Where to Stay in Paris: 17+ Top Locations in 2023

Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and with good reason. There are so many things to see and do in the City of Lights, from visiting world-famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to exploring charming neighbourhoods like the Marais and Montmartre.

But with so many lodgings to choose from, it can be tough to know where to stay in Paris.

Well, don’t worry; whether you’re renting a place in Paris or just looking for where to stay for your vacation, we’ve got you covered.

This article will cover some of the best spots and lodges in Paris based on factors like location, price, and amenities. We’ll also provide you with detailed information about each option, so you can pick the perfect place that meets your needs.

Where to Stay in Paris

#1. Where to Stay as a Family in Paris: 8th Arrondissement

This airy and regal neighbourhood is home to many Parisian families. It’s close to public transportation, including Metro Line 1, which runs through the city centre, as well as family-friendly attractions like Parc Monceau. Even better, unlike more cramped and village-like arrondissements, the streets and boulevards here are designed to accommodate ample foot traffic, making pushing a stroller (or walking three or four abreast) relatively easy.

Here are some of the best hotels to stay in Paris for a Family (8th Arrondissement).

Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris

The Royal Monceau is a five-star hotel with a Parisian flair and an unexpected artistic flair. In addition to Michelin-starred dining and a Clarins spa (if you can get away from the family), the Royal Monceau has an art gallery, bookstore, and private cinema.

Hotel Plaza Elysées Elysées Hotel

Travelling with older children (teens and young adults) necessitates a little more sophistication. The Hotel Plaza Elysées provides just that in its 41 rooms, which are all decorated to look like elegant Parisian apartments. Get yourself a room and one for the kids so that everyone can have their own chic moment.

#2. Where to Stay in Paris for Nightlife: 10th Arrondissement

The Canal Saint-Martin, which runs through the heart of the 10eme, has become one of the city’s newest and most vibrant neighbourhoods. Locals enjoy picnicking along the canal, crowding the sidewalks of popular cafes such as Chez Prune, and visiting trendy bars such as Gravity Bar. If the options in the immediate neighbourhood aren’t enough, the Bastille and Marais, two other vibrant neighbourhoods filled with bars, cafes, and clubs, are only a few Metro stops away.

Here are some of the best hotels in the 10th Arrondissement.

Hotel Providence Paris

Do you want a drink before you go out? Some of Hotel Providence’s 18 eclectic rooms include custom-made in-room bars and other sophisticated amenities ranging from record players to claw-foot tubs.

Hotel Grand Amour

The Grand Amour, the sister hotel to the popular Hotel Amour in the 9eme, is big on style. A vibrant central terrace is buzzing with fashionistas, while each floor is uniquely decorated, united by their bold colours and impressive art on display.

Le Citizen

This eco-friendly hotel’s 12 rooms all overlook the canal, providing a unique perspective on the neighbourhood’s electric energy. The rooms are simple and cosy, and the small restaurant serving breakfast feels like it’s right on the canal.

#3. Where to Stay in Paris for the First Time: 6th Arrondissement

The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe are all must-sees for any first-time visitor, and most are only one arrondissement away from Saint-Germain, the heart of the 6ème. This is the neighbourhood where iconic cafes like Les Deux Magots and Flore can be found, as well as cobblestone alleys that lead to boutique-lined boulevards. The Jardin du Luxembourg in neighbouring Odéon is crowded with locals and tourists strolling the gardens and sailing boats in the fountain.

Here are some of the best hotels in the 6th Arrondissement.

Relais Christine

The 48 rooms in this cozy and posh hotel feature classic French touches like canopy beds, fine antiques, and Toile de Jouy wallpaper. Throughout the hotel, there are several indoor and outdoor salons for gathering.

L’Hotel

This five-star hotel holds a special place in the hearts of Parisians as the final residence of Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde. The 20 rooms are opulent, as are the restaurant, bar, and underground hammam pool and steam room.

Hotel Recamier

In the shadow of the imposing Saint-Sulpice Church, this six-story hotel is a peaceful haven. The size of the 24 rooms varies, but they are all united by a very French neutral palette and decorative touches like live orchids and glossy photographs.

