As you must know already, Paris is a very big city. You have the possibility to stay in districts, all of which being distinct from the others, but which one should you choose? A tourist district, a green one, a luxurious area, or a safe one? To help you make your decision, here are a few highlights about the 20 Parisian arrondissements.
Overview: The best arrondissement where to sleep in Paris
- Most historical arrondissement: the 2nd arrondissement
- Most artistic arrondissement: the 5th arrondissement
- Most romantic arrondissement: the 18th arrondissement
Table of Contents
1st arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 3/5
Key strengths
- central district
- good transport nodes
- greenery
- a lot of restaurants and shops
- right by the Seine
Weaknesses
- high crime rate
- high living cost
What to see / do in this district
Touristic places
The first arrondissement is a pretty touristic place: there is a lot to see! Among the unmissable spots are the Louvre museum, of course, but also the Tuileries Garden, the garden of the Palais Royal and the Buren columns, the Decorative Arts Museum, and the place Vendôme.
Do shopping
The First arrondissement is also a very good district for shopping lovers: if you go to les Halles or rue de Rivoli you will find every common brand such as H&M, Bershka, and Zara as well as more luxurious ones, like Chanel or Louis Vuitton. Most of these brands can be found around the place Vendôme.
My favorite hotels in the 1st arrondissement
- The hotel with the most original decor: Hotel du Continent *** – 30, rue du Mont Thabor (from €282)
- The closest hotel to museums: Le Relais St Honoré *** – 308, rue Saint-Honoré (from €338)
- The most romantic hotel: Grand Hotel du Palais Royal ***** – 4 Rue De Valois (from €943)
2nd arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 2/5
Key strengths
- calm district
- a lot of restaurants
- good transport links
Weaknesses
- a bit expensive
- high criminality rate
- not very touristic
What to see / do in this district
Go for a walk
The second arrondissement is ideal to go for a walk. You can admire the iconic buildings of Parisian architecture, and wander through the sumptuous indoor passages that cross the district: passage des Panoramas, passage Colbert, passage Choiseul… above all, do not miss the Galerie Vivienne!
In this exquisitely decorated passage, you will mostly find high-end shops. But you can also just stop there and have a cup of tea at one of the terraces of the galerie.
Visit
In the second arrondissement are also located well-known institutions such as the Grand Rex in which you will also be able to discover the “behind the scenes” part if you visit the studios. The Bibliothèque Richelieu is also worth the visit, particularly for its indoor architecture, which is simply magnificent.
My favorite hotels in the 2nd arrondissement
- The most affordable hotel: Hôtel Bonne Nouvelle** – 17 rue Beauregard (from €145)
- The most stylish hotel: Best Western Premier Hôtel L’Horset Opéra **** – 18 rue d’Antin (from €426)
- The best hotel with a spa: La Maison Favart **** – 5, Rue Marivaux (from €337)
3rd arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 4/5
Key strengths
- a nice district to go out in
- central, easily accessible
- welcoming
Weaknesses
- not very touristic
What to see / do in this district
The third arrondissement does not seem to be the most dynamic one; but when you do a bit of research, you find lots of things to see and do.
Museums
For example, there are some museums that, while not the most famous, are very interesting, such as the Picasso Museum, or the Musée des Arts et Métiers.
There are also some free museums, such as the Musée Cognacq-Jay (only for permanent exhibits) or the Musée Carnavalet, which recounts the history of Paris through different works of art.
The activities
If you decide to stay here, take a walk in the Carreau du Temple. This former covered market was converted into premises for associations which offer various sports classes and other collective activities such as drama, fitness or circus classes. It may be the occasion to meet new people!
My favorite hotels in the 3rd arrondissement
- The closest hotel to public transport: 3H Paris Marais Hôtel *** – 3 rue Bailly (from €269)
- The best hotel with a hammam: Le Pavillon de La Reine ***** – 28 place des Vosges (from €888)
4th arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 4/5
Key strengths
- touristic
- dynamic
- lovely district
- near the Seine
Weaknesses
- average criminality rate
What to see / do in this district
In the fourth arrondissement, you will find the very famous Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the unmissable Parisian monuments. There is also the Centre Pompidou, a modern art museum, and the Place des Vosges which gives a green touch to the district.
