Where to Stay in Paris for the First Time (Best Areas + Best Hotels)

Where to Stay in Paris for YOU

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The Best Places to Stay in Paris for First Timers – Pros & Cons

Discover the Paris best areas to stay right below, with descriptions, pros & cons, and hotel recommendations for each of them. 

An arrondissement is an administrative district in Paris. The city is divided into 20 different arrondissements, numbered from 1 to 20, each having its own mayor, a postal code etc. 

THE BEST Area to Stay in Paris for First Timers: 1st arrondissement

If this is your first trip to Paris and you want to see the creme de la creme of the French capital, you will want to stay in the 1st “arrondissement”.

In case you’re not aware, this is what they call neighborhoods in a few French cities, and the 1st one is right in the middle of Paris: this means that you will have direct access to all of the main attractions, such as the Louvre Museum, and can also reach all of the rest of the capital as much as you, please!

Whatever you like, you will find in the 1st arrondissement, as there are plenty of different atmospheres, depending on where you stay. Besides, it is one of the best places for shopping and for easy access to transportation options.

Where to Stay in the 1st arrondissement

Staying in the 1st arrondissement will definitely be a memorable experience. But if you want to take it to the next level and make sure your stay is unforgettable, you will need suitable accommodation; so, pick one of these three options:

✅ Best Hotel: Hotel Louvre Montana

Boasting an excellent location, this is definitely the best accommodation you can wish for in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. Not only does it have all you need, but it is particularly stylishly decorated and has a smiling and caring staff that will make sure all your demands are answered.

✨ Luxury Choice: Château Voltaire

In this fancy hotel, you will rest on comfortable beds, enjoy a luxurious interior and decoration, and have access to private spa services. So, what more do you need?

💰 Budget Pick: Studio opéra paris

Although the 1st arrondissement can be quite expensive, it is still possible to stay there in an affordable hotel. This accommodation is perfect for travelers on a budget who are looking for a sumptuous experience in the heart of Paris. It is nicely located and calm, and it is part of an old, magnificent building.

Where to Stay in Paris with Family: 7th arrondissement

Next up is families, one of the most complex kinds of groups when it comes to traveling: not only do you need to find something that suits all of your loved ones, but you also have to take into account your budget which can quickly rise.

Taking this into account, I believe the best neighborhood to stay in Paris is the 7th arrondissement… where the Eiffel Tower is!

What you will love most about it, except for the part that it hosts France’s most famous landmark, is its overall calm atmosphere: especially for a stay with younger ones, that is exactly what you need.

Although this arrondissement offers a bit fewer activities than others, it still boasts several cute green spaces, as well as excellent restaurants and cute shops. All aboard for a family trip!

Where to Stay in the 7th arrondissement

So, you’ve decided you want to stay with your family in the 7th arrondissement. That’s great! But now comes the hard part: finding a suitable hotel. Don’t worry though, you can go with any of these three options, and won’t be disappointed:

✅ Best Hotel: Hotel Muguet

This hotel is easily the best compromise you can find in this arrondissement: for a pretty low price, you will have access to an amazing hotel, with comfortable rooms furnished with modern amenities.

✨ Luxury Choice: 1,75 Paris La Sève

What would a stay in Paris look like if it didn’t feature the worldwide famous style of French fanciness? Agree? Then check out the 1,75 Paris La Sève, a luxurious and classy hotel.

There, you will enjoy a particularly cozy and magical atmosphere, as well as exceptionally comfortable beds and refined decoration.

💰 Budget Pick: Hotel de L’Empereur by Malone

In this accommodation, the decoration is, as its name suggests, Empire-styled. Plus, you will have views of the Hôtel des Invalides!

Where to Stay in Paris for Couples: 18th arrondissement

Although the city has a reputation for romance, not all neighborhoods are equal. In this matter, the 18th arrondissement stands out thanks to an authentic vibe where you’ll feel the soul of Paris. 

There, you will live in the Paris of old, with its cute cafés and paved streets, and will discover interesting museums.

Also, because you will be further away from the center of the capital, this means that the area is relatively quiet and that you can enjoy all of the time in the world with your special someone.

Don’t worry, just because you will be further away doesn’t mean you’ll have to sacrifice anything. In fact, the best views of Paris as a whole come from the 18th arrondissement!

