Where to Stay in Paris (Best Places & Areas in 2023)

👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Paris | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ

The question of “Where to stay in Paris?” is never a simple question to answer. I’ve spent ten years in Paris, France hosting dozens of visiting friends. The great thing is that there’s a perfect place to stay in Paris for everyone. 

This guide contains everything you need to know about the best places to stay in Paris. From neighborhoods near top Paris attractions to areas steeped with Parisian charm and hotel recommendations throughout the city. I cover it all.

Let’s dive in!

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Best Places to Stay in Paris

Just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Paris? Here are my top picks for hotels in Paris: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – L’Hôtel
• 🗺️ Best Location – J.K Place Paris
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – ​​Hôtel de Crillon 
• 👪 Best for Families – Résidence & Spa Le Prince Régent
• 💻 Best for Business – Padam Hôtel
• 🛎️ Best Boutique Hotel – La Belle Juliette 
• 🌹 Best Near the Luxembourg Gardens – Hôtel Les Dames du Panthéon
• 🏨 Best Hostel – The People – Paris Nation
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Moris Grands Boulevards

Okay, let’s do a deep dive of the best areas and neighborhoods in Paris: 

14 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Paris

There are 20 Paris neighborhoods. These districts are called the “arrondissements.” They are arranged like a snail’s shell. The first arrondissement is at the center. Double-digit arrondissements fall along the outer edges of the city. A highway, the “Périphérique,” surrounds the entire city.

Here’s where to stay in Paris:

1st Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For Sightseeing | ✨ Best 1st Arrondissement Hotels: Hôtel Regina Louvre • Hôtel Molière • Hôtel Louvre Richelieu

The 1st arrondissement is where to stay in Paris when you want to be in the city center. The 1st arrondissement is the perfect area of Paris for first-time visitors. Here, you’ll be within walking distance of major attractions like the Louvre Museum, Sainte Chapelle, and others.

Many parts of the 1st arrondissement are luxurious. You’ll find upscale boutiques, several Michelin-starred restaurants, and beautiful hotels around the Metro station at the Place de la Concorde. Rue Saint Honoré and Rue de Rivoli are upscale streets nearby with even more to check out.

The Hôtel Regina Louvre is one of my favorite Paris hotels. It’s right across from the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Gardens. It has a terrace, antique furniture, huge rooms, and even Eiffel Tower views.

Pros of Staying in the 1st Arrondissement:

• Extremely centrally located
• Top sites, including the Louvre and the Palais Royal
• Easy access to Charles de Gaulle airport

Cons of Staying in the 1st Arrondissement:

• Hotels and restaurants can be pricey 
• Busy and mostly non-residential 

3rd Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For Museums | ✨ Best 3rd Arrondissement Hotels: Le Pavillion de la Reine • Hôtel National des Arts & Metiers • Hôtel de Roubaix

The 3rd arrondissement is where to stay in Paris if you’re a museum-lover. The museums in the 3rd are close to the city center. These museums range from the tiny Museum of Hunting and Nature to the enormous Centre Pompidou. The 3rd arrondissement is another top Paris neighborhood for first-time visitors.

This Paris neighborhood forms the “Le Marais” with the 4th district. “Le Marais luxury” is considered a “younger” type of luxury than the luxury you’ll find in the 1st or 8th arrondissements. 

The 3rd arrondissement has several Metro stations at its edges but fewer within it. Plan on exploring this district on foot. It’s within walking distance of other attractions, including Notre Dame and the city center.

Le Pavillon de la Reine is a great choice for a peaceful hotel that’s close to a Metro station. Try the Hôtel National des Arts & Métiers with its rooftop bar for a livelier experience. 

Pros of Staying in the 3rd Arrondissement:

• Many famous museums
• Centrally located but generally peaceful
• Small, winding streets to explore on foot

Cons of Staying in the 3rd Arrondissement:

• Metro stations are mostly at the district’s edges
• Hotels tend to be small and can fill up fast

4th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For Parisian Charm | ✨ Best 4th Arrondissement Hotels: Cour des Vosges • Hôtel le Presbytère • Hôtel de Joséphine Bonaparte

The 4th arrondissement is where to stay in Paris if you’re coming for the charm. This fantastic neighborhood includes the oldest parts of Paris, the Île de la Cité, and the Île Saint Louis in the Seine River. The oldest house in Paris (Nicolas Flamel’s house) and the oldest planned square (the Place des Vosges) are also in the 4th.