If you have some time ahead of you, do not hesitate to explore the other interesting areas of this district: go up the Tour St Jacques to admire the view over the roofs of Paris; trod past the île St Louis to go for a lovely walk; the flower market to immerse yourself in the locals’ life and to take beautiful pictures is also a sight.
About photography: amateur and passionate photographers will be thrilled to be able to (re)discover the works of some small and big names in the Maison Européenne de la Photographie.
My favorite hotels in the 4th arrondissement
- The closest hotel to restaurants and shops: Hôtel Turenne le Marais *** – 6 rue de Turenne (from €174)
- The quietest hotel: Hôtel Dupond Smith ***** – 2 rue des Guillemites (from €417)
- The best hotel for art and history lovers: Hôtel du Jeu de Paume **** – 54 Rue Saint Louis En L’Ile (from €223)
5th arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 5/5
Key strengths
- includes the major part of the Latin Quarter
- perfect to go out
- perfect for tourism
- safe
Weaknesses
- if you want to avoid tourists, this district is not for you!
What to see / do in this district
The fifth arrondissement includes the major part of the Latin Quarter, the most touristic area of Paris.
Go for a walk
A stroll in the fifth arrondissement is a real delight. Take some time to discover the greenery and animal species in the Jardin des Plantes, relax in the Jardin Médiéval de Cluny, or just wander in the small streets of the Quartier Mouffetard.
Through history
The Latin Quarter is also a place steeped in history: the end of the antiquity with the arènes de Lutèce, big names for the history of France commemorated in the Panthéon, the history of biodiversity with the very famous Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle…
Travel further
Paris is also a multicultural city: you will find the Grand Mosque of Paris and live an exotic experience within its walls; learn more about the Arabic and Muslim cultures thanks to the Arab World Institute.
A small piece of advice: do not miss the stunning view of Paris from the rooftop of the institute!
My favorite hotels in the 5th arrondissement
- The best hotel with a spa: Hôtel St Jacques*** – 35 rue des Ecoles (from €265)
- The Instagramable hotel: Hôtel Résidence Henri IV – 50 rue des Bernardins (from €438)
- The hotel with a spa bath in the rooms: Hôtel Relais St Jacques**** – 3 rue de l’Abbé de l’Epée (from €193)
6th arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 4/5
Key strengths
- central district
- quite calm
- close to everything
- low criminality rate
Weaknesses
- expensive
What to see / do in this district
Visit the Jardin du Luxemboug
The Jardin du Luxembourg is among the most beautiful gardens in Paris: it is a perfect place to go for a walk because it mixes greenery, sculptures, flowers and architecture. Do not miss the beautiful Fontaine de Médicis or the statute of Anne de Bretagne!
You can also visit the Palais du Luxembourg, which is in the park: the inside is as lovely as the outside.
The museums
In the sixth arrondissement, you will find the Eugène Delacroix museum, entirely dedicated to his works, as well as the Musée Zadkine, which bears the name of a talented sculptor of the XXth century. The particularity of this museum is that it is halfway between a museum and a workshop: the works are displayed in the former workshop of the artist.
The Churches
Churches are important to French people because they are among the best-conserved testimonies of the past. In the 6th arrondissement, you will discover the St Germain des Prés abbey, the oldest church in Paris, and just a hundred meters away from it, you will discover the St Sulpice church, whose sophisticated architecture will definitely impress you.
My favorite hotels in the 6th arrondissement
- The most intimate hotel: Hôtel Louison*** – 105 rue de Vaugirard (from €222)
- The closest hotel to Jardin du Luxembourg: Hôtel Saint Paul Rive Gauche**** – 43 rue Monsieur le Prince (from €248)
- The hotel with a Guerlain spa: Relais Christine ***** – 3 Rue Christine (from €797)
7th arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 3/5
Key strengths
- the central district with the lowest criminality rate
- very touristic
- near the Seine
Weaknesses
- high cost of living
- not very lively apart from the Eiffel Tower
What to see / do in this district
The must-see
The seventh arrondissement is known as the district of the unmissable Eiffel Tower. If you stay in this district, you will be really close to the Tower and the Champ de Mars, which will make your stay more Parisian than Parisian!
