Planning a trip to Paris for the first time can seem pretty daunting. Like London, there are just so many major highlights spread across a huge city area. I researched where to stay for far too long but the truth is most areas still have their positives. You can’t go that far wrong, well… most of the time.
The “City of Love” or the “City of Lights,” has so much to offer. The mix of history, culture, and good food makes it one of the most visited cities in the world, so it’s high in demand and the accommodation is not cheap as a result.
You may have already noticed that the city is split into Arrondissement numbers which are like districts. A rough rule is that anything below 10 is pretty central and numbers get higher a bit further out from the most central point.
For first-time visitors, choosing the right neighbourhood to stay in Paris can improve the overall experience so it’s worth checking the best options. In this guide, we’ll explore the best places to stay in Paris for first-time visitors.
1. Le Marais – The Historic Centre
Le Marais is situated right in the heart of Paris so you won’t have to travel far to see the famous attractions or even enjoy a quiet walk along the Seine River. It’s a historic district that combines medieval charm with the modern side of Paris.
The area is known for its narrow, winding streets, historic architecture, cafes, and art galleries. Le Marais is also home to several prominent landmarks, including the Place des Vosges, plus you are very likely to catch a view of the Notre Dame cathedral just across the river. The Louvre will be around 20 minutes walk away and generally this is a pretty safe area though accommodation isn’t cheap and will be around £120 per night (128EUR) or more.
2. Latin Quarter – Student Vibes
Sat on the left (south) bank of the Seine river, the Latin Quarter is definitely a lively neighbourhood, which is known for its high student population but it’s also nice to walk around too. There are tons of cafes, bars and restaurants.
Sorbonne University sits in the Latin Quarter so because of this the area is dotted with bookstores, jazz clubs, and bistros, so there are plenty of good places for a meet-up and a good party basically.
The area sits on the river which overlooks Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte Chappelle with a 5-minute walk to each making it a very central spot. Accommodation is cheaper than most of central Paris here, often looking north of £120 (128EUR).
3. Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Bohemian Paris
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, located on the left (south) bank of the Seine River, west of the Latin Quarter, is well known for its bohemian vibes. The area is a popular place for writers and popular artists to live. It’s a very short walk to the impressive Jardin Du Luxembourg park too so you get your green space nearby.
Here you get to walk through Cobblestone streets and grab a bite to eat in famous cafes like Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore. It’s also just across the river from The Louvre too so is considered one of the most central spots in relation to the famous attractions of Paris. It will set you back a bit further with hotels often starting from £130 (152EUR).
4. Champs-Élysées – Pure Glamour and Luxury
If you want to try the glitz and glamour of Paris then the Champs-Élysées is the place to splash out. This huge high street stretches from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe and is basically a row of luxury shops, theatres, and upscale restaurants.
This area is absolutely filled with opulence and has convenient access to the big landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and Hôtel des Invalides. The Champs-Élysées does look amazing in the evening when the lights along the avenue are on. It’s expensive to stay here but you generally get what you pay for, so hotels often will be above £170 (198EUR).
5. Montmartre – Hilly area with a View
Not quite central but Montmartre is ideal if you’re looking for more affordable accommodation in Paris while still staying in a great area. Situated on a hill in the 18th arrondissement, north of the city Montmartre offers an escape from the bustling centre.
Montmartre is known for its narrow streets, quiet city vibe but most of all for the famous Basilique du Sacré-Cœur where you can climb the dome for a fantastic view of Paris. Montmartre has quite a bohemian charm about it and I would consider it a romantic and picturesque place to stay for first-timers. Hotels are around £85 (100EUR) and up here.
6. Montparnasse – More personal neighbourhood
While the centre has plenty of options of convenience and stunning surroundings the outer neighbourhoods also have local charming personalities in their own right. One of these is Montparnasse in the south which offers a calmer neighbourhood vibe with affordable accommodation starting at around £120 (128EUR).
Montparnasse is located near The Pantheon, Montparnasse Tower and if you’re feeling a bit brave, the entrance to the Catacombs underground. It’s accessible to central attractions via train. You can feel like you’re living like a Parisian while getting access to the best of the city so it definitely has its draws.
Conclusion
If you choose the right place to stay for your first time in Paris it can really shape the entire travel experience in this huge capital city of France. I found staying a little further out allowed for more walking towards the centre so I saw more whenever I stayed a little further north or south of the river.
Each neighbourhood has its own personality, so it depends on what you want to get out of your sample of Parisian life and culture. If you like the central charm of Le Marais, the bohemian vibes of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or the luxurious Champs-Élysées, every area has something special to offer. Go for the neighbourhood that fits with your preferences, whether it’s convenience or budget, and if you shop around you can find a bargain in the hotel or Airbnb space around most areas.