The Best Paris Hotels & Areas (A Local’s Guide for 2025)

19 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Paris

To paint a picture for you, there are 20 neighborhoods in Paris. These districts are called the “arrondissements.” They are arranged like a snail’s shell. The first arrondissement is at the center, while double-digit arrondissements fall along the outer edges of the city. A highway, the “Périphérique,” surrounds the entire city.

1st Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For Sightseeing | ✨ Best 1st Arrondissement Hotels: Hôtel Molière • Hôtel Louvre Richelieu • Le Meurice • Ritz Paris • Hotel Regina Louvre

Stay in the 1st arrondissement if you want to be in the city center. The 1st arrondissement is the perfect area of Paris for sightseeing. Here, you’ll be within walking distance of major attractions like the Louvre Museum, Sainte Chapelle, and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Many parts of the 1st arrondissement are luxurious. You’ll find upscale boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants, and beautiful hotels. Look especially around the Metro station at the Place de la Concorde. Rue Saint Honoré and Rue de Rivoli are great shopping streets nearby with even more to check out.

The Hôtel Regina Louvre is one of my favorite Paris hotels for location. It’s right across from the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Garden. It has a terrace, antique furniture, huge rooms, and even Eiffel Tower views. When I went, I relaxed with a complimentary bottle of wine on the plush sofa.

Unfortunately, during my visit in April 2025, there was construction going on across the street that will likely continue for a few months. In addition, the air conditioning was broken and replaced with a fan. Depending on when you plan to book, consider these factors.

But you’re hardly limited in the 1st arrondissement. For the most classic Paris stay, try the Ritz Paris. Famous for its name and its guests, the luxury of this Parisian mainstay doesn’t disappoint! We spent just a few hours at its famous Bar Hemingway and were blown away by the comfort, quiet luxury, and charm of the surroundings.

Want to comparison shop luxury hotels? Le Meurice is another great choice with upscale amenities and beautiful decor. I feature it in my neighborhood guide to the 1st arrondissement.

Pros of Staying in the 1st Arrondissement:

• Extremely centrally located
• Top sites, including the Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle, and the Palais Royal
• Easy access to Charles de Gaulle Airport

Cons of Staying in the 1st Arrondissement:

• Hotels and restaurants can be pricey 
• Busy and mostly non-residential 

3rd Arrondissement (The Marais)

👉 Best Overall Area (Part I) | ✨ Best 3rd Arrondissement Hotels: Solly Hôtel Paris, Le Pavillon de la Reine • Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers • Hôtel de Roubaix

The 3rd arrondissement forms “Le Marais” with the below-mentioned 4th district. “Le Marais luxury” is considered a “younger” type of luxury than what you’ll find in the 1st or 8th arrondissements.

I always recommend it to family and friends because of its charm, central location, wonderful restaurants, and so much more. In my opinion, the Marais is the best overall area to stay in Paris.

This Paris neighborhood is also the best area to stay if you’re a museum-lover. Paris museums in the 3rd range from the tiny Museum of Hunting and Nature to the enormous Centre Pompidou.

The 3rd arrondissement has several Metro stations at its edges but fewer within it. Plan on exploring this district on foot. It’s within walking distance of other attractions, including Notre Dame and the city center.

This area is also home to the Solly Hôtel Paris, my top overall hotel pick for Paris (full review here). From the second I set foot in the hotel, I was overwhelmed by its classic chic aesthetic with a twist. But what really blew me away were the views from my balcony! It overlooked a quiet garden square in this fun area, surrounded by classical architecture.

Even more impressive? The Solly won’t break your bank. It’s luxurious, but it’s not at the top end of the spectrum. Plan on spending between 250 to 500 euros a night for a stay here. 

The Solly is a luxurious and relaxing experience. However, if you’re looking for more adventure in your stay, try the Hôtel National des Arts & Métiers with its rooftop bar for a livelier experience. 

Meanwhile, check out Le Pavillon de la Reine for spectacular views. The hotel on the famous Place des Vosges features a private leafy courtyard. Request a room overlooking it to ensure a peaceful sleep.

Be sure to see my complete guide to the 3rd arrondissement for more helpful recommendations.

