Where to Stay in Paris for the First Time

For first time visitors in Paris, location, in my opinion, should be at the top of the list of priorities. When you look at a Paris map, things look generally close, and they generally are for a large city. However, there are 20 arrondissements within Paris proper, and not all of them are going to be ideal for your first or first few trips to Paris. Where you stay absolutely matters, and this is coming from someone who has visited many times and now someone who lives in Paris.

After moving here (to one of the outer neighborhoods) I see more than ever how the ability to easily get around is paramount when you only have a short time in Paris. It can truly make or break your experience, and I’m here to help you make it. Being able to walk out your door at whatever time you decide to get your day started and choose from twenty different cafés or restaurants makes a visit so much more convenient and efficient. Having museums and points of interest close by, within walking distance or métro, is also key.

When you stay too far from the center of the city, you risk spending a lot of time getting around Paris, and it’s simply a waste of your precious time. While public transportation is top notch, I wouldn’t want you to spend all your time underground, on a bus, or running from one end of the city to the other by foot. Additionally, picking a hotel based on one attraction, like the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe, does not make sense either.

My advice is to choose an area to stay that gives you a good mix of walking to things nearby, as well as easy access to the rest of Paris by a form of transportation. You’ll also want a neighborhood that you enjoy coming back to and feel safe.

For first-time visitors, I’m choosing five areas of Paris that I like and would recommend to anyone coming for the first time: the 1st arrondissement, Le Marais in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, the Latin Quarter in the 5th, Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th, and the 9th arrondissement, which is my personal pick. Each of these parts of the city offers you a different experience, so the best one for you will depend on what you want your first trip to Paris to look like.

Louvre at Night

Just because you can get around Paris no matter where you stay in Paris does not mean your best decision is to choose something far less convenient for you. Take it from someone who lives on the north side of Paris, past the Moulin Rouge, away from the central neighborhood: getting around can take a while, so give yourself the gift of proximity for your first trip here.

Staying central does not mean you need an Eiffel Tower view or a hotel that faces the Louvre. More importantly, it’s having nearby cafés, coffee shops, métro stations, boutiques, and other things that make you feel delight when walking out of your accommodation. Here are the five areas I recommend to anyone I know visiting Paris for the first time.

1st Arrondissement: Best for Sightseeing and a Short First Trip

I absolutely love spending time in the 1st arrondissement. This area has it all, from museums to the Seine to shopping to bars. You can’t get much more central than this. The 1st sits on the Right Bank and has some of the most recognizable places in Paris, including the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, Palais Royal, and Rue de Rivoli. Yes, these are famous attractions nearby, but so is everything else.

Within moments, you can cross over to the Left Bank to visit Notre Dame Cathedral on Île de la Cité, head east to stroll through Tuileries Garden, or go north to see Opéra area. There are covered passages all throughout this immediate area, so pop in and out of some of them while you’re around there. The beauty of the 1st is that you can walk out of your hotel and be sightseeing within moments rather than waiting for a potentially unreliable bus to pick you up, only to have another 30 minutes to get you anywhere you actually want to be.

Because I recommend this area for shorter trips especially, my guide on what to see in Paris in 3 days will give you a better idea of how much you can reach from this part of the city. This is a very touristy area, and not where you will find locals galore, but it’s perfect for a first-time trip to the city. Hotels might be on the pricier side, but if you only have a few nights, this is a perfect place to land.

Choose the 1st if: you have a shorter trip, want to walk to everything, love museums and gardens, or want to make your sightseeing as easy as possible.

Nearby: Louvre, Tuileries Garden, Palais Royal, Rue de Rivoli, Musée l’Orangerie, the Seine.

Hotel I recommend: Hotel Aoriste.

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3rd and 4th Arrondissements: Best Overall for First-Time Visitors

The Marais has my heart, as it’s where I stayed on my first real adult trip to Paris, and it was quite perfect. Since then, it’s gotten very popular, and many people have discovered how wonderful it is. The whole vibe of this area is fantastic, as you have food, shopping, history, and so many things to do in a small area. Truly, you could stay in Le Marais your whole trip and not feel like you’re being cheated.

