The 20 Best Neighborhoods in Paris (By a Local) (2024)

I’ve lived in Paris, France for ten years and have gotten to know Paris neighborhoods well. There are 20 “arrondissem*nts” (districts) that make up the city and I’ve rented apartments in five of them.

Factors like livability, property prices, and schools are all important to consider if you’re visiting Paris for a long stay or moving here. Additionally, knowing the vibe of each arrondissem*nt is helpful when planning where to stay in Paris.

I’ve created this comprehensive guide to neighborhoods in Paris that includes helpful information for tourists and locals alike.

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Paris has 20 arrondissem*nts (districts). The numbering starts at the center of Paris, with the 1st arrondissem*nt. The other Paris districts spiral outward from there like a snail’s shell, creating the Paris map.

The higher double-digit arrondissem*nts are on the edge of the city. The city is surrounded by a highway called the “Périphérique.”

Each of the Paris districts has pros and cons. The best Parisian neighborhood for you will depend on your lifestyle and personality. Good Paris neighborhoods to visit may differ from good neighborhoods to live in.

1st Arrondissem*nt

This neighborhood shows the heart of Paris’s history with famous museums, parks, and monuments.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hotel Molière

The 1st arrondissem*nt runs along the Seine River in the middle of the Right Bank. It’s known for its high-end hotels, restaurants, and luxury boutiques. You’ll find it between the Place de la Concorde and the Hôtel de Ville (city hall). Important landmarks like the Palais Royal and the Louvre Museum are in this district.

The 1st can be hard to live in because of the many visitors who flock here, particularly in summer. But, if you want a walkable base, this is a good bet and Hotel Moliere is a great spot for scouting. There are also several Michelin-star Paris restaurants in the 1st arrondissem*nt, including one in the Palais Royal. But these can be expensive.

The east end of the 1st district, by the Les Halles area, is more hectic and less glamorous than the western part. So, the Les Halles district is more affordable than other parts of the 1st arrondissem*nt. Les Halles Métro is a big transportation hub, so watch for pickpockets.

Pros of the 1st Arrondissem*nt

• Classic Paris architecture
• Good views, including views of the Eiffel Tower
• The rest of the city is within walking distance
• There’s a good mixture of restaurants and shops
• Extremely well-connected by transport
• Many famous monuments here, including the Louvre Museum

Cons of the 1st Arrondissem*nt

• Crimes of all kinds (theft, non-violent, and violent) are highest here
• The area gets very crowded with visitors in summer

2nd Arrondissem*nt

A mixed district with the financial quarter on one end and lively nightlife on the other.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hôtel des Grands Boulevard

Most people don’t consider the 2nd arrondissem*nt when thinking about Parisian neighborhoods. That’s too bad because this central Paris neighborhood has some charming streets. The Place des Victoires, for example, is a lovely circular intersection.

The 2nd arrondissem*nt is generally not residential. It has the “Bourse,” the stock exchange, on one end. The Grands Boulevards area has a famous nightlife scene. It can get very busy around the Bourse during office hours. Meanwhile, the Grands Boulevards area is particularly boisterous at happy hour.

Overall, the 2nd arrondissem*nt is a good choice for those who want to be in a central neighborhood in Paris, but with lower prices.

Pros of the 2nd Arrondissem*nt

• Great transport connections locally and throughout the region
• The financial district makes this a convenient choice for business people
• Easy walking distance

Cons of the 2nd Arrondissem*nt

• There are many chain restaurants in the area
• Few grocery stores, particularly those open in the evenings

3rd Arrondissem*nt

An intimate district filled with galleries, cafés, boutiques, and small winding streets.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hôtel National des Arts & Metiers

The 3rd arrondissem*nt of Paris is part of the “Le Marais” area. This Paris neighborhood is the old Jewish quarter of the city. Le Marais is now home to many smaller museums, including the Picasso Museum and the Musée Carnavalet.