Pros of Staying in the 3rd Arrondissement:

• Many famous Paris museums
• Centrally located but generally peaceful
• Small, winding streets to explore on foot

Cons of Staying in the 3rd Arrondissement:

• Metro stations are mostly at the district’s edges
• Hotels tend to be small and can fill up fast

4th Arrondissement (The Marais)

👉 Best Overall Area (Part II) | ✨ Best 4th Arrondissement Hotels: Cour des Vosges • Hôtel le Presbytère • Hôtel de Joséphine Bonaparte

The 4th arrondissement is full of Parisian charm. Part of it forms “Le Marais” neighborhood with the above-mentioned 3rd district.

This fantastic neighborhood includes the oldest parts of Paris: the Île de la Cité and the Île Saint Louis in the Seine River. The oldest house in Paris (Nicolas Flamel’s house) and the oldest planned square (the Place des Vosges) are also in the 4th.

The escape from the city bustle is why I love the Cour des Vosges hotel. This boutique hotel is in the Place des Vosges square, which is part of the “Le Marais” section of the 4th district. It is very peaceful. Rooms are enormous for an area that’s known for its crowds. Cour des Vosges also has an indoor pool, a rarity in Paris. 

You can also find small galleries and the famous Dammann Frères tea shop under the arches at the Place des Vosges square. See my 4th arrondissement neighborhood guide for even more information.

Meanwhile, the fun Hôtel de Joséphine Bonaparte (“JoBo”) takes its inspiration from Napoléon’s first wife. Its pink décor, black swan, and leopard print were some of her favorite decoration schemes. The cozy interiors feature luxe fabrics and furnishings.

For a more demure ambiance, check out the Hôtel le Presbytère. This former-presbytery-turned-hotel has calm vibes and soothing colors. 

Pros of Staying in the 4th Arrondissement:

• Centrally located yet residential
• Close to the Seine River 
• Beautiful architecture (including Notre Dame) and parks

Cons of Staying in the 4th Arrondissement:

• Hotels can be pricey
• Very busy on the weekends

5th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For History | ✨ Best 5th Arrondissement Hotels: Hôtel les Dames du Panthéon • Hôtel Montecristo • Les Jardins du Luxembourg

The 5th arrondissement is the perfect place for history lovers to stay in Paris. This area contains many important historical monuments and sites. These include the Latin Quarter district and Sorbonne University (founded in the 13th century)!

The 5th arrondissement’s central location means you can reach other historic areas easily. Notre Dame, Le Marais, and Saint Germain are all within walking distance. 

Hôtel Les Dames du Panthéon is perfect for history lovers. This luxury hotel is in an 18th-century building across from the Panthéon. It’s less than a five-minute walk from the Luxembourg Gardens which has a fascinating history.

Meanwhile, the Les Jardins du Luxembourg hotel is perfectly located right near the gardens that give it its name. This makes it my top hotel for location! It has gorgeous décor, too, with quirky wallpaper. It’s close to transportation links, making it a great choice. At the same time, its prices–currently around 200 euros per night–are an incredibly rare find in this gorgeous neighborhood!

Another historical site in the 5th is Arènes de Lutèce, which is a first-century Roman amphitheater. The medieval Cluny Museum is also in the 5th, with centuries-old Roman baths. You can find more recent history at the Panthéon, the final resting place of some of France’s greatest heroes.

If this neighborhood sounds right for you, read my full guide to the 5th arrondissement for more help planning your stay.

Pros of Staying in the 5th Arrondissement:

• Full of historical destinations
• A mixture of lively nightlife and family-friendly areas
• Many academic institutions and young feel

Cons of Staying in the 5th Arrondissement:

• The eastern edge of the district is far from central attractions
• Some areas can be hilly and hard to walk 

6th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For Cafés | ✨ Best 6th Arrondissement Hotels: Hotel Lutetia • L’Hotel • La Belle Juliette

The 6th arrondissement is best known for its classic Parisian feel as well as cafés and access to the Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg). Famous cafes include Café de Flore and the Deux Magots.  

This district also has great hotels. The Saint Germain des Prés area of the 6th district is home to a fantastic mid-range hotel, L’Hôtel. This hotel with baroque decor was the last place Oscar Wilde lived.

On the opposite side of the district from Saint Germain, you’ll find my favorite boutique hotel, La Belle Juliette. It has reasonable prices, an indoor swimming pool, and even a hammam. Hotel rooms also have air conditioning.

Looking for pure luxury? Hotel Lutetia has it! Though you’ll pay a hefty price (closer to 2,000 euros than 1,000), you’ll get many benefits. Its incredible history, beautiful décor, balcony, and swimming pool are just a few of the amenities that justify the price.

