Where to Stay in Paris For Your First Time: a Simple Guide

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It’s your very first trip to Paris and you’re looking forward to seeing the sights, strolling along the Seine, and eating a Nutella crêpe or two…or twenty. But where should you stay to get the most out of your first trip to Paris?
With over 1,500 different hotels to choose from and well over a dozen different neighborhoods, picking where to stay in Paris for your first time is downright daunting.
Paris is one of the largest cities in Europe with a labyrinth of neighborhoods and while the city center is relatively compact and most areas are well connected by transportation, you might be surprised how long it takes to get from A to B.
We’ll help you make the decision of where to stay for a first time trip to Paris — and which hotel to retreat to after a long day of exploring the City of Light.
More resources for your first trip to Paris!
Check out our Paris Travel Guide for everything you need to know before your trip.
You also may be wondering how much a trip to Paris costs – we have you covered.
Grab a classic French dish at one of our favorite Latin Quarter restaurants.
Also heading to London? We have your Paris and London Itinerary at the ready.
And of course, don’t leave without our free downloadable 1-Day Paris Itinerary!
Where to Stay in Paris for Your First Time: Understanding Geography
Central Paris has 20 neighborhoods, known as arrondissements, that spiral out from the center of the city in a swirling, clockwise pattern – similar to an escargot. The center of town is enclosed by a circular highway known as le périphérique which separates central Paris from the suburbs. The Seine cuts its way straight through the center of Paris (although a bit disproportionately) and subsequently creates the Right and Left Banks.
While it might seem easy to take the metro back and forth to an arrondissement on the outskirts of town (or even a neighborhood outside le prepherique) for cheaper accommodation options, you’ll be spending a lot of your time on the train! I unfortunately made this mistake on my first trip to Paris and spent a good chunk of the trip just getting back and forth.
Ultimately, where to stay comes down to whether or not you want to spend your first time in the City of Lights in transit or right at the threshold of incredible monuments like Sacre-Coeur and Notre Dame. To us, this seems like a no brainer! We want to be walking distance or a quick metro ride away.
Where to Stay in Paris for Your First Time: Arrondissements and Hotels
Check out the map below for the arrondissements we recommend and their locations relative to sights you’re interested in like the Eiffel Tower. If you’re heading to Paris with your family, check out our favorite Paris hotels for families of 4 or 5 as most accommodations only allow up to 3 guests.

Le Marais
Why we recommend staying in Le Marais
Often touted as the best place to stay for a trip to Paris, Le Marais is as trendy as ever. The Marais neighborhood is no longer a hidden gem, but retains its distinctive charm and offbeat atmosphere. Known as Paris’ Jewish Quarter and for being an LGBTQIA+ friendly area, visitors who stay in this neighborhood that stretches across the 3rd and 4th arrondissements are in the heart of it all with a front row seat to Paris’ lesser known past.
Wander around the Place des Vosges, the very square where famous Parisians like Victor Hugo (Le Miserable, anyone?) and Cardinal Richelieu called home. While Le Marais might not be a secret anymore, it does conceal oft forgotten Parisian history and sites like Le Maison Nicholas Flamel, one of the oldest homes in Paris.
There are also endless trendy restaurants and bars to seek out, although there’s nothing like a spicy falafel from Paris’ most famous stand, L’As du Fallafel, to cut through all the butter and croissants you’ll be indulging in.
Who is Le Marais best for?
Le Marais is best for those who want to be close to sites on the Right Bank, like the Louvre and the Pompidou Center, yet be immersed in a vibrant neighborhood and steeped in intriguing history. This is also a great place to stay for LGBTQIA+ travelers.
Extra bonus points if you’re looking to browse vintage clothing stores, boutique shops, or visit a less-frequented museum like the Musée Carnavalet.