The 7th arrondissement also includes the Hôtel des Invalides, and its different structures which you can visit, such as Napoeleon’s tombstone, the Invalides Cathedral and its impressive golden dome, and finally the Army Museum.
The museums
You can also find some museums in the 7th arrondissement, such as the aforementioned Army Museum or the Musée d’Orsay (please remember to admire the view from the clock), the Musée du Quai Branly, and the Musée Rodin.
The activities
The 7th arrondissement is a very lively district, which enables you to practice various activities such as a screening at the famous cinema La Pagode, or a walk on the Seine quays, crossing the Gros Caillou port and the Jardins de l’Archipel.
My favorite hotels in the 7th arrondissement
- The hotel in front of the Eiffel Tower: Hôtel Eiffel Turenne ** – 20, avenue de Tourville (from €177)
- The hotel with the best view of the Invalides: Hôtel de L’empereur *** – 2, Rue Chevert (from €266)
- The most connected hotel: 7 Eiffel Hôtel **** – 17 bis, rue Amélie (from €185)
8th arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 4/5
Key strengths
- dynamic
- very touristic
- luxurious
Weaknesses
- high criminality rate
- very expensive
- important traffic
What to see / do in this district
The emblematic places
In the 8th arrondissement, you can find the Arc de Triomphe, even if it is actually situated on the limit between the 8th, 16th and 17th arrondissements. This monument is followed by the famous Avenue des Champs-Elysées.
The cultural activities
There is also the Palais de la Découverte, a must-see if you are an art lover. Less known but also very interesting, the Musée Jacquemart will enable you to admire many works from European artists made between the XVth and the XVIIIth centuries.
The religious buildings
Not very known by tourists, these churches are nonetheless interesting to visit. The Madeleine Church, for example, is part of a neoclassical style which looks more like a Greek temple than a church.
The Chapelle Expiatoire, which is even less known, is an architectural wonder hidden in the 8th arrondissement. Originally built as a tombstone for the bodies of Louis XIV and Marie-Antoinette, it hosts various cultural events and is open for visitors every Saturday at 15pm.
The other activities
You can also just relax while walking in the Parc Monceau or spend a fun night at the famous cabaret “Le Crazy Horse”.
My favorite hotels in the 8th arrondissement
- The closest hotel to a shopping area: Hôtel Vendôme Opéra **** – 11 BIS, rue de l’Arcade (€217)
- The coziest hotel: Hôtel François 1er **** – 7, rue Magellan (from €243)
- The most luxurious hotel: Hôtel Chambiges Elysées **** – 8, rue de Chambiges (from €285)
9th arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 3/5
Key strengths
- cost of living lower than in the neighboring districts
- calm and residential district
Weaknesses
- medium criminality rate
- not very lively
What to see / do in this district
Even if it is not the most lively district in Paris, the 9th arrondissement holds the famous Opéra Garnier which you must absolutely check out: its spectacular architecture will make you speechless.
The Museums
The most notorious one must be the Musée de la vie Romantique, whose rooms on the ground floor are dedicated to the memories of the famous Georges Sand. The rest of the museum offers diverse exhibits on the theme of romance.
Another museum which we recommend you visit in this area is the Musée Gustave Moreau. The house of this 19th-century painter was transformed into a museum dedicated to the works of this symbolist artist.
My favorite hotels in the 9th arrondissement
- The closest hotel to public transport: Hôtel France Albion ** – 11 rue Notre Dame de Lorette (from €133)
- The best hotel in the heart of Montmartre: Contact Hotel Alizé Montmartre*** – 71 rue de Douai (from €132)
- The best hotel with jacuzzi and hammam: Hôtel St Petersbourg **** – 35 rue Caumartin (from €240)
10th arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 2/5
Key strengths
- original activities
- crossed by the Canal St Martin
- near the train stations Gare de l’Est and Gare du Nord
Weaknesses
- few tourist attractions
- medium criminality rate
- avoid the area around the Gare du Nord
What to see / do in this district
Go for a walk
There is nothing more pleasant than wandering across the Canal St Martin, during a sunny afternoon. You will realize it quickly because many Parisians come to enjoy some fresh air on the quays in the summer; this is because they are easier to access and more welcoming than the quays of the Seine.
