Where to stay in Paris: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexParis, one of the most romantic cities in Europe, packed with wonderful attractions and things to do! But where should you sleep in such a large capital? The city is divided into arrondissement which have completely different characteristics and costs.
Here are our tips on where to stay in Paris!
Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Paris
If you are short on time, the best neighbourhood to stay in is Louvre in the first arrondissement, the most central and overlooking the Seine.
If you are looking for nightlife, then you have lots of choice ! Among the most beautiful and lively are the Latin quarter, seat of Sorbonne University; the district of Bastille, full of night clubs and one of the most picturesque in the city; the Montmartre district, the artists' quarter, lively both day and night; and Pigalle, with the red light district and the famous Moulin Rouge!
If you are on a budget, but do not want to give up a bit of partying, we recommend the neighbourhood of Belleville.
If you are travelling with your family or seek tranquillity, one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in is Opéra, near Louvre. It is a very elegant area with all amenities. The district of Le Marais is also wonderful, stylish and trendy, and we also recommend the district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, not far from Musée d'Orsay, and Grenelle, neighbourhood located a few steps from the Eiffel Tower.
- Recommended areas to stay on a budget: Belleville
- Recommended areas for families with children: Louvre, Le Marais, Opéra, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Grenelle
- Recommended areas for young people: Latin Quarter, Bastille, Montmartre, Pigalle
- Best Accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Paris. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
If you are in Paris for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com
Guide to areas of Paris
Paris is a very large city, with over 2 million inhabitants and an area of 105 sq km. The French capital is divided into arrondissements, an administrative subdivision that divides the city into 20 municipal districts.
the most central is the first arrondissement, or that of Louvre. It is one of the oldest districts in the city and from here the remaining 19 arrondissements branch off in a circular way. Each arrondissement has its own characteristics and, in turn, are divided into smaller neighbourhoods. Some of these neighbourhoods, such as Le Marais and Bastille, straddle several arrondissements. In detail, we point out the most important arrondissements for tourism purposes:
- I arrondissement: with the Louvre district
- II arrondissement: with the Opéra distirct
- IV arrondissement: with the Le Marais district and part of the Bastille district
- V arrondissement: with the Latin Quarter
- VI arrondissement: with the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district
- XV arrondissement: with the Grenelle district
- XVIII arrondissement: with the Montmartre and Pigalle districts
- XX arrondissement: with the Belleville district
Not recommended areas: in the evening it is better to avoid the areas near the stations, such as Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est as well as the northern suburbs of Paris, such as Saint Denis, Bobigny, Aulnay, Gennevilliers, Clichy, Sevran, Creteil and Montreuil.
Louvre e Île de la Cité (1st arrondissement)
Louvre is definitely one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Paris, especially if you are only in the city for a few days or if it is your first time visiting the French capital. Overlooking the Seine, it is located in the 1st arrondissement, the most central. This is where the Louvre, Place de la Concorde and the wonderful Jardin des Tuileries are located. The district also includes part of Île de la Cité, the island in the Seine where the Sainte-Chapelle and Notre-Dame Cathedral are located.
It is a very central district with very high costs. Paris is an expensive destination and the more you look for accommodation in the centre, the more difficult it will be to find offers. In general, this area is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in culture and for those seeking tranquility. In fact, in the evening this neighbourhood is quieter than other areas.
Staying here will make it easy to move around the city. Some attractions are within walking distance, and the area is served by several metro stations, including Louvre-Rivoli, where line 1 runs.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €70,00 for low-cost accommodation to €1,000,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel de la Place du Louvre - Esprit de France | 3-star hotel 2 minutes walk from the Louvre. 24-hour reception, air-conditioned rooms, parking and near the metro. Ideal for couples |
| Relais Du Louvre | 4-star hotel between the Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Room service, airport shuttle service. Ideal for couples and families |
| La Clef Louvre | 5-star hotel with modern, air-conditioned suites with fully equipped kitchenette. Room service, gym. Ideal for couples and families. |
Opéra (in the 2nd and 9th arrondissements)
The Opera district, located in the 2nd arrondissement and straddling the 9th, is one of the most elegant districts of Paris. Do not miss a visit to the Palais Garnier, the opera house! Shoppers can stroll through the shops of the Galeries Lafayette with its beautiful dome.
It is an area recommended mainly for those looking for a luxury trip in an elegant neighbourhood in a great location. It is also ideal for families, given the many services present. It is also wonderful in the evening, with the large illuminated avenues and clubs that welcome Parisians and tourists alike, but the nightlife here is not as wild as in other areas.
