Paris Hotels

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.

Exploring Nightlife in Paris

Embrace the vibrant nightlife that Paris, the heartland of celebration, warmly extends to all. From the chic to the casual, there's a club to match your mood and energy.

Seek out a touch of exclusivity at Castel in the 6th arrondissement, rub shoulders with the glitterati at Les Bains, or whirl through the spirited dance floors of Machine du Moulin Rouge—if the bouncer nods you through. Youthful energy finds its haven at student favourites like Gibus, Les Planches, or Duplex.

For those with a penchant for underground beats, the gay club scene offers pulsating electronic rhythms at Le Dépôt and Chez Moune. If your soul sways to tropical beats, the Favela Chic, Globo, or Pachanga will transport you to warmer climes.

And for those who delight in the unconventional, the indie spirits gather at Glazart with its sand-strewn beach at La Villette, or at La Station—a converted train station at Porte d'Aubervilliers offering a haven for the avant-garde and a laid-back vibe.

Must-See Attractions in Paris

• Notre Dame Cathedral remains a quintessential landmark of the capital, its allure undiminished even after the devastating fire that claimed its spire and roof in 2019.

• The Eiffel Tower, an emblem of France since 1889, offers a climbable staircase, though most visitors opt for the elevators to experience its heights.

• The Hôtel National des Invalides, with its magnificent dome gilded with fine gold, is a 17th-century architectural marvel now housing the Army Museum and Napoleon's tomb.

• The Sainte-Chapelle, a frequented Gothic-style chapel from the 13th century, was built to house Christ's relics and is renowned for its towering, coloured stained-glass windows.

• The Panthéon, an 18th-century edifice with its ancient Rome-inspired colonnades, stands proudly in the Latin Quarter. Its crypt is a pilgrimage site for the tombs of illustrious figures such as Voltaire, Hugo, and Jean Moulin.

Museums and Culture in Paris

• The Louvre, once a royal palace from the 12th century, is famed for its collections accessed through the iconic glass pyramid. First-time visitors should not miss the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

• The Rodin Museum allows you to engage with the sensual works of this master sculptor and enjoy the serene ambiance of its gardens, offering a moment of solitude in the bustling city.

• The Musée d'Orsay, originally a railway station built for the 1900 World Fair, has been transformed into a museum showcasing the arts from 1848 to 1914, home to the world's most extensive collection of impressionist paintings.

• The Grand Rex, Paris's most legendary cinema and the largest in Europe, presents "Les étoiles du Rex," an interactive tour that casts visitors as both actors and spectators in the enigmatic world of cinema, from editing rooms to the projection booth.

• The Grévin Museum, inaugurated in 1882, is one of the capital's most enduring attractions, offering encounters with lifelike wax doubles of famous personalities.

Hotels with rooftop bars in Paris

The Kimpton St Honoré is hard to beat when it comes to rooftop views, with the Opera House practically within touching distance, the Champs-Elysées stretching out before you, and the Eiffel Tower standing proud on the horizon. The chic terrace has stylish sofas and tables interspersed with plenty of greenery and serves up a superb selection of wines and signature cocktails.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

The Ritz is synonymous with luxury, and Michelin-starred restaurant L’Espadon lives up to its billing with a sumptuous dining room adorned with chandeliers and mirrors. The food has a more modern twist than you might expect, though: Chef Eugénie Béziat combines her unique perspective of growing up in Africa and summering in Provence to create unexplored and surprising flavours.

Spa hotels

Molitor Hotel and Spa has some serious history. First opened in 1929, it was Paris’ most popular swimming bath for 60 years. Following a huge renovation project, it re-opened in 2014 as a hotel. The iconic (and heated!) Art Deco pool is still very much the focal point, but the hotel has plenty more to offer, including the Spa by Clarins, featuring private treatment rooms, a hammam, a sauna, a tea room and a reading room.

Exceptional hotels

The Hotel d’Angleterre is a storied establishment dating back to the 18th century, named for the fact that it was once the British Embassy. Many famous guests have stayed the night here over the years, including Ernest Hemingway, and pioneering aviator Charles Lindbergh got some well-earned sleep here following his successful completion of the first non-stop solo flight from New York to Paris.

Luxury hotels in Paris

It’s hard to imagine anything more luxurious than the Four Seasons George V, one of the most famous hotels in Paris. Situated just off the Champs-Elysées, its vast and opulent suites offer stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. The hotel’s three restaurants have a whopping five Michelin stars between them, and guests can take a trip down to the wine cellar and learn about its 50,000 vintage bottles, or enjoy the famous afternoon tea with a live piano accompaniment – it doesn’t get much fancier than that.

Parisian Boutiques

As an international fashion capital, Paris is home to opulent boutiques, where window shopping becomes an art in itself. For a truly indulgent stroll, venture down Avenue Montaigne to feast your eyes on the displays of Gucci, Chanel, and Christian Lacroix, all set against a backdrop that buzzes less loudly than the iconic Champs-Elysées. There, the Louis Vuitton store stands as a tourist attraction of its own. And for those who dream in carats and couture, the plush Place Vendôme's luxury jewellers await. Budget-conscious and youthful shoppers will find their sanctuary along Rue de Rennes in the 6th district and Boulevard Saint-Michel, offering trendy and affordable ready-to-wear brands.

The Markets of Paris

The market tradition here is robust—a rich tapestry of Parisian life. Mingle with the locals and engage in lively banter. Each neighbourhood—often several within a single district—boasts its typical covered market hall, complemented by outdoor markets. The Saint-Ouen Flea Market, Europe's largest, is a treasure trove of finds with eateries to suit all wallets, making it a delightful spot for a sunny Sunday excursion.

Shopping Centres

Local shopping aficionados regularly flock to the city's central shopping centres. The most famous is perhaps the Forum des Halles, located in the very heart of the city. However, Parisians also enjoy browsing the shops at Bercy Village or Italie 2 in the 13th district, where the retail experience blends convenience with the pleasure of discovery.