Paris is one of the most beautiful and iconic cities in the world, and a visit here is a must. From the moment you arrive, you’ll fall in love with its unique Parisian atmosphere; which will captivate you for your stay. This enchanting city has so much to offer its visitors with world-class attractions, shopping, cuisine, and nightlife all at your fingertips.

Paris is a huge city and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, so choosing your hotel location is important; especially if you are in the city for a short while and want to make the most of it.

Here we take a closer look at the more popular districts in the city for you to stay in and what they have to offer…

First time to Paris? Well, just to tell you a bit about the city and its layout. The city is divided into 20 arrondissements (districts). They are numbered 1 to 20, starting in the middle of the city and spiralling outwards in a clockwise direction. So if you want to be based in the heart of the city center, you choose the lower numbers with the 1st arrondissement being the very core of the city.

>>Also Read: Paris Travel Guide

Here Is A Guide To Help You Choose The Best Hotel Location In Paris

1st Arrondissement

This arrondissement is the very heart of cosmopolitan Paris, so if you want to be based centrally then this is the arrondissement for you. This is usually the best starting point for your exploration of the city, as it’s home to top attractions like the Louvre, the Jardin des Tuileries, Place Vendome, Le Palais Royal, the churches of Saint Chapelle and Saint Eustache and the medieval fortress of La Conciergerie. Les Halles is a superb commercial shopping district with both open-air markets and indoor markets.

2nd Arrondissement

This is considered one of the main financial hubs of Europe and is home to the Stock Exchange (the Bourse) and lots of charming shopping malls called ‘The Galleries’. It’s also the location of some theatres and operas, as well as some historic sights like the Place des Victories and Notre Dame des Victoires church.

3rd Arrondissement

Here, you’ll find open-air markets, flea markets, and lots of quaint food stores and cafes. It’s also the location of museums like the Musée Picasso and the Musée National des Arts et Métiers, the latter showcasing artifacts from the Statue of Liberty.

4th Arrondissement

This could be called medieval Paris, and its showpiece is the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral. Other landmarks include; Hôtel de Ville (Paris city hall), La Bastille (at the Bastille Metro Station), the Holocaust Memorial, the Pompidou Art Centre, and Hotel de Sully – a historical residence in the Le Marais area.

5th Arrondissement

Also known as the ‘Latin Quarter‘, this arrondissement is distinguished by the magnificent Panthéon, which can be found perched on top of a hill in the center of the arrondissement. It is also the location of many of the cities universities, most notably Sorbonne.

6th Arrondissement

The oldest church in Paris is located here ‘Eglise Saint Germain des Pres’. It dates from 543 AD, but what you see today is mainly from the 11th century. This chic district is home to many writers, painters, and artists. It situated just south of the 1st arrondissement so you’re also within walking distance of the Lourve.

7th Arrondissement

This ‘elegant district’ is home to one of the world’s most famous attractions, The Eiffel Tower. Other sights to see here include Hotel de Invalides, Musée d’Orsay, and Musée Rodin. Le Bon Marché is also located here and is one of the most famous department stores in Paris.

8th Arrondissement

This arrondissement is where you can walk up the world-renowned Champs-Elysées to the iconic Arc de Triomphe. If you love your designer handbags and apparel, then you must browse the shops of Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Hermes; after all, this is the home of these world-famous designer brands!

North Of The City Center – 9th & 18th Arrondissements

The main attractions here include Galeries Lafayette, Opera Garnier, Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and Montmartre.

East Of The City Center – 11th, 12th, 19th, 20th

Mainly residential neighborhoods dotted with attractions like the Bastille and Gare de Lyon.

South Of The City Center – 13th & 14th Arrondissements

Again these are mainly residential and well connected with the city center. Sights to see here include; Montparnasse, where you can explore the creepy Paris catacombs! The Bibliotheque Nationale de France is also located here.

West Of The City Center – 16th & 17th

The 16th lies close to the 7th arrondissement, and so it is only about a 20-minute walk or thereabouts to the Eiffel Tower. If staying here, visit the Palais du Trocadéro (great views of the Eiffel Tower). The 17th arrondissement lies north of the 8th, so it’s not far from the Champs-Elysées.

>>Paris Neighborhood Guide

Best Hotel Location Guide In Paris – Summary

There are lots of Paris hotels located in each one of the above arrondissements. Generally speaking, the closer to the city center you stay, the more expensive the hotel price you will pay. So if you’re on a budget, choose to stay in the outer arrondissements and use the convenient and efficient Parisian public transport system.

For example, the 1st arrondissement boasts some of the most opulent hotels in the world, and the restaurants are also very posh. If you’re on a budget, then we suggest that you sleep and eat outside of this arrondissement. However, the 19th –20th arrondissements offer affordable accommodation and are just about a half an hour metro ride from the city center.

If you are price conscious, then avoid busy times of the year like Paris Fashion Week (middle of January) from Easter – June, September, October, and Christmas.

There are literally hundreds of hotels in Paris to choose from. Whether you’re looking for cheap hostels in Paris, mid-range hotels, or luxury hotels, there is something to suit your taste and budget.

Why not check out our Paris Hotels page now and see for yourself!

I hope this little guide helps you to choose the perfect Paris hotel in the right location. If you’ve any queries for us, please do not hesitate to contact us via the comment box below.