Where to Stay in Paris: Which Arrondissement Should You Choose?

If you’re wondering where to stay in Paris, my main tip is not to choose your hotel based solely on price or proximity to a famous attraction.

Paris’s 20 arrondissements have very different personalities, and the best area to stay in depends on the kind of trip you want to have.

For a first trip, the more central arrondissements, such as the 1st through the 7th, make getting around much easier and put several attractions within walking distance, but they usually cost more.

Areas such as the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th, 18th, and others farther from the center may offer a better balance of price, location, and neighborhood atmosphere.

Your choice also depends on whether you want to stay near the Eiffel Tower, explore Montmartre, enjoy restaurants and bars, or simply have a quiet area to return to after a day of sightseeing.

Introduction

Hi! My name is Bruna, I’m the author of this blog, and in this post, I’m going to fill your head with information about every arrondissement in Paris.

Maybe, like me before writing this post, you have no idea what the heck that word means or why it matters. So, besides explaining what it is, we’re going to look at what each one has to offer.

Arrondissements are “administrative divisions or urban districts used in France and other French-speaking countries.” In other words, neighborhoods.

Explanation complete. ✅😅

Ready to get to know each one of them in more detail?

How to Choose Where to Stay in Paris

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, numbered in a spiral that starts in the city center. And although they are all part of Paris, the experience of staying in each one can be quite different.

When choosing where to stay, I would mainly consider three things: location, price, and the kind of trip you want to have.

I don’t think it’s mandatory to stay in the most central arrondissement possible. In fact, if I were planning my first trip to Paris, I’d probably do the opposite.

I’d look for an area with a good location, easy access to public transportation, and a price that made sense for my travel budget.

I don’t need to walk out of my hotel and come face-to-face with the Eiffel Tower to feel like I’m in Paris. To me, it would make much more sense to be able to visit the places I actually want to see without paying a fortune just to sleep in one of the city’s most touristy areas.

And this matters because Paris is a city where you can get around a lot by metro. So, depending on your itinerary, staying a little farther from the tourist center can be well worth it.

On the other hand, there’s a limit. Saving money on accommodation by staying too far away could end up meaning more time and money spent on transportation.

That’s why, in this article, I wanted to show you the personality of each arrondissement, what you can do there, who I think the area is best suited for, and a hotel suggestion to help you start your search.

Quick Guide: Which Arrondissement Is Right for You?

Before getting into the details, here’s a summary for anyone who wants to compare the areas quickly:

This table is just a starting point. The same arrondissement can have very different neighborhoods within it, so I recommend reading on before making a decision.

Before we begin, a quick note about the hotels: the accommodation links you’ll find in this article are affiliate links. This means that if you make a reservation through one of them, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. These commissions help keep Bruna Plans Your Travel running and allow me to create new content and research like this.

But don’t worry, my suggestions aren’t chosen solely because they’re affiliate hotels. To narrow down these options, I mainly considered guest ratings, the number of reviews, breakfast availability, and price, always looking for an option that made sense within each arrondissement.

In most cases, I also prioritized hotels rated above 4.5 stars. In some areas farther from the center, I had to be a little more flexible with that criterion to find options that still offered a good balance between quality and price.

1st Arrondissement: Stay in the Heart of Paris

If you want to be right in the middle of pretty much everything, the 1st arrondissement is hard to beat.

This is one of the most central areas of Paris and home to some of the city’s best-known attractions, such as the Louvre Museum, the Tuileries Garden, the Palais Royal, and Rue de Rivoli. The Châtelet–Les Halles area also makes this arrondissement one of the best-connected parts of the city.

It’s the kind of place where you can walk out of your hotel and come across something incredibly old. Depending on where you’re staying, you can walk to the Louvre, cross the Tuileries Garden, head toward Place de la Concorde, and keep exploring central Paris.

It’s also a great area for anyone who wants to experience classic, historic Paris.

The downside is how much you pay for those perks.

The 1st arrondissement is one of the areas where you pay a premium for the location. If your budget is tight, I don’t think staying here is a good idea.

Who do I recommend it for?

