Looking for the best arrondissements to stay in Paris? Which are the coolest neighborhoods for first time visitors which are the best areas for choosing a hotel? The center consists of 20 arrondissements, each with their own pleasant neighbourhoods. Or as the Parisians call it ‘Quartiers’. Are you looking for an overnight stay in Paris for your next city trip? Then it is useful to know what the best neighborhoods are in Paris. It is also interesting to stay and spend the night near a number of top 10 tourist attractions, best museums or best shopping streets.
Which are the best arrondissements for first time visitors, tourists and families to stay in Paris? Which hip neighborhood should you choose and what is the best area for booking a new hotel in Paris? We take you to the best neighborhoods with hoteltips for a great stay. The best arrondissements and areas to stay in the center of Paris.
Also read our FAQ about the best arrondissements and neighborhoods for tourists in Paris. Discover the new and modern districts, unsafe neighbourhoods, the Jewish quarter in Paris and student district. And a map of the arrondissements and neighborhoods in Paris. But first we tell you our favorite neighborhood in Paris! Tip: book your hotel sufficiently in advance as the prices are usually cheaper then.
• Fun to do: Tickets Cruise on the Seine by Bateaux Mouches (1h) →
• Nice combo: Tickets Louvre Museum + Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor or Summit →
1. Saint-Germain-des-Prés: one of the best areas to stay in Paris (6th arrondissement)
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, located in the 6th arrondissement, is for us personally the best areas in Paris to stay in and for choosing a hotel. A pleasant neighborhood with many nice terraces, bookshops, art galleries and antique shops. Discover the Paris of Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Boris Vian or Ernest Hemingway. Saint-Germain-des-Prés was home to many intellectuals, philosophers, painters and writers in the 20th century. This atmosphere can still be felt.
Be sure to visit the Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the oldest church in Paris. The Église Saint-Sulpice is also worth a visit. In this district you can also shop with a lot of French brands. Just outside Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the oldest department store in Paris, Le Bon Marché. A must visit! Tired of walking or shopping? Time for a coffee at the iconic Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots. All well-known brasseries in Paris to discover.
• Hotel tips in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district: you can stay romantic and stylish in Hotel Saint-Germain or Hotel Saint Paul Rive Gauche
• Read also: 7x Best boutique hotels in Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris →
2. Le Marais district: hip neighborhood for first time visitors and families (3rd & 4th arrondissement)
The hip Le Marais neighborhood in Paris can be found on the right bank of the Seine, in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. Also one of the oldest districts of Paris. A nice, popular neighborhood with cozy restaurants, coffee bars, boutiques and concept stores such as Merci. The Marais district is therefore without a doubt one of the hippest districts in Paris. Le Marais district is definitely also one of the best arrondissements to stay in paris for first time visitors. Tourists and families will appreciate this district.
Tips to do in Le Marais? A visit to perhaps the most beautiful square in Paris, Place des Vosges, is a must. In Le Marais there are also interesting museums such as the Musée Picasso or the recently renovated Musée Carnavalet. You can shop in the shopping streets Rue des Francs-Bourgeois and Rue du Vieille du Temple. Just get lost in the many nice streets and around every corner there is something new to discover. Oh, don’t miss the best falafel in Paris at L’As du Fallafel, on the famous Rue des Rosiers.
• Hotel tips in Le Marais district: you can stay in Hotel Sookie or Hotel Les Tournelles.
• Read also: 6x Best boutique hotels in Le Marais Paris →
3. Montmartre: cozy neighborhood with a lot of tourists (18th arrondissement)
Montmartre is a cozy neighborhood in one of the best arrondissements in Paris and definitely worth a visit. It was once a village outside Paris, but has been part of Paris since 1860. Many famous painters such as Vincent van Gogh and Picasso have lived and worked here. Montmartre is touristy, but skip the Sacré-Cœur (if you haven’t visited it yet) and stroll through the small streets. You will get to know the real Montmartre.
The lively Montmartre district in Paris has many attractions such as Place du Tertre, Moulin Rouge, Cimetière de Montmartre or Musée de Montmartre, which is worth a visit for its beautiful garden with terrace alone. There is even a vineyard in Montmartre. Tip? The annual wine harvest festival, Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre, takes place in October. An absolute must if you are just then in the area.
• Hotel tips in the Montmartre district: both Hotel Particulier Montmartre and Hotel Le Chat Noir ensure a pleasant stay
• Read also: 5x Best boutique hotels in Montmartre Paris →
4. Latin Quarter: stay in the intellectual heart of Paris (5th arrondissement)
The Latin Quarter is located in the 5th arrondissement and is the old student district of Paris. The famous university Sorbonne is located in this district. Latin Quarter is also a very nice neighborhood with a lot of affordable hotels, restaurants and cafes.
The main attractions are the Sorbonne, the Panthéon, Jardin des Plantes and Muséum national d’histoire naturelle. The neighborhood is also known for its bookshops, such as the iconic Shakespeare & Company bookshop. Afterwards, enjoy a nice coffee in the Shakespeare and Company Café, just next to the bookshop.
• Hotel tips in the Latin Quarter district: nice hotels to stay are Hotel Des Grandes Ecoles and Hotel & Spa Saint Jacques
• Read also: 6x Best boutique hotels in Latin Quarter Paris →
5. Montparnasse: staying in an artistic atmosphere (14th arrondissement)
Montparnasse is a neighborhood in Paris located in the 14th arrondissement. The district used to be very popular with artists and workers. For artists, this district was an alternative to the Montmartre district. Today it is one of the nicest neighborhoods with famous bistros such as La Rotonde, La Coupole and Le Dôme, where the artistic and culinary heart of the district beats.
