The primary time we visited Paris, we did what plenty of first-timers do. We discovered a deal on a lodge with a view of the Eiffel Tower and booked it. We thought we had all of it found out.
The truth was that we spent half of our journey on the metro simply attempting to get to the neighbourhoods the place we truly wished to spend our time. We had been so centered on seeing that well-known landmark from our window that we missed out on the actual really feel of town.
On our subsequent go to, we stayed in a small flat in Le Marais, and it modified all the things. Our days began with grabbing contemporary croissants from the bakery downstairs and ended with a glass of wine at a sidewalk cafe. We lastly understood that a very powerful determination you’ll make when planning your journey isn’t which museums to see first, however which neighbourhood you’ll name residence.
After greater than a decade of travelling again to our favorite metropolis, we’ve discovered loads. This information is our means of sharing that first-hand data with you. It’s not an inventory of each lodge in Paris. It’s our simple, experience-based recommendation that can assist you select the right residence base in your journey fashion, so you may spend much less time on the metro and extra time residing your Paris dream.
The Greatest Areas to Keep in Paris at a Look
Don’t have time to learn the entire publish? Listed here are our prime lodge recommendations in numerous Paris neighborhoods based mostly on our travels.
For Your First Go to: Saint-Germain-des-Prés on the Left Financial institution (in Paris)
For Meals and Nightlife: Le Marais
For Artwork and a Village Really feel: Montmartre
For a Native Vibe: The Latin Quarter (residence to the Jardin du Luxembourg)
For Luxurious and Buying: 1st Arrondissement (The Louvre)
Watch Our Video on the Greatest Paris Neighbourhoods
Understanding Paris’s Arrondissements
Earlier than we dive into the very best neighbourhoods, it helps to know the way Paris is laid out. Town is split into 20 administrative districts referred to as arrondissements.
Think about a snail shell. The first arrondissement is on the centre, and the remaining spiral outwards clockwise. As a normal rule, the decrease the quantity, the extra central you might be. Many of the most important vacationer sights and the neighbourhoods we suggest for a primary or second go to are in single-digit arrondissements (1 via 9). It’s a easy system that makes navigating town a lot simpler when you get the grasp of it.
The Greatest Neighbourhoods to Keep in Paris (Our First-Hand Expertise)
Le Marais (Arrondissements 3 & 4) – Greatest for Foodies and Tradition
The Vibe
Le Marais is likely one of the most dynamic areas in Paris. It’s a collision of historical past and trendy power. You’ll discover grand Seventeenth-century mansions and exquisite squares just like the Place des Vosges alongside stylish style boutiques, modern artwork galleries, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. Its slender, medieval streets are lively, filled with bakeries, falafel outlets, and wine bars.
Our Private Take
That is the neighbourhood that made us fall in love with Paris over again. We love you could spend an entire day right here with out a set plan. Our favorite factor to do is seize a falafel on Rue des Rosiers and eat it within the Place des Vosges, watching town go by. It’s a spot for wandering, getting a bit misplaced, and discovering your personal favorite cafe or courtyard.
Professionals & Cons
Professionals: Very central and walkable to many points of interest just like the Louvre, Notre Dame and museums like The Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou. An unimaginable meals scene for all budgets. Full of life ambiance day and evening.
Cons: It may be one of many dearer areas to remain. The favored streets get very crowded, particularly on weekends.
Lodge Suggestions in Le Marais
Luxurious Decide: Le Pavillon de la Reine & Spa. A chic lodge tucked away from the road in a quiet courtyard proper on the Place des Vosges. It’s a peaceable escape from the busy neighbourhood.
Mid-Vary Decide: Hôtel Jeanne d’Arc. An incredible worth lodge on a quieter road however nonetheless just some minutes stroll from the motion. The rooms are easy, clear, and cozy.
