Best place to stay in Paris close to everything

Discovering the best place to stay in Paris close to everything is so important. It can enhance your breakaway so much.

After all, who wants to spend time commuting between attractions when you can be close to all?

The French capital is known for its iconic landmarks, charming streets, delicious cuisine, and rich history. But with so many neighbourhoods and accommodations to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to stay in Paris close to everything.

Our goal is to guide you through the process by highlighting the top areas and hotels that are conveniently located near popular attractions, public transportation, and vibrant Parisian life.

Best areas to stay in Paris close to everything – a quick map

Let me introduce a new word that you will hear constantly when around in the city: Arrondissement.

It is a French word for district or neighbourhood.

The city is subdivided among 20 of them.

You may have a more detailed and historical overview on the Wikipedia page, however, if not interested in why it was organized this way then just keep in mind these few points

• Arrondissements are organized on a snail-shell shape
• Arrondissements 1 to 4 are the city’s central ones, they are quite small and that is where you will find most of the famous attractions, this is where you want to be based if you are looking for the best area to stay next to the iconic attractions.
• Arrondissements 5 to 12 are all around the city centre and they all have their own charm
• All of the others are somehow far from the main attractions of Paris however they may be a convenient base, especially if on the budget

In this guide, we focus mostly on the City Centre (Arrondissements 1 to 4). This is where you will experience Paris as on a postcard, with everything around, including iconic places and popular attractions, that you can reach on foot or on a quick Metro trip (less than 5 minutes, literally). So easygoing!

Of course, these 4 arrondissements are not the only best areas to stay in Paris. But surely they are between the safest areas to stay in Paris, a city that can actually be dodgy in a few neighbourhoods.

On the map above, I have highlighted other arrondissements, that are semi-central and characteristic in their own way, but you will not be as close to the famous destinations that Paris offers. Here is a quick list of them.

1. Latin Quarter (arr. 5): to experience the young side of the city with the nightlife and fun till the early hours of the morning
2. Saint-Germain-des-Prés (arr. 6): for the coffee culture and the luxurious side of the city
3. Eiffel Tower (arr. 7): this is one of the best places to stay in Paris near the Eiffel Tower, especially if you are dreaming to have a hotel with a view of the most famous tower in the world
4. Champs-Élysées (arr. 8): if you are after some serious shopping, famous fashion designers and fine dining. It is also one of the best areas to stay in Paris for families with grown-up kids looking for an upscale experience, easy metro transportation, and beautiful parks.
5. Rochechouart (arr. 9 and 10): for something between the city centre, Montmartre (Sacré Coeur) and Pigalle (Moulin Rouge)
6. Roquette (arr. 11): if you are after a local experience, a youngish one with a hipster touch. Think small restaurants, boutique cafes and a local community feeling
7. The arrondissement de Reuilly (arr. 12): if you want to save some money. And if you are wondering where to stay in Paris on a budget, then you should check further out, in arr. 19, 18, or even Charenton-le-Pont area and Arcueil area.

Of course, you can have your accommodation in one area and visit another one with the Metro, which takes me to the next point, try to book a place next to a Metro station. You will walk already enough when visiting the attraction.

If you have an early arrival or a late departure from Paris and you do not know where to leave your bags then I suggest checking out LuggageHero. 

This is a tremendous website listing places where you can leave your luggage meanwhile you visit the city. So handy!

Where can I leave my bag

Best place to stay in Paris close to everything

The most famous attractions in Paris are probably:

• The Louvre
• Notre Dame cathedral
• Arc de Triomphe
• Sacré Coeur de Montmartre
• Centre Pompidou
• Picasso National Museum
• Paris Museum of Modern Art
• Champ de Mars
• Eiffel Tower

They are mostly located in the city centre (arrondissements 1 to 4) with the exception of the Eiffel Tower.

This is the best area to stay in Paris close to everything. The great thing is that you can move between attractions on foot saving a ton of time, or with a 3-5 minutes Metro ride. So easy.

The four arrondissements are next to each other, all within walking distance, however, they do differ in style, vibe, charm and ultimately price of accommodations.

