Th Arrondissement Local Living
This is a residential area which is forgotten by the tourist. But if you would love to get the feel of local life, spend a day here. As young people have been priced out of more centrally located neighborhoods, the quiet 17th is attracting a new generation to the area, resulting in restaurant and bar openings, a new nightlife scene, and pleasant areas for walks and picnics.
Opra And South Pigalle: Affordable Hipster Haven
We love this area, and are using it as a home base for our upcoming trip to Paris. The reason? Its packed full of great hotels at surprisingly affordable rates! Plus, its central walkable to the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and Montmartre, and well connected via the metro to places that are a little further out.
Paris Opéra district extends from the Opéra Garnier in the south to the foot of Montmartre in the north, providing a fantastic location thats well-connected to the rest of the city, especially ideal for those who plan to catch a show at the Opéra.
Its centrally located between the Louvre, Champs-Elysees and Montmartre, the former red-light district that was once filled with brothels and shady characters as a place to avoid. Today, its home to lots of hip coffee shops and cocktail bars, including the acclaimed Dirty Dick cocktail bar and KB Coffee Roasters, widely regarded as the best place for coffee in Paris.
While you might not usually seek out a night at the Opéra, Opéra Garnier is different than most. Its a great alternative to suffering through the long lines and crowds at Versailles. Just as lavish, and maybe even more so, its an opulent palace where you can relive the Phantom of the Opéra.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Opéra
Pros:
Cons:
Best Places to Stay in Opéra and SoPi
Here are some places to stay in this central and up-and-coming part of the city.
Hotel Joke: Incredible Combo of value + style
HOTEL JOYCE : Incredible Value
Montmartre: The Most Romantic Neighborhood In Paris
Montemarte is fairytale Paris. Located in the 18th arrondissement, for couples seeking romance and wondering where to stay for their trip to Paris, its hard to beat, complete with cobblestone streets and some of the very best views of the entire city, particularly at sunset.
While its a bit further out than the other best areas to stay in Paris on our list, its well-connected via the Metro, close to Sacré Coeur which is one of the must-visit sights. High up on a hill, the neo-Byzantine basilica competes with Notre-Dame as the most magnificent church in the city, although savvy visitors will take their time to reach it, lingering in the narrow streets that serve as the artistic heart of Paris.
It came to life when creatives arrived in the late 19th-century, crowding into the cafes having been inspired by everyone from Picasso and Renoir to Degas.
Today, Montmartre still overflows with artists, including painters who will paint your portrait in Place du Tertre, while Musée de Montmartre features more than a century of the citys creative works. After exploring them, you can relax in the Renoir gardens where youll enjoy views of a real vineyard, the only one the remains in Paris, created by the city in 1933.
Further down the hill is Pigalles former red-light district, which can easily be reached to catch a cabaret show in the birthplace of Moulin Rouge.
Pros and Cons of Staying in Montmartre
Pros:
Cons:
Best Places to Stay in Montmartre
Image courtesy of Hotel des Arts
Also Check: Where To Stay In Istanbul
Is Opra One Of The Best Hotel Locations In Paris
Definitely. Opéra is one of those places in Paris, that really looks like Paris. It is not the Paris of Amélie but the Paris of the Grand Boulevards, the imposing Haussmann buildings with their stunning facades, fancy department stores, museums, and lots of shopping opportunities.
If you are traveling on a tighter budget, the 9th has surprisingly many hotels that could be classified as lower-middle class. Even some really good budget hotels are in the area. For example, the Ibis Hotel near Opéra is one of the most popular of the chain in Paris You can see a more detailed description of the best Ibis budget hotels in Paris here
Avoid The Porte De Areas
This is another broad generalization that is not always true, but it’s best to avoid staying the areas called “porte de…”. All of them are fine during the day, but many of them are not as nice at night. If you’re going to be doing the typical Paris visits most people choose, you will be better off coming in closer to the center of the city anyway.
Recommended Reading: Places To Stay In Or Near Yellowstone National Park
Nd And 3rd Arrondissement Of Paris
- Best Area To Stay In Paris For Tourists These two districts, like the first, are the most touristic and crowded areas of the city. In the 3rd Arrondissement you will find great museums such as the Picasso Museum, the Musée dArt et dHistoire du Judaïsme, the Musée national des Arts et Métiers, the Musée de la Serrure, the Musée Cognacq-Jay and the Musée Carnavalet.
- The famous Le Marrais neighborhood is also located there, where housing has very high prices. The «Le Marais» neighborhood is one of the most beautiful in Paris.
Public Transportation In Paris
Parisian public transportation works quite well and its one of the safest in the world. Trains usually arrive on time, buses are clean, and I havent experienced metro being too hot like it often happens in London.
The metro runs Mon.-Thurs. and Sun. from 5:30 a.m. to 1:15 a.m., and Fri.-Sat. from 5:30 a.m. to 2:15 a.m. That means that if youre out in a club, youll have to take a cab home or wait until dawn to take the first train back.