Lastly, the 6th arrondissement is home to great theaters and beautiful vintage bookstores. There’s just so much to check out in this charming neighborhood. See my guide to the 6th arrondissement for a deeper dive!

Pros of Staying in the 6th Arrondissement:

• A combination of small, winding streets and famous boulevards
• Known for its great Paris restaurants and historic cafés
• Tons of charming, unique hotels

Cons of Staying in the 6th Arrondissement:

• Restaurants can be expensive.
• Public transportation is uneven. Areas near Montparnasse Tower and Odéon Metro station are better connected.

7th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area for First-Time Visitors | ✨ Best 7th Arrondissement Hotels: Le Narcisse Blanc • Hôtel la Comtesse • Académie Hôtel Saint Germain

The 7th arrondissement is the best place to stay if you’re visiting Paris for the first time. This area is home to the Eiffel Tower as well as attractions like Musée d’Orsay, a museum of 19th-century Impressionism art, and the Rodin Museum, a semi-hidden gem. It has upscale department stores like Bon Marché, too.

Calm streets are another reason why the 7th arrondissement is the best neighborhood for first-time visitors. This is particularly true once you get away from the Champ de Mars, where the Eiffel Tower is. Overall, the 7th is a great place to return to at the end of the day. However, it’s not great for party-lovers.

The 7th district is also home to one of my all-time favorite hotels. Académie Hôtel Saint Germain is a beloved, affordable hotel and one of the best in Paris (full review here). Each hotel room has classic, upscale décor. Our room had hanging birdcage lamps, a classical painting, and beautiful tapestries.

Its location between the Eiffel Tower and the Luxembourg Gardens is ideal. From here, we could walk to both. Meanwhile, the Seine River is nearly in eyeshot. And with prices around 200 euros – or even below, as they’re currently posted at 170! – it’s a great choice for budget travelers. 

But you don’t have to be a budget traveler to enjoy the 7th! The upscale  Le Narcisse Blanc has luxurious amenities, including an upscale spa and wellness center. It’s my top pick in the city for this reason. Its pool lounge chairs alone are worth the price!

Finally, the Hôtel la Comtesse is perfectly located near the Eiffel Tower – and has Eiffel Tower views! Rooms with views of the tower are cheaper, but the 300 to 500 euro range of a regular room makes this charming hotel a great pick.

Read my full guide to the 7th arrondissement for more in-depth info on each area of the district.

Pros of Staying in the 7th Arrondissement:

• Peaceful, residential streets
• Walkable distance from central monuments
• Great views of the Seine River and the Eiffel Tower

Cons of Staying in the 7th Arrondissement:

• Not much nightlife
• Busses are easier than taking the subway, which can be far away

8th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For Luxury | ✨ Best 8th Arrondissement Hotels: Hôtel de Crillon • Hôtel San Régis • Nuage

Stay in the 8th arrondissement for a luxurious Parisian trip. The wide streets here feature some of the most famous designer names in the world. You’ll also find excellent food at historic restaurants like the Café de la Paix. Notable figures like writer Emile Zola and actress Marlene Dietrich dined here.

Be careful when booking a visit in the 8th arrondissement, though. This district has very different areas. The districts around the Opéra Garnier, the Champs-Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe, and immediately around the Parc Monceau are very upscale. The northeastern part of the district is less grand. 

You’ll see what I mean about the luxurious district if you visit the Hôtel de Crillon. This world-famous hotel has sumptuous linens and great views. Some rooms have balconies. Bathrooms have underfloor heating and rain showers. There’s even an indoor swimming pool with a spa. There’s a reason Hôtel de Crillon is so iconic.

The Hôtel San Régis gives the Crillion a fight for its luxury title. It features marble bathrooms and Hermès products. And that’s just to start! Its glass-roofed restaurant, terrace, and location make it another luxe choice.

And if you’re looking to stay in the area without breaking the bank, Nuage is a great choice. At around 300 euros a night, the hotel is still two minutes away from the Champs-Elysées.

