Choosing where to stay in Paris is about as overwhelming as choosing which pastry indulge in at in a the local boulangerie!
They all look good. They all sound good. And somehow you’re expected to know whether the 1st arrondissement is better than the 6th, whether you should stay near the Eiffel Tower, and whether Le Marais is actually as fabulous as everyone says.
Spoiler: it is.
In this post I’ve covered each of the 20 Paris arrondissements, their highlights and best attractions, and I’ve given you a few of my favorite hotels for you to check out in each.

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Paris is one of those cities where the neighbourhood becomes part of your trip.
Your hotel isn’t just where you sleep, it’s where you start each morning with a freshly baked croissant, where you return with tired feet and a phone filled with photos, and where you look out the window thinking, “Pinch me, I’m in Paris.”

I’ve also written a monster guide to the best things to do in Paris, which is where you’ll find my favorite attractions, hidden gems, food tours, museums, day trips and all the good stuff.
But this post is the companion guide: where should you actually stay in Paris? I’ve also broken it down by neighborhood, listing which attractions and highlights are in each.
The City of Light has more than 1,600 hotels and not all of them deserve your precious holiday Euros.
I’ve included some luxury hotels, charming boutique hotels, stylish rooms, modern rooms, a few great-value picks and those once-in-a-lifetime luxury stays where you may need to sell a kidney – or at least skip lunch.
Paris is a very walkable city, but it’s also bigger than first-time visitors realise, and your arrondissement can shape the whole feel of your trip.
Do you want to wake up near the Louvre? Stroll home from dinner on the Left Bank? Be a short walk from Notre Dame? Splurge on Eiffel Tower views? Or stay somewhere with great value and ride the metro?

How Paris arrondissements work
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (neighborhoods), spiralling out from the centre like a snail shell. The 1st arrondissement is the heart of the city, home to the Louvre, and the numbers curl clockwise around it.

Best Paris arrondissements by travel style
Here’s a short-cut to see at a glance where I recommend you stay, and why.
Best for first-time visitors: Stay in the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th arrondissements. You’ll be close to Notre Dame, the Louvre Museum, the Seine River, Musée d’Orsay, the Latin Quarter, Le Marais and many of the main attractions.
Best for luxury hotels: Look at the 1st, 8th and 16th arrondissements. This is where you’ll find palace hotels, five-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, Eiffel Tower views, grand suites and the kind of concierge services that make you wonder why real life can’t be like this.
Best for boutique hotels: Try the 3rd, 4th, 6th, 9th or 11th arrondissements. These areas are brilliant for charming boutique hotels, stylish rooms, quiet streets, rooftop terraces and local neighbourhood energy.
Best for Eiffel Tower views: Choose the 7th or 16th arrondissements. But always make sure you’ve booked the actual Eiffel Tower view room category. Don’t assume every hotel room has the best view just because the hotel is near the tower.
Best for great value: Look at the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th arrondissements. You’ll usually get more bang for your Euro, especially if you’re near a metro station.
Best for train travellers: Stay near Gare du Nord in the 10th if you’re coming from London, Brussels or Amsterdam, or near Gare de Lyon in the 12th if you’re travelling onward by train in France or to Switzerland or Italy.

1st arrondissement: best for the Louvre, Place Vendôme and first-time visitors
The 1st arrondissement is central Paris at its most postcard-pretty. This is where you’ll find the Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, Palais Royal, Place Vendôme, Rue Saint-Honoré and the Seine River. You can also walk across the river to the Musée d’Orsay, which is one of my favourite museums in Paris.
This is a perfect location if it’s your first time in Paris and you want to be close to the main attractions. It’s also ideal if you like luxury hotels, designer shopping, grand architecture and being able to say, “Oh, I’ll just stroll past the Louvre after breakfast.”
Cheval Blanc Paris — $$$$
One of the greatest luxury stays in Paris with a prime location near the Seine, the Louvre and La Samaritaine. This is serious splurge territory.
Le Meurice — $$$$
A legendary five-star hotel on Rue de Rivoli, right by the Tuileries Garden. Classic, elegant and very Paris.
Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal — $$$
A polished boutique-luxury option near Palais Royal and the Louvre Museum, with a quieter feel than some of the grand palace hotels.
Hôtel Thérèse — $$
A charming boutique hotel with stylish rooms and a central location near Palais Royal. Great for travellers who want the 1st arrondissement without going full palace.
Best for: first-time visitors, luxury stays, shopping, museums, central location.

