10 Best Neighborhoods in Paris: Where to Stay (A Local’s Guide)
A first trip to Paris can be stressful enough, but figuring out the best neighborhood to stay in Paris can be even more challenging – especially if you aren’t a local and don’t have ample knowledge to understand the pros and cons of each arrondissement in Paris.
View of Paris, France; June 2022
As someone who has been living here for years, I’m going to share my top ten favorite neighborhoods in Paris – all of which are great for a first time trip for tourists struggling to find the best neighborhood to stay while in Paris.
My guide to the best neighborhoods in Paris is going to offer something for everyone: couples seeking a more romantic getaway, solo female travelers, group trips, or even family vacations in Paris.
What Area in Paris is the Best Place to Stay?
The best places to stay in Paris are undoubtedly anything in the center city, safe, and well-maintained such as arrondissements 1 through 8: including neighborhoods such as Gros-Cailou, Saint Germain des Prés, Le Marais, and more.
Personally, I think the three best places to stay while in Paris are in the 6th and 7th arrondissements – as both are central enough to walk to almost all of the major tourist attractions without compromising on safety.
However, if hotels in these neighborhoods are out of your budget – you could also opt for staying in other central areas like such as the 1st or 2nd arrondissements, especially nearby Opéra which is extremely well-connected to public transportation and still walking distance to many tourist attractions such as the Louvre, Jardin des Tulerieis, Place de la Concorde, and even the Sacré-Coeur.
🏘️✨ Choose the Best Paris Neighborhood for You 🇫🇷
🏛️ First Trip to Paris?
Saint-Germain-des-Prés or the Latin Quarter are hard to beat thanks to their central locations, charming cafés, and easy access to many of Paris' top attractions.
🚶 Want to Stay Central?
Choose Les Halles or Sentier if you want to be within walking distance of much of central Paris while still enjoying great restaurants and shopping.
🗼 Eiffel Tower Views?
Stay in Gros Caillou, Passy, or Trocadéro for some of the city's best Eiffel Tower viewpoints.
🎨 Trendy Cafés?
You'll love Le Marais or Popincourt, both packed with independent cafés, boutiques, and lively local streets.
💰 Best Value?
Opéra and Gare du Nord typically offer better value accommodation while still keeping you well connected by metro.
👨👩👧 Traveling with Family?
Look at the 14th, 15th, or 17th arrondissement for quieter, more residential neighborhoods with parks and wider streets.
🌃 Nightlife?
Stay around Pigalle if you want easy access to bars, cabarets, live music, and some of Paris' best nightlife.
🥐 Local Parisian Vibes?
Stay around Canal Saint-Martin, Bastille, or Popincourt if you'd rather experience where Parisians actually spend their free time, with neighborhood cafés, wine bars, independent boutiques, and far fewer tourists.
View of Paris from Le Tout Paris; June 2026
Where Should I Stay on a First Trip to Paris?
On a first trip to Paris, I highly recommend staying within the first four arrondissements, but especially within the 1st arrondissement – as it will be extremely convenient with easy access to several metro lines to explore Paris more easily during your stay, but also make it less of a hassle to get to either the train station or the airport at the end of your stay.
Staying in areas such as Les Halles, Place de la Concorde, or Place Vendôme, will all offer simple access to public transportation without being too expensive or sacrificing a charming first stay in the City of Lights.
🏨✨ If You Love... Stay Here in Paris 🇫🇷
| If You Love... | Stay Here |
|---|---|
| 🚶 Walking Everywhere | Saint-Germain-des-Prés or the Latin Quarter — two of the most central neighborhoods in Paris with easy walking access to many of the city's top attractions. |
| ✨ Luxury Hotels | The 8th arrondissement, especially around Avenue Montaigne or Avenue George V, home to Paris' finest five-star hotels and luxury shopping. |
| 🗼 Eiffel Tower Views | The 7th or 16th arrondissement for some of the city's best Eiffel Tower views right outside your hotel. |
| 🌃 Nightlife | Pigalle or Bastille if you're looking for lively bars, live music, cocktails, and late-night energy. |
| 🛍️ Shopping | Opéra for department stores like Galeries Lafayette, or Beaugrenelle for a more local shopping mall experience. |
| 🌳 Quiet Streets | The 13th, 14th, 15th, or 17th arrondissement for peaceful residential neighborhoods that feel far removed from the tourist crowds. |
| 🏛️ Historic Paris | Le Marais or Île de la Cité for centuries-old architecture, cobblestone streets, and some of the city's most historic landmarks. |
| 🥐 Incredible Food | Rue Montorgueil, Strasbourg–Saint-Denis, or Bonne Nouvelle for outstanding bakeries, cafés, wine bars, and restaurants. |
Streets of Paris, France; September 2021
What’s the safest neighborhood in paris?