The original activities
Even if there are no big tourist monuments in this arrondissement, you can still find some fun activities to try with your family or friends. There is for example the Manoir de Paris, a haunted mansion in which the dark legends of Paris will follow your visit.
For a lighter activity, we recommend you the Musée du Chocolat: you can create your own chocolate, admire some quirky masterpieces, try some sweets with the advice of an expert… a pleasant visit for chocolate lovers!
Finally, you can also go watch a play at the La Boussole Theater, which hosts shows of talented humorists as well as plays of all kinds.
My favorite hotels in the 10th arrondissement
- The closest hotel to public transport: Hôtel Morris *** – 13 rue René Boulanger (from €185)
- The hotel with the best view of the Sacré-Coeur: Hôtel des Comédies ***- 8, rue d’Hauteville (from €233)
- The coziest hotel: Hôtel l’Échiquier de l’Opéra **** – 38 rue de l’ Echiquier (from €300)
11th arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 4/5
Key strengths
- pleasant district
- dynamic
- reasonable cost of living
Weaknesses
- loud district at night
What to see / do in this district
What you should not miss
Like the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Bastille is actually located between three arrondissements (11, 12 and 4). In its center, there is the famous Génie de la Bastille, but there is also a lot to see around the square, the Opera Bastille for example.
Go for a walk
You can find the Canal St Martin in this arrondissement too, but you can also choose to go for a walk around the Passage du Faubourg St Antoine, and its numerous hidden pathways.
Activities
Known by Parisians, and more and more popular among tourists, the Atelier des Lumières offers an innovative vision of art, based on digital techniques and projections. Do not hesitate to give it a look if you are staying in the neighborhood!
For animal lovers
Maybe your trip made you leave your four-legged friends? Do not worry, the Café des Chats will comfort you! The concept is simple: you can taste a hot drink and relax while cats are wandering in the room. Maybe they will give you the honor of jumping on your knees or allowing you to pet them…
My favorite hotels in the 11th arrondissement
- The best hotel with a garden and a terrace: Hôtel Classics Paris Bastille *** – 131 rue de Charonne (from €108)
- The best hotel located in a lively neighborhood: Hôtel Beauséjour *** – 71 avenue Parmentier (from €126)
- The best hotel with a spa: Le Petit Beaumarchais **** – 8 boulevard Beaumarchais (from €263)
12th arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 2/5
Key strengths
- calm and safe district
- good transport links
- a lot of green spaces
Weaknesses
- not very lively
- avoid the area around Porte Dorée and Gare de Lyon at night
What to see / do in this district
The visits
Near the entrance of the Parc de Vincennes, you will be able to find the Palais de la Porte Dorée in which you can visit the Aquarium set in a room with an early XXth century style.
What to do
If you have some time available and you want to immerse yourself in the local life, nothing is better than a market! The Marché d’Aligre is well-known for its typical food products and its flowers.
To get some fresh air
You will have enough space to breathe in the Bois de Vincennes! Animal-lovers will also be able to visit the animals of the Zoo of Vincennes, which is administratively part of inner Paris, but actually extends beyond the ring of Paris’ peripheral road.
And if you are not tempted by the Bois de Vincennes, you can also go to the Parc de Bercy and enjoy the fresh air by the Seine.
My favorite hotels in the 12th arrondissement
- The hotel with the best value for money: Lux Hôtel Picpus*** – 74, boulevard de Picpus (from €100)
- The calmest hotel: Hôtel de la Porte Dorée*** – 273, avenue Daumesnil (from €147)
- The most intimate hotel: Hôtel le Pavillon Bastille*** – 65, rue de Lyon (from €141)
13th arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 3/5
Key strengths
- multicultural and cosmopolitan district
- low criminality rate
- a lot of restaurants
Weaknesses
- residential district
- few tourist attractions
What to see / do in this district
What you should not miss
For an exotic note, do not forget to go to the Chinese district of the Triangle de Choisy, the biggest Chinese district of Paris. In these streets, you will find a lot of typical Asian shops such as restaurants, knick-knacks shops, hairdressers and food shops including the two big Asian supermarkets Tang Frères and Paristore.