Pros of Staying in the 8th Arrondissement Neighborhood:

• Home to major monuments, including the Champs-Elysées Boulevard and the Arc de Triomphe.
• Many luxury stores and upscale boutiques
• Site of cultural attractions including the Grand Palais

Cons of Staying in the 8th Arrondissement Neighborhood:

• Some areas, particularly in the northeast part of the district, are less luxurious
• Central attractions like the Louvre are slightly far away 

Grands Boulevards

👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best Grands Boulevards Hotels: Maison Souquet Hotel & Spa • Hôtel des Grands Boulevards • Hotel Fior d’Aliza

The Grands Boulevards neighborhood is the perfect area if you’re looking for buzzing Parisian nightlife. This area extends into both the 2nd and 9th arrondissements. Be sure to check hotel locations carefully. Part of the 2nd arrondissement is the financial district with a very different energy!

Covered passages, nightclubs, theaters, and bars fill the Grands Boulevards area. The area is so well-known for partying that director David Lynch opened his club, Club Silencio, here. It’s for members only, though the public can get in for certain events. You can also see the Musée Grévin wax museum here!

I recommend the Hôtel des Grands Boulevards in this area. It’s set back from the noise of the district a bit but still in the center of it all. It’s technically in the 2nd arrondissement, which makes it closer to other attractions. Its designer rooftop terrace is a bonus.

Pros of Staying in the Grands Boulevards Neighborhood:

• Fun and lively nightlife
• Top-tier department stores
• Iconic 19th-century architecture

Cons of Staying in the Grands Boulevards  Neighborhood:

• Noisy in the evening
• Many chain bars and restaurants are present

10th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For Budget Travelers | ✨ Best 10th Arrondissement Hotels: Renaissance Paris République Hotel & Spa • Hôtel Esté • Moris Grands-Boulevards

The 10th arrondissement isn’t usually on visitors’ lists of top Paris districts to stay in. However, the 10th arrondissement is a great area for budget-minded travelers. 

There’s great transportation from the Metro station at République. You can reach most major Paris attractions easily, including the Eiffel Tower. The Canal Saint-Martin runs through the 10th arrondissement. It’s surrounded by hip cafés, restaurants, bars, and vintage clothing stores.

This area is home to one of my all-time favorite budget hotels: Moris Grands-Boulevards. The wooden floors and patterned wallpaper in this budget hotel are beautiful. Amenities like air conditioning and buffet breakfasts are more reasons why this is one of my favorite hotels in the city.

Some travelers worry about the safety of the 10th arrondissement. Generally, you’ll be fine if you take basic safety precautions. The areas right around the train stations can be dangerous, though, similar to many European cities.

Pros of Staying in the 10th Arrondissement:

• Home of the picturesque Canal Saint-Martin
• Close to two major train stations (Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est)
• Lots of arty cafés and boutiques

Cons of Staying in the 10th Arrondissement:

• Areas around the train stations can be dangerous at night
• Not many major attractions

11th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For an Artsy Atmosphere | ✨ Best 11th Arrondissement Hotels: La Maison Gobert Paris Hotel Particulier • Maison Bréguet

The 11th arrondissement is the best neighborhood for travelers in their 20s and 30s who want a quirkier Parisian stay. The location of the 11th arrondissement is fantastic. You’ll be close to major metro lines at Bastille and Nation, and a short metro ride away from the Eiffel Tower and other tourist attractions.

The 11th is one of the artsier Paris neighborhoods. This area is full of pottery studios, pop-up stores, and other unique attractions. There’s even a cat café! The nightlife is great, with bars ranging from old warehouses to tiny dive bars.

Some of Paris’s best hotels are in the 11th arrondissement. I love the beautiful décor and courtyard at the townhouse hotel La Maison Gobert Paris Hotel Particulier. This boutique hotel has the feeling of much more expensive luxury accommodation. 

Pros of Staying in the 11th Arrondissement:

• Artistic and unique stores and galleries
• Lively nightlife in quirky locations
• Great value for a central location

Cons of Staying in the 11th Arrondissement:

• Fewer attractions within the area itself
• The energy of the neighborhood isn’t for everyone

12th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For Long-Term Stays | ✨ Best 12th Arrondissement Hotels: Hotel Paradiso • Appart’City Collection Paris Gare de Lyon • The People – Paris Nation

The 12th arrondissement is perfect for long-term stays in Paris. There’s a mix of residential neighborhoods as well as attractions. 

You can easily access big tourist attractions because the Métro Line 1 runs through this area. However, the pockets of residential neighborhoods let you come home in peace at the end of the day. 

The 12th is also great for people who want to use Paris as a base for traveling through France. The Gare de Lyon station is in this district, offering train routes around the country and Europe. 

