Where to Stay in Paris: Best Areas + Hotels

Choosing where to stay in Paris can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when every one of the 20 arrondissements has its own charm and personality. 

Whether you’re looking to wake up with a view of the Eiffel Tower, wander through the streets of Montmartre, or explore the artistic energy of Le Marais, Paris has something for every traveler. 

To make it easier, let’s take a look at the best areas to stay in Paris, these are the most well-connected locations, close to the main tourist attractions, and offer a good variety of restaurants and cafes.

So let’s dive in and find your ideal Paris home away from home!

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1. Le Marais (3rd and 4th Arrondissements)

Le Marais is hands down one of the coolest neighborhoods in Paris. 

It’s got this perfect mix of old-school charm and modern flair. 

You’ll find yourself strolling through beautiful streets past places like the gorgeous Place des Vosges and the historic Hôtel de Ville. 

It’s also a shopper’s paradise with trendy boutiques, vintage stores, and cozy cafés everywhere you turn. 

Plus, the neighborhood has this vibrant vibe, from the lively Jewish Quarter to the LGBTQ+ hotspot.

Pros and Cons of Staying in the Le Marais

Pros

• Central Location: Le Marais is right in the heart of Paris, making it easy to walk or take a short metro ride to major attractions like the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Seine River.
• Charming Atmosphere: The beautiful streets, historic buildings, and cozy cafés make Le Marais feel quintessentially Parisian.
• Great Food Scene: Whether it’s classic French bistros or international flavors, you’ll find plenty of delicious dining options.
• Diverse: The mix of history, LGBTQ+ culture, and the Jewish Quarter gives the neighborhood a unique, welcoming vibe.

Cons

• Tourist Crowds: Since it’s such a popular area, it can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Pricey: Le Marais is on the pricier side when it comes to accommodation, dining, and shopping.
• Narrow Streets: The charming narrow streets can sometimes feel a bit cramped, especially when trying to navigate through crowds or with large luggage.
• Nightlife Noise: If you’re staying near the more vibrant spots, the nightlife can get noisy, which might be a problem if you’re after peace and quiet.

Best Hotels in the Le Marais

Hôtel du Vieux Marais – Located close to the Pompidou Centre. The hotel is very colorful and well-decorated, and the rooms are sober, with neutral colors. You can easily access sites such as Notre Dame and Hôtel de Ville on foot.

Hôtel Le Presbytère – The hotel is set in a former presbytery. It counts with a beautiful decoration inspired by the Gothic style. The hotel is also located close to the Pompidou Centre and offers breakfast.

Hôtel National Des Arts et Métiers – This chic hotel combines modern design with historic charm. It has a rooftop bar with stunning city views and a restaurant. The hotel also offers breakfast.

2. The Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement)

The Latin Quarter is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Paris.  

Thanks to the famous Sorbonne University, the neighborhood is always packed with students, giving the area a lively and bohemian vibe. 

The area is also full of history, from the stunning Panthéon to the medieval wonders of the Cluny Museum. 

You’ll also be super close to the Seine and Notre Dame, which are just a short walk distance. 

The neighborhood is budget-friendly compared to some other areas, with plenty of affordable eats and cozy spots to grab a drink. 

Pros and Cons of Staying in the Latin Quarter

Pros

• Rich History: The neighborhood is full of historical landmarks like the Panthéon, Cluny Museum, and the nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: With its lively streets, student energy from the Sorbonne, and bustling cafés, the Latin Quarter is always buzzing with life.
• Central Location: You’re close to many major attractions, and it’s easy to explore other parts of Paris from here.
• Budget-Friendly Options: The Latin Quarter offers plenty of affordable accommodations and dining options compared to more upscale neighborhoods.

Cons

• Tourist Crowds: The area is a popular spot, so certain streets can feel crowded, especially around iconic landmarks.
• Noisy at Night: Its vibrant atmosphere means it can get noisy in the evenings, especially around the livelier streets.
• Less Polished: While charming, some parts of the Latin Quarter can feel a bit chaotic or less elegant compared to neighborhoods like the 7th arrondissement.
• Smaller Rooms: Budget accommodations might mean smaller hotel rooms with fewer amenities.

Best Hotels in the Latin Quarter

Hotel le Lapin Blanc – This boutique hotel is located opposite the Middle Ages National Museum. It offers continental breakfast. It is a good option if you are looking for a cheaper hotel.