Le Marais spans much of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements on the Right Bank. It’s one of the oldest parts of Paris, and you’ll stroll down narrow streets, find stunning architecture, and have your fill of boutiques, museums, cafés, bakeries, restaurants, and squares scattered around the area. It’s very central, but you don’t feel like you’re in the middle of the tourist area (except maybe the weekends when it’s very crowded).

Some of my favorite things to do in the Marais are visiting Musée Carnavalet, strolling through Place des Vosges and resting on one of the benches, eating at Miznon in the Jewish Quarter, and seeing Marché des Enfants Rouges. On a beautiful, sunny day, any of these activities will give you the feeling of really being in Paris. It’s completely walkable, and a great area to stay when visiting Paris for the first time.

Choose the 3rd or 4th if: You want it all - sightseeing, history, restaurants, cafés, shopping, nightlife, and a neighborhood that is really fun to explore.

Nearby: Place des Vosges, Musée Carnavalet, Musée Picasso, Marché des Enfants Rouges, Hôtel de Ville, Notre Dame Cathedral, Île de la Cité.

Hotel I recommend: Boudoir des Muses Hotel.

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Listening to Music in the 5th

5th Arrondissement: Best for History and The Latin Quarter

A stark contrast to Le Marais and the 1st arrondissement, the Latin Quarter will wow you with its charm. Located on the Left Bank, it’s one of the oldest and most historic areas of Paris. Why is it called the Latin Quarter, you ask? Once upon a time, Latin was spoken here by students at the universities here. The famous Sorbonne is in this quartier, and the Latin Quarter has been associated with writers, academics, students, and intellectuals. Ernest Hemingway would be one of these.

The streets are charming and small, and the whole area is filled with bookstores, churches, cafés, restaurants, and shops like Messy Nessy’s Cabinet of Curiosities. The Panthéon is also located here, and on a nice day, you might go to the observation deck and look out on Paris. Don’t forget to walk down Rue Mouffetard, a favorite foodie street among locals and visitors alike.

You’ll likely be able to walk to nearby attractions, such as Luxembourg Gardens or Notre Dame, Île Saint-Louis, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. While you can spend a lot of time ticking the biggies off the list, do pop into Freddy’s wine bar for some delicious bites while you sit at the counter with a glass of wine. When you’re done imbibing there, head over to L’Eurydice for live music. You’ll have a uniquely Parisian night, and you might even catch my friend’s band playing there.

Part of what I like about the 5th is that you can do a lot of touristy type of things during the day, and in the evening you can be surrounded by locals in an intimate setting, feeling like you’re part of the background of Paris. The 5th is not part of the polished areas of Paris, but the central location makes it a perfect place to consider if you’re looking for a more low-key visit. Of course there are going to be tourists - they are everywhere in Paris. But you might feel a little more local if you do stay in this area.

Choose the 5th if: You love Hemingway, history, books, old streets, a little more grit, casual restaurants, live music, and staying on the Left Bank in a less polished area.

Nearby: Panthéon, Sorbonne, Rue Mouffetard, Jardin des Plantes, Luxembourg Gardens, Notre Dame Cathedral.

Hotel I recommend: Hôtel Le petit Paris.

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6th Arrondissement: Best for the Classic Left Bank Experience

If the Paris in your head involves a more sexy feel, with elegant buildings and beautiful cafés, boutiques that you want to buy everything, art galleries, and walks along the Seine, the 6th is for you. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is screaming your name. This area has been associated with the typical Parisian café culture, with its most famous being Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore. And yes, they are worth going to at least once if you haven’t been. Don’t be afraid to look like a tourist here.

Walking is my favorite way to get around, down Boulevard Saint-Germain and Rue de Buci, and I love getting lost in the little streets and finding flower shops, bakeries, and boutiques. The architecture is a show-stopper, so have your camera charged. You’re near Luxembourg Gardens, one of my favorite places in Paris to visit and do some serious relaxing.

