With so many lodging options in Paris, it can be difficult to decide which area to stay in. This is my take on the different arrondissements in Paris and where to stay when visiting based on what you are looking to do. And check out my free guide to Paris for all of my recommendations!
3rd Arrondissement: This is my favorite area to stay when I visit now, and I always recommend people to stay here. Le Marais is a popular neighborhood for tourists and locals alike and is known for great shopping (especially vintage shopping!). It has small & intimate restaurants, cool cocktail bars, cute cafes, and is super safe and walkable. The reason I love this area so much is because of the small winding streets it has - it's very charming and there is so much to do in this area. You can also make it down to the Seine in a 5–10-minute walk, depending on where you are staying. Hotel recommendations: Le Petit Beaumarchais Hotel & Spa, 9Confidentiel, Charles V, Hôtel de JoBo.
10th Arrondissement: This area is just North of the 3rd arrondissement and is a little bit less touristy, but still has lots of cute restaurants and places to hang out. The 10th borders the St. Martin Canal which is one of my favorite spots in Paris. The 10th is great is you want to be in an area that is less touristy. My favorite affordable hotel in Paris (actually in the 11th): Hotel Fabric.
8th Arrondissement: The 8th is where I lived in Paris and there are lots of nice hotels in the area. If you're main goal in Paris is to designer shop, this is where you want to stay, as this is where the Champs Elysees is located. I typically don't recommend people to stay here as it is extremely touristy and don't have the charming small streets of Paris (which I love), but there are a lot of nice and fancy restaurants in this area, so it just depends on what you want to do during your trip. The architecture in this area is beautiful, and you're close to the Eiffel Tower, which is just across the Seine in the 7th arrondissement. Hotel recommendations: Hotel Marignan Champs - Elysées (in the 8th but on a quieter street), Grand Powers, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Le Bristol Paris (absolutely gorgeous, my favorite hotel in Paris).
1st Arrondissement: Similar to the 8th, this area tends to be fairly touristy but is more central. There are also some very nice hotels in this area and good restaurants, and it is right on the Seine across from Museum Orsay. In this arrondissement you have the Louvre, Tuileries gardens, and Place Vendôme (designer shopping). It's right in the center of Paris which makes it easy to get around and this is my favorite area for a picnic on the Seine. Hotel recommendations: Hôtel Malte - Astotel, Le Burgundy, Hotel Brighton, Relais Du Louvre, Hôtel Paris Louvre Opéra (best affordable option).
6th Arrondissement: The 6th is on the Left Bank, which is South of Seine. This area has the famous Luxembourg and lots of nice cafes. It is also known for the many art galleries scattered throughout. The 6th is one of the richest neighborhoods in Paris and architecture here is gorgeous and has that "old world glamour". Things tend to be a bit more expensive here though (one time I bought a package of ham for a picnic in Luxembourg and it was 40 EUR…). Hotel recommendations: Hotel Europe Saint Severin Paris (best affordable option in a great location), Hôtel Madison.
9th Arrondissement: The 9th is in the center of the Right Bank and has lots of fun bars and restaurants. There are a number of theaters in this area, including the Opera. It's a beautiful neighborhood and staying here is great for getting around the Right Bank because it is so central. You can easily go North to Montmartre (a must see in Paris), East to Le Marais, West to the Champs Elysees, or South to the Louvre. Hotel recommendations: Le Pigalle (for Marriott Bonvoy members), Hoy Paris - Home of YOGA (for health & wellness - super interesting concept), 1er Etage SoPi, Terrass'' Hotel (actually in Montmartre but the cutest hotel with an awesome rooftop bar & restaurant, where they also host workout classes).
One of the best ways to get around is by bike! There are designated bike lanes almost everywhere which makes it easy and safe, and a great way to see the city. I took the BEST bike tour during my second trip to Paris. In my opinion this is the best way to get oriented in a new city, meet fellow travelers, and explore! Check out my favorite bike tour. The metro is also super easy to use and very cheap (see my reel on how to use the app Citymapper).
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