The best areas in Paris for first-time visitors include the following arrondissements (districts): Louvre, Eifel Tower, Champs-Elysées, La Marais and Saint-Germain-dès-Près.
Alternatively, you can also stay at Montmartre, Montparnasse, and Latin Quarter.
Those seeking a fun night out after a day full of sightseeing should consider staying at Bastille, South Pigalle, or Oberkampf.
In any case, stay as close to a metro station as possible as this will benefit your first-time trip to Paris enormously.
This might be an overwhelming answer to your question about where to stay in Paris first time
But don’t worry, as in this article, we cover what we believe are the best areas to stay in Paris the first time, whatever type of traveller you are and on whatever budget you are travelling.
If you want to go straight to the recommendations, simply tap on the following button.
Or just continue reading if you want to know just a bit more about Paris.
When wondering where to stay in Paris for the first time, you have quite a few options in this huge city.
The main attractions such as the Eifel Tower, Arche de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur and the Louvre are spread over the city, so staying in an area in Paris close to everything is impossible.
However, there are a few areas that do have the benefit that most attractions are within walking distance.
The best way to move around the city is by taking the metro.
During our last visit, the metro was closed because of a strike, something that’s not uncommon in France. In that case, it would be a huge disadvantage to stay outside the city centre where you can find more spacious hotels.
Generally speaking, for sightseeing purposes, stick as close as possible to the touristic epicentre or as close as your budget allows you to.
In the next paragraphs, we dive deeper into each recommended area in Paris for first-time visitors. At the bottom of this article, you can find a map with all the areas including the main attractions.
With that being said, let’s jump to the results.
Where to stay in Paris first time? Keep reading and find out!
Overview of best areas to stay in Paris for the first time
Below, you find a table with an overview of all the recommended areas along with a short explanation of what makes that area so special.
You can tap on one of the green links to go immediately to that recommended area, or just continue reading the article.
| Best areas to stay in Paris first time | What’s so special about the area? |
|---|---|
| 1. Louvre | Tourist epicentre that’s also bustling in the evening, many attractions nearby, great access to public transport, beautiful architecture. |
| 2. Eiffel Tower | Great location, the heart of the city, perfect access to public transport, ideal for a romantic trip, but not bustling in the evening. |
| 3. Champs-Elysées |
Luxurious area, great shopping facilities, great food scene, although most of it is upscale. |
| 4. La Marais | Bustling area with great restaurants, shops and bars. Considered a nightlife area. Great central location nearby city highlights. |
| 5. Montmartre | Area near the Sacré-Cœur, home to Rue des Martyrs, among the most picturesque areas in Paris, many affordable hotels available. |
| Stunning architecture, several highlights nearby including Pantheon, Notre Dame and the Sainte-Chapelle, but pricey area. | |
| 7. Belleville | Alternative area, a bit away from the centre, but authentic vibe and affordable hotels are available. |
| 8. Montparnasse | Budget-friendly area that attracts many students because of the nearby Universities. Located relatively centrally so great value for money. |
| 9. Latin Quarter | Romantic area of Paris, home to Rue Mouffetard, Shakespeare & Company and many narrow cobblestone alleys. |
| 10. Bastille | Great nightlife scene, good access to public transport, hotels are more affordable compared to the more central areas, but you have to use the metro to reach the major attractions. |
| 11. South Pigalle | Excellent location nearby several iconic landmarks with a good nightlife scene, but several major attractions are located a bit further away. |
| 12. Oberkampf | One of the major nightlife scenes in Paris, central location with good access to public transport but no major highlights within walking distance. |
Arrondissements
Paris is divided into twenty different so-called arrondissements, which are basically districts.
All twenty districts are surrounded by the main road called Boulevard Périphérique.
At the core of the centre, you can find the 1st arrondissement and the further you go to the boulevard, the higher the number of the arrondissement.
In the lower-numbered arrondissements, you can find most of the main attractions in Paris.
How to get around Paris when you visit the city for the very first time?
When visiting Paris as a tourist for the very first time, you’ll want to explore the city’s iconic attractions, neighborhoods, and culture.
