The Best Areas to Stay in Paris
04 November 2020Updated 11 September 2023Trying to figure out where to stay in Paris? Read on to find out what areas are best to book apartments and hotels for your stay. Whether you’re looking for a romantic holiday for two, a cultural trip, or plan to squeeze the most out of Paris’ nightlife, we’ve got something for you.
The Latin Quarter
The 5th Arrondissement, better known as the Latin Quarter, is a student and family-friendly neighbourhood bursting with vibrancy.
Wander down the streets that the great writer Ernest Hemingway once did, and soak in the inspiration he found in this magical city. Given this pedigree, the Latin Quarter is unsurprisingly a treasure trove of eclectic bookshops. World-renowned independent bookstore Shakespeare and Company also call this neighbourhood home.
Take a romantic stroll through the botanical gardens, Jardin des Plantes, dive into the National Museum of Natural History or visit the tombs of Voltaire and Rousseau at the Panthéon. There’s plenty of things to do in this stunning area, so you don’t have to worry about getting bored.
To top it all off, the Latin Quarter is home to affordable hotels and apartments, incredible food, and public transport to take you across the city. It’s easy to see why this is one of the best areas to stay in Paris.
Our top Paris accommodation recommendation for the Latin Quarter is this stunning vintage hotel with a private garden.
While you’re there, explore the incredible Gallery of Evolution, which explores our understanding of life with over 7000 specimens, at the National Museum of Natural History.
The 17th Arrondissement
Are you trying to figure out where to stay in Paris without feeling like you’re in an overflowing capital city? The 17th Arrondissement is for you.
The Batignolles neighbourhood is a little village in the big city. This area is home to beautiful hotels that provide a more intimate, cosy atmosphere. Batignolles also boasts a range of boutique shops, wine bars, and eateries that are beloved by locals and tourists alike. The hotels and apartments here are also cheaper than those found nearer to the Champs Elysées.
Moving outwards to the rest of the 17th Arrondissement, you’ll discover elegant architecture, trendy bars, and vibrant greenery.
On the North-East side, you will find the Parc Clichy-Batignolles, the 8th largest green space in Paris. The park is a monument to Martin Luther King Jr, and decked out with a play area, sports ground, skate park, and landscaped water features. This is an ideal space for families to spend a sunny day, or for couples to enjoy a romantic picnic by the pond.
From the centre, Westwards, you’ll find the Promenade Pereire, a long, narrow strip of houses fronted by pear trees, bronze statues and gardens. Head to the Arc de Triomphe and wander down the Champs Elysées, or enjoy a few drinks in the trendy bars at the Place de Clichy.
Our favourite place to stay in the 17th Arrondissement of Paris is this luxurious hotel with a private courtyard.
Le Marais
The neighbourhood of le Marais is relatively small but packed with exceptional bars, restaurants, galleries, and boutiques.
It’s no surprise that Parisians and tourists alike believe le Marais is one of the best areas to stay in Paris. With a large part of the neighbourhood backing onto the Seine, nearby accommodation is just a few minutes away from the beautiful river.
The former Jewish district remains home to many kosher restaurants and specialist stores. These days, le Marais is more known for its quirky gay bars.
If you want to explore other areas of the city, le Marais has excellent travel links. That said, you might not need to use it as the neighbourhood is in walking distance of le Centre Pompidou, le Louvres, and the Notre-Dame: three cultural powerhouses.
Between enjoying the excellent food of Paris, having a little too much wine (is there such a thing?), and soaking in these cultural monuments, le Marais comes prepared to give you a real taste of the City of Lights.
For an even more memorable experience in Paris, we recommend staying at this whimsical hotel designed by Stella Cadente.
While in le Marais, make sure to see the Matisse exhibition (available until the 21st of February 2021) at le Centre Pompidou!
The 18th Arrondissement
Of all the best areas to stay in Paris, we saved the most romantic for last. The 18th Arrondissement is home to the stunning architecture of the Sacré-Coeur and the Church of Saint-Bernard de la Chapelle, and has seen many marriage proposals and intimate nights.
Once home to creative legends such as Picasso and Dali, this former artist village embodies the spirit of the City of Light. If you want to learn more about the life of artists like Picasso in Montmartre, there are some excellent guided tours.
For a truly magical experience, sit atop the Montmartre hill to watch the sunset. Then, stroll down the cobbled streets and enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
You’ll find an abundance of excellent restaurants to wine and dine in. We recommend giving GCD Montmartre a try. They’re a local favourite, and you’ll probably get to meet the delightful owner.
We suggest staying in this boutique Paris hotel, where every room has a unique design. There’s even an ice bar.
While you’re exploring Montmartre, check out the Kadist Art Foundation, a leading contemporary art organisation.
The 20th Arrondissement
This bohemian, laidback neighbourhood was once an industrial heartland. Now, you’ll discover a neighbourhood transformed by street art, trendy bars and exquisite gardens. The 20th Arrondissement is blessed by artists who do what artists do best.
If this area wasn’t already artsy enough, Oscar Wilde, Molière and Jim Morrison chose this neighbourhood as their final resting place. You can visit their tombstones at Père Lachaise Cemetery, if graveyards are your thing…
If you’re looking for something more… alive, the 20th Arrondissement is home to multiple green spaces. Parc de Belleville, created in 1988, is a vibrant space spanning 4.5 hectares that features an open-air theatre, playground, and even a vineyard. While you’re in Belleville, definitely check out the Asian market!
There are also plenty of bars; some are grungy, some trendy, but all with their unique character. So, if you like art, gardens, or drinking in character-filled bars, consider accommodation in this area.
Want to know where to stay in this Parisian neighbourhood? This sleek hotel, created by legendary designer Phillipe Starcke, will knock your socks off. Don’t miss the rooftop bar!
Are you a fan of Jazz? Enjoy brunch with a live performance every Sunday at La Bellevilloise.
So now you know some of the best areas to stay in Paris…
Where are you planning on spending your time in Paris? Whether you’re looking for a calm, rejuvenating city break, or want to throw yourself into the famous Paris nightlife, we’re confident this incredible city will not disappoint.
As the great Audrey Hepburn once said: “Paris is always a good idea”.
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