Searching for where to stay in Paris for the first time can be daunting. With 20 arrondissements (aka districts), countless neighborhoods, and over a thousand hotel options, planning a trip to Paris for the first time and picking the perfect hotel is nothing short of intimidating.
Thankfully, after 13 years and 17 visits to Paris (as well as friends who live in Paris), I’ve got plenty of experience to help you pick the best hotels in Paris as well as the right area to stay.
If you just want a quick and easy answer rather than reading all about the 6 neighborhoods I recommend, then Le Marais is probably the best area to stay in Paris overall, followed by the 5th and 6th arrondissements.
Stay at a hotel like Le Temple de Jeanne in Le Marais or Hotel Atmospheres in the 5th (Latin Quarter) and you should be good to go.
However, we all have different goals for our trip, even if it is a first-time visit. So I have 6 great areas of Paris worth staying in that hit that sweet spot of 1) plenty of things to do in that particular neighborhood, 2) close to the main attractions and/or on a good metro line, and 3) great atmosphere with bars and restaurants!
I’ll also include pros/cons, things to do in the area, and hotel options (many of which I’ve actually stayed in)!
Let’s get into it!
Oh, and I also have a full guide on where to stay in Paris based on your travel style. Be sure to check that out for 10 amazing places to stay in Paris based on how you want to spend your vacation here. It also includes helpful metro information for each arrondissement/neighborhood listed.
Don’t have time to read this now? Save it for later here!
Contents
- Where to Stay in Paris For First Timers Quick Overview
- Where to Stay in Paris For First Timers
- 1st Arrondissement
- Le Marais is a Fabulous Spot for First Timers in Paris
- 5th Arrondissement (in the Latin Quarter) is Where to Stay in Paris For First Timers
- 6th Arrondissement (in Saint-Germain-des-Pres) is Iconic for First Timers
- Pigalle (in the 9th Arrondissement) is a Unique Place to Stay in Paris For First Timers
- Montmartre (in the 18th) is My Final Recommendation on Where to Stay in Paris For First Time Visitors
- Map of My Recommended Areas to Stay in Paris for the First Time
- Which Arrondissement is Right For You During Your Stay?
- Why I Don’t Recommend Staying Near the Eiffel Tower During Your First Trip to Paris
Where to Stay in Paris For First Timers Quick Overview
Here is a quick overview of where to stay in Paris for the first time. For pros/cons, things to do in each place, and more hotel options, please keep reading below! You can also use the table of content to jump to a particular area.
- 1st Arrondissement
- Hotel Recommandation: Hotel La Tamise-Esprit de France
- Le Marais (3rd/4th Arrondissement)
- Hotel Recommandation: Le Temple de Jeanne
- 5th Arrondissement (in the Latin Quarter)
- Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Atmospheres
- 6th Arrondissement (in Saint-Germain-des-Pres)
- Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Odeon Saint Germain
- Pigalle (9th Arrondissement)
- Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Rochechouart
- Montmartre (18th Arrondissement)
- Hotel Recommendation: Terrass Hotel
Where to Stay in Paris For First Timers
Alright, let’s talk about the best hotels in Paris for first time visitors and the best areas to stay in!
If you don’t know, Paris has 20 arrondissements that start in the 1st and wind around clockwise (like a snail or pain aux raisins shape)! So I’ll start with the 1st and work my way around with the 6 areas.
1st Arrondissement
Yes, I also recommend this in my full Where to Stay in Paris Guide, which has a couple of spots for first timers.
If you’re visiting Paris for the first time and want convenience, to be able to walk to SO many places, and be steps within the main sites, then the 1st is where to go!
This is also perfect for those who are shorter on time because it is so convenient. However, you’re trading convenience for price, as it can be a pricey area to stay in.
Here are Some Iconic Sites in the 1st Arrondissement:
- Louvre: Yes, the most famous museum in Paris is located in the 1st.
- Musée de l’Orangerie: Stroll over to see Monet’s Water Lilies!
- Jardin des Tuileries
- Palais Royal and Jardin du Palais Royal
- Bourse de Commerce–Pinault Collection
- Hotel de la Marine: Fantastic museum that was once the office of the French Navy and where the royal furniture was kept.
- Sainte-Chapelle: Yes, this part of Ile de la Cite is in the 1st.
- Seine: Enjoy walks along the Seine!
These attractions are located within the 1st arrondissement, but you’re also super close to Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay, Grand Palais, Petit Palais, and Place de la Concorde.