• First-time visitors on a short trip;
• Anyone who wants to stay right in the center;
• Travelers planning to do lots of sightseeing on foot;
• Anyone who doesn’t mind paying more for the location;
• Couples looking for a more sophisticated experience.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: Maison Albar – Le Pont-Neuf

Profile: Luxury — 5 stars
Researched price range: €450–€750/night

View Maison Albar – Le Pont-Neuf on Klook

Maison Albar – Le Pont-Neuf is an option for anyone who wants to enjoy the main advantage of the 1st arrondissement and stay right in the heart of Paris.

It’s a more luxurious property, so it wouldn’t be my choice if I were trying to save money. But if location and a more sophisticated experience are your priorities, it’s worth adding this hotel to your comparison list.

💭 What I would do: I probably wouldn’t choose the 1st arrondissement for a trip on a controlled budget. The location is excellent, but I’d rather save on accommodation and spend that money on restaurants, attractions, and other activities.

2nd Arrondissement: Central, Charming, and Convenient

The 2nd arrondissement is an interesting alternative for anyone who wants to stay pretty central without necessarily paying the prices of some of the most famous areas.

It’s a historic and pleasant area to explore on foot, with places such as Rue Montorgueil, the area around the historic covered passages, and the Grands Boulevards nearby.

Rue Montorgueil, in particular, is a great way to understand the area’s personality: shops, cafés, restaurants, markets, and the kind of street where simply walking around without a specific tourist attraction in mind is part of the experience.

Because it’s centrally located, it’s also relatively easy to get to other parts of Paris.

Who do I recommend it for?

• Anyone looking for a central location;
• People who enjoy walking;
• Anyone who wants cafés and restaurants nearby;
• Travelers looking for an alternative to the most touristy arrondissements;
• First-time visitors with a mid-range budget.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: La Maison Favart

Profile: Executive, charming — 4 stars
Researched price range: €275–€465/night

View La Maison Favart on Klook

La Maison Favart fits the character of the arrondissement well. It’s an elegant property without the feel of a huge hotel.

Its location is especially appealing for anyone who wants to explore the city center while also having easy access to the Opéra and Grands Boulevards areas.

💭 What I would do: I like the idea of staying in the 2nd arrondissement more than the 1st for a trip where value for money matters. It’s still a central area, but I’d compare prices carefully before deciding.

3rd Arrondissement: Le Marais, History, and Charming Streets

The 3rd arrondissement is one of the areas that catches my attention most for anyone who wants to experience historic Paris without necessarily staying in an area dominated solely by major tourist attractions.

A large part of Le Marais is located here, with its old streets, historic buildings, small shops, cafés, galleries, and restaurants. The area is also home to the Musée Picasso Paris and is close to several attractions in the city center.

One of the best things about Le Marais is that you can make the neighborhood itself part of your itinerary.

You can spend the morning visiting a museum, stop for a coffee, wander through the streets, pop into a shop, and then continue on foot to another area.

Who do I recommend it for?

• History lovers;
• Anyone who enjoys cafés and restaurants;
• People who like walking;
• Travelers who want to explore Le Marais;
• Couples;
• Anyone who prefers charming neighborhoods to overly touristy areas.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: La Chambre du Marais

Profile: Comfortable — 4 stars
Researched price range: €480–€720/night

View La Chambre du Marais on Klook

La Chambre du Marais is a boutique hotel located in one of the arrondissement’s most interesting areas.

It’s a more expensive option, but it suits anyone looking for a more intimate experience and wanting to make the neighborhood itself part of the trip.

💭 What I would do: I’d love to explore Le Marais, but I’d have to compare the price carefully with nearby hotels. If it were much more expensive than other areas, I’d probably choose another arrondissement and visit Le Marais during the day.

4th Arrondissement: Notre-Dame, Île de la Cité, and the Historic Heart of Paris

The 4th arrondissement is a very interesting choice for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in historic Paris.

This is where you’ll find Île de la Cité, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, and a significant part of Le Marais. The area also includes Île Saint-Louis.

It’s one of those areas where the location can genuinely transform your travel experience. You can pass by historic landmarks simply by walking from one place to another.

And for anyone who loves the idea of classic Paris, full of architecture and history, like I do, it’s hard not to love it.

Who do I recommend it for?

• First-time visitors;
• History lovers;
• Anyone who wants to visit Notre-Dame;
• People who enjoy walking;
• Couples;
• Anyone who wants to stay very close to the historic center.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: 9Confidentiel

Profile: Comfortable — 4 stars
Researched price range: €400–€780/night

View 9Confidentiel on Klook

9Confidentiel is an elegant boutique hotel in Le Marais, making it an interesting choice for anyone looking for a property with personality and a very central location.

