Where to Stay in Paris: The 15 Best Neighbourhoods in Paris - DW Blog (2024)

Welcome to Paris! In this article, I’ll be sharing with you my top 7 best areas to stay in Paris, and what makes each of them special. Famous for being a city rich in history, full of romance and dotted with incredible monuments and museums, the French capital has so much to offer! Since there’s so much to see and do in Paris, it’s important to choose a great area to stay in so you don’t miss a thing.

Because there are so many choices, it can be hard to decide where your Parisian home base should be. To help you choose the best area to stay, I’ve put together this article about the best areas to stay in Paris. Whether you prefer a more lively atmosphere or a bit of calm amidst the city rhythm, there’s a Paris neighborhood you’ll love.

Read also; 10 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Paris

Read next: Top Walks in Paris

On the Ile Saint-Louis, you’ll be right in the city center, and close to plenty of Paris attractions. With views on the Seine river, the ornate Hotel de Ville and of course, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Ile Saint Louis is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Paris. Take in the your beautiful surroundings with a stroll along the riverbanks, and be sure to treat yourself to the best ice cream in Paris at the legendary Berthillon shop.

The Ile Saint-Louis is also just a short walk from the Latin Quarter, the Marais neighborhood and Notre-Dame, so don’t hesitate to join us for a free tour of those must-see areas!

Where to stay near Île Saint-Louis? Le studio de l’île, RESIDENCES HARCOURT – Ile Saint Louis – PARIS, Lovely studio at Île Saint-Louis, Le Voyage En Isle, SAINT LOUIS EN LILE, Luxury 3 bedrooms 2 Bathrooms – Ile saint-Louis, Sweet Inn – Quai Bourbon, and Studio Saint Louis en Ile are just a few of the hotels in Ile Saint-Louis with access to the metro.

There’s a lot to see and do in the Marais, so this is the best area to stay in Paris if you’re hoping to see the liveliest side of the city. Nightlife is bustling in this neighborhood, and there’s no shortage of great bars and cafés to enjoy.

Home to plenty of street art as well as some of the city’s best museums like Centre Pompidou and the Picasso Museum, the Marais is an art-lovers paradise. Quite possibly the trendiest part of the city, the best shopping in Paris is also found in this area. Rue Vielle du Temple and Rue des Francs Bourgeois are home to great little boutiques as well as designer shops, and are the favorite shopping haunts of chic Parisians.

Where to stay near the Marais? Hotel de JoBo, 9Confidentiel, Le Temple de Jeanne, Hotel Caron, La Chambre du Marais, Hotel du Petit Moulin, Hotel Dupond-Smith, Hotel Jules & Jim, Hotel de la Bretonnerie, and Hotel Sookie are the highest-rated 4-star hotels within a 6-minute walk of Le Marais.

Read also; 10 Best Neighborhoods for Food in Paris

Montmartre also served as the muse for many artists like Renoir and Picasso who once called this neighborhood home. Be sure to stop by the Place du Tertre and see where the great Montmartois artists drew their inspiration from. This cobblestone square just behind the Sacre-Coeur Basilica is filled with modern-day painters creating and selling their works!

There are also some excellent museums in the area, like the Musée de Montmartre. An ancient mansion overlooking a beautiful garden and vineyard was transformed into this museum focusing on the areas’ history and influential figures, definitely worth a visit!

Where to stay near Montmartre? Hôtel des Arts Montmartre, Hotel Nation Montmartre, Angleterre Hotel, Hotel Audran, Hotel de Flore, Manolita Paris, Hotel 29 Lepic, Maison Barbès, Hotel Litteraire Marcel Ayme, BW Premier Collection, ibis Paris Montmartre 18ème, and Timhotel Montmartre are among our top picks for Montmartre hotel accommodations with metro access.

The Boulevard Saint-Germain is lined with luxury boutiques, bookshops and lots of great restaurants, ideal for an afternoon stroll. The Seine river is just a five minute walk away, and along the riverbanks there are Parisian bouquinistes, or booksellers. Hawking vintage books, artwork and trinkets, these little stands are the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs.

The must-see Musée d’Orsay (read more about Orsay Museum | or buy online tickets), the lovely Luxembourg Gardens and the Latin Quarter are also within walking distance. No matter what you decide to do in Saint-Germain, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with this iconic Parisian neighborhood.

Where to stay near Saint-Germain-des-Pré? Odeon Hotel by Malone, Hôtel Perreyve, Hôtel A La Villa des Artistes, Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris, Hotel Left Bank Saint Germain, Hotel d’Angleterre, Grand Hôtel de L’Univers Saint-Germain, Quartier Notre Dame, and La Perle are among our top picks for Saint-Germain-des-Prés hotel accommodations with metro access.

