In a nutshell
- Heading to Paris but unsure where to stay? Here’s a quick guide.
- For first-time visitors, Notre Dame and Saint-Michel are the best neighborhoods. You’ll be centrally located and within walking distance of all the main sights. Our hotel tip: Hotel Louison.
- If your priority is to stay cheaply, Clichy just outside Paris is a great choice. Our hotel tip: Campanile Paris.
- Our personal favorite is Marais. Authentic, lively, and full of character! Our hotel tip: Solly Hôtel Paris.
How Much Does a Hotel in Paris Cost?
If you think Paris is expensive, you’re right.
With over 2.4 million residents packed into roughly 100 square kilometers, space is limited—and that shows in hotel prices and room sizes.
On average, a hotel room in Paris costs around 250 euros per night.
This generally applies to hotels in the central districts. You should also expect a tourist tax of 1 to 15 euros per person per night.
If you want to pay significantly less, you’ll need to compromise on both location and hotel quality.
Finding a hotel with good value for money in Paris can be tricky—but not impossible. We’ve done the research for you to help you decide where to stay in Paris based on your travel style.
Also check out our tips for cheap hotels in Paris
The Best Neighborhoods To Stay in Paris
The arrondissement system in Paris can be confusing, so here’s a simpler guide:
We recommend these 5 neighborhoods to stay in Paris:
- Notre Dame & Saint-Michel: Perfect for first-time visitors in Paris. Central, historic, and still reasonably priced.
- Montmartre: Great for a vibrant, artsy, and alternative vibe.
- Canal Saint-Martin: Ideal if you want to experience Paris like a local.
- Marais: A mix of history, shopping, and nightlife all in one area.
- Clichy: A good option if you want to save on accommodation.
Where to stay in Paris on a map
This map shows our recommended districts for where to stay in Paris and some of the best places to visit in Paris.
Where to Stay in Notre Dame & Saint-Michel
For first-time visitors, Notre Dame and Saint-Michel are ideal because all the main sights are within easy reach, making this one of the best areas to stay in Paris for first timers.
The Seine runs through the heart of Paris, and in the middle of the river lies Île de la Cité, where the city was founded 2,500 years ago. The island and its southern bank represent the most authentic Paris—pretty cool, right?
Here, two overlapping districts stand out: Saint-Michel and Notre Dame.
Saint-Michel sits on the southern shore of the island and offers affordable hotels, charming restaurants, and lively cocktail bars. From here, you can walk to many major attractions.
The Notre Dame district is right on the island and home to Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, the Pantheon, and the Sorbonne.
Both districts are packed with historical sights, which is why many travelers consider this the best location to stay in Paris on a first trip.
To explore further, hop on metro line 4 north or south, or take a scenic stroll along the Seine to the Louvre.
Why stay in Notre Dame and Saint-Michel:
- Central location with plenty of charm
- Most attractions within walking distance
- Affordable restaurants nearby
- Rooms typically between 200 and 300 euros
Things to keep in mind:
- Highly touristy
- Older buildings can be noisy—check reviews carefully
The best places to stay near Notre Dame and Saint-Michel
Where to Stay in Montmartre
We suggest staying in Montmartre if you enjoy a multicultural, creative, and vibrant atmosphere. There’s always something happening here.
Montmartre sits at the top of Paris and offers an exciting mix of bustling streets and quiet corners.
The district is best known as an artistic and nightlife hub.
Legends like Van Gogh and Dalí once walked these streets. Today, you’ll meet artists, street musicians, and illustrators, and find fantastic wine and food around every corner.
The Sacre Coeur Basilica, the Dalí Museum, and the Musée de Montmartre are must-visits.
For night owls, Boulevard de Clichy offers several bars and clubs next to the Moulin Rouge, making it a lively spot to enjoy Paris after dark.
Pros of accommodation in Montmartre:
- Unique atmosphere day and night
- Plenty of cafés, restaurants, and bars
- Wide range of hotels from 200 to 300 euros
- Many spots offer stunning city views
- Perfect for nightlife and going out
Cons of accommodation in Montmartre:
- Hilly streets and cobblestones can be tiring
- Not within walking distance to the city center
- Boulevard de Clichy can be noisy on weekend nights
The best places to stay in Montmartre
Where to Stay Near Canal Saint-Martin
If you want a quieter stay but still close to the action, the Canal is a great choice. It’s ideal if you’re wondering where to stay in Paris to feel like a local.
