Why Staying Near The Eiffel Tower While In Paris Has Its Drawbacks
By JENNIFER SIZELAND
The Eiffel Tower is a must-see attraction in Paris, so it's understandable that visitors consider lodgings nearby, but staying near such a famous attraction can have drawbacks.
The area can be a tourist trap with high accommodation prices, crowds, restaurants aimed solely at tourists, fewer locals, and less exposure to French culture.
Paris has a city Metro system with 300 stops, cheap tickets (€2.10, or $2.25), and it's easy to get to the Eiffel Tower stop, Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel, from another district.
Those wanting to make their budget go further and experience a deeper connection to this fascinating capital can stay in other areas that will bring them closer to French culture.
The 20 Parisian neighborhoods, or arrondissements, spiral outward from the city center. Extend your budget and have a deeper cultural experience by staying in a less touristy area.
We recommend Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Montmartre, Canal Saint-Martin, and the Latin Quarter as five of the best arrondissements to base yourself instead.