The price range, however, clearly shows one of the characteristics of this area.

Staying in the historic heart of Paris can be expensive.

💭 What I would do: It’s an area I’d really like to explore, but it probably wouldn’t be the first one I’d research if I were looking for value for money.

5th Arrondissement: The Latin Quarter and the Paris I’d Look For

Now we’ve reached one of my favorites.

The 5th arrondissement is best known for the Latin Quarter, one of the most historic and traditional areas of Paris.

This is where you’ll find the Panthéon, the Sorbonne, the Jardin des Plantes, and several streets filled with cafés, restaurants, bookstores, and traditional establishments.

It’s the area that best matches the kind of Paris I’d like to experience.

I want a historic, classic Paris, full of cafés and places to explore on foot. I also don’t need to be right next to the Eiffel Tower. So if I were planning my itinerary, the 5th arrondissement would be one of the first areas I’d research.

Who do I recommend it for?

• First-time visitors;
• History lovers;
• Anyone who wants to visit the Panthéon;
• People who enjoy cafés;
• Students and travelers interested in the Latin Quarter’s atmosphere;
• Anyone who wants a central location without necessarily staying in the 1st arrondissement.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: Hotel des Grands Hommes

Profile: Comfortable — 3 stars
Researched price range: €235–€380/night

View Hotel des Grands Hommes on Klook

Hotel des Grands Hommes is in a particularly interesting location for anyone who wants to explore the area around the Panthéon.

It’s a simpler property than some of the hotels presented in the central arrondissements, but that’s precisely why it may make sense for anyone who wants to prioritize location and spend less on accommodation.

💭 What I would do: This is one of the hotels I’d genuinely put on my list to compare. The 5th arrondissement fits the kind of trip I’d like to have in Paris very well.

6th Arrondissement: Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Parisian Charm

The 6th arrondissement is another area that seems to have come straight out of the classic version of Paris that many people imagine when they think of the city.

The big name here is Saint-Germain-des-Prés, known for its historic cafés, bookstores, galleries, restaurants, and elegant streets.

It’s also close to the Luxembourg Gardens and several attractions in the city center.

It’s a very interesting area for anyone who wants to spend part of the trip walking around, stopping at cafés, admiring the scenery, and simply watching the city go by.

Who do I recommend it for?

• Couples;
• First-time visitors;
• People who enjoy cafés;
• Anyone looking for a classic Parisian atmosphere;
• Travelers who want an elegant area;
• Anyone planning to visit the Luxembourg Gardens.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: Victoria Palace Hotel Paris

Profile: Classic — 4 stars
Researched price range: €235–€420/night

View Victoria Palace Hotel Paris on Klook

Victoria Palace Hotel Paris is a classic four-star option in an area known for its elegant, traditional atmosphere.

It may be a good choice for anyone who wants to stay on the Left Bank of the Seine and have easy access to the attractions in the city center.

💭 What I would do: I really like the 6th arrondissement’s vibe, but I’d still compare its prices with the 5th. If the difference were significant, I’d go with the 5th.

7th Arrondissement: The Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, and Picture-Perfect Paris

If there’s one arrondissement that many people automatically look for when they start researching Paris, it’s the 7th.

This is where you’ll find the Eiffel Tower, as well as Les Invalides, the Musée d’Orsay nearby, and a series of monuments and museums.

For a romantic trip, I can completely understand the appeal.

Waking up, walking around the area, and having the Eiffel Tower nearby would probably be an unforgettable experience.

But I’d make one reservation: I wouldn’t pay a lot more just to stay near the Eiffel Tower.

The area is great, but there’s much more to Paris than the Eiffel Tower.

Who do I recommend it for?

• First-time visitors;
• Couples on a romantic trip;
• Anyone dreaming of staying near the Eiffel Tower;
• People who enjoy monuments and museums;
• Travelers looking for a more sophisticated area.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: Hotel & Spa de Latour Maubourg

Profile: Comfortable — 4 stars
Researched price range: €290–€440/night

View Hotel & Spa de Latour Maubourg on Klook

Hotel & Spa de Latour Maubourg is a comfortable option that suits anyone who wants to explore Les Invalides and the 7th arrondissement.

