Best Arrondissement to Stay in Paris (Insider’s Guide for First Timers & Beyond)
Wondering what the best arrondissement to stay in Paris is? First, let me congratulate you for knowing the word “arrondissement” to begin with! When it comes to where to stay in Paris, you really can’t go wrong. There are so many sights to see across the city, and the metro is so ubiquitous, that no matter where you stay you can get around easily.
My family is French, I lived in Paris for a while in my twenties, and now I visit every single year. I’ve stayed in a number of different arrondissements and I’ve pretty much loved them all.
That being said, there are certain “highlights” each arrondissement is known for. Whether you’re wondering where to stay in Paris as a first time visitor, what the best neighborhoods in Paris are for families, or trying to visit Paris like a local, here’s what I’d recommend.
Best Arrondissement to Stay in Paris: Quick Guide
Short on time? Here’s a quick guide on the best arrondissement to stay in Paris for any type of traveler:
How are Arrondissements Organized?
- There are 20 arrondissements (districts) in Paris starting from the city center and spiraling out like a snail.
- The closer you are to the 1st, the more tourist sites you’ll be near.
Best Arrondissement For First Timers
- Anywhere between the 1st and 10th, after that you’re a bit far out
- I recommend the Hotel de Londres by the Eiffel Tower for an affordable, luxury experience.
Best Arrondissement for Families
- Stay central in any arrondissement between the 1st and the 8th, so you can be near major sites or head back for a nap.
- The Hotel Le Derby Alma has rooms that can actually fit 4 people.
Cool Places to Stay in Paris Like a Local
- Check out the 3rd, 4th, 9th, 10th, or 18th for cute streets that are less touristy.
- Hotel de la Bretonnerie is a fabulous option in the trendy Marais area.
What is an Arrondissement?
Totally fair question. Paris is organized into “arrondissements”, which are sections or districts, and each arrondissement can contain multiple neighborhoods. In this post, I’ll use arrondissement, district, and neighborhood somewhat interchangeably—just know they’re all referring to Paris’s official city sections.
There are 20 arrondissements in total, and it starts in the center of Paris where the Louvre is, and spirals out like a snail from there, counting 1-20. You’ll hear people refer to these arrondissements as their number (“I’m staying in the seventh, near the Eiffel Tower”).
As someone who’s visiting Paris and looking at hotels or sites, you can also tell what arrondissement any establishment is in by the last digit of the zip code. If it’s “75006”, that’s in the sixth. This is one of my favorite “helpful to know” Paris travel tips.
Why Choosing the Right Arrondissement Matters
While there are no physical demarcations between arrondissements, each one has its own vibe, and knowing a bit about them can help guide you on where you want to stay.
Another important concept to understand is the right bank vs the left bank in Paris. The Seine river is the river cutting through Paris (you should walk along the banks during your visit! But I certainly wouldn’t swim in it, no matter what the Paris mayor says).
If you’re looking at a map, the right bank is the top half of the map and the left bank is the bottom half.
There’s no right or wrong bank to stay in (well I guess there’s technically a “right” bank 😂). There are more tourist attractions on the right bank, but the Eiffel Tower and the Musée D’Orsay (one of my favorite museums in Paris) are on the left bank.
Don’t let a bank be your guiding principle on where to stay in Paris, the best arrondissement for you is the one that fits what you’re trying to do. So let’s dive into the best places to stay in Paris for every traveler type!
What is Each Arrondissement Known For?
Here’s a quick guide to each arrondissement:
1st Arrondissement – The Louvre District
💁♀️ Vibe: Grand, historic, tourist central
📜 History: The historic core of Paris, where kings once ruled from the Louvre Palace and where the city began to take its modern shape.
📍 Known For: The Louvre Museum, Palais Royal, Tuileries Garden, Place Vendôme, luxury shopping on Rue Saint-Honoré
💡 Pro Tip: Enter the Louvre via the underground Carrousel entrance to skip long lines, then unwind with a coffee at Café Kitsuné in the Palais Royal.
