Guide to the districts of Paris – 20 arrondissements to find a hotel. Where is it better to stay in the center or on the outskirts, what are the sights in each district of Paris.
Are you planning to visit Paris? Find out about all 20 arrondissements of Paris and what facilities, accommodation and attractions might be of interest to you when planning your visit.
This post will help you decide where to stay in Paris, depending on what you want to see and do.
How many arrondissements are there in Paris?
There are 20 arrondissements in Paris, arranged in a clockwise spiral. Each with its own unique atmosphere and feel. Some are home to tourist attractions that you might want to check out. Others are Parisian neighborhoods with fashion boutiques, galleries, food and drink.
Paris districts
This is a short guide to all 20 arrondissements of Paris with a brief description and attractions of each.
If you hear that a district is located on the Left Bank or the Right Bank, you should know that the Seine River flows to the west. The Right Bank of Paris (Paris Rive Gauche) is the part of the city north of the Seine, the Left Bank of Paris (Paris Rive Droite) is located south of it.
1st district – Louvre
The name of this district – Louvre – hints that the Louvre and Tuileries Gardens are located here. Both of them occupy a significant part of one of the city’s smallest districts. The rest of the neighborhood is filled with businesses, making it the least populated area of Paris.
Tip: If you’re just looking for the best place to stay close to all the sights and don’t want to waste time traveling on the Paris Metro, take a look at the 1st, 4th, 5th, and 6th arrondissements. They hug the Seine River and contain most of the famous sights that people come to Paris for.
Attractions:
- Louvre
- Palais Royal
- Tuileries Gardens
- St. Chapelle
- Shatle Square
- Vandom Square
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2nd district – Bourse
It is the smallest neighborhood in Paris with a dense concentration of businesses. This means that trucks start working early in the morning – keep this in mind. But here you will find many shops and cafes that are perfect for an afternoon break. Visit the Passage des Panoramas, the oldest covered passageway in Paris.
Attractions:
- Panoramic passage
- Passage of the Chauzelle
- Many Parisian theaters
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3rd district – Temple
The 3rd arrondissement is located in the northern part of the famous bohemian neighborhood of Le Marais. This is a quieter part of Le Marais where you can find many designer boutiques and upscale restaurants. Art lovers come here to visit the numerous art galleries dedicated to the Picasso Museum.
Tip: If you are visiting Paris for the first time, you can take a closer look at Le Marais, which is located in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. The third arrondissement is quieter than the fourth, so you have several options depending on your nightlife preferences.
Attractions:
- Le Marais (northern part)
- Picasso Museum
- Carreau du Temple indoor market
- Museum of the History of France
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4th district – Hôtel-de-Ville
The 4th arrondissement of Paris combines Renaissance architecture with the modern Pompidou Center. It also has a lively southern part of Le Marais with hipster boutiques and famous gay bars. There are still many kosher restaurants in the Jewish Quarter. It is known for its small streets filled with cafes and shops and can be quite crowded with tourists due to its popularity. It is also home to the world-famous Notre Dame Cathedral, which is expected to finish restoration after a major fire.
Attractions:
- Bastille
- Le Marais
- Place des Vosges
- Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris
- Pompidou Center
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5th district – Panthéon
The Fifth District or Latin Quarter is known for its universities, colleges and prestigious high schools. It got its name from the Latin language spoken here by Sorbonne students in the Middle Ages. It can be jammed with students, but offers great nightlife and some cheaper dining options. This is one of the oldest parts of Paris, which adds to its charm. The Jardin des Plantes Botanical Garden and the Museum of Natural History are great for families.
Tip: If you’re looking for a cheap place to stay in Paris, the 5th and 12th arr ondissements are two areas to start with. The 5th arrondissement has a lot of students, so you can find cheaper accommodation as well as budget-friendly dining options and activities. The 12th district is a nice residential area with many cheap hotels and apartments. There are also several local markets here, and you can save money on food by buying fresh market goods.
Attractions:
- Pantheon
- Market, bars and restaurants on Rue Mouffetard
- National Museum of Natural History
- Garden of plants
- Latin Quarter
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6th District – Luxembourg
The 6th arrondissement is internationally known for its magnificent architecture and highly influential postwar intellectual and literary movements. It is considered one of the richest neighborhoods in Paris. It is also known for its cafes and high concentration of the most famous monuments in Paris. The Luxembourg Palace and the surrounding gardens are a sight to behold.