The best places to stay in Le Marais
One of our favorite places to stay in Le Marais is La Chambre du Marais. Tucked right on the southern edge of Place des Vosges, guests are a 30 minute walk from the Louvre and close to metro stops like Temple and Republique.
Classic Parisian elegance meets a rainbow of color at this boutique property where you’ll be snoozing in one of just 19 rooms. Small spaces like this are common in Paris and guests can look forward to more one-on-one assistance and attention to detail. Rooms are spacious and amenities like their Signature Breakfast and bar further seal the deal.
Another favorite stay of ours is Le Marais Jules & Jim. This is another boutique property with just 23 rooms. Built in the remnants of a factory, this stay is modern and quirky with cool features like a cocktail bar and hidden terrace.
St. Germain
Why we recommend staying in St. Germain
Possibly the most well-located neighborhood in Paris, St. Germain is posh, glitzy, and glamorous. This is the creme-de-la-creme of the Left Bank. St. Germain is a small neighborhood tucked between the Latin Quarter and the huge 7th arrondissement (home to the Eiffel Tower), with the gorgeous Luxembourg Gardens to the south. Once frequented by the Latin Quarter’s intellectuals, it’s now one of the most fashionable areas of town.
St. Germain is also home to the oldest church in Paris, St-Germain-de-Pres (hence it’s name!), and dozens of famous cafes like Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore. But one of its best features? It isn’t difficult to get off the tourist trail and lost in the winding alleyways, especially if you start heading south towards Montparnasse.

Who is St. Germain best for?
Looking to stay in a beautiful, traditional Parisian neighborhood that’s steeped in thousands of years of history and well connected in terms of both walking distance and metro? Look no further! Whether this is your first trip to Paris or your fourteenth, St. Germain is a wonderful place to stay.
St. Germain is great for families or couples looking for a romantic getaway. You’ll find lots of swanky boutique hotels, and while there aren’t many budget-friendly options, it’s worth the splurge. It’s a bit of a walk to the Eiffel Tower but otherwise you’re right smack in the heart of Paris’ core and within easy walking distance to the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and Notre Dame.
The best places to stay in St. Germain
Accommodation options in the St. Germain neighborhood is all things boutique. While there are dozens of wonderful options, the Hotel Duc de Saint-Simon oozes French charm and quintessentially Parisian ambiance. Built in an 18th-century townhouse, the decor is anything but minimal with antique furniture and extravagant wallpaper. You’re also just steps away from the Rue du Bac metro stop and the Musee d’Orsay. The option to book rooms with a leafy terrace is the cherry on top.
Other options include the Hotel de l’Abbaye, a 43-room boutique hotel that was once a mansion occupied by Benedictine nuns. With cozy shared spaces, like the gardens or in the fireplace glow of the Salon, and gourmet afternoon tea, you’ll feel right at home. The Hotel des Saint-Pères is another great boutique hotel with 38 rooms that combine modern comfort with a touch of the past through antiques and artwork. The onsite bar offers a place to escape to – even better in the garden on a warm spring day.
Get The 5 Day Paris Wayfinder Itinerary
We help you experience the best of Paris with perfectly crafted days out. This step by step itinerary takes you to some of Paris’ best neighborhoods, sites, and restaurants on a perfectly planned out route. Plus, with a transportation guide and an audio guide we help you make the most of your limited vacation time.
Opera
Why we recommend staying in Opera
Striking Hausmann architecture and grand boulevards, shopping malls and historic covered passageways, this is what you can expect from the Opera neighborhood. This area might be lacking in famous sites and the wow-factor of the Eiffel Tower or Notre Dame, but it makes up for it with a window into what it’s like to live like a Parisian, and yeah, incredible shopping too!
Even if you’re not up for browsing French couture, you can always partake in the classic Parisian pastime of lèche-vitrine which literally translates to window licking!
The Opera neighborhood resides right on the southern edge of the 9th, a huge arrondissement that inches closer and closer to Montmartre, and the rectangular 2nd arrondissement, and gives visitors a glimpse into the Parisian quotidien.
Who is Opera best for?
Shopaholics come one, come all. Opera is one of the best neighborhoods in Paris for those who are looking to shop til’ they drop. You’ll find sprawling malls, like the famous Galeries Lafayette, alongside Paris’ famous covered passageways, les passages des panoramas, which hide away boutique shops.
For being a lesser known and less frequented neighborhood, Opera holds its own in terms of delicious restaurants and wonderful places to stay. If you don’t mind being a bit further than walking distance from Paris’ major sites, this could be a great neighborhood for your first trip to the City of Light. If you’re here for a concert or ballet at the 19th-century Opera Garnier itself, even better!
Opera is a great place to eat your way through the heart of the city, people watch from cafes, and, of course, drop some dough on the latest fashion trends. If you’re looking to live like a Parisian (i.e. a bit further afield from major tourist areas) this is the neighborhood for you!

