Paris is a large, beautiful and diverse city, with each area having its own unique features, landmarks, cultures and communities, so it can be hard to know which arrondissement to choose for your stay in Paris. Arrondissement is the name given to each suburb of Paris, and there are twenty in total, marking the city’s administrative regions.
Helpfully, each neighbourhood in Paris is numbered in a kind of snail formation in the city, with the 1st arrondissement of Paris in the centre and the 20th on the outskirts, so it’s relatively easy to find your way around.
We’ll take a look at the most popular arrondissements to stay in numerical order, and what makes each of them unique whether it be for families, foodies, first-time visitors or couples!
Table of Contents
1st Arr. – Best for First-Time Visitors
The first, second, third and fourth arrondissements of Paris were reportedly merged in 2020 since they’re the smallest and most central, and all four have the most well-known tourist attractions in the city.
Within the first arrondissement, you can find the heart of Paris, the Louvre Museum, with its magnificent architecture, glass pyramid and neighbouring wonderful gardens, the Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Palais Royal.
Although actually in the 8th arrondissement, if you stay within the first four Parisian neighbourhoods, you’re also within walking distance of the luxurious shops of the Champs Elysées and neighbouring impressive Presidential Place, the Palais d’Elysées.
Surrounded by such opulence, not forgetting the beautiful Opéra Garnier and the quaint covered passages of the inner city, it’s no surprise that if you stay within this area, you’ll certainly pay the price. Here you can find the Paris Ritz Hotel among many other expensive luxury hotels, so if you’re travelling to Paris on a budget, you should definitely avoid staying in this area.
The city has fantastic public transport, especially the Paris metro which takes you everywhere you need to go, so it would be cheaper to stay on the outskirts and buy a travel pass to use the metro or buses to get where you need to go.
Where to Stay in the 1st Arr.
Hôtel du Lion d’Or Louvre – This modern 3-star hotel is an excellent place with a range of lovely rooms to choose from.
Hôtel Le Relais des Halles – This opulent hotel is an excellent choice for those looking for luxury. Offering a range of air-conditioned rooms, they have several lovely amenities available to guests.
Yuna Les Halles – If you’d like your own flat right in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, then these serviced apartments are an excellent option.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in the 1st Arrondissement!
4th Arr. – Best for Sightseeing
Still very central, the 4th arrondissement is also an excellent option for first-time visitors who are primarily visiting Paris to sightsee!
With such wonderful attractions as the art gallery-cum-library the Pompidou Centre, the amazing town hall of Paris, L’Hôtel de Ville, and the intriguing house of famous French author Victor Hugo, there’s plenty to do and see within the 4th arrondissement alone.
Once you’ve seen Victor Hugo’s house, you can’t miss out on a trip to the Île de la Cité, the island in the middle of the Seine that’s home to the spectacular Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, the site of Hugo’s novel about the hunchback Quasimodo.
You should also definitely head over the road to the beautiful Sainte-Chapelle with its colourful stained glass windows that glitter over the chapel’s interior.
This area of Paris is also a great place to stay for young people due to the lively social groups including the city’s largest LGBTQ+ community. You can happily wander the winding mediaeval streets perusing bookshops and listening to buskers before stopping for a glass of wine and watching the world go by.
But like the first, the fourth arrondissement is still central so accommodation prices are likely to be much higher than elsewhere in the city.
Where to Stay in the 4th Arr.
Hôtel Caron – This mid-range hotel has a number of chic rooms to choose from, a great buffet breakfast each morning and an unbeatable location for sightseeing.
SO Paris Hotel – This 5-star boutique hotel is a wonderful place to stay for those who want to be in the height of luxury while staying centrally. Located within easy reach of the top sites in the city, they also have endless plush amenities at guest’s disposal.
The People Paris Marais – This hostel is a fantastic choice for those wanting to stay in this district of Paris on a budget, They offer both private rooms and traditional dorm rooms along with breakfast available each morning.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in the 4th Arrondissement!