Where to Eat/Drink in the 1st:
- Cafe Kitsune
- Angelina: Popular hot chocolate spot!
- Juveniles: Great restaurant with a fabulous wine list.
- Au Vieux Comptoir
- Au Pied de Cochon: Really good food and drinks.
Pros of Staying in the 1st Arrondissement:
- Close to SO many iconic Parisian sites.
- Several hotel options.
- Located along Metro Line 1- a very well connected line. Great transportation options.
- 2 fabulous parks.
Cons of the 1st Arrondissements:
- I’ll be real with you, it’s a touristy area so there aren’t as many great local restaurants and hangouts (but there are some!).
- Really busy near the tourist attractions.
- Hotels can be $$$.
- Pickpocketing is common here, especially on Metro Line 1 and at the tourist attractions. Please be careful with your things!
Yes, the 1st arrondissement is the most touristy area of Paris, but for good reason! I mean you can take a quick stroll and be at the Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle, etc.
It is in the heart of city, meaning you can easily walk or get around to other areas quickly, making it an overall great place to stay during a first time trip to Paris!
Best Hotels in the 1st Arrondissement:
Mid-Range: Le Relais Saint-Honore
This is super close to the Tuileries and very walkable to the Louvre. It is a great place to base yourself in the heart of the 1st arrondissement.
Mid-Range: Hotel La Tamise-Esprit de France
Just steps from the Tuileries and Angelina (great for a hot chocolate for breakfast!), this place couldn’t be more convenient. Also, this place is well-loved on TripAdvisor, with an astounding 4.9/5 stars with 900+ reviews.
Luxury: Grand Hotel du Palais Royal
Trust me, this hotel is definitely on my bucket list…maybe when I 1) go in the winter and 2) save up some cash. With starting prices in the $500s per night, it is pricey, but it is a 5-star hotel complete with stunning rooms and suites, a restaurant and bar, and spa complete with a hammam and jacuzzi (idyllic after a day of exploring).
Oh, and you’re super close to the Louvre. So that’s not bad either.
Le Marais is a Fabulous Spot for First Timers in Paris
Le Marais is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris. Located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, this place has a good mix of tourists and locals (one of my friends even lives here!).
It has museums, fabulous shopping, and loads of great bars and restaurants to enjoy. To top it off you can walk to a TON of places from here or take an easy metro ride. For example, from Place des Vosges (the cutest park in Le Marais) you could walk 30 minutes to the Louvre or take a quick 15 minute or so walk/metro ride.
Things to Do in Le Marais:
- National Archives
- Musée Carnavalet: This is the Paris history museum.
- Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (Museum of Hunting and Nature): This quirky museum is all about humans and their interactions with the environment.
- Maison Européenne de la Photographie
- Maison Victor Hugo: The former home of Victor Hugo.
- Musée de la Magie
- Musée National Picasso-Paris
- Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme: Jewish art and religious artifacts museum.
- Place des Vosges: The cutest little park and square.
- Shopping: There are tons of places to shop whether you want perfume, vintage clothes, cute boutiques, and more! This is my favorite area of Paris for shopping!
- Walk along the Seine
There are honestly an endless amount of things to do in Le Marais to make your first time visit to Paris unique and fun!
Where to Eat/Drink in Le Marais:
- Carette: This is located at Place des Vosges and makes some of the best hot chocolate in all of Paris.
- Chez Janou: Yes, it’s touristy, but it really does have the BEST chocolate mousse I’ve ever tasted, and their food is really good.
- Le Petit Italien: This Italian restaurant also serves the same chocolate mousse as Chez Janou.
- L’As du Fallafel: Still the best falafel sandwiches of my life.
- Marche des Enfants Rouges: This market is one of the oldest in Paris and has tons of great restaurants and food stands.
- L’Ambroisie: Haute French cuisine for an upscale date night.
- B.Better: Vegan restaurant!
- Sain Boulangerie
- % Arabica Paris Le Marais: For coffee.
- Le Peloton: Great little coffee shop.
- Le Barav: Phenomenal wine bar.
As you can see, there are a lot of great places to eat and drink around Le Marais. It is a neighborhood that feels like a neighborhood…with tons to see and do!
Pros of Le Marais:
- SO many great bars, restaurants, and shops to enjoy.
- Well connected via the metro and also walkable.
- Many of its own attractions to see that aren’t as crowded as the Louvre.