#4. Where to Stay in Paris for Romance: 3rd Arrondissement

The charming streets, hidden gardens, and historic sites of the 3rd arrondissement epitomize the city’s legendary romantic aura. The street lamps cast a seductive glow at night, and the cul-de-sacs and hidden corners are ideal for exploring arm-in-arm during the day.

Here are some of the best hotels in the 3rd Arrondissement.

Pavillon de la Reine

This family-owned hotel overlooks the picturesque Place des Vosges and is as decadent as it is discreet. Some of the 56 rooms have exposed beams and antique furniture, while others have modern chandeliers and velvet couches; all are elegantly understated.

Hotel National des Arts et Métiers

This 64-room hotel adds a contemporary twist to the historic district. The lobby and rooms are dominated by clean lines and contemporary touches (think: terrazzo bathrooms, Nespresso machines, black-and-white photos), and a rooftop lounge offers a fantastic view of the Parisian rooftops.

#5. Where to Stay in Paris For Fashion: 1st Arrondissement

It’s common knowledge that the French are fashion-obsessed, and a stroll down rue Saint-Honoré in the 1st arrondissement will almost certainly make you one, too. This neighbourhood is very trendy, whether you’re window shopping at Hermés, exercising your wallet at Goyard, or simply watching the parade from a sidewalk table at Le Castiglione.

Here are some of the best hotels in the Ist Arrondissement.

Hotel Costes

The opulent baroque décor, legendary soundtracks, and international celebrities who dine at the courtyard restaurant give The Costes its style cred. The rooms range from small chambres to grand suites.

Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal

This elegant accommodation, located in an 18th-century building just steps from the gardens of the Palais Royal, is designed to feel like a home away from home. The rooms are modern and exude a sense of calm — fantasy, too, if you stay in one of the top-floor suites with a balcony and views of Sacré Coeur.

Ritz Paris

There aren’t many places in Paris that can compete with the Ritz for the most opulent setting. The refined 19th-century décor of the 142 rooms and themed suites (like the Coco Chanel) — gilded sconces, marble bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows — reminds us all that the French do timeless elegance best.

#6. The Best LGBTQ+ Neighborhood in Paris to Stay: 4th Arrondissement

The 4th arrondissement is particularly welcoming to Paris’ LGBTQ+ community, thanks to a string of rainbow-flag-adorned bars and clubs along the Rue des Archives (COX and Raidd, to name a few). This sense of pride pervades the entire arrondissement, down streets like Rue Sainte Croix de la Bretonnerie and Rue Rambuteau.

Traditional Parisian facades, as well as the Notre Dame de Paris, can be found in the Marais.

Here are some of the best hotels in the 4th Arrondissement.

The Jeu de Paume Hotel

This hotel, named after the 17th-century “jeu de paume” court (basically, where an old variation of tennis was played), combines antique design elements like stone walls and columns with contemporary elements like pops of bold colour, eclectic patterns and plants galore.

Villa Beaumarchais

Villa Beaumarchais exudes serenity. It is not only located on a quiet street away from the hustle and bustle of the Marais, but it also has a soothing interior garden where you can sit among towering palms and be lulled by fountain sounds. Expect elegant, classical decor and, in some cases, a view of the garden in the rooms.

Hôtel de JoBo

Hôtel de JoBo’s vibe is anything but understated; rather, the interior is as maximalist and flamboyant as it gets. Every surface is adorned with bold patterns and textures, from the leopard-print furnishings of the tea room to the tiled walls of in-room bathrooms and the floral-painted moulding. A day in the Marais is best framed by starting with an espresso and ending with a signature cocktail in the intimate bar.

#7. Where to Stay in Paris When You’re in Your Twenties: 5th Arrondissement

The 5th arrondissement, also known as the Latin Quarter, is dominated by university students and ex-pats who create a young, artistic, and bohemian atmosphere. The neighbourhood is lively at all hours of the day and night, and 20-something travellers looking for cheap lodging will find it in abundance here.

Here are some of the best hotels in the 5th Arrondissement.

Hôtel College de France

Get a view of the Eiffel Tower from your hotel room without spending a fortune at the Hôtel College de France, where rooms are simple in décor but have massive windows that open out onto Paris’ bustling streets. Some even have balconies.