The safest neighborhoods in Paris are the 6th and 7th arrondissements. As a young woman, I have walked home in these neighborhoods in Paris past 1 in the morning with no problem – and never felt unsafe, ever, when walking in the dark.
If safety is paramount during your stay in Paris, I strongly suggest seeking accommodation in areas such as Invalides, Gros Caillou, or Saint Germain des Prés.
Where Should I Avoid Staying in Paris?
The truth is, as a tourist – you’re unlikely to choose a hotel that’s in a truly dangerous part of Paris. Some people will try to scare you and tell you that there are places within the city limits of Paris that no tourist should dare to stay, but this isn’t necessarily the case.
Yes, while it’s true that anything east in Paris or north of the 18th arrondissement (otherwise known as Montmarte) is “sketchier” – I wouldn’t say there is a place you strictly have to avoid, but places you should keep your wits about you if you choose a hotel in that area.
Some areas I would recommend increased caution if you so choose to stay there in Paris include:
10th Arrondissement Near Gare du Nord: While this is a convenient area to stay if you’re on a bigger Europe trip and plan on taking an early morning train from Gare du Nord the next morning – this isn’t really an area that most locals hang out in for leisure as it’s considered unsafe after dark. That being said, I stayed in this neighborhood many times when I was in college as an affordable hostel, St Christopher's Inn Paris was right around the corner – and was perfectly fine. Overall, just beware that it’s pivotal to keep your belongings close and your eyes peeled when coming back to your accommodation in this area of Paris at night.
9th Arrondissement Near Quartier Pigalle: The 9th is one of the bigger arrondissements in Paris and can be perfectly safe, especially closer to the 2nd arrondissement near Boulevard Haussmann and Opéra – but as you get closer to the Sacré-Cœur near Boulevard de Clichy and in between metro stations such as Pigalle and Blance, solo female travelers may feel uneasy as men will catcall in addition to increased risk of pickpocketing.
19th Arrondissement: It’s true that the 19th is home to some amazing and unique parts of Paris including La Vilette and Parc Buttes Chaumont – but as a women living alone in Paris, these are areas that I have felt uncomfortable even walking alone during the daytime in the city. If you choose to stay here, just beware that you could get some extra unwanted attention when walking alone.
View of Sacré-Cœur in Paris, France; March 2024
10 Best Neighborhoods in Paris (From a Local’s Perspective)
1. 6th Arrondissement: Saint-Germain Près
📍 Arrondissement: 6th arrondissement
👣 Walkability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚇 Metro: Excellent
💰 Budget: $$$
👨👩👧 Families: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌃 Nightlife: ⭐⭐
🗼 First Timers: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ Pros: Safe, extremely walkable, beautiful architecture, and one of the most central locations in Paris.
❌ Cons: Expensive hotels with very few budget accommodation options.
📍 Nearby Attractions: Jardin du Luxembourg, Musée d'Orsay, Notre-Dame, and the Louvre.
One of the most sought out and expensive neighborhoods in all of Paris, Saint-Germain Près has its good reputation for a reason – as it clearly encapsulates the storybook image of Paris that many people dream of before coming to the city.
With charming streets to wander down such as Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie, boutiques and larger stores along Boulevard Saint-Germain, and the stunning Jardin du Luxembourg only a few minutes away from wherever you are – the 6th is truly one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Paris.
Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, France; March 2022
Part of what makes the 6th arrondissement such a great place to stay is its academic and family focus – with many locals living here raising small children, being students, or even professors at nearby institutions such as Science Pro or La Sorbonne.
This makes the 6th one of the safest places to stay while in Paris, while also being easy walking distance to several tourist attractions in Paris – and overall one of my top recommendations for a place to stay during a first trip to Paris.
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Louvre: 25-minute walk
Notre-Dame: 10 to 15-minute walk
Eiffel Tower: 35-minute walk
Metro Lines: 4, 10, and 12 (line 4 allows for easy access to Gare du Nord)
Price: Considered one of the most expensive places in all of Paris
Best Hotels to Stay: Hôtel Dame des Arts, Hotel Madison
Best For: Families or Solo Female Travelers looking for a safe but well located neighborhood to stay in Paris
Rue de l'Ancienne Comédie in Paris, France; January 2022
2. 7th Arrondissement: Gros Caillou
📍 Arrondissement: 7th arrondissement (Gros Caillou)
👣 Walkability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚇 Metro: Very Good
💰 Budget: $$$
👨👩👧 Families: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌃 Nightlife: ⭐
🗼 First Timers: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ Pros: One of the safest neighborhoods in Paris, within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower, and full of beautiful residential streets that feel elegant and peaceful.