In Oberkampf, you’ll be far enough away from the throngs of tourists in the city center, but central enough to visit all of Paris easily. If you’re in the mood for some tasty food, don’t miss the Bastille farmer’s market, the go-to spot for excellent street food and fresh groceries. Oberkampf is a great neighborhood to explore on foot, you never know what treasures you’ll find wandering these streets!

Where to stay near the Oberkampf? Hôtel Fabric, Le Général Hôtel, My Home In Paris, Hôtel Les Deux Girafes, La Chambre du Marais, and Hotel Le Mareuil are some hotel accommodations near Oberkampf Metro Station.

7. 8th Arrondissem*nt

The posh 8th district is defined by the famous Avenue des Champs Elysées. This is where you can find the iconic Arc de Triomphe and at the other end the Place de la Concorde. It is defined by Parc Monceau in the north. The beautiful Parc Monceau is just a ten-minute walk from the Champs-Elysées. If you’re looking for a little escape from the hustle and bustle, this is an excellent place as the green spaces, waterfalls and flora will help you relax. For the young, you can try some pony rides, a merry-go-round and puppet shows.

If you’re a shopping fiend, then this is the place to be with high end shopping options and you can mingle with a mixed crowd of tourists, fashionistas and office workers. The district is home to art museums such as the Musée Jacquemart-André with an amazing European art collection, housed in a 19th-century townhouse. The elegant Musée Nissim de Camondo is housed in a Belle Epoque mansion furnished with French furniture & decorative arts. Of course, the Grand Palais with its glass domed roof has high profile exhibitions and fashion shows.

Discover the cheapest hotels and places to stay in the 8th Arrondissem*nt, complete with room rates, ratings, and availability. The majority of hotels offer full refunds. Here are some of them; Novotel Paris Les Halles, Residhome Paris Opéra, Hôtel Vacances Bleues Villa Modigliani, Citadines Tour Eiffel Paris, and Courtyard by Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon.

Read also; The best suburbs to live near Paris

8. The 16th Arrondissem*nt

The 16th district is the Paris you’ve seen in the films. This neighborhood is fantastic because it gives off the cinematic charm you’ve imagined about Paris. The location is prime, nestled right between the 7th, 8th, and 17th districts, all wonderful areas to be in close proximity.

One of the most underrated shopping streets in Paris is rue Passy, right in the heart of the 16th off of the line 9, metro Avenue Mozart. Another reason why I suggest staying in the 16th is that it is a much less touristy neighborhood, mostly full of locals and expats. It’s a bit on the quieter side, especially at night, but is extremely safe and low key.

One of my favorite bakeries is a favorite of many locals, called Bechu on Avenue Victor Hugo. This one of the great bakeries in the area to grab a typical French Breakfast. Another great food spot is Brasserie Auteuil, further south. It is one of the top brasseries in Paris with phenomenal food and an ambiance that feels Californian French, a classy and perfect combo.

Another reason why staying in the 16th is a good idea is that even though it is not a very busy neighborhood, you have some great nightlife. The 16th district is just a stone’s throw away from the Champs Elysees area full of nightclubs and dance bars. Among the fun ones are the famous Raspoutine nighclub, L’arc, and Speakeasy.

The 16th district is also known for some gorgeous hotels. One of my favorites is the Brach Hotel on Rue de la Pompe, with a really cute rooftop and a nice view of the Eiffel Tower. Other options include; Hotel de Sevigne, The Peninsula Paris, Shangri-La Paris, Hôtel Keppler, Elysees Union Hotel, and Hotel Molitor Paris – MGallery among others.

9. Bastille

Bastille, also recognizable by the Place de la Bastille, was used as a prison by the French Kings. Today, it’s a bustling neighbourhood popular with locals who love their boutique cafes and trendy restaurants. The neighbourhood also has a good number of hotels for all budgets.

You should try Le Chardenoux, a posh restaurant run by celebrity chef Cyril Lignac and book your tables beforehand. The restaurant is housed in a 1908 bistro, and has beautiful fresco ceiling. Grab a pastry from La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac – Paul Bert before you leave. Then there’s also the Le Chalet Savoyard for raclette, fondue & other hearty classics and for all-day brunch, you have to try Kafkaf, which serves avocado on toast, granola bowls & pancakes, pastries and much more. It seems Bastille has a taste for brunch and Italian food as you can find many more places serving them.

