Updated: August 9, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Paris Arrondissements – My Tips
- How the Arrondissements Work: Paris has 20 arrondissements arranged in a clockwise spiral, often described as a snail shell. The 1st starts around the Louvre in the center, and the numbers spiral outward to the 20th in eastern Paris. Lower numbers are generally more central, but arrondissement number alone does not tell you how convenient a location will be.
- Don’t Obsess Over the Arrondissement Number: Paris is compact and the Metro is excellent. Staying in the 9th, 11th, 12th, or 14th can mean better value and a more residential feel without putting you far from the center. More important than the arrondissement number is your exact location and how close you are to a useful Metro line.
- Check the Metro Before Booking: Look at the nearest Metro station before choosing a hotel. A hotel outside the historic center with a useful direct Metro line can be more convenient than a supposedly central hotel that requires multiple connections.
- Use the Postal Code: A Paris hotel address tells you its arrondissement. The final two digits identify the district: 75001 is the 1st, 75005 is the 5th, and 75018 is the 18th. This is a quick way to locate a hotel before checking the map.
- Safety: Paris is safe for tourists, including most residential outer arrondissements. Pickpocketing around major sights, crowded Metro trains, and busy stations is a bigger concern for most visitors than arrondissement number. Parts of northern Paris around Gare du Nord, Barbès, La Chapelle, and Porte de la Chapelle can feel grittier, especially late at night.
Best Paris Arrondissements for Visitors
- Best overall: 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th
- Best for Eiffel Tower access: 7th
- Best for luxury hotels and shopping: 8th
- Best for restaurants and nightlife: 9th and 11th
- Best for Montmartre: 18th
- Best value: 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th, and 15th
For a more detailed look at areas such as the Marais, Saint-Germain, Latin Quarter, Montmartre, and South Pigalle, see my Paris Neighborhood Map.
Paris Hotels: My Favorites
- 5-Star: Four Seasons George V
- 4-Star: Grand Powers
- Boutique: J.K. Place
- Budget & 3-Star: Cler • Chopin • Hotel Welcome
- For Families: Fraser Suites Claridge
- For Couples: Relais Christine
- Eiffel Tower: Pullman Tour Eiffel
- Louvre & Notre Dame: Hotel du Louvre • Saint Severin
- Montmartre: Hotel Des Arts
- Gare du Nord: Hotel Hor
Paris Arrondissements 1st to 20th
1st Arrondissement
The 1st arrondissement includes the Louvre, Palais Royal, and Tuileries Gardens. It is one of the best locations for sightseeing and especially convenient for a short first visit.
2nd Arrondissement
The 2nd arrondissement includes Rue Montorgueil, the Bourse, and several beautiful covered passages. It is extremely central but feels less touristy than the neighboring 1st.
3rd Arrondissement
The 3rd arrondissement covers the northern Marais and includes the Picasso Museum, excellent restaurants, boutiques, and some of the best streets in Paris for wandering.
4th Arrondissement
The 4th arrondissement includes the southern Marais, Hôtel de Ville, Notre-Dame, and Île Saint-Louis. It is one of my favorite areas for a first visit because so much of central Paris is within walking distance.
5th Arrondissement
The 5th arrondissement is the Latin Quarter, home to the Panthéon, Sorbonne, and Rue Mouffetard. It is historic, lively, and excellent for walking.
6th Arrondissement
The 6th arrondissement is Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Luxembourg Gardens. It is my favorite Left Bank base, especially for couples and first-time visitors who want a polished, central neighborhood.
7th Arrondissement
The 7th arrondissement includes the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Musée d’Orsay, and Rue Cler. It is excellent for families, couples, and travelers who want to stay close to the Eiffel Tower.
8th Arrondissement
The 8th arrondissement includes the Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Avenue Montaigne, and many of Paris’ most luxurious hotels. Best for high-end shopping and luxury stays.
9th Arrondissement
The 9th arrondissement includes Opéra Garnier, Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, and South Pigalle. It is lively, central, well connected, and one of my favorite alternatives to the more expensive historic center.
10th Arrondissement
The 10th arrondissement includes Canal Saint-Martin, Gare du Nord, and Gare de l’Est. It has good restaurants and excellent transport connections, but the exact location matters more here than in the central arrondissements.
