Europe, Travel Tips

Live Your Parisian Dreams: Best Places to Stay in Paris

Last Modified:
November 7, 2023

Reading Time: 9 minutes

Paris, the city of love and lights, is a dream destination for many travelers around the world. With its iconic landmarks, rich culture, and mouth-watering cuisine, it’s no surprise that Paris is often at the top of many people’s travel bucket list. However, with so many options for accommodation, it can be overwhelming to decide where to stay in Paris.

Discover Paris on a Budget: Your Comprehensive Neighborhood Guide to Affordable Accommodations!

After reading up on all the things to do in Paris, you might be wondering where to stay in the city without breaking the bank. In order to do that, you’ll want to learn about the arrondissements of Paris to find the best places to stay, cut down on travel time, and soak in the Parisian experience.

Finding affordable accommodation in Paris doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By exploring the different arrondissements of Paris, you can find the perfect neighborhood to suit your budget and preferences. From the bohemian streets of Montmartre to the chic boutiques of Le Marais, there’s a neighborhood for every budget and traveler. So, let’s start planning your Parisian adventure today!

In this article, we will explore the best areas to stay in Paris, which places to avoid, and some top-rated hostels and cheap places to stay.

(For more great destination guides outside of Paris, check out our other cool blog posts!)

Where’s the best place to stay in Paris?

The best area to stay in Paris depends on your preferences and budget. Here are some of the most popular neighborhoods to stay in:

Saint-Germain-des-Prés: This charming neighborhood located in the heart of Paris is known for its quaint cafes, boutique shops, and lively nightlife. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to experience Parisian culture and stay in a central location.

Le Marais: This district is one of the trendiest areas in Paris, with a vibrant art scene, trendy restaurants, and stylish boutiques. Le Marais is ideal for those who want to experience the city’s contemporary culture.

Montmartre: This bohemian district is located on a hill overlooking Paris, and it’s famous for its artists, cafes, and the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Montmartre is perfect for those who want to stay in a more relaxed, artistic neighborhood.

Latin Quarter: The Latin Quarter is known for its vibrant student life, historic architecture, and charming cafes. This area is perfect for those who want to stay in a lively, intellectual neighborhood.

Where should you avoid in Paris?

While Paris is generally a safe city, there are some areas that are best to avoid, particularly at night. These areas include:

Pigalle: This district is known for its seedy nightlife and is often associated with prostitution and crime.

Les Halles: This area was once the central marketplace of Paris, but now it’s known for its crowded streets, pickpockets, and tourist traps.

Goutte d’Or: This district has a high crime rate and is known for its poverty and social issues.

Where’s the best place to stay in Paris for the first time?

If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, it’s best to stay in a central location that is close to the main attractions. Here are some popular neighborhoods for first-time visitors:

Saint-Germain-des-Prés: This area is ideal for first-time visitors because it’s located in the heart of the city and is close to many of the main attractions, such as the Louvre Museum and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Champs-Elysées: This area is known for its famous avenue, luxury shops, and iconic landmarks, such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower.

Le Marais: This district is centrally located and is close to many of the city’s main attractions, such as the Centre Pompidou and the Picasso Museum.

Five star rated hostels in Paris

4. Raindrops forming on the window outside a hotel in Paris

Paris may not be known for being a budget-friendly destination, but there are still some excellent hostels that offer affordable accommodation for travelers. Here are some of the top-rated hostels in Paris:

Generator Paris: This hostel located in the trendy 10th arrondissement is known for its stylish design and lively atmosphere. The hostel offers both private rooms and dormitories, and there’s a bar and restaurant on-site.

Les Piaules: This hostel located in the Belleville district is known for its stunning views of Paris from the rooftop terrace. The hostel offers both private rooms and dormitories, and

St Christopher’s Inn Canal: This hostel located in the 19th arrondissement is known for its lively bar and events, such as pub crawls and live music nights. The hostel offers both private rooms and dormitories, and it’s located right next to the beautiful Canal de l’Ourcq.

The Loft Boutique Hostel & Hotel: This hostel located in the Montmartre district offers a unique blend of hostel and hotel accommodation. The hostel features stylish design and offers private rooms, dormitories, and even apartments for groups or families.

The 3 Ducks Eiffel Tower: This hostel located in the 15th arrondissement is known for its excellent location near the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River. The hostel offers both private rooms and dormitories, and there’s a bar and restaurant on-site.

These hostels offer affordable accommodation with excellent facilities and a lively atmosphere. They are ideal for solo travelers, backpackers, and those on a tight budget. Hostels are also a great way to meet other travelers and make new friends while exploring Paris.

For more top hostel recommendations, check out Hostelworld!

Cheap places to live in Paris

5. window on Rue la Fayette in downtown Paris

Paris is known for being an expensive city, but there are some affordable options for those on a tight budget. Here are some of the cheapest places to live in Paris:

Auberge Internationale des Jeunes: This hostel located in the Montmartre district offers some of the cheapest dormitory beds in Paris. The hostel also has a kitchen where guests can cook their meals and a rooftop terrace with a stunning view of the city.

Hotel de la Poste: This budget hotel located in the 18th arrondissement offers basic accommodation with private rooms at affordable prices. The hotel is located near the popular Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the Moulin Rouge.

The Student Hotel: This student residence located in the Clichy-Batignolles district offers affordable studio apartments with private bathrooms and kitchens. The residence also features a co-working space, a gym, and a rooftop terrace.