There are lots of family-friendly and artistic attractions in the 12th. The Parc de Bercy offers open spaces and play areas. You’ll also find the Bastille Opéra House and the big Accor Arena for concerts. 

Chic hotels cost less in the 12th, as you’re slightly outside of central Paris. My favorite hotel here is the Hotel Paradiso for its beautifully decorated rooms and amenities like air conditioning. 

Pros of Staying in the 12th Arrondissement:

• Great artistic activities
• Access to green space
• Residential and peaceful
• Good transport links

Cons of Staying in the 12th Arrondissement:

• Far from central Paris
• Not as lively as central districts

Montparnasse

👉 Best Area For Literary Attractions | ✨ Best Montparnasse Hotels: Pullman Paris Montparnasse • Drawing House • Hôtel Aiglon

Montparnasse is a hotbed of literary history, so it’s the perfect place to stay if you’re a fan of literary history. The Latin Quarter and Saint Germain des Prés neighborhoods are very close, which were favorite areas of the Lost Generation. 

Montparnasse covers parts of the 6th, 14th, and 15th arrondissements. Its central monument is the Montparnasse Tower, which is also a major transportation hub. Follow in the footsteps of famous writers like Ernest Hemingway by dining and drinking at La Coupole, La Rotonde, and La Closerie des Lilas. 

One of the most convenient Montparnasse hotels is Pullman Paris Montparnasse. It’s just a few minutes walk from the train station. Its Skybar lets you look out over the entire city. Try the smaller Hôtel Aiglon if you want a boutique hotel experience. It has reasonable prices and a top-notch design.

Pros of Staying in Montparnasse:

• Lots of literary locations
• Close to local and national transport
• A wide variety of restaurants

Cons of Staying in Montparnasse:

• Distant from the city center
• Little local nightlife 

16th Arrondissement

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best 16th Arrondissement Hotels: Saint James Paris • Padam Hôtel • Holiday Inn Paris-Auteuil

The 16th arrondissement is a good choice for families since it’s full of peaceful luxury and many parks. Here, you’ll be close to cultural institutions like the Louis Vuitton Foundation. It’s in the Bois de Boulogne park, where you’ll also find a pool and the “Jardin d’Acclimatation,” a garden and play area for kids.

The 16th arrondissement is also great for business travelers. It’s one of the closest areas in the city limits near La Defense, the business district to the west of Paris. But it isn’t the best area to stay if you want the most central location

Saint James Paris is a luxury hotel in a small castle with its own grounds. They serve famous French chocolate from Angelina. The great food continues at their own Michelin-star restaurant, Bellefeuille.

Pros of Staying in the 16th Arrondissement:

• Calm and residential
• Great location for day trips from Paris, close to highways
• Beautiful architecture and parks

Cons of Staying in the 16th Arrondissement:

• Travel to central Paris can be time-consuming
• The area is large, making it hard to walk to major monuments

Montmartre

👉 Best Area For Returning Visitors | ✨ Best Montmartre Hotels: Hôtel Particulier Montmartre • Hôtel Monsieur Aristide • Hôtel des Arts Montmartre

Montmartre is the perfect place to stay if you’ve been to Paris before. This area in the 18th arrondissement is like a little village. Its cobblestone streets make it one of the best Parisian neighborhoods to wander. Many Metro lines connect Montmartre to the rest of the city.

There are many attractions here, too. These include the Place du Tertre, where artists paint portraits of passersby. The Sacré Coeur Basilica is a major attraction, offering some of the best city views.

Montmartre is one of the best Parisian neighborhoods for reasonably priced, unique hotels. Hôtel Particulier Montmartre is especially charming. I actually used its bar, Le Très Particular, as a setting in one of my novels! 

The Hôtel Monsieur Aristide is a great alternative if the Hôtel Particulier Montmartre isn’t available. Hôtel Monsieur Aristide has a chic, boho aesthetic at reasonable prices. 

Pros of Staying in Montmartre:

• Vibrant artistic heritage
• Charming cobblestone streets winding up a hill
• Sprawling views of Paris

Cons of Staying in Montmartre:

• The steep hill can be a difficult climb
• Close to the red-light district

Buttes-Chaumont

👉 Best Area For a Local Experience | ✨ Best Buttes-Chaumont Hotels: La Planque Hotel • Holiday Inn Express Paris-Canal de la Villette an IHG Hotel • Hotel Restaurant Au Boeuf Couronné 

The Buttes-Chaumont area is where you should stay for lively street art, music, nightlife, and a local Parisian experience. This neighborhood gets its name from the park in its center. 

