Paris, one of the most romantic cities in Europe, full of wonderful attractions and things to do! But where to stay in such a large capital city? The city is divided into arrondissements with completely different characteristics and costs.
Here are all our tips on where to stay in Paris!
Useful tips: the best districts to stay in
With little time to spare, the best district to stay in is Louvre, in the 1st arrondissement, the most central of all, overlooking the Seine.
If you are looking for nightlife, then you will have plenty of choice! Some of the nicest and liveliest are definitely: the Latin Quarter, home of the Sorbonne University; the Bastille district, full of nightclubs and one of the most picturesque in the city; the Montmartre district, the artists' quarter, lively both day and night; and Pigalle, with the red light district and the famous Moulin Rouge. If, on the other hand, you want to save money without forgoing a bit of partying, we recommend the Belleville district.
If you are travelling with your family or looking for tranquillity, one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in is Opéra, near the Louvre. It is a very elegant area with all amenities. Also wonderful are the fashionable and elegant Le Marais district, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood, not far from the Musée d'Orsay, and Grenelle, a neighbourhood within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower.
Suggested areas to save money: Belleville
Recommended areas for families with children: Louvre, Le Marais, Opéra, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Grenelle
Recommended areas foryoung people: Latin Quarter, Bastille, Montmartre, Pigalle
Best accommodation: We have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Paris.
If you are in Paris on business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport.
Paris area guide
Paris is a very large city, with over 2 million inhabitants and a surface area of 105 square kilometres. The French capital is divided into arrondissements, an administrative subdivision that divides the city into 20 municipal districts.
Themost central is the 1st arrondissement, the Louvre. It is one of the oldest districts of the city and from here the remaining 19 arrondissements branch off in a circular fashion. Each arrondissement has its own characteristics and, in turn, are divided into smaller districts. Some of these districts, such as Le Marais and Bastille, straddle several arrondissements. In detail, we highlight the most important arrondissements for tourist purposes:
1st arrondissement: with the Louvre district
II arrondissement: with the Opéra district
IV arrondissement: with the Le Marais district and part of the Bastille district
V arrondissement: with the Quartier Latin district
VI arrondissement: with the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district
XVth arrondissement: with the Grenelle district
XVIII arrondissement: with the districts Montmartre and Pigalle
XXth arrondissement: with the district Belleville
Areas to avoid: in the evening, it is best to avoid areas near stations, such as Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est. The neighbourhoods of the northern Parisian banlieue such as Saint Denis, Bobigny, Aulnay, Gennevilliers, Clichy, Sevran, Creteil and Montreuil are not recommended.
Louvre and Île de la Cité (in the 1st arrondissement)
Louvre is definitely one of the best districts to stay in in Paris, especially if you are only in town for a few days or if this is your first time visiting the French capital. Overlooking the Seine, it is located in the 1st arrondissement, the most central. It is home to the Louvre, Place de la Concorde and the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries. The district also includes part of Île de la Cité, the island in the Seine where the Sainte-Chapelle and Notre-Dame Cathedral are located.
It is a very central district, but also very expensive. Paris is an expensive destination and the more you look for accommodation in the centre, the harder it will be to find offers. In general, however, this area is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in culture and for those looking for tranquillity. In the evenings, in fact, the district is quieter than in other areas.
Finally, staying here will allow you to move around the city easily! Some attractions can easily be reached on foot and the area is served by several metro stations, including Louvre-Rivoli, where line 1 passes.
Average prices in the district range from around €70.00 for low-cost accommodation to €1,000.00 for high-budget solutions.
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Residence du Lion d'Or Louvre | Residence of flats with 24-hour reception, concierge, a laundry service and units for 4 people. Ideal for families or small groups |
Hôtel du Continent | Hotel in a 19th century building with uniquely decorated rooms with all the comforts. Reception 24/24h. Ideal for couples |
Relais Du Louvre | 4-star hotel between the Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Room service, airport shuttle service. Ideal for couples and families |
La Clef Louvre | 5-star hotel with modern, air-conditioned suites with fully equipped kitchenettes. Room service, gym. Ideal for couples and families |
Opéra (in the 2nd and 9th arrondissements)
The Opera district, located in the 2nd arrondissement and straddling the 9th, is one of the most elegant districts in Paris. A visit to the Palais Garnier, the opera house, is a must, while shoppers can stroll among the shops of the Galeries Lafayette, with its beautiful dome.
Above all, this is an area recommended for those seeking a luxury trip, in an elegant neighbourhood with a great location. It is also ideal for families, given the many amenities present. It is also wonderful in the evening, with the large illuminated boulevards and clubs that welcome Parisians and tourists alike, but the nightlife is not as wild as in other areas.
