The Best Neighborhood to Stay in in Paris
There is not one neighborhood in Paris that is objectively the best. However, there is a best neighborhood to stay in in Paris for you. Let’s find out which!
Le Marais
Comprised of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, le Marais has great architecture, art, food, and shopping and is a lively neighborhood with narrow streets and a diverse population. Le Marais is home to Paris’ famous Jewish quarter, which still maintains its strong traditions and various, delicious falafel restaurants and traditional bakeries. It is also the center of Paris’ gay community. Many young locals and visitors would describe le Marais as their favorite neighborhood and the ideal place to stay for an exciting trip. You should stay here if you want to live in a trendy shopping area with lots of food options, while being nearby to the Louvre and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Saint-Germain des Prés
Saint-Germain des Prés is in the upscale 6th arrondissement and many consider it the best neighborhood to stay in in Paris. It is located on the Left Bank of the Seine, just southwest of Notre-Dame. It is convenient for seeing the main sites, as you are just a short walk from the Luxembourg Gardens and the Louvre. If you stay here, you can take advantage of the many great outdoor literary cafés, art galleries, and book shops. You should stay here over le Marais if you prefer the feeling of open, wide streets to narrow passageways.
Source: Café de Flore
Montmartre
In the 18th arrondissement in northern Paris, you can find the famous Sacre-Coeur Basilica and the winding, hilly roads of Montmartre. This is a more affordable location than the other areas we have discussed and provides you with excellent views of the city. Montmartre is incredibly charming, and full of bistros, artists, and greenery. You can also find the Moulin Rouge here, where you can venture to watch the can-can during a fun night out. If this artsy area appeals to you, but you want to avoid being surrounded by tourists, try the northern or western areas of Montmartre. Regardless, although Montmartre is not walking distance from the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower, you can easily take the metro to other main sites!
Montparnasse
Montparnasse is located in the 14 arrondissement of Paris. We recommend staying here if you want the feeling of living like a Parisian on the day to day and want to save some money. You can enjoy the street market 2 to 3 days a week and walk through the Luxembourg Gardens on your way to other sites. While this is not a typical tourist area, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants full of locals, where you can grab a nice breakfast, lunch, or midday drink. Plus, Montparnasse is central for a lot of bus and subway lines, so navigating the city from this vantage point is very convenient!
Tour Montparnasse – ParisByM
Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter is an energizing and busy neighborhood in the 5th arrondissement with endless small streets. It is walking distance to Notre Dame Cathedral and a 15-minute walk from the Luxembourg Gardens. I would not recommend staying in this area if you are looking for a “local” experience, since it is crowded with tourists. However, there are many diverse restaurants and shops that would undoubtedly provide you with a fun, cultural stay.
Shopping street in the Latin Quarter, the student centre of Paris. Source: Flickr
The 7th Arrondissement / Les Invalides
Located on the Left Bank, the 7th arrondissement is relaxed yet central. If you stay here, you will have amazing views of the Eiffel Tower, while also enjoying intimate, small streets lined with boulangeries that cater to local residents. The Rue St-Dominique connects the Musée d’Orsay and the Eiffel Tower and houses all of your daily needs. Many monuments are located in this district, including the Hotel des Invalides and the Champs de Mars. You can also find the famous Rue Cler here, where you can eat at the popular, discount Café du Marché. We recommend staying in the 7th arrondissement for a mixture of local, touristic, relaxed, and bustling life.
We hope that this article has helped you navigate the many arrondissements of Paris a little better. Hopefully, you have discovered the best neighborhood to stay in in Paris for you! Still unsure of where you want to stay? Want more help personalizing your trip? That’s what we’re here for – Reach out to us, so we can be your best friends during your next trip to Paris!