2nd arrondissement: best for foodies, covered passages and stylish stays
The 2nd arrondissement is a little less obvious than the 1st, and that’s part of its charm. You’re close to the Louvre, breathtaking Opéra Garnier, Rue Montorgueil, Grands Boulevards and the old covered passages, but the neighbourhood feels more local and lived-in.
This is a great spot if you like eating, wandering, discovering hidden gems and staying somewhere chic without being in the middle of the biggest tourist crowds.
Château Voltaire — $$$$
A very chic hotel that feels polished, Parisian and grown-up. Lovely for couples or anyone who appreciates understated luxury.
The Hoxton Paris — $$$
Set in an 18th-century building, the Hoxton is stylish, buzzy and popular with design lovers. Michelin describes it as chic, modern and relatively affordable for what it offers.
Grands Boulevards Experimental — $$$
A fashionable boutique hotel with a lively restaurant and bar scene. Rated Superb. Good if you like hotels with personality.
Hôtel Square Louvois — $$
Smart, central and often better value than similar hotels just a few streets away in the 1st arrondissement.
Best for: food, bars, shopping, repeat visitors, stylish boutique hotels.


3rd arrondissement: best for northern Le Marais and boutique hotels
The 3rd arrondissement is part of Le Marais, but a little calmer than the busy southern stretch. You’ll find the Musée Picasso, Marché des Enfants Rouges, design shops, galleries, cafés and narrow streets made for aimless wandering.
This is a great location if you want the Le Marais feeling without necessarily being right in the thick of it. It’s also one of the best areas for boutique hotels.
Maison Proust — $$$$
A romantic, opulent, literary-feeling hotel with a spa and a deeply Parisian sense of drama.
Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers — $$$
A fashionable hotel between Le Marais and Sentier, with a rooftop terrace and stylish rooms.
Solly Hôtel Paris — $$
A sweet boutique option on a leafy square, close enough to Le Marais but with a gentler feel.
Best for: boutique hotels, design, galleries, Le Marais, stylish repeat visitors.

4th arrondissement: best for Notre Dame, Le Marais and Place des Vosges
The 4th arrondissement is one of the best places to stay in Paris if you want atmosphere, beauty and walkability. This is home to Notre Dame, Île Saint-Louis, Hôtel de Ville, the Seine River, and one of the loveliest squares in the city, Place des Vosges.
Le Marais is fabulous for shopping, eating, wandering and pretending you’re the sort of person who just pops out for cheese and returns with a vintage jacket, a candle and three pastries.
Cour des Vosges — $$$$
A luxury stay right on Place des Vosges. If you want “pinch me, I’m in Paris” energy, this is it.
Le Pavillon de la Reine — $$$$
A hidden luxury hotel tucked away off Place des Vosges. Romantic, elegant and one of my favourite hotel styles: glamorous but not shouty.
SO/ Paris — $$$
A modern luxury hotel near the Seine, part of the Accor group. Known for big views and contemporary design.
Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais — $$
A charming boutique hotel with old-world Paris character. Small, pretty and very Marais.
Best for: Le Marais, Notre Dame, boutique hotels, shopping, first-time visitors.

5th arrondissement: best for the Latin Quarter and Left Bank history
The Latin Quarter is old Paris with bookshops, churches, cafés, students, cobbled streets and that lovely Left Bank energy. You’re close to Notre Dame, the Panthéon, Shakespeare and Company, Jardin des Plantes, the Seine River and the Sorbonne.
This is a great place to stay if you want history, charm and good value compared with some of the more polished central areas. Just choose your street carefully, as parts of the Latin Quarter can be lively at night.
Maison Colbert Meliá Collection — $$$
A polished, elegant hotel close to Notre Dame and the Seine River. Great for a romantic stay.
Grand Cœur Latin — $$$
A newer boutique-style hotel in the Latin Quarter with modern rooms and a lovely central location.
Hôtel des Grandes Écoles — $$
My top pick: A beloved garden hotel with villagey charm. It feels like a little leafy secret, which is exactly what you want in Paris.
Hôtel Henriette — $–$$
Pretty, design-forward and often better value. A good choice if you want charm without spending luxury-hotel money.
Best for: Latin Quarter, Notre Dame, history, bookshops, Left Bank atmosphere.