❌ Cons: Extremely expensive, and during the high season it can become crowded with tourists, making parts of the neighborhood feel less local.
📍 Nearby Attractions: Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.
Home to the Eiffel Tower, Gros Caillou is a residential neighborhood located in the 7th arrondissement – and while flooded with overpriced restaurants and cafés designed to trap tourists, it is without a doubt one of the best places in all of Paris to live and even to stay for a short visit.
The great thing about this neighborhood is that although tourists often flock with the Eiffel Tower nearby, it is also very residential – meaning it’s quiet at night, as there are few to no loud bars, and zero clubbing in this neighborhood of Paris.
Eiffel Tower in Gros Caillou in Paris, France; January 2022
I think Gros Caillou is a great place to stay for travelers who want a taste of true Parisian life – as pharmacies, grocery stores, wine cellars, and fresh produce are abundant in this area. In fact, one of the most charming streets in all of Paris is located in Gros Caillou – otherwise known as Rue Cler, which is home to several fresh produce stands, local cafés, and restaurants with international cuisine.
As a bonus, you’ll be nearby the Eiffel Tower for the lights show that occurs every night – making it easy to get back to your hotel after a long day exploring Paris.
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Louvre: 40-minute walk
Arc De Triomphe: 30-minute walk
Eiffel Tower: 5 to 10-minute walk
Metro Lines: 8 and 10 (line 8 makes it easy to transfer to line 1, which cuts directly through Paris)
Price: Considered one of the most expensive places in all of Paris
Best Hotels to Stay: Hôtel Eiffel Rive Gauche, Eiffel Turenne Hotel
Best For: Travelers seeking a quiet stay with easy access to grocery stores, pharmacies, such for a romantic trip to the city, or travelers who want to be nearby the Eiffel Tower
Church in 7th arrondissement in Paris, France; July 2021
3. 13th Arrondissement: Place d’Italie
📍 Arrondissement: 13th arrondissement (Place d'Italie)
👣 Walkability: ⭐⭐
🚇 Metro: Very Good
💰 Budget: $
👨👩👧 Families: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌃 Nightlife: ⭐⭐
🗼 First Timers: ⭐⭐
✅ Pros: One of the best neighborhoods to experience authentic local Parisian life, with excellent bakeries, cafés, markets, and noticeably fewer tourists than central Paris.
❌ Cons: It's much farther from many of Paris' biggest tourist attractions, so you'll likely rely on the metro more than walking.
📍 Nearby Attractions: The Panthéon, Butte-aux-Cailles, La Cité Florale, Quartier des Peupliers, and the Gobelins neighborhood.
Truly one of the most underrated neighborhoods in all of Paris, the 13th arrondissement is not only affordable – but home to so many exciting, charming, and multicultural parts of Paris: including Floral City, Quartier des peupliers, Buttes-Aux-Cailles, Parc de Choissy, and Paris’s own “Little Asia” known as Quartier Asiatuque.
While further away from the main tourist attractions in Paris, the 13th arrondissement is well connected with Place d’Italie nearby and not too far from the popular Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement.
View of church in Buttes-Aux-Cailles in Paris, France; February 2022
Overall, the 13th arrondissement is perfect for travelers who want to experience a less “touristy” version of Paris and enjoy a wide array of things to do, see, and eat. This neighborhood is a riveting mix of both modern and old, and is almost always quiet – making ideal for those seeking a place to stay in Paris away from the more bustling neighborhoods near the main monuments, like the Louvre or the Arc de Triomphe, in Paris.
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Panthéon: 30-minute walk
Jardin du Luxembourg: 30-minute walk
Notre-Dame: 40-minute walk
Metro Lines: 5, 6, and 7 (line 6 provides easy access to both the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe)
Price: Much cheaper than staying in more central neighborhoods in Paris
Best Hotels to Stay: Le Lampika Hotel, Hôtel B55 Paris by Collection Vespe
Best For: Travelers seeking a more unique or alternative to trip that doesn’t look like “postcard Paris” without skimping on exciting cultural experiences or charming streets to explore
Watch me explore the 13th arrondissement in my Paris vlog below!
4. 4th Arrondissement: Le Marais
📍 Arrondissement: 4th arrondissement (Le Marais)
👣 Walkability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚇 Metro: Excellent
💰 Budget: $$–$$$
👨👩👧 Families: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌃 Nightlife: ⭐⭐⭐
🗼 First Timers: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ Pros: Feels like its own little village with charming boutiques, beautiful cafés, and the stunning Place des Vosges just steps away. It's also one of the most central neighborhoods in Paris.
❌ Cons: One of the more expensive neighborhoods in Paris, and it showcases a much posher side of the city than many other arrondissements.
