Where to stay in Paris: neighbourhoods for first-time visitors

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (administrative districts), numbered in a clockwise spiral that is often likened to a snail shell. The spiral starts at the 1st, around the Louvre, and winds outward to the 20th. Lower numbers are generally more central, but the number alone does not tell you how convenient a location is.

Neighbourhoods do not always follow the official boundaries either: Le Marais, for example, spans the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. On a first visit, pick a base from which you can reach your must-sees on foot or on a single line.

Le Marais (3rd and 4th)

Historic town houses, small streets, concept stores, cafés and Place des Vosges all sit side by side. Saint-Paul metro station (Line 1) is described as the stop that takes you straight into the Marais shopping streets and bars. Best for: travellers who like to explore on foot, wandering between small shops and cafés.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th)

On the Left Bank, the quarter grew around the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, which dates to the 6th century. It is known for cafés such as Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore and Le Procope, for post-war jazz clubs and for institutions like the Musée national Eugène Delacroix. The metro stop is Saint-Germain-des-Prés on Line 4. Best for: those who enjoy café culture, books and art.

Champs-Élysées and the 8th

The Arc de Triomphe stands in the middle of Place Charles-de-Gaulle, one end of the Champs-Élysées. Charles de Gaulle–Étoile station sits on the border of the 8th, 16th and 17th arrondissements and connects Lines 1, 2 and 6 with RER A. Best for: visitors who want several lines from a single station.

Around the Eiffel Tower (7th and 16th)

The 7th arrondissement holds the Eiffel Tower, the Hôtel des Invalides and museums such as the Musée d'Orsay and the Musée Rodin; it lies on the Left Bank, and the tower dominates the horizon from the Champ-de-Mars. In the 16th, the Trocadéro gardens, created in the 1930s, offer a sweeping view of the tower. Best for: those who put the tower and the museums on day one.

Montmartre (18th)

Known as the artists' quarter, Montmartre is crowned by the Sacré-Cœur Basilica; Place du Tertre, the Musée de Montmartre and the Moulin Rouge are also associated with the district. You can climb the 222 steps up the hill or take the funicular, and Square Louise Michel with its carousel is highlighted as a breather for families. Best for: people who prefer village charm and views to a central address.

Opéra (9th)

On the Right Bank, roughly midway between the Louvre and Montmartre, this area has Haussmann boulevards, the Palais Garnier and department stores such as Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. Grands Boulevards metro station serves Lines 8 and 9. Best for: shoppers and theatre or opera lovers.

• Le Marais: historic town houses and small streets; Place des Vosges; Saint-Paul station, Line 1.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés: café and literary heritage; Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore; Line 4.
• Champs-Élysées / 8th: Arc de Triomphe; Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, Lines 1, 2, 6 and RER A.
• Eiffel Tower area (7th/16th): Eiffel Tower, Invalides, Trocadéro gardens; check the nearest station for your hotel's address on the RATP site.
• Montmartre (18th): Sacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre; from the airport, RER B to Gare du Nord is a practical option for hotels in this direction.
• Opéra (9th): Palais Garnier, department stores; Grands Boulevards station, Lines 8 and 9.

Charles de Gaulle (CDG): the RER B links the airport to a line running through the middle of Paris; central stops include Gare du Nord, Châtelet–Les Halles, Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame and Luxembourg. Gare du Nord is mentioned for hotels near Sacré-Cœur and Montmartre, Châtelet–Les Halles for the Louvre area and Saint-Michel for the Left Bank.

Orly: Metro Line 14 connects Paris to Orly Airport in 25 minutes. The T7 tram links the airport with Villejuif–Louis Aragon metro station, and the Orlyval and RER B are further options.

For current ticket types, timetables and disruptions, check the official RATP and Paris Aéroport websites.

Most of our Paris listings do not have a guest score yet. Below, hotels with a score are shown with it, and well-known addresses without one are shown without. For location we rely on the official address, which you can check against the neighbourhood you want.

The Peninsula Paris is at 19 Avenue Kléber; it has a 10 guest score, but that rests on a single review, so do not read it as an average. The One Alma Paris is at 10-12 Rue Cognacq-Jay; its score is 8.9, also based on one review.

Some well-known addresses have no guest score yet: Ritz Paris Hotel (15 Place Vendôme), Maison Souquet, Hotel & Spa (10 Rue de Bruxelles) and La Villa Saint Germain des Prés (29 Rue Jacob), whose name refers to Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Hotels versus apartments: alongside hotels, the catalogue contains listings whose names point to apartments, for example Appartement de Standing Champs Elysees and Saint Germain Chic Apartment. For apartment-style stays, check on the listing page what is included, such as reception, breakfast and cleaning.

Which area is best for Eiffel Tower views?

In the 7th arrondissement the tower dominates the horizon, and the Trocadéro gardens in the 16th offer a wide view of it. A view, however, belongs to a room or apartment rather than a neighbourhood, so check the room and view details on the listing before you book.

Which area suits families?

There is no single right answer. Square Louise Michel in Montmartre, with its carousel, is a calm stop for families with children; when choosing a hotel, family rooms and children's facilities matter more. Check these details on the hotel pages.