6th arrondissement: best for Saint-Germain and romantic Paris
I love Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This is my ‘hood. Cafés, galleries, boutiques, wine bars, Luxembourg Gardens, the Seine, beautiful streets and the location to everywhere else.
This is one of the best areas for a romantic hotel stay, especially if you want to walk to the Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame, the Louvre, Luxembourg Gardens and classic Left Bank cafés. It’s central, elegant and very easy to love.
Mandarin Oriental Lutetia — $$$$
A grand Left Bank landmark and one of the area’s most famous luxury hotels. This is the splurge stay for travellers who want five-star polish, proper Paris history and a Saint-Germain address.
Relais Christine — $$$$
A former 13th-century abbey turned luxury boutique hotel, with a gorgeous ivy-covered courtyard and Guerlain spa hidden from the street. Garden suites open directly onto the hotel garden.
Millésime Hôtel — $$$
A 17th-century building on the quietly elegant Rue Jacob, tucked among art galleries and boutiques yet minutes from Boulevard Saint-Germain. Breakfast in the arched-ceiling cave or the flower-filled courtyard is reason enough to stay.
Hôtel de l’Abbaye — $$
This is where I stayed last time. A beautiful boutique hotel hidden behind wrought-iron gates on Rue Cassette, with a gorgeous restaurant just down the road. It feels like a little Left Bank secret rather than a big city hotel.
Best for: couples, cafés, art lovers, Left Bank charm, romantic luxury stays.

7th arrondissement: best for Eiffel Tower views and classic Paris
If you want to step outside for that quintessential Paris shot of the Eiffel Tower, then the 7th arrondissement (and the 16th) is where you’re looking first. This area is home to the Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, Les Invalides, Musée Rodin and some very elegant residential streets.
It’s a great place for first-time visitors, families and anyone who wants a quieter base close to iconic landmarks. It’s not the buzziest nightlife area, but that can be a bonus after a long day of sightseeing.
J.K. Place Paris — $$$$
Sophisticated boutique luxury near the Left Bank museums and the Seine. Indoor swimming pool.
Le Narcisse Blanc & Spa — $$$
Elegant, polished and peaceful, with a spa and indoor pool. A lovely luxury experience.
Hôtel La Comtesse — $$$
A stylish hotel with Eiffel Tower views from some rooms, set in a 19th-century Hausmannian building with contemporary décor inspired by the literary salons from the 18th century.
Hôtel Duquesne Eiffel — $$
A classic good-value option in the Eiffel Tower area, especially if location matters more than bells and whistles.
Best for: Eiffel Tower views, families, first-time visitors, classic Paris.

8th arrondissement: best for luxury hotels, Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe
The 8th arrondissement is Paris with diamonds on. This is where you’ll find the Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Grand Palais, Place de la Concorde, Avenue Montaigne and some of the greatest luxury hotels in the city.
If your Paris dream involves Michelin-starred restaurants, couture windows, chandeliers and the odd “I’ll just have champagne” moment, this is your area.
Hôtel de Crillon — $$$$
A grand luxury Rosewood hotel on Place de la Concorde. It’s one of those addresses where the location is part of the experience and money is no object.
Le Bristol Paris — $$$$
A stunning and legendary five-star hotel with serious luxury credentials and Michelin-starred dining in one of the most prestigious addresses in Paris.
Hôtel Plaza Athénée — $$$$
A fashion-world icon near Avenue Montaigne. Expect lavish personal touches. This is classic Paris glamour, part of the Dorchester Collection.
Le Pavillon des Lettres — $$$
Considerably cheaper than those above, this quieter literary boutique hotel near Faubourg Saint-Honoré is super handy for shopping and central Paris attractions.
Best for: luxury hotels, shopping, Michelin-starred restaurants, Arc de Triomphe, Grand Palais.