The 3rd arrondissem*nt is very livable despite its many attractions. Nightlife is loudest around the Rue de Bretagne and towards the République Métro station. Le Marais side streets tend to be much more peaceful.

This Paris arrondissem*nt also has a wide selection of grocery stores, including organic ones (Bio C’est Bon). It also hosts a produce market, Marché des Enfants Rouges. The area gets less charming by the Centre Pompidou, near Les Halles.

Pros of the 3rd Arrondissem*nt

• Strong community energy
• Mixture of residential and business areas
• Several outdoor markets

Cons of the 3rd Arrondissem*nt

• Rental costs can be high
• Le Marais is very difficult to drive in, with many one-way streets

4th Arrondissem*nt

A grand district in the Le Marais neighborhood with ornate buildings ranging from the Place des Vosges to the mansions along the Seine.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hôtel le Presbytère

The grand 4th arrondissem*nt is the best neighborhood in Paris to see “old Paris.” It begins at Hôtel de Ville, city hall, in the west. Both islands, the Île de la Cité and the Île Saint Louis, are in this district (though the western half of the Île de la Cité is in the 1st district).

The 4th district makes up “Le Marais” with the 3rd district. Here, you can see everything from the art galleries at the Place des Vosges to Notre Dame Cathedral. There are even remnants of walls from the Middle Ages on the Rue des Jardins Saint-Paul.

Housing around the larger squares and along the Seine is expensive, particularly closer to Notre Dame and Hôtel de Ville. Apartment buildings on smaller streets in Le Marais are more reasonable, though still pricey.

Pros of the 4th Arrondissem*nt

• Trendy bars and restaurants
• Many art galleries
• Classic architecture and public squares

Cons of the 4th Arrondissem*nt

• Among the highest property prices in the city
• Can get crowded with visitors in summer and during Fashion Week

5th Arrondissem*nt

A diverse district that has everything from botanical gardens to jazz clubs.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hôtel Montecristo

The 5th arrondissem*nt is one of the best places for students in Paris. That’s because the main Sorbonne University building is in the Latin Quarter here. But the area has much more to offer than the Latin Quarter!

The eastern side, past Notre Dame, is a calmer area. However, there are lots of Paris attractions on this side of Paris’s 5th arrondissem*nt. You’ll find the Jardin Des Plantes (the botanical garden) here. This is also where you’ll find Paris’s main mosque, the Grande Mosquée de Paris.

The Latin Quarter also has its charms. It’s home to the Cluny Museum of the Middle Ages and leads to the Luxembourg Gardens. Revolutionaries met and plotted in cafés in the Latin Quarter during the French Revolution. Some of these Latin Quarter cafés, like Le Procope, are still around today.

Do note however that the 5th arrondissem*nt is not a good choice for those looking for more peaceful apartments.

Pros of the 5th Arrondissem*nt

• Great selection of theaters, cinemas, and museums, especially in the Latin Quarter
• Good mixture of restaurants, including foreign cuisines
• The east side of the area is peaceful and residential

Cons of the 5th Arrondissem*nt

• Can fill with students during the semester
• Many visitors flock to the Latin Quarter

6th Arrondissem*nt

An elegant area with courtyard buildings, leafy green spaces, and iconic cafés.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hotel & Spa La Belle Juliette

The 6th district is one of the best Paris arrondissem*nts to live in. It has famous cafés, like the Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, in the Saint Germain des Prés neighborhood bordering the Latin Quarter. But it also has lesser-known restaurants, grocery stores, and other amenities outside of Saint Germain des Prés that make living here easy.

This Left Bank neighborhood is also a great base to see Paris. It’s central and makes it easy to reach different parts of the city on foot. Saint Germain des Prés is the most centrally located area, but all parts of this Paris neighborhood are pretty walkable.

Property in the 6th arrondissem*nt can be expensive because of its desirability. Generally, quarters farther from the river and Luxembourg Gardens are slightly less expensive.