11th Arrondissement
The 11th arrondissement includes Oberkampf and areas around Bastille. It is one of the best districts for restaurants, bars, nightlife, and travelers who want a more local feel.
12th Arrondissement
The 12th arrondissement includes Gare de Lyon, Bercy, and large residential areas east of the center. Hotels can offer good value, and it is particularly convenient for trains from Gare de Lyon.
13th Arrondissement
The 13th arrondissement includes Butte-aux-Cailles and Paris’ main Asian district. It feels residential and local but is removed from most major sightseeing.
14th Arrondissement
The 14th arrondissement includes Montparnasse and the Paris Catacombs. It is residential, well connected, and a good option for better-value hotels.
15th Arrondissement
The 15th arrondissement is a large residential district southwest of the center. It is quiet and family-friendly and can offer good hotel value, though it is less convenient for sightseeing than the central arrondissements.
16th Arrondissement
The 16th arrondissement includes Trocadéro and Passy. It is upscale, quiet, and excellent for Eiffel Tower views from across the Seine, but less central for exploring the historic core on foot.
17th Arrondissement
The 17th arrondissement includes Batignolles and areas around Parc Monceau. It is residential, has good restaurants, and sees far fewer tourists than central Paris.
18th Arrondissement
The 18th arrondissement includes Montmartre, Sacré-Cœur, and parts of Pigalle. Montmartre has wonderful atmosphere and views, but the arrondissement is large, so check the exact hotel location before booking.
19th Arrondissement
The 19th arrondissement includes Parc des Buttes-Chaumont and Canal de l’Ourcq. It is local and affordable but well removed from the major tourist sights.
20th Arrondissement
The 20th arrondissement includes Belleville, Ménilmontant, and Père Lachaise Cemetery. It is diverse, lively, and best suited to repeat visitors who want a more local side of Paris.
Paris Arrondissement FAQ
What is the best arrondissement to stay in Paris?
For most first-time visitors, I prefer the 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th arrondissements. All are central, highly walkable, and close to major sights. The 7th is best if staying near the Eiffel Tower is a priority, while the 9th is an excellent alternative for restaurants, shopping, and good Metro connections.
Is it better to stay on the Left Bank or the Right Bank?
The Left Bank includes Saint-Germain, the Latin Quarter, and the Eiffel Tower district and is my preference for travelers who want classic Paris, cafés, history, and a slightly quieter atmosphere. The Right Bank includes the Louvre, Marais, Opéra, Champs-Élysées, South Pigalle, and much of the city’s best shopping and nightlife. Both are excellent. Exact neighborhood matters more than which side of the Seine you choose.
Where is the center of Paris?
Point Zéro, on the forecourt of Notre-Dame, is the reference point from which road distances from Paris are measured. For visitors, the most useful definition of central Paris is the area along the Seine around the 1st through 6th arrondissements.
What is the difference between an arrondissement and a neighborhood?
Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, which are official administrative districts. Neighborhoods are smaller areas with their own character and do not always follow arrondissement boundaries. The Marais, for example, spans parts of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. See my Paris Neighborhood Map for the most useful neighborhoods for visitors.
Are the outer arrondissements safe?
Yes. The 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th include many safe, residential neighborhoods. Safety varies more by exact street and Metro station than arrondissement number. For most tourists, crowded sights, Metro trains, and major stations are where pickpocketing is the bigger concern.
Which arrondissement is best for families?
The 6th and 7th arrondissements are my favorites for families. The 6th gives you the Luxembourg Gardens and a very central location. The 7th is quieter and puts you close to the Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars. The 15th can also be a good choice for families who want more space and better hotel value.
Which arrondissement is best for couples and honeymoons?
The 6th arrondissement around Saint-Germain is my favorite for couples because it combines beautiful streets, cafés, restaurants, and a central location. The 7th is best for Eiffel Tower access, while the Marais in the 3rd and 4th is better for couples who prioritize restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.
Which arrondissement is best for restaurants and nightlife?
The 9th and 11th arrondissements are excellent choices. The 9th, especially around South Pigalle, combines restaurants and bars with a very convenient central location. The 11th has one of the city’s deepest concentrations of modern bistros, wine bars, and nightlife.
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