Cons of Le Marais:
- It isn’t a hidden gem at all, so yes, there are some crowds.
- Can be a little pricey, depending on where/when you stay.
- Some viral restaurants can mean crowds, and it may lose some authenticity like Carette and Chez Janou.
Yes, Le Marais is that girl, and there is a reason it is becoming more and more popular for first time visitors to Paris! It is a vibrant and exciting neighborhood to explore!
Here are Some Great Hotels in Le Marais:
Budget: Le Temple de Jeanne (I’ve stayed here!)
I’ve stayed here before, and it is in a fantastic location (even across from a metro station). Some rooms even have views overlooking the neighborhood!
Mid-Range: Hotel Jeanne d’Arc (I’ve stayed here!)
I’ve also stayed here before and really enjoyed it. However, it is worth noting that they do not have A/C, although they do have strong fans. It is perfectly fine if you’re visiting outside of the summer (I was here in early May), but maybe opt for a hotel with A/C during the hot summer months. Otherwise, it’s a cozy hotel in the heart of the neighborhood that I really enjoyed!
Mid-Range: Hotel de JoBo
This is a hotel on my short list when I return. It is decorated so eclectically and perfectly. It has opulent fixtures, gorgeous rooms, and a stunning wood-polished salon.
Pro-tip: Want everything you need to know about visiting Paris in one place? Check out my Ultimate Guide to Paris here!
5th Arrondissement (in the Latin Quarter) is Where to Stay in Paris For First Timers
This is also in my full where to stay in Paris guide, and I recommend it there for first timers too. I recommend all of these places, obviously, but this particular article is more detailed for first timers specifically.
The 5th is where you’ll find the Latin Quarter. It has an excellent mix of tourists, locals, and students, as the Sorbonne and the New York University of Paris are located here.
There are a lot of gems in the Latin Quarter to check out, as well as excellent hotel options!
Things to Do in the Latin Quarter for Paris First Timers:
- Pantheon: Mausoleum of famous French citizens, but it also has the best views of Paris from the rooftop!
- Musée Curie: Museum dedicated to Marie Curie.
- Jardin des Plantes: Large park with gardens, a zoo, the Gallery of Evolution, and the Gallery of Paleontology and Comparative Anatomy.
- Arènes de Lutèce: First-century roman amphitheater in the midst of the city.
- Grande Mosquée de Paris
- Shakespeare and Company bookstore
- CLUNY Museum: The museum of the middle ages.
- Rue Mouffetard: Market street.
- Seine: Yes, you can take some fun walks along the Seine here!
Yes, this place also has a ton of great things (and hidden gems in Paris) to explore!
Where to Eat/Drink in the Latin Quarter:
- Maison d’Isabelle: Amazing croissants!
- Le Vieux Bistrot: My favorite fondue in Paris!
- La Petite Perigourdine: Great food, especially the aligot!
- Au P’tit Grec: For crepes.
- Rue Mouffetard: This market street has so many great restaurants!
- Galata Bakery & Coffee
- The Coffee
- Graines du Jour: Restaurant and cafe.
- Le Bon Moment Cafe
- Shakespeare and Company Café
- Odette: Known for their choux pastries.
There are great coffee shops and restaurants here!
Pros of Staying in the Latin Quarter:
- SO many great places to explore in its own right.
- Not as touristy as other areas to stay for first timers in Paris.
- Well connected via the metro.
- Great restaurants and coffee shops to enjoy during your stay.
- Can find cheap eats as this area has a lot of students.
Cons of Staying in the Latin Quarter:
- Can be crowded/touristy the closer you get to the Seine.
- Not super cheap (although arguably cheaper than many other spots).
Where to stay in the Latin Quarter:
Budget: Hotel Notre Dame Maitre Albert Paris
Small, but a good price for staying in this area, and you’re close to the metro and Seine. This makes it easy for nice walks or just getting around the city.
Mid-Range: Hotel Atmospheres (I’ve stayed here!)
I’ve stayed here at least twice, and it is my preferred hotel for my parents and in-laws. With large elevators and walk-in showers, it is good for those with limited mobility.
Plus, it is also close to the metro (and Maison d’Isabelle for tasty croissants)!
Mid-Range: Relais Hotel du Vieux (I’ve stayed here!)
I’ve also stayed here too! It is technically in the 6th arrondissement, but it is literally steps from the 5th so I’ll count it here! But the rooms are super adorable (see photo above), and it is right next to the RER B Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame stop. This will take you straight to the airport if you’re going to CDG.