Pros of the 6th Arrondissem*nt

• The Luxembourg Gardens at the center provide lots of green space
• Fancy boutiques of all kinds, especially bookshops, line the streets
• Within walking distance of most of Paris

Cons of the 6th Arrondissem*nt

• The highest property prices in the city, particularly in Saint Germain
• Some areas can be far from public transportation links
• Parking is extremely difficult, especially in Saint Germain des Prés

7th Arrondissem*nt

A chic district with wide boulevards that’s home to the Eiffel Tower and Napoleon’s tomb.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hôtel la Comtesse

The 7th district is the arrondissem*nt of Paris that most visitors associate with the city. It’s also one of the best places to live. The 7th arrondissem*nt is quiet and peaceful, yet has lots of amenities. It borders the Saint Germain des Prés area with its many attractions. Museums like the Rodin Museum and the Musée de l’Armée military museum can also be found here.

English speakers will be comfortable in the 7th arrondissem*nt. The American Library, American Church, and American University of Paris make this a center for English-speaking expats.

The area is not particularly lively at night. Although, it is within walking distance of the 5th and 6th districts, including the Saint Germain area. These areas have more nightlife and more diverse restaurants.

Pros of the 7th Arrondissem*nt

• Views of the Eiffel Tower
• A strong anglophone community
• Many grocery stores and markets
• Quiet and generally peaceful

Cons of the 7th Arrondissem*nt

• Very little nightlife
• Restaurants serve mostly French cuisine and slightly pricey

8th Arrondissem*nt

Paris’s luxury district, full of shops and spas, and home to the famed Champs-Elysées boulevard.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Nuage

The 8th Paris arrondissem*nt has a glamorous reputation. Its Right Bank location between the Place de la Concorde, the Paris Opera House, and the Arc de Triomphe helps this. The area is full of designer shops, spas, and other high-end experiences.

The downside of this is that businesses take up large parts of the 8th district. This makes getting involved in community life more difficult. It also makes finding basic amenities like grocery stores difficult in some areas.

Not all parts of the 8th arrondissem*nt are super fancy, though. The farther north and east you go in the quarter, the less expensive property generally gets. Your views of the Eiffel Tower may get worse, though!

Pros of the 8th Arrondissem*nt

• A chic area with a prestigious address
• Easy access to luxury goods and services
• Well-connected by transport

Cons of the 8th Arrondissem*nt

• Primarily professional in most districts
• Rentals can be expensive

9th Arrondissem*nt

An energetic area with everything from high-end department stores to the red-light district.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hotel Fior d’Aliza

The 9th neighborhood is one of the best neighborhoods for surprises. It has chic stores and trendy nightlife on one end, near the Grands Boulevards Métro. This is where you’ll find the classic department store, Galeries Lafayette. (Galeries Lafayette is worth visiting for its dome alone!)

But the other end of the arrondissem*nt, near Pigalle Métro station, is the red light district. This is full of visitors, often coming for the infamous Moulin Rouge nightclub.

Many pickpockets operate in this area. This makes it a less desirable place to live, and it is not family-friendly. It can be fun to visit and see a show at the Moulin Rouge, but it’s more of a hassle to live near it.

The 9th district should be checked on a street-by-street basis, though. For example, the Rue des Martyrs is very livable.

Pros of the 9th Arrondissem*nt

• Lots of unique clubs and bars
• Top-tier shopping at famous department stores

Cons of the 9th Arrondissem*nt

• Fewer amenities nearer Pigalle
• The red-light district can get crowded with visitors

10th Arrondissem*nt

An up-and-coming area centered around the Canal Saint-Martin, popular with young renters.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Moris Grands-Boulevards

The 10th arrondissem*nt has a bad reputation among neighborhoods in Paris. But it’s quickly becoming a trendy district. This reputation is mostly due to the crimes that occur at two nearby train stations: the Gare du Nord and the Gare de l’Est.