Where to Stay in the 18th arrondissement

As romantic as the 18th arrondissement and Paris can be, your stay can be completely ruined if you pick a terrible hotel. Are you afraid of that? Then choose one of these three options, you won’t be disappointed:

✅ Best Hotel: Hôtel des Arts Montmartre

Your stay with your love won’t be more memorable than in the Hôtel des Arts Montmartre, where you will enjoy a well-rounded experience. Ideally located, in a stunning building, it serves varied and excellent breakfasts, and has a kind and caring staff. All in all, the quaint getaway you were desperately looking for!

✨ Luxury Choice: Hôtel Particulier Montmartre

This beautiful accommodation offers spacious and breathtaking rooms. While its scenery is nothing but exceptional, its location is even better, in the cutest area of the arrondissement.

💰 Budget Pick: Jardins de Montmartre

Despite being on the more budget-friendly side, this hotel is perfectly suitable for a couple trip, and it has all you need for a comfortable holiday. So, don’t think too much and book it while you can!

Where to Stay in Paris for Nightlife: 9th arrondissement

For those of you who are looking for a fun night out in Paris, you are in for a treat: the 9th arrondissement has all you need for you, party-goers.

Not only are there tons of fancier places offering wine tasting or exquisite cocktails, but you will also find tons of restaurants open throughout the night, as well as laid-back bars and buzzing nightclubs.

There, you will find the famous Place Pigalle located near the Moulin Rouge and its historic cabarets, which are the reason Paris used to be so popular in the past.

It’s also a nice area for shopping, as this is where you’ll find the famous Galleries Lafayette on Haussmann Boulevard, which is particularly magical at night in the winter. 

What’s interesting about the 9th arrondissement is that it used to be a pretty seedy area of Paris… but it is now lit up with its famous red lights, and is bustling with activity.

Where to Stay in the 9th arrondissement

If you want to enjoy an unforgettable night out, you will also need to rest in equally high-standard fashion and have to find a suitable hotel. Here, pick one of these, I can guarantee you won’t regret it:

✅ Best Hotel: Hotel Saint-Louis Pigalle

In this very nicely located accommodation, you will enjoy your own, lovely balcony with cute views of the French capital, as well as a modern interior with cutting-edge equipment.

✨ Luxury Choice: Hotel Astra Opera – Astotel

Situated in an old, beautiful building, this hotel offers an immaculate indoor swimming pool and is both bright and clean.

💰 Budget Pick: Libertel Montmartre Opéra

For such low pricing, this hotel offers amazing perks: not only will you be greatly located to visit all the main points of interest of the area, but your rooms will also be comfortable and well-equipped.

Where to Stay in Paris On a Budget: 19th arrondissement

There are plenty of ways to travel to the French capital on a budget, and aside from the usual recommendations of traveling off-season or cooking your own food, I can give you one more piece of advice: head to the 19th arrondissement for peace of mind.

Sure, Paris is overall very expensive, but if anything comes close to being cheap, it is for sure the 19th arrondissement, located in the northeasternmost part of the capital.

There, you can enjoy one of the many cool green spaces, such as the Canal Saint Martin, Buttes Chaumont, or the Parc de la Villette.

Also, there are loads of activities for the younger ones and many interesting cultural facilities.

Where to Stay in the 19th arrondissement

Although I’m aware you are looking for an affordable neighborhood in Paris, I have still listed three options based on budget, depending on if you would still like to invest a bit more into your hotel:

✅ Best Hotel: Hotel Restaurant Au Boeuf Couronné

What more could you need than a hotel with its own restaurant, in such a lovely place as Paris? That’s exactly what awaits you here. On top of that, it boasts a fantastic location in a quaint and relaxing area and serves tasty breakfasts.

✨ Luxury Choice: La Belle Ville

Here, you will live in a particularly finely decorated interior, with modern amenities and comfortable beds. Besides, the building is recovered with plants, in an avant-garde vertical agriculture style, and the staff of the accommodation is top-notch. All in all, an easy pick!

💰 Budget Pick: B&B HOTEL Paris Porte des Lilas

The most affordable yet convenient hotel in the cheapest area of Paris is here! Despite its record low prices, this accommodation offers all the comfort you’ll need and has soundproof rooms and a chill lobby to hang out.

Where to Stay in Paris for a Local Vibe: 20th arrondissement

Père Lachaise Cemetery in the 20th arrondissement

Staying away from the hoards of tourists and enjoying the best of French culture in Paris is pretty challenging, especially during the summer, but definitely doable: just head to the 20th arrondissement (and, more specifically, in Belleville)!

You won’t be disappointed and will get to live like a true Parisian for the duration of your stay.