The Canal Saint-Martin is the heart of this area. On sunny days, grab a bottle of wine, a baguette, and some cheese, and join the Parisians along the canal banks.
Rue Oberkampf is perfect for hopping from bar to bar in true Parisian style in the evenings. Authentic and lively.
You won’t find souvenir shops or restaurants with picture menus here. Instead, you’ll experience the city as locals do.
Hotel density is lower than in most areas, so you’ll truly feel part of daily Paris life. Most accommodations are in regular apartment buildings, not large hotels—giving the area a cozy, residential feel.
Place de la République is within walking distance, with five metro lines connecting you quickly across the city.
Pros of accommodation by the canal:
- Feel like a local
- Romantic, authentic neighborhood
- Lovely atmosphere by the water in summer
- Lots of cool cafés, bars, and restaurants
- Practice your French in real-life situations
Cons of accommodation by the canal:
- City center and main sights are no longer within walking distance
The best places to stay by Canal Saint-Martin
Where to Stay in Marais
If you enjoy a charming, romantic, and green setting, we recommend staying in Marais. It’s one of the best neighborhoods in Paris for culture lovers.
Marais is a Parisian district with many faces, loved by both locals and tourists alike.
Its narrow streets, quaint boutiques, and bustling markets create an almost village-like atmosphere. The Marché des Enfants Rouges is one of our favorite insider spots in Paris.
It’s a great place to shop, explore, and soak up Parisian life. The area also offers pretty green spaces, historic streets, and the famous Centre George Pompidou—home to France’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art.
Marais is also perfect for a romantic evening. Cozy restaurants fill the streets, or you can enjoy a drink at one of the rooftop bars with a view over the city.
For sightseeing beyond the neighborhood, the Seine and Notre-Dame are within walking distance, or the metro will get you anywhere quickly.
Pros of accommodation in Marais:
- Authentic, diverse district
- Many attractions nearby
- Excellent restaurants and cafés
- Great shopping opportunities
- Quieter than central areas, good for families
- Good transport links, many things within walking distance
Cons of accommodation in Marais:
- Hotels tend to be more expensive
The best places to stay in Marais
Where to Stay in Clichy
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to stay in Paris and don’t mind a 15-minute metro ride to the main sights, Clichy is a good choice.
Clichy is a quiet, residential district just outside central Paris, but well connected to the metro network.
While some suburbs have a poor reputation, Clichy is safe and family-friendly.
It’s a residential area with many families who appreciate the calm streets. Supermarkets and bakeries make shopping easy, and you can find good hotels for under 180 euros—something rarely possible in central Paris.
Since metro stations are less frequent than in the city center, choose a hotel close to a station. All our Clichy hotel recommendations are conveniently located near the metro.
Pros of accommodation in Clichy:
- Quiet residential area
- Few tourists
- Experience daily life among locals
Cons of accommodation in Clichy:
- City center not within walking distance
- Limited restaurants
- Few metro stations
- It’s outside central Paris
The best places to stay in Clichy
FAQ about Where to Stay in Paris
Which neighborhood in Paris is the most affordable?
Paris is an expensive place to stay, both for locals and tourists.
If you want to save money on your accommodation in Paris, we recommend Clichy.
Clichy is located 15 minutes outside Paris and is a quiet residential area.
Which is the most beautiful district in Paris?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as we all know.
However, we are completely enamored with the Marais and Montmartre districts of Paris.
Both are super authentic, diverse, and well located.
How much is the tourist tax in Paris?
The tourist tax in Paris ranges from 1 euro to 15 euro per person per night.
The better and more expensive the hotel, the higher the tourist tax.
Which neighborhoods in Paris should you avoid?
You should definitely avoid the northern districts of Paris, such as Barbès-Rochechouart and Chateau Rouge.
These districts are very dirty and, especially at night, there are shady characters hanging around.
But as a tourist, you won’t really end up there anyway.
Is breakfast served at the hotels in Paris?
The French don’t eat breakfast like we do. Most of them just have a coffee in the morning, maybe with a croissant on the side.
A lot of hotels have figured out that their international guests want a bit more from breakfast, but not all of them.
So, when it comes to hotel breakfasts, you can get anything from coffee and a croissant to a buffet with tons of options.
If you value a substantial breakfast, take a look at the hotel’s pictures on the internet. Hotels that offer a breakfast buffet are happy to show this. Reviews from other guests are also a good indicator.
If you’re happy with coffee and a croissant in the morning, you can’t go far wrong. Then you might even want to book your room without breakfast and just sit down in a nice café like the locals do.