2nd Arrondissement – Market Streets and Micro-Wine Bars
💁♀️ Vibe: Walkable, trendy
📜 History: Once home to the Paris stock exchange and a hub for commerce, now a mix of old-world arcades and new-school gastronomy.
📍 Known For: It’s “passages”, Rue Montorgueil food street, Passage des Panoramas, boutique offices, and natural wine bars
💡 Pro Tip: Wander the covered passages for vintage bookstores and moody bistros.
3rd Arrondissement – North Marais Art Scene
💁♀️ Vibe: Stylish, independent, low-key luxe
📜 History: Home to 17th-century mansions turned museums, this area is part of the historic Marais with a modern, artsy twist.
📍 Known For: Musée Picasso, Marché des Enfants Rouges, indie art galleries, cool cafés on Rue de Bretagne
💡 Pro Tip: Grab lunch at Robert et Louise. Get the snails if you’re feeling bold.
4th Arrondissement – Iconic Churches
💁♀️ Vibe: Atmospheric, photo-friendly, historic
📜 History: The medieval and spiritual heart of Paris, including Île de la Cité and the Jewish quarter of Le Marais.
📍 Known For: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, Place des Vosges, Berthillon ice cream
💡 Pro Tip: Wander from Place des Vosges to Île Saint-Louis for quieter views and a scoop of Berthillon
5th Arrondissement – The Latin Quarter
💁♀️ Vibe: Intellectual, bohemian, academic
📜 History: Named for the Latin once spoken at the Sorbonne, this area dates back to Roman times and is home to some of Paris’ oldest institutions.
📍 Known For: Panthéon, Sorbonne, Roman ruins, Rue Mouffetard, Shakespeare & Company
💡 Pro Tip: Explore the Jardin des Plantes for a surprisingly serene botanical escape or stop in a Gibert Jeune bookstore (you’ll see their yellow awnings everywhere)
6th Arrondissement – Saint-Germain-des-Prés
💁♀️ Vibe: Sophisticated, classic Paris chic
📜 History: Ground zero for 20th-century intellectuals and artists, this was the stomping ground of Sartre, de Beauvoir, and Hemingway.
📍 Known For: Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots, Jardin du Luxembourg, designer shops
💡 Pro Tip: Buy a macaron at Pierre Hermé and eat it while watching locals play chess in the Luxembourg Gardens.
7th Arrondissement – Eiffel Tower + Museum Row
💁♀️ Vibe: Iconic, elegant, postcard-perfect
📜 History: Developed during the Napoleonic era, home to government buildings and grand boulevards.
📍 Known For: Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Musée Rodin, Rue Cler, Invalides
💡 Pro Tip: Book tickets to the Eiffel Tower ahead with a guide to skip some of the lines
8th Arrondissement – Arc de Triomphe & Avenue Montaigne
💁♀️ Vibe: Glamorous, high-end, fashion capital
📜 History: A symbol of Napoleon’s ambitions and Haussmann’s renovations, now a hub for luxury brands and politics.
📍 Known For: Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, luxury shopping, Élysée Palace
💡 Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to stroll the Champs-Élysées without the tourist crush. You should probably grab a macaron at La Durée here too (I love salted caramel!)
9th Arrondissement – Grand Boulevards & the Opéra
💁♀️ Vibe: Belle Époque glam meets modern cool
📜 History: Once the heart of 19th-century Parisian nightlife, now a shopping and culture hub.
📍 Known For: Palais Garnier, Galeries Lafayette, SoPi (South Pigalle), rooftop views
💡 Pro Tip: Even if you’re not attending a show, take the self-guided tour of Palais Garnier—it’s breathtaking.
10th Arrondissement – Canal Saint-Martin
💁♀️ Vibe: Creative, youthful, picnic-ready
📜 History: Originally an industrial and shipping canal, now a trendy waterfront hangout.
📍 Known For: Canal Saint-Martin, hipster cafés, Indian food in Passage Brady
💡 Pro Tip: Go in the late afternoon, grab wine and cheese from a local shop, and claim a canal-side bench for sunset.
