and a nightlife scene styled like a Parisian metro station. You can also discover budget-friendly hotels like Hôtel du Nord – Le Pari Vélo.

On and around Canal St-Martin, you’ll find a vibrant community of independent shops, cultural centers, bars, bakeries, and cozy cafes like Holybelly 5, which are popular among locals for brunch.

The 15e is another neighborhood with cheaper places to stay

Situated across the Seine, the residential and down-to-earth 15e offers several good hostels, affordable hotels, and neighborhood eateries. Enjoy lovely parks, like the Parc Georges Brassens, which hosts a secondhand book market on weekends.

13e (13th arrondissement) is the best neighborhood for getting off the beaten track

Often overlooked, Paris’ 13e is perfect for those who want to explore more authentic areas. Discover the village-like Butte aux Cailles, known for its quaint, car-free streets, local bars, and restaurants, along with an artesian spring, Puits Artésien de la Butte aux Cailles. Nearby on the Seine, visit the stylish Hôtel Henriette, or the unique Hotel OFF Paris Seine, which floats on the river.

The 20e to the northeast is also a less-visited neighborhood

The hilly and gentrifying 20e in the city’s northeast is frequently bypassed by tourists, except for those visiting the famous graves at Cimetière du Père Lachaise. Experience stunning views over the city from Parc de Belleville, which features an urban vineyard. This arrondissement also has a bustling Chinatown and options for cozy accommodations, including small-scale hostels and family-run hotels.

18e (18th arrondissement) is the best place to stay for vibrant nightlife

The 18e houses the iconic Moulin Rouge. Yet, this northern arrondissement offers much more than can-can shows. The renowned cabaret’s boiler room features a weekend club, La Machine du Moulin Rouge. Enjoy performances at legendary venues such as La Cigale and Le Divan du Monde, which hosts diverse music programs. The area is filled with lively bars that stay buzzing until late.

Accommodations in the 18e cater to all budgets, from hip hostels like Plug Inn to luxurious escapes such as Hôtel Particulier Montmartre, situated within a private mansion.

There’s also world-famous nightlife in the 2e arrondissement

The 2e arrondissement is another excellent choice for experiencing the nightlife, featuring iconic venues like Harry’s New York Bar and the electronic music mecca, Le Rex Club. Despite its small size, the district has a good range of hotels catering to various budgets.

Foodies should stay in the restaurant-packed 11e (11th arrondissement)

As the capital of a country renowned for its culinary excellence, you’ll find remarkable dining options across the city. Yet, certain arrondissements, particularly the innovative 11e, are home to exciting restaurants ranging from cozy cafes like Mokonuts to prominent neobistros, including Le Servan, Le 6 Paul Bert, and Michelin-starred Septime.

Design hotels that are mere footsteps from the 11e’s best dining hotspots include the mid-range Hôtel Exquis and upscale options like Hôtel l’Antoine and Hôtel Paris Bastille Boutet, which previously operated as a chocolate factory.

But some of the best gourmet shops are found in the 9e

Epicureans should also explore rue des Martyrs in the 9e, renowned for its gourmet shops offering cheeses, wines, jams, and award-winning bakeries and pastry shops, with appealing hotels located within easy walking distance.

This article was first published on Sep 10, 2019, and updated on Jun 15, 2022.