Paris has an excellent public transportation system, and there are various ways to get around the city.
Here’s a guide to help you navigate Paris like a local:
Metro
Paris has an extensive and efficient metro system with 16 lines covering the entire city.
It’s one of the quickest ways to get around.
You can buy single tickets, packs of 10 tickets (carnet), or multi-day passes like the Paris Visite card, which offers unlimited travel on public transport within the chosen zones.
Buses
The bus network complements the metro and can take you to areas that may not be easily accessible by metro.
Bus stops are well-marked, and you can use the same tickets and passes as for the metro.
RER (Regional Express Network)
The RER is a commuter train system that connects Paris with its suburbs.
It’s useful for reaching places like Versailles, Disneyland Paris, and Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Make sure to check if your ticket or pass covers the specific RER zones you need.
Trams
Paris has several tram lines that serve both the city and its suburbs.
They can be useful for getting around in certain areas, especially if you prefer a more scenic and less touristy route.
Walking
Paris is a very walkable city, and you’ll discover many hidden gems by strolling through its neighborhoods.
Most of the time, you explore the city on foot but don’t underestimate the distance between many city highlights.
Yes, some are concentrated in certain areas, like the Louvre, but highlights such as the Sacré-Cœur are located further from the heart of the city.
Biking
Paris has a growing network of bike lanes and bike-sharing services like Velib’.
You can rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels. Just be cautious of traffic and pedestrians.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Taxis are readily available in Paris, but they can be expensive.
Consider using ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt for a more affordable option.
Keep in mind that traffic in central Paris can be congested.
This is not the first-choice for most tourists.
Boats
The Seine River runs through Paris, and there are boat tours that can provide a unique perspective of the city’s landmarks.
You can also use water taxis for transportation between certain points.
Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tours
If you’re looking for a convenient way to see the major attractions, consider taking a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.
These tours offer commentary in multiple languages and allow you to explore at your own pace.
Paris Pass
Consider getting a Paris Pass, which provides access to many of the city’s top attractions and includes unlimited travel on public transportation.
It can be a cost-effective way to experience Paris.
Navigo Card
If you plan to stay in Paris for an extended period, you might consider getting a Navigo card, which offers unlimited travel on public transport within specific zones.
It’s usually more cost effective than individual tickets or tourist passes.
What is the best time of the year to visit Paris?
The best time to visit Paris can vary depending on your preferences and what you want to experience during your trip.
Basically, Paris is a year-round destination, and each season has its own unique charm.
Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons to help you decide the best time for your visit:
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a popular time to visit Paris because of the mild weather and blooming gardens.
The city’s parks, including the famous Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens, burst into color with flowers.
Outdoor café culture returns, and you can enjoy sitting at sidewalk cafés and people-watching.
Keep in mind that spring is a busy tourist season, so popular attractions may be crowded.
Summer (June to August)
Summer in Paris is warm, with long daylight hours.
This is the peak tourist season, so expect large crowds at major attractions and higher prices for accommodations.
Many outdoor events, festivals, and concerts take place during the summer months.
It’s a great time for picnics along the Seine River or in the city’s parks.
Fall (September to November
Fall is a fantastic time to visit Paris, with pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and lower accommodation prices compared to summer.
The city’s tree-lined streets turn golden and red, creating a picturesque atmosphere.
Cultural events, fashion shows, and art exhibitions are in full swing during the fall.
It’s a great time to explore museums and indoor attractions.
Winter (December to February)
Paris can be quite cold in the winter, but it’s a magical time to visit, especially around Christmas.
The city is beautifully decorated with festive lights, and Christmas markets offer unique shopping opportunities.
You can ice skate at iconic locations like the Eiffel Tower and Hotel de Ville.
Hotel rates are often lower in the winter, except for the holiday season.
Shoulder Seasons (Late spring and early fall)
Late spring (late May and early June) and early fall (September to early October) are considered shoulder seasons.
These times offer a balance between pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
You can enjoy mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and reasonable accommodation prices.
