Where to Stay in Paris: Best Areas & Hotels for First-Time Visitors, Families & Every Budget
Jet Setting with Jen contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.
If you are thinking about a trip to Paris or actively planning your trip, you may already know that deciding where to stay in Paris can be extremely overwhelming. Paris has some amazing neighborhoods (arrondissements), so trying to find that “perfect” may feel overhwleming and stressful.
One of the things I love about Paris is the various arrondissements and how each area has its own energy and vibe, and even though most are walkable and safe, there are some areas that you may want to avoid, especially if you plan to be out at night.
After multiple trips to Paris and staying in various neighborhoods, I have explored this incredible city from top to bottom, and I can honestly say that the best place to stay in Paris totally depends on you and what you want to experience while you are here.
Let’s get into it!
Introduction: Where to Stay in Paris
One of the most common questions I get from my travel clients is where the best area is to stay in while in Paris. And for me, it’s a hard question to answer. Where to stay in Paris can really impact your trip, and it is one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make when planning your trip.
If you aren’t familiar with Paris, it is divided into what they call arrondissements, and each one can look and feel completely different. Some are lively and energetic, some are artsy, while others may be more residential or very touristy.
In this guide, I will be walking you through all of my favorite areas to stay while in Paris and some great hotel options that will help you decide which area is right for you based on your travel style.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement): Classic Paris
If this is your first trip to Paris and you are trying to decide where to stay in Paris for the first time, or maybe this is your second or third time to Paris, then you absolutely cannot go wrong with staying in the 6th arrondissement or Saint Germain.
This area in Paris is one of the most popular and for good reasons. The shopping is top tier, the cafes are perfect for sitting outside and people watching, it’s super walkable, and just a great place to slow down, enjoy Paris, and take it all in.
If you are a solo traveler or maybe traveling with kids, it’s important to note that this area is one of the safest in Paris, and even though it’s lively and energetic, it doesn’t feel overly chaotic and too busy. It’s the perfect mix of sitting outside and enjoying a baguette with a mix of fun shopping and people watching.
If your travel style is a little chicer and more elevated, you will absolutely love one of my favorite hotels in the 6th, which is Relais Christine. I also love Hotel Recamier for those quieter, low-key trips, as it makes a perfect sanctuary after exploring the streets of Paris all day. If you are visiting Paris on a budget, then you absolutely cannot go wrong with Cluny Square.
Le Marais (3rd & 4th Arrondissement): Trendy & Historic
Another great arrondissement to stay at while in Paris is the 3rd and 4th, which is the area of Le Marais. There is something about the energy in this area that pulls you in and won’t let you go. And I am so here for it!
The first time I came to Paris, I didn’t stay here; I stayed in Saint Germain, but there was something that just made me keep going back for more. There is something fun and exciting about the vibe of this area, with the busy little cafes, the fun boutiques, and just all of the people lingering around, chatting, and enjoying life. While it was a busy area, it never felt overwhelmingly busy. It felt like a fun neighborhood that people actually enjoyed living in.
Another great perk of staying in this area is that it is literally in the middle of everything. You can walk literally everywhere from here and as soon as you walk out of your hotel, you are right in the middle of Paris!
If this arrondissement sounds like the area you want to stay in while in Paris, then I would highly recommend Hotel du Petit Moulin, Les Tournelles, or MIJE Marais Hostel. A hotel that has a more unique and elevated experience, if that is more your vibe, would be Hotel du Petit Moulin. If you want something a little cozier, Les Tournelles is a great option, and for my solo travelers or budget travelers, you will love MIJE Marais Hostel.
Vaugirard (The 15th Arrondissement): Local & Residential
If you are looking to stay in an area that feels less busy but still has iconic views of the Eiffel Tower, then the 15th is the area for you! I recently stayed in this arrondissement during my spring trip to Paris, and honestly, the hotel I stayed at, had the best views of the tower.