Condominium Type: CMG Rambuteau/Archives. Renting a small flat is our favorite option to keep in Le Marais. It enables you to reside like an area, buying on the markets and bakeries.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Arrondissement 6) – Greatest for First-Timers & Romance
The Vibe
In case you have a basic, romantic picture of Paris in your thoughts, intellectuals debating in historic cafes, artwork galleries lining cobblestone streets, and exquisite Haussmannian buildings at each flip, you’re in all probability pondering of Saint Germain des Pres. It’s elegant, subtle, and residential to iconic cafes, luxurious boutiques, and the peaceable Luxembourg Gardens. That is the historic coronary heart of Parisian literary and inventive life on the Left Financial institution. In our opinion, it’s the excellent location for a romantic getaway.
Our Private Take
That is the neighbourhood we at all times suggest to mates visiting Paris for the primary time. It feels such as you’ve stepped proper right into a film set. Certainly one of our favorite journey reminiscences is just sitting at an outside desk at Les Deux Magots, sipping a espresso, and simply watching the world go by. It’s the quintessential Paris expertise, and it by no means will get outdated. A superb lodge location right here means you might be in strolling distance of so many iconic sights, which is essential to exploring Paris with out stress.
Professionals & Cons
Professionals: The basic Parisian ambiance is plain. It’s centrally situated and excellent for strolling to the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Notre Dame. It’s a wonderful and really secure space.
Cons: This is likely one of the most costly neighbourhoods in Paris for each resorts and eating. It will get plenty of vacationer visitors in the course of the day.
Lodge Suggestions in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Luxurious Decide: Lodge Lutetia. A landmark lodge within the space that blends Artwork Deco historical past with trendy luxurious. It’s a real five-star expertise with an unimaginable spa.
Mid-Vary Decide: Hôtel de Buci. An enthralling lodge with basic Parisian decor, together with balconies overlooking the vigorous Rue de Buci market road. The situation is excellent for exploring.
Boutique Decide: Lodge Dame des Arts. This pretty boutique lodge has a unbelievable rooftop bar with unimaginable views, letting you see the Eiffel Tower sparkle at evening.
Montmartre (Arrondissement 18) – Greatest for Artwork and a Village Really feel
The Vibe
Perched on a big hill within the north of Paris, Montmartre appears like a village that has been preserved in time. With its winding cobblestone streets, ivy-covered buildings, and wealthy inventive historical past (it was as soon as residence to artists like Picasso and Van Gogh) it has a singular ambiance that’s utterly completely different from the grand boulevards of central Paris. The world is topped by the magnificent Sacré-Cœur Basilica and is legendary for the artists portray portraits within the Place du Tertre.
Our Private Take
We love escaping to Montmartre for a day. After climbing the various stairs to the highest, we prefer to bypass the busiest crowds on the basilica and get misplaced within the facet streets behind it. That’s the place you discover the actual coronary heart of the neighbourhood. We discovered a tiny cafe there on our final journey and simply watched the native life unfold. It’s part of Paris that actually rewards a little bit of wandering.
Professionals & Cons
Professionals: It has a singular and picturesque village ambiance. You possibly can usually discover extra inexpensive, mid-priced lodge choices right here, together with some nice finances resorts. The views of town from the hilltop are spectacular.
Cons: It’s situated removed from town heart, so that you’ll be utilizing the metro loads. The world round Sacré-Coeur is likely one of the most crowded spots in Paris. The steep hills may be difficult to stroll.
Lodge Suggestions in Montmartre
Boutique Decide: Hôtel Monsieur Aristide. A trendy and trendy small boutique lodge with a concentrate on sustainability.
Mid-Vary Decide: Terrass” Hôtel. The principle draw of this lodge room is its unimaginable rooftop terrace and bar and you might be only a stones throw from Sacré-Cœur.
Condominium Type: Montmartre Residence. Provides trendy and spacious flats, some with a settee mattress or adjoining rooms making them excellent for households.
