Where is the best area to stay in Paris?
By Kala Barba-Court. May 06, 2024
Paris is a city that hardly needs an introduction: the French capital, known as the City of Light, attracts an estimated 40 million tourists annually, and it’s not hard to see why. Teeming with art, culture, architecture, and gastronomic delights, there’s always somewhere to be and something to see. Whether you’re staring at the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, climbing the iconic Eiffel Tower, gliding along on a Seine River cruise, biting into a croissant, shopping at Champs-Elysées, or simply getting lost in the cobblestone streets of Montmartre, Paris is a captivating city that should be visited at least once.
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (districts), with the Seine River separating the Left Bank from the Right Bank. The Right Bank, where the Louvre, Champs-Elysées, or the Opera are located, exudes chic sophistication, while the Left Bank is known for its artistic, romantic, and laid-back vibe. Each district boasts its own character, which can be daunting when deciding where to stay. Whether it’s your first time in Paris or your tenth, we heartily recommend the chic 7th arrondissement, or the lively 8th arrondissement as our top choices to stay in. Read on and let us tell you why these areas are the best!If you are interested in where to stay in Paris, you may also be interested in where to stay in Nice and in where to stay in The Champagne Region.
7th and 8th arrondissement, the best areas to stay in Paris
7th arrondissement (Eiffel Tower area)
Families / First Time / Relaxation
Posh and residential, the 7th arrondissement is fantastic for families and solo travellers looking for a safe and calm area to be based in.
Staying here puts you in proximity of the Eiffel Tower, the Musee d’Orsay, and the Invalides, among others. As one of the most expensive districts in Paris, you’ll appreciate the safe and quiet vibe. You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants for every palate. Shopping at the emblematic Le Bon Marché along rue de Sèvres is a treat — drop by La Grande Épicerie, its food market section, to pick up French food staples as souvenirs. There are plenty of green spaces and parks for leisurely strolls.
When the weather permits, spread a blanket on the grass of Champs de Mars and enjoy a picnic surrounded by locals and tourists. Stroll along the banks Seine riverbanks, where various tour boat operators are ready to take you on a picturesque cruise down the river.
Hotels in the 7th arrondissement
8th arrondissement (Arc de Triomphe area)
Shopping / Sightseeing / Couples
The bustling 8th arrondissement is perfect for small groups or families with teens who are in Paris not just for the culture, but also for the shopping. Soak in the grandness of the monumental Arc de Triomphe, which branches out to the iconic Champs-Elysées, the site of many haute couture houses and luxury boutiques for the indulgent shopper.
The area boasts a ton of restaurant choices along and around this main avenue for every price point, as well as luxury hotels including Hotel Crillon or the Ritz. You’ll eventually end up at Place de la Concorde, a sprawling, busy public square notoriously known as the spot of the French Revolution’s guillotine executions; today it proudly displays the Luxor Obelisk and two monumental fountains.
Wind your day down by taking in an exhibition at the Grand or Petit Palais. For restful strolls away from the crowds, head over to the idyllic Parc Monceau.
Hotels in the 8th arrondissement
Other areas we recommend
1st arrondissement (Louvre Museum area)
Art Lovers / Sightseeing / Tourists
The Louvre holds the most important art collections in the world, so the 1st arrondissement is a natural choice for visitors with a keen interest in art and culture.
Given the sheer amount of artwork in the Louvre, staying around the museum environs will help you maximize your visiting time, giving you easy access to the museum early in the morning, or late in the evening.
Being at the heart of Paris also makes this an ideal spot to visit its most important landmarks, which include the Jardin des Tuileries, the Palais Royal, or the Musée de l’Orangerie. From here it’s also an easy walk to Place Vendôme, where you can soak in the elegance of luxury boutiques housed in majestic Haussmannian buildings, or down to the open-air market street, rue Montorgueil, which will delight you with its small village feel and a wide variety of culinary offerings.
Hotels in the 1st arrondissement
4th arrondissement (Notre-Dame area)
Families / Tourists / Nightlife
Home to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the 4th Arrondissement is a wonderful base for families and groups as it puts you right in the center of the city’s best historical monuments and architectural offerings.
Here, you’ll be within walking distance to Ile de la Cité, a natural island on the Seine that straddles the Left and Right Banks, the beautiful Saint-Chapelle cathedral, and the elegant Place des Vosges. Balancing the area’s historic charm is the presence of the contemporary art museum, the Pompidou Center, as well as a smattering of small modern art galleries around it.