The escape from the city bustle is why I love the Cour des Vosges hotel. This boutique hotel is in the Place des Vosges park, which is part of the “Le Marais” section of the 4th district. It is very peaceful. Rooms are enormous for an area that’s known for its crowds. Cour des Vosges also has an indoor pool, a rarity in Paris. 

You can also find small galleries and the famous Dammann Frères tea shop under the arches at Place des Vosges park. 

Pros of Staying in the 4th Arrondissement:

• Centrally located yet residential
• Close to the Seine River 
• Beautiful architecture (including Notre Dame) and parks

Cons of Staying in the 4th Arrondissement:

• Hotels can be pricey
• Very busy on the weekends

5th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For History | ✨ Best 5th Arrondissement Hotels: Hôtel les Dames du Panthéon • Hôtel Montecristo • Les Jardins du Luxembourg

The 5th arrondissement is where to stay in Paris for history lovers. This area contains many important historical monuments and sites including the Latin Quarter district and Sorbonne University (founded in the 13th century)!

The 5th arrondissement’s central location means you can reach other historic areas easily. Notre Dame, Le Marais, and Saint Germain are all within walking distance. 

Hôtel Les Dames du Panthéon is perfect for history lovers. This luxury hotel is in an 18th-century building across from the Panthéon. It’s less than a five-minute walk from the Luxembourg Gardens which has a fascinating history. 

Another historical site in the 5th is Arènes de Lutèce, which is a first-century Roman amphitheater. The medieval Cluny Museum is also in the 5th, with centuries-old Roman baths. You can find more recent history at the Panthéon, the final resting place of some of France’s greatest heroes.

Pros of Staying in the 5th Arrondissement:

• Full of historical destinations
• A mixture of lively nightlife and family-friendly areas
• Many academic institutions and young feel

Cons of Staying in the 5th Arrondissement:

• The eastern edge of the district is far from central attractions
• Some areas can be hilly and hard to walk 

6th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For Cafés | ✨ Best 6th Arrondissement Hotels: Hotel Lutetia • L’Hotel • La Belle Juliette

The 6th arrondissement is best known for its cafés and access to the Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg). Famous cafes include Café de Flore and the Deux Magots. There are also great, lesser-known cafés overlooking the Luxembourg Gardens. 

This district also has great hotels. The Saint Germain des Prés area of the 6th district is home to the best mid-range hotel in the city, L’Hôtel. This hotel with baroque decor was the last place Oscar Wilde lived.

On the opposite side of the district from Saint Germain, you’ll find my favorite boutique hotel, La Belle Juliette. It has reasonable prices, an indoor swimming pool, and even a hammam. Hotel rooms also have air conditioning.

Lastly, the 6th arrondissement is home to great theaters and beautiful vintage bookstores. There’s just so much to check out in this charming neighborhood.

Pros of Staying in the 6th Arrondissement:

• A combination of small, winding streets and famous boulevards
• Known for its great restaurants and historic cafés
• Tons of charming, unique hotels

Cons of Staying in the 6th Arrondissement:

• Restaurants can be expensive
• Public transportation is uneven. Areas near Montparnasse Tower and Odéon Metro station are better connected.

7th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area for First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best 7th Arrondissement Hotels: J.K. Place Paris • Hôtel la Comtesse • Académie Hôtel Saint Germain

The 7th arrondissement is the best place to stay if you’re a first-time visitor wondering where to stay in Paris. The Eiffel Tower is within walking distance here. The 7th is also home to attractions like Musée d’Orsay, a museum of 19th-century Impressionism art, and others. It has upscale department stores like Bon Marché, too. 

Calm streets are another reason why the 7th arrondissement is the best neighborhood for first-time visitors. This is particularly true once you get away from the Champ de Mars, where the Eiffel Tower is. Overall, the 7th is a great place to return to at the end of the day. However, it’s not great for party-lovers.

