When it comes to looking for a place to stay in Paris, there are may neighbourhoods to stay in this city. It’s difficult to say which one is the best, because all the best things to do in this city are spread around the city and you can almost find anything you are looking for. But one thing you should consider as you look for a neighbourhood to stay in Paris is that you are close to the metro station and this way getting around the area will be simple.
For you to make the right decision about where you will stay in Paris you have to understand the city very well. Paris is divided into the left and right Bank. The right Bank is north of River Seine while the left Bank is south of the same river.
The city further subdivides into 20 districts (arrondissements). Every district is given its number according to how far it is from the river. The districts are usually numbered starting from Right Bank in a swirling order and clockwise. The lower the number of the district, the closer it is to the centre. The districts that are furthest from the centre are more ideal for residential purposes.
The city’s central area is very safe and there are many walkable neighbourhoods that have restaurants, shopping, restaurants, tourist attractions and famous landmarks. Some of the most popular neighbourhoods include the Marais, and Saint Germain.
The Left Bank is mostly known for classic architecture while the Right Bank is more hippy and trendy. The best hotels to book and luxury accommodation in Paris are spread around the city centre and so you can basically stay in any of the districts or neighbourhoods. Paris is a very easy-to-get around place even for visitors. Most neighbourhoods are walkable and connected to the metro system. There are also taxis that are readily available for hire.
Choosing where to stay in Paris can be a hard task especially for a first time visitor. Paris has so much to offer and you have to visit several neighbourhoods to be able to enjoy this. This guide will give you some important details about the best neighbourhoods and sites in Paris.
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Where is the Best Place to Stay in Paris?
Best for Visiting Main Attractions: 1st Arrondissement (Louvre Area)
The 1st arrondissement is divided into four different quarters: Quartier de la Place Vendome, Quartier des Halles, Quartier Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois, and Quartier du Palais Royale. The 1st arrondissement is perfectly Parisian because of its rich history: monuments, buildings, and restaurants that are antiquated and have become popular fashionable symbols of this city. You can visit the museums, take a walk in the beautiful gardens and take a photo or you can just visit a Parisian eatery and taste some good cuisines.
1. Eiffel Tower area (7th arrondissement)
There is so much to be enjoyed in this part of the city. You can enjoy wine at the foot of the Eiffel tower. This tower is surrounded by large lawns where people love to sit during summer and spring. One of the best things you have to do around the Eiffel tower is to enjoy some wine and cheese.
You can also choose to climb the 1700 steps, or wander around metallic structure of the tower.
- Best Hotel (Great Value): Hotel Le Petit Chomel
- Best Cheap Hotels: Hôtel Eiffel Turenne • Hotel Korner Eiffel
2. Quartier Montmartre area
The streets of Montmartre are full of artists who are usually painting some breathtaking views, surprising sculptures and talented street artists.
By visiting this area you get to discover about the historic past and the present through some of the best museums and tourist attractions. The best way to discover all this is by visiting the Musee de Montmartre.
- Best Hotel (Great Value): Hôtel des Arts Montmartre
- Best Cheap Hotels: Regyn’s Montmartre • Hotel Audran
3. Le Marais area
Le Marais is Parisian’s favourite neighbourhood. It is home to the finest architecture, nice, and cheap bars, and an eccentric crowd. This area has amazing fashion stores and good food. There is a lot for tourists in the Marais region.
On a sunny day you can just stroll down the lanes of the district or go out and eat some of the best French meals or go for shopping at some of the available stores such as the Mamz’elle Swing.
- Best Hotel: La Chambre du Marais
- Best Cheap/Great Value Hotels: Paris France Hotel • Hotel Americain
4. Saint Germain des Pres Quarter
Saint Germain-des-Pres which is the 6th arrondissement of Paris is famous for the artistic and literary celebrities who worked and lived there in the 19th and 20th century. At that time it was a meeting point for writers, painters and existentialists.
In the current world, it has remained an artistic district but it has also become a shopping destination in Paris. Everything is at the doorstep; bars, cafes, brasseries, and restaurants. You can also tour art galleries, cinemas, theatres, antique stores and clothing retailers.
- Best Hotel: Millésime Hôtel
- Best Cheap/Great Value Hotels: Hotel Le Petit Chomel • Hotel Clément
5. Louvre area (1st arrondissement)
The Louvre district is located at the heart of Paris. It is a touristic neighbourhood and one of the oldest districts in the city. When it is nice weather, Louvre area is nice to visit.
You can get to enjoy the beautiful Tuileries Garden or just take a walk under the archways of rue de Rivoli. There is also the famous and large Louvre Museum that is definitely worth your visit.
- Best Hotel: Hôtel Le Relais des Halles
- Best Cheap/Great Value Hotels: Hotel Prince Albert Louvre • Hôtel Avenir Jonquière
