Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, each with its unique character and attractions. Travelers often wonder which districts are safe, centrally located, and reasonably priced. We’ve compiled a list of Paris districts, considering safety, accessibility, and proximity to major attractions.
It’s no surprise that the most comfortable districts are also the most expensive. Hotel prices in top districts are significantly higher than those at the bottom of the list. The choice is yours: if you want to stay in the heart of Paris and explore on foot, start at the top; if you’re more budget-conscious and don’t mind using the metro, start at the bottom. Remember: the lower the arrondissement number, the closer it is to the center.
6th Arrondissement — Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The 6th arrondissement offers the perfect blend of comfort, safety, centrality, and atmosphere. Known for its high-end boutiques and art galleries, this district was once the favorite haunt of bohemians and intellectuals. Today, it is one of the most prestigious areas in Paris, home to bourgeois families, philosophers, artists, writers, and university professors. Notable landmarks include the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens, the Medici Fountain, the Pont Neuf, and the Saint-Germain-des-Prés quarter.
– **Key Metro Stations**: Montparnasse – Bienvenüe, Odeon, Saint-Germain-des-Prés
– **Accommodation Costs**: From €100 per night, average €136
1st Arrondissement — Louvre
The geographic and tourist center of Paris, the 1st arrondissement hosts the Louvre and the Tuileries Garden. Other notable sites include Place Vendôme, Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois Church, and the Palais Royal. With over 330 historical monuments and 14 museums, this district is a cultural treasure trove. It also boasts excellent transport links, with Châtelet – Les Halles station connecting to various parts of the Paris region.
– **Key Metro Stations**: Châtelet, Les Halles, Concorde, Louvre-Rivoli, Madeleine
– **Accommodation Costs**: From €100 per night, average €500
7th Arrondissement — Eiffel Tower
Though it has fewer attractions than the 1st arrondissement, the 7th arrondissement is a magnet for tourists thanks to the Eiffel Tower. It also hosts the Orsay and Rodin Museums, as well as the Invalides. This prestigious and tranquil district is favored by embassies and affluent Parisians, including the late couturier Karl Lagerfeld.
– **Key Metro Stations**: Champ de Mars, Invalides
– **Accommodation Costs**: From €100 per night, average €200
4th Arrondissement — Notre-Dame
A fashionable district reminiscent of London’s Soho and New York’s Manhattan, the 4th arrondissement includes the Marais quarter and the islands of Cité and Saint-Louis. Key attractions are Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Pompidou Centre, and the Hôtel de Ville. The area is also known for its trendy shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants.
– **Key Metro Stations**: Bastille, Châtelet, Cité
– **Accommodation Costs**: From €90 per night, average €140
5th Arrondissement — Panthéon
Known for the Latin Quarter, named for the Latin spoken by Sorbonne students in the Middle Ages, the 5th arrondissement is home to prestigious colleges and schools. It also boasts ancient Roman ruins and numerous museums, including the Panthéon and the National Museum of Natural History.
– **Key Metro Stations**: Gare d’Austerlitz, Saint-Michel
– **Accommodation Costs**: From €90 per night, average €150
3rd Arrondissement — Marais Quarter
The northern part of the historic Marais and the Jewish quarter constitute the 3rd arrondissement. Highlights include the Carnavalet Museum and the Picasso Museum. The area is charming with its old mansions, some dating back to the 14th century.
– **Key Metro Stations**: République, Strasbourg – Saint-Denis
– **Accommodation Costs**: From €90 per night, average €200
8th Arrondissement — Champs-Élysées
The 8th arrondissement is defined by the Champs-Élysées Avenue, ending at the Arc de Triomphe, which offers panoramic views. The district features the presidential Élysée Palace, the Madeleine Church, and the Grand and Petit Palais.
– **Key Metro Stations**: Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Saint-Lazare
– **Accommodation Costs**: From €140 per night, average €300
2nd Arrondissement — Passages
Mainly a business district with the Paris Stock Exchange at its heart, the 2nd arrondissement also boasts trendy shops in historical covered passages. A visit to the Fragonard Perfume Museum is a must.
– **Key Metro Stations**: Opéra, Strasbourg – Saint-Denis
– **Accommodation Costs**: From €140 per night, average €300
9th Arrondissement — Opéra
The 9th arrondissement is a city within a city, offering cultural heritage at the Opéra Garnier and modern life with high-end shops like Galeries Lafayette. It also includes the “red-light district” around Pigalle and the Moulin Rouge.
– **Key Metro Stations**: Opéra, Saint-Lazare, Barbès – Rochechouart, Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette, Pigalle
– **Accommodation Costs**: From €100 per night, average €240
16th Arrondissement — Trocadéro Square
Home to wealthy Parisians, the 16th arrondissement features high-end shops and offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro Square. Other landmarks include the Marmottan-Monet Museum and Roland Garros Stadium.
