The Best Places to Stay in Paris in 2025

Choosing where to stay when traveling to Paris is a big decision. Each area of the city has its own unique vibe, meaning your trip could have a totally different feel simply depending on which part of the city you stay in.

In this guide (written by an American living full-time in Paris, France!), you'll learn about the best places to stay depending on the type of traveler you are and what's important to you.

Allez-y ! (Let's go!)

The city of Paris: a quick guide

Before we go through some of the most incredible neighborhoods in Paris, it's helpful to understand the general layout of the city.

Like boroughs or districts, Paris has 20 - and they're called arrondissements. The center of the city is the Seine River. This is also where you will find the majority of the main tourist attractions.

While Paris is broken up into 20 arrondissements, each department itself has very different neighborhoods.

For example, Montmartre is a popular tourist area in the 18th arrondissement. The Marais is in the 3rd/4th and the Latin Quarter is in the 5th/6th. Two popular neighborhoods, Odéon and Saint-Germain-des-Prés are both in the same arrondissement (the 6th).

Where you stay will depend on your budget, what you want to be close to, and the overall vibe that you're looking for during your trip to Paris.

Now let's get to it. Below, you will find some of the best places to stay in Paris!

The 1st arrondissement

Who it's for: First-time visitors, people who want to be close to monuments and museums.

For tourists, the 1st arrondissement is a great choice because it's going to put you in the center of all of the action.

In general, a trip to Paris means a lot of walking. If you're primarily concerned with seeing the "core" Paris museums and monuments, a stay in the 1st arrondissement will keep you in a good range of all of them.

In the very center of the city, the 1st arrondissement gets pretty busy. You'll find people of all backgrounds - from tourists to locals. It's a very hustling and bustling international vibe, especially in the summer months.

Perks of staying in the 1st

• Great photo ops at every turn.
• You're close to most of the main tourist sites like the Louvre, Notre Dame, etc.
• Most walking tours and group tours start in or near the 1st.
• It's on the Seine, giving you easy access for morning strolls/runs (or an evening boat cruise!).
• There are many souvenir shops, cafes, and brasseries.
• Because it's a major tourist area, you will be able to find sit-down meals at any time of day (most restaurants in Paris close their kitchens between lunch and dinner).
• There are a lot of opportunities for shopping.
• You will find English speakers pretty much everywhere.

Cons of staying in the 1st

• It can get very busy, especially during the peak summer months.
• Because it's a tourist area, prices are higher than they are in other parts of the city (hotels, food, etc.).
• If you're a traveler looking for a more "authentic" or old Parisian feel, this might not tick the box.

Notable places in the 1st arrondissement

While close to all of the main attractions, the 1st is home to some popular sites including the Louvre, the Palais Royale, the Tuileries Gardens, the Museum of the Decorative Arts, and the world-famous Saint Chappelle Cathedral.

The Marais

Who it's for: Travelers who want to be close to the action, while having a more authentic Parisian feel. Foodies.

The Marais is a beautiful neighborhood that blends through the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, meaning a stay here puts you close to tourist attractions - just a few more steps away.

With shops, boulangeries, galleries, and more, the Marais is filled with winding streets, beautiful buildings, and plenty to see and do.

As both the Jewish and LGBTQ+ neighborhood in Paris, the Marais is a lively place to be with fantastic food, vintage shops galore, and a welcoming spirit.

Perks of staying in the Marais

• You're still close to the main tourist area but tucked into Paris a little bit more.
• Because the area is still a large tourist draw, many restaurants will serve food all day.
• There are a ton of cute, winding streets for a very "Parisian" vibe.

Cons of staying in the Marais

• Because it's still a popular area for tourism, it can be very busy in the summer months.
• While less expensive than some neighborhoods in Paris, tourist shops and brasseries may still be slightly more expensive than other neighborhoods.
• The same is true for accommodations.
• If your main interest is the Eiffel Tower, a stay in the Marais puts you even further from it than the 1st.

Notable places in the Marais

The Marais is home to multiple beautiful churches, Place de Vosges (where you can visit Victor Hugo's estate (it's free!)), the Picasso Museum, the Industrial Design Museum, Pletzl (the historic Jewish quarter), the Jewish Museum, and more.

The 7th Arrondissement

Who it's for: Self-proclaimed Eiffel Tower lovers, families, and those wanting a quieter place to stay.

