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Where to Stay in Paris: Best Areas and Our Experience

  • Apr 24
  • 5 min read

Paris offers accommodation for every budget, from hostels to luxury hotels. But choosing the right area can completely change your experience.


Choosing where to stay in Paris is key, especially if you’re only visiting for a few days and want to make the most of your time. Ideally, you want to find a balance between being close to the main attractions and having good access to the Paris Metro network.


What You’ll Find in This Guide

💰 Staying outside Paris - our experiencie

💡 Travel tips – how to choose where to stay


What is the best area to stay in Paris?

The best area to stay in Paris really depends on how many days you have and what kind of trip you’re planning.


If it’s your first time in the city and you’re only staying a few days, it’s best to stay in central areas so you don’t waste time on public transport. If you’re looking for something quieter or more affordable, it might make sense to stay a bit further out, as long as you’re close to a metro station.


If you want to better understand distances and neighborhoods, we also recommend checking out our guide on how to get around Paris.


Where to stay in Paris by area


🔶 Central Paris (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th arrondissements)

If you’re spending just a few days, staying in central Paris is usually the best option so you don’t lose time using public transport. Prices are higher, but you’ll save time and barely need public transport.


Best if:

  • It’s your first time in Paris

  • You want to walk as much as possible

  • You have limited time


Options:


Typical street in central Paris
Classic buildings on a street in central Paris

🔶 Staying near the Eiffel Tower (7th arrondissement)

Based on the location alone, you already know it’s not going to be the cheapest option, but imagine waking up just steps away from the Eiffel Tower. It’s a residential, elegant, and much quieter area than the city center.


Best if:

  • You want to stay in an iconic area

  • You’re looking for something romantic

  • You don’t mind paying a bit more for the location


Options:

  • €€€ Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel: One of the most famous hotels because it’s literally next to the tower. If you’re looking for rooms with balconies and direct views, this is the one.


  • €€ Passy Eiffel: Located on a quiet street near Trocadéro, it offers a refined and comfortable stay with a great value for the area..


  • € Timhotel Tour Eiffel: One of the more affordable options in this district. Ideal if your priority is being close to the Eiffel Tower without going into luxury budgets.


Neighborhood near the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Eiffel Tower area and the Seine River, one of the most popular areas to stay in Paris

🔶 Montmartre, the most bohemian neighborhood (18th arrondissement)

This is the classic artistic and bohemian neighborhood, with a great selection of restaurants, bars, and cafés. It has a lot of character, but keep in mind it’s a bit further from the main landmarks and has quite a few hills.


Best if:

  • You like a more artistic vibe

  • You want a neighborhood with personality

  • You don’t mind walking a bit more


Keep in mind some areas can feel less safe at night, especially near Pigalle.


Options:


🔶 Le Marais, a young and vibrant area (3rd and 4th arrondissements)

This neighborhood is known for its young, diverse vibe and for being lively at any time of day. It’s full of art galleries, design shops, and some of the best falafel spots in the city.


Best if:

  • You’re looking for a lively area

  • You like going out for food or drinks near your hotel

  • You want a modern and cosmopolitan vibe


Options:

Typical street in a Paris neighborhood

🔶 Opéra Garnier area, the most elegant part of Paris

This is a very sophisticated area, with impressive buildings and a more exclusive hotel offering. Staying here puts you close to Galeries Lafayette and very near the Louvre.


Best if:

  • You’re looking for a more refined and classic Parisian atmosphere

  • You enjoy elegant, well-maintained neighborhoods

  • You want higher-end hotels and better service


Options:

  • €€ Hôtel Eden Opéra: A well-located mid-range option that combines the typical aesthetic of the area with warm and practical service.


🔶 Staying outside of Paris

We stayed in Vincennes, an area about 50 minutes away from the Eiffel Tower by public transport.


The big question is whether it’s worth it and the answer is yes, you’ll find much more affordable accommodation, but the downside is that getting to the main tourist spots will take longer and can feel tiring.


  • It works well if you’re staying longer, but for short trips, it can take away a lot of time.


This  Airbnb  was our choice, but looking back, we probably would have preferred to spend a bit more and stay closer to the center.


As we mentioned before, we were a group of 20 people, which made it quite difficult to coordinate schedules, both with the group and public transport.


The positive side is that the Airbnb we rented was super spacious, big, and really nice.


Quick tips for choosing where to stay in Paris

  • Prioritize the Metro: Try to stay near a metro station. It’s the fastest and most efficient way to get around, if you have a station nearby, the whole city is within reach.


  • Location over size: If you’re staying for a few days, prioritize location over space. It’s better to have a small room in the center than a huge apartment where you lose two hours a day commuting.


  • Google Maps is your best friend: Always check distances and travel times before booking. Make sure getting to the places you want to visit is easy and doesn’t require too many transfers.


  • Group logistics and dates: If you’re traveling in a big group or during holidays, keep that in mind. Around Christmas and New Year, transport schedules can change, and coordinating a large group from outside the city can be a headache.


Still planning your trip to Paris?

If you’re organizing your trip, these guides might also help:

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