Where to Stay in Paris and Feel Like You Belong

“Paris is always a good idea”, said Audrey Hepburn and man, was she right. If you’ve ever watched Amélie, there is definitely a part of you that wants to crack the top of a crème brûlée or buy a baguette from the boulangerie at the corner of your street. Whatever your wish for visiting Paris is, choosing a good neighbourhood (or arrondissements) for your lodging is helpful to enjoy your trip to the fullest. Luckily, getting around Paris is quite easy even for a first-timer and if not, the metro system connects well the different parts of the city. Being split into the left and right bank of the river Seine, the arrondissements swirl clockwise, starting from the centre, each of them with their particular charm. Down below is a list of the best places to stay in Paris depending on your hidden wishes.

Best Areas to Stay in Paris

If you’d prefer to see all of the landmarks in Paris by foot, this is a good place to start. It is one of the oldest parts of Paris and also one of the luxurious ones. 

Le premier is where the famous Louvre is and its Tuileries gardens, Place Vendome, where Coco Chanel used to live and the important sights are within walking distance. The metro line Chatelet is nearby, which is one of the most important ones, also connecting Disneyland.

And not only, Marais is the life of the party. Here you will mostly find the younger locals and a hippier atmosphere. Also, where you can visit the Centre Pompidou surrounded by streets filled with art and art galleries, boutique shops, Place des Vosges, one of the oldest planned plazas in Paris and so much more vitality. 

Not too far away is the Notre Dame cathedral, definitely worth a visit.

If you think about Paris and you think of cornered art galleries, literary cafés, bustling jazzy places and artists roaming the small cobbled streets, Saint Germain des Prés is the place that has all that. 

Priced on the higher end, the quality of life around here is surely top of the top with exquisite boutiques and restaurants. The famous Jardin du Luxembourg offers the particular serene setting, while children have all the place around themselves to make it a perfect environment for families.

Staying in the 7th arrondissement means you’ll probably see the Eiffel Tower from your window. It is indeed quite the sight in the evenings, as it glistens. As you might have guessed, the Eiffel Tower is in walking distance, as it’s the Musée d’Orsay, plenty of good restaurants and cafés. 

The legendary Rue Cler is also part of the 7th, the home of good patisseries, bistrots, fromageries and so on. Walk along the animated street and try not to enter one of the shops - it’s a feast for the eyes, taste and heart.

As the name suggests, this is a more luxurious part of the city and perfect location for high-end shopping. Situated on the right bank of the Seine, the area around here is bustling with shops and delicious restaurants, while being nearby from some of the most well-known attractions. 

The famous Arc de Triomphe is just steps away, Place de la Concorde and the Grand Palace must make it on your itinerary.

This newly transformed neighbourhood from an under-the-radar location into a trendy and relaxed destination for food lovers. Bike-friendly pathways along the canals set the tone for this laid-back environment full of bars, restaurants, cafés, cheese shops and chocolatiers ready to satisfy your gourmand needs. 

The area also offers plenty of opportunities for relaxed walks in astonishing nature with waterfalls and grottos in the nearby Parc des Buttes-Chaumon.

Stretching from the Place de la Bastille, the starting point of the French revolution to the forest of Bois de Vincennes, this is the place to call base if you got lost in the books of Alexandre Dumas. Getting its French chic vibe from the architecture and the colourful boutiques, this is an inexpensive alternative to enjoy the Parisian lifestyle. 

The Opéra Bastille offers a great variety of shows, so be sure to check that out before planning your visit. If you’re searching for more down-to-earth entertainment, the bustling nightlife of the neighbouring Marais is sure to keep you dancing until your feet hurt.

You are in France, so trying a crêpe has to be on your bucket list. If you wish to be sure to get the best one in Paris, you will want to choose an accommodation in Montparnasse, as this is the birthplace of one of the oldest crêperie. 

Farther away from tourist attractions but still easily accessible, this neighbourhood is a residential area, so you will see first-hand how the Parisians live. Also, the home of the catacombs, so walking around the streets you can’t help but feel a mysterious vibe surround you.

If you wish to experience the Parisian life but you are on a budget, there are still plenty of options. One of the more picturesque neighbourhoods of Paris is the famous Montmartre. With the Sacré-Cœur basilica overseeing the city and the rather tamed red-light district of Pigalle at the foot of the hills, Montmartre has it all. 

Wind down the narrow and steep pathways in search of the perfect café serving crème brûlée with the best position to watch the passers-by. This romantic neighbourhood is perfect for honeymooners or tourists wishing to feel a village-like atmosphere in the midst of a city.

Your Paris holiday should not be concentrated only on Disneyland, but in case you are in just for a weekend rollercoaster getaway and you don’t feel like getting through Paris’ busy metro, Marne-la-Vallée is the perfect place. Being a suburb of the capital, it offers plenty of accommodations to accompany your fairytale trip. 

In case you do decide to visit the French capital, the train station is quite close and you can get to your destination in around 40 minutes.

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