8 Top Arrondissements to Stay in Paris for First Time Visitors
You’ve just booked your flight for your trip to Paris – congratulations! You are going to love the City of Light. But now the big question: where should you stay on your first trip to Paris?
I’ve visited Paris 9 times, spending nearly 6 months in the city in total, and I’ve spent a lot of time walking the neighborhoods and experiencing the atmosphere and what makes them unique.
This guide breaks down the best areas to stay in Paris for first-time visitors, focusing on neighborhoods that are walkable, in good locations, well-connected by metro, have great vibes, and are close to top sights.
Before we get into the best arrondissements, hotels, and best areas to stay in Paris for first-time visitors, there are a few good things to know.
The Arrondissement System
If you’re not familiar with the arrondissement system in Paris, the gist is that an arrondissement is a neighborhood or district of Paris. There are 20 of them in the city.
Having a basic understanding of this system is super helpful when planning where to stay and how to get around Paris.
The first arrondissement starts in the middle of the city, and the arrondissements extend out in a spiral around the city, with the 12-20th lining the perimeter of the city.
Each arrondissement has a different feel and a different vibe. Some of the arrondissements even have their own names, such as Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain, or Montmartre.
While none of the 20 arrondissements are bad options, there are some definite advantages to staying in each one, which we’ll get into in the following sections!
8 Best Arrondissements to Stay in Paris
1. The 1st Arrondissement
The first arrondissement is right in the center of Paris, with attractions like the Louvre, the Jardin de Tuileries, Palais Royale, and Place Vendome.
This is a fantastic, centrally located arrondissement (you really can’t get any more central than this!), right next to some main attractions of Paris you’ll definitely be visiting on your Paris itinerary.
It’s a really beautiful area, with some of the most gorgeous buildings and hotels in Paris.
This is also one of the most convenient areas to be in as far as metro access goes. Metro line 1 runs from the Arc de Triomphe straight through this arrondissement and beyond (essentially following the line of the river), hitting many main tourist attractions and providing some really easy and convenient transfer points to other areas of the city.
Of course, being in a central and popular location does come at a cost – generally hotels are a bit more expensive in this arrondissement, and this area does see a lot of tourism.
Best Hotels in the 1st Arrondissement:
Hotel Madame Reve
- Madame Reve is well-known for its spectacular views of Paris
- Rooms feature contemporary décor with a vintage feel, some rooms also have balconies
- There are 3 on-site restaurants, including a beautiful rooftop restaurant that features panoramic views of the city
- Just a 10-minute walk from the Louvre
- Check rates and availability here
Hotel Regina Louvre
- Hotel Regina Louvre is a luxury hotel, originally built in 1900
- Rooms combine modern comforts with Parisian elegance, + some rooms have views of the Louvre Museum
- Enjoy a drink in the cozy ambiance of the hotel’s English bar or relax in the fresh air of the garden terrace
- It’s just across from the Tuileries Gardens
- Check rates and availability here
Hotel Louvre Sainte Anne
- The Hotel Louvre Sainte Anne is just a 10-minute walk from the Louvre, with cozy, clean, and quiet rooms
- Perfect for families as baby cots are available on request
- Hotel staff are particularly friendly and welcoming
- This is a great budget option for central Paris
- Check rates and availability here
2. Le Marais (The 3rd+4th Arrondissement)
Le Marais includes the 4th arrondissement, the two islands of Paris (Ile de la Cité and Ile Saint Louis), and part of the 3rd arrondissement.
Notable attractions in the Marais include Hotel de Ville (city hall), the Centre Pompidou, Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chappelle, the Marché aux Fleurs, Place de la Bastille, and Place des Vosges.
The Marais is well-known for being the gay district in Paris, and for being a young, hip, and trendy area of Paris, with contemporary art galleries, up and coming boutiques, museums, cobblestoned streets, and a bohemian vibe. You can also find a lot of thrift stores in the Marais.
Like the 1st arrondissement, metro line 1 cuts through the middle of the 4th arrondissement, making it a convenient access point to many main attractions.
The 3rd + 4th are popular arrondissements if you want a particularly LGBTQ+ friendly area, or if you want to stay in an area that is very central and trendy, while not being right smack dab in the middle of the biggest tourist attractions.