11th Arrondissement – Nightlife and Neighborhood Cool
💁♀️ Vibe: Lively, young, creative
📜 History: Known for its revolutionary roots—this is where the July Revolution sparked—and later became the city’s nightlife nucleus.
📍 Known For: Rue Oberkampf bars, Place de la Bastille, Septime and Clamato, indie shops, vinyl stores
💡 Pro Tip: Book a table at Le 404 (my favorite restaurant in Paris) in advance, then follow it with cocktails at Little Red Door—one of the world’s best bars, hidden behind an unmarked wall. You will need reservations.
12th Arrondissement – Parks and Hidden Markets
💁♀️ Vibe: Relaxed, local, overlooked in the best way
📜 History: A former rail and industrial area turned green haven, especially after the 1990s Viaduc des Arts project.
📍 Known For: Coulée Verte René-Dumont (Paris’ High Line), Marché d’Aligre, Parc de Bercy
💡 Pro Tip: Walk the Coulée Verte in the morning and end at the Marché d’Aligre for fresh pastries and unbeatable people-watching.
13th Arrondissement – Art Murals and Pho
💁♀️ Vibe: Diverse, artistic, modern
📜 History: Once filled with warehouses and factories, now revitalized with street art, modern towers, and Paris’ largest Asian community.
📍 Known For: Towering street murals, Bibliothèque François Mitterrand, Chinatown, pho restaurants
💡 Pro Tip: Go mural-spotting along Boulevard Vincent Auriol, then grab Vietnamese iced coffee and lunch at Pho 14 (yes, it’s worth the hype).
14th Arrondissement – Catacombs and Montparnasse
💁♀️ Vibe: Calm, classic, quietly cultured
📜 History: A favorite of 20th-century writers and artists, this area saw the birth of modernism—and holds the remains of over 6 million Parisians below.
📍 Known For: Catacombs of Paris, Montparnasse Tower, Rue Daguerre market, Montparnasse Cemetery
💡 Pro Tip: Buy skip-the-line tickets for the Catacombs (I went on my own and waited over an hour, even in the morning. Learn from my mistake).
15th Arrondissement – Local Living and Underrated Parks
💁♀️ Vibe: Residential, spacious, refreshingly untouristed
📜 History: Paris’ largest arrondissement by area, historically working-class and now filled with families, quiet parks, and riverfront strolls.
📍 Known For: Parc André Citroën, Beaugrenelle shopping center, market streets like Rue du Commerce
💡 Pro Tip: Take the tethered hot air balloon ride at Parc André Citroën for a unique, surprisingly affordable panoramic view.
16th Arrondissement – Trocadéro and Traditional Paris
💁♀️ Vibe: Upscale, reserved, elegant
📜 History: Built for the Parisian bourgeoisie, this district is home to embassies, elite schools, and some of the city’s priciest real estate.
📍 Known For: Trocadéro, Musée Marmottan Monet, Bois de Boulogne, Avenue Victor Hugo
💡 Pro Tip: Head to the Musée de l’Homme terrace for unbeatable Eiffel Tower views and a fraction of the crowd.
17th Arrondissement – Parc Monceau and Quiet Affluence
💁♀️ Vibe: Charming, local, comfortably bourgeois
📜 History: Once a rural village turned classy neighborhood, this area balances residential calm with occasional flashes of trendiness.
📍 Known For: Parc Monceau, Batignolles, chic cafés and bakeries, elegant townhomes
💡 Pro Tip: Grab a croissant at Utopie bakery, then wander through Parc Monceau.
18th Arrondissement – Montmartre and Parisian Romance
💁♀️ Vibe: Iconic, artsy, photogenic
📜 History: A village until 1860, Montmartre became a hub for artists like Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Dalí—and the birthplace of cabaret.
📍 Known For: Sacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre, Montmartre vineyards, Moulin Rouge
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid the crowded stairs—walk up via Rue de l’Abreuvoir and discover the Instagram-famous pink café, La Maison Rose (I recommend making a reservation).
