When travelling to Paris, we understand that not everyone has the same needs, like, wondering the best places to stay in Paris. You could be traveling on business, on a romantic holiday, for a fun trip with friends on a budget, or any other reason for that matter. That’s why we’ve come up with this comprehensive guide to the different neighborhoods in Paris that suit each type of trip. Read on about the luxurious areas in Paris , family-friendly areas perfect for kids, the most convenient locations for on-the-go business people, and even the most budget-friendly neighborhoods in the city.
We know when we travel to Paris that not everyone has the same requirements. You might be traveling on company, on a romantic vacation, on a budget for a fun journey with friends, or for any other reason. That’s why we’ve created this extensive guide to Paris ‘ various neighbourhoods that fit every sort of journey. Read on about Paris ‘ luxurious regions, family-friendly areas that are ideal for children, the most convenient places for on – the-go company individuals, and even the city’s most budget-friendly neighbourhoods.
For a luxurious stay in Paris
1. The 8th arrondissement
The 8th arrondissement is the center of luxury in the city. This is where you will find many of Paris’s luxury boutiques like Chanel and Dior on the famous Avenue Montaigne. Not too far from there is Rue Faubourg Saint-Honore, where you will also find boutique and luxury shops for jewellery, clothes and more! This neighbourhood is also the home to the city’s famous monuments such as the Arc du Triomphe, the Champs Elysees, the Grand Palais and the Place de la Concorde. It is ideally located for you to shop, explore and enjoy the most beautiful parts of the city!
2. Saint-Honoré and Tuileries
Located very centrally, Saint-Honoré is near many of the main tourist sites. Just a stone’s throw away from the Jardin des Tuileries and Musée du Louvre, it’s perfect for a luxurious stay in Paris. If you choose to stay in this area, Marché Saint-Honoré will be at your doorstep. You’ll also be within walking distance from Notre Dame Cathedral and Île Saint-Louis.
3. Saint-Germain and Saint-Sulpice
Saint-Germain and Saint-Sulpice, located on the Left Bank, are two of the main historical districts of Paris. This area is brimming with art and culture. It was here where many famous writers, painters and philosophers lived, where Oscar Wilde spent his last days, where Jean Paul Sartre and Albert Camus had their famous falling out in Café de Flore and Deux Magots, making it a must-see for those who are here to explore Paris’ rich history. The old is also juxtaposed with the new in this neighbourhood, the modern Montparnasse Tower is located nearby, where you can find one of the best views of Paris.
Family-friendly Neighborhoods
1. Maubert
One of the quietest and safest areas in Paris is Maubert. However, there is still plenty to do and see, the market on Maubert Square, just a step away from the Maubert-Mutualité metro station is great to choose some local produce with your family in tow. This area is very close to Notre Dame cathedral, Saint-Michel where you can find many reasonably priced bars and restaurants, although we do recommend you avoid Rue de la Huchette which is full of overpriced tourist traps! Read more in our article about tourist traps in Paris, and how to avoid them.
2. Batignolles
Batignolles offers a village-like setting, whilst staying in the city. Far from the busy touristy districts, there isn’t a tourist in sight, but don’t worry you can use Paris’ fantastic public transport system to easily access central Paris. This area offers a space which is both quiet and safe for families visiting Paris. The very quaint Square des Batignolles is ideal for kids, with a small park and petite waterfall! Peruse the shops along Rue Legendre and enjoy the local organic market on Saturday mornings—a perfect family activity in Paris!
3. Invalides and Champ des Mars
Invalides and Champ de Mars in the 7th arrondissement of Paris are perfect for a very central and safe family setting. Being very close to Hotel d’Invalides (where Napoleon is buried), the Eiffel Tower, the Rodin Museum and some of the most beautiful bridges in Paris, it is both picturesque and calm. It’s very quiet and surprisingly non-touristy, unless you’re on the Esplanade des Invalides or on the Champ de Mars and under the Eiffel Tower itself. Rue Saint-Dominique which runs nearly directly between the two is home to everything you’ll need from hairdressers, to coffee shops, to grocery stores to fantastic restaurants. We highly recommend dining at the Café Constant if you are in this area!