Bastille is also full of concert halls such as the Opera Bastille. You can enjoy ballet and both modern and classical operas at the Opera which is built in a way that you can see the stage no matter where your seat is. For a night out, you have to try Supersonic, one of the best nightclubs with three different levels and they regularly have up and coming bands and musicians. Have an awesome night!

Here are the best hotels in Bastille to book your stay; Hotel Locomo, Hotel Marais Bastille, Palym Hotel, Hotel Paris Bastille, Maison Breguet, Le Petit Beaumarchais Hotel & Spa, Hotel Exquis by Elegancia, Hotel Sleeping Belle, 9Hotel Bastille-Lyon, and Marais de Launay Hotel – ex Bastille.

10. Sentier

Sentier is another underrated area that I find to be extremely lively and charming. Located in the 2nd arrondissem*nt in between Palais Royal and Grand Boulevards, this is a young, hip, and vibrant area known as a great spot for after-work hangouts among city locals.

Check out Rue Montorgueil, a street lined with restaurants, cafés, bakeries, fish stores, cheese shops, wine shops, and more. For socializing, I really enjoy the bar at the Hoxton hotel, where they have a gorgeous indoor bar and an outside patio.

Here are hotel options near Sentier Metro Station; Stylish, luxury duplex Paris city center, Luxury Apartment in Paris Center – Louvre Museum, Le 48 Paris, Hôtel Le Relais des Halles, Bail Mobilité Luxe Palais Royal, and Edgar Suites Louvre – Jour.

Read also; 15 Best Trendy Districts for Nightlife in Paris

11. Canal Saint-Martin

Canal Saint Martin is located in the middle of the 10th arrondissem*nt, one of the twenty districts that comprise the French capital. This picturesque, cobbled section of town has gone from unknown to a must-see attraction.

It is bike-friendly and has become a gourmet hotspot thanks to its numerous organic wine and cheese stores, craft coffee shops, and canal-side restaurants serving globally influenced cuisine. If you enjoy eating out, this is the neighborhood for you.

But it’s not all about food – the neighboring Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, with its waterfalls, grottoes, and Italian-style Temple de la Sybille, is a perfect spot to walk off some of those calories.

You may rent a Vélib bike and cycle all the way up to La Villette and beyond if you’re feeling very active. Must-see restaurants include Ten Belles, Bob’s Bake Shop, Chez Prune, Centre Commercial, and Holybelly.

Best price hotels near Canal Saint-Martin include La Planque Hotel, Hôtel Amoi Paris, Hotel Taylor, Le Grand Quartier, and Paris Canal Studio – Gare de l’Est.

12. Belleville

Belleville is essentially the Parisian heaven of street art, the urban art center. It’s one of Europe’s top spots for street art. The most well-known graffiti locations in Belleville are Rue Denoyez and Place Frehel.

It is also one of the cheapest areas of Paris and a dynamic, eclectic, laid-back Paris neighborhood with numerous interesting boutiques, outdoor markets, and cool bars along the main avenues.

Explore its many independent food shops and bars and take up the village atmosphere before treating yourself to first-rate Chinese cuisine on the Rue de Belleville.

To the south, near Ménilmontant, there’s La Bellevilloise, an all-day playground, and Le Lapin Blanc, a wine bar. The Buttes-Chaumont and Canal Saint-Martin banks are nearby, and the famous celeb graveyard Père-Lachaise is next to the south.

Babel Belleville, Superbe studio refait à neuf, Hotel De La Mare, Novotel Paris 20 Belleville, Hôtel Scarlett, Hotel Des Vosges, and Hôtel des Pyrénées are among the most recommended Belleville hotels.

13. Champs-Élysées

The Champs-Élysées is possibly the most famous avenue in the world. This scenic route, which extends from Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe, is lined with charming cafes, antique theaters, and luxury retailers of all kinds.

This neighborhood is an excellent starting point for exploring the city on foot or by bike. To begin with, there is plenty for art lovers to visit nearby, including the Musée Galliera, Palais de Tokyo, and Petit Palais.

The name Champs-Élysées alludes to the mythical Greek paradise of the Elysian fields. It is considered one of the most idyllic neighborhoods in Paris. Aside from housing some of Paris’ most important monuments, the Champs-Élysées is one of, if not the, best retail districts in the city.

The Marché Président Wilson is a must-see market with fresh flowers and organic products, and those with a sweet craving can discover late-opening Pierre Hermé and Ladurée shops.

Hotel Marignan Champs-Elysees, Hotel du Rond-Point des Champs-Elysees – Esprit de France, Hotel Le A, Hotel Bradford Elysees – Astotel, and Hotel Monna Lisa are among the hotels near Champs-Elysees.