5th Arr. – Best for Nightlife
Neighbouring the young and Queer communities of the fourth arrondissement is another hub of youth, in the 5th arrondissement. As there are several universities in this area, there is a huge student population, which also brings with it cheap eateries, bars and lively nights out.
So if you’re seeing Paris on a budget or want to embrace the nightlife, the 5th arrondissement is the place for you.
But the fifth arrondissement doesn’t lack culture either, so if you’re in Paris for the historic landmarks, you should at least stop by the incredible building of the Pantheon and the 2000-year-old amphitheatre, the Arènes de Lutèce, on the south side of the Seine.
Although this is a student-centric area, you are still in central Paris, so while standard hotels might be cheaper compared to the 1st or 4th arrondissement, you can expect typical Paris costs!
Where to Stay in the 5th Arr.
Hôtel Des Mines – This 3-star hotel has a number of cool and modern rooms to choose from – all air-conditioned – and offers a good breakfast each morning.
Hotel Saint Christophe – Another great hotel in the cool Saint-Germain district, they have a myriad of comfortable rooms to choose from and offer guests a continental breakfast in the mornings.
Hôtel Jardin de Cluny – This hip, opulent hotel is a fantastic choice for those looking for a luxury option while in the 5th Arrondissement. They have a number of gorgeous rooms to choose from along with a range of lovely amenities available to guests.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in the 5th Arrondissement!
6th Arr. – Best for Families
Between the Latin Quarter and the 1st arrondissement is the charming district of the 6th arrondissement which is our recommendation for where families should stay.
This is because you’re in a central location so don’t have far to go to reach the tourist attractions, but it’s a quieter area than the student area of the 5th, so you can spend a relaxing time people-watching in the wonderful cafés lining the south bank of the Seine.
You can also enjoy the charming streets leading out of the centre, including the more than 300-year old café Le Procope. It’s also perfect for wandering through the incredible Luxembourg Gardens, another great place to visit in pairs with kids.
The 6th arrondissement is also a great area to stay in Paris for couples on a romantic getaway. There are numerous luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants, boutiques and art galleries for a no-expense-spared holiday in Paris.
Where to Stay in the 6th Arr.
Hôtel Le Regent Paris – Located in a charming 18th-century building, this 3-star hotel has a handful of quaint and chic rooms to choose from, along with a good breakfast, room service and an on-site bar.
Relais Hôtel du Vieux Paris – This luxury hotel is perfect for those after a romantic getaway in Paris. Offering a range of beautiful rooms, they have countless incredible amenities for guests to enjoy such as a beautiful dining area.
Résidence & Spa Le Prince Régent – Another great choice in the 6th Arrondissement, this modern hotel has an on-site spa & an indoor swimming pool.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in the 6th Arrondissement!
7th Arr. – Best for Couples
You could probably say that every district is a great arrondissement to stay for couples, as it’s such a romantic city, with high-class restaurants, hotels and brilliant views across the city.
However, the 7th arrondissement is undoubtedly one of the best, thanks to the Eiffel Tower providing an incredible landmark to enhance the views of Paris from your hotel balcony.
Walk out of your fancy hotel, towards the large green area surrounding the Eiffel Tower, stop for a delicious breakfast in the Boulangerie du Champ de Mars and head to the most famous landmark in Paris for incredible views over the city, and an even more incredible tasting menu at the Jules Verne restaurant within the 19th-century architectural wonder.
Then, you can spend a romantic afternoon cruising down the Seine, or book a sunset boat trip with dinner and drinks.
If you’ve been up the Eiffel Tower before, then skip ahead to the brilliant art galleries of the Musée d’Orsay and Musée Rodin on the bank of the Seine to discover some of the world’s most renowned artworks, without having to wait all day in a queue at the Louvre. Plus, you can see legendary leader Napoleon’s tomb in Les Invalides.
Where to Stay in the 7th Arr.
Hôtel de la Motte Picquet – This cool hotel is located less than a kilometre from the Eiffel Tower, making it an excellent place to base yourself on your trip to Paris. They have a number of great rooms to choose from along with a very good breakfast in the morning.
Académie Hôtel Saint Germain – This opulent hotel is an excellent option has an array of great rooms on offer with a 24-hour reception and bar on-site.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in the 7th Arrondissement!