The neighbourhood is in a great location, halfway between the Louvre and Montmartre. It is served by several metro stations, and the Paris Saint-Lazare train station is not far away.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €60,00 for low-cost accommodation to €700,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Ascot Opera | 3-star hotel 10 min walk from the Louvre and 450 m from the Opéra Garnier. 24-hour reception, room service, parking. Ideal for couples and families |
| Residhome Paris Opera | Residence with studios and, duplex apartments for up to 5 people. Ideal for families and small groups |
| Aparthotel Adagio Paris Opera | 4-star aparthotel with studios or one bedroom apartments. 24-hour reception, gym and restaurant. Ideal for couples and families |
| Hotel Saint Petersbourg Opera | 4-star hotel 5 min walk from the Opéra Garnier and the Madeleine Church. Spa and wellness centre, gym, room service and bar. Ideal for couples |
Le Marais (between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements)
Le Marais is located between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements and is a refined and elegant neighbourhood, packed with trendy boutiques and art galleries. Overlooking the Seine, it houses the marvelous Hôtel de Ville town hall and the Musée National Picasso, and within walking distance you will find the Pompidou Museum and the Notre-Dame Basilica.
It is a neighbourhood ideal for those who are staying in Paris for a few days and want to enjoy its essence. It is a refined district, but at the same time trendy, where there is no shortage of clubs and typical Parisian views. Despite this, the nightlife is still contained, as it takes place mainly in the nearby Bastille district. It is also ideal for families, given the large green areas.
In short, its excellent location will make it easy to get around, bordering the Louvre and Bastille districts, the area is well served by the metro and buses!
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €70,00 for low-cost accommodation to €700,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Jacques De Molay | 3-star hotel with gym and sauna, bar, parking and family rooms. Ideal for couples and families |
| Hotel Paris Rivoli | Small hotel 600m from Notre Dame Cathedral. Rooms with private bathroom, daily cleaning service and luggage storage. Ideal for couples |
| Le Roi de Sicile - Chic Apartment Hotel & Services | Luxury residence with bar, common room, 24-hour reception and free WiFi. Studios, apartments and suites available. Ideal for couples and families |
| Hotel Dupond-Smith | Modern and elegant 5-star hotel. 24-hour reception, shared lounge, ticket service and tour desk. Ideal for couples |
Bastille (between 4th, 11th and 12th arrondissements)
Bastille is a district located between the 4th, 11th and 12th arrondissements and is renowned for its lively nightlife. Opéra Bastille, the main opera house in the city is here, and its heart is the Place de la Bastille, where the Bastille once stood, where today a commemorative column stands. From here it will also be very easy to reach the Père Lachaise Cemetery.
Given its characteristics, this neighbourhood is recommended for young people and those looking for fun! In the evening it comes alive more than ever thanks to its many nightclubs, and Rue de Charonne, which is lined with independent boutiques and trendy restaurants! In addition, there are several hostels in the neighbourhood, ideal for saving money!
In short, the neighbourhood is in a good location: it borders the district of Le Marais and is served mainly by line 8 of the metro.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €40,00 for low-cost accommodation to €400,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Paris Bastille | 3-star hotel opposite the theatre. 24-hour reception, room service, bar and WiFi. Ideal for couples and families |
| La Maison de Lea Paris | B&B with rooms with private bathroom, laundry service, breakfast. Pets allowed. Ideal for couples |
| Auberge Internationale des Jeunes | Hostel with double, triple and quadruple rooms, shared or private bathroom. Luggage storage and 24-hour reception. Ideal for young people |
| Hotel Parisianer | 4-star hotel 1km from Opéra Bastille. 24-hour reception, shared lounge, luggage storage, room service. Ideal for couples and families |
Latin Quarter (V arrondissement)
The Latin Quarter, in the 5th arrondissement, is definitely one of the most typical and lively districts of Paris. Full of bars and cafes open 24 hours and characterized by a typical Parisian atmosphere, it is also home to Sorbone University. Among the attractions here, are the Pantheon and numerous churches and museums.
Home to the unverisity, it is a neighbourhood recommended especially for young people and those looking for fun. The area is very lively, both during the day and at night, frequented above all by students and young people, who visit the many clubs at any time of day.