Yes, that means you can hop off your flight and take the train directly to your hotel. It’s amazing. Plus, it’s in a great area for walking!
6th Arrondissement (in Saint-Germain-des-Pres) is Iconic for First Timers
The 6th arrondissement is iconic. Between literary cafes, the dazzling Jardin du Luxembourg, and overall walkability, this is where to stay in Paris for the first time near the heart of it all.
Walk to Notre Dame. Walk to the Louvre. Have a picnic. Shop. Basically, whatever you want to do, Saint-Germain-des-Pres is the perfect place to base yourself.
It’s also a great spot for families as you have nearby Jardin du Luxembourg and you’re closer to many attractions.
Things to Do in Saint-Germain-des-Pres:
- Thoroughly embrace cafe culture: Visit historical cafes like Les Deux Magots (the BEST hot chocolate), Brasserie Lipp, and Cafe de Flore.
- Jardin du Luxembourg
- CityPharma: Get some amazing French pharmacy goodies here!
- Eglise de Saint-Germain-des-Pres: Visit the oldest church in Paris!
- Shop at luxury stores: Louis Vuitton, Saint-Laurent, Gucci, Moncler, and Ralph Lauren have boutiques here.
- Eugene Delacroix Museum
- Museum of the History of Medicine
- Seine: Yes, you can walk along the Seine too!
Less museum focused and more shopping and cafe focused, Saint-Germain-des-Pres is a place to kick back and enjoy your surroundings!
Where to Eat/Drink in the 6th:
- La Jacobine: Still one of the best meals I’ve ever had in Paris. It is notoriously difficult to get reservations though. But now they take online reservations too!
- Le Procope: Historic restaurant tucked away in the Cour du Commerce Saint-Andre (just like La Jacobine).
- Les Deux Magots: Historical cafe with phenomenal hot chocolate (and drip coffee)!
- Chapon: Great chocolate mousse spot.
- L’Avant Comptoir du Marché: Small plates spot with such good food. They also have restaurants called L’Avant Comptoir de la Terre and L’Avant Comptoir de la Mer.
- Ladurée: The famous macarons can be found here.
- Relais de l’Entrecôte: This steak frites place is popular these days (and crowded). But it is fun!
- Le Pré aux Clercs: Delicious food near Les Deux Magots.
- L’Atelier Roulière
- Noir Coffee
- Café d’Auteur – Specialty Coffee Shop & Roaster
- CHĒZ Coffee&Co
There is no shortage of foodie spots here!
Pros of Staying in Saint-Germain-des-Pres as a First Timer:
- Super walkable to a lot of Paris attractions.
- Great metro options, making it easy to get around.
- Fabulous restaurants, the Jardin du Luxembourg, coffee shops, etc.
- Very convenient place to stay.
- Tons of hotel options.
- Good for families.
Cons of Staying in Saint-Germain-des-Pres (the 6th):
- It’s pretty touristy. Look, I’m not going to poo poo on a touristy area. Paris is a touristy city and these areas are popular for a reason! There are local spots too!
- This area can be expensive for hotels, dining, etc.
Where to Stay in Saint-Germain-des-Pres:
Mid-Range: Hotel Le Clement
Located in the heart of the arrondissement and steps from Les Deux Magots and Boulevard Saint Germain, this is a great spot to base yourself for exploring Paris for the first time.
Mid-Range: Hotel Odeon Saint Germain (I’ve stayed here!)
I’ve stayed here a couple of times, and it is a solidly great hotel. It is adorable to begin with, but it is also super close to bars, restaurants, and just exploring in general.
Mid-Range: Hotel Da Vinci & Spa
This more luxurious spot is a smaller boutique hotel with 24 rooms and even has a spa for relaxing after a day of walking around.
PS- VRBO is a great option for finding apartment-style rentals for families!
Pigalle (in the 9th Arrondissement) is a Unique Place to Stay in Paris For First Timers
I love Pigalle. I love it more and more each time I stay and spend time there. I’ve stayed in Pigalle on 2 separate trips, and each time this neighborhood intrigues me.
It’s located at the top of the 9th arrondissement and just below Montmartre. And this place has fabulous places to eat, get coffee, grab a baguette, or even enjoy a night on the town.
It’s iconic, it’s lived in, and I just can’t get enough of Pigalle.