19th Arrondissement – Buttes-Chaumont and Canal Culture
💁♀️ Vibe: Multicultural, hilly, laid-back
📜 History: Industrial until the mid-1900s, now transformed into a green, cultural district for students, families, and creatives.
📍 Known For: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, La Villette, Cité des Sciences, hip canal bars
💡 Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and sit near the Temple de la Sibylle in Buttes-Chaumont.
20th Arrondissement – Père Lachaise and Edgy Paris
💁♀️ Vibe: Gritty, artistic, deeply local
📜 History: Historically working-class and full of revolutionary spirit, this district has become a multicultural hub with true Paris soul.
📍 Known For: Père Lachaise Cemetery, Belleville’s street art, live music venues, pan-Asian restaurants
💡 Pro Tip: Wander Père Lachaise without a map—you’ll stumble across Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, and Oscar Wilde. Then eat your way down Rue de Belleville.
Where to Stay in Paris for First Timers
Honestly, I’m so excited for you to have your first trip to Paris. Please eat all the bread, cheese and pastries you come across.
Now, as far as where to stay in Paris as a first time visitor, I recommend staying close to the Seine and close to the first arrondissement in the center. This is where most of the museums and tourist sites are, so you’ll be coming to this area daily.
You don’t need to actually stay in the first arrondissement by any means; hotels in this area are pretty expensive (though I dream about the day I can stay at Le Meurice!). But the further out you go, whether north, south, east, or west, the more time you’ll spend traveling to attractions in the center. Fortunately, there are a lot of arrondissements close to the center!
If it’s your first visit to Paris, I would recommend staying between the 1st through 10th arrondissements. Beyond that, you’re getting a little far.
If you want to be near the Eiffel Tower, anchor around the 7th. Hotel de Londres is one of my favorite boutique hotels near the Eiffel Tower that’s close to the action, still quiet, and has impeccable tower views. It’s a perfect “affordable luxury” hotel.
If you’re looking for a trendy area in Paris, the 3rd and 4th near Le Marais are full of cute streets perfect for wandering and shopping.
This is where I plan to stay for my next trip and I recommend La Chambre du Marais boutique hotel because it has beautiful rooms, beds that are actually comfortable, and a delicious breakfast spread, all without being outrageously expensive.
Best Arrondissement to Stay in Paris for Families & Which to Avoid
If you’re thinking about where to stay in Paris with kids, walkability is crucial here. Similar to first timers, I would recommend staying in the 1st through 8th arrondissements. You’ll be very central and travel time to different activities (or back to the hotel for a nap!) will be doable.
The Hôtel Le Derby Alma is an excellent option for where to stay in Paris with kids. It’s right by the Eiffel Tower and the Champ du Mars park, offers lobby snacks for kids (and parents!), and has a great breakfast.
If you’re thinking of taking your kids to the best parks in Paris, you’ll want to stay in the 6th (for the Jardin de Luxembourg), the 7th (for the Eiffel Tower), or near the 1st (for the Tuileries).
The only neighborhoods I might avoid staying in when visiting Paris as a family are Pigalle (the 9th) and Montmartre (the 18th) right next to it.
To be clear, this is where I would avoid staying, not where I would avoid visiting. The Sacré-Cœur (in Montmartre) is beautiful and definitely worth a visit with kids.
That being said, Montmartre is nestled in some pretty steep hills and Pigalle is home to a number of adult shops. You don’t want to be hiking up a steep hill or walking past adult content stores on your way to your hotel every day with kiddos.
Safest Place to stay in Paris
Is Paris safe? I have felt extremely safe everywhere I’ve stayed in Paris. The city is incredibly used to tourists and I’ve walked long distances in the evening by myself (including as a solo female traveler) without hassle.
If you’re particularly concerned about finding the safest place to stay in Paris, I would recommend staying in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th arrondissements. You shouldn’t encounter too much nightlife in these areas and yet they’re all very central. You can walk to Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and the Latin Quarter. It’s a great way to be a part of the action without being overwhelmed by it.
