Choosing where to stay in Paris is one of the most paramount issues when it comes to planning a trip to this beautiful European city correctly. The most important aspects to bear in mind not only include the budget, amenities, and comfort, but also key points such as location.
In this guide, you will be offered all necessary tools and tips to choose wisely where to stay in Paris, so that your trip can be truly perfect!
Accommodation in Paris
The fact that lodging in Paris is pricey will hardly come as a surprise to anyone at this point. As a matter of fact, we are talking about one of the most visited cities in the world here!
Therefore, not only is it fundamental to book your accommodation in advance and as early as possible, but also to adequately choose the correct kind of hotel, hostel, or apartment, depending on the nature of your trip and your budget. Location is key as well!
Recommended Areas and Neighborhoods to Stay In
Paris is a sprawling city and, to the traveler visiting it for the very first time, it can be confusing to pick where to stay without any help. That is what we are here for! In the following chapters, we will recommend you the best areas to stay in Paris, as well as briefly summarize its districts.
The Districts of Paris
Paris is divided into twenty districts or arrondissements laid out in a spiral stemming from the center of the city. Therefore, the districts with lower numbers are always the most centrally located ones, and the closest to monuments and landmarks.
The best districts of Paris to stay in or stroll through are, quite obviously, the lowest numbers, particularly those ranging from 1 to 7, since they are in the vicinity of all places of interest. They are the most expensive ones, too! If you are on a tighter budget, try a few somewhat further districts such as number 9 (Opera House) or 18 (Montmartre).
It is paramount for you to avoid districts 19 and 20, as well as areas such as La Goutte d’Or in Montmartre, and also the zones bordering the Gare du Nord and the Gare de l’Est, given that they can be unsafe.
Finding Accommodation in Downtown Paris
Even though finding accommodation in downtown Paris can be quite costly, it is the best choice if you are visiting the city for the first time, or also for a romantic getaway. You will be close to everything, and you will be able to enjoy the urban vibe and hustle to the fullest!
The best downtown areas to stay in are, undoubtedly, in district number 1 (Louvre), 3 and 4 (Marais), 5 (Latin Quarter), 6 (Saint-Germain), and 7 (the Eiffel Tower and its surroundings). You will find places such as the Louvre Museum, the Tuileries Garden, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, or the Pantheon within walking distance!
Charming Neighborhoods Off the Beaten Path
Staying in a neighborhood off the beaten path in Paris is a great idea, should you be looking for a more local and authentic vibe, or also if your budget is more mid-range. The best spots are in district number 18 (Montmartre, but avoiding straying far away from the Sacré-Coeur), 10 (Saint-Martin Canal), and 13 (Butte-aux-Cailles). It is ideal for travelers who love the city’s bohemian ambiance!
Options for Business Travelers and Families
Should you be looking for even quieter and more easily connected neighborhoods, both for business trips and also for family getaways, we recommend some areas in district number 14 (Montparnasse), 17 (Batignolles), or even in the La Défense quarter.
Types of Accommodation in Paris
Let us now go over the main types of accommodation that can be found in Paris, listed by category and budget, so that you can choose whichever suits your needs the best!
Luxury Hotels
Paris is the quintessential city of luxury and the exclusive so, should you be on the lookout for a unique experience, premium amenities, or breathtaking locations, you have come to the right place. Some of the finest luxury hotels in Paris include the following:
Boutique and Charming Hotels
Paris is packed with charm and picture-perfect nooks and crannies to experience a romantic trip, a bohemian getaway, or simply explore the city from a lodge with a much more personal flair. If you are looking for boutique hotels in Paris, these are your best picks:
Affordable Lodging and Hostels
You can come visit Paris regardless of your budget! Should you need to save up on your trip, and you are therefore looking for affordable lodging in Paris, take a look at these wonderful hotels and hostels:
Apartments and Holiday Rentals
Are you going to Paris with your whole family, or with a large group of friends? Are you thinking of staying several weeks in town? Should you fall within any of the aforementioned categories, your best choice is to find an apartment or a holiday rental. Here are our suggestions of tourist apartments in Paris!
Bed & Breakfast and Guest Houses
Should you be one of those travelers who cherish closer and more intimate accommodation options, with a quaint flair, warm customer service, and a fine breakfast included, here you are the best bed and breakfast picks in Paris:
Accommodation Options by Type of Tourist
When it comes to looking for accommodation in Paris, it is not the same to do so for a couple on their honeymoon, for a group of friends seeking to enjoy nightlife, for a family with little ones, or even for someone going solo or backpacking through town.
There is an accommodation choice for every kind of tourist!
Family Trips
The best accommodation options for families in Paris are those offering comfort, ample spaces, a place to cook, and amenities adapted for children, such as family-sized bedrooms and recreational areas. Here are some options!
Couples or Romantic Trips
When it comes to romantic trips, it is ideal to look for hotels and apartments with an intimate ambiance, placed in charming areas and boasting special amenities for two. Take a look at these lodging options for couples in Paris!
Trips with Friends
Trips with large groups of friends call for spacious apartments located in areas with plenty of leisure options and nightlife. Here you are some of the best accommodation choices for groups in Paris!
- Loft Design for 8 people in Heart of Paris
- HEY PARIS Entire apartment
- PARIS PANTIN Magnifique Appartement
Backpackers and Tight-budget Travelers
If it is hostels for backpackers in Paris that you are looking for, with affordable prices, basic amenities, and a social ambiance encouraging you to get to know other travelers, do not miss out on these recommendations!
Useful Tips to Choose and Book the Best Accommodation
Next on, we will present you with a full guide featuring tips and strategies to pick your ideal lodging option, comparing prices, reading reviews, and making the most of the best offers in the market. Stay tuned for these tips to book your accommodation in Paris!
