Planning a trip to Paris and feeling overwhelmed trying to decide which of the 20 arrondissements to stay in? We’ve rounded up a few of the main neighbourhoods to stay in Paris based on low, medium, and high budgets.
Congrats! You’ve booked your ticket to Paris and are all set to go – the only problem? You have no idea where to stay in the city. Paris is a fairly large city with 20 arrondissements (districts), all of which are very different from one another. Your budget will likely play a big role in determining where to stay in Paris. Accommodations in the city can range from affordable hostels, all the way to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. Read on to find out where to stay in Paris based on your budget and preferences!
Where to Stay in Paris for the Upper-Range Budget
1st & 2nd arrondissements
These two arrondissements are about as central as you can get in Paris, and are located close to the River Seine. They’re within walking distance to most attractions including the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Musee d’Orsay, Champs Elysees, and more. Given the central location, these are also some of the most expensive arrondissements to stay in Paris. Not only are the hotels more expensive, but the restaurants and other costs of living are also racked up to account for the high number of tourists in the area. With that being said, these two arrondissements are great to stay in if you are looking for a more luxurious and convenient Paris experience, or are visiting Paris for the first time.
Please note that due to extensive damage sustained in a 2019 tragic fire, the Cathedral of Notre Dame is currently closed to the public. The French government hopes it will reopen in 2024.
These two arrondissements are home to some of the nicest hotels in Paris – check out the Meurice or the Ritz for a true luxury experience, or check out Hotel Le 123 Sebastopol or Le Relais Saint-Honore for a slightly more affordable stay while still being in a central location!
7th & 16th arrondissements
The 7th and 16th arrondissements both border the Eiffel Tower, which automatically raises the price of hotels and other attractions. They are also close to other landmarks, including the Grand Palais, Arc de Triomphe, and numerous museums (see Paris’s museums easily with the Paris Museum Pass). The 7th arrondissement has historically been known as the French nobility neighbourhood. Today, it is still one of the most sophisticated, quintessential Parisian neighbourhoods. The 16th arrondissement is also one of the city’s wealthiest districts and is home to much of Paris’s Art Nouveau buildings.
Given these arrondissements will inevitably be expensive, may as well go big or go home! Check out the Shangri-La Hotel in the 16th arrondissement, or Le Cinq Codet in the 7th arrondissement for a more reasonably priced (but still for upper range budgets) option.
For more upper-range options, look into any arrondissement around main tourist attractions or close to the centre of Paris. You’ll find many more luxurious hotels, restaurants, and shops in these areas!
Where to Stay for the Middle-Range Budget
3rd & 4th arrondissements
The 3rd and 4th arrondissements are the home of Le Marais. This is a historic Parisian district with countless art galleries, shopping, and restaurants. Unlike the Champs Elysees, the shops in Le Marais consist more of trendy little boutiques that range from low to high prices. It is the most LGBTQ-friendly neighbourhood of Paris, and houses a plethora of gay bars for an exciting night out. Le Marais was also previously the Jewish Quarter, and is still the site for many Jewish events, synagogues, and cuisine. These two arrondissements are still very central, and can be walking distance to many of the main attractions. This area is more affordable than the 1st and 2nd arrondissements, but is still more suitable for an upper-mid-range budget.
This is supposed to be an upper-mid-range area, but the luxurious Le Pavillon de la Reine & Spa in the 3rd arrondissement had to make a cameo in this article for it’s unique deco building! Check out Castex Hotel and Hotel Le Temple de Jeanne for more mid-range picks.
For other upper-mid-ranged options, check out the 5th and 6th arrondissements, which make up the Latin Quarter. For mid-ranged options, check out the 11th arrondissement, a hipster area frequented by many students.
Where to Stay for the Low-Range Budget
17th & 18th arrondissement
The 17th arrondissement is the hip, trendy, and affordable part of Paris! This arrondissement is much less touristy than the ones mentioned so far, and is instead a residential area full of Haussmann apartment buildings. The 18th arrondissement contains the area of Montmartre, also famously known for housing the Sacre Coeur Basilica.
This area, as presented in the Moulin Rouge movies, was historically known as an artists haven (and still is to this day)! Montmartre is a great place to stay if you’re looking to experience the other side of Paris – a bit more grunge and artistic, and less quaint than other parts of Paris.
It’s easier to find a mix between budget and quality in this area. Check out Hotel Eden Montmartre or Hotel Chat Noir (formerly a cabaret, and right down the street from the Moulin Rouge) for affordable, interesting places to spend the night.
For other low-range options, check out any arrondissement further from the centre of Paris. A general rule of thumb is the farther from tourist attractions, the cheaper the prices!
Here are our main picks for where to stay in Paris based on a low, medium, and high-end budget! While we weren’t able to mention all 20 arrondissements, there are definitely quality places to stay outside of the specific arrondissements that were listed. Plus, check out the awesome flight deals going for Paris right now. Paris may have a stereotype for being upscale and posh, but it really is a city with something for everyone!
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