14. South Pigalle

This former red-light district, previously home to sex stores, cabarets, and hostess clubs, has seen a change in recent years, becoming one of the city’s trendiest areas, on par with the Haut Marais. However, it retains a slightly risqué vibe, and you can still turn a corner and find a neon sign indicative of the neighborhood’s filthy history.

The famous landmarks are the famed Moulin Rouge, with its neon lights and red windmill, and the Musée de la Vie Romantique which is a must-see when passing through Pigalle.

If you’re searching for a lovely and calm refuge in the middle of the city, head to Avenue Frochot, a timeless, privately-owned cul-de-sac with some stunning houses (fun fact: Number 1 is said to be haunted!).

There are additional places to promenade, such as the charming Place Gustave-Toudouze, with its row of three little cafés, and Place Saint-Georges, one of Paris’ most beautiful squares. This neighborhood is one of the liveliest in the city, with modern stores, historic bistros, and exquisite co*cktail bars.

Foodies will head straight for the lively Rue des Martyrs, which is crammed with traditional bakeries, cheese shops, delis, and grocery stores. Arnaud Delmontel and Terra Corsa are two of the greatest shops. Pigalle boasts a plethora of traditional food establishments.

Mansart, Lautrec, and Sans Souci have the atmosphere of traditional cafés and brasseries. The bar-restaurant Artisan is a new-generation neighborhood café, ideal for socializing with friends. The decor is just as essential as the food at trendy restaurants. In the evening, the finest spot to go for a drink is Rue Frochot, which boasts a variety of bars to satisfy all preferences.

These are our best selections for hotels in South Pigalle; Hotel Saint-Louis Pigalle, Hotel Rochechouart – Orso Hotels, Hotel Trinité Haussmann, 1er Etage SoPi-Montmartre, Hotel Joyce – Astotel, and Hotel Sacha are some of the hotels in the area.

15. 7th Arrondissem*nt

This charming yet elegant neighborhood earns its reputation as one of the best in Paris. It is known as one of the city’s most exquisite residential areas and is also home to major tourist attractions, including the Eiffel Tower and the Musée d’Orsay. Rue Saint-Dominique is one of the best streets for photographing the Eiffel Tower, which remains visible as you go along the street.

There’s a lot more to enjoy in this posh neighborhood. Fantastic shopping at the numerous small boutiques, and wonderful bistros including Michelin-starred Christian Constant’s places along Rue Sainte Dominique, and the fabulous Grande Épicerie de Paris next to the equally fabulous Bon Marché department store. Don’t miss the famed Rue Cler market strip, one of the neighborhood’s hidden secrets.

Visit the Rodin Museum and its sculpture garden, the Army Museum (Musée de l’Armée) and Napoleon’s Tomb on the Esplanade des Invalides, the Branly Museum for non-western art, and the Musée d’Orsay for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces overlooking the Seine River.

Where to stay in the 7th Arrondissem*nt? J.K. Place Paris, Le Narcisse Blanc, Hotel Muguet, Hotel Le Petit Chomel, Hôtel Le Walt, and Hôtel de la Bourdonnais are our top recommendations for the greatest hotels.

What is the most beautiful Neighborhood in Paris?

Paris is a beautiful city with many gorgeous districts. If you had to choose one then the most beautiful neighbourhood in Paris probably goes to the 8th district, that I also call the Louvre – Tuileries district.

Home of the Louvre Museum, the “Mona Lisa,” as well as Haussmann-era boulevards and the statue-lined Jardin des Tuileries. The underground Carrousel du Louvre mall below the gardens features fashion boutiques and jewellers.

The Rue de Rivoli, Rue du Saint-Honoré and the Place Vendôme are all within the district and you can be sure to enjoy a stroll on these notable streets with beautiful buildings and some that even house some chic hotels.

Is Versailles in Paris?

Versailles can be considered Paris’s closest suburbs. The distance between the places is just 12 kilometers but to get there you’ll have to travel around 16-18 kilometers. The easiest ways to get to Versailles is by car and takes under 45 minutes from the city center.

After visiting Paris landmarks and enjoying the city, consider learning more about French history and culture in Versailles and the stunning Château de Versailles. A visit to Versailles is a perfect day trip out of Paris!

Now you’ve read my recommendations for the top 7 best areas to stay in Paris. I hope this guide has been helpful for you, and that you’ll find the perfect Parisian neighborhood to stay in. Let us know if you have any questions, and see you soon in Paris!

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Originally written by Jordan in May 2018 and updated by Arielle in February 2020 and Farah in March 2022. Updated by Vanessa in April 2023.