Here below is a summary table. With the mobile, swift left and right to see all the columns, and click on the arrondissement for a full description including all pros, cons and a few suggested attractions and restaurants.

Arr.	Pros	Cons	Budget	Hotel	Metro	Attractions	Restaurants	Character
1 Louvre	Upscale shopping, amazing architecture	Expensive, crowded tourists, limited nightlife	High	Citadines Les Halles	Louvre-Rivoli, Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre, Tuileries	Louvre Museum, Palais Royal, Sainte-Chapelle, Pont Neuf	Excellent	Rich history, elegant architecture, royal heritage
2 Bourse	Affordable, vibrant, pedestrian-friendly, shopping	Limited nightlife, smaller hotels, less picturesque	Mid-range	Gramont Opera	Bourse, Sentier, Grands Boulevards	Bourse de Commerce, Place des Victoires	Good	Historic buildings, commercial district
3 Le Marais	Historic charm, art scene, trendy boutiques, picturesque	Limited nightlife, smaller hotels	Moderate	Hotel du Petit Moulin	Arts et Métiers, Temple, République	Musée Picasso, Archives Nationales	Excellent	Preserved architecture, artistic vibe, old-world charm
4 Hôtel de Ville	Lively atmosphere, picturesque, Seine proximity	Busy with tourists, expensive accommodations, limited nightlife	High	Le Petit Beaumarchais	Hôtel de Ville, Saint-Paul, Bastille	Notre-Dame Cathedral, Centre Pompidou, Hôtel de Ville	Excellent	Iconic sights, medieval charm, Seine views
7 Eiffel Tower	Iconic landmarks, upscale, picturesque, family-friendly	Expensive, quiet nightlife, limited dining options	High	Hôtel Eiffel Trocadéro	La Tour-Maubourg, Varenne, École Militaire	Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Les Invalides, Champ de Mars	Good	Impressive architecture, green spaces

Here below you can read the pros and cons of each one, with the most iconic attractions and suggested restaurants to cover any budget.

Arrondissement 1: Louvre

• Pros: Central location, iconic landmarks, upscale shopping, excellent dining options, accessible public transportation
• Cons: Expensive accommodations, crowded tourist areas, limited nightlife options
• 5 Iconic Attractions: Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, Palais Royal, Sainte-Chapelle, Pont Neuf
• 3 restaurants and cafes: Low Budget – Chez Denise (La Tour de Montlhéry), Mid-Range – Ellsworth, High-End – Le Meurice Alain Ducasse

The 1st arrondissement, known for its central location and iconic attractions, is an ideal base for travellers looking to stay close to everything in Paris.

This lively district boasts renowned attractions including the Louvre Museum, the captivating Tuileries Garden, the majestic Palais Royal, the breathtaking Sainte-Chapelle, and the iconic Pont Neuf.

As you walk in the area you will experience the rich history and culture of the French capital. Stroll along the elegant streets lined with upscale shops and boutiques, and admire the stunning architecture that surrounds you.

The well-connected public transportation network makes it easy to venture beyond the Louvre neighbourhood and discover other parts of the city.

Dining in the 1st arrondissement is a delightful experience, with options for every budget.

For an affordable yet authentic taste of Paris, try Chez Denise (La Tour de Montlhéry), a traditional Parisian bistro known for its hearty, home-style French cuisine.

If you’re looking for a mid-range option, Ellsworth offers a cosy and stylish atmosphere with a menu of small plates that combine French and American flavours.

For a truly luxurious dining experience, visit Le Meurice Alain Ducasse, a Michelin-starred restaurant where the refined and innovative approach to French cuisine will leave you speechless.

Despite its many advantages, the Louvre area has also a few drawbacks.

Accommodations can be expensive due to the neighbourhood’s prime location, and some parts may be very busy with tourists. Additionally, nightlife options are limited compared to other Parisian neighbourhoods.

Nevertheless, the 1st arrondissement’s central location, iconic attractions, and exquisite dining options make it an excellent choice for those seeking the best place to stay in Paris close to everything.