9th arrondissement: best for Opéra Garnier, Pigalle and boutique hotels
The 9th arrondissement is one of my favourite areas for visitors who want a bit more personality. You’ve got Opéra Garnier (which I thoroughly recommend taking a tour through, if not a show), Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Grands Boulevards, Pigalle, theatres, bars, restaurants and easy access to Gare du Nord (the international railway station).
It’s a great location if you want a stylish hotel stay without paying 1st or 8th arrondissement prices. You’re also well connected by metro.
Maison Souquet, Hotel & Spa — $$$
A dramatic, romantic, Belle Époque-style hotel near Pigalle, with an indoor pool and steam room. Perfect for a moody Paris escape.
Le Pigalle — $$
A cool neighbourhood hotel with local personality and stylish rooms. A 5-minute walk to Moulin Rouge, Sacré-Coeur is 800 metres.
Maison Mère — $$
A warm, design-led hotel with a friendly feel and handy location. Private parking available.
Adèle & Jules — $$
A pretty boutique hotel near Grands Boulevards. Great for who want charm, location and value. Family room available. Others are small, but location makes up for it.
Best for: boutique hotels, nightlife, shopping, Opéra Garnier, repeat visitors.

10th arrondissement: best for Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est and Canal Saint-Martin
The 10th arrondissement is practical rather than postcard-perfect, but it has its moments. Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est are here, so it’s handy if you’re arriving by train from London, Brussels, Amsterdam or elsewhere in Europe.
Move toward Canal Saint-Martin and the area becomes much more appealing, with cafés, bars, boutiques and locals sitting by the water with wine and snacks, which is always a good sign.
Hôtel Providence — $$
A gorgeous, affordable boutique hotel with rich interiors and lots of Parisian personality.
Le Grand Quartier — $$
Modern, relaxed and good for a slightly longer stay. Lovely courtyard for morning coffee.
Hôtel Les Deux Gares & Spa — $$
Colourful, stylish and very handy for Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est. Indoor swimming pool, sauna.
Libertel Gare de l’Est Français — $
A practical, clean option if you need a train station location without spending too much. Five minutes walking distance to Canal St Martin.
Best for: train travellers, Canal Saint-Martin, better value, practical stays.

11th arrondissement: best for food, nightlife and local Paris
The 11th arrondissement is a great choice if you like restaurants, bars, cafés and a more local Paris feel. You’re close to Bastille, Oberkampf, Canal Saint-Martin and Le Marais, but usually with better hotel value.
This area is especially good for repeat visitors who don’t need to sleep next door to the Louvre. It’s lively, fun and full of places you’ll want to eat.
Maison Bréguet — $$$
A stylish boutique hotel with a spa-like feel and lovely interiors. 500 metres from Place de la Bastille.
Hôtel Fabric — $$$
An industrial-chic hotel, with exposed brick walls in a former textile factory. Stylish but not stuffy.
Oh la la! Hotel Bar Paris Bastille — $$
Small but perfectly formed, fun and brilliantly located near the Bastille.
Hôtel Les Deux Girafes — $$
A modern boutique hotel tucked away from the noise. Close to the Marais.
Best for: restaurants, nightlife, boutique hotels, repeat visitors, local Paris.
12th arrondissement: best for Gare de Lyon, Bercy and family value
The 12th is a good practical base, especially if you’re arriving or departing from Gare de Lyon. You’re also near Bercy Village, the Coulée Verte, Bois de Vincennes and Opéra Bastille.
It’s not the first area I’d suggest for a romantic first trip, but it can be excellent for families, business travelers and anyone who is after a lovely place near the train station.
Courtyard Paris Gare de Lyon — $$$
Modern, comfortable and very handy for Gare de Lyon. Huge windows to show off city and Seine River views.
Hôtel Sleeping Belle — $–$$
A polished little hotel 3-minutes walk to the Gare de Lyon Train Station. Perfect for early departures.
Motel One Paris-Porte Dorée — $
Don’t be frightened by the misleading name! Stylish and good value with car parking, near Bois de Vincennes.
Best for: Gare de Lyon, families, business travelers, value, transport links.
13th arrondissement: best for Butte-aux-Cailles and modern Paris
The 13th is not classic postcard Paris, but that’s why some people like it. You’ll find Butte-aux-Cailles, Paris’s Asian Quarter, street art, the Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand and newer riverfront developments.
This is a good choice for repeat visitors, value seekers and travellers who don’t mind using the metro.
TOO Hotel & Spa Paris — $$
Part of the MGallery Collection, this high-rise design hotel has incredible views over Paris. Make sure you’re here for a sunset drink. Parking onsite.
COQ Hotel Paris — $$
A warm, stylish boutique hotel near Place d’Italie. Five minutes walk to Metro.
Hôtel Rosalie — $-$$
A leafy, eco-minded boutique hotel with a pretty courtyard. Rooms are small but the two-bedroom apartment makes a super deal for four.
Best for: value, modern rooms, repeat visitors, food, local Paris.
14th arrondissement: best for Montparnasse and Left Bank value
The 14th arrondissement gives you a calmer Left Bank base with better value than Saint-Germain. You’re near Montparnasse, the Catacombs, Parc Montsouris and plenty of local restaurants and cafés.
It’s a good option if you want to stay on the Left Bank but don’t need to be right in the thick of things.
Niepce Paris, Curio Collection by Hilton — $$$
Elegant and polished, with boutique-hotel touches. Pet friendly.
Drawing House — $$
An art-led hotel with stylish rooms and an indoor pool and spa. Two bedroom apartments available.
Hôtel Aiglon — $$
A classic Montparnasse hotel with Art Deco character. Great for families or friends. 30-metres from Metro. Two-bedroom apartments available.
Hôtel Orchidée — $–$$
Pleasant, practical and quieter than more central hotels. Excellent value.
Best for: Left Bank value, Montparnasse, Catacombs, local restaurants.