The 10th district is a great Parisian neighborhood away from the stations, though. Look near the Canal Saint-Martin for hip boutiques, cafés, and bars. You’ll see the community come out to picnic by the canal on sunny days.

Parts of this district are residential yet well-connected with amenities. Housing is also very affordable here.

Pros of the 10th Arrondissem*nt

• Lower housing prices
• Trendy bars, restaurants, and shops
• Canal Saint-Martin is a great picnic spot

Cons of the 10th Arrondissem*nt

• Areas near the Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est can be dangerous
• The area by the Canal Saint-Martin can be loud in summer

11th Arrondissem*nt

This trendy Paris arrondissem*nt has quirky nightlife, vegetarian food, and pop-up art galleries.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Maison Gobert Paris Hotel Particulier

Trendy restaurants, contemporary art, and the best of Paris nightlife fill the 11th arrondissem*nt. There are numerous wine bars and vegetarian/vegan restaurants and shops in the area. You can also see street art here, particularly along the Rue d’Oberkampf.

The 11th district begins at the Place de la Bastille plaza to the southwest. This is the location of the famous Bastille prison which was torn down during the French Revolution. That same revolutionary vibe (though less violent) is still present in the 11th arrondissem*nt today.

Be aware that nightlife can lead to loud streets at night in the 11th. Nevertheless, the 11th is a popular neighborhood for young Parisians who want to live centrally.

Pros of the 11th Arrondissem*nt

• Burglary and theft are lowest in the city here
• Great mixture of housing and amenities
• Many young families live here

Cons of the 11th Arrondissem*nt

• Can be noisy due to nightlife

12th Arrondissem*nt

This quieter residential neighborhood in Paris has lots of green space.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hôtel Riesner

The 12th arrondissem*nt is one of the best Paris neighborhoods for families—particularly those with runners in them! This district is on the eastern edge of Paris.

The 12th arrondissem*nt borders Bois de Vincennes Park, which has an old castle, horseback riding, and a zoo. There is also the Parc de Bercy for greenery in the middle of the district itself.

Amenities vary a lot depending on where in the 12th district you are. The “Village de Bercy” in the center of the district has many shops and restaurants in an intimate setting.

Pros of the 12th Arrondissem*nt

• Connects with the Bois de Vincennes for tons of green space
• Home to institutions like the Cinémathèque Française, the French film archive and cinema
• Lots of new builds mean increased reasonably priced housing
• The residential nature of the area means it’s well-supplied with grocery stores and other amenities

Cons of the 12th Arrondissem*nt

• The eastern parts are far from the city center

13th Arrondissem*nt

A neighborhood in Paris that ranges from classic to ultra-modern architecture, home to the French National Library.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: COQ Hotel Paris

The 13th district attracts locals because it has the lowest housing prices in the city. But its diversity is another huge draw. This area has stark modern architecture along the river, including the French National Library (the BNF). You’ll find more traditional architecture farther south. Generally, the area becomes more livable the farther you get from the river.

The Butte aux Cailles neighborhood is one of the best neighborhoods in Paris. It’s also one of the most desirable sections of this Paris arrondissem*nt. The cobblestone streets and public art in Butte aux Cailles contribute to a strong community feeling. The 13th is also home to Paris’s Chinatown.

Pros of the 13th Arrondissem*nt

• Among the lowest property prices in the city
• Home to the charming Butte-aux-Cailles area
• Low crime rates
• Paris’s Chinatown is here

Cons of the 13th Arrondissem*nt

• Modern architecture haters will not enjoy the buildings closer to the Seine River
• Many students live near the river, leading to some street noise at night

14th Arrondissem*nt

A historic Parisian neighborhood loved by famous artists as well as busy commuters.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hôtel Aiglon

Most people associate the 14th arrondissem*nt with Montparnasse. The Montparnasse neighborhood covers parts of the 6th and the 15th arrondissem*nts.

Montparnasse has a lively nightlife and a strong artistic history. Writers like Ernest Hemingway came to bars around here, while artists have lived in the area for centuries.