Arrondissement 2: Bourse

• Pros: Affordable accommodations, vibrant atmosphere, pedestrian-friendly streets, shopping and dining options, close to the Louvre and Palais Royal
• Cons: Limited nightlife, smaller hotels, less picturesque than other areas
• Iconic Attractions: Covered Passages, Bourse de Commerce, Place des Victoires, Sentier district, Galerie Vivienne
• 3 restaurants and cafes: Low Budget – Frenchie To Go, Mid-Range – Le Bougainville, High-End – Le Grand Véfour

Arrondissement 2, known for its affordable accommodations and lively atmosphere, is another excellent option for travellers seeking a central location in Paris.

This bustling neighbourhood is rich in history and culture, featuring attractions such as the beautifully restored Covered Passages, the newly opened Bourse de Commerce museum, the elegant Place des Victoires, the vibrant Sentier district, and the charming Galerie Vivienne.

It is so convenient to explore the 2nd arrondissement on foot, thanks to its pedestrian-friendly streets. In fact, this is the area I would suggest the most to families with kids that want to be close to everything.

Moreover, you will be also very within walking distance of the Louvre and Palais Royal, another two iconic Parisian landmarks that you should not miss.

Of course, also in this arrondissement, you won’t find it difficult to find a restaurant.

Enjoy a casual meal at Frenchie To Go, where you can savour delicious sandwiches, salads, and other quick bites in a laid-back setting.

For a mid-range dining experience, Le Bougainville offers an intimate atmosphere with a menu of classic French dishes.

If you’re seeking a more luxurious meal, Le Grand Véfour, a historic restaurant with a Michelin-starred status, provides a sophisticated and unforgettable dining experience.

Like anything in life, also the 2nd arrondissement has a few drawbacks. Nightlife options are limited compared to other neighbourhoods, and accommodations tend to be smaller, as the area is home to many boutique hotels. Additionally, the neighbourhood is probably not as picturesque as some other parts of Paris (just a personal opinion).

However, its affordability, vibrant atmosphere, and central location make Arrondissement 2 a great choice for those looking to stay close to everything in Paris.

Arrondissement 3: Le Marais

• Pros: Historic charm, vibrant art scene, trendy boutiques and cafes, picturesque streets, diverse dining options
• Cons: Accommodations can be expensive, limited nightlife, smaller hotels
• Iconic Attractions: Musée Picasso, Musée des Arts et Métiers, Place des Vosges, Carreau du Temple, Archives Nationales
• 3 restaurants and cafes: Low Budget – L’As du Fallafel, Mid-Range – Breizh Café Marais, High-End – Le Hangar

Arrondissement 3, known for its historic charm and vibrant art scene, is a fantastic choice for travellers seeking a unique and picturesque location in Paris.

The neighborhood (Le Marais), is a delightful blend of breathtaking architecture, fashionable boutiques, and modern art galleries.

Some of the must-see attractions include the renowned Musée Picasso, the fascinating Musée des Arts et Métiers, the stunning Place des Vosges, the bustling Carreau du Temple, and the historic National Archives Museum.

The charming cobblestone streets in the 3rd arrondissement are simply gorgeous. Especially considering the variety of fashionable shops, cosy cafes, and diverse dining options that are all around.

For a quick and affordable meal, L’As du Fallafel serves up some of the best falafel in Paris.

If you’re in the mood for savoury crêpes in a mid-range setting, Breizh Café Marais is a popular choice.

For a high-end dining experience, Le Hangar offers exquisite cuisine in an intimate and lively atmosphere.

The 3rd arrondissement is a great place to stay, however, it also has a few minor drawbacks.

On average, the room size tends to be smaller than in other parts of the city. Moreover, this is one of the most luxurious but expensive places to stay in Paris. Nightlife options are also limited compared to other neighbourhoods in Paris.

However, the historic charm, vibrant art scene, and picturesque streets of Arrondissement 3 make it an excellent choice for its proximity to the main attractions of Paris.