It’s an interesting choice for anyone who wants to stay in this more monumental part of the city without necessarily choosing a huge or extremely luxurious hotel.

💭 What I would do: For me, the 7th would be an area to visit, not necessarily to stay overnight. If I found a great deal, I might change my mind.

8th Arrondissement: The Champs-Élysées, Luxury, and Sophisticated Paris

The 8th arrondissement is one of the best-known areas of Paris and home to the famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde, and several luxury stores.

It’s a well-connected area, which helps if you plan to explore different parts of the city.

On the other hand, it’s not exactly the kind of atmosphere I’d look for on a quiet trip.

Who do I recommend it for?

• People who enjoy shopping;
• Travelers interested in luxury;
• First-time visitors;
• Anyone who wants to stay near the Champs-Élysées;
• Couples on a romantic trip.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: Idol Hotel

Profile: Comfortable — 4 stars
Researched price range: €110–€240/night

View Idol Hotel on Klook

Idol Hotel stands out mainly because of the price range I found during my research, which is considerably more affordable than many hotels associated with the 8th arrondissement.

The hotel has a modern, comfortable profile and may be an interesting alternative for anyone who wants to stay in this area without necessarily entering the world of luxury hotels.

💭 What I would do: If that price range were actually available for my travel dates, I’d definitely look into it. The value for money could completely change how I feel about the arrondissement.

9th Arrondissement: Opéra, Cafés, Shopping, and a Strategic Location

The 9th arrondissement falls into the category I consider interesting for value for money.

The area includes the Opéra Garnier and the Grands Boulevards, and it’s close to areas such as Pigalle and South Pigalle.

It’s a very urban area, with restaurants, cafés, shops, theaters, and nightlife. That’s why it can be an excellent option for anyone who wants to leave the hotel and find plenty happening nearby.

For anyone who prefers peace and quiet, though, I’d research the exact location of the hotel carefully.

Who do I recommend it for?

• First-time visitors;
• Anyone looking for a good location;
• People who enjoy restaurants and cafés;
• Anyone who wants nightlife;
• Travelers who want to save money compared with the more central arrondissements.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: Monsieur Cadet Hôtel & Spa

Profile: Executive — 4 stars
Researched price range: €170–€290/night

View Monsieur Cadet Hôtel & Spa on Klook

Monsieur Cadet Hôtel & Spa is a four-star option that fits the idea of staying in a central area without necessarily paying the same prices as a hotel in the 1st or 7th arrondissement.

💭 What I would do: I’d do quite a bit of research on the 9th. It seems like a good option for anyone who wants to stay relatively close to the center without spending quite so much.

10th Arrondissement: My Bet for Value for Money

We’ve reached the arrondissement that caught my attention during my research.

The 10th arrondissement is home to areas such as Canal Saint-Martin and is close to Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est. It’s a cosmopolitan area that’s well connected to the rest of the city.

Canal Saint-Martin is one of the best-known areas, with restaurants, cafés, shops, and places to walk around.

And there’s a practical advantage: being close to major train stations can make getting around much easier.

It’s also an area where I’d pay closer attention to the street and the exact location of the hotel. The arrondissement is large and has areas with very different atmospheres.

Who do I recommend it for?

• Anyone looking for value for money;
• Travelers who want a relatively central area;
• People who use public transportation a lot;
• Travelers who don’t need to stay near the most famous attractions;
• Anyone who wants to experience a more everyday side of Paris.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: Hotel ESTE

Profile: Comfortable — 4 stars
Researched price range: €140–€460/night

Note: This was the first case where I had to be a little more flexible with my rating criteria and choose a hotel rated below 4.5 stars.

View Hotel ESTE on Klook

Hotel ESTE is a comfortable option in an area I find interesting precisely because of its combination of location and price.

The huge variation in the price range also shows how much hotel rates in Paris can change depending on the dates.

💭 What I would do:

This is my favorite arrondissement so far.

I don’t need to stay near the Eiffel Tower, I mainly want to visit the Panthéon area, and I wouldn’t mind taking the metro to reach other attractions.

If I found a well-rated hotel with an appealing nightly rate in the 10th, it would probably be one of the first options I’d consider.

11th Arrondissement: Restaurants, Cafés, and Bastille

The 11th arrondissement is known for areas such as Bastille, Oberkampf, and République, and has a younger, more urban atmosphere.