The district has a great location, halfway between the Louvre and Montmartre. Served by several metro stations, the Paris Saint-Lazare train station is also nearby.
Average prices in the district range from around €60.00 for low-cost accommodation to €700.00 for high-budget solutions.
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel Ascot Opera | 3-star hotel 10 min walk from the Louvre and 450 m from the Opéra Garnier. 24-hour reception, room service, car park. Ideal for couples and families |
Residhome Paris Opera | Residence with studios, communicating studios, flats on two floors and for up to 5 people. Ideal for families and small groups |
Aparthotel Adagio Paris Opera | 4-star Aparthotel with studios or one-bedroom flats. 24-hour reception, gym and restaurant. Ideal for couples and families |
Hotel Saint Petersbourg Opera | 4-star hotel 5 min walk from the Opéra Garnier and the Madeleine Church. Spa and wellness centre, gym, room service and bar. Ideal for couples |
Le Marais (between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements)
Le Marais is located between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements and is a refined and elegant neighbourhood full of trendy boutiques and art galleries. Overlooking the Seine, it is home to the beautiful Hôtel de Ville city hall and the Musée National Picasso, while the Pompidou Museum and Notre-Dame Basilica are a few steps away.
This is an ideal neighbourhood for those who stay only a few days in Paris and want to enjoy its essence. It is an elegant yet fashionable district, where there is no shortage of typical Parisian clubs and sights. Despite this, the nightlife is nevertheless limited, as it mainly takes place in the neighbouring Bastille district. Also ideal for families, given the large green areas!
Finally, its excellent location will allow you to get around easily: bordering the Louvre and Bastille districts, the area is well served by metro and bus!
Average prices in the district range from around €70.00 for low-cost accommodation to €700.00 for high-budget solutions.
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel Jacques De Molay | 3-star hotel with fitness centre and sauna, bar, car park and family rooms. Ideal for couples and families |
Hôtel Duo | Design hotel with sauna and fitness room. Elegant rooms with private bathroom. Ideal for couples and families |
Transparent Marais | Fully equipped flats, some with lounge or dining area. City view and free Wifi. Ideal for families and groups |
Hotel Dupond-Smith | Modern and elegant 5-star hotel. 24-hour reception, shared lounge, ticket service and tour desk. Ideal for couples |
Bastille (between 4th, 11th and 12th arrondissements)
Photo by jean-louis Zimmermann. Bastille is a district located between the 4th, 11th and 12th arrondissements and is renowned for its lively nightlife. It is home to the Opéra Bastille, the city's main opera house, and its heart is the Place de la Bastille, where the Bastille once stood and where a memorial column now stands. From here it will also be very easy to reach the Père Lachaise Cemetery.
Given its characteristics, this district is especially recommended for young people and fun-seekers! In the evening, it comes alive more than ever thanks to its many nightclubs, especially Rue de Charonne, which is also lined with independent boutiques and trendy restaurants! In addition, there are several hostels in the district, ideal for saving money!
Finally, the district has a great location: it borders the Le Marais district and is mainly served by the metro line 8.
Average prices in the district range from around €40.00 for low-cost accommodation to €400.00 for high-budget solutions.
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Paris Bastille | 3-star hotel opposite the theatre. 24-hour reception, room service, bar and Wi-Fi connection. Ideal for couples and families |
La Maison de Lea Paris | B&B with rooms with private bathroom, laundry service, breakfast. Pets allowed. Ideal for couples |
Auberge Internationale des Jeunes | Hostel with double, triple and quadruple rooms, shared or private bathroom. Luggage storage and 24h reception. Ideal for young people |
Hotel Parisianer | 4-star hotel 1 km from the Opéra Bastille. 24h reception, common lounge, luggage room, room service. Ideal for couples and families |
Latin Quarter (in the 5th arrondissement)
The Latin Quarter, in the 5th arrondissement, is certainly one of the most typical and lively districts of Paris. Full of clubs and cafés open 24 hours a day and characterised by a typical Parisian atmosphere, the Sorbonne University is located here. Among the attractions, the district is home to the Pantheon and numerous churches and museums.
Being home to the university, it is a district especially recommended for young people and those looking for entertainment. The area is in fact very lively, both during the day and at night, frequented mainly by students and young people, who frequent the many bars and clubs here at all hours.
Finally, staying here will allow you to move around the city easily. In fact, the Latin Quarter has an excellent location: opposite the Île de la Cité and 4 km from the Eiffel Tower. The area is also served by metro line 10 and the Saint-Michel Notre-Dame train station.