The best areas to stay in Paris first time are:
1. Louvre (1st Arrondissement)
When you visit Paris for the first time, for the majority of its visitors, the main purpose is sightseeing.
There are a few good areas in Paris where you’re located centrally and one of them is the 1st arrondissement, where you can find the Louvre.
This area, which is among the oldest parts of Paris, comes with a hefty price tag, so if you’re on a strict budget, staying in this area is not recommended.
One of the benefits of staying in the 1st arrondissement is that you have great mobility as all major metro lines run through this area.
From here, you can reach every major attraction the fastest way possible.
But many of them are within walking distance and reachable by simply crossing one of the important bridges.
If your budget allows it, the 1st Arrondissement – also known as “The Louvre” – is the best area to stay in Paris for first-time visitors.
Most of the main attractions are within walkable distance and the few exceptions can be visited by metro.
The 7th arrondissement, the district we recommend in the next paragraph, is often listed as the best area to stay in Paris for first-time visitors, however, in the evening, that particular area is far from vibrant.
One of the most vibrant nightlife areas in Paris is La Marais (3rd and 4th Arrondissement) and that area is connected to the Louvre.
So, staying in this particular area gives you the benefit of moving around effortlessly and enjoying Paris during the evening to the fullest, while having major attractions basically at your doorstep.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Paris for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Eiffel Tower (7th Arrondissement)
The 7th arrondissement is the most tourist area in Paris as you have direct access to the Eifel Tower, the Hôtel des Invalides and other main attractions located nearby.
There are four different metro lines running through this area, namely Line 8, Line 10, Line 12 and Line 13, which allow you to visit other attractions such as the Sacré–Cœur without much hassle. If you take Line 10, you will be at the Notre Dame, Pantheon and the Sainte-Chapelle in no time.
When you book a hotel in this particular area in Paris, you often have the luck of having a beautiful panoramic view of the city with the Eifel Tower in the background.
Surprisingly, in the evening, this area is actually quiet and nightlife is nowhere to be found.
The reason for that is that you won’t find many residents here compared to other parts.
Because of that, and the fact that some of the fanciest hotels are located in this area, not only is the 7th Arrondissement a perfect area to stay in Paris for first-time visitors, but also for couples as you won’t be bothered during the evening.
During the day, when this area is bustling, you can find all sorts of exciting shops, restaurants and bakeries.
Walking around in the area is an attraction on its own. As you might expect when staying in the epicentre of the city, hotels don’t come cheap.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Paris for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Champs-Elysées (8th Arrondissement)
The 8th arrondissement is located north of the previously 7th arrondissement on the opposite side of the river Seine.
Right through the middle of this district, you can find the Champs-Elysées, the most famous boulevard in Paris home to all the top fashion brands’ stores and of course the Arche de Triomphe.
These expensive fashion brands attract wealthy tourists from all over the world and as you can expect, the hotels in this area are upscale.
If you stay near the river, a simple crossing via one of the bridges takes you to the 7th arrondissement where you can find the Eiffel Tower.
Using the Line 1 metro takes you to the Louvre and other major attractions. Compared to the previous two recommended areas, the 8th arrondissement is much more vibrant and you can find a huge variety of exciting restaurants.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Paris for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. La Marais (3rd and 4th Arrondissement)
The third and the fourth arrondissement are often combined as the fourth arrondissement is tiny and includes two islands.
This so-called La Marais is one of the most exciting areas in Paris as you’re located centrally and have access to many good restaurants and unique shops but also, in contrary to the first two recommended areas, it’s bustling in the evening.
In fact, La Marais is one of the three major nightlife areas in Paris and is in particular known among the LGTBI community.
Location-wise, you’re located near Notre Dame, Pantheon and the Louvre.
You do have access to the metro, however, these are not the lines that take you to the attractions that are located a bit outside the tourist centre, except for the Arche de Triomphe.
For all the other attractions, you must switch lines near the nearby Louvre.
La Marais is among the most bustling areas in Paris and is particularly exciting for those who want to explore Paris during the night as well. La Marais is a safe area, like the majority of the recommended areas in this article.
