See Also: Where to Stay in Paris
An Introduction to Paris’ Arrondissements
Paris is famously divided into 20 arrondissements—administrative districts arranged in a spiral (called “l’escargot,” or snail) that winds outward from the city’s historic core. First established in 1795, they replaced an older system of parishes to give the rapidly growing capital a more unified mode of governance. By 1860, after the city’s borders expanded, 20 distinct arrondissements emerged. Although each is part of the larger metropolis, each arrondissement has its own mayor, council, and local flavor, shaping everything from waste management to cultural programming.
1st through 4th Arrondissements (Right Bank)
At Paris’ heart lie the 1st to 4th arrondissements—what many first-timers picture when they think “Paris.” Expect iconic landmarks like the Louvre (1st) and Notre-Dame Cathedral (4th), grand formal gardens (the Tuileries), and chic shopping around Rue de Rivoli. The Marais district spreads across the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, mixing medieval streets with a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, trendy boutiques, and the gorgeous Place des Vosges. If you crave postcard-perfect walks and big-name museums at your doorstep, this central cluster is where you’ll want to be.5th through 7th Arrondissements (Left Bank)
Cross over the Seine and you’re in the Left Bank—a haven of intellectual history and café culture. The 5th (Latin Quarter) brims with student life near the Sorbonne and centuries-old bookshops like Shakespeare and Company. The 6th exudes literary glamour in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, with famous cafés (Café de Flore) and the lush Luxembourg Gardens. Meanwhile, the 7th is synonymous with monumental Paris: you’ll find the Eiffel Tower and the Musée d’Orsay. Boutique hotels here capture that classic Left Bank charm, perfect for romantic getaways.8th and 9th Arrondissements (Back to the Right Bank)
Synonymous with Parisian elegance, these arrondissements boast the Champs-Élysées (8th) and department stores like Galeries Lafayette (9th). Grand Haussmann boulevards, opera houses (the famous Opéra Garnier), and luxury boutiques abound. This is a prime spot for travelers who love refined architecture, upscale shopping, and easy access to major sights.10th through 20th Arrondissements (Outer Neighborhoods)
Further out, you’ll discover a different side of Paris—multicultural, dynamic, and often more budget-friendly. The 10th is popular for Canal Saint-Martin’s cool cafés and bars, while the 11th brims with lively nightlife around Oberkampf and Bastille. Venture to the 18th in Montmartre for bohemian charm and the Sacré-Cœur basilica towering above winding streets. In the 19th and 20th, you’ll find vast parks (Parc de la Villette), street art, and some of the city’s trendiest live-music venues. If you seek a local vibe, street markets, and hip dining, these arrondissements reveal Paris beyond its postcard façade.Choosing Where to Stay in Paris
• Central & Iconic: Aim for arrondissements 1–7 if it’s your first visit to Paris or if you want major museums and monuments at arm’s reach.
• Cultural & Artsy: Neighborhoods like the Marais (3rd/4th) or around Saint-Germain (6th) charm with galleries, boutiques, and endless café-hopping.
• Nightlife & Local Scene: The 10th, 11th, and parts of the 18th–20th deliver a more modern, edgy Paris with late-night bars, global eateries, and street art flair.My Favorite Paris Hotels
• 5-Star: Four Seasons
• 4-Star: Grand Powers
• 3-Star: Cler • Chopin
• Boutique: J.K. Place
• Cheap: Welcome
• For Couples: Relais Christine
• For Families: Fraser Suites
• Eiffel Tower: Pullman
• Louvre: Hotel du Louvre
• Notre Dame: Saint Severin
• Montmartre: Hotel Des Arts
• Gare du Nord/Gare de l’Est: Hotel Hor• Best Hotel in the 1st: Mandarin Oriental
• Best Hotel in the 2nd: Park Hyatt
• Best Hotel in the 3rd: Le Pavillon de la Reine
• Best Hotel in the 4th: Hôtel Bourg Tibourg
• Best Hotel in the 5th: Saint Séverin
• Best Hotel in the 6th: Relais Christine
• Best Hotel in the 7th: Le Cinq Codet
• Best Hotel in the 8th: Four Seasons
• Best Hotel in the 9th: Maison Souquet
• Best Hotel in the 10th: Midnight Hotel
• Best Hotel in the 11th: Hotel Fabric
• Best Hotel in the 12th: Hôtel Parisianer
• Best Hotel in the 13th: Hôtel Henriette
• Best Hotel in the 14th: Lenox Montparnasse
• Best Hotel in the 15th: Mercure Paris Centre Tour Eiffel
• Best Hotel in the 16th: Saint James Paris
• Best Hotel in the 17th: Le Tsuba Hotel
• Best Hotel in the 18th: Le Relais Montmartre
• Best Hotel in the 19th: The ReMIX Hotel
• Best Hotel in the 20th: Hôtel Comete Paris
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