Where to Stay in Paris: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Paris. The City of Light. With 20 arrondissements (neighborhoods), incredible historic attractions spread out throughout the city, and thousands of hotels, hostels, and apartments to choose from, finding the best place to stay can be a challenge for visitors.

Over the course of dozens upon dozens of visits to Paris over the years (and several months living there), I’ve stayed in every area of town and in all types of different accommodations. Each neighborhood in Paris has its own unique personality and its own pros and cons. There’s always a trade-off to be made here.

To help you figure out where the best place to stay for your trip is, I’ve created this detailed guide on where to stay in Paris. I’ve included a brief description of each area, why I like it, and my favorite accommodations in that neighborhood.

So, with that said, here’s an overview of the main arrondissements to help you find the best neighborhood for your trip:

 

Best for Partying: Bastille (11th arrondissement)

Bastille takes its name from the famous prison that used to occupy this neighborhood (the storming of which started the French Revolution in 1789). Today, the prison is gone, and this animated and lively district has become known for its bars and clubs that are popular with Parisian youth. If you are looking for a fun arrondissement to stay in, I’d recommend this one. It’s centrally located, there are lots of subway connections, there’s a lot of bars and clubs, and, of course, great restaurants.

Best places to stay in Bastille

• BUDGET: Auberge Internationale des Jeunes – This is a safe and well-maintained hostel with basic amenities and free breakfast is served daily 7am-9:45am. There is also a common room where people like to hang out too. It’s the best budget place in the area! Since this is a youth hostel, you have to be under 30 years old to stay here.
• MID-RANGE: Oh La La! Hotel Bar Paris Bastille – Located right across from the Bastille (literally) and just a short ride Gare de Lyon, this quiet boutique hotel has a bar on the ground floor that makes it easy to unwind after a day of exploring. The rooms are modern and sleek and the breakfast is tasty too, but you really can’t beat this location!
• LUXURY: Maison Bréguet – This immaculate five-star hotel is just 500 meters from the Bastille. Boasting a fabulous breakfast, a modern fitness center, luxurious spa, and an indoor pool, it’s hands-down the best place to splash out in the district.

 

Best for Student Vibes: Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement)

The Latin Quarter, one of my favorite areas of Paris, is filled with narrow streets that turn at weird angles and open onto little café-lined squares. I love wandering around here: it always feels like you’re stepping back a few hundred years in history with all the cobblestone streets and old homes. This area is a big student area and, given it’s proximity to the Seine, very bustling with people. You’ll be in the middle of the action when you stay here.

Best places to stay in the Latin Quarter

• BUDGET: Hotel Pierre Nicole – One of the few budget hotels in the district, this two-star hotel includes a filling buffet breakfast each morning. It’s centrally located while still being quiet, ensuring you can see the city with ease while also getting a decent sleep. For the price, it offers a ton of value!
• MID-RANGE: Hôtel Minerve – On a quiet street near Notre Dame and the Sorbonne, Hôtel Minerve is housed inside a historic 1864 Haussmannian building complete with flowered balconies. This place has been recently renovated to give it some charm, including exposed stone walls, visible beams, and original artwork throughout. There’s a large central courtyard as well. You can get a decent breakfast spread each morning for 9 EUR and they also offer an airport shuttle (not free).
• LUXURY: Maison Colbert – This chic five-star hotel, located in a historic 19th-century building, is right beside Ile-de-la-Cité and the famous Notre Dame Cathedral (some rooms even have views of the cathedral). Rooms here are sleek, spacious, and comfortable, the breakfast is delicious, and the staff are exceptional and go above and beyond to ensure you have a welcoming stay.

 

Best Overall: Le Marais (4th arrondissement)

Le Marais (meaning “the marsh”) was revitalized about a decade ago and is now a stylish, lively area filled with hip art galleries, boutique shops, café, and amazing restaurants. The tight, winding streets are lined with old architecture, half-hidden courtyards, and quite a few museums. It’s a hugely popular area with locals and tourists alike. It’s my favorite area of Paris to wander around.

(Additionally, it’s the center of Paris’s gay life, so you’ll be able to find a lot of gay bars, cafés, and shops here too.)

Best places to stay in Le Marais

• BUDGET: MIJE Marais – This is a unique budget hostel, as it’s three 17th century buildings renovated to create a hostel trio: MIJE Fourcy, Fauconnier, and Maubuisson. The rooms are pretty basic, but there’s a free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a beautiful outdoor courtyard.
• MID-RANGE: Villa Beaumarchais – This tiny and attractive hotel is on a quiet side street within walking distance of the Opéra Garnier and Place de la Madeleine. The rooms have an antique feel to them, with a lot of wood furniture and floral wallpaper. It’s very cozy. Try to get a room that overlooks the interior courtyard. They also offer an American-style breakfast buffet and have free Wi-Fi as well as a fitness center.
• LUXURY: Pavillon de la Reine – Pavillon de la Reine is in the Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful and oldest squares in the world. The vine-covered building is gorgeous and the rooms have amazing, unique décor with antique furnishings and enormous windows. There’s a spa and a fitness center on-site as well. This is a wonderful little hideaway. Fun fact: Queen Anne of Austria actually stayed here once. Eat at Restaurant Anne if you feel like splurging.