The further you go away from the city centre, the sketchier Paris will be.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Paris for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)
As mentioned at the start of this article, the higher the number of arrondissements, the further away from the epicentre of the capital.
Intuitively, you would say that the 18th Arrondissement is far away from the main attractions, but in fact, it’s the district where you can find the Sacré-Cœur.
This district is a typical residential area where you can witness the daily lives of the Parisians.
One of the must-visits is the picturesque Rue des Martyrs, a street where you find unique shops including art galleries.
Many famous painters lived in Montemarte, including Picasso. Walking through this particular area of Paris gives you that romantic feeling with sceneries you only see in Hollywood movies.
You have access to several metro lines that take you to the tourist arrondissements.
This is needed as the main attractions are located not within walking distance.
Keep in mind that the 18th arrondissement is located near Gare du Nord, the main train station in Paris.
In the evening, the particular area gets sketchy and it does not feel safe to walk there in the dark. Montmartre itself is a perfectly safe area though.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Paris for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Saint-Germain-dès-Près (6th Arrondissement)
Aside from the twenty different arrondissements, Paris can be divided into two sections as well, namely the left bank and the right bank.
This might sound more complicated than it is, as the left bank is where you can find the Eifel Tower and the right bank is where you can find the Sacré-Cœur. The left bank, of which the 6th arrondissement known as Saint-Germain-dès-Près is part of, is known for its classical architecture, its main attractions and the fact that it’s a perfect area to walk around.
Staying in this particular district gives you the benefit of having direct access to the Jardin du Luxembourg, which is perfect for a morning stroll.
Main attractions nearby include the Pantheon, Notre Dame and the Sainte-Chapelle, although no attraction aside from the Luxembourg Garden is located inside the 6th arrondissement.
There are three different metro lines running through this particular area, so moving around is a piece of cake.
Saint-Germain-dès-Près is not that bustling in the evening. For that, we recommend you cross the bridge to the popular nightlife area of Le Marais. Aside from its central location, Saint-Germain-dès-Près is an area with stunning architecture.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Paris for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
7. Belleville
Belleville is part of the 20th arrondissement, which automatically means it’s located far from the touristic epicentre of Paris.
But this trendy neighbourhood comes with a few unique features that others can’t compete with. It’s a lively neighbourhood full of working-class people from all over the world.
You can find unique eateries here that are affordable. That means you can also find affordable hotels here.
One of the unique features Belleville has is the Pere Lachaise Cemetery where some of the most famous people on the planet are buried, including Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf and Frederic Chopin.
If you want to experience Paris from the Parisian’s perspective and want to see how common people actually live, Belleville is an excellent choice.
The 20th arrondissement has two metro lines that take you right to the Louvre. From here, your sightseeing adventure starts.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Paris for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
8. Montparnasse (14th Arrondissement)
The 14th arrondissement, known as Montparnasse, is located south of the city centre, right under the 6th.
This particular area is popular among students as several universities are located here. Like many student areas in European cities, this part is more affordable and you can witness the daily lives of young Parisians in a mainly residential area.
There are no main attractions located nearby that you can reach easily by foot, however, near the Catacombs, you can find three different metro lines that take you to the city’s highlights.
When staying in Montparnasse, you will find cheaper accommodation and the area is bustling thanks to the younger generation.
The compromise you make is that you have to travel a bit by metro to reach the sightseeing landmarks. In return, you will experience a local vibe that you won’t find in the main touristic areas.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Paris for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
9. Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement)
The Latin Quarter is located east of Saint-Germain-dès-Près. Whereas the previously recommended areas in Paris for first-time visitors were touristy, the Latin Quarter is a less-touristy alternative without losing the iconic atmosphere Paris has to offer.
You find some of Paris’ universities, and during the day, many students are at one of the many bookstores and nice little cafes, although most students stay at Montparnasse.
One of the most famous bookstores, Shakespeare & Company, is located in this part of Paris and it adds romance to this particular area.
Especially when you’re a couple, staying at the Latin Quarter is highly recommended.
