When people think of a dream destination to travel to, one of the most popular places they pick is Paris. This major European city and the capital of France is globally known for its exotic art, trendy fashion, gastronomy, and rich cultural heritage. Popular as the city of lights, Paris is a gorgeous city with a lot to explore. With its magnificent landmarks and breathtaking scenery, undoubtedly Paris lures tourists from all over the world almost all year round. And if you are also planning to visit this alluring romantic city, check out our quick guide to choose the best Paris neighborhood to stay at.
Before we dive into more details, let's get a clear idea of what Paris neighborhoods look like. Especially if you are a first-time visitor, this information will help you decide which place will be suitable for you to stay in. Central Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (neighborhoods) and all of them have their charm and attractions. So which neighborhood to choose will solely depend on what your requirements are. Some neighborhoods are great for art lovers, some are great for shopping, some are family-friendly and some are full of the vigor of the wild nightlife. So first make up your mind on what kind of travel experience you want and then browse through our brief guide to check what suits you best.
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1st Arrondissement / Louvre Museum:
Royal palaces, lush gardens, and the Louvre are just a few of the attractions in the first arrondissement. Soak up Parisian history while being surrounded by magnificent beauty in this elegant and grand setting.
The 1st arrondissement is the royal center of Paris and was once frequented by the kings and emperors of France. It's difficult to resist being mesmerized by the pomp and splendor of the lavish palaces while strolling through the formal Tuileries Gardens. The Musée du Louvre, the largest museum in the world, is located in this opulent location. For those who like art, the 1st arrondissement in Paris is a must-visit area where they may experience the plethora of works on show at the Louvre. Visit the nearby Musée des Arts Décoratifs, which showcases design and decorative arts, or visit the Musée de l'Orangerie to be mesmerized by Monet's serene water lily series.
Shoppers will fall in love with the magnificent stores along the rue de Rivoli and adore discovering the chic boutiques in the Les Halles district in Paris' first arrondissement. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the open-air market on rue Montorgueil, where you can get everything you need to prepare a delicious supper. This area is brimming with cozy cafés and eateries, perfect for taking a break from shopping to take in a glimpse of daily life in Paris.
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8th Arrondissement / Champs-Élysées:
The 8th Arrondissement is one of the greatest areas to stay in Paris if food and shopping are at the top of your agenda. The world-famous Champs-Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, The Grand Palais, and many other attractions can be found on the right bank of the Seine River.
You can explore the sprawling streets of the neighborhood for a full day while enjoying the latest Hollywood release, feasting on great French cuisine, and looking into boutiques. The greatest time to climb the Arc de Triomphe for a glimpse of Paris is at night when the nightlife comes alive.
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7th Arrondissement / Eiffel Tower:
If you are a first-time visitor to the French capital, then this neighborhood might be the most lucrative for you to choose as the base because this place offers the most famous landmark of Paris, the phenomenal Eiffel Tower. The high class and aristocracy of Paris have lived here for three centuries on the left bank of the River Seine, making it naturally one of the best places to stay if you want to be close to some of the prominent tourist attractions of Paris. Everything is nearby for you. The Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, where Napoleon's Tomb is located, the Musée d'Orsay, the Musée Rodin, and the Musée du Quai Branly are all nearby and easily accessible on foot from the majority of hotels.
The majority of the greatest places to stay in this neighborhood are not very near to the Eiffel Tower, but most offer a terrific experience for travelers who are visiting Paris for the first time.
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6th Arrondissement / Saint Germain:
If you are traveling with family, especially kids, then the 6th district is undoubtedly the best place to stay. The Jardin du Luxembourg, in the 6e, was given as a gift to the children of Paris by Napoleon, making this arrondissement a favorite among families. Children can ride ponies, push wooden sailboats on the octagonal pond, and watch a puppet show at the marionette theater. It's perfect for picnics, and there are several family-friendly restaurants there that offer a kids' menu.
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3rd & 4th Arrondissement / Le Marais:
The epicenter of cultural significance, Marais is a good place in Paris to stay at. It is one of the most fascinating neighborhoods to stay in the French capital because of its convenient location and abundance of fantastic stores, bars, restaurants, and cafes.
There is a wonderful mixture of old buildings, green squares, and charming streets available, and several small museums can be added to the mix. Parisians frequently visit the Marais' numerous café terraces on warm evenings to enjoy a drink with friends. You can choose whatever suits your mood best; there are karaoke bars, speakeasies, and places where you may dance.
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5th Arrondissement / Latin Quarters:
Get ready for a neighborhood in Paris that is very open and hospitable, a vibrant nightlife, a wide range of restaurants, and fantastic shopping opportunities. Whether it's for dining out, drinking beer with friends, or shopping, Parisians and tourists all like visiting the Latin Quarter. The Quartier Latin has cobblestone streets and a medieval feel, just like the Marais. Many ideal lodging options in Paris are there. The Jardin Luxembourg, Notre Dame, Shakespeare and Company, and the Panthéon are all within proximity to most train stations, and you can take a direct train from both airports.
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10th Arrondissement:
Geographically bounded by the bustle of the Gare du Nord international train station and the charming bohemia of Canal Saint-Martin, the 10th Arr. is a centrally located gem of a Parisian neighborhood, offering a wide variety of inventive cuisine, top-notch neighborhood bars, and some of the best boutique shopping in the city.
Even though the neighborhood lacks a museum or significant architectural landmark, it's one of the greatest places to experience what it's like to live in Paris as a local—which, let's face it, is a vision even the most daring travelers aspire to. Although it's a little bit quieter here—dedicated club-goers may want to travel elsewhere—the area does boast a few after-hours highlights.
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18th Arrondissement / Montmartre:
The 18th arrondissement is one of Paris' most visited districts because of its panoramic views, art-infused past, and quaint, village-like alleys. Additionally, this arrondissement is home to vibrant, busy immigrant communities like Barnes and La Goutte d'Or.
Famous music venue La Cigale draws well-known solo performers and bands, wholesome of the live music venues feature a wide range of independent acts and backstreet jazz club Bab-Ilo conducts small-scale performances in its teeny basement. There are a tonne of bars in the arrondissement that are busy until late.
The 18e offers a range of lodging options, from affordable hostels to opulent retreats like Hôtel Particulier Montmartre, located in a private mansion.