The primary time we visited Paris, we did what loads of first-timers do. We discovered a deal on a resort with a view of the Eiffel Tower and booked it. We thought we had all of it found out.
The fact was that we spent half of our journey on the metro simply attempting to get to the neighbourhoods the place we really wished to spend our time. We had been so targeted on seeing that well-known landmark from our window that we missed out on the actual really feel of town.
On our subsequent go to, we stayed in a small flat in Le Marais, and it modified every thing. Our days began with grabbing recent croissants from the bakery downstairs and ended with a glass of wine at a sidewalk cafe. We lastly understood that a very powerful resolution you’ll make when planning your journey isn’t which museums to see first, however which neighbourhood you’ll name residence.
After greater than a decade of travelling again to our favorite metropolis, we’ve discovered rather a lot. This information is our manner of sharing that first-hand information with you. It’s not a listing of each resort in Paris. It’s our easy, experience-based recommendation that can assist you select the proper residence base in your journey model, so you possibly can spend much less time on the metro and extra time residing your Paris dream.
The Finest Areas to Keep in Paris at a Look
Don’t have time to learn the entire put up? Listed below are our prime resort ideas in numerous Paris neighborhoods based mostly on our travels.
For Your First Go to: Saint-Germain-des-Prés on the Left Financial institution (in Paris)
For Meals and Nightlife: Le Marais
For Artwork and a Village Really feel: Montmartre
For a Native Vibe: The Latin Quarter (residence to the Jardin du Luxembourg)
For Luxurious and Procuring: 1st Arrondissement (The Louvre)
Watch Our Video on the Finest Paris Neighbourhoods
Understanding Paris’s Arrondissements
Earlier than we dive into the very best neighbourhoods, it helps to understand how Paris is laid out. Town is split into 20 administrative districts known as arrondissements.
Think about a snail shell. The first arrondissement is on the centre, and the remaining spiral outwards clockwise. As a common rule, the decrease the quantity, the extra central you might be. Many of the important vacationer sights and the neighbourhoods we advocate for a primary or second go to are in single-digit arrondissements (1 by way of 9). It’s a easy system that makes navigating town a lot simpler when you get the dangle of it.
The Finest Neighbourhoods to Keep in Paris (Our First-Hand Expertise)
Le Marais (Arrondissements 3 & 4) – Finest for Foodies and Tradition
The Vibe
Le Marais is without doubt one of the most dynamic areas in Paris. It’s a collision of historical past and trendy power. You’ll discover grand Seventeenth-century mansions and exquisite squares just like the Place des Vosges alongside fashionable trend boutiques, modern artwork galleries, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. Its slim, medieval streets are lively, full of bakeries, falafel retailers, and wine bars.
Our Private Take
That is the neighbourhood that made us fall in love with Paris over again. We love that you may spend an entire day right here and not using a set plan. Our favorite factor to do is seize a falafel on Rue des Rosiers and eat it within the Place des Vosges, watching town go by. It’s a spot for wandering, getting somewhat misplaced, and discovering your individual favorite cafe or courtyard.
Execs & Cons
Execs: Very central and walkable to many points of interest just like the Louvre, Notre Dame and museums like The Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou. An unimaginable meals scene for all budgets. Energetic ambiance day and night time.
Cons: It may be one of many dearer areas to remain. The favored streets get very crowded, particularly on weekends.
Resort Suggestions in Le Marais
Luxurious Choose: Le Pavillon de la Reine & Spa. A chic resort tucked away from the road in a quiet courtyard proper on the Place des Vosges. It’s a peaceable escape from the busy neighbourhood.
Mid-Vary Choose: Hôtel Jeanne d’Arc. An amazing worth resort on a quieter avenue however nonetheless only a few minutes stroll from the motion. The rooms are easy, clear, and cozy.