📍 Nearby Attractions: Place des Vosges, Hôtel de Ville, Notre-Dame, Île Saint-Louis, the Centre Pompidou, and the Seine.
Although this is becoming increasingly packed with tourists over the years, there’s no denying that Le Marais remains as one of the nicest neighborhoods in all of Paris – adorned with quiet side streets, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and home to both the Jewish Quarter and Places des Voges.
Le Marais is also home to the famous Rue de Rosiers for shopping and L’as du Falafel, which I can confirm – is one of the best falafels I have ever eaten in my life, and I’ve been to Israel.
Places des Voges in Paris, France; March 2022
If you’re more interested in seeing the local side of Le Marais and the 4th arrondissement, stick to these areas to get the most of your experience in this amazing Parisian neighborhood:
St. Paul: Sitting alongside Rue Saint-Antoine (one of the biggest streets in all of Paris, which cuts directly through the center of the city and turns into Rue Rivoli as you get closer to the Louvre) – this street is home to lots of small clothing shops, local cafés, and even a small carosel for kids. Plus, the best vegan bakery, called Land&Monkeys, is located in this neighborhood on Rue Turenne – which is only a - minute walk away from Places des Voges.
Chemin Vert: Considered the as the north of the Marais, Chemin Vert borders close to the 11th and has lots of fun, atypical-for-Paris restaurants to try such as Cuba Compagnie – with the popular “Merci” store not far away.
Place Georges-Pompidou: While the infamous museum is now closed until 2030, this neighborhood of Paris is located just in the Beaubourg area right in between Le Marais and Les Halles. This is an excellent area to stay in Paris in terms of location, as there are several metro stations nearby and you’ll be walking distance to major tourist attractions such as Le Marais and the Louvre.
Saint-Sébastien–Froissart: Considered as the upper Marais, this is a very local-centric place home to several trendy galleries and cafés such as Galerie Danysz.
Pont Marie: Closer to the beautiful Île Saint-Louis, this area of Paris is considered the eastern edge of Marais – which offers stunning views along the seine of Notre-Dame.
Sully–Morland: Offering a nice, straight-shot style walk to Bastille – this outer south-east part of Le Marais is also nearby the Seine and has a massive outdoor market every weekend.
Check out the 4th arrondissement in my Paris vlog below where I take myself to dinner in Le Marais!
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Bastille: 15-minute walk
Notre-Dame: 20-minute walk
Louvre: 25-minute walk
Metro Lines: 1, 7, 8 (line 1 is great for tourists, as major sites like the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre sit on this line, and also offers easy access to Chatlet, which will help you transfer to essentially any other metro line you’ll need while in Paris)
Price: Expensive, but has the potential to be cheaper than the 6th or 7th arrondissements depending on where the 4th arrondissement your accommodation is
Best Hotels to Stay: Le Lampika Hotel, Hôtel B55 Paris by Collection Vespe
Best For: Travelers seeking a more “vibrant” trip to Paris with nearby innovative, local cafés and art galleries who want to stay central in Paris but not particularly close to major tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe
Rue Saint-Antoine in Paris, France; January 2022
5. 11th Arrondissement: Popincourt
📍 Arrondissement: 11th arrondissement (Popincourt)
👣 Walkability: ⭐⭐⭐
🚇 Metro: Excellent
💰 Budget: $–$$
👨👩👧 Families: ⭐⭐⭐
🌃 Nightlife: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🗼 First Timers: ⭐⭐
✅ Pros: One of the best neighborhoods in Paris for experiencing local life, with endless brunch spots, cafés, restaurants, wine bars, and nightlife. It has a young, energetic atmosphere while still feeling authentically Parisian.
❌ Cons: Most of Paris' classic tourist attractions are farther away, although they're all easily accessible by metro.
📍 Nearby Attractions: Bastille, Place des Vosges, Canal Saint-Martin, and Rue de Charonne.
Another one of my favorite, funkier neighborhoods in Paris is the 11th arrondissement – home to lots of local brunch spots, filming locations from the movie Before Sunset (Le Pure Café), and some of my favorite vegan restaurants in Paris.
The 11th arrondissement strikes a great balance between being family and friendly and perfect for free-spirited, offbeat millennials and Gen Z – as this is where more of the single, childfree people in Paris are likely to dwell.
Saint-Ambroise in Paris, France; October 2022
Close to the nearby lively Canal St. Martin, which is popular for young Parisians to have a drink or go for a cheaper dinner in the city –Popincourt is best for people seeking a more youthful side of the city, such as those going on a group trip to Paris with friends.
