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Map of Paris Arrondissements

Updated: December 3, 2025 • By Santorini Dave

Map of Paris Arrondissements

Choosing Where to Stay in Paris

  • Central & Iconic: Aim for the 1st through 4th arrondissements if it’s your first visit. You will be walking distance to the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Seine.
  • Cultural & Artsy: The Marais (3rd/4th), Latin Quarter (5th), and Saint-Germain (6th) charm with galleries, boutiques, and endless café-hopping.
  • Nightlife & Local Scene: The 10th, 11th, and 18th (Montmartre) offer a modern, edgy Paris with craft cocktail bars, neo-bistros, and a younger local crowd.

An Introduction to Paris’ Arrondissements

Paris is divided into 20 administrative districts (arrondissements) arranged in a spiral that winds outward from the city center.

1st through 4th Arrondissements (The Center)
At Paris’ heart lie the 1st to 4th arrondissements. This is the “postcard” Paris.

  • Highlights: The Louvre (1st), Notre-Dame Cathedral (4th), the Tuileries Gardens, and the trendy Marais district (3rd/4th) with its medieval streets and LGBTQ+ scene.
  • Best For: First-timers who want the major sights right at their doorstep.

5th through 7th Arrondissements (The Left Bank)
Cross the Seine to the south side for intellectual history and café culture.

  • Highlights: The 5th (Latin Quarter) is ancient and lively with students. The 6th (Saint-Germain) is famous for literary cafés like Café de Flore. The 7th Arrondissement is home to the Eiffel Tower and Musée d’Orsay.
  • Best For: Romance, history buffs, and Eiffel Tower views.

8th and 9th Arrondissements (Right Bank Chic)
Synonymous with Parisian elegance and shopping.

  • Highlights: The Champs-Élysées (8th), the Opéra Garnier (9th), and the grand department stores like Galeries Lafayette.
  • Best For: Luxury travelers and serious shoppers.

10th through 20th Arrondissements (The Outer Rings)
Further out, you discover the “real” Paris—multicultural, dynamic, and budget-friendly.

  • Highlights: The 18th (Montmartre) for bohemian village charm and Sacré-Cœur. The 11th (Bastille) for the city’s best nightlife and dining scene. The 10th (Canal Saint-Martin) for picnics and hipster coffee shops.
  • Best For: Foodies, night owls, and repeat visitors seeking a local vibe.

My Favorite Paris Hotels

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About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave in Athens, Greece Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece.

Questions? Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.