– **Key Metro Stations**: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile, Trocadéro
– **Accommodation Costs**: From €100 per night, average €250
14th Arrondissement — Montparnasse Boulevard
Known for its vibrant past, Montparnasse Boulevard in the 14th arrondissement was once the epicenter of cultural life. Key attractions include the Catacombs of Paris, Montparnasse Tower, and Montparnasse Cemetery.
– **Key Metro Stations**: Montparnasse – Bienvenüe, Denfert-Rochereau, Porte d’Orléans
– **Accommodation Costs**: From €80 per night, average €180
15th Arrondissement — Vaugirard
Attractions in the 15th arrondissement include the Pasteur Museum and André Citroën Park. It’s a quiet and safe district, ideal for budget-conscious travelers who prefer staying close to the 7th arrondissement.
– **Key Metro Stations**: Montparnasse – Bienvenüe, Porte de Versailles
– **Accommodation Costs**: From €60 per night, average €130
13th Arrondissement — Chinatown
The 13th arrondissement is known for its vibrant Chinatown, but it also features the quaint Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood and modern high-rises near the Bibliothèque Mitterrand. This district offers good transport links and affordable hotels.
– **Key Metro Stations**: Gare d’Austerlitz, Place d’Italie
– **Accommodation Costs**: From €100 per night, average €170
11th Arrondissement — Bastille
Popular with the youth, the 11th arrondissement is known for its lively streets and nightlife around Bastille Square. While it lacks major historical sites, it makes up for it with cozy wine bars and bistros. Note that areas bordering the 20th arrondissement can be less safe.
– **Key Metro Stations**: Bastille, Belleville, Nation, République
– **Accommodation Costs**: From €80 per night, average €200
17th Arrondissement — Monceau Park
The 17th arrondissement offers a slice of authentic Parisian life without major tourist attractions. Key areas include Batignolles, immortalized by French Impressionists.
– **Key Metro Stations**: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile, Porte de Clichy
– **Accommodation Costs**: From €90 per night, average €200
12th Arrondissement — Bercy
The 12th arrondissement spans from Bastille Square to the suburb of Vincennes. Key attractions include the Bastille Opera, Bercy Park, and the Vincennes Woods.
– **Key Metro Stations**: Bastille, Gare de Lyon, Nation
– **Accommodation Costs**: From €100 per night, average €200
10th Arrondissement — Gare de l’Est and Gare du Nord
The 10th arrondissement is convenient for active travelers with its two major train stations, Gare de l’Est and Gare du Nord. However, the area between these stations can be less safe. Despite this, its affordability, proximity to central attractions, and the picturesque Canal Saint-Martin make it a viable option.
– **Key Metro Stations**: Belleville, Gare de l’Est, Gare du Nord, République, Strasbourg – Saint-Denis
– **Accommodation Costs**: From €70 per night, average €200
– Areas to avoid: Around Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est
18th Arrondissement — Montmartre
Famous for its bohemian past, the 18th arrondissement is set on the hill of Montmartre, home to the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. It offers charming streets and local vineyards but can be challenging with its many stairs. Stay closer to the metro stations on the southern side for convenience and safety.
– **Key Metro Stations**: Abbesses, Anvers, Lamarck — Caulaincourt, Pigalle
-**Accommodation Costs**: From €70 per night, average €130
– Areas to avoid: Barbès-Rochechouart, Château Rouge
19th Arrondissement — Parc de la Villette
Home to the scenic Buttes Chaumont Park and the modern Parc de la Villette, the 19th arrondissement is evolving from an industrial area to a cultural hub. It offers several attractions but is less convenient for central sightseeing.
– **Key Metro Stations**: Jaurès, Porte de la Villette
-**Accommodation Costs**: From €70 per night, average €150
– Areas to avoid: Belleville, Porte de la Villette
20th Arrondissement — Père Lachaise Cemetery
The 20th arrondissement, encompassing the Père Lachaise Cemetery, offers a vibrant mix of cultures. While affordable, parts of the district, especially near Belleville and Ménilmontant, can be less safe. It provides an authentic Parisian experience away from the touristy center.
– **Key Metro Stations**: Belleville, Nation, Porte de Bagnolet
-**Accommodation Costs**: From €50 per night, average €90
– Areas to avoid: Ménilmontant and Belleville
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Final Thoughts
Paris offers diverse districts to suit every taste and budget. Whether you prefer the bustling heart of the city or quieter, more affordable areas, there’s a district for you. Prioritize what matters most—be it proximity to attractions, safety, or cost—when choosing where to stay. Enjoy your Parisian adventure!