Les Piaules: This hostel located in the Belleville district offers both private rooms and dormitories at a reasonable price. The hostel also has a rooftop terrace with stunning views of Paris.

The Loft Boutique Hostel: This hostel located in the Montmartre district offers affordable dormitory-style accommodation and is known for its friendly staff and cozy atmosphere.

Where to stay in Pairs if you are a Solo Traveler

Paris is a fantastic destination for solo travelers, with a wealth of accommodation options that cater to all budgets and interests. If you’re traveling alone to Paris, here are some of the best areas to consider for your stay:

Le Marais: This charming neighborhood is a great choice for solo travelers who want to experience the authentic Parisian lifestyle. It’s home to trendy cafes, boutique shops, and art galleries.

Montmartre: This historic neighborhood is known for its picturesque streets, bohemian atmosphere, and stunning views of the city. It’s a popular spot for artists, writers, and musicians, and has a lively nightlife scene.

Latin Quarter: This student-filled neighborhood is located on the Left Bank and is home to some of the oldest universities in Europe. It has a lively atmosphere, with plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants to explore.

Bastille: This trendy neighborhood is known for its bustling nightlife, with a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from. It’s also home to the famous Place de la Bastille and the Opera Bastille.

Hostels: If you’re on a tight budget, staying in a hostel can be a great way to meet other solo travelers and make new friends. Some of the best-rated hostels in Paris include Les Piaules, St. Christopher’s Inn Gare du Nord, and Generator Paris.

No matter where you choose to stay in Paris as a solo traveler, it’s important to stay safe and aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in quieter areas, and be cautious when using public transportation. With a little bit of planning and common sense, however, a solo trip to Paris can be an incredible adventure.

Best locations map view

If you’re looking for the best locations in Paris, a map view can be a helpful tool to use. Here are some of the best areas to stay in Paris, marked on a map view:

Saint-Germain-des-Prés: This central neighborhood is marked by its iconic cafes and boutiques, and it’s an excellent location for those who want to be close to the main attractions.

Le Marais: This trendy district is known for its art scene and stylish boutiques, and it’s an excellent location for those who want to experience Parisian culture.

Champs-Elysées: This area is marked by its famous avenue, luxury shops, and iconic landmarks, such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower.

Montmartre: This bohemian district is marked by its artists, cafes, and the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and it’s an excellent location for those who want to stay in a more relaxed, artistic neighborhood.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Paris offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. The best area to stay in Paris depends on your preferences and budget, but some popular neighborhoods include Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Marais, Montmartre, and the Latin Quarter. It’s also important to be aware of the areas to avoid, such as Pigalle and Les Halles, particularly at night. By using a map view and considering your budget and preferences, you can find the perfect place to stay in Paris and make the most of your trip to the city of love and lights.

After securing your accommodation, head over to Travel Diaries for travel planning advice, tips to connect with fellow travelers, and more! Don’t forget to subscribe to Travel Diaries Newsletter and stay up to date on the latest travel news delivered straight to your inbox.

FAQs

What is the best area to stay at Paris?

The Champs-Elysees and the 8th arrondissement are popular areas to stay in Paris, particularly for those looking for a luxurious experience. The 8th arrondissement is known for its high-end shops, museums, and iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe. The Champs-Elysees, one of the most famous streets in the world, offers upscale shopping and dining options. However, it’s important to note that staying in these areas can be more expensive compared to other neighborhoods in Paris.

Which area to stay in Paris for first time?

If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, it’s recommended to stay in the central areas of the city, such as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th arrondissements. These neighborhoods are close to major attractions like the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Eiffel Tower, and offer a great introduction to the city. The Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and the Latin Quarter are also great options for first-time visitors, as they are bustling with activity and have a lively atmosphere. Ultimately, it’s important to choose a neighborhood that suits your interests and needs, but staying in one of these central areas can be a great way to kickstart your Parisian adventure.

What is the most walkable area to stay in Paris?

The most walkable areas to stay in Paris are the central arrondissements such as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th. These neighborhoods are compact and have plenty of pedestrian-friendly streets, making it easy to get around on foot. The Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés are also walkable neighborhoods with narrow streets and hidden gems waiting to be discovered around every corner. If you’re looking to explore Paris on foot, these areas are a great place to start.

Which side of Paris is better?

It’s difficult to say which side of Paris is better, as each area has its own unique character and charm. The city is divided into two halves by the Seine River, with the Right Bank (Rive Droite) to the north and the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) to the south.
The Right Bank is known for its upscale shopping and dining options, as well as iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees. It’s also home to the Louvre museum, the largest art museum in the world.
The Left Bank, on the other hand, has a more bohemian vibe and is known for its artsy cafes, jazz clubs, and student-filled neighborhoods like the Latin Quarter. It’s also home to popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Luxembourg Gardens.
Ultimately, the best side of Paris to stay on depends on your preferences and interests. Both sides offer plenty of things to see and do, so it’s worth exploring both during your visit to Paris

Aatika Farooqui

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Aatika Farooqui, a passionate explorer and storyteller, weaves her love for travel into captivating narratives. Her words have the power to transport readers to distant lands, igniting a sense of wanderlust and curiosity. Through her evocative writing, Aatika captures the essence of each destination, sharing both the remarkable and the hidden, inspiring others to embark on their own transformative journeys.