Things to Do in Pigalle:
- Musée de la Vie Romantique: I love this museum located in the former home of painter Ary Scheffer. The tea room is also dreamy and located in a little garden area. However, this museum is closed for a bit.
- Musée Gustave Moreau: This museum has works of artist Gustave Moreau.
- Explore nearby Montmartre
- Moulin Rouge: Yes, visit this famous burlesque spot!
- Eat and drink
Much like Saint-Germain-des-Pres, this isn’t a museum and attraction-focused place to stay in Paris. However, there are great places to eat, drink, and stay here!
Where to eat/drink in Pigalle:
- Poni: Great local spot!
- Pink Mamma: Yes, this is a famous Instagram spot. But it does have delicious food.
- Dumbo: Smash burgers.
- Bouillon Pigalle: Cheap but delicious French eats.
- Peppe Pizzeria Martyrs: Amazing pizzas!
- Mamiche: Excellent pastries and croissants!
- French Bastards: Another great spot for pastries.
- Leonie Bakery: Delicious pastries.
- Le 17.45: Wine bar with cheese and charcuterie boards.
- Soif, la Cave a Pigalle: Probably one of my favorite, chill wine bars in Paris.
- O’Sullivan’s Pigalle: Irish pub.
- Maison Souquet: Gorgeous hotel with a bar.
- Hotel Rochechouart: Hotel with a rooftop bar.
- South Pigalle: Fun bar in Pigalle.
- No Entry: Hidden speakeasy in the basement of Pink Mamma.
- Pétrin Café
- Papillote: Coffee shop.
- Café Pigalle
- Café Rollin
Yes, the list is long when it comes to where to eat, get pastries, drink coffee, and go out. It is definitely an area of Paris that is great for nightlife. But it is a part of Paris that feels lived in and fun.
Pros of Staying in Pigalle:
- SO many excellent places to eat and drink.
- Close to Montmartre so you can explore that area easily!
- Fairly affordable area of Paris to visit. Meaning you can get more affordable hotel options too.
- As Pigalle is up the hill in Paris, some hotels here have great views over the city!
Cons of Staying in Pigalle:
- The further north you’re going, the further from the main attractions like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, etc. that you are.
- This area can be a little seedy at night, especially around Boulevard de Clichy. While I’ve felt fine overall, if you’re traveling alone, you may not want to stay here and walk around at night.
Where to Stay in Pigalle
Mid-Range: Hotel Artemisia Montmartre
Technically, this hotel is located in Pigalle (although Montmartre and Pigalle do blend together in places). This place has a spa, and even the Suite Montmartre has views of either Sacre Coeur or the Eiffel Tower! My friend stayed here recently and LOVED it.
Mid-Range: Hotel Rochechouart
This hotel has an iconic rooftop bar. Plus, it has such a great vibe overall, perfect for your stay!
Luxury: Maison Souquet
This hotel is also on my bucket list to stay. This 5-star hotel has a combo of Napoleon III and Arabian-style decor, plus it has a spa, velvety bar, and is just a sexy spot to base yourself to explore Paris.
Montmartre (in the 18th) is My Final Recommendation on Where to Stay in Paris For First Time Visitors
Ahh Montmartre. This is the place for lovers. Set on the hill overlooking Paris, this place has fabulous views of the city and is just a dreamy place to wander around!
It is also a fairly affordable area to stay in Paris for first timers. So let’s talk about staying in Montmartre.
Things to Do in Montmartre:
- Sacre Coeur: Another iconic church in Paris. I recommend climbing to the top inside the church for epic views over the city.
- Parc Marcel Bleustein Blanchet dit Parc de la Turlure: Hidden gem park on the other side of the Sacre Coeur.
- Église Saint-Pierre de Montmartre: Hidden gem old church next to Sacre Coeur.
- Dali Museum
- Musée de Montmartre: Museum of the history of Montmartre and has the Montmartre Vineyard.
- Le Mur des Je t’aime: The iconic Love Wall.
- Rue de l’Abreuvoir: The prettiest street in Paris.
- Square Nadar: Square with a dog park and Eiffel Tower views.
- Place du Tertre: Full of cafes and artists at work.
Montmartre is worth a whole day to explore and enjoy! And if you’re staying there, it’s a great place to explore deeper.
Where to eat/drink in Montmartre:
- La Boîte aux Lettres: I’m still dreaming about this meal.
- Le Coq et Fils: This best roast chicken!