It’s among the oldest parts of Paris and when you walk through this part on narrow, cobblestone streets, it’s as if you went back in time.
For food, head over to the famous Rue Mouffetard where you can find an extraordinary outdoor food market.
There are some major attractions nearby, but your best bet is to take one of the excellent public transportation facilities to move around the city.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Paris for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
10. Bastille
Bastille is a lively neighborhood located on the east side of Paris that is popular with young people.
It was the site of the infamous prison that was stormed during the French Revolution.
Nowadays, it’s especially known for its vibrant nightlife, with a diverse range of bars, clubs, and music venues.
Whether you’re into jazz, electronic music, or live performances, there’s something for everyone in this area.
Bastille is also home to many cultural attractions, including the Opéra Bastille, which hosts a variety of operas and ballets throughout the year.
The nearby Musée des Arts et Métiers is also worth a visit, with exhibits on the history of science and technology.
The area’s famous open-air market, Marché d’Aligre, is a great place to find fresh produce, cheese, and other local specialties.
Bastille is well-connected to other parts of Paris, with multiple metro lines and bus routes running through the area.
Within a few minutes of walking, you’re already at Paris Gare de Lyon, a large train station with even a connection to the GTV.
It’s also within walking distance of the Seine River and other popular attractions, such as the Marais and the Jardin des Plantes.
You’re not located that close to all major attractions, but that’s nearly impossible unless you’re willing to pay a premium price for a hotel room.
Bastille is therefore a bit more affordable with a great nightlife scene.
We believe that especially younger travellers would highly appreciate staying at Bastille.
For who: younger travellers who appreciate nightlife too.
Advantages: great nightlife scene, good access to public transport, hotels are more affordable compared to the more central areas.
Disadvantage: you have to travel a bit for the city’s highlights.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Paris for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
11. South Pigalle
South Pigalle (also known as So-Pi) is located right under Montmartre and is home to the earlier-mentioned, picturesque Rue des Martyrs.
While most tourists tend to stay at Montmartre, over the last years, South Pigalle gained popularity among tourists too.
It’s known for its trendy vibe, with many boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants that cater to a hip and youthful crowd.
The area has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars and clubs that stay open late.
There are several other cultural highlights to find here as well, including the Musée de la Vie Romantique, which showcases the art and artifacts of the Romantic period.
The nearby Palais Garnier is also worth a visit, with its opulent interiors and world-class opera performances.
You have easy access to other popular areas such as Montmartre, Pigalle, and the Grands Boulevards.
The famous Moulin Rouge is just around the corner as well.
While Montmartre is definitely more romantic, South Pigalle has a better location and is more vibrant with plenty of nightlife to enjoy from.
For who: those who want to combine sightseeing with a bit of nightlife.
Advantages: excellent location nearby several iconic landmarks, good nightlife scene.
Disadvantage: several other major landmarks and attractions are located a bit away.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Paris for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
12. Oberkampf
Oberkampf lies, similar to Bastille, in the large 11th district, and west of Belleville.
It has one of the best nightlife scenes in the whole city.
It’s also home to some of the best street art in Paris, with many murals and graffiti pieces that reflect the area’s bohemian and artistic vibe.
Unfortunately, there are no major city highlights in this area, but there are plenty of metro lines that take you there.
If you want to explore Paris’ nightlife scene to the fullest, then definitely stay around this area.
But for sightseeing purposes, there are definitely better options available in the city.
For who: party-goers.
Advantage: right in one of the best nightlife areas of the city.
Disadvantage: there are no major attractions located in this area.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Paris for first-time visitors in this particular area are visually listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
Map of the best areas in Paris for first-time visitors
The next image is a map of the best places to stay in Paris for first-time visitors including the city highlights.
The image is in high resolution so you can easily zoom in to see all the details.
A map will be added soon.
Other relevant articles:
There you have it, the recommendations when it comes to the best area to stay in Paris for first-time visitors.
We hope you enjoyed it and hopefully, you can make a good decision and have the time of your life in this amazing city!