Hotel Residence Henri IV – This 4-star hotel offers you luxury for a decent price. The rooms are very well decorated, with marble fireplace and paintings on the wall. The hotel is located just 10 minutes away from the Notre-Dame.

Hotel Monge – Situated between Jardin des Plantes and the Notre Dame Cathedral, this hotel offers beautifully decorated rooms and also counts with a wellness center with a hammam and massages.

3. 7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower District): Best Area for First Timers

The 7th arrondissement is the ultimate Parisian postcard neighborhood, it’s where you’ll find the Eiffel Tower, stunning views, and plenty of charm. 

Beyond the iconic tower, there’s so much to explore: the Musée d’Orsay with its incredible art collection, Les Invalides with Napoleon’s tomb, and peaceful walks along the Seine River. 

The area has a more laid-back vibe, with quiet, elegant streets, cute cafés, and open green spaces like the Champ de Mars, perfect for a picnic or just relaxing. 

It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy the best of Parisian beauty without feeling rushed.

If you want to turn your nights in Paris into an unforgettable experience, you can get a hotel room with view to the Eiffel Tower, there are plenty in this district.

Pros and Cons of Staying in the 7th Arrondissement

Pros

• Famous Landmarks: You’ll be right by the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, and the Musée d’Orsay, making it easy to check off major attractions.
• Quiet and Elegant: The area is peaceful and sophisticated, with beautiful streets and a relaxed vibe perfect for unwinding after sightseeing.
• Central Location: It’s well-connected to other parts of Paris, and many attractions are within walking distance.

Cons

• Expensive: Accommodation, dining, and shopping in the 7th tend to be on the pricier side.
• Less Nightlife: The area is quieter at night, which is great for relaxation but not ideal for those seeking vibrant nightlife.
• Tourist Crowds: Being home to the Eiffel Tower, parts of the arrondissement can be quite crowded with tourists.
• Limited Local Feel: The upscale and polished atmosphere might feel a bit less authentically Parisian compared to neighborhoods like Le Marais or Montmartre.

Best Hotels in the 7th Arrondissement

Le Jardins D’Eiffel Hotel – This boutique hotel is located on the left bank of the Seine River, It is the best hotel with an Eiffel Tower view if you are on a budget, as the price is very reasonable.

Hotel Eiffel Trocadéro – It offers rooms for all kinds of budgets. Eiffel Trocadéro is housed in a centuries-old building located seven minutes away from the Eiffel Tower itself.

Le Clef Tour Eiffel – This luxury hotel offers a combination of elegant accommodations and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast as well as dine at the hotel’s on-site restaurant.

4. Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)

Montmartre is one of my favorite neighborhoods to stay in Paris, it’s one of the most beautiful and artistic spots in the city. 

The views from Sacré-Cœur are incredible, and the whole area has this bohemian vibe that matches so perfectly with the Parisian charm. 

What I love most is seeing all the artists painting on the streets, it brings back nostalgic memories for me because my grandpa used to sell his paintings here. 

Montmartre is also famous for its nightlife, since old times, artists used to gather here to drink, talk about their projects, and of course, gossip around. 

From then on little changed, and I love this about Montmartre. 

Pros and Cons of Staying in the Montmartre

Pros

• Artistic Charm: Montmartre is full of history and creativity, with street artists, galleries, and a bohemian atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
• Great Nightlife: Montmartre offers one of the best nightlife scenes in Paris, with cozy bars playing live music, and restaurants, perfect for a fun night out.
• Charming for Exploration: It’s a wonderful place to wander around, filled with picturesque streets, cozy corners, and great photo spots.

Cons

• Tourist Crowds: Being such a popular spot, Montmartre can get crowded, especially around landmarks like Sacré-Cœur and Place du Tertre.
• Hilly Terrain: Montmartre is on a hill, so you’ll be doing a fair bit of climbing, which might not be ideal for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage.
• Farther from Some Attractions: While Montmartre is central, it’s a bit farther from other main attractions like the Louvre or Eiffel Tower, requiring a bit of travel to reach them.
• Nighttime Noise: The nightlife is great, but it can get a bit noisy at night.

Best Hotels in the Montmartre

Maison Souquet – With Belle Epoque vibes, this hotel is perfect if you want to experience Montmartre as it was back in the Golden Age of Paris. Besides the beautifully decorated rooms, you can enjoy a cocktail in their fancy lounge, or relax at their spa.