Not only are the views of the Eiffel Tower spectacular, this arrondissement is much less touristy and feels more quiet and cozy compared to some of the other areas. It wasn’t as “fancy” as Saint Germain, but it was exactly what I was looking for when planning this spring trip to Paris.
As a solo female traveler, safety is key, and I wanted to stay in a neighborhood that was walkable, safe, and I could get to restaurants and cafes easily, and the 15th checked all of the boxes. I had zero issues walking around, never felt unsafe, and felt more like a local Parisian versus a tourist.
So, if you are headed to Paris, want an iconic view of the Eiffel Tower, and stay in an area that makes you feel more like a local, then the 15th may be the area for you!
My favorite hotels in this area are the Pullman Paris Eiffel Tower, which is the hotel I stayed on this most recent visit, and it was everything I had hoped for. The Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel is another great option, especially if you have a lengthier visit. If you are looking for a little bit of a unique and boutique stay, then Hotel Yooma Urban Lodge is a great option for that more modern and chic stay.
Montmartre (18th Arrondissement): Artsy and Iconic Views
Every time I stay or just walk through Montmartre in the 18th, I feel like I am in a completely different world. This area is known as the artsy neighborhood in Paris. This is such a fun area to stay in, especially if you love art, and enjoy popping into little cafes and fun galleries.
One of my favorite things to do when I stay here is just walk around and watch the street artists paint and visit the little vendors. It’s such a creative and fun neighborhood and is just a nice place if you are looking for an area that is quieter and not as “touristy” compared to some of the areas.
I don’t necessarily recommend the 18th for first time visitors to Paris, but I definitely recommend this area if this is your second or third or fourth visit to Paris. It’s too unique and fun to not at least visit.
So, if you are looking for a fun neighborhood that feels less touristy, and you don’t mind being a bit removed from the city, the 18th is a great option.
Some of my favorite hotels in Montmartre is Terrass” Hotel, which has an amazing rooftop and Hot des Arts Montmartre, which is super charming, and honestly is a perfect match for this neighborhood.
Where to Stay in Paris on a Budget
Historically, Paris has been known to be not budget friendly. But I am here to tell you, it’s possible! You can absolutely travel to Paris on a budget.
When planning your stay in Paris, it’s about being strategic and planning carefully so that you don’t sacrifice the things that are important to you. For example, picking hotels in arrondissements that may be a little further out from the city center, but close to major transit stops and the metro is a great option. Your hotel will be more budget friendly, but you aren’t sacrificing seeing all of the amazing sites that Paris has to offer.
Another option is also staying in areas that feel more residential like the 9th, 10th, and 11th, because those tend to be areas that are touristy, and tend to be more budget friendly.
The key is finding a hotel that fits your budget, is safe, and still allows you to see the city, without the hefty price tag. I am here to help if you are needing assistance planning your budget trip to Paris!
Where to Stay in Paris with Family
If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to stay in Paris with family or where to stay in Paris with kids, the priorities shift a bit.
For me, even traveling solo, I noticed how important space and ease of movement are, and that becomes even more important when you’re traveling with others.
Areas like Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés work really well because everything is walkable, which makes a huge difference. The 7th arrondissement is also a great option if you want something quieter and more relaxed to come back to at the end of the day.
I’d recommend looking for places with a bit more space, either larger hotel rooms or apartment-style stays, and making sure you’re close to public transportation. It just makes everything easier, and that convenience adds up quickly during your trip.
Conclusion: Where to Stay in Paris
Where to stay in Paris is always the million dollar question, and everytime I am assked, I say it aWhere to stay in Paris is always the million-dollar question, and every time I am asked, I say it absolutely depends on your budget and travel style. The great news is that there is an arrondissement for every traveler and every budget.
For me personally, I love all of the arrondissement discussed in this guide, and where I stay solely depends on what my plans are and the type of experience I want to have. So, whether you are traveling to Paris solo, with friends, or your family, you are guaranteed to find a great area in Paris that meets your needs.
Where to stay in Paris is more than just finding a place to shower and sleep, it shapes your entire Paris experience, and you want the arrondissement to match that experience.