Five best neighborhoods and why:
Some things to know
Paris is divided into twenty districts, called “arrondissements”, in French. You can think of these as their own distinct neighborhoods spread across the city.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Situated on the Left Bank, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is located in the 6th arrondissement. This neighborhood oozes classic Paris! While its main boulevard is spattered with boutiques, a movie theater and other attractions, the rest of the neighborhood is filled with a myriad of quaint side streets. This is a great spot for those who want to feel a tad chic without feeling out of place.
When you stay in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of literary greats. Saint-Germain-des-Prés was the place to be for 20th century writers, philosophers and intellectuals of all kinds. Ernest Hemingway, Victor Hugo, Pablo Picasso and more were regulars at various cafés in the neighborhood, some of which you can still visit today. Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore are two of the neighborhood’s (and city’s) more famous literary cafés. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is also home to Le Procope, Paris’s oldest restaurant.
On the southern end of the neighborhood, you’ll find the fantastic Luxembourg Gardens. Often described as Paris’s most beautiful park, it spans over 50 acres (25 hectares) and serves as the perfect spot for a stroll or as an oasis when your tired feet simply want to pull up a chair and take it all in.
Another big plus: wherever you are in the neighborhood, you’ll never be more than about a ten minute walk from the Seine River. Strolling along the Seine, day or night, is an unbeatable Parisian activity that you’ll likely want to do more than once.
Best Hotels in the 6th arrondissement
L’Hotel – 5 star
Our pick for a five star stay in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. An opulent boutique hotel, complete with a hammam pool and steam room, plus a cocktail bar named after the Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde, who actually resided here for a few years.
HĂ´tel de l’Abbaye Saint-Germain – 4 star
Besides its charm and stellar service, the location of this hotel is top notch. Only about a five minute stroll from the beautiful Saint Sulpice church and metro stop, you’ll be close to a main boulevard but tucked inside a small side street.
HĂ´tel Left Bank Saint Germain des PrĂ©s – 3 star
While situated on a slightly busier street, you can’t beat this hotel’s location. Right next door to Paris’s oldest restaurant, a well connected metro stop and less than five minutes to the Seine – you’ll have it all at your fingertips.
Latin Quarter
Right next to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, in the 5th arrondissement, you’ll find the Latin Quarter. We’d like to think of this as a livelier, busier version of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. You’ll still find plenty of picturesque streets and cafés, but maybe with a bit less chicness.
The Latin Quarter is sometimes referred to as the student’s neighborhood, since it’s home to the Sorbonne, France’s oldest university, along with other prestigious schools. While some bars in the neighborhood do tend to be popular with students, you’ll be fine staying here even if you’re well past student age.
The Latin Quarter boasts some beautiful squares, like Place Contrescarpe and Place Monge, which features an outdoor market Marché Monge that’s been running since 1921. You’ll also be next to the beautiful Panthéon building, which houses the remains of historical greats who’ve had an impact on France, such as Alexandre Dumas and Pierre and Marie Curie.
And, if you’re an Emily in Paris fan, Emily’s apartment and Gabriel’s restaurant are also located in the Latin Quarter. (But watch out, Gabriel’s French restaurant is actually an Italian eatery in real life!)
You’ll still have the Luxembourg Gardens and the Seine nearby while staying in the Latin Quarter as well. All together, it makes it one of our favorite neighborhoods to stay in Paris.
Best Hotels in the Latin Quarter
Maison Colbert Meliá Collection – 5 star
A 16th century boutique hotel that was once the residence of the famed Simone de Beauvoir. People love the incredibly kind staff here and the fact that it sits right across the river from Notre Dame. You’ll also only be a stone’s throw from the infamous Shakespeare and Company bookstore.
Hotel Le Lapin Blanc – 4 star
This hotel gives off a clean, polished vibe and is ideal for those who don’t need too much fluff. It’s a short walk to the Luxembourg Gardens and is conveniently situated on a main boulevard.
HĂ´tel des Grands Hommes – 3 star
Situated right on the main square of the Pantheon, so every day you step outside you’ll be living the dream. If you splurge a little bit, you can even snag a room with a balcony with a view.
The Marais
Spread across the 3rd and 4th arrondissements is the Marais. This Right Bank neighborhood feels quirky, hip, chic and trendy all at once.
Culturally and historically, the Marais has two main faces to it: it’s known as the Jewish district and also as the hub for the city’s gay community. The neighborhood’s inclusive history creates a fun and safe vibe that makes for a great place to stay in Paris.
