Which is the best arrondissement to stay in Paris? -

Which is the best arrondissement to stay in Paris?

January 21, 2025

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

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.

1st arrondissement (Louvre) – Art, luxury shopping, and historical landmarks

- Best for: First-time visitors, luxury seekers, art lovers.

- Why stay here?
  - - Central location with iconic attractions like the Louvre Museum, Tuileries Gardens, and Palais Royal.
  - - Walking distance to other key sights like Notre Dame and the Seine.
  - - Luxury hotels like the Ritz Paris and high-end shopping.

2nd arrondissement

palais-brongniart-2th-arrondissement-of-paris

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3rd arrondissement

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4th Arrondissement (Le Marais) – Trendy, historic, and LGBTQ+ friendly

hotel-de-ville-de-paris-4th-arrondissement

- - Best for: Trendy travelers, LGBTQ+ visitors, history buffs. A mix of boutique hotels and Airbnb options.
  - Why stay here?
  - Charming cobblestone streets, historical buildings, and chic boutiques.
  - Highlights include the Place des Vosges, Pompidou Center, and Ile Saint-Louis.
  - A mix of boutique hotels and Airbnb options.
  - Vibrant nightlife and excellent restaurants.

5th Arrondissement (Latin Quarter) – Intellectual and lively

jardin-tino-rossi-5th-arrondissement-promenade-bord-de-seine

- Best for: Students, history lovers, and budget travelers.

- Why stay here?
  - - Home to the Sorbonne University, giving it a youthful, intellectual vibe.
  - - Attractions include the Pantheon, Rue Mouffetard, and the Jardin des Plantes.
  - - Affordable accommodations and lively cafés.

The Latin Quarter, known the world over for its history and cultural influence, is largely located in the 5th arrondissement. Along with the Île de la Cité, it’s the oldest district in Paris, with vestiges of the Gallo-Roman era, the mythical Sorbonne and the Pantheon. This is undoubtedly the intellectual heart of Paris, where every street exudes history.

Jardins :

– Jardin des Plantes

– Jardin de Cluny

– Arènes de Lutèce

– Jardin Tino Rossi

Monuments :

– Grande Mosquée de Paris

– Le Panthéon

– Église Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre

– Église Saint-Étienne-du-Mont

– Le Collège des Bernardins

Musées :

– Musée du Moyen-Âge (dont le superbe Hôtel de Cluny, bâtiment médiéval qui abrite le musée)

– Grande Galerie de l’Évolution

– Galerie de Paléontologie et d’Anatomie comparée

– Institut du Monde Arabe

A Voir & Visiter :

– Pont de la Tournelle

– Les secrets de la rue Mouffetard

Balade :

– Balade dans le quartier Mouffetard

6th Arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés) – Art lovers, and café enthusiasts

6th-arrondissement-of-paris-with-pont-des-arts

- Best for: Sophisticated travelers, art lovers, and café enthusiasts.

- Why stay here?
  - - Elegant, bohemian charm with historic cafés like Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore.
  - - Close to the Luxembourg Gardens and Seine River.
  - - Upscale hotels, boutique shops, and excellent dining options.

7th arrondissement- Iconic and elegant

tour-eiffel-in-the-7th-arrondissement-of-paris

- Best for: Romantic stays, families, and luxury seekers.

- Why stay here?
  - - Home to the Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, and Musée d’Orsay.
  - - Quiet and residential with picturesque streets.
  - - Upscale accommodations with breathtaking Eiffel Tower views.

8th arrondissement (Champs-Élysées)

champs-elysees-avec-arc-de-triomphe-8th-arrondissement-paris

- Best for: Luxury shopping, business travelers, and iconic landmarks.

- Why stay here?
  - - Features the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, and Place de la Concorde.
  - - High-end hotels like Le Bristol and glamorous shopping.
  - - Well-connected to other areas via Metro.

9th Arrondissement (Opera/Galeries Lafayette)

- Best for: Shoppers, theater enthusiasts, and mid-range budgets.

- Why stay here?
  - - Famous for the Palais Garnier and Galeries Lafayette.
  - - Vibrant with lots of restaurants, theaters, and cultural venues.
  - - A mix of mid-range and boutique hotels.

10th arrondissement

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11th Arrondissement (Bastille/Oberkampf) – Nightlife enthusiasts, foodies, and budget-conscious travelers.

atelier-des-lumieres-11th-arrondissement-paris

- Best for: Foodies, nightlife lovers, and budget travelers.

- Why stay here?
  - - Hip and vibrant with many trendy bars, cafés, and bistros.
  - - Affordable accommodations and a young, dynamic vibe.
  - - Close to Place de la Bastille and Rue de la Roquette.

12th arrondissement

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13th arrondissement

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14th Arrondissement (Montparnasse) – Artists, quiet seekers, and affordable stays

- Ideal for: Artists, quiet seekers, and affordable stays.

- Why stay here?
  - - Attractions: Montparnasse Tower and historic literary cafés.
  - - Vibe: Less touristy, with a local feel and rich artistic history.
  - - Dining: Authentic crêperies and casual French restaurants.

15th arrondissement

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16th Arrondissement (Trocadéro) – For familiers, upscale vibe

- Best for: Families and those seeking a quieter, upscale vibe.

- Why stay here?
  - - Residential and elegant, with proximity to the Eiffel Tower and Bois de Boulogne.
  - - Excellent museums like the Musée Marmottan Monet.
  - - Luxurious but less crowded than other central districts.

17th Arrondissement

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18th Arrondissement (Montmartre) – Bohemian and artistic

- Best for: Artists, couples, and bohemian souls.

- Why stay here?
  - - Charming, artsy vibe with highlights like the Sacré-Cœur and Place du Tertre.
  - - Stunning views of Paris from its hilltop location.
  - - Quaint streets and unique boutique accommodations.
  - - Note: Parts of Montmartre can feel touristy or less safe at night—stay near Sacré-Cœur for a better experience.

19th arrondissement

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20th arrondissement

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