The 7th is a truly special area of Paris with many art museums, cafes, shops, and... the Eiffel Tower!

If you're looking for Eiffel Tower views, the 7th is an excellent choice.

Some hotels and restaurants offer this, but it will come at a price. This area is one of the wealthiest in all of Paris, home to many who are part of Paris's highest societies.

Connoisseurs of military history might find the 7th particularly interesting as well, as there is the Military School and Les Invalides (Napoleon's Tomb).

Perks of staying in the 7th

• Luxurious vibes.
• Views of the Eiffel Tower (at night it lights up and even sparkles on the hour).
• Home to many art museums.
• Still in the center of Paris, meaning you're near all of the main attractions.

Cons of staying in the 7th

• Lodging, especially with Eiffel Tower views can be quite expensive.
• Restaurants with Eiffel Tower views are also typically expensive and may require reservations well in advance.
• This could be a perk or a con depending on what you're looking for, but some areas of the 7th can be a bit sleepy.

Notable places in the 7th

While close to a ton of tourist attractions, the 7th itself is right against the left bank of the Seine River. It's home to world-class art museums like the Musée d'Orsay and Musée Rodin. You'll also find a variety of embassies in the 7th, Les Invalides (Napoleon's Tomb) and the École Militaire.

Montmartre

Who it's for: Artists and creative types, Paris aficionados, and romantics.

Arguably the quaintest neighborhood in all of Paris, Montmartre is an incredible place to stay.

If you're primarily interested in the tourist attractions around the center of Paris, Montmartre may not be the best option for you. It is located in the Northern part of the city, further away from sights like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre (though, because it's high on a hill, you can see the Eiffel Tower in the distance!).

Filled with narrow, winding streets, tiny shops and restaurants, and artists selling locally made paintings and drawings, Montmartre is a neighborhood like no other. In fact, many artists lived, worked, and hung out in Montmartre during the Belle-Époque, including Monet, Renoir, Degas, Picasso, and even Van Gogh.

It's also the neighborhood with Sacre Coeur, Paris's iconic basilica.

If you're already a bit familiar with Paris, can walk up and down a lot of stairs, and/or are comfortable with the Paris metro system, Montmartre is a great choice for your trip.

Perks of staying in Montmartre

• The neighborhoods around Montmartre will be filled with more locals than tourists (excluding the streets directly surrounding Sacre Coeur).
• It's really cute.
• You can find great little cafés, bars, and souvenirs.
• It's not far from the Moulin Rouge and Pigalle (an "after-dark" neighborhood known for its mature shops and night clubs).
• It's also near Les Puces (Paris's famous flea markets).
• Insanely amazing views of the city.

Cons of staying in Montmartre

• If you want to go to the center of Paris (where most of the tourist attractions are), you will need to either take the metro, taxi, or Uber. You can walk, but the walk is 45 minutes to an hour or more depending on which part of Montmartre you're in and how quickly you walk.
• The walk back is uphill - don't forget your water bottle.
• The center of Montmartre is packed with tourists during the summer months.
• There are a lot of stairs.

Notable places in Montmartre

While not a place, Montmartre has attracted artists for the last hundred years.

Sacre Coeur is in the heart of Montmartre, but you can also find the Moulin Rouge and the Pigalle neighborhood. Montmartre is also home to Abbesses, an incredible neighborhood with a ton of restaurants and French gastronomical shops.

You'll also find one of Paris's best cemeteries, the Montmartre Cemetery, the Le Lapin Agile and Le Chat noir (famous cabarets), old windmills, the Dalí museum, and "The Wall of Love". Notably, Montmartre is home to the only vineyard within the city!

Canal Saint-Martin

Who it's for: Travelers who want to "live like the locals", but still be close to the action. Foodies. Young professionals.

The Canal Saint-Martin is in the 10th arrondissement, a district filled with unique shops, vintage stores, and best-in-class cafés and restaurants.

This area may even be Paris's best-kept secret 🤫

Because it's a little bit off the beaten path, the area around the canal is usually frequented by Parisians. Whether it's enjoying a picnic in one of the many little parks, reading a book on the water's edge, or grabbing a glass of wine at a little cave on the corner, this area is filled with young professionals and Paris locals.

If you've already seen the main Paris tourist attractions, a stay in the 10th might be perfect for you. With a welcoming and vibrant vibe, this area is the perfect mix of laid-back and Paris-chic.