Best Hotels in the Marais
If this sounds like the spot for you, check out these hotel recommendations for the Marais:
Le Pavillon de la Reine
- Luxury hotel in a historic mansion just off Place des Vosges
- Once home to Anne of Austria, Queen of France
- Quiet and romantic vibe with ivy-covered courtyard walls
- Elegant, individually decorated rooms with a classic feel
- On-site spa, hammam, and fitness center
- Check rates and availability here
Hotel Sookie
- 31-room boutique hotel in the heart of the Marais
- Modern, relaxed design with marble, bamboo, and retro touches
- Warm, welcoming atmosphere with unique style
- Attached coffee shop adds extra convenience
- Check rates and availability here
Goralska Résidences Hôtel Paris Bastille
- This hotel offers spacious suites (including a little kitchen and living area), as well as a fitness center
- Rooms are clean, modern, and have beautiful views of the Seine
- A short walk to the Bastille metro, where you can easily get around Paris.
- Check rates and availability here
3. The Latin Quarter (aka The 5th Arrondissement)
The 5th arrondissement is known as the Latin Quarter, and is a very well-known and sought-after arrondissement in Paris. This neighborhood is the oldest in Paris, and even has some ruins from Roman times!
The Latin Quarter got its name from the high concentration of universities and research centers in the area. (University students commonly spoke in Latin back in the day.)
In this area, you’ll find the Pantheon, the Jardin des Plantes, the Sorbonne University and the University of Paris, and the Boulevard Saint Michel.
This is the best arrondissement to stay in Paris if you want to explore narrow, historic, winding streets and be in the trendy left-bank neighborhood.
Best Hotels in the 5th Arrondissement:
Les Rives de Notre Dame
- 10-room boutique hotel in a 17th-century building along the Seine
- Every room has amazing views of Notre Dame and the river
- Rooms have classic French touches like exposed beams and parquet floors
- Each room has a unique layout and decor
- Check rates and availability here
Hotel des Grandes Ecoles
- Charming hotel with a warm, countryside feel
- Rooms are cozy and full of character
- Tucked-away location feels peaceful and quiet despite being central
- Beautiful garden terrace with trees, greenery, and bistro tables
- Check rates and availability here
Hôtel du College de France
- A charming hotel in a quaint area of Paris, located just off of Blvd Saint-Germain, a main street in the Latin Quarter.
- 10 minute walk to the Seine, Notre Dame, or Jardin de Luxembourg
- Check rates and availability here
4. Saint Germain (The 6th Arrondissement)
The 6th arrondissement (also called Saint-Germain-des-Prés) is particularly known for being a hotspot for intellectuals. It is home to the famous Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots cafes, where philosophers, writers, and artists such as Picasso, Hemingway, Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir hung out and discussed ideas.
You’ll also find the Jardin de Luxembourg, one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris, as well as a whole host of churches, such as Saint-Germain-des-Pres and Saint-Sulpice in the 6th arrondissement. This is just a great left bank district and one of the most well-known arrondissements to stay in Paris.
Best Places to Stay in the 6th Arrondissement:
Hotel d’Angleterre
- Once the site of the 18th-century British Embassy, this hotel has housed many famous guests, including Ernest Hemingway
- Rooms feature charming traditional decor, each with a different design
- Lovely interior garden
- One of the few hotels in Paris that offers free breakfast
- Just a 13-minute walk to the Louvre
- Check rates and availability here
Hotel Saint Paul Rive Gauche
- This hotel has charming rooms, stone walls (typical of old buildings in Paris), and a cozy feel
- The hotel is really close to an RER B stop (which takes you directly to the CDG airport)
- You are just around the corner from the Jardin de Luxembourg!
- Check rates and availability here
Hotel Clément
- This hotel has clean, comfortable rooms with unique decorations and wallpaper, and the option for breakfast in your room.
- It’s <10 minute walk to the Seine or the Jardin de Luxembourg
- Overall a great value hotel in Paris
- Check rates and availability here
5. The 7th Arrondissement
The 7th arrondissement is home to a hidden gem of Paris – a small monument known as the Eiffel Tower. Ok, all kidding aside, this neighborhood is a beautiful area of Paris, but can also be a tourist-heavy one. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stay here, though. It is very beautiful, and you are conveniently located to several other great locations.