Must-sees in the Montparnasse district include the Tour Montparnasse, Cimetière du Montparnasse and the Paris Catacombs. Montparnasse may be a less touristy and hip area than Le Marais or Montmartre, but for us one of the best areas and arrondissements to stay in Paris.
• Hotel tips in the Montparnasse district: as nice hotels in this district, we can certainly recommend Hotel Lenox Montparnasse and Hotel Léopold
• Read also: 6x Best boutique hotels in Montparnasse Paris →
6. Bastille: vibrant area for foodies and nightlife (11th & 12th arrondissement)
The Bastille district has a vibrant artistic life and mainly attracts artists, musicians and theater lovers. Just think of the famous opera house Opéra Bastille, one of the largest opera houses in the world with a varied program of opera and ballet performances. Art lovers will certainly enjoy the inspiring atmosphere in this district.
Bastille is also a paradise for gourmets. Rue de Lappe, a lively street in the district, is known for its vibrant bars, cafés and restaurants. Here you can enjoy delicious French dishes and international culinary delights. In addition, every Thursday and Sunday there is a market on Boulevard Richard-Lenoir, where you can taste fresh produce, cheese, bread, pastries and much more.
Furthermore, the nightlife in the Bastille district is legendary and very popular. With an abundance of bars, pubs and clubs, there is something for everyone. Please take into account that there may be some more noise pollution in this area.
• Hotel tips in the Bastille district: nice places to stay in this district are Hotel De La Porte Dorée and Hotel Bastille Speria
7. Canal Saint-Martin: enjoy the banks of the canal (10th arrondissement)
Canal Saint-Martin is a beautifully landscaped canal that was dug in the 19th century to supply the city with drinking water and transport goods. The cozy neighborhood attracts many artists and creative people, which contributes to the vibrant and inspiring atmosphere. Along the banks of the canal you will find an abundance of trendy boutiques and concept stores. Fashion and design enthusiasts can buy unique clothing items, handmade jewelry and original interior items.
There are also many nice and lively markets in the Canal Saint-Martin district. On Sunday mornings you can visit the famous Marché Saint-Quentin, where you can find fresh produce, local delicacies and artisan specialties. A feast for the senses, where you can enjoy fragrant cheeses, freshly baked bread and colorful vegetables and fruit.
In addition, the district is home to a wide range of dining options, ranging from cozy cafes to trendy restaurants. Taste delicious French cuisine or discover international culinary delights, all just a stone’s throw from the canal.
• Hotel tips in the Canal Saint-Martin district: you can spend the night in this Paris district at La Planque Hotel and Hotel Taylor
8. Belleville: discover cultures from all corners of the world (20th arrondissement)
Belleville is a vibrant and colourful neighbourhood in the north-east of Paris, where cultures from all over the world come together. Once a working-class neighbourhood, it is now a creative hotspot full of street art, small galleries and cosy cafés. Strolling through the hilly streets you will discover surprising views of the city, especially from the Parc de Belleville, which offers one of the most beautiful and less touristy panoramas.
Here you will also find numerous eateries where you can eat delicious food for little money, from Asian noodles to traditional French bistro dishes. Belleville feels raw, lively and authentic, perfect for those who want to see Paris from a different perspective.
• Hotel tips in the Canal Saint-Martin district: you can spend the night in this Paris district at La Planque Hotel and Hotel Taylor
The best arrondissements for tourists, first time visitors and families in Paris? Our favorite neighborhood is Saint-Germain-des-Prés. But the Le Marais and Montmartre districts are also highly recommended. The hippest area to stay in Paris and spend the night in a hotel is without a doubt Le Marais. Time to choose your favorite arrondissement to stay in Paris!
More hotels in Paris? Have a look at booking.com
FAQ about the best arrondissements to stay in Paris for tourists, first time visitors & families
• What exactly is an arrondissement?
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements or districts. They’re like little mini-neighborhoods, each with its own vibe, character, and charm. They’re numbered from 1 to 20 in a spiral starting at the very center.
• What’s the best arrondissement for first-time visitors?
The 1st, 4th, 5th or 6th arrondissement are top picks, super central, walkable, and close to iconic sights like the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the Seine. You’ll feel like you’re in a movie.
• I’m on a budget: where should I look?
Try the 10th, 11th or 12th arrondissement. They’re a bit further from the main tourist sites, but full of charm, local life, great food, and often cheaper accommodations.
• Which arrondissement is the most romantic?
Definitely the 18th arrondissement, home to Montmartre. Think cobblestone streets, tiny cafés, old-world charm, and stunning views from the Sacré-Cœur.
• Where do locals hang out?
Head to the 11th or 3rd arrondissement. These areas are full of cool cafés, boutique shops, weekend markets, and that effortless Parisian vibe. Less touristy, more local flavor.
• Is it better to stay near the Eiffel Tower?
If that’s your dream, go for the 7th arrondissement. It’s quiet, elegant, and yes, you might even get a room with a view of the Eiffel Tower. But keep in mind it’s more residential than lively.
• I love food – where should I stay?
Try the Marais (3rd & 4th arrondissements) or the 11th arrondissement. These neighborhoods are foodie heaven, with everything from traditional bistros to vegan brunch spots and buzzing wine bars.
• What about nightlife?
For bars, live music and late dinners, the 11th arrondissement is one of the liveliest. The Latin Quarter (5th) and Montmartre (18th) also offer a great mix of night vibes.
• Is Paris safe to walk around at night?
Generally, yes, especially in central arrondissements (1–7). As in any big city, be mindful of your surroundings, especially in some parts of the outer arrondissements (like parts of the 18th, 19th, and 20th) at night.
• What if I want a quiet, local experience?
The 14th or 15th arrondissement might suit you. They’re more residential, less touristy, and still well-connected by metro. Think bakeries, parks, and a taste of everyday Paris.