15th arrondissement: best for local Paris, Porte de Versailles and longer stays
The 15th is residential, practical and often better value. It’s a good area for business travelers, families, longer stays and anyone attending events at Porte de Versailles.
It’s not as romantic as Saint-Germain or Le Marais, but it can be comfortable, convenient and very liveable.
SAX Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts — $$$
A newer luxury option in the 15th with a polished feel. Outdoor swimming pool and spa. Rooftop restaurant with stunning Eiffel Tower view.
Hôtel Ami — $$$
A sweet modern hotel in a century-old building, with a neighbourhood feel. Private parking.
Villa M Paris — $$-$$$
A design hotel with greenery, wellness and stylish rooms that include balcony or terrace.
Mama Shelter Paris West — $
Fun, stylish and good value near Porte de Versailles. Skews to the younger crowd.
Best for: business travelers, longer stays, great value, residential Paris.
16th arrondissement: best for Eiffel Tower views, Arc de Triomphe and quiet luxury
The 16th is elegant, polished and peaceful. It’s perfect if you want luxury hotels, quiet streets, Eiffel Tower views, Trocadéro, Arc de Triomphe, Fondation Louis Vuitton and Bois de Boulogne.
This is not the area for buzzing nightlife, but it’s excellent if you want a refined base away from the busiest tourist crush.
Shangri-La Paris — $$$-$$$$
Stay like royalty in a former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte. One of the best hotels in Paris for Eiffel Tower views and a full luxury experience.
Saint James Paris — $$$
A château-style hotel with quiet garden and a hidden-away luxury feel.
Brach Paris — $$$
A stylish, design-forward hotel with a strong wellness and pool/fitness club feel. Lovely rooftop terrace.
Hôtel Auteuil Tour Eiffel — $$
A calmer residential option with better value. Outdoor terrace. Sauna. Pet friendly.
Best for: luxury stays, Eiffel Tower views, quiet streets, Arc de Triomphe.

17th arrondissement: best for Batignolles and Parc Monceau
The 17th arrondissement is underrated. Batignolles has lovely restaurants, cafés, independent shops and a local feel, while Parc Monceau is one of the prettiest parks in Paris. You’re also not far from the Arc de Triomphe and Opéra by metro or taxi.
This is a great spot for travellers who have visited Paris before and want a quieter neighbourhood with good food and stylish hotels.
La Fondation — $$$-$$$$
A new luxury lifestyle hotel that opened in 2025, with 3 restaurants, a lovely rooftop bar, wellness centre, swimming pool and even a climbing wall.
Hôtel Eldorado Paris — $$
A stylish, romantic Batignolles hotel with lots of charm. Exquisite room decor with a chic jungle vibe. Terrace restaurant.
Zoku Paris — $-$$
Apartment-style, good for longer stays and work trips. Rooftop patio. Great family rooms too.
Tribe Paris Batignolles — $–$$
Smart, modern and unusually good value.
Best for: local restaurants, Parc Monceau, longer stays, stylish value.

