Where Are the Best Places to Stay in Paris? Our Picks for 2025

Home to one of the finest cuisines on the planet, glorious architecture, rich culture, and much more… the French capital city of Paris speaks for itself. As such, today at Civitatis, we’re not going to try to persuade you to visit the City of Love. Instead, we’re going to give you the inside track on the different areas of the city. Where you stay will influence how you enjoy the city—there are lots of great options, but where are the best places to stay in Paris? Really, the ‘best place’ for you depends on you, and what you want to get out of your trip.

So, here are some of our favorite areas to stay in Paris… read on and figure out which one is best suited to you!

Our Favorite Place to Stay – Le Marais

The quartier of le Marais is one of the most popular in Paris, lying mostly within the very central 3rd and 4th arrondissements (districts). Really, this should come as no surprise, with its romantic cobbled streets, cultural treasures, and fantastic boutiques being enough to captivate any visitor!

This area has been called le Marais (usually translated as ‘the swamp’) since medieval times. For a long time, this patch of land was used to grow vegetables for the city, until the 16th century, when Paris’ wealthy aristocrats began building their mansions (hôtels particuliers) in the area. The area was perfect, being in close proximity to the Louvre, which was then the seat of the French monarchy. Later in the 17th century, Louis XIV moved from Paris to Versailles, and the area gradually fell out of favor among elites. However, many of these mansions line the area’s narrow cobbled streets and continue to contribute to the character and charm of le Marais. Some of these include Hôtel de Sully, Hôtel Carnavalet, and Hôtel de Guénégaud.

Though it’s a little on the pricier side, le Marais is stunningly beautiful, well connected to the rest of the city, and has great museums (Picasso Museum, Victor Hugo’s House, Musée Carnavalet,), galleries and parks (Rosiers Joseph Migneret Garden), as well as dining and nightlife options.

• Enjoy this free tour of Le Marais + Bastille.
• Enjoy a guided tour of the Louvre Museum.

For the Cultured – Saint-Germain-des-Prés

This vibrant area of the 6th arrondissement is perhaps best known for its connections to the literary world of the 20th century. This area was a haunt of literary greats, artists, and foodies, meeting to discuss their work, which would leave a profound mark on the world. From Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir to Albert Camus to Pablo Picasso—Saint-Germain-des-Prés stands as the intellectual and artistic soul of Paris.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is now a great place to grab a bite, go shopping, catch a show… it has it all! Highlights for us include the gorgeous Église Saint-Sulpice and the Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés abbey, the second of which dates back to 543, making it the oldest in Paris. Depending on when you’re visiting, you might be able to catch a Classical Music Concert in the abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is very central, located on the west bank of the city, meaning you can very easily walk to many of the city’s main landmarks, including the Musée d’Orsay, the Eiffel Tower, and Luxembourg Gardens.

And don’t worry, despite its Bourgeois architecture and general Parisian elegance, Saint-Germain-des-Prés has its lively side, with lots of great nightclubs and cocktail bars that bring the neighborhood to life come sundown!

• Grab a ticket to the Musée d’Orsay.
• Check out tours & experiences at the Eiffel Tower.

For the Romantics – Montmartre

Live your Parisian fantasy in the northern neighborhood of Montmartre, located in the 18th arrondissement. This quarter was another one that was frequented by artists over the years, commonly associated with 19th/20th-century figures including Monet, Renoir, and van Gogh. Montmartre’s colorful buildings and sloped, winding streets lined with retro cafés and top-class restaurants also served as the backdrop in Amélie, one of the most romantic and beautiful depictions of Paris.

At the top of Montmartre’s hill is the 19th-century basilica of Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. You can walk up to the top of the hill to see it, or grab yourself a ticket to ride the funicular—either way, check out this Sacré-Coeur Basilica guided tour to learn all about this landmark’s story.

Another absolute must is grabbing a ticket to the Montmartre Museum, housed within a gorgeous 17th-century manor. One of the oldest buildings in the district, this museum tells the story of Montmartre through paintings, posters, and drawings. Also enjoy the museum’s lovely gardens, named after Renoir, one of many artists who used this space during the 19th century.

Keep in mind that Montmartre is a little bit outside of the city center. You won’t be within walking distance from any of Paris’ major tourist attractions, though there are bus and metro lines that connect Montmartre to the rest of the city, so you won’t be cut off from the main landmarks!

• Enjoy a guided walking tour of Montmartre with Civitatis.
• Traveling with kids? Check out this family-friendly walking tour of Montmartre.

For Shopping – Opéra

The Opéra quarter is another brilliant option when visiting Paris. This area in the 9th arrondissement is probably best known for being home to the absolutely stunning Palais Garnier opera house, one of the most opulent buildings in the city. While beautiful from the outside, definitely grab yourself a ticket to the Opera Garnier to discover this building’s breathtaking interior. If you have time, see if there are any shows during your visit to get the full experience.

For shoppers, this area is just perfect for exploring the grandiose Grands Magasins—Paris’ iconic trio of department stores (Le Bon Marché, Printemps, and Galeries Lafayette) with a history spanning over 160 years. In fact, did you know that le Bon Marché, founded in 1852, is said to be the first modern department store? We recommend doing a guided tour of the gorgeous Galeries Lafayette, the most enjoyable of the Grands Magasins to explore. This beautiful space features an incredible, colorful glass dome and specializes in exclusive fashion, jewelry, perfume, and accessories! While you’re there, why not check out this macaron-making workshop—learn to make this classic French treat in an elegant cooking space!