Some underrated places in Paris that I love that are located in the 11th arrondissement include:
Saint-Ambroise: With a bustling local market and a stunning church nearby a small park, this is one of those places in Paris that captures the city’s unique personality without needing to be in the thick of busier areas such as around the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower.
Oberkampf: Although nightlife is not my scene, there’s no denying that the vivacious and cosmopolitan feel to Oberkampf makes it one of the more open-minded and unique neighborhoods in Paris – filled with cafés, restaurants, concert halls, and nightclubs.
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Panthéon: 30-minute walk
Notre-Dame: 35-minute walk
Panthéon: 45-minute walk
Metro Lines: 5,8, 9, 11 (lines 5 and 8 are well connected to major metro stations in Paris such as République)
Price: Expensive, but has the potential to be cheaper than the 6th or 7th arrondissements depending on where the 4th arrondissement your accommodation is
Best Hotels to Stay: Hôtel Fabric, Le Clark Hotel
Best For: Youthful travelers that are interested in Paris’s nightlife, cheaper or international cuisine, and a more “millennial” vibe in Paris.
Check out the 11th arrondissement in my Paris vlog below!
6. 5th Arrondissement: Latin Quarter
📍 Arrondissement: 5th arrondissement (Latin Quarter)
👣 Walkability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚇 Metro: Excellent
💰 Budget: $$
👨👩👧 Families: ⭐⭐⭐
🌃 Nightlife: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🗼 First Timers: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ Pros: One of the most central neighborhoods in Paris, within walking distance of many of the city's biggest attractions. It's also very student-friendly, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for plenty of cafés, bookstores, and lively streets.
❌ Cons: The neighborhood can be noisy and busy, especially later into the evening thanks to its large student population and nightlife.
📍 Nearby Attractions: The Panthéon, Jardin du Luxembourg, Notre-Dame, Shakespeare and Company, and the Seine.
Known as the most student-friendly area in Paris, the Latin Quarter has a more “blue collar” vibe than other parts of the city – making it a great middle ground for travelers and residents alike who want cheaper accommodation without missing out on the “movie-picture” Paris that many have in mind before visiting the city for the first time.
Whether you prefer to spend your time at the nearby Jardin du Luxembourg, shopping down Boulevard Saint-Michel, checking out the market at Place Saint-Michel, wandering the narrow streets of the Latin Quarter, or perusing the popular bookstore Shakespeare and Company – the 5th is an excellent place to stay for any trip to Paris.
La Sorbonne in Paris, France; January 2022
Some of my favorite local tips for the Latin Quarter in Paris include
Rue de la Harpe: This is the heart of the heart of the Latin Quarter, making it perfect for a quintessential of the charm-ridden, cobblestone Parisian style streets you likely have in mind. You’ll also find a lot of food stands nearby here for a more affordable meal in Paris, as many of the prices are tailored for students living in the area.
Saint Victor: Just off of the metro stop “Cardinal Lemoine” on line 10, this is a part of the 5th arrondissement nearby La Sorbonne home to lively local spots such as Place de la Contrescarpe. Honestly, this is one of my favorite places to go for a night out with friends – I even love to sing my songs at a bar in this neighborhood called “L’Eurydice” at their monthly open mic nights.
Sqaure Paul-Painlevé: If you’re looking for a pretty park away from the more chaotic, touristic parts of the 5th arrondissement – Square Paul-Painlevé is just as peaceful as other gardens in Paris, but without the busy crowds.
Square René Viviani: One of my favorite little parks in Paris, Square René Viviani is a colorful spot right next to Shakespeare and Company with commanding views of the Notre-Dame.
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Panthéon: 5-minute walk
Notre-Dame: 10-minute walk
Louvre: 20-minute walk
Metro Lines: 4, 5, 7, 10 (line 4 provides easy access to Gare du Nord and line 5 allows you to easily switch at République)
Price: Usually much cheaper than other neighborhoods in Paris without sacrificing a central location
Best Hotels to Stay: Hotel Quartier Latin, Hotel de l'Esperance
Best For: Families or students looking for a budget-friendly trip to Paris, but still want to be walking distance to popular places for tourists
View of Notre-Dame in Latin Quater in Paris, France; June 2022
7. 1st Arrondissement: Palais Royal
📍 Arrondissement: 1st arrondissement (Palais Royal)
👣 Walkability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚇 Metro: Excellent
💰 Budget: $$–$$$
👨👩👧 Families: ⭐⭐⭐
🌃 Nightlife: ⭐⭐⭐
🗼 First Timers: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ Pros: You couldn't ask for a more central location. Many of Paris' biggest attractions are within walking distance, and you're just steps from Châtelet, one of the city's biggest transportation hubs, making it incredibly easy to explore the rest of Paris.