It’s an area full of restaurants, cafés, bars, and cultural spaces.

For anyone who wants to leave the hotel and find plenty of activity, it’s an excellent option.

For me, though, it wouldn’t be the best choice. I like returning to my hotel and finding a little peace and quiet.

Who do I recommend it for?

• People who enjoy restaurants;
• Anyone looking for nightlife;
• Younger travelers;
• Anyone who wants to experience a more contemporary side of Paris;
• Travelers who don’t need to stay near the main tourist attractions.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: Hotel Le Mareuil

Profile: Comfortable — 4 stars
Researched price range: €165–€250/night

View Hotel Le Mareuil on Klook

Hotel Le Mareuil is a comfortable four-star option and represents the idea of looking for good-quality accommodation outside the more expensive tourist areas.

💭 What I would do:

I’d research it, but I’d probably choose a quieter street. The location interests me more than the nightlife.

12th Arrondissement: More Residential, Green, and Peaceful

The 12th arrondissement is an option that can fly under the radar during the first stages of research, but it deserves some attention.

The area includes Bercy, the Bois de Vincennes, and residential neighborhoods with an atmosphere that’s different from the tourist center.

It’s an interesting alternative for anyone who wants to stay in a less touristy area and doesn’t mind using public transportation.

Who do I recommend it for?

• Families;
• Anyone looking for peace and quiet;
• Travelers who prefer residential areas;
• Anyone looking to save money;
• People who don’t need to do everything on foot.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: Le Marceau Bastille Hotel

Profile: Comfortable — 4 stars
Researched price range: €150–€280/night

Note: I also had to be a little more flexible with my selection criteria here.

View Le Marceau Bastille Hotel on Klook

Le Marceau Bastille Hotel is a comfortable option that may work well for anyone looking to balance price, peace and quiet, and access to the city center.

💭 What I would do:

If I found a good rate, I’d seriously consider it. For me, a quieter hotel in a slightly less touristy area can be more appealing than paying a lot more to stay in the center.

13th Arrondissement: A Different, Multicultural Side of Paris

The 13th arrondissement has an atmosphere that’s different from the postcard version of Paris.

The area is known for its Chinatown, the area around the Bibliothèque François Mitterrand, and more contemporary architecture in some parts.

It’s an interesting area for anyone who wants to experience a more everyday, multicultural side of the city.

It wouldn’t be my first choice for a trip focused on the major Paris classics, but it can work very well for anyone who finds excellent accommodation and plans to use the metro a lot.

Who do I recommend it for?

• Anyone looking for lower prices;
• Travelers who don’t need to stay in the tourist center;
• People who enjoy Asian cuisine;
• Anyone who wants to explore a less obvious side of Paris;
• Longer stays.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: Hotel B55

Profile: Executive — 4 stars
Researched price range: €140–€250/night

View Hotel B55 on Klook

Hotel B55 is a four-star option that may be interesting for anyone who prioritizes comfort and price in a less touristy area.

💭 What I would do:

I’d only choose the 13th if the price were significantly better or if I found a hotel I really liked. For a first trip, I’d still prefer to stay a little closer to the historic areas I want to explore.

14th Arrondissement: Montparnasse, Alésia, and a More Residential Paris

The 14th arrondissement is an area that combines residential neighborhoods, shops, restaurants, and attractions such as Montparnasse.

It’s also an interesting area for anyone who wants to explore a less touristy side of Paris and have access to the city center by metro. Paris je t’aime itself highlights the 14th for its culture, heritage, green spaces, and areas that look like little villages.

Who do I recommend it for?

• Anyone looking for peace and quiet;
• Travelers who want to save money;
• People who prefer residential neighborhoods;
• Longer stays;
• Anyone who doesn’t mind taking the metro.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: Hotel Acropole

Profile: Modern — 3 stars
Researched price range: €100–€250/night

View Hotel Acropole on Klook

Hotel Acropole is a simpler, more affordable alternative for anyone who wants to stay in the 14th arrondissement.

💭 What I would do:

It’s the kind of hotel I’d research if budget were a major concern. I’d just make sure to compare the travel time to the places on my itinerary.

15th Arrondissement: Peaceful and Practical

The 15th arrondissement is one of the largest residential areas in Paris.

The Commerce area is known for its local shops, while Porte de Versailles is home to the large exhibition center. There are also green spaces and an atmosphere that’s much less touristy than the city center.