Condo Type: CMG Rambuteau/Archives. Renting a small flat is our favorite method to keep in Le Marais. It enables you to stay like a neighborhood, buying on the markets and bakeries.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Arrondissement 6) – Finest for First-Timers & Romance
The Vibe
You probably have a traditional, romantic picture of Paris in your thoughts, intellectuals debating in historic cafes, artwork galleries lining cobblestone streets, and exquisite Haussmannian buildings at each flip, you’re most likely considering of Saint Germain des Pres. It’s elegant, subtle, and residential to iconic cafes, luxurious boutiques, and the peaceable Luxembourg Gardens. That is the historic coronary heart of Parisian literary and creative life on the Left Financial institution. In our opinion, it’s the good location for a romantic getaway.
Our Private Take
That is the neighbourhood we at all times advocate to pals visiting Paris for the primary time. It feels such as you’ve stepped proper right into a film set. Certainly one of our favorite journey reminiscences is solely sitting at an outside desk at Les Deux Magots, sipping a espresso, and simply watching the world go by. It’s the quintessential Paris expertise, and it by no means will get previous. An excellent resort location right here means you might be in strolling distance of so many iconic sights, which is vital to exploring Paris with out stress.
Execs & Cons
Execs: The traditional Parisian ambiance is simple. It’s centrally positioned and excellent for strolling to the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre Dame. It’s a stupendous and really protected space.
Cons: This is without doubt one of the most costly neighbourhoods in Paris for each motels and eating. It will get loads of vacationer visitors in the course of the day.
Resort Suggestions in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Luxurious Choose: Resort Lutetia. A landmark resort within the space that blends Artwork Deco historical past with trendy luxurious. It’s a real five-star expertise with an unimaginable spa.
Mid-Vary Choose: Hôtel de Buci. A captivating resort with traditional Parisian decor, together with balconies overlooking the full of life Rue de Buci market avenue. The placement is great for exploring.
Boutique Choose: Resort Dame des Arts. This beautiful boutique resort has a unbelievable rooftop bar with unimaginable views, letting you see the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night time.
Montmartre (Arrondissement 18) – Finest for Artwork and a Village Really feel
The Vibe
Perched on a big hill within the north of Paris, Montmartre looks like a village that has been preserved in time. With its winding cobblestone streets, ivy-covered buildings, and wealthy creative historical past (it was as soon as residence to artists like Picasso and Van Gogh) it has a singular ambiance that’s fully completely different from the grand boulevards of central Paris. The realm is topped by the magnificent Sacré-Cœur Basilica and is known for the artists portray portraits within the Place du Tertre.
Our Private Take
We love escaping to Montmartre for a day. After climbing the various stairs to the highest, we wish to bypass the busiest crowds on the basilica and get misplaced within the facet streets behind it. That’s the place you discover the actual coronary heart of the neighbourhood. We discovered a tiny cafe there on our final journey and simply watched the native life unfold. It’s part of Paris that actually rewards a little bit of wandering.
Execs & Cons
Execs: It has a singular and picturesque village ambiance. You’ll be able to usually discover extra inexpensive, mid-priced resort choices right here, together with some nice funds motels. The views of town from the hilltop are spectacular.
Cons: It’s positioned removed from town heart, so that you’ll be utilizing the metro rather a lot. The realm round Sacré-Coeur is without doubt one of the most crowded spots in Paris. The steep hills could be difficult to stroll.
Resort Suggestions in Montmartre
Boutique Choose: Hôtel Monsieur Aristide. A trendy and trendy small boutique resort with a give attention to sustainability.
Mid-Vary Choose: Terrass” Hôtel. The primary draw of this resort room is its unimaginable rooftop terrace and bar and you might be only a stones throw from Sacré-Cœur.
Condo Type: Montmartre Residence. Affords trendy and spacious residences, some with a settee mattress or adjoining rooms making them splendid for households.