Tip: If you’re looking for a slightly more upscale hotel, check out Saint Germain des Prés in the 6th arrondissement. It is conveniently located near the Eiffel Tower on the border with the 7th arrondissement. Across the river are the 1st and 4th arrondissements, where you will find most of the sights worth visiting in Paris.
Attractions:
- Luxembourg gardens
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Pont Neuf Bridge
- Pont de l’Art bridge
- Church of St. Sulpice
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7th district – Palais-Bourbon
The 7th arrondissement is the most popular among tourists in Paris, with millions of people coming here because of the iconic Eiffel Tower. This picturesque neighborhood, located on the banks of the Seine River in the city center, has been home to the upper class of Paris for over 400 years. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love the many cafes and restaurants with beautiful views. Of course, a hotel with a tower view can be expensive, but maybe it’s your life’s dream – don’t put it off.
Tip: The question becomes, are there any cheap hotels in Paris near the Eiffel Tower? Of course, there are no super “cheap” ones. But if you want to stay near the Eiffel Tower, you can look at the 7th arrondissement. If you’re looking for an affordable option closer to the Eiffel Tower, there are two places to consider. Look at the northern side of the 15th and the western side of the 6th districts. Looking for the best place to stay with a view of the Eiffel Tower? Look at the Seine River in the 16th or 8th arrondissements.
Attractions:
- Eiffel Tower
- Mars field
- Museum d’Orsay
- Rodin Museum
- Hotel for the Disabled
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8th district – Élysée
The 8th arrondissement of Paris is one of the main business districts. Celebrities stay here when they come to visit. There are many upscale retail stores here. It is also home to some of the most famous landmarks in Paris, such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysees, and the Place de la Concorde.
Attractions:
- Champs Elysees
- Square of Consent
- Elysee Palace
- Arc de Triomphe
- Grand Palais
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9th district – Opéra
The famous Opera Garnier (Paris Opera and Ballet Theater) is located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. Here you will find large Parisian department stores such as Printemps and LaFayette, old-world passages along the Grands Boulevards, as well as great small restaurants. It is in this area that most Europeans stay. If you want to get a more European feel for Paris and see local Parisian life, this is the place.
Attractions:
- Opera Garnier
- Musée du Parfum
- Printemps department store
- Lafayette department store
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10th district – Entrepôt
The 10th district borders the 9th district, so it shares the same feel and charm. You can find international dishes, trendy restaurants, and street food vendors. The Canal Saint-Martin is crossed by small pedestrian bridges, and bohemian café tables line the sidewalks. It is home to two of the largest and busiest railway stations in Europe, the North and East Railway Stations.
Attractions:
- St. Maarten Canal
- Church of St. Laurent
- Church of St. Vincent de Paul
- Port of Saint-Denis
- Port of St. Maarten
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11th district – Popincourt
It is one of the most densely populated urban areas in Europe. This means that it is a very lively and energetic part of Paris. If you’re looking for trendy restaurants, cafes and nightlife, head to Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine. The Oberkampf district in the 11th district is known for its young, trendy atmosphere and popular nightlife. In recent years, the 11th arrondissement has gradually become a fashionable district of Paris.
Attractions:
- Oberkampf
- Bastille Square
- Republic Square
- Church of St. Ambroise
- Boulevard Richard Lenoir
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12th arrondissement – Reuilly
The 12th arrondissement is one of the largest in Paris. It is an affordable and safe place to stay with a large number of hotels, hostels, and apartment rental options. This is a rather quiet residential area, a large part of which is occupied by the Vensensky Forest, the city’s largest park. You can visit the classic Parisian indoor market Marché Beauvau.
Attractions:
- Wensen forest
- Opera Bastille
- Bastille Square
- Park de Bercy
- Paris Zoological Park
- D’aligre market
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13th district – Gobelins
The 13th arrondissement is famous as the main Chinatown of Paris. Here you will find a variety of Asian dishes and shopping. The main library of France is also located in the 13th arrondissement with its impressive architecture, which looks like a giant set of bookends. It is worth paying attention to the Butte aux Caires neighborhood on the top of the hill . At night, you will find cafes and bars serving river boats that ply the Seine.
Attractions:
- National Library of France
- Bute aux Cayes
- Asian Quarter Quartier Asiatique
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14th District – Observatoire
The 14th arrondissement of Paris is home to the famous Parisian catacombs, which attract tourists from all over the world. Montparnasse Cemetery is a short walk away. The Paris Observatory, located northeast of the Catacombs, is one of the largest astronomical centers in the world. 14 arr has many bistros and millineries – perfect places to grab an afternoon snack and coffee.