- Le Poulbot: Classic French.
- La Taverne de Montmartre
- Le Vrai Paris: Floral covered, but a good little cafe.
- Pain Pain: Great little bakery.
- Copains: Gluten free bakery.
- Kozy: Great brunch and coffee spot.
- Noir: Coffee chain in Paris.
- Coeur Coffee Roasters
- Marlusse et Lapin: Fun cocktail bar.
- La Cave des Abbesses: Great wine bar.
- Terrass Rooftop Bar
Montmartre has so many great places to eat and drink!
Pros of Staying in Montmartre:
- Staying in the hilly part of Paris means you may have spectacular views depending on where you stay!
- So many attractions in its own right.
- Great places to eat and drink during your first time in Paris.
- Pretty affordable area to stay in overall.
Cons of Staying in Montmartre:
- It can be a hike to get up here. If you’re short on time, I wouldn’t recommend staying in Montmartre as it isn’t super close to everything.
- Lots of steps. Even the Abbesses metro line has 176 steps to climb to get out (there thankfully are elevators)! But Montmartre is a hilly neighborhood.
- Pickpocketing can happen, especially at the Sacre Coeur and near Place du Tertre. Just be vigilant.
Where to Stay in Montmartre
Budget: Hotel Le Chat Noir
Each floor here is dedicated to a famous poet during the times of cabaret, and the decor reflects the cabaret period in general. Plus, the Suite Prestige has Eiffel Tower views!
Mid-Range: Hotel des Arts-Montmartre (I’ve stayed here!)
This cozy spot is a great base for exploring Montmartre. It’s also close to the metro! I’ve stayed here before and really enjoyed it!
Mid-Range: Terrass” Hotel (I’ve stayed here!)
I stayed here recently and LOVED it. For starters, there is a rooftop bar and restaurant that has amazing views overlooking the city. Second, the rooms are instantly charming. And we even upgraded to the Privilege Room – Eiffel Tower View and had views of the Eiffel Tower! This is my favorite hotel in Paris!
I love this hotel so much, I even made a TikTok about it here:
@worldwidehoneymoon After well over a dozen visits to Paris (I’ve been 4 times this year alone!) this is my favorite hotel. #paristravel #paristravelguide #parisguide #parishotel #parishotels #parishotelview #parishotelroom #parishotelwithaview #parishotelrecommendation #wheretostayinparis #hotelroom #hotelinparis #eiffeltowerview #hotelinpariswitheiffelview #terrasshotel #thingstodoinparis #paristhingstodo #CapCut ♬ Écoute Chérie – Vendredi sur Mer
Map of My Recommended Areas to Stay in Paris for the First Time
Which Arrondissement is Right For You During Your Stay?
While I love each of these areas of Paris, to help you narrow down your choices, here is where to stay based on your needs in Paris.
Short on Time/Need Convenience: Either the 1st Arrondissement or the Latin Quarter
The 1st is obvious. If you want to see and do a lot in a short amount of time, then it’s an easy place to stay to get around.
The Latin Quarter (in the 5th arrondissement) is great because it has the Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame RER B stop, which will take you from CDG airport (if you’re flying in and out of there) straight to close to your hotel. So if you want to land in Paris and go straight to your hotel, this is super convenient.
Budget Travelers: Montmartre or Pigalle
Both of these areas of Paris offer value when it comes to hotel stays. You can find great places to stay that are cheaper than places in other more popular areas of Paris.
However, in Montmartre, you’re trading a bit of convenience as it is a bit further from attractions like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, etc.
Want a Mix of Sightseeing and Local Spots: Le Marais and Pigalle
Both Le Marais and Pigalle have great local bars and restaurants. Yes, Le Marais is increasingly popular and some of the viral restaurants are touristy like Chez Janou and Carette.
But Le Marais still has tons of local food options. There are also great local hang outs, wine bars, and coffee shops to enjoy as well as boutiques for shopping, smaller museums, and more!
Pigalle also has some popular spots like Pink Mamma and Dumbo. However, there are a ton of great local spots here.
Want to be Closer to the Action but Enjoy the Buzz of Paris: Saint-Germain-des-Pres
This area of Paris isn’t the cheapest to stay in (or live in tbh), but it is a great place for those who want to be close to a lot of the main sites but also in the action of Paris.