For History Lovers – Île Saint-Louis

The historical heart of Paris, this island on the Seine offers undeniable charm and is well within walking distance of the most iconic landmarks in the city center. Connected to the Île de la Cité, you’ll be within walking distance from Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame, as well as the Pantheon, le Marais, and Hôtel de Ville…. does it get much better than that? What’s more, despite being so central, île Saint-Louis is lovely and quiet compared to other central quarters in the city, it’s like a sleepy village, but right in the middle of Paris!

• Île de la Cité + Notre Dame Exterior Tour
• Notre Dame Exterior + Crypt Tour
• Paris Pantheon Ticket
• Tours at the Sainte-Chapelle

For Great Value – The Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement is a highly-rated home base and one of the oldest districts in Paris. The Latin Quarter owes its name to the fact that Latin was the predominantly spoken language in this area during the Middle Ages. Located on the left bank of the river, this romantic area’s windy, narrow streets and cool bars and restaurants must have inspired literary and artistic greats over the years. In fact, this area is a known haunt of figures like Hemmingway, Stein, and Picasso.

Located just along the Seine, this is a great home base to make your way to visit the Eiffel Tower or check out the Notre Dame Cathedral. It’s also well within walking distance from the Jardin du Luxembourg. Within the quarter itself, you’ll also be able to explore the Pantheon and the Sorbonne University, as well as places like Shakespeare and Company—one of the finest English-language bookstores in the world, which has been somewhat of a cultural hub in the city for English-speaking immigrants.

Rue Moffetard, known by locals as ‘la Mouffe’ is said to be one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back at least 2,000 years, to Roman times. Today, la Mouffe is a bustling market street, featuring freshly baked pastries and local produce, as well as lovely cafés, bars, and restaurants to people-watch in.

For the Creatives – Canal Saint-Martin

The Canal Saint Martin is an up-and-coming neighborhood in the 10th and 11th favored mostly by young creatives, for its cheaper rent, food scene, and the tranquil waterway from which it takes its name. This area, rich in history and local culture, offers a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, even though it’s very central itself! For an authentic Parisian experience, take a stroll along the canal and bring with you a picnic to enjoy at one of the local parks such as Jardins de l’Hôpital Saint Louis or the Jardin Villemin!

For a Classy Visit – Champs-Élysées or Trocadéro

The most luxurious area to stay in Paris is probably the Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement. The area is best known for the Avenue Champs-Élysées, a 230-foot-wide (70-meter) road that marks the finishing stretch of the Tour de France and is topped by the Place Charles de Gaulle and the Arc de Triomphe. This quarter is lively, perfectly placed for exploring the city, and home to some of its most luxurious hotels.

Just across the Seine, you have the Trocadéro, which boasts a fairly similar offering, without the hustle and bustle of Champs-Élysées. This sophisticated quarter is famous for its gorgeous Trocadéro Gardens, as well as its views of the Eiffel Tower at the Palais de Chaillot, which are arguably the best in the city. You’ll also find some of the city’s finest museums and gorgeous architecture.

• Grab a ticket to the Arc du Triomphe.

For the Party Animals – Bastille + Oberkampf

Located within the 11th arrondissement, Bastille is slightly off the beaten track, but it has plenty to discover. This area is home to the Place de la Bastille, which was once the site of the Bastille prison—famously torn down after the Storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution.

Today, this area is good for restaurants mainly frequented by locals, as well as amazing nightlife and concert venues. A highlight of the area is the Marché Bastille, a market that operates on Thursday and Wednesday mornings, with over a hundred merchants selling a wide array of fresh produce, some trinkets, and vintage furniture. We’d also recommend trying to grab yourself a ticket for the Opéra Bastille, and going for a walk along the lovely Coulée Verte René-Dumont!

This area isn’t as central as the Latin Quarter or le Marais, but it’s also not quite as touristy. You’ll eat where the locals eat, drink where the locals drink, and you’ll get to experience a part of the city that was absolutely pivotal during the events of the French Revolution.

Also in the 11th, you’ll find Oberkampf—a trendy area known for its street art, good value food and drink, and absolutely buzzing nightlife. Check it out!

• Enjoy a guided tour of Bastille + le Marais.

For the Off-Beat Travelers – Belleville

The last entry on our list is the quirky, vibrant, and eclectic neighborhood of Belleville. This working-class area is one of the more diverse in the city, located out in the 20th arrondissement, but with great connections to the city. Enjoy cool street art, and great value eateries and bars serving top-class French cuisine and food from around the world. In fact, with Civitatis, you can enjoy a food tour of Belleville, to discover some of the quarter’s best eateries, eating treats, cheeses, and wines along the way!

Pro tip: Belleville also features some fantastic views of the Parisian skyline and the Eiffel Tower, from Belleville Park.

There you have it, those are our top picks for the best places to stay in Paris in 2025. In a city like Paris, there are so many different ways to enjoy the city. Whether you’re looking for a luxury or budget trip, a relaxing stay, or a wild weekend, the City of Lights has something for you! Bon voyage!