Attractions:
- Parisian catacombs
- Paris Observatory
- Montparnasse Cemetery
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15th district – Vaugirard
The 15th is home to the high-rise Front de Seine district. It also shares part of the Montparnasse district with the 14th arrondissement. Go up to the Montparnasse Tower for a great bird’s eye view of Paris with the Eiffel Tower. Due to the fact that the north borders the 7th arrondissement, you will find yourself near the Eiffel Tower.
Attractions:
- Georges-Brassens Park
- Montparnasse Tower
- Andre Citroën Park with a Parisian balloon
- Île aux Cygnes (with a copy of the Statue of Liberty)
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16th district – Marseille
16th is a very residential area with many foreign embassies, so families from other countries live here. Some parts of it are also located across the Seine River from the 7th arrondissement, so it offers a good view of the Eiffel Tower. Also in this neighborhood is Hilliard Passy, a very wealthy part of Paris with several very fashionable restaurants.
Tip: The 16th arrondissement is a great place to travel with kids, with the Exploradome science museum and the Garden of Acclimatization amusement park. The 12th arrondissement is also a great family neighborhood with a great local atmosphere. It is also one of the most affordable places to stay in Paris. There is a zoo nearby, as well as Parc de Bercy. Many wonderful markets to visit are a great way to experience Parisian life.
Attractions:
- Arc de Triomphe
- Park de Prince
- Jardin d’Acclimatization (children’s amusement park)
- Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil (greenhouse)
- Exploradome (science museum)
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17th constituency – Batignolles-Monceau
The 17th is an up-and-coming neighborhood where young families live in the Batignolles district and on the fashionable Place de la Clichy. In the Batignolles district you will find classic narrow Parisian streets lined with wine bars, shops and restaurants with a bohemian atmosphere.
Attractions:
- Arc de Triomphe
- Mark Ponsle
- Clichy Square
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18th district – Butte-Montmartre
Of course, everyone has heard of the Moulin Rouge-it ‘s located on the south side of 18th, along with Pigalle, the neighborhood officially known for its sex shops and the Red Light District. Be sure to visit the hilltop Montmartre neighborhood, topped by the Sacre Coeur Basilica, which offers an insane view of Paris . Just beware of pickpockets around the Basilica, as tourists get distracted in the crowd. You can also use the funicular to get to the highest part of Montmartre if there are too many stairs and climbs.
South Pigalle is teeming with locals. Butte Montmartre is one of the hottest spots in Paris. Gourmets can test their tastes in the bistros and cafes on Rue des Martyrs. If you want to experience an eclectic bar atmosphere where everyone will find something for themselves, you should find your way to rue Frochot.
Attractions:
- Pigalle
- Sacre Coeur Basilica
- Montmartre
- Funicular de Montmartre
- Moulin Rouge
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19th District – Butte-Chaumont
The 19th district is a quieter part of the city, suitable for families. The northern part of the 19th is somewhat less desirable, like many other neighborhoods in Paris, as you move away from the city center. There are nice markets and parks, but as far as tourist attractions go, there are almost none. But Shomon Park is a beautiful 19th-century park with waterfalls, tall trees, and a lake. There is also an old railroad here.
Attractions:
- Park de Bute Chaumont
- Park de la Villette
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20th constituency – Ménilmontant
It is here that the Père Lachaise Cemetery is located, the burial place of Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, Chopin, Jim Morrison, and other famous people. The mix of artists in this famous cemetery epitomizes the diversity of the neighborhood. In Menilmontana you will find unusual music centers and bars, and in Belleville Park you will find fashionable crowds. Walking around the 20th district, you will find great graffiti and other street art.
Attractions:
- Cemetery of Père Lachaise
- Belleville Park
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Paris neighborhoods to avoid
In fact, every neighborhood in Paris has safe neighborhoods, and at the same time more brutal neighborhoods.
It is better to look for accommodation closer to the center and away from major train stations, especially at night.
Read reviews on Booking. Whether it’s a hotel, hostel, or apartment, reviews from previous guests will tell you everything. Read not only the good ones, but also the bad ones. People will tell you if the area is dangerous, noisy, or in a bad location.
Useful articles and links:
- 10 things to do in Paris to feel like a local
- Life hacks for finding tourist accommodation in Lisbon
- Hotels near airports – where to spend the night before your flight
- Travel accommodation – where to look and how to book
Bus schedule and bus tickets are available at
InfoBus.ua
Car rental – I am looking for inexpensive options on Rentalcars.com
Travel health insurance and Green Card for traveling by car abroad – online on the portal
HotlineFinance
Booking of hotels and apartments – Booking.com