10th Arr. – Best for Foodies
You could argue that the 10th arrondissement of Paris is the real deal; no particular landmarks or tourist attractions, just markets selling fresh produce, vintage bookshops, cute cafés and people going about their business.
This might also be the best area to stay in Paris for food, as there are plenty of little independent shops selling all kinds of cheese, wines, sweet treats and local delicacies.
The word “hipster” may make you cringe or roll your eyes, but when you see the bars filled with craft beer, organic specialist coffee shops, vintage bikes and the local fashion, it’s the only word that comes to mind. That doesn’t make it a bad area, in fact, it’s a beautiful neighbourhood where you can spend a lovely, relaxing few days in Paris and live like a local rather than a tourist.
Cycle along the canals, pick up your fresh baguettes and cheese to have a picnic in the serene city park, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and spend your afternoon sipping wines and improving your French with a newly purchased book from the renowned Artazart Bookstore. Then finish each day with a visit to one of the many amazing restaurants in the area. Can it get any better?
What’s more, you don’t have to worry about transport into or across the city, as the Gare du Nord is at your feet. It’s also great if you plan to head out on a day trip, such as to Champagne or even to the nearby Palace of Versailles.
Where to Stay in the 10th Arr.
La Planque Hotel – Mid-range visitors looking to stay in the 10th Arrondissement will love this modern hotel. They have several lovely rooms on offer and there is also a great buffet breakfast to enjoy in the morning.
Hôtel Le Milie Rose – This 4-star hotel is located less than a kilometre from Gare du Nord station and is a great choice for a more upmarket stay.
St Christopher’s Inn Gare du Nord – This hostel is great for budget visitors as there are a number of dorm rooms available – including some female-only options – and all rooms are heated, perfect if you’re visiting Paris in winter.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in the 10th Arrondissement!
13th Arr. – Best For Seeing Multicultural Paris
The 13th arrondissement is not necessarily the best place to stay for first-timers as it’s not super close to sites like the Eiffel Tower or the Arc de Triomphe, but if you’re there to explore parts of the city you haven’t seen before and stay in a cheaper, quieter, more residential neighbourhood while also surrounded by fantastic Asian cuisine, street art and curious buildings, then the 13th arrondissement is for you!
The 13th arrondissement is home to Paris Chinatown, so you can expect some incredible buildings and monuments in a traditional Chinese design, as well as authentic food from China, Vietnam, Cambodia and former French Indochinese territories.
Stop by the Empire du Thé for classic Chinese decor and tea-serving culture, as well as the Tang Frères’ supermarket for some Chinese delicacies to take home for a midnight snack or a sweet treat for your picnic in one of Paris’ many parks.
Discover the beautifully ornate Buddhist Temple Of The Teochew Association with its traditionally designed wash basins outside and gold-decorated interiors, or take a walk to discover the amazing graffiti in the streets, particularly outside the Notre Dame de Chine Church.
You can also make the most of being right by the entrance to the Catacombs in the 14th arrondissement.
Where to Stay in the 13th Arr.
Hôtel Rosalie – This boutique hotel in the Gobelins district has cool, air-conditioned rooms to choose from, a rooftop terrace to enjoy, and an on-site restaurant and bar along with free on-site parking for those who have a rental car.
Hotel Villa Romantic & Spa – If you’re looking for an upmarket option in this multicultural area of Paris, this hotel is an excellent choice. Not only are there many wonderful rooms to choose from, but there is also a spa on site for guests to enjoy.
FIAP Paris – Located on the cusp of the 13th and 14th arrondissements, this hostel has both private rooms and dorms along with great common areas and self-catering facilities.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in the 13th Arrondissement!
18th Arr. – Best for a Romantic Getaway
The 18th arrondissement is my choice for anybody looking for a romantic trip away, as this is the district of Montmartre. Film fans will recognise the incredible Sacré-Cœur Basilica from the famous flirtatious scene in the classic French film Amélie, but that’s not all the area is famous for.