The best places to stay in Opera
Points redeemers should make a beeline for the Hyatt Paris Madeleine, a wonderful redemption value that offers guests an ultra elegant stay with world class service. Rooms are extremely spacious by Parisian standards and some suites even offer views of the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Gourmet room service and an onsite restaurant serving typical French dishes means you don’t even have to leave the hotel to enjoy traditional French food.
Another beloved Opera hotel with rave reviews is Adele & Jules. Rooms are colorful and cozy yet functional with large floor to ceiling windows and subway-tiled bathrooms. Adele & Jules also has rooms specifically designed for families and for those with reduced mobility which can be hard to come by in Paris. Complimentary tea time and an onsite bar are just a few of their wonderful amenities.
While not technically in the Opera neighborhood, the Hoxton is right on the edge of the 9th arrondissement. Attention to detail is the name of the game here. Although housed in an 18th-century home that was once owned by one of Louis XIV’s counselors, most of the features are a quirky mix of mid-century modern and colorful accents – aside from the original staircases. Cocktails at the onsite bar are said to be exceptional!
If a trip to London is part of your travel plans, don’t miss our London Travel Guide. We also lay out how much a trip to London costs, and we have you covered with a 1-day London itinerary!
2nd Arrondissement
Why we recommend staying in the 2nd arrondissement
You won’t find any of Paris’ most famous monuments in the 2nd arrondissement – but that’s where this neighborhoods gets its charm! The 2nd arrondissement is just far enough away from the major sights to feel residential while still being a little more walkable than Opera.
Speaking of Opera, the 2nd is similar in that it’s known for shopping, although retail therapy here is more down to earth with both boutiques and wholesale retailers side by side. If you’ve ever heard of the popular French clothing brand, Sézane, their first shop was opened here in the 2nd!
Visitors may find the 2nd arrondissement head-scratchingly off the beaten path but trust us when we say that this neighborhood is perfectly tucked away from the hustle and bustle while still being close to Paris favorites like the Louvre.
Who is the 2nd arrondissement best for?
Paris’ 2nd arrondissement is great for those who want to see what a traditional Parisian neighborhood is like without sacrificing being a walkable distance away from places like the Louvre. Anyone, especially shoppers and cafe fanatics, will love the 2nd.
The 2nd is also a great neighborhood to eat your way through and you’ll want to hone in on the Rue Montorgueil for traditional cafes and yummy restaurants.
Staying along the southern edge, near the 1st arrondissement, if you want to be walking distance to Le Louvre or the Seine, or a bit more to the north if you want a less expensive option.

The best places to stay in the 2nd arrondissement
Located right on the border of the 2nd and 9th arrondissements, The Hoxton is the perfect combination of trendy and laidback. Attention to detail is the name of the game here. Although housed in an 18th-century home that was once owned by one of Louis XIV’s counselors, most of the features are a quirky mix of mid-century modern and colorful accents – aside from the original staircases. Cocktails at the onsite bar are said to be exceptional!
Another option in the 2nd arrondissement is Hôtel Saint-Marc. Once an 18th-century hôtel particulier, this property is steeped in history, although its modern decor is more Art Deco than Baroque. With just 26 colorful rooms, this is a boutique property. Rooms feature large, comfy beds, blackout curtains, and comfy seating options. You’ll also find several communal lounges to hang out in, a garden, honesty bar, and you can book spa treatments to pamper yourself after a day out on the town.
Latin Quarter
Why we recommend staying in the Latin Quarter
One of the most famous neighborhoods in Paris and steeped in academic history, the Latin Quarter is still abuzz today with Sorbonne students, young professionals, and visitors alike. A vibrant Jazz scene, stunning architecture, and narrow lanes make this one of the most idyllic areas in Paris.
Making up most of the 6th arrondissement, the Latin Quarter is flanked by the Seine in the north and St-Germain to the west and is right on the doorstep to some of Paris’ most interesting sights.
Who is the Latin Quarter best for?
Staying in the Latin Quarter is best for young travelers or those who want to be near the Île de la Cité and don’t mind a little noise at night. Couples and even families might enjoy the hustle and bustle, although you may want to stay near the Arènes de Lutèce (Paris’ very own Roman amphitheater!) and the Jardins des Plantes, where it’s a little more quiet. Odeon, a small neighborhood to the west, is also a good option in this area.
You’re just a stone’s throw away from major sites like Notre Dame and Le Louvre, along with the Latin Quarter’s own highlights like the Panthéon and Sorbonne. That being said, this area of Paris is well touristed and it’s a little harder to find quiet respite from the throngs of other visitors in the busy summer months.

