Which is the best arrondissement to stay in Paris? Which arrondissement to choose your hotel? Choosing the right district (arrondissement) to stay depends on your preferences and the type of experience you’re looking for. Here’s a guide to help you decide.
(We apologize but this post is still under construction)
Map of the 20 arrondissements of Paris
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Which districts (arrondissement) to stay in Paris
Each arrondissement offers a unique slice of Parisian life, so choose based on your preferences and enjoy your stay in this beautiful city. You will find lower in the post a description of each of the 20 arrondissements. But first you can compare these arrondissements from different angles to help you make your choice.
Choosing the Right Neighborhood (General)
- Central location: Stay in the 1st, 4th, 5th, or 6th arrondissements for easy access to major attractions.
- Romance: Choose Montmartre (18th) or the Eiffel Tower area (7th).
- Nightlife: Consider Le Marais (4th) or Bastille/Oberkampf (11th).
- Budget-friendly: Opt for the Latin Quarter (5th) or Bastille (11th).
- Luxury: The Louvre area (1st), Champs-Élysées (8th), or Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th).
Choose the best district for the theme of your stay
- For first-timers: Stay central (1st, 4th, 6th arrondissements).
- For romance: 7th (Eiffel Tower), 18th (Montmartre).
- For nightlife: 11th (Bastille), 4th (Le Marais).
- For shopping: 8th (Champs-Élysées), 9th (Opera).
- For a bohemian vibe: 18th (Montmartre), 5th (Latin Quarter).
- For a local and Less Touristy Feel : 12th, 13th, 14th, 19th, 20th Arrondissements
Choosing the best district for your budget
Budget-Friendly (€50–€150 per night or under €2,500/month)
Best arrondissements: 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th
- 10th (Canal Saint-Martin): Hip, young, lively bars.
- 11th (Oberkampf, Bastille): Great nightlife, restaurants.
- 12th (Bercy, Reuilly-Diderot): Residential, family-friendly.
- 13th (Chinatown, Bibliothèque): Affordable, multicultural.
- 19th & 20th (Belleville, Gambetta): Artistic, diverse, edgy.
Why? More affordable hotels & rentals, local vibe, good metro access.
Cons? Some areas (like parts of the 19th & 20th) can feel less safe at night.
Hotel/Airbnb Tip: Look for budget chains (Ibis, B&B Hotels, The People Hostel) or local Airbnb apartments.
Mid-Range (€150–€300 per night or €2,500–€5,000/month)
Best arrondissements: 3rd, 5th, 6th, 9th, 14th, 17th
- 3rd (Upper Marais): Trendy, boutique hotels.
- 5th (Latin Quarter): Historic, student-friendly, near the Seine.
- 6th (Saint-Germain): Classic Parisian charm, cafés.
- 9th (SoPi – South Pigalle): Hpster bars, cool local scene.
- 14th (Montparnasse): Quieter, good metro access.
- 17th (Batignolles): Chic but not touristy.
Why? Balance of charm, affordability, and centrality.
Hotel/Airbnb Tip: Look for boutique hotels (like Hotel des Grands Boulevards) or stylish Airbnb apartments.
Luxury (€300+ per night or €5,000+/month)
Best arrondissements: 1st, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 16th
- 1st (Louvre, Palais Royal): Ultimate central location, luxury shopping.
- 4th (Le Marais, Île Saint-Louis): Chic, historic, vibrant.
- 6th (Saint-Germain-des-Prés): Elegant, literary cafés.
- 7th (Eiffel Tower, Invalides): Breathtaking views, luxury apartments.
- 8th (Champs-Élysées, Madeleine): High-end, business district.
- 16th (Passy, Trocadéro): Wealthy, quiet, classic Paris.
Why? Prime locations, iconic views, upscale dining.
Hotel Tip: Stay in 5-star hotels (Le Meurice, Ritz Paris, Hôtel Lutetia) or luxury serviced apartments.
Best Pick Based on Stay Duration
The longer you stay, the closer your address should be to the places you want to see and visit.
- Short Stay (1–7 days): 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th → Close to landmarks.
- Mid-Term (1–3 months): 9th, 10th, 11th, 14th, 17th → Local feel, metro access.
- Long-Term (3+ months): 12th, 13th, 14th, 19th, 20th → More space, cheaper rent.