18th arrondissement: best for Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur and romance
Montmartre is one of the most atmospheric areas in Paris. Yes, it’s touristy around Sacré-Cœur, but wander a few streets away and you’ll find cobbled lanes, staircases, little cafés, artists, rooftop views and that village feeling people fall in love with.
It’s a great place to stay if you want romance, nightlife and views, but choose your street carefully because Montmartre can be hilly and parts of Pigalle are lively.
Hôtel Rochechouart — $$$
Technically in the 9th, this Art Deco style hotel with a rooftop terrace and lovely views is a 3-minute walk from Sacré-Cœur.
Hotel des Arts Montmartre — $$
This hotel scores ‘exceptional’ for it’s location, staff and lovely decor. A 9-minute walk from the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.
Monsieur Aristide — $$
A charming hip boutique hotel in Montmartre with a warm, creative feel.
Terrass’’ Hotel — $$
A classic Montmartre hotel with a rooftop terrace and views. This hotel also features on my list of the best Paris rooftops bars.
Best for: Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, romance, rooftop terrace views, nightlife.

19th arrondissement: best for parks, music and better value
The 19th is more local and less central, but it has some excellent reasons to stay: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Canal de l’Ourcq, Philharmonie de Paris and La Villette. It can also be a good option for families or travellers looking for better value.
This is not where I’d send most first-time visitors, but if you know Paris or you’re happy using the metro, it can work well.
Moxy Paris La Villette — $$
Moxy hotels are fun. I’ve stayed in one in New York City and added it to my list of the best affordable NYC hotels. This one blends Parisian glamour and 80s rock and the lobby looks like a 20-something’s lounge.
OKKO Hotels Paris Rosa Parks — $
Modern, practical and good value. One stop from Gare du Nord and easy walk to Sacré-Cœur. Rooms are a little larger and there is a family room.
La Belle Ville — $
Lovely leafy modern design, some guest rooms with terraces and city views. Close to the metro. Great value.
Best for: parks, families, value, local Paris, music venues.
20th arrondissement: best for Belleville, Père Lachaise and budget boutique stays
The 20th is creative, multicultural and far more local than touristy. It’s home to Père Lachaise Cemetery, Belleville, Ménilmontant, street art, bars and interesting food.
It’s best for repeat visitors, budget-conscious travellers and people who like neighbourhoods with edge and personality.
Hôtel Scarlett — $–$$
A cute Belleville boutique option. Guest rooms have a fun, funky design. Onsite bar.
Babel Belleville — $–$$
Stylish, creative, another great design and lovely local-feeling.
Mama Shelter Paris East — $
Another playful, urban design-led hotel by Mama Shelter. Ideal for younger travelers! Very good value.
Best for: budget boutique hotels, Belleville, Père Lachaise, local food.

My quick tips for booking hotels in Paris
- Hotel rooms in the French capital are often small, so check the square metres before booking. “Cosy” can mean romantic, but it can also mean you’ll need to open your suitcase on the bed and then climb over it.
- If you want a view, book the view. A “view room” and a “partial glimpse if you lean left from a higher floor” are not the same thing.
- Always check whether your hotel has air conditioning, especially if you’re visiting in summer. Paris in a heatwave is not the time to discover your charming boutique hotel relies on a fan and a good attitude (when your accommodation is awful!).
- Stay close to a metro station, but not necessarily on top of one. You’ll walk a lot in Paris, and having easy transport nearby is a gift to your feet.
- For longer stays, look for laundry facilities or apartment-style hotels. This is especially helpful if Paris is part of a bigger Europe trip.
- Choose the arrondissement that suits your travel style, not just the hotel with the prettiest photos. The perfect hotel in the wrong neighbourhood is not the perfect hotel.
- And finally, have a read of how I save $$ with this secret tip to use on booking websites.
So… where would I stay in Paris?
For a first (or fifth!) trip, I’d choose the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th arrondissement, depending on your budget and what you most want to be near. But if pushed to make a call, St Germain (6th) wins for me.

Read more of my Paris content
Here’s the link to my super duper guide to all the best things to do in Paris, and what not to bother with. It’s long, so my advice is just scroll through and see which things tickle your fancy to make your list.
And to give your wallet a break, here is my list of fun FREE things to do in Paris.
Don’t miss these delicious foods found in Paris. These 12 will make you drool!
How to choose the right Paris Pass, depending on how much time you have and the things on your must-do list.
Great rooftop bars for a tipple with a view of the City of Love. Cue the marriage proposals…
Tour Paris in a little 2CV with a driver in a beret and see all the sights without walking miles!
My favorite place to pick up beautiful souvenirs is to stroll along the Seine and shop at the bouquinistes.