Other notable attractions in this area include the Musée d’Orsay, the Hotel des Invalides, the Pont Alexandre III, the Musée Rodin, and the Champs de Mars.
This is the best arrondissement to stay in Paris if you want to have easy access to the most famous monument in the world (it’s easy to pop over and watch the lights at night if you’re just next door!)
For this section, we’re recommending hotels with fabulous Eiffel Tower views, and a couple of them are *just* barely outside of the limits of the 7th. Since they’re so close, we’re including them here anyway!
Best Hotels in the 7th Arrondissement:
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
- This 4-star hotel is right next to the Eiffel Tower and has incredible, close views from some of the room balconies
- Rooms are designed in contemporary-modern style
- Very nice hotel restaurant
- Check rates and availability here
Hotel la Comtesse
- Set in a 19th-century mansion inspired by 18th-century literary salons
- All 40 rooms have either a front or side view of the Eiffel Tower
- Contemporary, refined décor with thoughtful touches throughout
- On-site café has a small library and offers afternoon tea
- Check rates and availability here
Shangri-La Paris
- Former palace of Prince Roland Bonaparte, now a historic monument
- Classic Parisian elegance with luxurious design and decor
- Many rooms have stunning Eiffel Tower views
- Spa located in the former stables, plus a peaceful courtyard garden
- Check rates and availability here
6. The 8th Arrondissement
The 8th is a great arrondissement to stay in or visit in Paris, thanks to the upscale vibe, gorgeous Haussmannian architecture, and some lovely parks.
The 8th arrondissement includes the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysées, the Place de la Concorde, and Parc Monceau, as well as museums like the Grand Palais, Petit Palais, and Jacquemart-André.
Metro line 1 cuts through the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Élysées, and the Saint Lazare train station is also in the 8th arrondissement, which all provide easy access to other spots in Paris and beyond.
This is a great Parisian arrondissement if you want to stay in neighborhoods with beautiful architecture, still have easy access to the city center, but be a bit more away from highly touristy areas (once you get off the Champs-Élysées line). Many parts of the 8th have a more residential feel.
Best Hotels to Stay in the 8th Arrondissement:
Splendid Etoile
- The Splendid Etoile is just two blocks away from the Arc de Triomphe
- Beautiful views from some rooms to the Arc, and some rooms even have Eiffel Tower views
- Rooms have an old-world vibe and the marble bathrooms are lovely.
- Check rates and availability here
New Orient Hotel
- Located in an upscale, non-touristy area of Paris, not far from Parc Monceau and Montmartre.
- Well-designed rooms
- Owners and staff are particularly welcoming
- Close to many restaurants, cafes, and shops
- Check rates and availability here
Hôtel Lancaster Paris Champs-Elysées
- The hotel has so many classic French architectural details, including fireplaces, hardwood floors, and ceiling medallions.
- Located right off the upscale Champs Élysées, a fashionable avenue for shopping and people-watching
- This is a very central and convenient location for getting around
- Check rates and availability here
7. The Eleventh Arrondissement
The 11th arrondissement is a great option if you’re looking for a more local, budget-friendly place to stay in Paris. It’s just east of the Marais and has a lively, lived-in feel with far fewer tourists than the central arrondissements.
This is a neighborhood made for everyday Paris life, and that’s part of its charm. You’ll find great restaurants, natural wine bars, and fun nightlife tucked into walkable streets that feel genuinely local.
Plus, the Canal Saint Martin, the Place de la Bastille, Père Lachaise Cemetery, and the Opera Bastille are nearby.
While you won’t be walking to the Eiffel Tower or Louvre, the 11th is well-connected by metro, making it easy to get around the city. It’s a solid pick for budget travelers, friend groups, or anyone wanting to stay in a neighborhood with character and authenticity.