Head over to the Marais neighborhood, a maze of narrow streets and traditional buildings dating back to Medieval and Renaissance Paris. This area is an excellent choice for shopping, eating, and people-watching during the day. Come back in the evening for its nightlife ambience, ready to cater to long nights of cocktails, dinners, or dancing.
Hotels in the 4th arrondissement
18th arrondissement (Montmartre district)
Art Lovers / Sightseeing / Couples
The 18th arrondissement is rougher around the edges than the centrally-placed districts of the city, but carries itself with an authenticity that makes it quintessentially Paris.
This makes it a popular choice for young couples or a group of friends, given its uphill cobblestone streets, cheaper hotel accommodations, and diverse cultural offerings. Pigalle, a former red-light-district, has transformed into a trendy night spot, with tourists of all ages flocking to catch a show at the traditional cabaret Moulin Rouge. Slowly trek up the winding streets of charming Montmartre, which leads you to the majestic Sacré Coeur cathedral, where you’ll be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of Paris.
True to its artistic heritage, this area is populated by artists and their art ateliers, who contribute to the neighbourhood’s bohemian spirit. Make sure to visit the La Chapelle covered market, a haven of French delicacies including cheese, fresh produce, and meat specialities.
Hotels in the 18th arrondissement
Champs-Élysées (The most famous avenue in Paris)
Shopping / Tourists / Nightlife
The Champs-Elysées is a wide avenue lined with luxury boutiques and iconic haute couture houses, making it the ideal spot for tourists who are ready for some serious shopping.
The streets are busy with tourists at all times during the day, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. You’ll regularly come across street performers, from magicians to musicians to dance groups, who contribute to the lively ambience of Champs-Elysées. Away from the main avenue, small streets lead to quieter areas where you’ll find typical Parisian brasseries, cafés, and bistros.
This area also has excellent metro lines, making it an ideal spot to settle in during your stay. As you walk away from the Arc de Triomphe, the noise and activity starts to die down, and you’ll find yourself walking alongside serene parks around the Grand Palais area. In the winter, you’ll be in the heart of the Paris’s famous Christmas market.
6th Arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
Families / Art Lovers / Relaxing
If you’re visiting Paris with small children, you may want to look into the 6th arrondissement, ideal for its family-oriented neighborhood vibe with easy connections to the city’s best monuments.
This district is home to the famous Luxembourg Gardens, where you can indulge in a rejuvenating stroll through its tree-lined avenues after a long day of mingling with other tourists. Children will greatly appreciate this pit stop for its numerous playgrounds, its historical carousel, pony rides, toy boat rentals, and sports facilities. Saint-Germain-des-Prés has also established its reputation as a well-known hangout of intellectuals, artists, and artisans, so you’ll find a lovely variety of niche boutiques selling handcrafted paper products, jewellery, books, and speciality items along the cobblestone streets.
Drop by the famous Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, the famous cafés frequented by Jean-Paul Sartre or Pablo Picasso, for a cup of (expensive) coffee.
10th arrondissement (Gare du nord area)
Nightlife / Couples / Foodies
Vibrant and multicultural, the 10th Arrondissement is a top choice for couples or groups seeking an authentic Parisian experience. Host to two major train stations, Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Ést, this area is a practical and economical choice for travellers seeking easy links in and out of the city.
Its most famous destination is the romantic Canal Saint-Martin, whose charming waterside banks and tiny footbridges call out for lazy afternoon strolls. When the weather permits, this place is teeming with locals and tourists enjoying the sunset and lively conversation with a bottle of store-bought wine and cheese.
A haven for foodies, you can find a range of international restaurants and trendy cafés alongside small art galleries, vintage clothes shops, and concert venues. Visit two triumphal arches, the Porte Saint-Martin and the Porte Saint-Denis, built to commemorate the victories of Louis XIV and marking the location of the old city walls.
Hotels in the 10th arrondissement
Disneyland Paris
Tourists / Day Trips / Families
If you’re a Disney enthusiast, it’s worth carving out a day or two to visit Paris Disneyland, a popular destination for families with children, or even adults who are young at heart.
Located in Marne-la-Vallée, some 20 miles (32 kilometres) east of Paris, Disneyland offers two theme parks, the Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios. It’s easy to get swept up in the fairytale ambience as soon as you enter its gates. Indulge in the theme park’s numerous rides and attractions, catered to visitors from all ages; take that selfie with your famous Disney character during Meet-and-Greet; and cap off the day with a fantastic lights show.
If one day isn’t enough, you can opt to stay in one of the eight Disney-owned hotels, each with their own theme and dedicated amenities such as swimming pools, saunas, and restaurants. There is also a golf course, an entertainment complex, and various boutiques on site.
Our recommended hotels in Paris
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in ParisNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