Comparison of Prices and Opinions
Before you decide to pick one particular accommodation option, we suggest that you use some tools and recommended websites in order to be able to compare prices. It will also be of great use for you to analyze reviews by other travelers. Here you are some websites where you will find comparisons of prices or reviews for your accommodation in Paris:
Smart Booking Strategies
When it comes to booking your accommodation in Paris, it is paramount for you to follow some strategies and become acquainted with a few concepts.
For instance, you must bear in mind the best season to book which, as far as Paris goes, ranges from March to November, when you will find lower prices and fewer tourists (although, should you prefer to privilege fine weather, you are to choose months such as May, June, or September). Try to do so, at the very least, from three to six months in advance.
Before you take the last step, always make sure to check any potential, temporary accommodation promotions. By all means, if you book far in advance, do so with free cancellation in order to prevent any setbacks!
Key Services and Amenities
The amenities that you might find in hotels in Paris are extremely varied and, the more luxurious the venue is, the more diverse and complete they will be. At any rate, in order to guarantee a comfortable and scare-free stay, we suggest that you do a list including all services which are indispensable to you, and double check that your lodging choice offers them: Wi-Fi, private bathroom, breakfast included, transfer to the airport, accessibility (should you be a traveler with reduced mobility), and so on.
Special Recommendations and Traveler Opinions
To wrap up our guide featuring suggestions on where to stay in Paris, here you go a brief compilation of testimonies, real experiences, and suggestions from travelers who have tried different accommodation options in the city.
Testimonies and Personal Experiences
“Paris for families was such a pleasant surprise. We were worried it could be chaotic or difficult to navigate with little kids, but the opposite turned out to be true. Museums such as the Louvre offer free admission for minors, and the Jardin du Luxembourg is ideal to take a rest. We took the Essential Free Tour at Somos París, and even our little ones were hooked on the stories. As a tip, wear comfortable footwear, take some food, and double check the opening times for the attractions: many museums close one day a week (for the Louvre, it is Tuesday). Avoid any unpleasant surprises!”
“Paris is even more bewildering than we imagined. Taking a stroll across Le Marais, sharing a crêpe at the Île Saint-Louis, or watching the Eiffel Tower become aglow from the Trocadéro was magical. One of the most special moments was the Free Tour across Montmartre with Somos París, which took us through hidden alleyways, packed with history and poetry. As a tip, book the tickets for places such as the Sainte-Chapelle or the Musée d’Orsay beforehand in order to skip the never ending queues. And shun the metro during the rush hour: it is not romantic at all 😂”
“Paris has a reputation for being expensive but, if you plan ahead, there are plenty of ways to enjoy it on a tight budget. From baguettes and cheese in the gardens, to strolls across neighborhoods such as Belleville, or Saint-Martin Canal. The Dark Side Free Tour with Somos París helped me discover the mysterious side to the city, highly recommendable. As a backpacking tip, the city is huge, so plan your daily routine carefully in order not to waste time on unnecessary commuting!”
Itineraries and Customized Suggestions
As a finishing touch, here are a series of itineraries featuring weekend getaways in Paris so that you can adapt your route in accordance with the kind of trip that you wish to embark on: cultural, romantic, family-friendly with kids, and so on. Make the most out of your experience!
Itinerary 1 “Historical and cultural trip”
Devote your first day to the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden, Notre-Dame, and the Sainte-Chapelle, finishing with supper in the Latin Quarter and a stroll along the banks of the Seine. For the second day, visit the Musée d’Orsay and join our tour across the surroundings of the Eiffel Tower with a cruise along the Seine. The perfect cherry on top for your trip!
Itinerary 2 “Romantic Trip”
For your first day, nothing beats a walk across Montmartre, with a visit to the Sacré Coeur Basilica and, next up, a route through Le Marais with a picnic dinner beside the Eiffel Tower. On your second day, you could visit the Jardin du Luxembourg, relish a brunch at Saint-Germain-des-Prés, join our Dark Side of Paris Free Tour and wrap it up with a show at the Moulin Rouge.
Free Tour
Free Tour
Itinerary 3 “Family Trip with Kids”
We suggest that you kick off your first day by joining our Essential Paris Free Tour, and then you could spend your afternoon at the City of Science and Industry. On your second day, you could climb up the Eiffel Tower and embark on a family cruise across the Seine.
Free Tour
Free Tour
There are plenty of guided visits and free tours to choose at Somos París! Here you go some of the best ones:
- Essential Paris Free Tour in English – SomosParis – Unravel the finest nooks and crannies in downtown Paris and discover the stories of its main monuments and its foremost personalities at the hands of our best guides.
- Dark Side of Paris Free Tour – SomosParis – Get to know the most intriguing alleyways and boulevards in Paris at our hands, as well as their dark Medieval past, when the city used to be a dangerous maze of shadows in which it was inevitable to lose your way.
- Eiffel Tower Tour with Admission Fee + Cruise along the Seine – SomosParis – Discover the Eiffel Tower along with our guides, and wrap up your experience with an incredible one-hour-long cruise along the Seine.
- Make sure to also take a look at some other of our visits, such as the Latin Quarter Free Tour, the Montmartre Free Tour, or the French Revolution Free Tour!
We hope that you find this guide highly useful when it comes to choosing your accommodation in Paris. Before booking, remember to double check reviews, promotions, and the location and amenities of the hotels, hostels, or apartments that you have liked the most thoroughly.
Wait no more! Book your accommodation and experiences in Paris right now, and jump headfirst into the journey of a lifetime!