❌ Cons: This is essentially downtown Paris, so expect it to be very busy and crowded throughout much of the day, especially during peak tourist season.
📍 Nearby Attractions: Palais Royal, the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, Place Vendôme, the Seine, and Châtelet.
While the 1st arrondissement is so small, all of its well-known areas are only a few minutes away from each other by foot – my personal favorite area to stay in the 1st is Palais Royal.
One of the most peaceful parks and gardens in all of Paris, Palais Royal is a spot in the 1st where you start to feel the more local and residential side as opposed to areas closer to the Louvre or Les Halles.
Louvre in Paris, France; April 2022
The best part about staying in the 1st arrondissement in Paris is that you truly can’t be anymore central or equidistant to every single major tourist attraction in Paris – as you’ll be roughly a 15 to 25-minute walk from places like the Louvre and Notre-Dame.
In addition to this, staying in the 1st arrondissement means you’ll be nearby all of the major shopping areas – such as the Westfield Mall in Les Halles and the stores stacked side-by-side on Rue Rivoli. Honestly, the 1st has more shopping available than the infamous Champs-Élysées – so if you plan to come to Paris to shop until you drop, the 1st arrondissement is the perfect place to stay.
Lastly, the 1st is home to the metro station called Châtelet, which is considered as the major transportation hub in Paris which will give you easy access to several metro lines and RER trains for day trips or heading back to either Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY) airport in Paris). Just keep in mind, that it can take up to 10 minutes to walk to the line you want to swtich at inside the train station – as Châtelet is huge!
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Louvre: 10-minute walk
Notre-Dame: 20-minute walk
Eiffel Tower: 30 to 40-minute walk
Metro Lines: 1, 4, 7, 8, 11, and 14
Price: Typical pricing for Paris, and potential to find accommodation cheaper than in the 6th, 7th, or 16th
Best Hotels to Stay: Hôtel Malte, Hôtel du Louvre
Best For: Travelers who want easy access to public transportation, enjoy shopping, don’t want to be too far away from anything in Paris, and for day trips outside of the city or to catch an early flight or train the next day.
Palais Royal in Paris, France; April 2022
8. 2nd Arrondissement: Montorgueil & Sentier
📍 Arrondissement: 2nd arrondissement (Montorgueil & Sentier)
👣 Walkability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🚇 Metro: Excellent
💰 Budget: $–$$
👨👩👧 Families: ⭐⭐
🌃 Nightlife: ⭐⭐⭐
🗼 First Timers: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ Pros: A fantastic mix of authentic local life and central sightseeing. You'll have countless cafés, bakeries, wine bars, markets, and restaurants at your doorstep while still being within walking distance of many of Paris' biggest attractions.
❌ Cons: The lively restaurant and bar scene means some streets can stay noisy later into the evening, especially on weekends.
📍 Nearby Attractions: Rue Montorgueil, Sentier, Les Halles, Palais Royal, the Louvre, and the Seine.
Another extremely overlooked area of Paris, neighborhoods in Paris like Montorgueil & Seniter near Grands Boulevards and Bonne Nouvelle are excellent locations for a first stay in Paris. In fact, this was the neighborhood where I stayed during my first ever trip abroad – and where I fell in love with the city!
Nestled in between Les Halles and Opéra, the 2nd arrondissement is home to funky yet family friendly neighborhoods like Sentier and Montorgueil.
Rue Mandar in Paris, France; April 2025
Here’s a breakdown of some of my favorite spots in the 2nd arrondissement:
Rue Mandar: Located in the lively area of Montorgueil, this is one of the prettiest streets in all of Paris – home to several trendy vegan or street-food style cafés. Even better, the main street off to the side has endless restaurants and shops to explore – but my personal favorites in the area are Cloud Cakes and brEAThe.
Sentier: Another “hip” area of Paris, this is another neighborhood in Paris perfect if you like to explore trendy cafés – with one of my personal favorites, Boneshaker Donuts, making Sentier its home.
Plus, being convienently located near Opéra gives you easy access to the RoissyBus if you’re flying out of Charles des Gaulle (CDG) – in addition to being a short walk away from popular places like Boulevard Haussmann and Galeries Lafayette.
However, it is important to note that I’ve had friends who lived in the 2nd arrondissement tell me that the streets can be loud as late as until 2 or 3 in the morning – so choose your accommodation carefully, meaning, try to avoid picking a hotel directly above a bar or “dance bar” (which is a word Parisians use for a small club).
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Louvre: 15-minute walk
Opéra: 20-minute walk
Notre-Dame: 30-minute walk
Metro Lines: 3, 4, 8, 9 (line 8 allows you to easily switch to line 1)
Price: Less expensive than staying in areas such as the 1st or 7th arrondissement; potential for affordability
Best Hotels to Stay: Hôtel Edgar & Achille, The Hoxton
Best For: Travelers who want to be close to the city center of Paris, explore local cafés, enjoy nightlife, and are looking for accommodation cheaper than it would be in the 1st arrondissment.