Arrondissement 4: Hôtel de Ville

• Pros: Historic landmarks, lively atmosphere, diverse dining options, picturesque streets, proximity to the Seine
• Cons: Crowded tourist areas, expensive accommodations, limited nightlife options
• Iconic Attractions: Notre-Dame Cathedral, Centre Pompidou, Hôtel de Ville, Place de la Bastille, Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis Church
• 3 restaurants and cafes: Low Budget – L’Ilot, Mid-Range – Les Philosophes, High-End – La Tour d’Argent (on the other side of the Seine)

The 4th arrondissement, renowned for its iconic sights and dynamic atmosphere, is an exceptional option for travellers looking to stay in a centrally located and visually stunning area of Paris.

The area, located in Le Marais and Île de la Cité, is rich in history and offers a variety of noteworthy attractions.

The Notre Dame Cathedral and Hôtel de Ville (the present Town Hall) are just a stone away from each other. Add a very short walk and you are at the Centre Pompidou. Still not tired? Check out the Place de la Bastille, and the Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis Church. All so close. Impressive, isn’t it?

The 4th arrondissement has diverse dining options for all tastes and budgets.

For a reasonably priced seafood delight, L’Ilot offers an array of fresh oysters and other seafood dishes.

For a mid-range dining experience, consider Les Philosophes, a quaint eatery serving classic French cuisine.

Walk on the opposite side of the river to have one of the most special dinners in Paris in La Tour d’Argent. Imagine luxurious dining in an unmatched ambience, with stunning vistas of the Seine and Notre Dame.

Also in this case there are some drawbacks to keep in consideration. The neighbourhood’s popular tourist areas can be crowded, and accommodations tend to be expensive. Additionally, nightlife options are limited compared to other neighbourhoods in Paris.

However, the historic landmarks, lively atmosphere, and picturesque streets of Arrondissement 4 make it an excellent choice for travellers looking to stay close to everything in Paris.

Top 3 experiences once in the central area (Paris is a popular destination, book well in advance, you can always cancel later, usually for free):

• Skip the line at Louvre Museum: it’s not only great to have a guide but also to skip the line that sometimes is awfully long (a great time saver)
• Skip the line at Orsay and Orangerie Museums: it’s a DIY tour, however, again, with the great benefit to skip the line.  When in Paris try to minimize the time in a queue, it will make your trip so much better
• Evening Cruise with Dinner on River Seine: probably the most romantic dinner you can have along the river. Also a great way to see Paris by night. You will remember it forever, and honestly, it’s a great value dinner considering the experience. A must

I have organized an interactive Google map with a guide to around 20 attractions and things to do in Paris, from the expected names as the Louvre Museum to other more unusual places such as the Père Lachaise Cemetery.

Best place to stay in Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower

I have still not talked about the Eiffel Tower. The main reason is that this unique attraction is not really in the heart of Paris

The Eiffel Tower is located in Arrondissement 7, on the left side (west) of the city map, next to the Seine River.

Sleeping in a hotel with a view of the Eiffel Tower is a dream come true, however, you will not be close to any other iconic attraction.

In a few words, you have to make a choice between the central area and the view.

In saying that, you can always take the Metro and in 10-15 minutes you will be at most museums, cathedrals, churches or anything you can think of in the heart of Paris.

I wrote more specifically about where to stay in Paris near Eiffel Tower. Here I want to mention just these 2 accommodation options, both meters away from the Trocadéro Metro station.

They are not actually in Arrondissement 7 but in the 16th, on the opposite side of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower, facing the Trocadéro Gardens. And a great view of the tower and the famous roof skyline

The five arrondissements I have mentioned till now (1, 2, 3, 4 and in some way 7) cover pretty much any search for the best place to stay in Paris close to everything.

Here below I just want to add more about a stay with your partner, where you will sacrifice quite a bit on the location but you will gain on the romantic side.

You can also skip directly to the How to move around Paris section, my personal map with all the attractions. bars and restaurants I mentioned in this post or my final important and unmissable tip on Paris.

Best place to stay in Paris for couples

Paris is of course full of charm of character, but the hilly Montmartre area (arrondissement 18), close to the Pigalle (2 lines crossing) and Blanche metro stations, is something else.

Staying in Montmartre is like sleeping in a French village, however, with a view of the city and its marvellous characteristic roofs.

And once in the street, you will walk through cobblestone small lanes with tiny cafes and restaurants. It’s romantic at its best. You will feel part of a Cezanne or a Van Gogh painting.