The Millesime Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels in Paris located in the 6th. Very safe, very central, and travelers love it.
Also, Uber is readily available in Paris. If you’re ever feeling uncomfortable walking somewhere or taking the metro, you can always hop in an Uber.
Cool Places to Stay in Paris Like a Local
If you’re looking for a more local experience in Paris, but still don’t want to be too far out, these are a few of my favorite arrondissements to consider. The general idea here is to do almost the opposite of first time visitors and head to neighborhoods that are still in Paris, but not dead center.
To enjoy a less touristy, more local experience, I would recommend 9th, 10th, 3rd, 4th, and 18th arrondissements.
9th and 10th Arrondissements in Paris
These neighborhoods are a little further out from the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, so they tend to attract fewer tourists and you can find more locals in this area (it’s where my aunt and uncle live). It’s still only a 30 minute walk to the Louvre, or you can easily take the metro.
Do note, the 9th arrondissement (Pigalle) has some adult stores, especially as you get closer to the Moulin Rouge in the 18th, so you’ll see that when you’re walking around. It’s still very safe, in my experience.
Hôtel Maison Mère is a great boutique hotel in this area of Paris that will make you feel right at home (“Maison” means “Home” in French – you’re already bilingual!).
3rd and 4th Arrondissement in Paris: Le Marais
Honestly, Le Marais is the trendy spot these days. Cute shops on Rue des Martyrs, L’as du Falafel, and great streets for getting lost in. I love this area and it’s not too on the tourist radar yet.
Hôtel de la Bretonnerie is a charming and affordable option that has a stone cave where you have breakfast that you just have to see.
18th Arrondissement in Paris: Montmartre
Okay, Montmartre is a little more touristy, but hear me out. Yes, the Sacré-Cœur is a major tourist attraction (that you should visit!) but most people don’t actually stay in this area because it’s further from the center.
My cousin lived here for a while and I always make a trek over to check out the Moulin Rouge (though if you’re looking for Paris burlesque shows, I loved my experience at Le Crazy Horse!) or get delicious fondue.
Hôtel Monsieur Aristide is a wonderful local hotel in Montmartre that looks old world and modern at the same time.
Best Luxury Hotels in Paris
If you’re planning a honeymoon in Paris (or just treating yourself), these are hotels I dream about:
If you want to stay somewhere truly iconic, book a night at the Four Seasons Hotel George V. It’s just off the Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement and feels like stepping into a royal palace.
Think towering flower arrangements, Michelin-starred dining, and the kind of service where they remember your name by day two. This one’s a splurge, but it’s one you’ll remember forever.
If you’re looking for that perfect hotel with an Eiffel Tower view, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée is your answer. Located on the fashionable Avenue Montaigne in the 8th, this hotel is what Parisian luxury looks like.
The rooms are elegant, the spa is world-class, and yes—you can absolutely get that classic balcony photo with the Tower in the background.
For something centrally located that still feels fresh and modern, check out Cheval Blanc Paris. It’s in the 1st arrondissement right by the Seine and offers stylish rooms with river views, plus one of the best rooftops in the city. It’s newer to the scene but already one of my favorites.
And if you’re chasing historic grandeur, look no further than Le Meurice. Right across from the Tuileries Garden in the 1st, it’s dripping in elegance and art history.
I haven’t stayed here yet, but it’s high on my list—one of those “someday” hotels that you save for a big occasion.
Even if staying in these hotels isn’t remotely on your radar, it’s worth stopping in for tea or coffee 🙂
Best Budget Places to Stay in Paris (Including on Points!)
One of my go-to recommendations is Hotel Lorette – Astotel in the 9th arrondissement. It’s stylish without trying too hard, located on a quiet street near Montmartre, and the rates are incredibly reasonable. As a bonus, they offer free snacks and drinks all day in the lobby. I’m always impressed by how well this hotel punches above its price point.
If you’re sitting on Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you should seriously consider using them to book the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile. It’s one of the only high-rise hotels in Paris and has great views of the Eiffel Tower (especially from the upper floors).