If you are lucky enough to be around at that period, on the Asian New Year’s Day there is a big parade which goes through the streets which are livened up by the dances of dragons and lions.
Go for a walk
The couples must go to the Butte aux Cailles. This real village on top of a small hill has a multitude of small paved streets filled with lovely restaurants and whose walls are decorated with hundreds of street-art works. For those looking for green spaces at the bottom of the Butte aux Cailles the Square René Le Gall you will discover a small garden full of flowers. Near the Chinese district, you can also go for a walk in the Parc Choisy.
The modern architecture of the 13th
If you are looking for modern architecture, the Cité de la Mode et du Design and the neighborhood of the Bibliothèque François Mitterrand will surely satisfy you.
My favorite hotels in the 13th arrondissement
- The most Instagramable hotel: Hôtel de la Manufacture*** – 8, Philippe Champagne (from €96)
- The best hotel with a private garden: Hotel le Vert Galant*** – 43 Rue Croulebarbe (from €147)
- The comfiest hotel: Hotel Henriette*** – 9 rue des Gobelins (from €153)
14th arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 4 / 5
Key strengths
- Montparnasse quarter is very lively
- a lot of restaurants and cinemas
- green spaces
Weaknesses
- residential and not very touristic district
What to see / do in this district
Activities
For a quirky visit, go to the Catacombs of Paris. It contains more than 6 million human skeletons (around three times the population of Paris!) which are spread in a network of tunnels spanning over 300 km. The biggest ossuary of the world, and it gives a frightening glimpse of the past.
What to visit
If you are an art-lover, the Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain, a true exhibition and creation space for artists, is for you.
A stroll among the stalls
If you are a morning person, go for a stroll in the flea market of Porte de Vanves. In a pleasant and family-like atmosphere, you will walk around through the alleys, looking for something to catch your eye. Here, you can find anything and unearth any type of object at very small prices (1 / 5€).
Go for a walk
In the Quarter Montparnasse, you can go for a walk in the lively streets, and even go through the Montparnasse cemetery in which are buried many celebrities such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Serge Gainsbourg, Samuel Beckett…
If you want to go out for some fresh air, the Parc Montsouris is among the most pleasant green spaces of Paris.
My favorite hotels in the 14th arrondissement
- The closest hotel to restaurants: Hotel Sophie Germain*** – 12 rue Sophie Germain (from €128)
- The best hotel with a sauna: Le Fabe Hotel*** – 113 bis, rue de l’Ouest (from €149)
15th arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 2/5
Key strengths
- not very expensive
- safe
- some museums and tourist activities
Weaknesses
- residential district
- few places to go out at night
- far from the center
What to see / do in this district
What to see
The Balloon of Paris in the Parc André Citroën which is used as a tourist attraction is also a way to measure the air quality.
Do not hesitate to go through the Allée des Cygnes, a narrow artificial island (11m wide) in the middle of the Seine. You will be able to admire the most well-known replica of the Liberty Statue.
The museums
The Musée Bourdelle is an excellent alternative for art lovers (especially sculpture lovers) looking for peaceful places. You can visit the exhibitions of the sculptor Antoine Bourdelle for free, in the former house and workshop of said artist.
Otherwise, the Musée Pasteur, set inside the Institut Pasteur, allows you to learn about the extraordinary impact of his scientific discoveries throughout his career.
To get some air
In the XVth arrondissement, you will find a lot of parks and squares such as the square Georges Brassens. You can stretch your legs in the Petite Ceinture, a former railroad rearranged into a public garden.
My favorite hotels in the 15th arrondissement
- The most design hotel: Hôtel Clarisse ** – 159, boulevard Lefebvre (from €117)
- The best hotel with a fitness room: Hôtel Eden *** – 110 Rue Blomet (from €196)
16th arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 3/5
Key strengths
- safe district
- one of the most pleasant arrondissements in the capital in terms of quality of life
- touristic
Weaknesses
- high cost of living
- not very lively at night
What to see / do in this district
The cultural places
The XVIth arrondissement holds the largest number of museums in Paris. From the impressionist collections of the Musée Marmottant Monnet to the Paris Museum of Modern Art, and also the Asian art in the Musée Guimet, you will undoubtedly find something to satisfy your cultural appetite in one of the many museums of the arrondissement.
