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Map of Paris Neighborhoods

Updated: January 15, 2026 • By Santorini Dave

My Favorite Hotels in Paris

Map of Paris Neighborhoods

Paris Neighborhoods – My Tips

Paris is a large, sprawling city, but most of the key sites for a first-time visitor are concentrated in central districts (arrondissements) along the Seine River. Don’t stress too much about the “perfect” location – the Metro is excellent, and you’ll walk everywhere – but choosing the right vibe for your home base makes a big difference.

The Best Neighborhoods for First-Timers

  • The 7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower & Rue Cler): My top recommendation for first-time visitors. This neighborhood delivers the classic, picture-perfect Paris experience with grand tree-lined boulevards and a safe, upscale atmosphere. It is home to iconic sights including the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and the Rodin Museum, plus the famous Rue Cler market street for dining and shopping. Transport is excellent, including the RER C train for a direct link to Versailles. While it lacks a wild nightlife scene, the evenings are peaceful and charming, making it a perfect base for families and couples.
  • The 1st Arrondissement (Louvre & Tuileries): This is the geographical center of Paris. Stay here if you want to be within walking distance of the Louvre, the Tuileries Gardens, and Palais Royal. It is unbeatable for convenience but can feel a bit tourist-heavy and quiet at night. It is the best area for a short trip (2 or 3 days) where maximizing sightseeing time is the priority.
  • The Marais (3rd & 4th Arrondissements): My favorite area for walking, shopping, and dining. It feels like a medieval village with narrow cobblestone streets, pre-revolutionary architecture, and a lively mix of trendy boutiques, galleries, and falafel shops. It is hip, safe, and very central.
  • Saint Germain (6th Arrondissement): This is the classic “Left Bank” Paris you see in movies. It is upscale, charming, and home to iconic cafes like Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore. It is excellent for families and couples who want a safe, polished, and distinctly Parisian atmosphere with great access to the Luxembourg Gardens.
  • The Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement): One of the oldest parts of the city. It is student-friendly (home to the Sorbonne), lively, and generally more affordable than Saint Germain. The streets can be steep and winding, but it has a deep sense of history and great energy.
  • Montmartre (18th Arrondissement): Famous for the Sacré-Cœur basilica and its artistic history. It sits on a high hill with incredible views over the city. It feels like a separate village completely. Warning: It is far from the city center and requires a metro ride to get to most major museums. Stay here for the atmosphere, not for convenient sightseeing.

Right Bank vs. Left Bank

  • The Right Bank (Rive Droite): North of the Seine. Generally trendier, busier, and more focused on fashion, commerce, and nightlife. Includes the Marais, the Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and Montmartre.
  • The Left Bank (Rive Gauche): South of the Seine. Historically the bohemian and intellectual hub, now more upscale, classic, and romantic. Includes Saint Germain, the Latin Quarter, and the Eiffel Tower district.

Practical Tips for First-Timers

  • Walk everywhere: Paris is surprisingly compact. You can walk from the Marais to the Louvre in 20 minutes. It is the best way to see the city.
  • Use the Metro: It is cheap, safe, and faster than taxis or Ubers, which often get stuck in traffic. Download the Citymapper or Google Maps app to navigate easily.
  • Stay Central: For your first visit, try to stay in the single-digit arrondissements (1st through 7th). This keeps your travel times short.
  • Safety: Paris is safe, but pickpockets are aggressive in tourist hubs (especially at the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and on Metro line 1). Keep your wallet in a front pocket and bags zipped.

• Best Hotel in the 1st: Mandarin Oriental
• Best Hotel in the 7th: Le Cinq Codet
• Best Hotel in the 8th: Four Seasons
• Best Hotel in Saint Germain: Relais Christine
• Best Hotel in the Latin Quarter: Hôtel Les Dames du Panthéon
• Best Hotel in the Marais: Le Pavillon de la Reine & Spa
• Best Hotel in South Pigalle: Maison Souquet
• Best Hotel in Montmartre: Hotel Des Arts

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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.