The 7th district is also home to one of my all-time favorite hotels. J.K. Place Paris is a beloved luxury hotel and one of the best hotels in Paris. Each hotel room has air conditioning, the staff is exceptional, and the interior design is world-class. 

Pros of Staying in the 7th Arrondissement:

• Peaceful, residential streets
• Walkable distance from central monuments
• Great views of the Seine River and the Eiffel Tower

Cons of Staying in the 7th Arrondissement:

• Not much nightlife
• Busses are easier than taking the subway, which can be far away

8th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For Luxury | ✨ Best 8th Arrondissement Hotels: Hôtel de Crillon • Monsieur Georges Hotel & Spa – Champs-Elysées • Nuage

The 8th arrondissement is where to stay in Paris for a trip full of luxury. The wide streets here feature some of the most famous designer names in the world. The 8th has upscale dining at historic restaurants like the Café de la Paix. Notable figures like writer Emile Zola and actress Marlene Dietrich have dined here.

Be careful when booking a Paris visit in the 8th arrondissement. This district has very different areas. The districts around the Opéra Garnier, the Champs-Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe, and immediately around the Parc Monceau are very upscale. The northeastern part of the district is less grand. 

You’ll see what I mean about the luxurious Paris Opera House district if you visit the Hôtel de Crillon. This world-famous hotel has sumptuous linens and great views. Some rooms have balconies. Bathrooms have underfloor heating and rain showers. There’s even an indoor swimming pool with a spa. There’s a reason Hôtel de Crillon is so iconic.

Pros of Staying in the 8th Arrondissement Neighborhood:

• Home to major monuments, including the Champs-Elysées Boulevard and the Arc de Triomphe.
• Many luxury stores and upscale boutiques
• Site of cultural attractions including the Grand Palais

Cons of Staying in the 8th Arrondissement Neighborhood:

• Some areas, particularly in the northeast part of the district, are less luxurious
• Central attractions like the Louvre are slightly far away 

Grands Boulevards

👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best Grands Boulevards Hotels: Maison Souquet Hotel & Spa • Hôtel des Grands Boulevards • Hotel Bloum

The Grands Boulevards neighborhood is where to stay in Paris for its buzzing nightlife. This area extends into both the 2nd and 9th arrondissements. Be sure to check hotel locations carefully. Part of the 2nd arrondissement is the financial district with a very different energy!

Covered passages, nightclubs, theaters, and bars fill the Grands Boulevards area. The area is so well-known for partying that director David Lynch opened his club, Club Silencio here. It’s for members only, though the public can get in for certain events. You can also see the Musée Grévin wax museum here!

I recommend the Hôtel des Grands Boulevards in this area. It’s set back from the noise of the district a bit but still in the center of it all. It’s technically in the 2nd arrondissement, which makes it closer to other attractions. Its designer rooftop terrace is a bonus.

Pros of Staying in the Grands Boulevards Neighborhood:

• Fun and lively nightlife
• Top-tier department stores
• Iconic 19th-century architecture

Cons of Staying in the Grands Boulevards  Neighborhood:

• Noisy in the evening
• Many chain bars and restaurants are present

10th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For Budget Travelers | ✨ Best 10th Arrondissement Hotels: Renaissance Paris République Hotel & Spa • Hôtel Esté • Moris Grands-Boulevards

The 10th arrondissement isn’t usually on visitors’ lists of where to stay in Paris. However, the 10th arrondissement is a great area for budget-minded travelers. 

There’s great transportation from the Metro station at République. You can reach most major Paris attractions easily, including the Eiffel Tower. The Canal Saint-Martin runs through the 10th arrondissement. It’s surrounded by hip cafés, restaurants, bars, and vintage clothing stores.

This area is home to one of my all-time favorite budget hotels: Moris Grands-Boulevards. The wooden floors and patterned wallpaper in this budget hotel are beautiful. Amenities like the air conditioning and buffet breakfasts are more reasons why this is one of my favorite hotels in Paris.

Some travelers worry about the safety of the 10th arrondissement. Generally, it’s safe if you take basic safety precautions. The areas right around the train stations can be dangerous, though, similar to many European cities. For more, read my full article: “Is Paris Safe?”.