I recommend going farther south into the 14th district, though. Here, you’ll find a pleasant residential area with great services. There are many parks and garden squares. You’ll also find a lot of grocery stores, pharmacies, and other useful shops.

Parisians tend to hate the ugly Montparnasse Tower, but it does provide great transportation links. You can travel anywhere in Paris from Montparnasse Paris station, as well as nationally and internationally.

Pros of the 14th Arrondissem*nt

• Many parks in the district
• A wide selection of restaurants and grocery stores
• Great transport connections from Montparnasse Station

Cons of the 14th Arrondissem*nt

• The area around Montparnasse Tower can attract pickpockets
• The southern borders of the district are far from the city center

15th Arrondissem*nt

A quiet, family-friendly area that contains more than 40 parks.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Esteem Tour Eiffel

The 15th arrondissem*nt is probably the most overlooked of the Paris arrondissem*nts. Yet, it’s a wonderful place to live for art lovers and families.

There are unique museums in the area, including the sculpture museum Musée Bourdelle and the stamp museum Musée de la Posts. There’s also a collection of artists’ studios called La Ruche where artists like Fernand Léger and Marc Chagall worked.

There are more than 40 green spaces in the 15th arrondissem*nt. The Parc Suzanne Lenglen is particularly good for children. There’s an urban farm where children can meet animals ranging from rabbits to dwarf goats.

The 15th may not be the most glamorous Parisian arrondissem*nt. But it is one of the most laid-back and well-served Paris neighborhoods for families.

Pros of the 15th Arrondissem*nt

• Violent crimes are lowest in the city here
• The area has 40+ Paris parks
• Strong community energy

Cons of the 15th Arrondissem*nt

• Not much nightlife
• Far from central attractions

16th Arrondissem*nt

The 16th Parisian arrondissem*nt is a center for the English-speaking expat community.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Padam Hôtel

The 16th arrondissem*nt has a reputation as a particularly expensive Paris arrondissem*nt. This can be true in areas like Passy, but the 16th arrondissem*nt is so big that it is not true everywhere.

The 16th arrondissem*nt begins at the Arc de Triomphe to the east and ends after the Bois de Boulogne park. You’ll find private mansions, beautiful buildings, and embassies here. Some parts have Eiffel Tower views.

The 16th arrondissem*nt has a ton of cultural and historical monuments. It also has a large English-speaking community. Benjamin Franklin lived in the Passy area two centuries ago, and English-speakers have lived here ever since. The 16th district also has bilingual schools and activities for children.

It has a reputation as snobbish, but, in my opinion, the 16th district is one of the best places to live with kids.

Pros of the 16th Arrondissem*nt

• The sprawling area has a residential feeling and good amenities
• There are fantastic examples of Art Nouveau architecture in the district
• The huge Bois de Boulogne park provides green space
• Great for sports lovers, with soccer, tennis, rugby, and golf easily accessible
• Many anglophones live here

Cons of the 16th Arrondissem*nt

• Rental prices in some areas, like Passy, are high
• The Bois de Boulogne can be dangerous after dark
• The area is far from the city center
• Transportation links can be far away

17th Arrondissem*nt

This rapidly changing neighborhood has classic architecture and is becoming increasingly popular.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Paris J’Adore Hotel & Spa

The 17th arrondissem*nt is a district that divides into two different worlds. It is chic and luxurious close to the Arc de Triomphe and the Parc Monceau, on its southern edge. It is trendy and affordable in the east, toward the Square des Batignolles.

It depends on what part of the 17th arrondissem*nt you’re considering staying in, to determine whether it’s right for you. Both sections have benefits, but they’re very different.

The southwestern areas have bigger and more expensive apartments with less nightlife. Meanwhile, the eastern areas are becoming trendy and can have loud streets. Both parts of the 17th are well served by stores and services.