In short, staying here will allow you to get around the city easily. Indeed, the Latin Quarter occupies an excellent position: opposite the Île de la Cité and 4 km from the Eiffel Tower. The area is also served by metro line 10 and the Saint-Michel Notre-Dame train station.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €70,00 for low-cost accommodation to €500,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel de France Quartier Latin | Small hotel 2 min walk from Rue Mouffetard. 24-hour reception, lift, small library with city guides. Ideal for couples |
| Apartment WS St Germain - Quartier Latin | Complex of apartments with kitchenette, private bathroom. Studios or one bedroom. Ideal for couples and small groups |
| Young and Happy Latin Quarter by Hiphophostels | Hostel with shared lounge, 24-hour reception with safe, free WiFi connection in all dormitories and common areas, luggage storage. Ideal for young people |
| Royal Saint Michel | 4-star hotel facing the Place Saint-Michel. A few steps from the Seine, elegant and air-conditioned rooms, 24-hour reception. Ideal for couples and families |
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement)
On the same side as the Latin Quarter is Saint-Germain-des-Prés, located in the 6th arrondissement. It is a very elegant neighbourhood, characterized by the presence of boutiques, trendy clubs and restaurants and wonderful cafes, especially along the Boulevard Saint-Germain. Here you can stop at the Flore, one of the favourite haunts of writers of the past like Hemingway. The medieval abbey Église de Saint Germain des Prés, the oldest church in Paris, is also here.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is an elegant neighbourhood, ideal for those seeking luxury and tranquillity. In fact, there is no shortage of wonderful hotels, with splendid views of the Seine. It is also an ideal area for families given the proximity to the wonderful gardens of Le Jardin du Luxembourg.
This neighbourhood is also in a great location: it is located just opposite the Louvre district, naturally separated by the Seine, and borders the Latin Quarter. It is served by metro line 4, which leads to the vicinity of Montmartre.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €90,00 for low-cost accommodation to €900,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Grand Hotel de L'Univers Saint-Germain | 3-star boutique hotel with rooms with Pierre Frey, Manuel Canovas and Rubelli fabrics. 24-hour reception and bar. Ideal for couples |
| Hotel du Danube Saint Germain | 3-star hotel with terrace, 24-hour reception and family rooms available. Ideal for couples and families |
| Hotel de Lille | 4-star boutique hotel with rooms designed with sustainable materials and equipped with all comforts. Ideal for couples and families |
| Hotel Lutetia | Iconic 5-star hotel 5 min walk from Le Bon Marché department store. Pool, spa and wellness centre, gym and restaurant. Ideal for couples |
Grenelle (15th arrondissement)
Grenelle is a wonderful neighbourhood in the eastern part of the city, great to stay in to be a stone's throw from the iconic Eiffel Tower. Overlooking the Seine, it borders the Champ de Mars park and a short distance away you can find the Trocadéro and the iconic Hôtel des Invalides.
It is an area recommended especially for families, given the presence of large green areas and the Eiffel Tower, which is certainly one of the attractions that little ones find most fascinating! It is also a quiet area, but still equipped with all services!
In short, staying here means utilising public transport. You will be a little further from the centre, but the area is well served by metro line 6 and the Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel train station. In addition, numerous boat trips also depart from this side of the Seine!
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €70,00 for low-cost accommodation to €600,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| YOOMA Urban Lodge | Modern 3-star hotel designed with the help of Daniel Buren with restaurant, lounge ,bar, gym and free WiFi in all areas. Rooms for up to 6 people. Ideal for couples, families and small groups |
| Relais12bis Bed & Breakfast By Eiffel Tower | B&B 500 m from the Eiffel Tower. Rooms with modern or antique decor and furniture, flat-screen TV and private bathroom. Ideal for couples |
| Residence Charles Floquet | Apartment residence 50 m from the Eiffel Tower. Elegant apartments with fireplaces, high ceilings and balconies. Ideal for couples and families |
| Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel | 4-star hotel two minutes from the Eiffel Tower, near the Trocadero and the Seine.Gym, bar, restaurant and room service. Ideal for couples |
Montmartre (18th arrondissement)
Among neighbourhoods to stay in Paris, one cannot fail to mention Montmartre, the artists' quarter! Symbol of the Belle Epoque, it has a lively and cheerful soul. The neighbourhood is already an attraction in itself, but one of the most beautiful churches in the world, the wonderful Basilica of the Sacred Heart is also here.
It is a neighbourhood recommended for young people and those looking for fun. The area is very lively both during the day, when it is besieged by tourists, and at night, with its numerous clubs and restaurants. It is certainly not recommended for those seeking tranquillity or for those traveling with family.