The location of the 6th is a huge advantage, so if it’s your first time visiting Paris, I would highly consider this area. You can easily get to the Seine, Musée d’Orsay, the Latin Quarter, Saint-Chapelle, the métro, or just stroll your way through Paris. If you want a neighborhood to be part of the Paris experience, this might be it for you. You’ll have nightlife and apéro at your fingertips, or a quick shopping spree if you so choose. Everything is in the 6th.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is desirable, and its prices reflect that. This won’t be your most budget-friendly area to stay, but it’s definitely worth your consideration if you are wanting a splurge in the City of Light. This is an area to stay if you’re dreaming of the Paris experience, and you might only get it once.

Choose the 6th if: You want classic Paris, beautiful streets, cafés, shopping, romantic atmosphere, and a central location.

Nearby: Luxembourg Gardens, proximity to the 7th arrondissement where the Eiffel Tower lives, the famous cafés, the Seine, Musée d’Orsay, and Rue de Buci.

Hotel I recommend: Da Vinci Hotel & Spa

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9th Arrondissement: Best for Something a Little Different

The more I came to Paris as a visitor, the more I fell in love with the 9th. This is more of my wild card suggestion for a first-time visitor because it’s not the Paris most first-timers see. That’s what’s so special about this suggestion. You’re still very centrally located and can get around to anything quickly, but you’re just above the tourist-heavy areas to get a more local feel, and I like that a lot.

This area stretches from Opéra Garnier to the Grands Boulevards near Pigalle and the bottom of Montmartre, which is where I live. I’ve stayed all over the 9th, and all of the areas have a different feel and different personalities. I’ve loved all of them. Around Opéra, it feels more expansive and a bit more grandiose, and you have huge department stores and shopping, as well as great transportation options. A bit farther north, you’re near one of my favorite streets, Rue des Martyrs, where you could spend an entire day devouring the goodies along the way, and shopping till you drop.

You’ll also be close to South Pigalle, and can easily head up to my neighborhood, Montmartre, see Sacré-Cœur, or attend a show at the Moulin Rouge. Sure, you’re a bit north of the other neighborhoods we’ve discussed here, but you’ll have no trouble grabbing a métro or walking to anywhere in the city. If you’re staying 6 or more nights, this is an area I’d encourage you to consider.

Choose the 9th if: You want a neighborhood that is less obvious for first-time visitors, you love exploring neighborhoods, want easy access to central Paris and Montmartre, or have a longer stay in Paris.

Nearby: Opéra Garnier, Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Rue des Martyrs, South Pigalle, Montmartre, Moulin Rouge.

Hotel I recommend: Hôtel Les Matins de Paris.

Get directions.

Arc de Triomphe at Dusk

Now that I’ve given you the best descriptions I can with the neighborhoods I recommend, how do you choose between them? It’s easy to find lists of “best” arrondissements in Paris, but several things should be considered before you make your final choice. Things to take into account are your length of stay, itinerary, budget, and how much walking you want to do.

Start with How Many Days You Have

This element of your trip is pretty crucial to where I’d recommend you staying. The shorter the trip, the more central I would stay. If you have three days in Paris, you may spend a bit more on a hotel (also, maybe not depending on when you visit), but you’ll make it up in time saved running around Paris. Generally, I’d recommend arrondissements 1-6 for you.

With six or seven days, you can branch out a bit more and maybe even consider the 9th, one of my personal favorites. You’ll have enough time to experience this neighborhood, and see all the attractions you’ll likely want to see.

Look at What You Actually Want to See

Your Paris and someone else’s Paris are not the same. There is no right way to experience the city, despite what external pressures you might feel. For example, I do not care so much about going into museums, so I don’t prioritize this on any trip. Maybe you really care about seeing Notre Dame or Saint-Chapelle, or perhaps shopping until you drop is on your agenda. Whatever you choose, you’ll choose for YOU, not what someone is telling you to do.

Take some time beforehand, mark off on Google Maps what you want to see, and make your accommodation plans accordingly. My Paris trip itinerary can help you with some ideas of attractions you may want to prioritize and how to group them geographically. Paris’s major sights are scattered throughout the city, so no matter where you stay, you will likely have to travel to one or the other. You just want to do it as efficiently as possible.

Check the Closest Métro Stations

I’ll give you a little anecdote. My location of where I live does not have super close métro stops, so I have to walk 10-15 minutes to one, if I choose to take it. My big recommendation is making sure you have close-ish access to them, because you will still find yourself walking extensively through these underground tunnels. The métro does not mean no walking, it only means you can get across town much quicker.