Leading up to the amazing white limestone basilica are charming cobbled streets winding through small squares full of small cafés, bars and restaurants, that were once frequented by some of the most famous artists of the early 20th century, like Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec and Dalí.
Visit the Dalí museum to catch a glimpse of the legendary artist’s work, stop for a coffee in the artistic centre of Place du Tertre, or simply amble around the area to see the small art galleries of the current artistic community of Paris.
While on your romantic weekend in Paris, you should also stop by the Je T’aime Wall to see “I love you” graffiti-ed in many different languages.
The 18th arrondissement is far and away one of the most beautiful areas of France, let alone Paris, so wherever you stay, be sure to take a metro to Abesses to discover the Montmartre district and take in the views from the amazing hilltop that gives the area its name.
When looking for somewhere to stay in Montmartre, you can find plenty of reasonably priced hotels and apartments between the main centre below the basilica and the area of Pigalle, known for being the red light district and housing the Moulin Rouge.
It’s not a sordid area at all, in fact, it’s one of the up-and-coming areas of Paris, so you can find great food and drink in the area, as well as plenty of entertainment in the form of live music, dance and cabarets.
Where to Stay in the 18th Arr.
Hotel 29 Lepic – This hotel is an excellent choice for those looking for a great, clean and comfortable place to stay in Montmartre. They have a number of cosy rooms to choose from along with an excellent location for exploring the neighbourhood and the city.
My Maison In Paris Montmartre – If you’d like to have your own flat while staying in Paris, these apartments in Montmartre are fantastic. They come fully furnished and equipped with everything you may need.
Beau M – Located in the heart of Montmartre, this hostel is an excellent choice for budget visitors to the French capital. They have several dorms to choose from along with great common areas to make it easy to meet other travellers.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in the 18th Arrondissement!
20th Arr. – Best for a Local Feel
Another up-and-coming area of Paris is the 20th arrondissement.
This area is seeing a great deal of development, with new bars, cafés, restaurants and shopping opportunities popping up constantly, giving the area much more energy and quickly becoming the best arrondissement to stay in Paris for food fanatics.
Get your mouth-watering pastries from Benoît Castel, your responsibly sourced main dishes from the broad lunch and dinner menu of La Confidente, and spend your evening in the delightful café La Bellevilloise, which also regularly hosts live music and other artistic and cultural events.
But the highlight of the 20th arrondissement, and this may seem macabre to those who haven’t heard of it before, is Père Lachaise Cemetery.
This 110-acre (45-hectare) plot in northeast Paris is a very peaceful and beautiful area to walk around and admire the beautiful headstones and huge crypts from the last 200 years. Its notoriety, however, isn’t simply due to its age and size; it’s also the resting place of some of the most famous names throughout history.
Pick up a leaflet at the gate or download one online before you arrive, to visit the graves of the likes of Molière, Edith Piaf, Chopin, Jim Morrison, Honoré de Balzac, Modigliani, Gertrude Stein and Oscar Wilde.
Since it’s a reasonably priced and quiet neighbourhood, it can also be a great place to stay in Paris for families. Just hop on the metro to Nation, where you can change to reach any of the city’s main attractions.
Where to Stay in the 20th Arr.
Babel Belleville – Featuring an on-site restaurant, lounge and terrace, this cool hotel is a great place to stay. There are an array of rooms to choose from and there is also a superb breakfast available daily.
Hôtel Les Deux Girafes – This chic boutique hotel has so many great rooms to choose from and there are countless great amenities like a beautiful terrace that is available to guests.
The People Paris Belleville – This cool hostel not only offers both dorms and private rooms, but they also have a cool rooftop terrace, breakfast in the morning and a great social atmosphere.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in the 20th Arrondissement!
Paris is an incredibly diverse city, with most of its arrondissements feeling like small towns rather than parts of the capital.
Which you choose to stay in depends on your interests, with most of the tourist attractions closer to the centre, making the 1st the best arrondissement to stay in Paris for first-time visitors, and the trendy and quieter neighbourhoods in the outskirts.
Are you planning a trip to Paris? Have any questions about these areas? Let us know in the comments!