The Latin Quarter (Arrondissement 5) – Finest for a Native Vibe & Historical past
The Vibe
The Latin Quarter is the historic scholar hub of Paris, residence to the Sorbonne College. This provides the neighbourhood a full of life, bohemian, and mental power you received’t discover anyplace else. The streets are a maze of slim medieval lanes full of previous bookshops, together with the well-known Shakespeare and Firm, inexpensive bistros, arthouse cinemas, and jazz golf equipment. It’s a spot that buzzes with historical past, an genuine slice of medieval Paris.
Our Private Take
We love the uncooked power of the Latin Quarter. It feels much less polished than different central districts, and that’s what makes it nice. We at all times make a degree to get misplaced right here for a number of hours, shopping the previous bookstalls alongside the Seine earlier than discovering one of many many unimaginable eating places for a traditional, no-frills French meal. It’s among the finest locations in Paris to discover a scrumptious and inexpensive dinner.
Execs & Cons
Execs: A really full of life and energetic ambiance. It has among the greatest budget-friendly meals within the metropolis. The placement is central and walkable to Notre Dame and the Luxembourg Gardens.
Cons: The primary streets could be very noisy and crowded, particularly at night time. It’s a well-liked spot for each vacationers and college students, so it’s at all times busy.
Resort Suggestions within the Latin Quarter
Historic Choose: Hôtel Saint-Paul Rive-Gauche. This resort is ready in a Seventeenth-century constructing that was as soon as a Franciscan convent. It’s a stupendous, historic property on a quiet avenue. Each resort room comes with a non-public rest room and trendy comforts.
Mid-Vary Choose: The fifth Hôtel. A comfy and vibrant resort with a pleasant ambiance. It’s identified for its glorious breakfast buffet and is a good location for exploring.
Boutique Choose: Hôtel La Lanterne & Spa. A contemporary and trendy boutique resort with a stupendous indoor swimming pool and spa, which is a uncommon discover on this historic a part of town.
1st Arrondissement (The Louvre) – Finest for Luxurious and Procuring
The Vibe
The first Arrondissement is the geographical and historic centre of Paris, and the place we stayed on our final go to to Paris. That is the place you’ll discover the masters on the Louvre Museum, the manicured Tuileries Backyard, and the opulent Place Vendôme. The vibe is grand, elegant, and splendid. The streets are lined with high-end designer boutiques, well-known jewellers, and five-star motels with iconic histories. It’s the Paris of royalty and runway exhibits.
Our Private Take
Staying within the 1st Arrondissement makes you’re feeling like you might be on the centre of the universe. Every part appears to be only a quick stroll away. We love beginning a morning with a stroll by way of the Tuileries Backyard earlier than the crowds arrive. Whereas it’s not a neighbourhood identified for its cozy, native really feel, you possibly can’t beat the comfort and the sheer grandeur of the structure that surrounds you.
Execs & Cons
Execs: It’s the most central location in Paris, making it extremely handy for sightseeing on foot. It’s good for museum lovers and high-end consumers.
Cons: That is the costliest space of Paris. It might probably really feel very tourist-heavy and lacks the native, neighbourhood really feel of different districts.
Resort Suggestions within the 1st Arrondissement
Final Luxurious: Le Meurice. An iconic “palace resort” with extravagant decor, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and impeccable service. It overlooks the Tuileries Backyard.
Historic Choose: Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal. Situated proper subsequent to the Palais Royal backyard, this resort gives a quiet and chic retreat from the busy streets. Many rooms have non-public balconies.
Boutique Choose: Maison Armance. A smaller, extra intimate resort positioned on the higher flooring of a constructing on the well-known Rue Saint-Honoré, providing a singular and stylish Parisian expertise.
The place to Keep away from Staying in Paris
Whereas each neighbourhood in Paris has its personal distinctive qualities, not all of them are perfect for a first-time or short-term customer. Our recommendation isn’t about which areas are “unhealthy,” however moderately which of them is likely to be inconvenient or not provide the expertise you’re on the lookout for on a primary journey.