Actually, Van Gogh lived in Montmartre for 2 years, in 1886, and he dedicated a group of work to the area, the Le Moulin de la Galette (Moulin Radet) series.

You can also visit his place, although today it is home to a restaurant.

How can you not fall in love with this area?

I could spend hours drinking coffee and wine just watching life pass by, especially in the evening. I still remember my last time there, trying to communicate with my little French (wine helps).

Try to stay close to the Pigalle or Blanche metro. Montmartre is beautiful however most of the famous attractions are far away and you really need to take the underground.

Top 3 experiences once in Montmartre:

• An evening walk with a knowledgeable guide: the best way to explore Montmartre and see all the hidden corners this arrondissement has to offer.
• The Montmartre Cheese, Wine and Pastry Tour: an amazing way to experience this part of Paris, visiting the local shops and tasting the local products with a passionate local guide.
• Sunset Cruise with Dinner on River Seine: this is definitely an experience that is not in Montmartre, however, it’s so romantic!!

How to move around the city

What I love the most about some European capital cities is the wide subway/underground network and Paris has most definitely one of the best.

What it means is that the closer your accommodation will be to a metro station the easier will be your experience in Paris.

Personally, when I decide to spend just a few days in this lovely city, I always put the distance of my accommodation to the metro station as one of the most important filters in my selection.

The reason is simple, having just 3-4 days in the city means I do not want to spend much time “commuting” to the metro station.

The metro has 16 lines (from number 1 to 14 and then 3bis and 7bis) and it runs from 5:40 am to 12:40 am (extending to 1:40 am on Friday/Saturday night), covering most of the tourists’ needs unless you plan to spend a late night in a club.

You can download the pdf file of the Network on the Paris By Train website and keep it on your mobile, very useful of course.

And now a great tip: if you can try to stay close to a station with at least 2 crossing lines. This will make life easier and moving around the city will be quicker.

If you stay in the central area, then you will be very likey close also to the direct line to the Airport, so handy!

You can buy different kinds of tickets, from single runs to day tickets (€13.20 adults/ €6.60 kids), which can be a real bargain if you plan to take the Metro multiple times during the day.

The great thing about staying in arrondissement 1 to 4 is that, most likely, you will not need to take the Metro as most of the places to visit and attractions to experience are within walking distance (except the Eiffel Tower).

Unmissable Paris attractions on a map

Here is a map I have been updating with the best places to visit, restaurants to have lunch/dinner and bars to have a drink. 

I have been visiting Paris for the last 20 years or more. I have been updating this map on every single trip. I had such a great time in the French capital, with unique moments in my life, like being able to spend a night in the opening week of Buddha Bar.

Click here for the interactive Google map.

Remember to skip the line

I already mentioned this previously in the post. 

Try to skip the line whenever possible. What does it mean?

Buy your tickets in advance on the web. You may pay a few Euros more but, believe me, you will not regret it because the alternative is to spend most of your days queuing up, not a great experience. Paris is a popular city, especially in spring and summer.

Here below are the most common skip-the-line tickets. Most of them can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours prior to the experience.

To avoid disappointment, my suggestion is to buy the ticket to secure the spot and cancel later if you no longer need it. 

• Skip the line at Louvre Museum: it’s not only great to have a guide but also to skip the line that sometimes is awfully long (a great time saver)
• Skip the line at Orsay and Orangerie Museums: it’s a DIY tour, however, again, with the great benefit to skip the line.  
• Eiffel Tower – Second Floor Priority Access: The Eiffel Tower is probably the most iconic experience, however, it can be a nightmare if you have to wait in the standard queue. Get priority access and enjoy the city from the top.
• Skip-the-Line Guided Tour in Versailles: another must-see, another way to do it without queueing up too long and with the benefit of a guide explaining for 90 minutes all you need to know. And once the tour is finished enjoy the remaining part of Versailles at your own pace (no need to leave).
• Skip the Line Paris Catacombs Tour: to experience the darker side of the city, a unique part of Paris
• Self-Guided Visit to Opera Garnier: this is the largest opera in Europe, another must-see (I know the bucket list is never-ending)