Best places to stay in Paris
As mentioned, it can be daunting trying to choose where to stay – after all, the city covers an area of 41 square miles and is packed with more sights than you could ever hope to visit.
First off, it’s useful to understand how the city is laid out. Paris is divided into 20 numbered districts known as arrondissements. Starting from Île de la Cité, an island in the heart of the city, they spiral outwards like a snail shell. If you’re visiting for the first time, it’s not a bad idea to limit your accommodation search to an arrondissement in the single digits, with the 1st to the 7th being particularly convenient.
Wherever you do choose, Paris has a great public transport system, the Métro, so as long as your hotel is near a station, you’ll have no problem getting around.
Where to stay near the popular attractions in Paris
A logical place to start if you’re looking for Paris hotels near the main attractions is the 1st arrondissement, home to the legendary Louvre, where you can see the Mona Lisa and so much more besides. Just to the east is Le Marais, which spans the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. This charming area is an ever-popular pick, not least for the awe-inspiring Notre-Dame Cathedral, scheduled to reopen to visitors in 2024 after the devastating fire of 2019.
The top pick for Paris first-timers is perhaps the 7th arrondissement, which will leave you within strolling distance of the iconic Eiffel Tower, while art history fans will love the Musée d’Orsay and its vast collection of Impressionist masterpieces. If you’re in Paris for world-class shopping, consider the 8th arrondissement, where you can kill two birds with one stone by wandering along the Champs-Elysées and taking in the Arc de Triomphe as you browse.
Where to stay with your family in Paris
For those visiting Paris with family in tow, Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th arrondissement is a great option. It’s a buzzy area with shops and eateries galore, and adults and older kids will love the atmosphere, but there are also some quieter streets where you can escape the hubbub and relax.
You’re also practically equidistant between two wonderful parks, the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Jardin des Tuileries, both with playgrounds where younger kids can let off steam to their heart’s content. Oh, and did we mention that the Louvre and Notre Dame are just a short stroll away?
Where to stay as a solo traveller
With countless museums, galleries, monuments and gardens to while away the hours in, Paris is a dream location to visit solo. Why not stay in charming and quirky Montmartre? Perched on a hillside in the north of the city, it’s home to the magnificent Sacré-Coeur Basilica, which offers sensational views, particularly from the top of the dome.
Bag a private room at a hostel like Le Village Montmartre and connect with fellow travellers in the communal kitchen. As evening draws in, the nightlife is vibrant – cabaret fans will want to make a pilgrimage to the legendary Moulin Rouge for dinner and a show.
Where to find cheap hotels in Paris
Although Paris is a pricey city, accommodation here runs the gamut, with plenty of budget options. Stay in bohemian Montparnasse, beloved by intellectuals including Ernest Hemingway, at the well-rated Hôtel Orchidée. Double rooms are available from just £99/night at this smart hotel with a deli, bar, terrace and garden.
Or discover the gritty side of Paris nightlife at the Moulin Plaza Hotel (doubles from £86) in South Pigalle, which has transformed from a former red-light district to a hipster hangout in recent years. If it’s convenience you’re after, Generator Paris is hard to beat. With dry cleaning/laundry services and a 24-hour front desk, it’s within walking distance of the Gare du Nord as well as iconic landmarks like the Place de la République, all from £108/night.