Buttes-Chaumont is far from central Paris. But it’s perfect for younger travelers and anyone who wants a unique, authentically Parisian experience. 

Buttes-Chaumont Park is in the middle of this mostly working-class area. Inside is one of my favorite bars, Rosa Bonheur. I recommend picnicking on the park’s hills in the daytime to get panoramic views of Paris.

Hotel Restaurant Au Boeuf Couronné has some of the lowest prices I’ve seen for a Paris hotel of this quality. The décor’s chic, the attached restaurant is great, and it’s between Buttes-Chaumont Park and La Villette, another great Paris park.

Pros of Staying in Buttes-Chaumont:

• Colorful street art 
• Lively bars and nightlife
• Beautiful parks and green spaces

Cons of Staying in Buttes-Chaumont:

• The steep hills can be a difficult climb
• Far from the city center

Neuilly-Sur-Seine

👉 Best Area For Relaxation | ✨ Best Neuilly-Sur-Seine Hotels: Le 5 Particulier • Hotel le 37 Bis • Hôtel Paris Neuilly

Many visitors don’t think of staying in Neuilly-Sur-Seine, a suburb just to the west of Paris. But this pretty area is a great choice when you want to escape the bustle of the city. 

It has lovely, tree-lined residential streets and is close to the Bois de Boulogne park. These features make it particularly relaxing in spring and summer. 

There are also excellent accommodations in Neuilly. This may surprise those who know about the property prices in the area, which are high. But hotels like Le 5 Particulier offer high-quality, luxury service at more reasonable prices than you’ll find in central Paris.

Pros of Staying in Neuilly-Sur-Seine Neighborhood:

• Pretty, leafy streets 
• Good transport links
• Well-situated for day trips
• Residential and calm

Cons of Staying in Neuilly-Sur-Seine Neighborhood:

• Few attractions
• Far from central Paris

La Défense

👉 Best Area For Business | ✨ Best La Défense Hotels: Nest Paris La Défense • Hotel Courseine

La Défense, to the west of Paris, connects to the city on Métro Line 1. It’s full of skyscrapers, which the city outlawed after the construction of the Montparnasse Tower. This means that most visitors don’t consider La Défense when selecting a neighborhood to stay.

For business travelers, though, staying in La Défense can save a lot of travel time. Many hotels surround the skyscraper offices in this area. Hotel Courseine is a great example, as well as a highly-rated hotel.

La Défense isn’t as charming as some Paris neighborhoods, but it is a practical place to stay if you have business in the area. 

Pros of Staying in La Défense Neighborhood:

• Easy access to most businesses
• Good transport links
• Reasonably priced accommodation 

Cons of Staying in La Défense Neighborhood:

• Full of skyscrapers
• Empty at night
• Far from central attractions

Vincennes

👉 Best Area For Park Access | ✨ Best Vincennes Hotels: Royal Regency Paris Vincennes • Best Western Saint-Louis – Grand Paris – Vincennes • Hotel Daumesnil-Vincennes

Vincennes, a suburb to the southeast of Paris, has a wonderful castle that makes it famous. This castle is on the edge of the “Bois de Vincennes,” the Vincennes Woods. I love riding horses here. The park features a small farm, a botanical garden, and other attractions. 

You’ll still be close to Paris if you stay in Vincennes. Yet, accommodation prices at hotels like the Royal Regency Paris Vincennes are lower than you’d find in the city itself. Meanwhile, the Métro Line 1 connects you to central Paris and its attractions.

Pros of Staying in Vincennes:

• Reasonable accommodation prices
• Easy access to Paris’s center
• Beautiful park with many amenities

Cons of Staying in Vincennes:

• Far from central Paris attractions
• Few attractions other than the park

Charenton-le-Pont

👉 Best Area For Commuters | ✨ Best Charenton-le-Pont Hotels: Novotel Paris Charenton le Pont • ibis Paris porte de Bercy

Visitors who plan to use Paris as a base for travel around France should consider Charenton-le-Pont in addition to the previously mentioned 12th Arrondissement.