Watch me explore parts of the 2nd arrondissement in my Paris vlog below!
9. 17th Arrondissement: Batignolles & Ternes
📍 Arrondissement: 17th arrondissement (Batignolles & Ternes)
👣 Walkability: ⭐⭐⭐
🚇 Metro: Very Good
💰 Budget: $–$$
👨👩👧 Families: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌃 Nightlife: ⭐⭐
🗼 First Timers: ⭐⭐
✅ Pros: A very residential neighborhood that's perfect if you want to experience local Parisian life away from the tourist crowds. It's quiet, safe, and has plenty of neighborhood cafés, bakeries, and parks.
❌ Cons: Because it's so peaceful, you may feel like you're missing out on a more exciting side of Paris, especially if it's your first visit.
📍 Nearby Attractions: Parc Monceau and the Arc de Triomphe.
Located nearby the infamous Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe, the 17th is a residential part of Paris that allows for a more local-feel experience for those returning to Paris after several visits.
Usually, I would recommend staying in the 8th arrondissement itself – but that’s a neighborhood in Paris simply too expensive for tourists to stay, and is often reserved for people like Kim Kardashian, Selena Gomez, or Hailey Bieber to stay in when they visit Paris.
Cité des fleurs in Paris, France; April 2022
Luckily, the 17th arrondissement is a happy medium that isn’t too far away from the 8th – with several local spots to not miss in the area including:
Ternes: This is the perfect spot to stay in the 17th, as you’ll be just past the border of the 8th which will keep your location relatively central but also quieter and more residential. There are plenty of local brasseries and cafés to explore in Ternes, too.
Cité des Fleurs: A popular stroll for locals located in Épinettes, perfect for photographers who love to explore smaller village-like areas – don’t forget your camera before coming here!
Parc Monceau: Nestled just on the border between the 8th and the 17th – Parc Monceau is known for its family friendliness and open grass perfect for picnicking and relaxing.
Parc Clichy-Batignolles – Martin Luther King: This is another park where locals often run or take their dogs on a walk, and offers views of the more modernized buildings in Paris.
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Arc de Triomphe: 20-minute walk
Eiffel Tower: 30-minute walk
Place de la Concorde: 40-minute walk
Metro Lines: 1, 2, 3, and 13 (line 13 allows for easy access to the train station at Saint-Lazare)
Price: Significantly cheaper than staying in other neighborhoods in Paris as the 17th is considered residential and not touristic
Best Hotels to Stay: Hôtel La Villa des Ternes, Hôtel Hiro
Best For: Travelers, such as couples on a romantic getaway, who want a quieter stay in Paris or return travelers who have already stayed near the main tourist attractions and want a more peaceful vacation in Paris.
Watch me explore the 17th arrondissement in my Paris vlog below!
10. 18th Arrondissement: Montmarte
📍 Arrondissement: 18th arrondissement (Montmartre)
👣 Walkability: ⭐⭐
🚇 Metro: Good
💰 Budget: $$$
👨👩👧 Families: ⭐⭐⭐
🌃 Nightlife: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🗼 First Timers: ⭐⭐
✅ Pros: You'll be staying in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in all of Paris, surrounded by charming cobblestone streets, cafés, artists, and incredible views over the city.
❌ Cons: Montmartre sits on a hill, making it farther from many of Paris' other major attractions and more difficult to walk to them compared to staying in central Paris.
📍 Nearby Attractions: Sacré-Cœur, the Moulin Rouge, Place du Tertre, Rue de l'Abreuvoir, and Pigalle.
Everyone in Paris, specifically the youth, love to go on about Quartier Pigalle for it’s cheaper rent and abundant nightlife – but in my opinion, if you’re going to stay so close to Montmarte, you may as well be in Monmarte.
Locals and born-and-raised Parisians will all agree that Montmarte is one of the most beautiful places in Paris. While Quartier Pigalle is affordable and great for clubbing, nothing beats classic Montmartre for me – and although it’s true that Montmarte requires you to pay more attention after dark, I have still felt safer walking Montmarte at night alone than in Pigalle.
View of Montmarte in Paris, France; April 2025
Home to the Sacré-Cœur, Parc Marcel Bleustein Blanchet dit Parc de la Turlure, and lively Square Louise Michel – Montmarte is like being in its own separate world from the rest of Paris in the best way.
It’s true that Montmarte is always flooded with tourists and locals alike, especially on weekends, but if you’re looking to experience a new side of Paris – Montmarte is the perfect place to stay.
