6 best neighbourhoods to stay in when visiting Paris

Paris is a pretty large city, and every inch of it is worth visiting! It’s divided into 20 administrative districts the French refer to as arrondissements, and trying to decide which Paris neighbourhood to stay in can be tricky!

While I can’t say which arrondissement is the absolute best, I can provide my personal favourites depending on what’s most important to you.

Living in this metropolitan city is very different from passing by as a tourist, so here are the best neighbourhoods to stay in when visiting Paris. 

Map of the best neighbourhoods in Paris

Use my map to see where all the best Paris neighbourhoods to stay in are located:

1. Le Marais

Best for: History buffs and fashion enthusiasts

Situated in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, Le Marais blends historic richness with contemporary vivacity.

The medieval charm shows through the cobblestone streets, but it’s also lined with trendy shops, hip cafes, and modern art galleries. 

By day, I like to explore the hidden gems of the area, and trust me, they don’t come in short supply.

The well-preserved architecture is simply stunning, and the ‘hôtels particuliers’, or private mansions (a bit like a British townhouse), are truly picturesque. 

Be sure to visit Lafayette Anticipations Contemporary Art Centre, and the Maison Européenne de la Photographie, also known as MEP.

For exceptionally good food, check out Carboni’s or Datil. By night, Le Marais transforms into a vibrant hub of music, dancing, and pleasure. 

2. Montmartre

Best for: Romantics and art lovers

Montmartre is the Paris you’ve always fantasised about – especially if you’ve ever watched Moulin Rouge (one of my favourite films ever!).

Situated in the north, taking up the 18th arrondissement, this village-like neighbourhood has colourful buildings covered with dark green ivy, narrow streets, retro cafes, and steep hills. 

Montmartre has a breathtaking view of Paris with the iconic white domes of Sacré-Cœur Basilica dominating the skyline.

It’s no surprise that artists have always found inspiration there. I just love watching the street artists and caricaturists at the Place du Tertre. 

This a great neighbourhood whether you’re coming alone or with a family. There are plenty of beautiful parks, and the atmosphere is so languid.  

Insider tip: Just be extra wary of pickpockets around this area. As it’s so busy, petty theft is rife – a couple of young guys tried to target me with a distraction technique but I clocked what was happening.

3. Pigalle

Best for: Music fans and nightlife enthusiasts

Once known for its notorious red light district and the iconic Moulin Rouge, Pigalle has evolved over the years.

Nightlife is still alive and well but with a twist. It’s now all about live music venues, trendy bars, and edgy clubs. 

Nightlife aside, Pigalle is just as charming by day. Whenever I’m in Pigalle, I must see the Musée de la Vie Romantique and the Musée National Gustave Moreau.

When I’m done, I often grab a bite at Leonie. The bakeries there are to die for! 

Pigalle attracts a young artistic crowd, and many of these frequent the instrument shops along Rue de Douai, which tourists know as ‘Music Street’.

4. St-Germain-des-Prés

Best for: Luxury shopping and literature aficionados 

Chic, intellectual, elegant, and charming. That’s St-Germain-des-Prés in a nutshell.

This high-end neighbourhood is in the 6th arrondissement, and it comprises mostly posh boutiques and avant-garde art galleries. 

Back in the day, St-Germain-des-Prés was the place where famous philosophers and writers met over endless cups of coffee.

In the ’60s, Sartre and de Beauvoir were regulars at the iconic cafes, which up to this day carry that literary heritage. Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore are landmarks of that area. 

St-Germain-des-Prés is pretty close to the Jardin du Luxembourg and Le Bon Marché, which are two of my favourite spots in Paris.

The area also provides a wonderful retreat for reading and contemplation.

5. Latin Quarter

Best for: Backpackers, travellers on a budget, and students

The Latin Quarter, which is located in the 5th arrondissement, grew around the universities of that neighbourhood in the 17th century.

The Sorbonne and several other art schools taught Latin as a main course of study, and that’s where the district’s name came from. 

Students and university life is still the beating heart of the Latin Quarter. That’s why the narrow streets are lined with used books, quirky boutiques, and affordable restaurants.

My favourite spots are the Strada Café and Le Saint-Victor. If the weather is nice, always sit outside. 

That cultural scene wouldn’t be complete without the Panthéon and the medieval Cluny Museum. A single visit is never enough!

Discover more of the best museums in Paris.

6. Charonne

Best for: People with a penchant for exploring and foodies!

Located in the 11th arrondissement, away from the usual tourist spots, Charonne is an accurate example of how the local Parisians live. 

Naturally, food is a cornerstone of that community. The neighbourhood has a wide selection of culinary delights. This goes from traditional little bistros to avant-garde fusion restaurants.

My favourite places in Rue de Charonne are Aux Lyonnais, Le Bizart, with its Tuesday music nights, and Septime.

Do you have any favourite neighbourhoods in Paris to stay or visit? Let me know in the comments below!

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, have a read of my guides before you go:

• 19 amazing things to do in Paris
• 15 best Paris museums to visit
• 20 luxury hotels in Paris
• 10 beautiful hidden gems in Paris
• 10 Eurostar destinations that aren’t Paris