Primarily based on our expertise, we propose considering twice earlier than reserving a resort in these areas:
Close to Main Practice Stations (Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, Gare de Lyon): Whereas it may appear handy in your arrival and departure, the speedy areas across the main practice stations could be gritty and lack the Parisian ambiance most guests dream of. It’s higher to remain in a extra central neighbourhood and easily take a taxi or the metro to the station when it’s essential.
Proper by the Eiffel Tower (seventh Arrondissement): This is likely to be a shock, however we discovered this lesson the arduous manner. The residential areas instantly surrounding the Eiffel Tower are surprisingly quiet and a bit faraway from the colourful, bustling coronary heart of town. You’ll spend loads of time travelling to different neighbourhoods for meals and sightseeing. It’s an impressive place to go to, however not the very best residence base.
The Outer Arrondissements (nineteenth, twentieth, and many others.): Whereas these districts supply a extra native and budget-friendly expertise, they’re typically too removed from town centre for a typical vacationer go to. You’ll doubtless spend a good portion of your beneficial time on the metro simply attending to and from the principle points of interest.
Closing Ideas for Reserving Your Keep in Paris
You’ve chosen your favorite neighbourhood, and also you’re nearly able to e-book. Earlier than you do, listed here are a number of remaining items of recommendation we’ve discovered through the years to verify your keep is as clean as potential.
E-book Far in Advance: Paris is without doubt one of the most visited cities on Earth, and the very best motels and residences get booked up months forward of time, particularly in the course of the spring and summer time. To get the only option and worth, we advocate reserving at the very least 3 to six months prematurely.
Test Proximity to a Metro Station: Your ft will thanks for this. Earlier than you e-book, pull up a map and see how shut your resort is to a metro cease. Being a 2-minute stroll versus a 15-minute stroll from the metro makes an enormous distinction. A handy location with easy accessibility to a number of metro strains will prevent a ton of time.
Learn the Most Latest Evaluations: Don’t simply have a look at the general rating of a resort. Take a minute to learn the three or 4 most up-to-date opinions. They will provide you with essentially the most present image of your chosen Paris resort’s cleanliness, service, and any potential points.
Don’t Obsess Over an Eiffel Tower View: We stated it earlier than, nevertheless it’s value repeating. An amazing neighbourhood expertise will at all times be extra memorable than a view of a landmark out of your room. Keep in a spot with character and go to the sights. You’ll have a significantly better journey.
Incessantly Requested Questions About The place to Keep in Paris
For first-time guests, we at all times advocate Saint-Germain-des-Prés (sixth Arrondissement). It’s extremely central, protected, lovely, and gives the traditional Parisian expertise proper exterior your door. You’ll be able to simply stroll to lots of the important points of interest just like the Louvre and Notre Dame.
We advocate at the very least 4 to five full days for a primary journey to Paris. This provides you sufficient time to see the foremost landmarks just like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower with out feeling rushed, whereas additionally permitting for a while to easily wander, sit at cafes, and soak within the metropolis’s ambiance.
This depends upon your journey model and the way lengthy you’ll be staying for a number of nights. For shorter journeys, a resort is usually extra handy. For longer stays, or if you’re travelling with household and wish household rooms or two rooms, an house is a good possibility. It offers you extra space and a kitchen so you possibly can put together your individual meals.
Montmartre generally is a good place to remain when you’re on the lookout for a singular, village-like ambiance and extra inexpensive resort choices. Nonetheless, bear in mind that it’s hilly and positioned removed from different important sights, so you’ll spend extra time on the metro.
Your Excellent Journey to Paris
Choosing the proper neighbourhood is step one to an unforgettable journey to Paris. We hope this information, based mostly on our personal experiences, has made that call somewhat simpler. A very powerful factor is to select a house base that matches your model, permitting you to get on the market and create your individual superb journey reminiscences.
You probably have any extra questions, be happy to ask within the feedback beneath!