Villa Panthéon

Villa Panthéon is one of the Latin Quarter’s most affordable four-star hotels. Regular concerts, a sleek cocktail bar, and cozy Scottish decor in the rooms and common areas are among the attractions. The hotel, a sophisticated space, continues to be a meeting place for students from nearby universities.

Hotel Monte Cristo

The ultra-cool Monte Cristo is worthy of indulgence for those in the mood to splurge — Paris can do that to you. The interior features an indoor pool, a light-filled rum bar, and 50 individually decorated rooms with impeccable modern decor. The accommodations range from simple to grand, multi-room Alexandre Suites.

Other Great Places to Stay in Paris

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the place to go for a five-star Parisian experience. From existentialism to jazz, this is where the key cultural movements of the twentieth century thrived, where Godard and Giacometti shared cafés and bookshops with Sartre and de Beauvoir. That golden age lives on in the many independent stores and boutiques, and Saint-Germain is hard to beat for authentic café culture.

By day, relax around the nearby Jardin du Luxembourg’s lakes and palm trees, and by night, the Latin Quarter around the Sorbonne is bustling with student-packed pubs, bars, and clubs. Saint-Germain is a high-end shopping destination, with designers ranging from Cartier to Sonia Rykiel based there. Restaurants can be hit or miss, so stick to storied institutions like Le Procope, Paris’s oldest restaurant, or Fish La Boissonnerie for exquisite seafood.

South Pigalle

South Pigalle, also known as ‘So-Pi’, is to London what Dalston or Peckham are to New York: extremely trendy. Just beneath the Moulin Rouge and Pigalle’s sex shops, this is the place to sample the newest going-out trends, whether they’re fusion bistros (Buvette), concept hotels (Le Pigalle), or hidden cocktail bars (Lulu White’s).

On a weekend morning, the Rue des Martyrs is a foodie’s paradise, with dozens of boulangeries, chocolates, and chic cafés ideal for brunch and people-watching. Then take a stroll through the beautiful gardens of the Musée de la Vie Romantique, one of Paris’s few free museums, before stopping by the eponymous Pigalle streetwear store.

So-Pi is well-known for its nightlife, with numerous options for letting loose after dark. Dirty Dick is a tiki-themed rum bar, whereas upmarket Le Carmen serves cocktails in an opulent, distinctly Parisian setting. Attractions here are more hip than historical; if basketball is your thing, check out Pigalle Duperré, a neon-coloured court sandwiched between two towering apartment buildings.

The Marais

Beautifully kept squares, lush parks with hidden fountains, traditional bistros and dinky fashion boutiques – the Marais is the place to go for this kind of Parisian romance. This neighbourhood is known for having a large LGBTQ+ community and a diverse mix of independent art galleries and speciality stores nestled among aristocratic mansions.

Sure, most new bars and clubs are opening in the more affordable, more spacious east of Paris, but the Marais will always be one of the best places to stay in Paris. Its fabulously grand hôtels particuliers and old-school boulangeries feel like the epitome of Paris. It is very centrally located. The Marais is located on the right bank of the Seine, across from Notre Dame, and is divided into the third and fourth arrondissements.

The Louvre, the Tuileries, and the Hôtel de Ville are to the west, while the buzzing bars of Bastille are to the east. The Centre Pompidou is also close by. The magnificent Place des Vosges and the newly renovated Musée Picasso are both located in the Marais. When you’re hungry, head to Breizh Café for delectable crêpes and galettes or the wonderfully eccentric Derrière for a modern take on French cuisine served in a luxurious flat.

Bastille

Bastille is a good option for a base in Paris because it is close to the Marais but much cheaper. To begin with, the area has some excellent dining and drinking establishments. Try to make a reservation at Septime for fine dining that won’t break the bank. Bookings are only available every three months and fill up quickly. Café des Chats in Paris is the place to go for a coffee and a cuddle.

For those looking to acquire some French chic, the Rue de Charonne is home to some fantastic boutiques, and Opéra Bastille has a strong line-up of events every season, so make sure to check what’s on well in advance. Wander along the converted train tracks of the Coulée Verte in the late afternoon for a breath of fresh air.