A hotel that’s a two-minute walk from a métro station is going to be more valuable than one that requires a 12-minute walk every time you need public transportation. Another thing to check on is transfers, something we locals try to avoid at all costs. For me, it’s almost always unavoidable without a good walk, but I’m used to it and I have the luxury of time. You may not, so plan accordingly.

Think About What You Want to Do at Night

As a solo female traveler, I think about this a lot because I do not want to be in unsafe, dark parts of the city by myself, or even with other people for that matter. Safety is just one aspect of picking an area that makes sense. Another part is ease. Ease of going back to your room after sightseeing for 10 hours so you can shower, rest, and get to your dinner plans. You’ll likely want to reserve some of your dinners in Paris before arriving to ensure you won’t wait in lines or get turned away.

One of the reasons I really love Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain, and 9th is because of the number of available eateries around you. Whether it’s a fine dining restaurant or a bar, you will not go hungry in any of these locations. They aren’t just convenient places to sleep; they are fully functioning ecosystems that will provide anything you need, at any time.

Be Realistic About How Much You Want to Walk

Many people who live here agree that Paris is best seen on foot. It’s like walking through an outdoor museum no matter what neighborhood you’re in, and if you’re anything like me, you don’t want to miss a thing. I am guilty of this, but I do want to say that having your head in your phone while looking at a map is a good way to miss a lot, so my advice is to pick a general direction and allow yourself to get a little lost. Just wander - it’s my favorite way to discover Paris.

Now, I have also done thousands of steps in a day and come away with beaucoup blisters, so be realistic about shoes you wear and how much you do want to walk. People often underestimate how much you do, whether on the streets of Paris or even in the métros. Ride shares and taxis are available, but ideally you won’t need them for most of your trip.

Consider Your Budget, but Look at the Whole Cost

I’m fully aware that it’s tempting to move towards the outer arrondissements and neighborhoods to save a few bucks. Sometimes it’s worth your while, and sometimes it turns out to be a waste of time. Hotel prices do vary significantly depending on the area, season, room size, and how early you book, which is why I often encourage shoulder season as a good time to travel to Paris.

Let’s do a little math, though. If you are saving €30-€40 per night on your hotel room but adding significant travel time each day, is it worth it? That’s up to you, but for a trip under five nights, I would venture to say no, it’s not worth the savings. For longer stays, the math changes. You have a little more wiggle room in your schedule and budget, so definitely consider more options.

Sparkling Eiffel Tower

You do not need to stay directly next to any one major attraction. As it happens, I would not choose a hotel based on that one factor because ultimately Paris is very easy to navigate and things are generally close. Don’t get sold on advertising such as “steps from the Eiffel Tower” or “next to the Louvre.” It may be worth it, but also it may not.

For some proximity understanding, the Eiffel Tower is in the 7th arrondissement; the Louvre is in the 1st. Notre Dame is on Île de la Cité, which is the 4th arrondissement. The Arc de Triomphe is in the 8th, and Montmartre is in the 18th. You’re all over the place anyway, so acquainting yourself with a map and your desired itinerary would be a good exercise prior to taking off. My point is, I wouldn’t know where to tell you to center yourself based on this alone. We need more information of what you want to do while in Paris.

Prioritize some of your desired activities’ locations and choose your home base from there. Being 20-30 minutes from some of your activities, either by foot or métro, is a reasonable enough expectation. In some cases it may be more time, some less. And a 30-minute walk is no waste of time because you’ll likely pass things you never would’ve seen or known about had you not hoofed it. To me, the walk is always worth the extra time and effort. Just make sure you have really good walking shoes.

Sacré-Cœur Basilica in the 18th - Montmartre

Ultimately, where you stay in Paris for the first time should make your trip easier, not more complicated. Choose a neighborhood that fits how you want to experience the city, stay reasonably close to the things that matter most to you, and then get out and explore. Paris is meant to be wandered, and no matter which of these areas you choose, you’ll have plenty waiting for you right outside your door.

If you found this guide helpful, you may also want to read how to get around Paris or what to wear in Paris.

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