Perks of staying near the Canal Saint-Martin

• It's more of a local area than a tourist one, giving you a more authentic experience of what it's like to live in Paris.
• Prices of food, drink, lodging, etc. are usually lower than in the very center of Paris.
• Foodies rejoice. It feels like a new local restaurant or café pops up every week!
• You're still close to the center of Paris. A 30-45 minute walk will get you there, or a 10-minute metro ride.

Cons of staying near Canal-Saint Martin

• While most people can speak at least some English in Paris, the further you get from the tourist areas, the less you can be sure to find English speakers.
• It's further away from main tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.

Notable places near Canal Saint-Martin

Near the canal, you'll find Place de la République. It's also right outside of the Marais, giving you access to all of the amazing places that neighborhood has to offer.

The Latin Quarter

Who it's for: Medieval fanatics, nightlife enthusiasts, and young adults.

The Latin Quarter is the oldest area of Paris, developed by the Ancient Romans. With a slightly different look than the rest of Paris, the Latin Quarter has narrow cobblestone streets, including the most narrow (medieval) street in the city.

Today, it's home to a ton of restaurants, shops, and a few major tourist attractions including the Pantheon.

Because it has the Sorbonne University, there are a lot of students in the Latin Quarter, making it a great place for young couples and singles to explore.

If you like ancient history, nightlife, and still being within walking distance of tourist attractions, the Latin Quarter is a tempting choice.

Perks of staying in the Latin Quarter

• It's close to all of the tourist attractions but has a completely different vibe than the 1st or the Marais for example.
• You can find street food at all hours, including walk-up crêpes, kebabs, and more.
• There are clubs for live music.
• Because it's a popular area for students to live and work, you can often find accommodations for cheaper than other areas in the center of Paris.
• Most servers and service workers speak fluent English.

Cons of staying in the Latin Quarter

• Like other areas in the center of Paris, it gets very busy during the summer months.
• Depending on where you stay in the quarter, it can be a little loud and rambunctious due to the nearby college.
• While you may find inexpensive lodging, food and drinks can be pricey.

Notable places in the Latin Quarter

The most famous tourist attraction in the Latin Quarter is the Pantheon. The small streets surrounding the Pantheon are quintessentially Parisian, offering delicious restaurants, local wine caves, and more.

It's also home to the famous English bookstore, Shakespeare & Company, as well as the famous jazz club featured in La La Land, Caveau de la Huchette. Near here, you can also find the iconic Saint-Michel Fountain.

A lesser-known garden in Paris, you must visit the Jardin des Plantes, a huge botanical garden with a small menagerie and a variety of natural science museums.

The 6th Arrondissement

Who it's for: Families, first-time visitors, café-goers.

The 6th arrondissement is in the middle of all of the action but with some sleepier streets for a break from the hubbub. This makes it an ideal place for families and first-time visitors who prefer a little reprieve.

Like the 7th arrondissement, the 6th is one of the wealthier areas of Paris, with cafés and shops in plenty.

One of the most popular areas to stay in in the 6th is Saint-Germain-des-Prés - a small neighborhood with luxury shopping and quintessentially Parisian terraces. Grab an afternoon espresso (or as the Parisians call it - expresso) and enjoy the busy little streets.

The 6th is home to one of the biggest attractions in Paris - the Luxembourg Gardens. These large gardens have famous statues, landscaped shrubbery, fountains, and a popular pond where children can rent tiny sailboat toys.

The Luxembourg Gardens is a must-visit if you have never been. There are attractions for children, such as playgrounds, pony rides, and a carousel. You'll also be able to easily find an ice cream cone or iced coffee - a great treat, particularly on a hot summer day.

Perks of staying in the 6th arrondissement

• It's close to all of the main tourist attractions, but a little bit quieter than some other options, like the Latin Quarter.
• There are plenty of restaurants, cafés, and things to do in the area.
• You're right on the Seine!
• There are parks with play equipment for children.

Cons of staying in the 6th arrondissement

• If you stay in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, it can get very busy during the summer months. Also, it tends to be a bit of a pricier neighborhood. You may find better prices in other areas in the 6th.
• If you stay further south, it can be a bit of a walk to the main tourist attractions.
• If you're looking for a buzzing nightlife, this may not be the best area for you.

Notable places in the 6th arrondissement

In the 6th arrondissement, you will be close to many tourist attractions. There is the Luxembourg Gardens, the famous Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the Odéon neighborhood.