9 best arrondissements to stay in Paris for any kind of traveler

Paris is made up of 20 arrondissements, or pockets of districts, each with its distinct personality and charm. Starting with the 1st arrondissement on the right banks of the Seine River, the arrondissements are arranged in a clockwise mosaic spiral that begins in the middle of Paris. Whether it’s your first time in Paris or you’ve returned to the city time and time again, you’ll have to figure out which arrondissement to stay in to make the most out of your trip.

To help you out, we’ve put together a guide on the best arrondissements in Paris for all types of travelers and interests, from couples and families to foodies and art lovers.

Best for: First-timers

Any first-time visitor to Paris will likely end up in the 1st arrondissement. After all, it is the heart of Paris and home to the city’s crown jewel, the Louvre Museum. It’s also close to many other main attractions, including two of Paris’ meticulously-crafted gardens: the Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Palais Royal.

You can stay at any of the luxury and boutique hotels, as well as reputable hotel chains like the Ritz Paris. If you’re exploring beyond central Paris, the Les Halles transport hub is just an 8-minute walk from the Louvre.

Best for: Close-up Eiffel Tower views

So you want to see the Eiffel Tower up close. Here’s your answer: the 7th arrondissement. Take your pick from a variety of hotels with amazing Eiffel Tower views, like Hôtel La Comtesse and Hotel Duquesne Eiffel. For views from the Eiffel Tower, you can grab skip-the-line tickets and head up in time to catch the sunset.

The Eiffel Tower aside, this wealthy district is an art aficionado’s dream with the Musée d'Orsay and Musée Rodin within walking distance. Don’t forget to stop by Les Invalides to see Napoleon’s tomb as well.

Best for: Young and budget travelers

Better known as the Latin Quarter, the 5th arrondissement emanates youthful energy, thanks to the nearby schools and institutions. But there’s plenty to remind you of the city’s rich past, like the tombs of the Pantheon and the ruins of Arenes de Lutece.

The central location, student bars, and budget-friendly hotels like Hotel des Carmes and Familia Hotel make this arrondissement one of the best for budget travelers. For an affordable and fuss-free meal, roam around Mouffetard Market to get your fill of seasonal fruits or freshly-baked pastries.

Best for: Luxury shopping along the Champs-Elysees

The Champs-Elysees stretches from Place de la Concorde to Place Charles de Gaulle, where the Arc de Triomphe stands. And around this emblematic street is where you’ll find the 8th arrondissement. From Louis Vuitton to Chanel, every fashion brand worth its salt has a presence in the 8th—which makes the area great for well-heeled shoppers. You can also have a stroll in Parc Monceau or along the Seine, before retreating for the night at glamorous hotels like the Hotel Plaza Athenee. We hear the celebrities love it and it even made an appearance in Sex and the City.

Best for: Narrow and charming streets

The Marais district, which partly lies in the 4th arrondissement, has a quiet and subtle charm. It’s not the big attractions that take the spotlight (though the Pompidou Centre is worth a visit) but the unassuming buskers and bookstores along its narrow and medieval streets that delight. There’s also a thriving Jewish population in the Marais, with synagogues and Kosher shops coexisting alongside an equally-thriving LGBTQ+ community.

The 4th arrondissement also includes the eastern part of Île de la Cité, a historic island in the middle of the Seine where the Notre-Dame de Paris lies. From the river banks, you can hop on a Batobus cruise to sightsee from a different perspective.

Best for: Couples

In the 18th arrondissement, the district of Montmartre sits on a hill where the Sacré-Cœur Basilica stands, offering great views of the city below. As you wander the streets, you’ll discover cobblestone lanes and ivy-draped buildings, including the photogenic Rue de l'Abreuvoir. Beautiful bistros are aplenty; just make a reservation at la Boîte aux Lettres for an intimate date night with authentic, homemade French cuisine.

Despite the crowds, the air is full of romance. It’s no wonder Montmartre is the setting for the Lovers Exploration Game, a fun tour and quest by Questo Paris where you follow clues and uncover the district’s most romantic spots.

While Montmartre might feel worlds away from the city, central Paris is just a stone’s throw away and easily accessible from Abbesses metro station.

Best for: Shopping

If shopping in Paris is on your list, then the 9th arrondissement is your slice of paradise. It’s home to Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, each brimming with the latest fashions straight off the runway. The other side of the 9th is the 19th-century covered passages that house eclectic shops and cafés under glass ceilings like the Passage du Havre, Passage Jouffroy, and Passage Verdeau.

The 9th arrondissement is named after Palais Garnier, or Opéra Garnier, which was the main theater for the Paris Opera until 1989.

Best for: Food and cafés

The 6th arrondissement of Paris has a central location right across from the 1st. It comprises the Latin Quarter, the Luxembourg Gardens, as well as the district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where the café culture of Paris comes alive. It lays claim to Les Deux Magots, a café where great literary minds have been known to converge, and Le Procope, a legendary coffee house that opened in 1686. Just don’t be alarmed if you’re served a shot of espresso when you order your coffee… it’s a café crème if you’d like a coffee with milk.

You can also dine at fine restaurants like Anicia or lose yourself in the aisles of La Grande Epicerie de Paris, a gourmet food hall with plenty of delicious treats, from sushi to tapas. End your luxurious feast with a grand stay at Hotel Lutetia, a palace hotel fit for royalty.

Best for: Local Parisian experience

If you're the type of traveler who loves to experience the destination like a local, the 10th arrondissement is for you. There’s a bit of everything in this hippy neighborhood: pick up fresh produce and flowers at Marché Saint Quentin, blend in with the local families at Jardin Villemin, or buy a book from the Artazart Bookstore along Canal Saint-Martin.

One of the best things about staying here is the proximity to the famous Du Pain et des Idées, where you can start each morning with lip-smacking croissants. You will also have two major train stations at your doorstep: Gare de Paris-Est and Gare du Nord. Talk about convenience.