These Charming Neighborhoods Are The Best Places To Stay For First-Time Visitors In Paris, According To Travelers

Paris, they say, is the City of Light, and it's not hard to imagine the origins of that nickname. Paris is where Gustav Eiffel built his legendary tower, Marie Curie studied radiation, and Ernest Hemingway led the famous charge on the Ritz Hotel at the end of the Second World War. The city's monuments are seemingly endless, ranging from the Champs-Élysées majestic Arc de Triomphe to Mona Lisa's iconic smile. Don't even get us started on the food. Baguette, cheese, artisan butter — what's not to love?

As former residents of Europe, we have traveled to Paris many times. Over the years, we have developed a passion for the city's complexities, its unique history, and iconic aesthetic. Using these experiences in addition to local takes and visitor reviews, we have identified some of the best neighborhoods to stay in Paris. Although we love each of the 20 arrondissements for their special qualities, our research shows that some corners within them are better for first-timers than others. In choosing which areas are ideal for visitors, we focused on factors like proximity to tourist attractions, overall vibe, and price. Our final recommendations aim to appeal to visitors with a wide array of interests and needs.

Of all the neighborhoods in Paris, Le Marais is probably our favorite. We have stayed here with friends several times and have never tired of the area's unique atmosphere. Located on the edge of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, Le Marais is known for its eclectic combination of international cuisine, busy bars, and boutique shops. Considered a historically Jewish neighborhood, Le Marais is an important hub for French religious diversity. It is also famous for being one of the most queer-friendly neighborhoods in Paris. After all, it was here that members of the LGBTQ+ community established important bookshops, eateries, and clubs dating back to the 1980s. These days, visitors can still cross the streets on rainbow-colored crosswalks or frequent queer-owned establishments like the beautiful Jules & Jim Hotel.

While some travelers flock to Le Marais for a sense of community, others go there because it's a laid-back place. As one visitor put it on Tripadvisor, "We stayed in a Le Marais apartment near the Hotel de Ville and fell in love with the area. Although some sections of the Le Marais area can be crowded and busy, many of the side streets and less touristy areas are a nice respite from the oppressive crowds you will experience in other parts of Paris." Because of this, we highly recommend this area to anyone who wants to get a feel for the parts of Paris that many locals enjoy.

When you imagine Paris, what images flood your mind? If your answer is something along the lines of "cute street cafés, produce stores with wide awnings, and cobblestones galore," then you might be thinking of the Latin Quarter. Located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, this neighborhood has gained international fame as the place where students of the acclaimed Sorbonne reside. But the history of the Latin Quarter does not start and end with its students. In the 1940s and '50s, the French Existentialist movement thrived there. In the 17th century, playwrights like Jean Racine lived there. More than 200 years later, romantic painter Eugène Delacroix worked there. These days, it stands as a reminder of Paris' bohemian past.

Travelers love the way that the neighborhood blends artistry with history. Writing on Tripadvisor, one visitor shared, "My favorite neighborhood since coming to Paris ... The Latin Quarter is one of the most animated and charming neighborhoods in Paris, with its little streets which are full of life, its cafés, and its bookstores. With its medieval origins and prestigious universities, it gives off a unique ambiance ..." On a personal level, we also enjoy this neighborhood for its adorable shops — many of which are framed with brightly colored awnings — and reasonably-priced restaurants. We highly recommend the Latin Quarter for anyone interested in wandering the streets that once belonged to some of France's greatest literary figures. 

"On the Champs-Élysées!" begins the chorus of the famous French tune that describes one of Paris' most iconic avenues. Sung by Joe Dassin, the lyrics go on to declare, "In the sun, in the rain, at midday or at midnight, there's everything that you could wish for on the Champs-Élysées!" Although these words were written in 1969, they remain true today, due to luxury travelers and shopping enthusiasts from across the globe migrating to this part of the 8th arrondissement every year. Whether you are looking for a Louis Vuitton wallet, a spritz of Dior Homme cologne, or a Celine handbag, you can find it on the Champs-Élysées. As one visitor marveled on Tripadvisor, "The Champs-Elysees is a must see in Paris, especially for shoppers. The stores read like a shopping 'Hall of Fame.'"

