Paris is one of my favorite cities. I’ve lived here, worked here, and traveled here, and every visit reveals something new about the French capital. Because I’ve spent so much time in the city, I often get asked where the best area to stay in Paris is.
Best Area to Stay in Paris
While there’s no right answer, there’s an ideal place for everyone’s individual preferences. To help you figure out which is right for you, today I bring you A Lady in London’s guide to where to stay in Paris for your style.
I’m in Paris at the moment, and it’s amazing how many great places there are in the city. From the bohemian Left Bank to the chi chi Right Bank, the bustling Latin Quarter to the village-like Montmartre, Paris has something for everyone.
Whether you want to see the big attractions, live like a local, immerse yourself in French culture, or explore the secret courtyards, there’s a best area to stay in Paris for you.
1. The Marais, Paris
Centrally located and packed with good shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes, the Marais is one of the most exciting places to stay in the French capital.
There’s a great mix of historic architecture, leafy squares, and pretty streets on offer, and a number of small museums to add to the mix.
The Marais is also one of the best areas to stay in Paris on a Sunday, as it’s one of the few places in the city where everything is open all day.
My favorite hotel in the Marais is Hotel Jeanne d’Arc. This gem is on a quiet street and features chic decor and great value for money. I’ve stayed here before and can personally recommend it. You can book a room here.
2. Montmartre
If you love a village feel, Montmartre is the best area to stay in Paris.
This hilly area in the 18th arrondissement has cobblestone streets, a stunning basilica, and lots of traditional cafes and restaurants. There’s even a tiny vineyard in Montmartre.
This area is perfect if you love exploring side streets, soaking up classic French atmosphere, and taking in views over the city.
My favorite place to stay in Montmartre is Mom’Art Hotel. This place is a short walk from both the Sacre Coeur and the Moulin Rouge.
A family-run boutique hotel, it has rooms with individual decor. Being here allows you to live like a local in Paris. You can book it here.
3. The Champs-Elysees and the 8th Arrondissement
If you want the classic Paris experience with all the trimmings, the 8th arrondissement near the Avenue des Champs-Elysees is the best area to stay in Paris.
I lived here when I was working at the US Embassy in Paris, and loved being near the Arc de Triomphe, Grand Palais, and other Paris landmarks.
I’ve stayed at a number of hotels in the 8th since I moved away, and my favorite is the Prince de Galles.
I’ve called this place home countless times over the years, and always love the elegant lobby, stylish rooms, and views over the rooftops. You can book a room here.
4. The Louvre and the 1st Arrondissement
If you want to be in the heart of Paris, staying near the Louvre in the 1st arrondissement is a great idea.
This area is perfect for culture lovers and shopping addicts, what with the Palais Royal, Place Vendome, and Rue Saint-Honore right near the museum.
This part of Paris is also home to the Jardin des Tuileries, an expansive 17th-century garden that offers a great respite from the busy city around it.
I’ve stayed in the 1st a number of times, and on this trip I’m at the Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel.
I’ve had a great stay, and love the chic lobby, lively restaurant, secret bar, and artsy rooms. If you want to follow in my footsteps, you can book your stay here.
5. The Latin Quarter, Paris
Moving over to the Left Bank, the Latin Quarter is the best area to stay in Paris if you love being centrally located and in the heart of bohemian Paris.
This area is packed with restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops, and is ideally situated next to the islands in the Seine.
The Latin Quarter is home to everything from the famous Shakespeare & Company bookshop in Paris to the Pantheon.
It’s also home to the Sorbonne University, making it one of the best places to stay in Paris for students and 20-somethings.
My favorite place to stay in the Latin Quarter is the Melia Paris Notre Dame. It’s in an elegant 19th-century building in a great location near the river.
I’ve stayed here and sent my travel planning clients here, and we’ve all been happy with it. You can book a room here.
6. The Eiffel Tower and the 7th Arrondissement
If the French capital is synonymous with the Eiffel Tower for you, the best area to stay in Paris is the 7th arrondissement.
This upscale neighborhood is not only on the footsteps of the landmark itself, but also home to beautiful streets, historic architecture, and great restaurants.
The 7th is where you’ll find world-class museums like the Musee d’Orsay, the Musee Rodin, and Les Invalides. It’s also home to streets like Rue Cler, which is a food lover’s heaven.
My favorite place to stay near the Eiffel Tower is the Hotel & Spa de Latour Maubourg. This hotel offers a great mix of classic and contemporary decor, with murals decorating the walls of the rooms. You can book it here.
7. The 20th Arrondissement in Paris
If your idea of a great stay is getting out of the busy areas of a city and living like a local, the 20th arrondissement is just the place for you.
This bohemian area is full of contemporary art galleries, street art, and bars. The famous Pere Lachaise Cemetery is right on your doorstep, too.
The 20th is one of the most up-and-coming neighborhoods in the city, and it’s one of the best areas to stay in Paris if you want to be on the cutting edge of what’s new.
My favorite place to stay in the 20th is the iconic Mama Shelter Paris East.
This hip hotel designed by Philippe Starck was a pioneer in the neighborhood and offers good value for money in ultra-contemporary surroundings. You can book a room here.
8. Gare du Nord and the 10th Arrondissement
If you want to be close to the train to London, the area near the Gare du Nord in the 10th arrondissement is the best area to stay in Paris.
This area allows you easy access to the station and to neighborhoods like Montmartre and the trendy Canal Saint-Martin.
The 10th is home to fun bars around Place de la Republique, food stalls in the Marche Saint-Martin, and restaurants on Rue Sainte-Marthe. The shops along the canal are also good places to browse and buy.
My favorite place to stay near Gare du Nord is Hotel Whistler. Located right by Gare du Nord, it’s in an ideal location for the station.
It also has stylish guest rooms with decor reminiscent of Belle Epoque train carriages. You can book a room here.
9. The 2nd Arrondissement in Paris
If you want to be in the heart of Paris without being where everyone else is, the 2nd arrondissement is just the spot for you.
This part of the city is more low-key than the areas around it, but still has a lot to offer in terms of both location and things to do.
The pedestrian district around the Rue Montorgueil has hip shops and a street market, and shopping arcades like Galerie Vivienne and the Passage des Panoramas have old-world charm.
The Japanese restaurants on Rue Sainte-Anne are worth a trip, too.
My favorite hotel in this part of Paris is The Hoxton Paris. This is one of the hottest hotels in Paris right now, and is a great place to stay if you love good design and want to be on trend. You can book a room here.
Best Areas to Stay in Paris
I hope this guide to how to choose the best area to stay in Paris has helped you find a place that fits your style. No matter where you end up, I’m sure you’ll have an amazing trip to the French capital.
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