The Latin Quarter (Arrondissement 5) – Greatest for a Native Vibe & Historical past
The Vibe
The Latin Quarter is the historic pupil hub of Paris, residence to the Sorbonne College. This provides the neighbourhood a vigorous, bohemian, and mental power you gained’t discover wherever else. The streets are a maze of slender medieval lanes filled with outdated bookshops, together with the well-known Shakespeare and Firm, inexpensive bistros, arthouse cinemas, and jazz golf equipment. It’s a spot that buzzes with historical past, an genuine slice of medieval Paris.
Our Private Take
We love the uncooked power of the Latin Quarter. It feels much less polished than different central districts, and that’s what makes it nice. We at all times make a degree to get misplaced right here for just a few hours, looking the outdated bookstalls alongside the Seine earlier than discovering one of many many unimaginable eating places for a basic, no-frills French meal. It’s the most effective locations in Paris to discover a scrumptious and inexpensive dinner.
Professionals & Cons
Professionals: A really vigorous and energetic ambiance. It has among the finest budget-friendly meals within the metropolis. The situation is central and walkable to Notre Dame and the Luxembourg Gardens.
Cons: The principle streets may be very noisy and crowded, particularly at evening. It’s a preferred spot for each vacationers and college students, so it’s at all times busy.
Lodge Suggestions within the Latin Quarter
Historic Decide: Hôtel Saint-Paul Rive-Gauche. This lodge is ready in a Seventeenth-century constructing that was as soon as a Franciscan convent. It’s a wonderful, historic property on a quiet road. Each lodge room comes with a personal rest room and trendy comforts.
Mid-Vary Decide: The fifth Hôtel. A comfy and vibrant lodge with a pleasant ambiance. It’s identified for its wonderful breakfast buffet and is a superb location for exploring.
Boutique Decide: Hôtel La Lanterne & Spa. A contemporary and trendy boutique lodge with a wonderful indoor swimming pool and spa, which is a uncommon discover on this historic a part of town.
1st Arrondissement (The Louvre) – Greatest for Luxurious and Buying
The Vibe
The first Arrondissement is the geographical and historic centre of Paris, and the place we stayed on our final go to to Paris. That is the place you’ll discover the masters on the Louvre Museum, the manicured Tuileries Backyard, and the opulent Place Vendôme. The vibe is grand, elegant, and splendid. The streets are lined with high-end designer boutiques, well-known jewellers, and five-star resorts with iconic histories. It’s the Paris of royalty and runway exhibits.
Our Private Take
Staying within the 1st Arrondissement makes you’re feeling like you might be on the centre of the universe. Every thing appears to be only a quick stroll away. We love beginning a morning with a stroll via the Tuileries Backyard earlier than the crowds arrive. Whereas it’s not a neighbourhood identified for its cozy, native really feel, you may’t beat the comfort and the sheer grandeur of the structure that surrounds you.
Professionals & Cons
Professionals: It’s the most central location in Paris, making it extremely handy for sightseeing on foot. It’s excellent for museum lovers and high-end customers.
Cons: That is the costliest space of Paris. It may well really feel very tourist-heavy and lacks the native, neighbourhood really feel of different districts.
Lodge Suggestions within the 1st Arrondissement
Final Luxurious: Le Meurice. An iconic “palace hotel” with extravagant decor, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and impeccable service. It overlooks the Tuileries Backyard.
Historic Decide: Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal. Situated proper subsequent to the Palais Royal backyard, this lodge presents a quiet and stylish retreat from the busy streets. Many rooms have non-public balconies.
Boutique Decide: Maison Armance. A smaller, extra intimate lodge situated on the higher flooring of a constructing on the well-known Rue Saint-Honoré, providing a singular and stylish Parisian expertise.
The place to Keep away from Staying in Paris
Whereas each neighbourhood in Paris has its personal distinctive qualities, not all of them are perfect for a first-time or short-term customer. Our recommendation isn’t about which areas are “bad,” however somewhat which of them is perhaps inconvenient or not provide the expertise you’re on the lookout for on a primary journey.