Hotel Le Chat Noir – Named after the famous cabaret, Le Chat Noir is located just 50m from the Moulin Rouge, which floor is dedicated to one writer or poet of the cabaret’s era, and the rooms are decorated with Chat Noir theme.

Le Relais Montmartre – If you are looking for a hotel located in the heart of Montmartre, this is your go-to! This cozy hotel also offers a continental breakfast.

5. Champs-Élysées and the 8th Arrondissement

The 8th arrondissement is all about elegance and gives that traditionally chic Parisian vibe. 

This is where you’ll find the Champs-Élysées, lined with shops, cafés, and theaters, leading straight to the majestic Arc de Triomphe. 

The neighborhood is also home to the stunning Place de la Concorde and the beautiful Parc Monceau, perfect for a peaceful escape. 

If you love art and culture, the Grand Palais and Petit Palais are must-sees, and you’re not far from the Seine for those scenic riverside strolls. 

While it’s a bit more upscale, it’s perfect for travelers who want to be close to iconic attractions and enjoy a refined atmosphere.

Pros and Cons of Staying in the 8th Arrondissement 

Pros

• Iconic Landmarks: You’ll be near the Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, and the Grand Palais—perfect for sightseeing.
• Upscale Atmosphere: The area is elegant and luxurious, with high-end shops, fancy restaurants, and chic hotels.
• Central Location: It’s well-connected and easy to get to other parts of Paris by metro or on foot.
• Great for Shopping: The Champs-Élysées and nearby avenues are filled with luxury boutiques, flagship stores, and unique finds.

Cons

• Expensive: The upscale vibe means hotels, restaurants, and shopping are on the pricier side.
• Tourist Crowds: The Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe are major tourist attractions, so the area can get busy and feel a bit commercial.
• Nightlife Variety: While there are upscale bars and restaurants, the nightlife isn’t as vibrant or diverse as in areas like Montmartre or the Latin Quarter.
• Traffic and Noise: The busy streets, especially around the Champs-Élysées, can be noisy and crowded at times.

Best Hotels in the 8th Arrondissement

Hôtel Charing Cross – Perfect if you are looking for a cheaper hotel. Hotel Charing Cross is a very well-located hotel, just a 10-minute walk from Printemps and Galeries Lafayette department stores. It also offers a continental buffet breakfast every morning.

Hotel de Montesquieu – Decorated in a French style, this boutique hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the Champs-Elysées. Buffet breakfast is available every morning.

Lord Byron – This elegant hotel is also located just a 5-minute walk from the Champs-Elysées. You can enjoy breakfast every morning at the hotel’s private courtyard.

6. The 1st Arrondissement (Louvre Area)

The 1st arrondissement is like the heart of Paris, home to the legendary Louvre Museum, the Tuileries Garden, and the Palais Royal. 

This area is super central, so you can easily walk or hop on the metro to get to just about anywhere. 

The vibe here is a mix of elegance and energy, with plenty of chic shopping, cute cafés, and amazing spots to explore.

Pros and Cons of Staying in the 1st Arrondissement

Pros

• Central Location: The 1st arrondissement is as central as it gets, making it super easy to explore Paris, with many major attractions within walking distance.
• Great Transport Links: With major metro stations like Châtelet and Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre, getting around the city is a breeze.
• Ideal for Luxury Lovers: High-end hotels, designer shops, and upscale dining are abundant here for those seeking a little indulgence.

Cons

• Expensive: Being in such a prime location, accommodation and dining tend to be pricey.
• Tourist Crowds: It’s a hotspot for tourists, so expect busy streets and long lines, especially around the Louvre.
• Limited Nightlife: While there are restaurants and bars, the nightlife isn’t as vibrant as in other areas like the Latin Quarter or Montmartre.

Best Hotels in the 1st Arrondissement

Le Pradey – Just a 5-minute walk from the Louvre Museum, this boutique hotel offers rooms decorated in a contemporary style. It serves breakfast and is located close to a variety of bars and restaurants.

Relais Du Louvre – Close to the Louvre Museum and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The hotel is housed in an 18th-century building and keeps that charm of yesteryear.

Hôtel Regina Louvre – Looking for a historical place to spend the night? That’s your go-to! This hotel was first opened in 1900 for the World’s Fair and is located opposite Tuileries Gardens. It offers both continental and buffet breakfasts every day and also counts with a restaurant.

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