Pros of Staying in the 10th Arrondissement:

• Home of the picturesque Canal Saint-Martin
• Close to two major train stations (Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est)
• Lots of arty cafés and boutiques

Cons of Staying in the 10th Arrondissement:

• Areas around the train stations can be dangerous at night
• Not many major attractions

11th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For an Artsy Atmosphere | ✨ Best 11th Arrondissement Hotels: La Maison Gobert Paris Hotel Particulier • Maison Bréguet • The People – Paris Nation

The 11th arrondissement is the best neighborhood for travelers in their 20s and 30s who want a quirkier stay in Paris. The location of the 11th arrondissement is fantastic. You’ll be close to major metro lines at Bastille and Nation, and a short metro ride away from the Eiffel Tower and other tourist attractions.

The 11th is one of the artsier Paris neighborhoods. This area is full of pottery studios, pop-up stores, and other unique attractions. There’s even a cat café! The nightlife is great, with bars ranging from old warehouses to tiny dive bars.

Some of Paris’s best hotels are in the 11th arrondissement. I love the beautiful décor and courtyard at the townhouse hotel La Maison Gobert Paris Hotel Particulier. This boutique hotel has the feeling of much more expensive luxury accommodation. 

The People – Paris Nation is perfect for travelers on a budget. This hostel has air-conditioning and friendly, bilingual staff. 

Pros of Staying in the 11th Arrondissement:

• Artistic and unique stores and galleries
• Lively nightlife in quirky locations
• Great value for a central location

Cons of Staying in the 11th Arrondissement:

• Fewer attractions within the area itself
• The energy of the neighborhood isn’t for everyone

Montparnasse

👉 Best Area For Literary Attractions | ✨ Best Montparnasse Hotels: Pullman Paris Montparnasse • Drawing House • Hôtel Aiglon

Montparnasse is a hotbed of literary history, and it’s where to stay in Paris if you’re a fan of literary history. The Latin Quarter and Saint Germain des Prés neighborhoods are very close, which are favorite areas of the Lost Generation. 

Montparnasse covers parts of the 6th, 14th, and 15th arrondissements. Its central monument is the Montparnasse Tower, which is also a major transportation hub. Follow in the footsteps of famous writers like Ernest Hemingway by dining and drinking at La Coupole, La Rotonde, and La Closerie des Lilas. 

One of the most convenient Montparnasse hotels is Pullman Paris Montparnasse. It’s just a few minutes walk from the train station. Its Skybar lets you look out over the entire city. Try the smaller Hôtel Aiglon if you want a more boutique hotel experience. It has reasonable prices and a top-notch design.

Lastly, note that Montparnasse isn’t where to stay in Paris for easy access to Eiffel Tower views, Notre Dame Cathedral, or the Centre Pompidou. 

Pros of Staying in Montparnasse:

• Lots of literary locations
• Close to local and national transport
• A wide variety of restaurants

Cons of Staying in Montparnasse:

• Distant from the city center
• Little local nightlife 

16th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best 16th Arrondissement Hotels: Saint James Paris • Padam Hôtel • Holiday Inn Paris-Auteuil

The 16th arrondissement is a good choice for families since it has a peaceful luxury and many parks. Here, you’ll be close to cultural institutions like the Louis Vuitton Foundation. It’s in the Bois de Boulogne park, where you’ll also find a pool and the “Jardin d’Acclimatation,” a garden and play area for kids.

The 16th arrondissement is also great for business travelers. It’s one of the closest areas in the city limits near La Defense, the business district to the west of Paris.

Saint James Paris is a luxury hotel in a small castle with its own grounds. They serve famous French chocolate from Angelina. The great food continues at their own Michelin-star restaurant, Bellefeuille.

Note that the 16th arrondissement isn’t where to stay in Paris if you want the most central location. However, it is within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower. 

Pros of Staying in the 16th Arrondissement:

• Calm and residential
• Great location for day trips from Paris, close to highways
• Beautiful architecture and parks

Cons of Staying in the 16th Arrondissement:

• Travel to central Paris can be time-consuming
• The area is large, making it hard to walk to major monuments

Montmartre

👉 Best Area For Returning Visitors | ✨ Best Montmartre Hotels: Hôtel Particulier Montmartre • Hôtel Monsieur Aristide • Hôtel des Arts Montmartre

Montmartre is where to stay in Paris if you’ve been here before. This area in the 18th arrondissement is like a little village. Its cobblestone streets make it one of the best Paris neighborhoods to wander. Many Metro lines connect Montmartre to the rest of the city.