Sit at a historical cafe and people-watch, a popular Paris pastime. Have a picnic in Jardin du Luxembourg and spot people playing petanque! It’s an area of the city with so much to offer, and is a great location for exploring but also has that joie de vivre of Paris.
This is also a great spot for families!
Why I Don’t Recommend Staying Near the Eiffel Tower During Your First Trip to Paris
You’re probably seeing this list and wondering why I haven’t mentioned any hotels located in the 7th arrondissement near the Eiffel Tower. The 7th is a fabulous arrondissement and the area around the Eiffel Tower is really nice. It’s honestly great for families (I even recommend it for families in my bigger arrondissement guide)!
However… the Eiffel Tower is actually quite far from most of the things to do in Paris on foot. So you’d be taking the metro to see and do most things in the city. It’s not bad, but maybe not the first choice for first timers.
I also think some of the best Eiffel Tower views are from Montmartre as it overlooks the city since it’s a hilly neighborhood.
Now I’ve stayed near the Eiffel Tower before, and I enjoyed my hotel (Cler Hotel by the way), as well as loved Rue Cler. However, I didn’t love how far it was from everything else on foot. But I did love being so close to the Eiffel Tower and watching it at night while walking back to my hotel!
Again, you can certainly do what you want. And if you’re set on having a hotel near the Eiffel Tower, go for it! It’s your vacation, after all. But I’d recommend staying here perhaps on subsequent visits when you’ve seen most of the bigger attractions in Paris.
PS- If you want to have Eiffel Tower views, check out my guide with the best hotels with Eiffel Tower views.
Where Else NOT to Stay in Paris For the First Time
I cover this far more in-depth in my full where to stay in Paris guide, but here are some areas that are perhaps not the best to stay in for a first timer. I’ll preface this by saying that this doesn’t mean they are all bad areas for people to live in or visit at a different time, but for first timers getting to know the city, they probably aren’t the best fit.
- Anything outside the 20 arrondissements of Paris. This is more of a convenience thing, as you don’t want to spend a ton of time commuting into the city.
- 13-17th arrondissements: Nothing wrong with them, but again, they’re further away from most of the things you’re going to want to see in the city as a first timer.
- Next to Gare de l’Est and Gare du Nord. They’re fine during the day, but there are people on certain substances out and about at night.
- Northern part of the 18th near Porte de Clignancourt, Porte de la Chapelle, and Porte de Saint-Ouen. There isn’t much here for tourists anyway, other than the Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. This is fine during the day, but I’d avoid it at night. Same with the eastern part of the neighborhood near Gare du Nord.
- 19th arrondissement. Mostly around Jean-Jaures and Stalingrad. This area is not great after dark. However, I love Parc des Buttes-Chaumont during the day!
Overall, though, most places in central Paris are completely fine both day and night!
That wraps up my guide on where to stay in Paris for first time visitors including the best hotels for first time visitors! I love each of these areas for different reasons, and each one is great!
I do love that each of these spots is a great base for exploring the city, has enough things to do on its own, and even has amazing food and drink options so you can enjoy the neighborhood further.
I hope this helps you narrow down your choices, and be sure to check out my full guide on where to stay in Paris based on your travel style. I also have a guide all about my favorite hotels to stay in Paris!
Visiting Paris soon? Check out these posts!
- 23 Paris Travel Tips For First Timers
- Best Time to Visit Paris
- Solo Travel Guide to Paris
- 1 Day in Paris
- 2 Days in Paris
- 3 Days in Paris
- 4 Days in Paris
- 5 Days in Paris
- 7 Days in Paris
- 45 Hidden Gems in Paris
- Paris Bucket List
- Most Romantic Things to Do in Paris
- 17 Smaller Museums to Visit in Paris
- Paris in the Fall Guide
- Paris in January Guide
- Paris in the Summer Guide
- Paris to Versailles Day Trip
- Alcohol Free Guide to Paris
- Ultimate Paris at Christmastime Guide
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Kat is the France travel expert behind France Voyager. After studying abroad in Grenoble and traveling throughout France, she fell head over heels for the country. She has since visited many times since 2012 (including visits to 10 of the 13 regions in Metropolitan France) and is sharing all the tips for visiting France in this blog, which she has run for 4 years. Kat shares places she has traveled to and provides tips based on her own personal experiences of traveling and living in France. Aside from France Voyager, Kat also has a couple’s travel blog called World Wide Honeymoon and a podcast that she co-hosts with her husband, Chris, called the World Wide Honeymoon Travel Podcast.