The Marais might be your spot to stay if you’re a fan of shopping. The district offers a wide array of shops, ranging from contemporary boutiques to vintage stores. There’s also plenty of museums, like the Centre Pompidou, Musée Carnavalet and the Picasso Museum. The Marais also has some great nightlife options, including a range of cool speakeasies and cocktail bars.
One of the other great reasons to stay in the Marais is due to its central location. You won’t be far from main sites like Notre Dame, the Seine River and its islands, and the Louvre.
Best Hotels in the Marais
Pavillon de la Reine – 5 star
A self-declared haven of peace in the Marais, right along the enchanting Place des Vosges. This hotel really sets itself apart and feels like a hidden gem. It also has a Michelin starred restaurant, so you won’t need to venture out for stellar food.
HĂ´tel de JoBo – 4 star
A 24 room hotel that features an eclectic yet chic interior. Think leopard-print chairs in the tea room and bold prints on the bedroom walls, but all with a touch of luxury. Perfect for visitors wanting both comfort and something a tad out of the ordinary.
HĂ´tel Caron de Beaumarchais Paris Marais – 3 star
Romantic and charming rooms await in this cozy Marais hotel. There’s a vintage aesthetic that gives it a quaint feel, yet it’s located just off of Rue de Rivoli, one of Paris’s main streets, and only a few minutes from the Seine River.
The 7th arrondissement
This neighborhood is a classic choice for both first time visitors and repeat Paris visitors.
Known as one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Paris, the 7th arrondissement is ideal for those looking for a high end vibe that also feels distinctly calm and somewhat residential. What the area lacks in nightlife and liveliness it more than makes up for with an overwhelming amount of quaint sophistication.
Art lovers will enjoy being close to the Orsay Museum and the Rodin Museum in the 7th, and history buffs will get a kick out of seeing Napoleon’s tomb. Above all, the 7th arrondissement should be your top pick if your goal is to be close to the Eiffel Tower!
HĂ´tel Le Cinq Codet – 5 star
In the midst of the 7th arrondissement’s chicness, you might be surprised to find this contemporary and understated hotel. Visitors who are willing to splurge on pricing but love modern opulence should look no further.
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel – 4 star
Always dreamed of seeing the Eiffel Tower out your bedroom window when you wake up? Say no more. This Pullman hotel is famous for having some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower from its rooms, and it’s worth its weight in gold just for that.
Hotel Muguet – 3 star
Get a good night’s sleep at this hotel tucked away on a quiet side street. You’ll be (literally) right next to Les Invalides and the large park on the opposite end of the Eiffel Tower. It’s also a family run hotel, which is a nice touch that’s not always easy to find in Paris.
The 8th arrondissement
Stylish and sophisticated, the 8th arrondissement is a great neighborhood for families and couples alike. This neighborhood is for those wanting a fancy feel that offers comfort and security along with plenty of sites.
While most people immediately associate the 8th arrondissement with the famous Champs-Élysées street, there’s much more to it. On the northern end of the neighborhood, you’ll find one of the city’s most stunning parks, Parc Monceau. You’ll also be surrounded by grandiose monuments in most of this arrondissement, as it’s home to the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, and the Grand Palais. The renowned Galerie Dior also calls this neighborhood home. And if you’re looking to scope out some haute couture of your own, Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré is considered the ritziest shopping street in Paris.
If you’re a fan of haute cuisine, the 8th arrondissement also offers a wide variety of Michelin starred restaurants and fine dining. We vote for La Scène, a two Michelin star wonder, or Epicure, the three Michelin star restaurant located inside the Bristol Hotel.
For those wanting a historic touch, there’s always Brasserie Fouquet’s as well.
Best Hotels in the 8th arrondissement
HĂ´tel de Crillon – 5 star
Can you say fancy? This hotel is situated directly on the Place de la Concorde and a stone’s throw from the Tuileries Gardens, but its luxury interior might have you wanting to stay inside. With multiple dining venues, a fabulous spa and apartments designed by Karl Lagerfeld, the Crillon is truly a Parisian icon.
HĂ´tel Gabbie – 4 star
A newly renovated hotel located right off the Champs-Élysées and less than a ten minute walk from the Arc de Triomphe. Refined, contemporary yet with a decidedly no-fuss vibe, this is a great stay for those who aren’t overly concerned with luxury but still want to be in the thick of it.
Hotel Augustin Astotel – 3 star
Everything you need in a cute, convenient hotel. Since it’s part of a chain of hotels in the city (Astotel), you’ll also have access to other cool amenities in neighboring hotels, like bar benefits and a gym. Only a fifteen minute walk from Parc Monceau and not far from the Saint Lazare train station and the Opéra Garnier, it’s got a fab location as well.