However, please beware when staying in areas such as Barbès and Château Rouge – as these are not places for solo female travelers to be walking alone at night. Ultimately, if you’re going to stay in the 18th – try to be as close to the Sacré-Cœur as possible, and never look for a hotel north of it.
Walking Distance to Major Attractions:
Sacré-Cœur: 5-minute walk
Opéra: 30-minute walk
Place de la Concorde: 45-minute walk
Metro Lines: 2, 4, 12 (line 4 allows for easy access to Gare du Nord)
Price: Expensive, but should still be more affordable than staying in the 1st or the 8th
Best Hotels to Stay: Maison Barbès, Hotel Élysée Montmartre
Best For: Travelers, especially couples, seeking a “paradise away from the rest of Paris” feel – not as good for families due to hilly walks and potential cranky children. Best for a returning trip to Paris as opposed to a first time trip.
Watch me explore Montmarte in my Paris vlog below!
Wondering how I rank every single arrondissement as a local living in Paris?
The table below will give you my lived-in Parisian opinion on every single district in the city to help you make the most informed decision on where to stay in Paris:
🇫🇷✨ Every Paris Arrondissement Ranked by a Local (Best to Worst) 🥖
| Rank | Arrondissement | Why I Ranked It Here |
|---|---|---|
| #1 🥇 | 6th | Classic, central, manicured Paris and absolutely perfect for first-time visitors. |
| #2 🥈 | 7th | Residential, safe, village-like, and home to stunning Eiffel Tower views you'll enjoy in everyday life. |
| #3 🥉 | 5th | Alive, affordable, historic, and one of the best mixes of student life and classic Paris. |
| #4 | 11th | Between Popincourt and Chemin Vert you'll find incredible brunch spots, cafés, boutiques, and nightlife. It's the perfect mix of cute and "less than perfect," making it feel incredibly authentic. |
| #5 | 13th | Home to many of my favorite underrated places in Paris. Calm, safe, residential, and family-friendly. |
| #6 | 2nd | Home to endless fun restaurants, bars, and cafés with a young atmosphere while still being very central. |
| #7 | 3rd | Funky cafés, slightly grungier than neighboring Le Marais, and filled with beautiful diagonal boulevards that scream Paris. |
| #8 | 4th | Home to Le Marais and beautiful Place des Vosges, offering a wonderful balance between polished Paris and local life. |
| #9 | 1st | You can't get much more central than Palais Royal and the Louvre. It's not somewhere I'd personally want to live because it's always busy, but it's a dream for tourists. |
| #10 | 8th | Luxury at its finest with Avenue Montaigne, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Élysées. |
| #11 | 15th | Very residential but safe, making it a fantastic choice for both locals and visitors. It's huge, often has Eiffel Tower views, and Beaugrenelle offers excellent shopping while cafés and hotels tend to be more affordable. |
| #12 | 16th | Beautiful Eiffel Tower views, charming hills, elegant architecture, and a lovely neighborhood for both locals and visitors. |
| #13 | 9th | A busy, energetic part of Paris with nearby Pigalle, Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, and fantastic Asian food around Opéra. |
| #14 | 17th | Home to charming neighborhoods like Ternes and Cité des Fleurs, although I mostly find myself here for appointments or shopping. |
| #15 | 10th | A little too grungy for my taste, but Strasbourg–Saint-Denis has incredible restaurants and Canal Saint-Martin is always worth visiting. |
| #16 | 12th | Home to Rue Crémieux, the Coulée Verte, Gare de Lyon, Bercy Village, and Bois de Vincennes. It's a quieter arrondissement with several underrated gems that deserve more attention. |
| #17 | 20th | Often unfairly labeled unsafe. It's home to diverse communities, funky cafés, art galleries, and some fantastic Eiffel Tower viewpoints—it's simply farther from the rest of Paris. |
| #18 | 18th | Montmartre is beautiful, but I'm personally not a fan of many of the surrounding neighborhoods. Areas like Château Rouge feel much rougher than the postcard version of the 18th. |
| #19 | 19th | It gets points for Quartier de la Mouzaïa and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, but outside of those areas I'm generally not a fan of this arrondissement. |
| #20 | 14th | Extremely residential with very little to do. In five years of living in Paris, I've almost never met friends here aside from visiting Parc Montsouris or shopping while moving apartments. |
View of Pantheon and Parisian rooftops in Paris, France; May 2026
Still have questions on where to stay and advice on the best neighborhoods in Paris?
Check out my FAQ on the best neighborhoods in Paris below!
🇫🇷 🍷 Best Neighborhoods in Paris FAQ 🥖
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Last updated: July 4, 2026