Based mostly on our expertise, we propose pondering twice earlier than reserving a lodge in these areas:
Close to Main Prepare Stations (Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, Gare de Lyon): Whereas it might sound handy in your arrival and departure, the rapid areas across the main prepare stations may be gritty and lack the Parisian ambiance most guests dream of. It’s higher to remain in a extra central neighbourhood and easily take a taxi or the metro to the station when it’s essential to.
Proper by the Eiffel Tower (seventh Arrondissement): This is perhaps a shock, however we discovered this lesson the laborious means. The residential areas instantly surrounding the Eiffel Tower are surprisingly quiet and a bit faraway from the colourful, bustling coronary heart of town. You’ll spend plenty of time travelling to different neighbourhoods for meals and sightseeing. It’s an impressive place to go to, however not the very best residence base.
The Outer Arrondissements (nineteenth, twentieth, and so forth.): Whereas these districts supply a extra native and budget-friendly expertise, they’re usually too removed from town centre for a typical vacationer go to. You’ll possible spend a good portion of your invaluable time on the metro simply attending to and from the principle points of interest.
Remaining Suggestions for Reserving Your Keep in Paris
You’ve chosen your favorite neighbourhood, and also you’re virtually able to e-book. Earlier than you do, listed here are just a few remaining items of recommendation we’ve discovered through the years to verify your keep is as clean as attainable.
E-book Far in Advance: Paris is likely one of the most visited cities on Earth, and the very best resorts and flats get booked up months forward of time, particularly in the course of the spring and summer season. To get the only option and worth, we suggest reserving at the least 3 to six months prematurely.
Verify Proximity to a Metro Station: Your toes will thanks for this. Earlier than you e-book, pull up a map and see how shut your lodge is to a metro cease. Being a 2-minute stroll versus a 15-minute stroll from the metro makes an enormous distinction. A handy location with quick access to a number of metro strains will prevent a ton of time.
Learn the Most Current Evaluations: Don’t simply take a look at the general rating of a lodge. Take a minute to learn the three or 4 most up-to-date evaluations. They gives you essentially the most present image of your chosen Paris lodge’s cleanliness, service, and any potential points.
Don’t Obsess Over an Eiffel Tower View: We mentioned it earlier than, but it surely’s value repeating. An incredible neighbourhood expertise will at all times be extra memorable than a view of a landmark out of your room. Keep in a spot with character and go to the sights. You’ll have a significantly better journey.
Continuously Requested Questions About The place to Keep in Paris
What’s the finest space to remain in Paris for a first-time customer?
For first-time guests, we at all times suggest Saint-Germain-des-Prés (sixth Arrondissement). It’s extremely central, secure, lovely, and presents the basic Parisian expertise proper exterior your door. You possibly can simply stroll to most of the most important points of interest just like the Louvre and Notre Dame.
What number of days are sufficient for a visit to Paris?
We suggest at the least 4 to five full days for a primary journey to Paris. This provides you adequate time to see the key landmarks just like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower with out feeling rushed, whereas additionally permitting for a while to easily wander, sit at cafes, and soak within the metropolis’s ambiance.
Is it higher to remain in a lodge or an condominium in Paris?
This will depend on your journey fashion and the way lengthy you’ll be staying for just a few nights. For shorter journeys, a lodge is usually extra handy. For longer stays, or in case you are travelling with household and want household rooms or two rooms, an condominium is a superb choice. It provides you extra space and a kitchen so you may put together your personal meals.
Is Montmartre a superb place to remain?
Montmartre could be a good place to remain when you’re on the lookout for a singular, village-like ambiance and extra inexpensive lodge choices. Nevertheless, bear in mind that it’s hilly and situated removed from different most important sights, so you’ll spend extra time on the metro.
Your Good Journey to Paris
Choosing the proper neighbourhood is step one to an unforgettable journey to Paris. We hope this information, based mostly on our personal experiences, has made that call a bit simpler. Crucial factor is to choose a house base that matches your fashion, permitting you to get on the market and create your personal superb journey reminiscences.
In case you have any extra questions, be at liberty to ask within the feedback beneath!