Average prices in the district range from around €70.00 for low-cost accommodation to €500.00 for high-budget solutions.
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel de France Quartier Latin | Small hotel 2 min walk from Rue Mouffetard. 24-hour reception, lift, small library with city guides. Ideal for couples |
Apartment WS St Germain - Quartier Latin | Apartment complex with kitchenette, private bathroom. Studios or one bedroom. Ideal for couples and small groups |
Hôtel Henri IV Rive Gauche | Hotel in an excellent location. Rooms with all comforts, some with a view of the cathedral. Breakfast in sla, on the terrace or in your room. Ideal for couples |
Royal Saint Michel | 4-star hotel opposite Place Saint-Michel. A few steps from the Seine, elegant, air-conditioned rooms, 24-hour reception. Ideal for couples and families |
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (in the 6th arrondissement)
Photo by David McSpadden. On the same side of the Latin Quarter is Saint-Germain-des-Prés, located in the 6th arrondissement. It is a very elegant district, characterised by the presence of boutiques, trendy clubs and restaurants and wonderful cafés, especially along the Boulevard Saint-Germain, where you will find the Flore, a favourite haunt of writers of the past such as Hemingway. It is also home to the medieval abbey Église de Saint Germain des Prés, the oldest church in Paris.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is an elegant district, ideal for those seeking luxury and tranquillity. There is no shortage of wonderful hotels, with splendid views over the Seine. It is also an ideal area for families, given its proximity to the beautiful Le Jardin du Luxembourg gardens.
Finally, this district also has a great location: it is right across from the Louvre district, naturally separated by the Seine, and borders the Latin Quarter. Served by the metro line 4, which leads to the vicinity of Montmartre.
Average prices in the district range from around €90.00 for low-cost accommodation to €900.00 for high-budget solutions.
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Grand Hotel de L'Univers Saint-Germain | 3-star boutique hotel with rooms featuring fabrics by Pierre Frey, Manuel Canovas and Rubelli. 24-hour reception and bar. Ideal for couples |
Hotel du Danube Saint Germain | 3-star hotel with terrace, 24-hour reception and family rooms available. Ideal for couples and families |
Hotel de Lille | Boutique 4-star hotel with rooms designed with low environmental impact materials and equipped with all comforts. Ideal for couples and families |
Hotel Lutetia | Iconic 5-star hotel 5 minutes' walk from Le Bon Marché department store. Swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, fitness centre and restaurant. Ideal for couples |
Grenelle (in the 15th arrondissement)
Grenelle is a wonderful neighbourhood in the eastern part of the city, excellent to stay in especially for being a stone's throw from the iconic Eiffel Tower. Overlooking the Seine, it borders the Champ de Mars park and a short distance away you'll find the Trocadéro and the iconic Hôtel des Invalides.
This is an area especially recommended for families, given the presence of large green areas and the Eiffel Tower, which is certainly one of the attractions that fascinate the youngest. It is also a quiet area, but still has all the amenities!
Finally, staying here means necessarily getting around by transport. You will indeed be a little further from the centre, but the area is well served by the metro line 6 and the Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel train station. There are also numerous boat tours departing from this side of the Seine!
Average prices in the district range from around €70.00 for low-cost accommodation to €600.00 for high-budget solutions.
Recommended accommodation
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
YOOMA Urban Lodge | Modern 3-star hotel designed with the help of Daniel Buren with restaurant, lounge bar and free WiFi in all areas, gym. Rooms for up to 6 people. Ideal for couples, families and small groups |
Relais12bis Bed & Breakfast By Eiffel Tower | B&B 500 m from the Eiffel Tower. Rooms with modern or antique decoration and furniture, flat-screen TV and private bathroom. Ideal for couples |
Residence Charles Floquet | Residence of flats 50 m from the Eiffel Tower. Elegant flats with fireplace, high ceilings and balcony. Ideal for couples and families |
Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel | 4-star hotel two minutes from the Eiffel Tower, near the Trocadero and the Seine. Fitness centre, bar, restaurant and room service. Ideal for couples |
Montmartre (in the 18th arrondissement)
Of all the districts to stay in in Paris, Montmartre, the artists' quarter, is a must! A symbol of the Belle Epoque, it retains its lively and cheerful soul. The district is already a real attraction, but it is also home to one of the most beautiful churches in the world, the marvellous Sacré Coeur Basilica.
This is a district recommended for young people and those looking for fun. The area is indeed very lively both during the day, when it is taken by storm by tourists, and at night, with its numerous clubs and restaurants. It is certainly not recommended for those seeking tranquillity or those travelling with their families.