You can purchase your single tickets at the station , but the machine will only take debit cards and coins. When boarding Paris buses, youll need exact change. Tickets are sold exclusively via self-service machines and not at Information desks. The staff is there only to answer questions and provide information on schedules.
Warning: Never purchase tickets from vendors on the street or hovering around the entrance to stations. You will see that a lot. These tickets might be counterfeited and could cost you a fine.
Few Extra Tips:
- Get yourself a metro map. These are available free of charge from any metro information booth.
- If youre in the city for a few days get a Paris Visite Pass. This pass gives you unlimited travel in Paris . While its slightly more expensive than Navigo, that locals use, you can just buy it. For Navigo youll need to provide a photo of yourself and formally apply for the card, so its not worth a hassle unless youre staying for a few months or returning often.
Also Check: Best Area To Stay In Venice For Tourists
Where To Stay In Paris As A First
Youve seen pictures of Paris before theres a good chance youll stumble into the most classic of them here in the 6eme. The heart of Saint-Germaine, this is where iconic cafes like Les Deux Magots and Flore stand, where cobblestone alleys spill into boutique-lined boulevards, and the Jardin du Luxembourg crowds with locals and tourists, strolling the gardens and sailing boats in the fountain.
Th Arrondissement Glitz Glamour And Elegance
The Right Banks 8th Arrondissement is where youll find the glitz, glamour, and elegance of Paris. The neighborhood is expensive with many restaurants, shops, and tourists. The Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triumph, famous fashion houses, elegant hotels, and restaurants are all located here. If you want the convenience of staying in the heart of Paris, you will have to pay the price. As in any overcrowded touristy area, the food and service in restaurants could be better, and the rates could be lower. Wander off of the Champs-Elysées to small alleys and streets to get more authentic food and atmosphere. One exception to this would be the famous Ladurée. Ladurée is a restaurant and a tea room that serves fantastic pastries, macaroons, and chocolates. They have branches all over Paris, and I hope you get to taste their delicious pastries.
Arc de Triumph
Arc de Triumph
Arc de Triomphe an iconic landmark of Paris standing at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. The Arc de Triomphe honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, with the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Beneath its vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, and the view from the top of the arch is worth climbing the 284 stairs.
Ladurée delicious macaroons
Don’t Miss: Places To Stay In Findlay Ohio
Best Place To Stay In Paris For Nightlife
The nightlife in Paris happens around Pigalle and Bastille . If sightseeing is not your priority and youre visiting the city to party, then stay around Pigalle or Bastille.
Pigalle is more central than Bastille and closer to the tourist sights. Thus, if you plan some sightseeing after all, probably Pigalle would be the better choice for you.
Th Arrondissement Eiffel Tower
If you are a first-timer to Paris you are going to want to base yourself in the 7th arrondissement. Located on the left bank of the River Seine, this has been home to the aristocrats and upper class of Paris for three centuries so of course, it is one of the best places to stay if you want to be in the heart of the action.
You are close to everything. All of the major attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides home to Napoleons Tomb, Musée dOrsay, Musée Rodin, and the Musée du Quai Branly are located here.
If this is your first time in Paris then you will notice that most of the best places to stay in this neighborhood are actually not that close to the Eiffel Tower, but most offer a great view of the Eiffel Tower.
This is definitely one of the most popular neighborhoods to stay in Paris so I would recommend booking early. It is in this neighborhood that youll find some of the best hotels in Paris as well.
You May Like: Where To Stay In Portland Oregon Without A Car
Best Hotels In Paris In The 6th Arrondissement
Here are our recommendations for the best places to stay in Paris in the 6th Arrondissement. We especially recommend it as one of the best neighbourhoods in Paris for families who can afford a little luxury. It’s sophisticated, elegant and close to relaxing, green areas for your kids.
Luxury – Hôtel D’Aubusson
Hotel D’Aubusson is one of the best places to stay in Paris with your family. This hotel is not only charming with its original beams and antique furniture, but just 10 minutes walk from the Luxembourg Gardens. If you travel with your kids and want a little luxury, then we recommend a room at this hotel. Prices start at 350 per night.
Mid-range – Hotel Le Placide Saint-Germain Des Prés
Le Placide Saint-Germain Des Prés is a luxurious family-friendly hotel in Paris. The hotel has been entirely redesigned by the designer Bruno Borrione so expect o luxury experience for your first stay in Paris. We recommend this hotel to any traveller with young children as you will get comfort for affordable luxury. Prices start at 151 per night.
Budget – Hotel Michelet Odeon
If you are visiting Paris with your family on a budget, this hotel is perfect for you. One of the best budget-friendly hotels in the heart of the 6th arrondissement, you will be close to convenience and amenities, while enjoying ensuite rooms with baths. Suitable for tourists with young kids. Prices start at 87 per night.
Where To Stay In Paris: Best Areas
- Pin
Deciding where to stay in Paris can define your experience in the City of Lights. Theres no need to feel intimidated by the thought of finding a good place to stay in Paris on any budget. Paris belongs every bit as much to adventure-seeking backpackers as it does to lavish aristocrats.