Here, you will find yourself further away from the centre and the main museums, but the area is well connected to every corner of the city, thanks to metro lines 2, 4 and 12 and being close to the Gare du Nord train station.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €60,00 for low-cost accommodation to €600,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Bonsejour Montmartre | Hotel 800 m from the Sacred Heart Basilica. Rooms with en suite, some with balcony. Family rooms available. Ideal for couples and families |
| Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels | Hostel with shared kitchen, 24-hour reception, free WiFi and luggage storage. Private rooms or bed in dormitory. Ideal for young people |
| Le Montclair Montmartre by River | Hostel with free WiFi in public areas, games room with table football and book exchange, luggage storage, 24-hour reception. Ideal for young people |
| Odalys City Paris Montmartre | 4-star hotel with spa and wellness centre. It has studios and apartments, with equipped kitchen and private bathroom. Ideal for couples and families |
Pigalle (18th arrondissement)
Right at the foot of Montmartre is the small district of Pigalle, which develops around the square of the same name. It is in the 18th arrondissement and straddles the 9th. The neighbourhood is famous for it's red light district and eclectic nightlife! In fact, the iconic Moulin Rouge is here, as well as numerous theatres and nightclubs.
Like Montmartre, Pigalle is also an area recommended for young people and those looking for fun, absolutely not recommended for families. Here you can stay up all night and immerse yourself in the Parisian nightlife. In terms of accommodation, you can find hostels as well as small hotels.
Pigalle is well connected to the rest of the city. Located at the foot of the hill where Montmartre develops, the district is served by Pigalle metro station where lines 2 and 12 pass.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €50,00 for low-cost accommodation to €500,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Saint-Louis Pigalle | 3-star hotel with air-conditioned rooms with private bathroom, 24-hour reception and WiFi. Ideal for couples and families |
| Le Regent by Hiphophostels | Hostel 50 m from the metro station. Communal kitchen, free WiFi and 24-hour reception. Private rooms or bed in dormitory. Ideal for young people |
| Vintage Paris Gare du Nord by Hiphophostels | Hostel 500 m from Gare du Nord and 15 min walk from the Moulin Rouge. 24-hour reception, lounge with table football and WiFi. Private rooms or bed in dormitory. Ideal for young people |
| Le Pigalle Hotel | 4-star hotel 5 min walk from the Moulin Rouge. Restaurant, bar, 24- hour reception and room service. Ideal for couples |
Belleville (20th arrondissement)
Finally, we recommend the Belleville district, located in the 20th arrondissement. Part of the area is occupied by the Chinese community where you can find typical shops and restaurants. The main street is Boulevard de Belleville, full of places with outdoor seating, while Rue Sainte-Marthe is a quieter street lined with art studios. Do not miss a visit to the Parc de Belleville, with a wonderful view over Paris.
Given the distance from the centre, this area is especially recommended for those on a tight budget. Unfortunately, Paris is a very expensive city and it will be difficult to find affordable prices in the centre. Belleville, on the other hand, caters for those on a budget. Furthermore, it is a quiet area surrounded by greenery, therefore also ideal for families.
Here, you will find yourself further away from the centre. However, the area is served by Belleville station, where metro lines 2 and 11 pass. Line 11 goes to the Louvre, getting off at the Hôtel de Ville stop (just 6 min).
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €50,00 for low-cost accommodation to €200,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking
Recommended Accommodation
| Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Scarlett | 3-star hotel with 24-hour reception, modern interiors, bar and WiFi. Air-conditioned rooms equipped with all services. Ideal for couples and families |
| Aparthotel Adagio Paris Buttes Chaumont | Eco-friendly aparthotel, with garden, soundproofed rooms and apartments with free WiFi, some with balconies. Ideal for couples, families and groups of up to 6 people |
| Generator Paris | Hostel with communal lounge area, 24-hour reception, laundry area, shared terrace and restaurant. Ideal for young people |
| Hotel des Pyrenees Paris | 3-star hotel 50 metres from the metro station. 24-hour reception, room service available. Ideal for couples and families |
Places to stay near Paris
In any case, whether it is your first time in the French capital or not, whether you have three days or more than a week available, staying in Paris is always the best solution. This is because it is a very large city, with many neighbourhoods and attractions that are quite far apart from eachother. As we have seen, the arrondissement are completely different from each other, really suitable for any need.
Sleeping outside Paris is also not recommended due to needing transport. You would find yourself wasting precious time traveling by train or other public transport, and that is without considering the cost of the ticket. The French capital is divided into 5 fare zones, with day tickets starting from €12,00 for the most central zones.