Listen, I know you didn’t come here for me to tell you Paris is magical; you already know that. You came here because you’re planning your trip, you’re overwhelmed by the 20 arrondissements, and you need someone to cut through the noise and tell you where to stay in Paris based on your actual vibe. Not your distance cousin’s twice removed vibe. And not a random couple celebrating their 40th anniversary’s vibe. YOUR vibe.
Paris isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is your accommodation strategy. The neighborhood you choose will literally make or break your trip. So… I’m here to make sure you don’t end up in some random part of Paris that doesn’t match your energy. Whether you’re a city girl who needs to be in the mix, an artsy babe who wants to romanticize your life in a cobblestone dream, or a first-timer who wants the full touristy experience (no shame), I got you.
Let’s break down the best areas to stay in Paris based on exactly who you are and what you came here to do.
Is it Safe to Travel to Paris? (Everything you Need to Know) – The Nerd Bae
For the City Girl Who Needs to Be in the THICK of It: Le Marais & Sentier
Okay sis, if you’re like me and you need to walk out your door and immediately feel like you’re in the pulse of the city, Le Marais is your soulmate neighborhood. Think SoHo meets the West Village but make it Parisian and add 500 years of history. This is where the locals actually hang, the vintage shops are insane, and you can stumble from a Jewish deli to a natural wine bar to a concept store in like, three minutes.
Why you’ll love staying in Le Marais:
- You’re literally central to everything; the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Bastille are all walkable
- The food scene is unmatched: falafel on Rue des Rosiers, coffee at Ob-La-Di, natural wine literally everywhere
- Cocktail lounges, and late-night adventures if you’re trying to see Paris after dark
- The aesthetic is chef’s kiss: old Parisian buildings, iron balconies, very “main character in a French film”
Where to actually stay: Look for apartments or boutique hotels near Place des Vosges or Rue de Bretagne. Honestly, anything in the 3rd or 4th arrondissement will have you living your best life. Budget options include Airbnb studios, mid-range try Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais, and if you’re splurging, Pavillon de la Reine is that girl.
The adjacent neighborhood of Sentier (2nd arrondissement) also hits if you want the same energy but slightly more under-the-radar and closer to Palais Garnier (the opera house that will make you weep).
Pro tip: Le Marais gets BUSY on weekends. If you’re an introvert, maybe don’t stay right on Rue des Francs-Bourgeois. Pick a side street and thank me later. Also, if you’re pressed about walking up and down stairs, definitely do a hotel because many of the apartment buildings don’t have elevators. So if you opt for Airbnb, pay attention to what floor you’re on.
Paris in Pieces Travel Itineraries
For the Hopeless Romantic Who Came for the Eiffel Tower Views: 7th Arrondissement & Trocadéro
Look, I get it. You didn’t fly across the ocean to stay in some “local” neighborhood that could pass for Brooklyn. You want THE Paris. The one with the Eiffel Tower in your face, the one where you can sip wine on your balcony while staring at the Iron Lady all lit up at night. No judgment here; that’s a whole vibe, and honestly? It’s magical.
Why you’ll love the 7th arrondissement:
- You’re steps from the Eiffel Tower (like, you can see it from basically everywhere)
- The neighborhood is gorgeous: wide boulevards, Haussmann buildings, very “old money Paris”
- Close to Musée d’Orsay, Rodin Museum, and Les Invalides
- Safe, clean, and quintessentially Parisian
- Incredible cafés and bistros that feel like a movie set
Where to actually stay: Aparthotels are your best friend here. Adagio Aparthotel Eiffel Tower is clutch for the price-to-location ratio. If you want to splurge, Hotel La Comtesse has Eiffel Tower views that will make you cry. For a more budget-friendly option, look for Airbnbs near École Militaire metro; you’re still close but saving coins.
Trocadéro (16th arrondissement, across the river) also hits if you want THE view of the Eiffel Tower from your side of the Seine. It’s more residential and quieter, but you’re still in the thick of tourist central.
For the Artsy, Whimsical Babe: 18th Arrondissement
Best for: Romantics, solo travelers, people who love art museums, anyone who wants to feel like they’re in a romantic movie from the 50s.
If your Pinterest board is full of cobblestone streets, ivy-covered buildings, and cafés where artists used to hang out, Montmartre is your calling. This is the Paris of Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec, and every indie film you’ve ever sobbed through. It’s hilly (RIP your calves), it’s charming, and it’s got that whimsical, small-town-within-a-big-city energy.
Why you’ll love staying near Montmartre:
- Sacré-Cœur is right there, and the views of Paris from the top are UNREAL
- The streets are straight out of a storybook: Place du Tertre, Rue de l’Abreuvoir, all of it
- Way fewer tourists than central Paris (except right at Sacré-Cœur)
- Adorable local bakeries, wine bars, and bistros where you’ll be the only English speaker
- It’s Paris but slower, quieter, and more intimate
Where to actually stay: Look for spots in the “lower” Montmartre area near Abbesses metro; it’s less touristy than the hilltop but still has the charm. Avoid anything near Pigalle/Anvers unless you’re comfortable with the red-light district energy (it’s safe, just… spicy). Budget travelers, check hostels like The Loft or Airbnb studios. Mid-range, try Hotel des Arts Montmartre. Splurging? Terrass” Hotel has a rooftop with views that will ruin you.
Word on the street: This used to be the hood. It’s not anymore but I’ve heard from the locals that this neighborhood was known for being a bit rough around the edges back in the day, especially the lower areas near Pigalle. Now it’s been gentrified (like everything cute in every major city), but it still has that artsy, bohemian soul that made it special in the first place. Just with better cafés
For the Luxury Babe Who Wants Peak Elegance: 8th Arrondissement & Around the Champs-Élysées
Best for: Luxury travelers, high-end fashion shoppers, people celebrating something big, anyone who wants to feel fancy
If your Paris fantasy involves designer shopping, Michelin-star dinners, and staying somewhere that makes you feel expensive, the 8th arrondissement is your move. This is where the Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, and all the luxury hotels are. It’s grand, it’s opulent, it’s expensive, and it’s stunning.
Why you’ll love staying here:
- You’re near Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, and all the designer flagship stores
- Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées are walkable
- Michelin-star restaurants and rooftop bars everywhere
- The buildings are gorgeous: classic Haussmann style, tree-lined streets, very elegant
- You feel like you’re in the heart of grand, historic Paris
Where to actually stay: Splurge on hotels like Le Bristol, Hôtel de Crillon, or Peninsula Paris if you’re going ALL out. Mid-range, try near Madeleine or Saint-Lazare (still fancy but more affordable). Honestly, even a basic hotel here will feel elevated because the neighborhood is so beautiful.
Okay, So Where Should YOU Stay in Paris?
Here’s my final take: if this is your first time, stay somewhere central like Le Marais or near the Eiffel Tower so you’re not stressing about logistics. If you’ve been before and want to explore, try Montmartre or the Left Bank for a different vibe. If you’re on a budget, the 10th, 11th, or 20th will stretch your coins without sacrificing the experience.
And listen, if you want my FULL Paris itinerary with day-by-day plans, restaurant recs for each neighborhood, hidden gems, and all the stuff I didn’t include here because this post would be 10,000 words, grab my Paris in Pieces guide. I break down everything you need to know to have the most magical, stress-free trip without spending hours Googling and getting overwhelmed. 3 different trips, preloaded maps for each trip and budget calculator for each trip included!
Paris is waiting for you, babe. And now you know exactly where to lay your head while you fall in love with the city. Book that flight, pack your cutest outfits, and go live your French girl fantasy.
À bientôt! ✨