Foodies will eat really well with tons of classic Parisian bistros and traditional restaurants in the Latin Quarter, including some really special gems, alongside lots of global eats including Vietnamese and Lebanese.
The best places to stay in the Latin Quarter
The Hotel St. Paul Rive Gauche embraces the rich history of the Latin Quarter – Franciscan monks once lived here after all. Traditional architectural features reveal themselves in the rooms, like half-timbered ceilings and walls, paired with beautiful wallpaper and plush furniture. Amenities include babysitting, continental breakfast, and a lovely patio. Its location can’t be beat, tucked away on a quiet side street just a 5-minute walk from the Luxembourg Gardens.
Located right next to the peaceful and well hidden, Arènes de Lutèce, Hotel Monge is yet another wonderful boutique Parisian property. Built within a traditional home, amenities include a hammam, massage room, tea room, and honesty bar. Rooms are quaint with built-in bookshelves and views over either Rue Monge or the tree-concealed amphitheater.
7th Arrondissement
Why we recommend staying in the 7th arrondissement
While most websites and travel gurus recommend avoiding a stay in the 7th, there’s something undeniably magical about having a view of the Eiffel Tower out your window. Sure you’re a little bit isolated from some of the other major sights, but seeing Paris’ most iconic landmark twinkling under the stars is a bucket list tick for many visitors.
Architecture in the 7th arrondissement is Paris’ classic Haussmann facades with wrought iron balconies and pitched roofs, making for extra dreamy strolls. The 7th also has great restaurants, bars, and boulangeries to seek out. Aside from the Eiffel Tower, you’re close to Hôtel des Invalides and the Musée Rodin.

Who is the 7th arrondissement best for?
The 7th arrondissement is for the true romantics at heart. Those francophiles who have dreamt of staring longingly out their window at the Eiffel Tower. Once you’re off the well-trodden tourist trail right around La Tour Eiffel and busy roads like Rue Saint Dominique, you’ll find quiet streets where Parisians are going about everyday life.
Overall, the 7th is for anyone who doesn’t mind taking the metro to other corners of Paris and isn’t expecting to be walking distance from Le Louvre or Notre Dame. Foodies, families, and dreamers alike will all be perfectly suited here!
Know that you’ll be a bit isolated in terms of walking distance to most other sights but can easily see them by metro. Most metro lines here run north to south instead of east to west, a good thing to keep in mind if you’re wanting to follow the Seine and head towards Notre Dame or the Latin Quarter via metro. You can easily make a change somewhere along the line although this will add a bit of time to your commute.
The best places to stay in the 7th arrondissement
Originally constructed to house the Eiffel Towers builders, Hotel de Londres Eiffel is a boutique property that truly focuses on the guest experience. Views of the Steel Lady, as La Tour Eiffel is affectionately called, are postcard perfect, but make sure to book a room that specifically states it has a view! The little details, like double-paned windows for peace and quiet, L’Occitane amenities, and a mini bar are what set Hotel de Londres Eiffel apart.
While a bit far from the Eiffel Tower, Hotel Bourgogne & Montana is in a great location just a few minutes from the Musee d’Orsay and a walk along the Seine. Rooms are elegant and simple with big beds and pretty wainscotting. Hide away in the Reading Room, order room service after a long day of exploring, or book in for a spa treatment. Extra points for their eco-conscious efforts.
Montmartre
Why we recommend staying in Montmartre
Perched on a hill, Montmartre is Paris’ modern artistic hub and quirky enclave. Visitors to this neighborhood will be immersed in cute cafes (like the famous one from Amélie), sweeping views from the steps of Sacre-Coeur, and the famous Moulin-Rouge. But peel back the veil, get lost in the winding alleyways, and you can easily find an alternative side of Paris that visitors fall head over heels for.
Many describe Montmartre as being a traditional French village in the center of Paris. With the snow-white Sacre-Coeur cathedral as its crowning glory, the neighborhood fans out downhill from here. Those who choose to stay in Montmartre will be surrounded by traditional bakeries, patisseries, and restaurants – this is Parisian cafe culture at its finest!