Luxury shoppers are not the only ones who can enjoy a stroll through this chic neighborhood. Although we have never made a purchase on the Champs-Élysées, we love strolling the avenue to people-watch. Tourists, Parisians, and glamorous people share the sidewalk here, creating an especially vibrant atmosphere. Plus, it's the best place to catch a glimpse of the historic Arc de Triomphe, which was commissioned in the early 19th century by Napoleon I. Overall, though, this neighborhood is the ideal base for folks hoping to shop 'til they drop.

Before Paris was Paris, it was a small village like any other. Indeed, around the year A.D 300, it was the home of the Parisii people — a Celtic tribe that would eventually become known for its coin-making. Although Paris is now known for its expansive geographical area, these original people did not occupy most of the city. Instead, they constructed their homes on the Ile de la Cité in the center of the Seine River. Over the years, this settlement was built and destroyed many times, but the fact remains that Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis islands stand as two of the oldest parts of Paris. These days, visitors can enjoy the islands for their medieval architecture, old-fashioned plazas, and even a below-ground archeological crypt. We particularly recommend staying here if you are a fan of Old France.

The best part is that this quintessential Parisian neighborhood is strategically situated on the border of the 4th and 5th arrondissements, allowing visitors to access both sides of the Seine easily. Plus, it is home to some of the Parisian destinations everyone needs to see at least once. As one traveler put it on Tripadvisor, "Île de la Cité is the historical heart of Paris, where it all began ... Here, we can find emblematic monuments like the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, the Saint-Chapelle [royal religious site], and the Concergerie [palace]."

Paris may not be famous for its nature, but the Bois de Boulogne wooded area provides an essential green space to residents of the city. And while the woods themselves are a relaxing place to enjoy an afternoon picnic of baguette and fromage, the neighborhood that surrounds them seeps with a fascinating history. During the late 19th century, the Bois de Boulogne was at the heart of Paris' demi-monde, where some of the city's most glamorous courtesans resided. Later, during the mid-20th century, the disgraced former British king, King Edward VIII, fled there to reside with his controversial American wife, Wallis Simpson, at Villa Windsor.

These days, visitors can stroll the streets of the 16th arrondissement, where so much historical scandal once occurred. There is even an active plan to open Villa Windsor as a public museum by the end of 2025, allowing visitors a peek into the lives of some of the world's most privileged people. Until then, however, guests can focus on enjoying impressionist artwork at the Musée Marmottan Monet museum. Or, they can simply stroll through the Bois de Boulogne woods. As one nature lover gushed on Google, "What an enjoyment to be in nature in the middle of Paris! Lovely area with several ponds, lots of little paths..." Indeed, this area is one of the best places in France to go hiking.

The Bois de Boulogne is not the only significant green space in the center of Paris. Nestled in the heart of the 12th arrondissement, the Bois de Vincennes provides visitors with a massive green area to walk, picnic, and observe nature. While travelers may not associate this area with their stereotypical Parisian vacation, there is one major benefit to staying near the Bois de Vincennes: the price. According to Kayak, the average nightly hotel rate for a double room in Paris reaches a whopping $516. Meanwhile, a separate report from Kayak shows that 3-star hotel prices in the Bois de Vincennes start at just $79 per night. We highly recommend staying in this area if you are looking to keep your travel costs low.

As far as location goes, the Bois de Vincennes area is located near several points of interest. The Château de Vincennes is especially important, as it represents one of the few castles situated within the bounds of Paris. Parc Zoologique de Paris is also perfect for families whose kids are perhaps more interested in viewing giraffes than impressionist artwork. Either way, the park itself should be an essential part of any Paris trip, with one Google reviewer exclaiming, "This is one of Paris' most bountiful parks. Bit of a hike from central Paris and totally worth it. Huge woods, dozens of paths, many well maintained."