 

Best for Price: Montmartre (18th arrondissement)

Home to starving artists for centuries, Montmartre is home to arty cafés and bars, cobblestone streets, and the only winery within the city limits (though the wine isn’t great). It’s also home to a lot of students, as the rents in this part of town are much cheaper than elsewhere. It’s also pretty loud at night since there are usually lots of students and tourists about. Try to stay on one of the beautiful side streets if you’re looking for a quieter stay in the area.

Best places to stay in Montmartre

• BUDGET: Le Village Montmartre By Hiphophostels – This small, cozy hostel with a view of Sacré-Coeur is literally surrounded by bars, restaurants, and supermarkets. There’s a French breakfast each morning for 9 EUR, or you can just take advantage of the large kitchen to cook your own meals.
• MID-RANGE: Le Relais Montmartre – This hotel is on a quiet street in Montmartre. It offers great value and the rooms have a rustic charm with exposed beams and vintage furniture. Check out the breakfast — it’s really good — and the cellar restaurant is unique if you’re looking to indulge.
• LUXURY: Terrass” Hôtel – The hotel bar’s views of Paris are stunning, and the sunset from here is spectacular. The rooms are larger than most in town and have beautiful décor in a classic Parisian style. The hotel offers yoga classes and spa treatments. Make sure to have brunch on the terrace.

 

Best for Quiet: Montparnasse (14th arrondissement)

Montparnasse is one of the more modern parts of Paris, with a lot of more office buildings, new apartments, and a more local / lived in feel to it rather than a place full of tourists. Montparnasse has inexpensive accommodations and a good number of restaurants. It’s not as classically pretty as other parts of town, but it’s a lot more “local” than other districts so if you want to get away from the madness in the heart of the city but not be too far from the action, this area is a one of the best to stay in.

Best places to stay in Montparnasse

• BUDGET: FIAP Jean Monnet – This large hostel is similar to a hotel conference center, and you’ll often find school groups here (it’s not a party hostel). But it’s in a quiet neighborhood, breakfast is included, and all rooms are en-suite (including dorms). Dorms are available only those 18 to 30 years old.
• MID-RANGE: Novotel Paris Centre Gare Montparnasse – This comfortable, business-style chain hotel has everything you’d expect from a chain. The rooms have large walk-in showers and memory foam mattresses. It’s modern and bright. They offer free coffee and tea, and if you have kids, they’ll love the balloon animals the staff make!
• LUXURY: Niepce Paris Hotel – This small boutique hotel is charming. It’s a new hotel, so everything is still shiny. Some rooms have outside patios with jacuzzi tubs, but even the junior rooms are modern and luxurious. The restaurant serves unique Japanese/French fusion cuisine.

 

Best for Being Central: Les Halles (1st arrondissement)

This chic, bustling neighborhood is centered around Paris’s former central marketplace, Les Halles (pronounced lay-AL), which was torn down in 1971. The market was “the stomach of Paris” for centuries. Now, there’s an underground shopping mall, and the surrounding streets are filled with designer stores, cafés, and artisanal food shops. Staying here puts you in the center of all the action as you are super close to the Louvre, Paris’ Chinatown, the Champ Elysse, and so much more! You are in the heart of it if you stay here!

Best places to stay in Les Halles

• BUDGET: Hôtel de Roubaix – Located just two minutes from the metro, this budget hotel offers excellent value. It’s just 1.5km from the Louvre, includes a continental breakfast, and the rooms are clean and spacious. There are lots of cafes and restaurants nearby and the staff are super friendly too.
• MID-RANGE: Hôtel Thérèse – This refined four-star hotel is right near the Louvre (which is why I stayed here). The daily breakfast is delicious and the rooms are comfortable and charming. I stayed here for a week and would definitely stay again!
• LUXURY: Novotel Paris Les Halles – Air-conditioned rooms, 24-hour room service, giant beds — what’s not to love? Novotel Paris Les Halles is next to the big shopping areas (like Rue de Rivoli) and also within walking distance of the Louvre. There’s a lovely patio where you can enjoy traditional French meals or cocktails, or you can hang out in the lounge and unwind after a day of exploring.

 

Best for Location: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement)

Saint-Germain-des-Prés used to be home to artists, writers, and thinkers. Now, it’s one of the most expensive and trendy neighborhoods in Paris and home to celebrities, high-priced art galleries, designer shops, and fancy restaurants. It’s not cheap to stay in but it’s a beautiful area to walk through. You’ll find beautiful boulevards, antique homes, gardens, and old churches. It’s everything you imagine Paris to be. I love this area and it’s close to everything too. Hotels here are more expensive than elsewhere but location is everything, right?