There are many attractions here, too. These include the Place du Tertre, where artists paint portraits of passersby. The Sacré Coeur Basilica is a major tourist attraction. But it offers some of the best city views, including views of the Eiffel Tower.

Montmartre is one of the best neighborhoods in Paris for reasonably priced, unique hotels. Hôtel Particulier Montmartre is especially charming. I actually used its bar, Le Très Particular, as a setting in one of my novels! 

The Hôtel Monsieur Aristide is a great alternative if the Hôtel Particulier Montmartre isn’t available. Hôtel Monsieur Aristide has a chic, boho aesthetic at reasonable prices. 

Pros of Staying in Montmartre:

• Vibrant artistic heritage
• Charming cobblestone streets winding up a hill
• Sprawling views of Paris

Cons of Staying in Montmartre:

• The steep hill can be a difficult climb
• Close to the red-light district

Buttes-Chaumont

👉 Best Area For a Local Experience | ✨ Best Buttes-Chaumont Hotels: La Planque Hotel • Holiday Inn Express Paris-Canal de la Villette an IHG Hotel • Hotel Restaurant Au Boeuf Couronné 

The Buttes-Chaumont area is where you should stay in Paris for lively street art, music, nightlife, and a local experience. This neighborhood gets its name from the park in its center. 

Buttes-Chaumont is far from central Paris and attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. It’s perfect for younger travelers and anyone who wants a unique experience in Paris. 

Buttes-Chaumont Park is in the middle of this mostly working-class area. Inside is one of my favorite bars, Rosa Bonheur. I recommend picnicking on the park’s hills in the daytime to get panoramic views of Paris.

Hotel Restaurant Au Boeuf Couronné has some of the lowest prices I’ve seen for a Paris hotel of this quality. The décor’s chic, the attached restaurant is great, and it’s between Buttes-Chaumont Park and La Villette, another great Paris park. Hotel Restaurant Au Boeuf Couronné is an all-time favorite boutique hotel. 

Pros of Staying in Buttes-Chaumont:

• Colorful street art 
• Lively bars and nightlife
• Beautiful parks and green spaces

Cons of Staying in Buttes-Chaumont:

• The steep hills can be a difficult climb
• Far from the city center

Tips for Staying in Paris

Watch for Pickpockets on Public Transportation

The Métro subway and bus systems in Paris are generally safe. However, keep your bags closed and close to you at all times. Pickpockets commonly operate on these systems, particularly in areas with many visitors. Keep an eye on your pockets; you’ll be amazed at how subtle some pickpockets can be.

Don’t Worry Too Much About Tipping 

Waiters and service workers don’t rely on tips in Paris. It’s a nice gesture to leave a few euros for great service, but 15-20% is too much. The exception is at a truly upscale establishment, where a tip of around 10% is polite.

Choose Taxis over Rideshares

Paris taxis are far more efficient and often cheaper than rideshares. This is because they can use special lanes that rideshares can’t, so trips are quicker. The G7 taxi app is as easy to use as Uber. There are also taxi lines throughout the city. 

Act Like a Local

Your Paris experience will be much more pleasant if you follow a few basic local customs. Say “hello” and “goodbye” when entering shops, even if you don’t buy anything. Step back into doorways if you need to stop on a busy street to tie a shoe or check your phone. 

👉 Read Next: When is the Best Time to Visit Paris?

Stay in Residential Areas for Longer Trips

Residential areas are better choices for longer stays. These areas include the 7th, 11th, and 16th arrondissements. You’ll appreciate being able to go out to see attractions during the day and having somewhere quiet and relaxing to return to at night.

If all that sounds like a lot to manage, never worry. You can always just follow my Paris itinerary planner, with lays out how I would plan the perfect 5 days in Paris.

FAQs About Where to Stay in Paris

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Where to stay in Paris depends on what you want to do in Paris. But there’s a great district to stay in no matter your reason for visiting. For helpful information on visiting Paris, check out our guide to Paris day trips!