Recommended accommodation: renting an AirBnb
The best accommodation we recommend for these areas in Paris are all found through AirBnb. There are many great apartments for rent and are less expensive than hotels. It is ideal if you are a family with kids as the apartments will be more spacious and have a kitchen for you to cook in. When booking the apartment, make sure to consider a few things. Specifically, its proximity to metro stations, what floor it’s on and if it has a lift, especially for prams or wheelchairs. And if you are staying in the summer, make sure there’s a fan or AC available.
Paris on a budget
1. Belleville
Once the working-class neighbourhood and home of Edith Piaf, Belleville is full of character, with a growing arts scene, particularly street art. The Parc de Belleville with its panoramic views of Paris are great for a stroll to see the city without the crowds found by the Sacré-Coeur. This cosmopolitan and multicultural area offers lots of cheap eats which is perfect for a anyone staying in Paris on a budget.
2. Strasbourg Saint-Denis and Grands Boulevards
A fantastic area to stay in Paris on a budget is around Strasbourg St Denis and Grands Boulevards. A working class, cosmopolitan area, it’s full of fun cheap bars and restaurants. It is a popular hangout spot for the younger, student population of Paris on the hunt for a cheap beer and decent priced meal. The rooftop bar and restaurant of Hotel des Grands Boulevards are cool spots to hang out at. Be sure to check out Passage Brady for Paris’ ‘little India’!
3. Place Monge
A great place for a budget trip to Paris is definitely Place Monge. Rue Mouffetard just off Place Monge is a personal favourite of INSIDR as, thanks to its many cheap bars and restaurants, always has a fun, festive atmosphere full of locals and English-speakers alike! It’s not far from the Latin Quarter, Saint-Michel and Saint-Germain, so is a good compromise, being both cheap and a central location in Paris.
Recommended accommodation: Les Piaules Hostel
If you need a cheap place to stay in this area, we recommend Les Piaules. Far from unclean beds and roughing it for a night, this youth hostel provides comfy beds and high speed WIFI. You can also feel like a true local with their rooftop terrace and bar located inside the hostel. For a fraction of the cost of a hotel, you can be sure to save on your pennies, whilst experiencing a fun and dynamic area of the city.
Address: 59 Boulevard de Belleville, 75011 Paris
Business in Paris
1. République
A very central and convenient location to stay in Paris is République, with 5 different metro lines at République metro station, it is very easy to connect to anywhere in Paris. With lots of restaurants opening very early and serving until very late, it’s perfect for the busy business traveller in Paris. It’s also very close to a CMG Sports club and has a great jogging route around Canal Saint-Martin—both perfect for an early morning or late night work-out!
2. Opéra
Opéra is a nice area which is very close to RoissyBus station for a quick, cheap Charles de Gaulle airport transfer. With lots of subway lines and short walks from the Louvre museum and the centre of Paris, it is also less touristy and has some great bars and restaurants around. The area also has a great balance between culture and shopping thanks to the Opéra Garnier and Musée du Parfum which is a free museum in Paris that you can visit and the iconic Galeries Lafayatte.
3. Centre Pompidou & Les Halles
The area surrounding the Georges Pompidou centre (which, by the way, is worth a visit in itself) is a convenient location in central Paris for business travellers. There are many transport options, providing easy access around the city and to airports. The RER train and metro station, Les Halles, is very close by and connects the RER B line with Charles de Gaulle airport. With lots of other subway lines, some good bars and restaurants around, there’s plenty to do, when you have time to mix business with pleasure.
Recommended accommodation: Le 123 Sebastopol – Astotel
Hotel 123 Sébastopol – Astotel – is a wonderful themed mid-size modern hotel situated at the edge of the Marais area. We love its proximity to the main transport hubs like Châtelet and Paris Gare du Nord station. The hotel itself is newly renovated, with clean and cosy spacious rooms. We love the large bar and private outdoor patio at the back, which makes a perfect spot for business meetings.
Address: 123 Boulevard de Sébastopol, 75002 Paris