While some travelers enjoy the peace and solace of Paris' public parks, others want to be at the center of everything. Visitors looking to reside near Paris' biggest attractions should consider staying in the 7th arrondissement near the Eiffel Tower. This area is practically bursting with marvels. Want to view some impressionist artwork? Head to the Musée D'Orsay. Curious about Napoléon Bonaparte? Check out his tomb at the Les Invalides dome. Hoping to take a break from the chaos of city life? The rose garden at the Musée Rodin is the perfect place to relax — and our top recommendation. While the sheer number of activities in the 7th arrondissement can be overwhelming, we highly recommend this environment to folks interested in walking the city's streets for hours. After all, the best way to explore Paris is on foot!

One of the top reasons to stay in the 7th, however, is that you can easily end your day with a light show on the Eiffel Tower. Just pack a snack and stretch out on the Champs de Mars lawn on a balmy summer evening. As one visitor explained on Google reviews, "Champ de Mars is one of those places that makes you stop and take it all in ... I came here in the late afternoon and stayed until the Eiffel Tower lights came on — the sparkle at night is honestly magical from here."

There's the Paris of national monuments, and then there's the Paris of Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh. If you're dreaming of the second version of the city, you might want to spend your time in Montmartre. There, in the 18th arrondissement, you might not find the same luxuries available in the 7th or 8th. But you will find that the region's distance from Paris' main attractions keeps prices low — a factor that has long attracted some of the world's most accomplished artists. 

Majorly famous names like Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Pablo Picasso, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec once worked there. As a result, we have found that walking through Montmartre is like strolling through your favorite painting — or even your favorite movie. As one visitor even noted on Tripadvisor, "Montmartre is the Paris that we came to see, the whimsical, charming neighborhood that Gene Kelly experienced in the Oscar-winning 1951 musical An American in Paris. It sits atop a hill, the highest point in the city. It is one of the best sections to walk around in."

As an added bonus, lodging in Montmartre tends to be on the more affordable end of things, with 3-star hotel rooms starting at $108 per night. These prices are especially wonderful when you consider Montmartre's location — just a 20-minute metro ride away from the famed Place de la Concorde. Other tourist attractions are located within the vicinity, including the famed Moulin Rouge nightclub.

To get a feel for the version of Paris portrayed in the Netflix hit television series "Emily in Paris," head to the 6th arrondissement. It is there that the fictional character from the comedic special runs through the Jardin du Luxembourg gardens before work. With its perfectly manicured flowers and emerald green lawn, this iconic park is one of the most relaxing places to visit in Paris. The wealthy Médici family strolled these grounds back in the 1600s, and in the 1000s, the Vauvert Castle stood on this piece of Earth. These days, the Jardin du Luxembourg attracts visitors in search of beauty. As one traveler described it on Google reviews, "A beautiful garden with beautiful flowers/plants, and many statues. There was a wide pond with a fountain in the middle that children can play by renting a miniature sailboat."

It goes without saying, though, that proximity to the Jardin du Luxembourg is not the only advantage to staying in the 6th. We particularly love this neighborhood because it's nestled between the Eiffel Tower in the 7th and the Latin Quarter in the 5th. As you stroll through this stunning neighborhood, you'll have the chance to view the golden buildings and metal terraces that Paris is famous for. If you would like to explore another one of Paris' most beautiful areas, all you have to do is take a short walk. 

It was a joy to identify some of the best neighborhoods in Paris for first-time visitors, but the process was also challenging. Different travelers expect unique experiences from their vacations. For this reason, we highlighted a wide range of neighborhoods, each with its own unique offering. While the Latin Quarter may be most attractive to students and literature fans, Le Marais draws folks looking for cultural diversity and a sense of queer community. If the Champs-Élysées is ideal for luxury shoppers, the Bois de Vincennes is, conversely, best for anyone traveling on a budget. The area surrounding the Eiffel Tower in the 7th, meanwhile, is best for those who want to be near some of Paris' most famous attractions.

While there are plenty of things tourists should never do in Paris, embracing the city's artistic side is not one of them. To dive into Paris' artistic culture, we recommend exploring Montmartre. Alternatively, to get a feel for the city's more scandalous history, check out les Bois de Boulogne. The 6th arrondissement — featuring the Jardin du Luxembourg — is great for anyone who wants to frequent the 7th and the 5th. Paris' famous islands – Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis — are best for history lovers.