Surrounded by a vibrant urban art scene, you will adore this neighborhood. Its true spirit resides in its small, independent bars and shops, where you will find anything you need.

Plus, because it is located further away from the most active areas of the center of the capital, it is pretty relaxing and quaint.

Add on top of that the bustling culture of the arrondissement, and you’ve got yourself a wonderful blend for a superb holiday!

Where to Stay in the 20th arrondissement

Although I’m sure you’re dreaming of truly living like a local and having your own apartment, I bet you still need to find a hotel for your temporary stay. Here you go, pick one of these:

✅ Best Hotel: Babel Belleville

Want the best compromise when it comes to the 20th arrondissement and its accommodations? Look no further! In this hotel, you will be assisted by a smiling and caring staff and will be served fresh breakfasts each morning. How awesome is this?

✨ Luxury Choice: Appartement d’exception Paris 20ème, terrasse de 45m2, vue sur la Tour Eiffel

How much more authentic can it get than living in your own, entire apartment? That’s what awaits you in this accommodation, as well as breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, and a particularly wide terrace. Oh, and in case you’re not convinced, the penthouse is extremely modern and fully equipped!

💰 Budget Pick: ibis budget Paris Porte de Vincennes

For a cheaper holiday in the 20th arrondissement, nothing comes close to this one. You will be ideally located for a tour of the neighborhood, the interior is clean and bright, and you can even enjoy a warm drink in the main hall.

Where to Stay in Paris for Shopping: 8th arrondissement

On top of being famous across the whole globe for its culture, fashion, monuments, and romanticism, Paris is also one of the best cities for shopping!

And if you want to experience the best of that, head to the fancy 8th arrondissement, where you can buy all you want (but simply staring at the gorgeous windows and displays is also an activity on its own).

There, you will find the arguably best avenue in the world for shopping purposes: the Champs-Elysées! Stretching from the Place de la Concorde and its Egyptian obelisk to the Place Charles de Gaulle and its Arc de Triomphe, it is surrounded by majestic monuments.

That’s not all there is to it though, as you can also visit cultural institutions or political powerhouses, such as the Palais de l’Elysée, the headquarters of the French president!

Where to Stay in the 8th arrondissement

Want to have a look at the best shops and boutiques of the French capital and need a hotel in the 8th arrondissement? Pick one of these solid options:

✅ Best Hotel: Hôtel La Canopée

This is the go-to in terms of compromise when it comes to the 8th arrondissement: for a fair price, you will enjoy a magnificent hotel, in a stunning location. Offering cozy and stylishly decorated rooms, this accommodation is the epitome of the Parisian style.

✨ Luxury Choice: La Réserve Paris Hotel & Spa

For those of you who are looking for the most comfortable, all-inclusive, and memorable of experiences in the 8th arrondissement, this place is the best. Not only will you of course have access to spa services, but the equipment of the rooms is of the highest standard, and there is an on-site fitness center, among others.

💰 Budget Pick: Appartement moderne Quartier Saint Lazare

Located near plenty of tasty restaurants and tourist attractions, it offers a balanced experience between budget and quality. Incredible!

Place Vendôme in the 1st arrondissement

What is the best arrondissement to stay in Paris for first-time visitors?

The 1st arrondissement is the best to stay for a first time in Paris. As one of the most central areas, you’ll be able to experience the best of the city without worrying about finding the right transportation or being located far away from the main sights.

Plus, this is where you’ll find some of the most iconic monuments of Paris such as the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Gardens, with easy access to the rest of the city.

What is the prettiest part of Paris?

While the answer to this question is highly subjective, I’d say Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the prettiest part of Paris. 

Located within the 6th arrondissement, this cute neighborhood is a condensed version of the best of the French capital, ranging from ancient, medieval churches to vibrant, colorful flowers and architecture.

Also, it used to be the home of some famous national figures such as Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Jacques Prévert, and Jean-Luc Godard, so it’s also historically important. 

Final Thoughts On Where to Stay in Paris for First Timers

And there you have them, these were my 7 favorite areas to stay in Paris for the first time, depending on your situation and interests.

For those of you who are still hesitating, remember that, as we saw above, the best of them all is the 1st arrondissement. If this is your first time in Paris, you will love its transportation options, perfect location, and different atmospheres all the more!

🔍 Read more: 

• TOP 10 Safest Areas in Paris 
• The Dangerous Areas of Paris to Avoid 
• Best Views of the Eiffel Tower
• 20+ Best Beaches Near Paris

Get even more Paris guides here.

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