It’s a good choice for anyone who doesn’t want to be in the middle of the tourist crowds, which is exactly my case.

Who do I recommend it for?

• Families;
• Anyone looking for peace and quiet;
• Travelers looking for value for money;
• People who prefer local shops;
• Anyone planning to use the metro.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: Hotel Rose Bourbon

Profile: Mid-range — 3 stars
Researched price range: €100–€300/night

View Hotel Rose Bourbon on Klook

Hotel Rose Bourbon is a mid-range option that may be interesting for anyone looking for more affordable accommodation in a residential area.

💭 What I would do:

I’d seriously consider the 15th if the price difference compared with the central areas were significant.

16th Arrondissement: Trocadéro, Auteuil, and a More Elegant Paris

The 16th arrondissement is known for areas such as Trocadéro and Auteuil.

Trocadéro, in particular, is one of the best places to enjoy a striking view of the Eiffel Tower. The arrondissement also has museums, architecture, green spaces, and a more residential, elegant atmosphere.

It can be an interesting choice for a romantic trip.

Who do I recommend it for?

• Couples;
• Anyone looking for views of the Eiffel Tower;
• Travelers seeking peace and quiet;
• People who enjoy upscale neighborhoods;
• Anyone who prefers a residential atmosphere.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: Hôtel Botaniste

Profile: Executive — 4 stars
Researched price range: €130–€320/night

View Hôtel Botaniste on Klook

Hôtel Botaniste is a comfortable, elegant option for anyone who wants to experience a more residential part of Paris.

💭 What I would do:

I wouldn’t choose the 16th just to stay near the Eiffel Tower. But if the hotel had a competitive price like the one I found for this suggestion, and I liked the area, it could be worth it.

17th Arrondissement: Batignolles and a More Local Paris

The 17th arrondissement is a very interesting area for anyone who wants to get away from the most obvious itinerary.

The Batignolles area has cafés, restaurants, shops, and a more residential atmosphere. The area around the Palais des Congrès is also part of the arrondissement.

It’s a good option for anyone who wants a more everyday experience and doesn’t need to be surrounded by tourist attractions.

Who do I recommend it for?

• Anyone looking for peace and quiet;
• Travelers who want a residential area;
• People who enjoy cafés and restaurants;
• Anyone who has already visited Paris;
• Travelers who have found a good accommodation deal.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: Dadou Paris – Hôtel

Profile: Comfortable — 4 stars
Researched price range: €200–€450/night

View Dadou Paris – Hôtel on Klook

Dadou Paris is a comfortable option and an interesting choice for anyone who wants to explore this more residential part of the city.

💭 What I would do:

I’d research the 17th if I found a good price difference. But for my first trip, I’d still put other areas ahead of it.

18th Arrondissement: Montmartre and the Paris of the Movies

Now we’ve reached another area I really liked during my research.

The 18th arrondissement is best known for Montmartre, with its sloping streets, cafés, artists, little squares, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.

It’s one of the areas that most captures that romantic, bohemian image of Paris.

And one thing I like about it is that Montmartre can offer an experience that’s different from the traditional tourist center. You can spend an entire day exploring the neighborhood itself.

Who do I recommend it for?

• Couples;
• People who enjoy charming neighborhoods;
• First-time visitors;
• People who enjoy cafés;
• Anyone looking for a more bohemian Paris;
• Anyone who wants to visit Sacré-Cœur.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: Hôtel Littéraire Marcel Aymé

Profile: Comfortable — 4 stars
Researched price range: €130–€300/night

View Hôtel Littéraire Marcel Aymé on Klook

Hôtel Littéraire Marcel Aymé fits Montmartre’s character very well. The hotel has a literary theme inspired by the writer Marcel Aymé and is located in an area known precisely for its artistic, bohemian atmosphere.

💭 What I would do:

I’d really love to stay in Montmartre.

I’d just make one important comparison: if accommodation cost practically the same as staying in a much more central area, I’d probably choose the center.

But if I found good value for money, the 18th would easily make it onto my list.

19th Arrondissement: La Villette and Large Green Spaces

The 19th arrondissement is located in northeastern Paris and is best known for La Villette and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

It’s an area that combines green spaces, cultural venues, and an atmosphere that’s different from the historic center.

It can be a very good alternative for anyone looking for lower prices, especially on longer trips.