While it’s a little west of the main tourist zones, it’s right next to a metro stop, and you can transfer Chase points to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio for a free stay (I also have a free guide to Chase for you). That’s an unbeatable deal.
Paris Travel Tips: FAQs
Four to five days is ideal for a first trip. That gives you enough time to see the highlights (Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Seine cruise, croissants on croissants) without rushing. If you want to take it slow or add a day trip to Versailles, aim for six to seven.
If it’s your first visit to Paris, I’d stick with the 1st through 10th arrondissements. That keeps you close to most major attractions and cuts down on transit time. You don’t have to stay in the 1st itself (it’s pricey), but staying nearby means shorter walks to spots like the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Seine.
Absolutely! Paris is one of the most walkable cities in the world. Many of the major sights are clustered near the Seine, and each neighborhood (especially in the center) is made for strolling. Just pack good shoes, cobblestone streets are common.
Paris itself is incredibly walkable, and the metro is quite prevalent so you should never have to walk too far. Any arrondissement under the 9th will be quite walkable to the major tourist attractions.
Hotels often offer more convenience (think: breakfast, daily cleaning, concierge), while apartments are ideal for longer stays where you want a kitchen or families needing extra space. If you’re booking an Airbnb, just make sure it’s a legal listing—Paris has tightened rules in central districts. Personally, I like hotels for shorter trips and the occasional splurge (with points, of course).
For first-time visitors and families, I recommend staying in the 1st through 10th arrondissements so you’re central to the main sights. The 6th is walkable and near the Luxembourg Gardens, the 7th has Eiffel Tower views, and Le Marais (in the 3rd and 4th) is full of trendy shops and cute cafés. No arrondissement is bad, but staying closer in will save you time on the metro.
Not at all, English is very common. That being said, when visiting any country, trying to speak the local language a little helps. A “bonjour” when you walk into a shop and a “merci” when you leave go a long way. Most people in restaurants, hotels, and tourist areas speak English, but being polite and making an effort is always appreciated.
I think this is one of the most overblown stereotypes. Parisians are honestly very nice and helpful. Sometimes service staff are impatient, but wouldn’t you be if you were waiting on hundreds of tourists every day?
Tipping in Paris isn’t mandatory like in the U.S. A service charge is already included in your bill at restaurants. That said, it’s common to round up a euro or two or leave 5-10% at a nice spot if service was great. No need to stress about it.
I’ve felt safe all over Paris, but if you’re looking for areas with a calm, central vibe, stick to the 1st through 8th arrondissements. These neighborhoods are very walkable, well-lit, and used to tourists. Avoid staying right in Pigalle (9th) or Montmartre (18th) if you’re with kids or want to avoid adult shops and late-night bar scenes—though both are great to visit.
Stay in the 1st through 8th arrondissements to be close to the action. These areas are near most major sights and right along the Seine, so you’ll be able to walk to the Louvre, Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and more. Plus, metro connections are everywhere.
Honestly, everywhere in Paris has amazing food. There are restaurants and cafés on almost every corner. Le Marais (in the 3rd/4th arrondissements) is a foodie’s dream—falafel shops, bakeries, bistros, you name it. The 11th also has a ton of local-favorite restaurants and wine bars. If food is your top priority, these neighborhoods won’t disappoint.
Generally, the farther out you go, the more affordable it gets. The 11th, 12th, and parts of the 10th tend to have better hotel deals without putting you too far from the action. Just make sure there’s a metro nearby and you’re good to go.
Best Arrondissement to Stay in Paris: Wrap Up
I truly believe there is no single best arrondissement to stay in Paris, so many are great. If you’re a first-time visitor, stick to the 1st through 10th arrondissements and you’ll be good to go. If you’re looking for a more local, cool place to stay in Paris, you can venture further out from the center.
No matter what where you stay in Paris, you’ll find boutique hotels, amazing historical sites, and delicious bread and cheese.
Enjoy your trip to France and cheers to your next adventure! 🥂🇫🇷