This small suburb to the southeast of Paris has reasonably priced accommodations. Check out hotels like the Ibis Paris Porte de Bercy and rental apartments. You’ll also have connections to Paris with the Métro Line 8 stop.

For a small area, Charenton-le-Pont has a high number of good restaurants and bars. However, you won’t find many attractions in the suburb itself. Luckily, Line 8 will take you into the city. You can also rent cars here to access other parts of France.

This combination of city access and the ability to drive to other parts of France makes the suburb the best area for commuters. Even better? You’ll get to avoid Paris traffic by staying outside the city, if you use the Métro. If you plan to hop in and out of the capital and other French areas, this may be the best headquarters for you!

Pros of Staying in Charenton-le-Pont:

• Easy access to Paris
• Easy access to day trips
• Lots of good restaurants
• Residential and calm

Cons of Staying in Charenton-le-Pont:

• Far from central Paris
• Few local hotels
• Only one Métro station

Tips for Staying in Paris

Watch for Pickpockets on Public Transportation

The Métro subway and bus systems in Paris are generally safe. However, keep your bags closed and close to you at all times. Pickpockets commonly operate on these systems, particularly in areas with many visitors. Keep an eye on your pockets; you’ll be amazed at how subtle some pickpockets can be. Read my Paris safety guide for more information.

Don’t Worry Too Much About Tipping

Waiters and service workers don’t rely on tips in Paris. It’s a nice gesture to leave a few euros for great service, but 15-20% is too much. The exception is at a truly upscale establishment, where a tip of around 10% is polite.

Choose Taxis over Rideshares on the G7 App

Paris taxis are far more efficient and often cheaper than rideshares. This is because they can use special lanes that rideshares can’t, so trips are quicker. The G7 taxi app is as easy to use as Uber. There are also taxi lines throughout the city. 

Act Like a Local

Your Paris experience will be much more pleasant if you follow a few basic local customs. Say “hello” and “goodbye” when entering shops, even if you don’t buy anything. Step back into doorways if you need to stop on a busy street to tie a shoe or check your phone. 

👉 Read Next: When is the Best Time to Visit Paris?

Stay in Residential Areas for Longer Trips

Residential areas are better choices for longer stays. These areas include the 7th, 11th, and 16th arrondissements. You’ll appreciate being able to go out to see attractions during the day and having somewhere quiet and relaxing to return to at night.

If all that sounds like a lot to manage, don’t worry. You can always just follow my Paris itinerary planner, which lays out how I would plan the perfect 5 days in Paris.

🖨️ You can get a free, printable version of my 5-day Paris itinerary here!

Want More? Listen to My Paris Podcast Episode!

If you liked this post, you’ll love my Paris episode on the Travel Lemming Podcast. It’s available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts (just search “Travel Lemming Paris”). 

I talk about where to stay in Paris at minute mark 04:40.

The host, Betty, and I also discuss things to do in Paris (13:05), language & cultural tips (22:03), how to get around Paris (24:38), how to stay safe (31:09) and all the other common questions about travel to Paris. 

Download now and remember to listen to the entire episode before you arrive in Paris.

FAQs

What area is best to stay in Paris?

The best area to stay in Paris is the Marais, in the 3rd arrondissement and 4th arrondissement. It’s central to many major attractions like the Louvre Museum, but it’s also residential and charming for a calm trip.

Where should you not stay in Paris?

You should not stay in the outer districts of Paris (10-20) if it’s your first visit. These districts are farther from the main monuments, so you’ll spend more time commuting.

Is it better to stay on the Left Bank or the Right Bank?

The Right Bank is a better place to stay for first-time visitors because it contains more Paris attractions. The Left Bank is a better place to stay for returning visitors because it has a more relaxed atmosphere.

Where should I stay in Paris for the first time?

Stay in the Marais, the 1st arrondissement, or 7th arrondissement when you’re visiting Paris for the first time. 

Where is the most convenient area to stay in Paris?

The most convenient area to stay in Paris is the 1st arrondissement. It’s at the center of the city and well-connected by transportation.

What is the best region to stay in if walking in Paris?

Stay in the 1st or 6th districts (arrondissements) if you’re walking in Paris. It’s easy to reach most of the city on foot from these central areas.

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At the end of the day, where you stay in Paris will depend on what you want to do. But there’s a great district to stay in no matter your reason for visiting. Next up, read my list of the top things to do in Paris! It includes popular attractions, hidden gems, and so much more.