Pros of the 17th Arrondissem*nt

• A diverse mixture of social classes
• The up-and-coming Batignolles area has trendy cafés and bars
• Parts are very picturesque

Cons of the 17th Arrondissem*nt

• Slightly far from the city center
• Transportation links can be far away

18th Arrondissem*nt

The multicultural 18th district is home to the charming Montmartre neighborhood and much more.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hôtel Monsieur Aristide

The 18th arrondissem*nt has a mixed reputation. It is home to Montmartre, a charming village within Paris on a hill, that tourists love. The Sacré Coeur Basilica and some of the best views of Paris are at the top of Montmartre’s hill. So is the Place du Tertre, where today’s artists follow in the footsteps of Montmartre’s historically famous painters.

Montmartre is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Paris. Yet visitors are often warned to stay away from other parts of the 18th district. But, a lot of this is due to prejudice.

You should be careful in all Paris areas. But violent crime in the 18th as a whole is lower than in many richer parts. This includes the first four Paris arrondissem*nts that make up the city center. Theft in particular, is lower in the 18th arrondissem*nt than in the center of Paris. Take reasonable precautions and be respectful, but don’t let stereotypes deter you.

Pros of the 18th Arrondissem*nt

• Charming and historic buildings
• Great views of Paris
• Affordable housing in some areas

Cons of the 18th Arrondissem*nt

• The red light district is on the Boulevard de Clichy
• Montmartre draws visitors, so it draws some pickpockets and scammers

19th Arrondissem*nt

A revived area with old working-class houses, cultural centers, and sprawling parks.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hotel Restaurant Au Boeuf Couronné

The 19th arrondissem*nt has the lowest property prices in the city, but you wouldn’t know it from looking at the buildings. The area around the Buttes-Chaumont Park in particular has striking early 20th-century architecture. Street art is also common here.

The 19th arrondissem*nt is residential yet trendy. There are lots of shops and services. The low prices and location away from central Parisian neighborhoods encourage a sense of community. The 19th is currently attracting renters in their 20s and people buying their first apartments.

Lots of green spaces can be found in the 19th. These include the Buttes-Chaumont Park, the Parc de Belleville, and the Parc de la Villette.

The Canal de l’Ourcq branches off the Canal Saint Martin. It then cuts through the Parc de la Villette, making for a nice picnic area. You can also rent boats to take down the canal from the Bassin de la Villette.

Pros of the 19th Arrondissem*nt

• The lowest property prices in the city
• Lots of green space in many parks
• Diverse food choices and markets

Cons of the 19th Arrondissem*nt

• Poverty dominates some sections of this area
• Can be far from central Paris
• Transportation links can be far

20th Arrondissem*nt

A diverse working-class district that prides itself on its biodiversity and green spaces.

📍 Google Maps | Neighborhood Website | 👉 Best Hotel for Your Scouting Trip: Hôtel Piapia

The 20th arrondissem*nt doesn’t get many visitors, but it can be a great place to live. Its western border is the famous cobblestoned Père Lachaise Cemetery, where Jim Morrison is buried. But this area has far more than Paris’s most famous cemetery!

There are many performance spaces in this district, including the Flèche d’Or in an old train station and the Théâtre National de la Colline. Many old industrial spaces are currently becoming venues for concerts and art.

Unsurprisingly, some sections of this area have become centers for street art and other contemporary art. Check out the Belleville and Méilmontant areas, particularly side streets off of the Rue de Belleville, to see it.

Meanwhile, small passages are home to unexpected homes. Some even have gardens—a rarity in Paris.

Pros of the 20th Arrondissem*nt

• Among the lowest property prices in the city
• Non-violent crimes are lowest in the city here
• Young families increasingly move here

Cons of the 20th Arrondissem*nt

• Distant from the city center
• Streets can be empty at night

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Paris neighborhoods have something for everyone, whether you’re a visitor or local. I hope this guide to neighborhoods in Paris is helpful. Next up, check out my guide to the best things to do in Paris.