Best places to stay in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

• BUDGET: Hôtel de Nesle – There are unfortunately not too many budget accommodations in this part of town. If you like kitsch, Nesle is the place for you! There’s hardly a single wall that isn’t covered in some kind of adornment. Some rooms have private bathrooms with showers, while others are shared. There’s an inner garden where you can relax.
• MID-RANGE: Hôtel Moderne Saint Germain – This boutique hotel is super stylish, and each air-conditioned room is decorated with bright pops of color! Some rooms have small balconies. There’s a delicious breakfast here too.
• LUXURY: Hôtel Récamier – The staff is extremely helpful with arranging any outings you’d like to do, and the complimentary afternoon tea is a nice touch. The rooms are spacious and air-conditioned (I also love the mattresses), and the building is historic and beautiful.

 

Best for Locals: Belleville (20th arrondissement)

The center of Paris’s immigrant community, Belleville is slowly becoming popular with hipsters and younger kids since it is more affordable. It’s home to a hectic Chinatown and is something of a melting pot of different cultures. Some of the best Middle Eastern, North African, and Chinese food in the city is found here, there’s an awesome street market on the main street, there are tons of quirky bars and wine shops, and it’s one of the best areas of the city for street art. I find myself staying in this part of town more and more as I love the “I’m in real Paris” feel to the area.

Best places to stay in Belleville

• BUDGET: The People – Paris Belleville – This hostel has a fantastic chimney lounge and a rooftop space. The bar/restaurant on the ground floor is popular with locals and groups, so it’s always a fun time. The rooms are super modern and the beds comfy. It’s one of my favorite hostels in town (whenever I host a meet-up in Paris, it’s usually held here).
• MID-RANGE: Hôtel des Pyrénées – While nothing really stands out about this hotel, it has recently undergone some big renovations so you’ll find sleek and modern rooms at affordable prices. There are family rooms for up to four people as well, making it a reasonably-priced option for familes.
• LUXURY: Hôtel Scarlett – This is a trendy, refurbished hotel with seriously beautiful spaces. The beds are large and comfortable, and each room comes with a flat-screen TV. Their knowledgeable concierge can help you find your way around the city and plan your trip too.

 

Best for Scenic Charm: Eiffel Tower/Champs de Mars (7th arrondissement)

As you might have guessed, Eiffel Tower/Champs de Mars is the place to be if your main reason for visiting Paris is to see the iconic Eiffel Tower (and to have easy access to some other huge attractions). Other than the impressive architecture, there are several great natural history and modern art museums to check out, as well as the sprawling Parc du Champ-de-Mars. This is going to be a busy and touristy (read: expensive) area to stay, but you can’t beat it for convenience!

Best places to stay in Eiffel Tower/Champs de Mars

• BUDGET: 3 Ducks Hostel – A 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower, 3 Ducks has one of the best locations in town. The staff is friendly, the rooms are small but comfortable, and the showers are clean. This is a more upscale hostel with recently revamped décor. it’s one of my favorites in the city too.
• MID-RANGE: Hôtel Eiffel Kensington – A no-frills hotel, but it’s meters from the Eiffel Tower, and you can get private single rooms at decent prices. The rooms are on the smaller side but they are spacious enough and come with a small desk. It’s a good budget option for the location.
• LUXURY: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel – The rooms here are all modern and minimalist, with leather furniture and sleek finishings. Most have a desk and a little couch. There’s a fitness room and a really nice terrace for dining. Each room comes with amazing views over the city, and some come with balconies looking onto the tower.

 

Where Not to Stay

There are two islands in the Seine that are the historic center of Paris. Île de la Cité is now home to Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, administrative buildings, and the Conciergerie. It’s super loud and bustling with people day and night. Île Saint-Louis, on the other hand, is a quiet neighborhood home to Paris’s rich and filled with well-preserved historic homes and streets. They are good sightseeing areas but they aren’t great places to stay. There’s not much going on and they are very expensive. Skip staying here.

Additionally, I would avoid staying in Champs-Élysées. There are a lot of high end hotels in the area and, if that’s your thing, well, why are you on a budget travel website? Go stay there! Otherwise, I wouldn’t stay here because the area is expensive and there’s not a lot of “real” Paris here. It’s just touristy clothing stores and big name stores. Don’t waste your time or money.

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Everything in Paris is well connected via metro, there’s no such thing as an area with bad food, and every area is beautiful (it is Paris after all!). For me, Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, Bastille, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés are the four best neighborhoods to stay in when visiting Paris.

But every neighborhood has something for someone, so just pick the one that suits your needs. You can’t really gone wrong in a city like Paris.