Cut by the banks of the River Seine, Paris offers 20 separate arrondissements full of world-class attractions and treasures from history to discover!
More than 38 million visitors come to Paris to chase romance and adventure at its many museums, parks, restaurants, cathedrals, shrines and historic buildings every year. Luckily for visitors, the Paris Métro transit system makes it easy to skip around to beautiful spots all over the city regardless of where you book your stay.
However, its still beneficial to choose a place to stay in Paris that offers access to the neighborhoods and attractions that will satisfy your wandering heart. For some, that means relaxing in cafés that inspired Hemingway or gave birth to existentialists like Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre.
Others who arrive in Paris prefer to have their breath taken away by towering, gilded cathedrals with sacred doors that empty out to thin, cobbled passageways where artists tell the citys tales in real time with their easels and brushes.
Also Check: Cheap Places To Stay In
Description Of The 20 Paris Arrondissements
Lets have a look at the following Paris Arrondissement guide, which explains what each arrondissement has to offer:
1st Arrondissement: Le Louvre is here. Top shopping.
2nd Arrondissement: This is the smallest arrondissement in Paris. Most of it is taken by Le Louvre and the Jardin des Tulieries. Nothing special here other than many cafes and great shopping this area hosts many jewelry and fashion boutiques. Palais Royal is also in this area.
The best hotels in the 1st and 2nd Arrondissements are: Grand Hotel du Palais Royal, Hotel Regina,Le Meurice, Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome, Ritz Paris and the Westin Paris Vendome
3d Arrondissement: Le Marais neighborhood is here. Read below for more information.
4th Arrondissement: Le Marais neighborhood is here. Read below for more information.
The best hotels to stay in the 3d and 4th Arrondissements are 1ER Etage, Emile, Hotel Dupond-Smith, Le Pavillon De La Reine, Les Bains.
5th Arrondissement: The Latin Quarter is here. Read below for more information.
6th Arrondissement: Saint Germain des Pres is here. Read below for more information.
The best hotels to stay in the 5th and 6th Arrondissements are: Hotel Baume, Hotel De LAbbaye, Hotel La Louisiane, Hotel Recamier, LHotel, La Belle Juliette, Le Saint
7th Arrondissement: Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars are here. It is mostly a residential area with many ministers staying here. The National Assembly and the Musee dOrsay are here as well.
Eiffel Tower/champs De Mars
As you might have guessed, Eiffel Tower/Champs de Mars is the place to be if your main reason for visiting Paris is to see the iconic Eiffel Tower . Other than the impressive architecture, there are several great natural history and modern art museums to check out, as well as the sprawling Parc du Champ-de-Mars. Located in the 7th arrondissement, this is going to be a busy and touristy area to stay, but you cant beat it for convenience!
Best places to stay in Eiffel Tower/Champs de Mars
- BUDGET: 3 Ducks Hostel A 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower, 3 Ducks has one of the best locations in town. The staff is friendly, the rooms are small but comfortable, and the showers are clean. This is a more upscale hostel with recently revamped décor. its one of my favorites in the city too.
- MID-RANGE: Hôtel Eiffel Kensington A no-frills hotel, but its meters from the Eiffel Tower, and you can get private single rooms at decent prices. The rooms are on the smaller side but they are spacious enough and come with a small desk. Its a good budget option for the location.
- LUXURY: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel The rooms here are all modern and minimalist, with leather furniture and sleek finishings. Most have a desk and a little couch. Theres a fitness room and a really nice terrace for dining. Each room comes with amazing views over the city, and some come with balconies looking onto the tower.
Recommended Reading: Where To Stay In Vail In The Summer
St And Second Arrondissements The Six Best Hotels:
#1: Grand Hotel du Palais Royal,, Prices start at 700 Euros
A five-star hotel located just opposite of the Palais-Royal. Elegant with a 19th-century decor.
#2: Hotel Regina, , Prices start at 320 Euros
A five-star hotel, reminding the Paris of 1960. Great location and amazing views of many iconic sights of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower.
#3: Le Meurice,
#4: Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome, Prices start at 890 Euros
Five-star luxury hotel.
#5: Ritz Paris Prices start at 1000 euros
Five-star hotel, just gone under a 400 million euro renovation.
What Are The Best Hotels In The Marais
If you want to stay in the Marais when traveling to Paris, check out the Hotels below! As the Marais is a pretty busy district, all hotels below are soundproof! . And of course close to public transportation, good value for money and located in a safe location.
The location of the 9Confidentiel is stellar. Right in the Marais, just a few meters from the Parisian town hall, Notre Dame and Rue de Rivoli you cant sleep more central. The hotel is very popular and guests are extremely satisfied with the provided service and staff. Some rooms come with a great view of the roofs of Paris.
This hotel is one of the best rated within the Marais within its price class its still no bargain, but the area is absolutely worth it. Its right by the town hall, in the heart of Paris and the Marais.
Recommended Reading: Where To Stay In Hana