Montmartre

Montmartre is most people’s idea of what Paris is really like, with streets lined with retro cafés, ivy-clad apartment buildings, and the dazzling white domes of the Sacré-Coeur. So why not indulge in your fantasy? Because of its steep hills, charming multi-coloured houses, and tiny old-world shops, this northern neighbourhood has retained its enchanting village feel.

Wander around spotting locations from ‘Amélie,’ visit the final resting places of Degas and Zola in the Cimetière Montmartre, and enjoy the 17th-century Musée de Montmartre’s dreamy rose gardens.

There are plenty of restaurants competing for your euros, but avoid the tourist traps and try Il Brigante, Soul Kitchen, or Le Coq Rico. For drinks, visit the Terrass Hotel’s rooftop bar, the intimate Bar à Bulles on top of the Moulin Rouge, or the seriously chic Le Très Particulier.

Oberkampf

If you want to experience some of Paris’ best nightlife, go to the area between Bastille and République, where the Rue Oberkampf is lined with dozens of bars. You’ll find everything from fancy cocktail bars to basement dives to sleek wine bars here. This is Paris’s most vibrant nightlife district, and you’re sure to find a drinking establishment to suit your tastes.

The area is also great for a stroll at any time of day, but it’s after dark that Oberkampf comes alive, with bars like the brilliantly kitsch Ave Maria and the beautifully restored Café Charbon well worth visiting before heading to acclaimed music venue Le Bataclan for top-drawer local and international live acts. If all that drinking makes you hungry, we recommend Aux Deux Amis’ modern French tapas or Ober Mamma’s cheap pasta and pizza.

Canal Saint-Martin

In recent years, this quaint, cobbled corner of town winding from République up to Stalingrad has gone from unknown to a must-see destination. The bike-friendly Canal Saint-Martin, which has a noticeably slower pace of life than the rest of Paris, has become a foodie hotspot thanks to its numerous organic wine and cheese stores, craft coffee shops, and canal-side restaurants serving globally inspired cuisine.

If you enjoy eating out, this is the neighbourhood for you. But it’s not all about food – the nearby Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, with its waterfalls, grottoes, and Italian-style Temple de la Sybille, is a great place to walk off some of those calories. You can rent a Vélib bike and cycle all the way up to La Villette and beyond if you’re feeling particularly active. Must-see restaurants include Ten Belles, Bob’s Bake Shop, Chez Prune, Centre Commercial, and Holybelly.

Belleville

After a day of exploring Paris’s more glamorous neighbourhoods, the bustle of Chinatown, with its graffiti-splattered streets and tiny canteens, can be a bit of a shock to the system. But there’s something going on in this neighbourhood. Explore its many independent food shops and bars and soak up the village atmosphere before treating yourself to first-rate Chinese cuisine on the Rue de Belleville.

The large sharing plates at Le Grand Bain are ideal for large groups, while the grilled dumplings at Ravioli Chinois Nord-Est (a two-minute walk from the busy Belleville metro crossroads) are the best in Paris. To the south, near Ménilmontant, there’s La Bellevilloise, an all-day playground, and Le Lapin Blanc, a wine bar. The Buttes-Chaumont and Canal Saint-Martin banks are nearby, and the famous celeb graveyard Père-Lachaise is just to the south.

Champs-Élysées

The glittering area around the Champs-Elysées may not be your first port of call when planning a hotel location, as it is most closely associated with the Grand Palais, Arc de Triomphe, and – oh yeah – France’s most famous shopping street. However, this upscale neighbourhood is an excellent starting point for exploring the city on foot or by bike.

To begin with, there is plenty for art lovers to see nearby, including the Musée Galliera, Palais de Tokyo, and Petit Palais. The Marché Président Wilson is a must-see market with fresh flowers and organic produce, and those with a sweet tooth can find late-opening Pierre Hermé and Ladurée branches.

Parc Monceau, located north of the 8th arrondissement, is one of Paris’s smaller but more beautiful parks, complete with statues and neoclassical follies. Stroll along the Seine’s banks and visit one of the many pop-up bars, or take a ride on the Bateaux-Mouches to see Paris from the water. With the exception of Le Drugstore, avoid the tourist traps of the Champs-Élysées and venture down a side street for an authentic taste of Paris at its poshest.

References

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