You’ll also pass by burgeoning artists, perhaps the next Degas, painting or drawing along the streets. After all, Montmartre was once home to Matisse, Degas, Renoir, and Toulouse-Lautrec.
Who is Montmartre best for?
Located in the north of the city, Montmartre offers a unique perspective as one of Paris’ most quirky corners. Trendy and art-centric, couples and friends will have a blast in this area of town which is more off the beaten path.
Montmartre is great for those who have more than just a few nights in Paris. If you’re staying for a week, this could be the perfect spot to really get stuck into a more traditional neighborhood, although Montmartre has its fair share of busy areas like Sacre-Coeur.
One of the most important things to keep in mind? Montmartre is situated on one of Paris’ only hills which means steep climbs but stunning views! Families with little ones and those with reduced mobility might find it prohibitive to stay here due to the geography. Although you’re on the outskirts of the city center, you’re only a 20-minute metro ride away from the major sites. Walking will take upwards of 45 minutes to reach areas like Notre Dame or the Louvre.
The best places to stay in Montmartre
Hotel des Arts Montmartre has been run by the same family for over three generations! Opened in 1901, artists allegedly used to paint in their courtyard. Tucked near the Cimetiere Montmartre, where many famous artists are buried, this property features cozy rooms with pretty decor with varying square footage – although the Double Room with View is undoubtedly your best bet complete with sprawling views of the Eiffel Tower!
Their commitment to guests and the city of Paris is evident in details like universal adapters, Marshall speakers, and soundproofed rooms.
On the other hand, Hôtel Monsieur Aristide embraces Montmartre’s quirky, bohemian side and is right in the center of this wonderfully eccentric neighborhood. Named for a famous singer who was once painted by Toulouse-Lautrec, many of the hotel’s features and furniture are second hand or upcycled from some of Paris nearby flea markets and expertly repurposed.
Rooms incorporate warm color tones and fun accents like rotary phones and original artwork. Amenities like matching bathrobes and slippers, a secret garden, and a seasonally focused bistro make a stay here feel extra special.
Get The 5 Day Paris Wayfinder Itinerary
We help you experience the best of Paris with perfectly crafted days out. This step by step itinerary takes you to some of Paris’ best neighborhoods, sites, and restaurants on a perfectly planned out route. Plus, with a transportation guide and an audio guide we help you make the most of your limited vacation time.
Bastille
Why we recommend staying in Bastille
The heart of Paris’ famous revolution, Bastille, is what the Marais was 10 years ago. It’s cool, bohemian, and less expensive than most neighborhoods. While it’s just a touch more gritty than posh areas like St. Germain, Bastille is hardly rough around the edges and is becoming more and more popular with both Parisians and visitors alike.
Bastille is also a well connected area of the city with the central Bastille metro stop having three different lines that go north to south and east to west.
You only need to learn one French word when you’re staying in Bastille – “bobo”. Meaning hipster, “bobo” largely describes Bastille’s vibe – and some if its residents!
Who is Bastille best for?
Bastille is best for budget-conscious travelers who don’t want to be stuck on the very outskirts of town. You’re still firmly in the heart of Paris here, although a bit on the east side of the city, and surrounded by beautiful architecture and plenty of metro stops and transportation connections. On the other hand, this neighborhood is probably not best suited for families. Young couples and those who want to partake in Parisian nightlife will be happiest here!
Bastille is tucked right along the Seine. Follow it west and you’ll reach major sites like Notre Dame and Sainte-Chapelle in less than 30 minutes.
For some popular spots in the neighborhood itself, don’t miss a stroll around the opulent Place de la Bastille or along the Promenade Plantée, an elevated walkway surrounded by plants. You’ll also find plenty of alternative art galleries, up-and-coming restaurants, and you’re right on the doorstep of Le Marais.

The best places to stay in Bastille
Possibly one of the best value hotels in Paris, Oh La La! combines function with modern Parisian flare. Guests enter the hotel’s ground floor, seemingly just a trendy cocktail bar, before being led through a secret, speakeasy-esque door to their accommodation upstairs.
Theatrics aside, this 3-star hotel offers simple but super comfy rooms with views overlooking the leafy Place de la Bastille or a quiet passageway. This is an ideal stay for couples, friends, or solo travelers.
Located between Place de la Bastille and Place des Voges in Le Marais, Hotel Petit Beaumarchais offers guests beautiful, quintessentially Parisian rooms and the comfort of a friend’s home. Many rooms feature striking views, some of the Eiffel Tower or Place de la Bastille, alongside a dedicated Family Room and their Double Terrace Room that’s perfect if you want a slice of Paris’ prime outdoor real estate.
Added amenities include an onsite spa with a saltwater floating pool and an expertly curated bar with craft cocktails. Their morning breakfast buffet is a wonderful way to start your day and fuel up before a busy day of walking in Paris.
Get The 5 Day Paris Wayfinder Itinerary
We help you experience the best of Paris with perfectly crafted days out. This step by step itinerary takes you to some of Paris’ best neighborhoods, sites, and restaurants on a perfectly planned out route. Plus, with a transportation guide and an audio guide we help you make the most of your limited vacation time.