Finally, here you are further from the centre and the main museums, but the area is very well connected to every corner of the city, thanks to metro lines 2, 4 and 12 and the proximity to the Gare du Nord train station.
Average prices in the district range from around €60.00 for low-cost accommodation to €600.00 for high-budget solutions.
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Bonsejour Montmartre | Hotel 800 m from the Sacré Coeur Basilica. Rooms with private bathroom, some with balcony. Family rooms available. Ideal for couples and families |
Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels | Hostel with shared kitchen, 24-hour reception, free WiFi and luggage storage. Private rooms or dormitory beds. Ideal for young people |
Le Montclair Montmartre by River | Hostel with free WiFi in common areas, games room with table football and book exchange, luggage storage, 24h reception. Ideal for young people |
Odalys City Paris Montmartre | 4-star hotel with spa and wellness centre. It has studios and flats, with fully equipped kitchen and private bathroom. Ideal for couples and families |
Pigalle (in the 18th arrondissement)
Right at the foot of Montmartre is the small district of Pigalle, which is built around the square of the same name in the 18th arrondissement and straddles the 9th. The district is famous for its red light district and eclectic nightlife! It is home to the iconic Moulin Rouge, as well as numerous theatres and nightclubs!
Like Montmartre, Pigalle is an area recommended for young people and fun-seekers, but not at all recommended for families. Here you can stay up all night and immerse yourself in the Parisian nightlife. Accommodation includes hostels as well as small hotels.
Finally, Pigalle is well connected to the rest of the city. Located at the foot of the hill where Montmartre is developed, the district is served by the Pigalle metro station where lines 2 and 12 run.
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €500.00 for high-budget solutions.
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel Saint-Louis Pigalle | 3-star hotel with air-conditioned rooms with private bathroom, 24h reception, WiFi connection. Ideal for couples and families |
Luxelthe | Cosy hotel in a great location, small but comfortable rooms with private bathroom and some with panoramic balcony. Free WiFi. Ideal for couples |
Mercure Paris Pigalle Sacre Coeur | Hotel with 24-hour reception. free wifi and room service. Ideal for couples |
Le Pigalle Hotel | 4-star hotel 5 min walk from the Moulin Rouge. Restaurant, bar, 24h reception and room service. Ideal for couples |
Belleville (in the 20th arrondissement)
Photo by Guilhem Vellut. Finally, we recommend the Belleville district, located in the 20th arrondissement. Part of the area is occupied by the Chinese community, where you can find typical shops and restaurants. The main street is Boulevard de Belleville, full of places with outdoor tables, while Rue Sainte-Marthe is a quieter street lined with art ateliers. A visit to the Parc de Belleville, with a wonderful view over Paris, is a must.
Given its distance from the centre, this area is especially recommended for those on a tight budget. Paris, unfortunately, is a very expensive city and in the centre it will be difficult to find affordable prices. Belleville, on the other hand, caters for low-cost travellers. In addition, it is a quiet area surrounded by greenery and therefore ideal for families.
Finally, you will obviously be further away from the centre. The area is however from the Belleville station, where metro lines 2 and 11 run. Line 11 goes to the Louvre, getting off at the Hôtel de Ville stop (just 6 min).
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €200.00 for high-budget solutions.
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel Scarlett | 3-star hotel with 24-hour reception, modern interiors, bar and WiFi. Air-conditioned rooms with all amenities. Ideal for couples and families |
Aparthotel Adagio Paris Buttes Chaumont | Environmentally friendly Aparthotel with outdoor garden, soundproofed rooms and flats with free WiFi, some with balcony. Ideal for couples, families and groups of up to 6 people |
Generator Paris | Hostelou with shared lounge area, 24-hour reception, laundry area, shared terrace and restaurant. Ideal for young people |
Hotel des Pyrenees Paris | 3-star hotel 50 m from the metro station. 24-hour reception, breakfast in the room on request. Ideal for couples and families |
Countries near Paris where to stay
Whatever the case, whether it's your first time in the French capital or not, whether you have three days or more than a week at your disposal, sleeping in Paris is always the best option! This is because it really is a very big city, with lots of districts and attractions that are also very far apart. As we have seen, there are arrondissements that are completely different from each other, really suitable for any need.
Sleeping outside Paris is also not recommended for a transport issue. You would find yourself wasting valuable travel time, by train or other public transport, not to mention the significant ticket costs. The French capital is divided into no less than 5 price zones, with day tickets starting at €12.00 for the most central zones.
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