Here, though, I’d pay even more attention to the hotel’s exact location and the route between the metro station and the accommodation at night.

Who do I recommend it for?

• Anyone looking to save money;
• Families;
• Longer stays;
• People who enjoy parks;
• Anyone who doesn’t mind using public transportation.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: Campanile Prime Paris 19 – La Villette

Profile: Comfortable — 3 stars
Researched price range: €90–€190/night

Note: I also had to be more flexible with my criteria here.

View Campanile Prime Paris 19 – La Villette on Klook

Campanile Prime Paris 19 – La Villette is a more affordable alternative for anyone who wants to stay within Paris without paying the rates of the central areas.

💭 What I would do:

If the price were significantly better than the central alternatives, I’d consider it. But safety, ease of transportation, and travel time would be essential criteria for me.

20th Arrondissement: Belleville, Père-Lachaise, and a More Authentic Paris

The 20th arrondissement is in eastern Paris and includes areas such as Belleville, Ménilmontant, and the area around Père-Lachaise Cemetery.

It’s known for its popular, artistic, and multicultural atmosphere.

It’s a very different side of Paris from the postcard version.

For anyone looking to save money and have a more local experience, it can be a great option. For a first trip focused on the major classics, though, I’d carefully consider the distance and transportation.

Who do I recommend it for?

• Budget travelers;
• Anyone who wants to explore a different side of Paris;
• People who enjoy art and culture;
• Anyone planning to visit Père-Lachaise;
• Longer stays.

🏨 My Hotel Suggestion: Babel Belleville

Profile: Budget — 3 stars
Researched price range: €130–€380/night

View Babel Belleville on Klook

Babel Belleville is a more budget-friendly option and fits the idea of experiencing a more multicultural, less touristy side of Paris.

💭 What I would do:

I’d mainly consider the 20th if the price were significantly more attractive. For my first trip, I’d still prefer a slightly more central area.

So, Which Arrondissement Should You Choose in Paris?

After looking at all 20, I think the most honest answer is: it really depends on what you expect from your trip.

If you want to be close to the main attractions and plan to do lots of sightseeing on foot, I’d start by researching the central arrondissements.

If you’re planning a romantic trip and dream of having the Eiffel Tower nearby, the 7th and some parts of the 16th may make sense.

If you want to experience historic Paris and its cafés, I’d take a closer look at the 5th and 6th.

If you want to experience the charm of a more bohemian Paris, Montmartre, in the 18th, deserves a place on your list.

If you enjoy restaurants, bars, and nightlife, the 9th, 10th, and 11th may be interesting.

And if your main goal is value for money, I definitely wouldn’t rule out areas a little farther from the center.

Which Arrondissement Would I Choose for My First Trip?

After all this research, my tentative choice is still the 10th arrondissement.

I don’t need to wake up looking at the Eiffel Tower. I’m also not the kind of person who needs to be surrounded by trendy bars and restaurants as soon as I step outside the hotel.

What I’d like is to be able to see a lot of things, especially around the Panthéon and the Latin Quarter, without paying a fortune just for the hotel’s location.

If I find comfortable, well-rated accommodation at an appealing price with easy access to the metro, that’s already a great start for me.

But that’s my choice. And maybe yours will be completely different, right?

Summary: Which Arrondissement Matches Your Travel Style?

One Last Tip Before Booking Your Hotel

Don’t look only at the arrondissement.

That might sound contradictory after an entire article about arrondissements, but it’s important.

An arrondissement can have very different neighborhoods within it.

So, after choosing two or three arrondissements that match your travel style, I’d move on to the next step: research the hotel, check its exact address on the map, see which metro stations are nearby, read the most recent reviews, and compare prices for your dates.

Especially in Paris, a few minutes’ difference in location can make a big difference to your experience.

I’d also compare the total cost of the accommodation, not just the advertised nightly rate. Breakfast, taxes, cancellation policies, and other extras can change the actual cost of the reservation.

In my case, for example, I’d probably rather pay a little more for well-located, peaceful accommodation than save a lot and discover that I’d lost hours every day traveling back and forth to the hotel.

Don’t go just yet! Why not check out these articles that might interest you?

→ Paris in 5 Days: The Itinerary I Would Follow on My First Trip

→ How Much Does a 5-Day Trip to Paris Cost? A Realistic Budget