Top Hotels in the 11th Arrondissement:
Hotel des Arts Bastille
- Great budget-friendly option on a quiet residential street
- Housed in an early 20th-century building with recently renovated rooms
- Clean, comfortable, and stylish for the price
- Surrounded by great bars, bakeries, restaurants, and local shops
- Check rates and availability here
Mary’s Hotel République
- Affordable, no-frills hotel near the lively République neighborhood
- Clean and reliable rooms with everything you need for a simple stay
- Great location near restaurants, bars, nightlife, and Canal Saint Martin
- One of the best value stays in Paris for budget travelers
- Check rates and availability here
Hotel l’Antoine
- Great option if you want the vibe of the 11th but in a stylish mid-range hotel with boutique flair
- Quirky, colorful rooms designed by Christian Lacroix
- Nice location just five minutes from Place de la Bastille and metro access
- Check rates and availability here
8. Montmartre (The 18th Arrondissement)
As part of the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre is quite a bit farther north in Paris than other neighborhoods. Popular spots include Sacre Coeur, the Moulin Rouge, the Wall of I Love You, and other sites (e.g. Place du Tertres, the stairs of Montmartre, etc).
Montmartre has quite a big fan club, as the neighborhood does have a distinct village feel and a bohemian history. There are a lot of cute, romantic spots to explore in Montmartre and many charming and delicious cafes and restaurants in the area.
It is a lot farther from many attractions, but you can easily get around the city by metro. Montmartre is a great option if you like that village feel within a big city, and an area with lots of cute shops and cafes.
Best Places to Stay in the 18th Arrondissement:
Terrass Hotel
- The Terrass Hotel makes great use of being on the hill of Montmartre, as the views over Paris from the guest rooms and the rooftop terrace are truly spectacular.
- Some rooms even have an Eiffel Tower view!
- The hotel is designed in a trendy, modern style
- Great location just off of Rue Lepic, one of my favorite streets in Montmartre, and a 10-minute walk from Sacré Coeur.
- Check rates and availability here
Hôtel Monsieur Aristide
- The Aristide is a newer boutique hotel, and they really show attention to detail with the furnishings around the property.
- The garden terrace is gorgeous
- The streets right by the hotel are filled with cafes, bakeries, and chocolate shops, making it a great place to hang out.
- Check rates and availability here
Timhotel Montmartre
- The basic rooms are a good budget option in Paris, but some of the fancier rooms have an incredible Eiffel Tower view from the balcony
- Other rooms have a view over the rooftops, or a Sacré Coeur view
- The hotel sits right on Place Emile Goudeau, an adorable, tree-lined square in the heart of Montmartre where Picasso once lived
- Check rates and availability here
Other Important Things to Know When Considering Where to Stay in Paris
When to Book Your Hotel for Paris
Paris is, of course, a popular destination, and so I would highly recommend you book your accommodations as soon as possible. Hotels really can get booked up many months in advance, particularly if you are traveling between April through October, or December.
Book early so you can get your top choice for where you want to stay in Paris!
Map of Paris
Here’s a handy map of the different areas in Paris that we’ve discussed, with the locations of my recommended hotels noted:
A Few Important Notes About Hotels in Paris
- Generally speaking, hotel rooms in France are much smaller (we’ll just call it cozier) than hotel rooms in the United States. Because these are old buildings, the rooms are just a bit tighter and there is definitely less floorspace, especially in the standard options. This is just something to be aware of!
- Expect elevators to also be very tiny – and not all places have elevators. I actually really love the teeny tiny elevators in France – they’re such a novelty!
- On the same note, almost no hotels offer free breakfast. Almost every hotel will offer breakfast, but it costs extra. We rarely pay for the hotel breakfast, preferring instead to grab some pastries from the closest boulangerie as we start our day.
The Seine
The river Seine cuts through Paris, dividing it pretty neatly in half. Sometimes different areas of Paris will be referred to as the right bank or the left bank of Paris – referring to what side of the river you are on. The left bank is south of the river, and the right bank is north of the river.
What is the Safest Arrondissement to Stay in Paris?
All of these arrondissements are very safe and you can definitely stay in them without concern. As I mentioned in the Montmartre section, the Red Light district starts in Montmartre, but it’s really just a few blocks along Boulevard de Clichy that would be places to avoid if you don’t want to be around nightclubs and bars.
Metro System in Paris
Paris has an exceptionally well-designed metro system – no matter where you stay, you are only minutes from a metro stop, which you can take to get around the city.
The Wrap Up
If you are going to Paris for the first time, you are really in for a treat, and staying in one of these recommended hotels in one of these recommended arrondissements will only enhance your experience. Bon voyage!
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