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Map of Paris Arrondissements

Updated: December 23, 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 (Canal Saint-Martin), 11th (Bastille/Oberkampf), 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, Musée d’Orsay, and Les Invalides.
  • 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

What is the best area to stay in Paris for tourists?

The 1st and 4th arrondissements (the Louvre, Tuileries, and the Marais) are the best areas for first-time visitors. Staying here puts you in the literal center of the city, within walking distance of the Seine, Notre-Dame, and the world’s most famous museums. You will save significant time and money on transport because the heart of the city is right outside your door.

Where should I stay in Paris on a budget?

The 11th arrondissement (Bastille/Oberkampf) and the 18th (Montmartre) offer the best value. These neighborhoods provide a more local, high-energy vibe with excellent food markets and nightlife at a much lower price point than the city center. Both are well connected to central Paris via the Metro.

Is it better to stay on the Left Bank or the Right Bank?

The Left Bank (5th, 6th, 7th) is traditional, intellectual, and quieter, making it ideal for families and history buffs. The Right Bank (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th) is diverse, trendy, and home to both the grandest boulevards and the best nightlife. Choose the Left for classic atmosphere and the Right for shopping and a creative, modern vibe.

How many days should I spend in Paris?

For a first trip, 4 to 5 days is the sweet spot. This allows you enough time to see the major landmarks (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle), explore two or three distinct neighborhoods, and take a day trip to Versailles without feeling rushed.

What is the best way to get around Paris?

The Paris Metro is the fastest and most efficient way to travel. You no longer need to buy paper tickets; use Contactless payment via your phone or a Navigo Easy card. For a more scenic experience, the Batobus (river boat) is a great way to see the monuments along the Seine.

Where is the actual “center” of Paris?

Technically, Point Zéro (located in the courtyard of Notre-Dame) is the geographic center from which all distances to Paris are measured. For tourists, the “center” is the 1st arrondissement, encompassing the Louvre and the Palais-Royal. If you stay within the 1st through 4th arrondissements, you are in the heart of the action.

What is the difference between an arrondissement and a neighborhood?

Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements (administrative districts) arranged in a clockwise spiral. Within these are smaller cultural neighborhoods such as the Marais (3rd/4th) or the Latin Quarter (5th). When a hotel says it is in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th, you are in the primary zone for dining, shopping, and major sights.

Is it safe to stay in the outer arrondissements?

Yes. Areas such as the 11th, 12th, and 15th are very popular, safe, and residential districts. While some areas near the large train stations (Gare du Nord/Gare de l’Est) can be gritty, the city is generally well-lit and safe for families and couples, especially within the first 11 arrondissements.

Which neighborhood is best for shopping?

The 8th and 9th arrondissements are the top choices. The 8th is home to luxury giants on Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Élysées. The 9th features the famous department stores Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. For independent boutiques and a chic, village-like atmosphere, stay in the Marais (3rd/4th).

Where is the best area in Paris for couples and honeymoons?

Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th) and the 7th (near the Eiffel Tower) are the most romantic neighborhoods. Saint-Germain is home to iconic 5-star hotels and charming cafés. For something more intimate and “local,” the Marais offers medieval streets and hidden courtyards. If you want a view of the tower sparkle at night, the 7th is unbeatable.

Where is the best area to stay in Paris for families with kids?

Saint-Germain (6th) and the 7th are the top picks. The 6th is home to the Jardin du Luxembourg, which features excellent playgrounds and toy boat ponds. The 7th is quieter, safer, and puts you steps away from the Eiffel Tower and the grassy lawns of the Champ de Mars. Both areas offer plenty of family-friendly dining.

Where is the best area for solo travelers?

The Marais (3rd/4th) and the Latin Quarter (5th) are the top choices. Both are busy, well-lit, and vibrant at all hours, meaning you never feel isolated. These areas are incredibly walkable and offer easy access to major museums and central Metro hubs, making them ideal for solo exploration.

Where is the best area for LGBTQ+ travelers to stay?

The Marais (4th arrondissement) is the historic and cultural heart of the LGBTQ+ scene, centered around Rue des Archives. Staying here puts you steps away from the city’s most iconic gay bars, clubs, and queer-owned businesses in one of the city’s most beautiful and central districts.

Where should foodies stay in Paris?

The 11th arrondissement (Bastille/Oberkampf) is the capital’s culinary heart. You’ll have access to the city’s best modern bistros and coffee shops. For classic, high-end gastronomy and historic pâtisseries, Saint-Germain (6th) remains an excellent choice.

Where to Stay for Easy Airport & Train Access

  • CDG Airport: Stay near Châtelet–Les Halles for a direct RER B connection.
  • Gare du Nord (Eurostar): Stay in the 10th arrondissement. Hôtel Hor Europe is directly across from the station.
  • Gare de Lyon (South of France/Italy): Stay in the 12th arrondissement. CitizenM Gare de Lyon is located right at the station.

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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.