The gardens
You will also find a lot of parks and gardens; some of which are very original, such as the Jardin Japonais du Pavillon Bouddhique or the Parc de Bagatelle. The Bois de Boulogne is a must-see too.
My favorite hotels in the 16th arrondissement
- The most design hotel: Hôtel Eiffel Kennedy *** – 12, rue de Boulainvilliers (from €179)
- The best hotel with a wellness area: Hotel Felicien **** – 21, rue Félicien David (from €176)
- The most luxurious hotel: Hotel Keppler **** – 12, rue Keppler (from €351)
17th arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 4/5
Key strengths
- formed out of three very different districts
- The Batignolles district is as charming as a little village
Weaknesses
- the metro line (13) is too crowded
- bad reputation of some areas, like the Avenue de Clichy
What to see / do in this district
The monuments
The Arc de Triomphe -which is also part of the 8th and 16th arrondissements as you read earlier- is of course a must-see. The Cathedral of Saint Alexandre Nevsky is also worth it. This cathedral, built in 1861, is the first permanent place of worship for the Russian Orthodox community in Paris. It was classified by the French Historic Monument Association.
To go for a walk
Situated at the limit of the 18th arrondissement, the Batignolles district is one of the most pleasant “villages” of Paris. Both popular and calm at the same time, you can find a multitude of bars and restaurants. The square des Batignolles is also perfect for a nice green break.
My favorite hotels in the 17th arrondissement
- The best hotel close to the Arc de Triomphe: Hôtel Tilstitt Etoile *** – 23, rue Brey (from €355)
- The best hotel with a winter garden: Hôtel La Régence Etoile **** – 24, avenue Carnot (from €338)
18th arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 5/5
Key strengths
- the most romantic district in Paris
- Montmartre looks like a lovely little village
- a lot of possible activities
Weaknesses
- insecurity in some areas (Boulevard de Clichy)
What to see / do in this district
A romantic walk
Just go for a walk in Montmartre! There are so many things to see; you will find the activities which will please you the most just by walking around. The Fontaine Miraculeuse de Montmartre or the Mur des Je t’aime are among the places you should definitely check in this romantic district.
Iconic places
We are sure you already know the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, something you must not miss during a stay in Paris.
On the Place des Abbesses, the touristic and cultural heart of Montmartre, you will also see one of the only Parisian churches in an Art Nouveau style: the Church of Saint-Jean-de-Montmartre.
The museums
If you want to know more about this emblematic district of the capital, do not hesitate to visit the Musée de Montmartre.
For art lovers, the Musée Dali offers both a permanent collection dedicated to him, and numerous temporary exhibits all year long.
My favorite hotels in the 18th arrondissement
- The coziest hotel: Hôtel 29 Lepic *** – 29, Rue Lepic (from €199)
- The calmest hotel in the heart of Montmartre: Hôtel Le Relais Montmartre *** – 6, rue Constance (from €281)
- The best hotel with a rooftop restaurant: Terrass’ Hotel Montmartre **** – 12-14 Rue Joseph De Maistre (from €300)
19th arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 3/5
Key strengths
- a lot of cultural activities
- dynamic district
- very green (2 big parks)
Weaknesses
- medium criminality rate
What to see / do in this district
Go for a walk
The parks in the 19th arrondissement are unmissable places of greenery and culture.
First of all, the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a beautiful garden from the XIXth century. In the parc de la Villette, you can find any type of activity which will satisfy anyone: go for a walk, a bike ride, take a nap, sports, leisure and cultural activities…
Cultural visits
In the La Villette complex, you will definitely find something to satisfy your cultural taste. For music lovers, the Citée de la Musique offers a musical stroll from the XVIIth century to nowadays with its large collection of musical instruments.
The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie is a very fun place, in which you can learn and have fun at the same time, where you are both a spectator and an actor.
My favorite hotels in this 19th arrondissement
- The best hotel close to La Villette: Campanile Paris 19 La Villette*** – 147/ 151, avenue de Flandres (from €189)
- The closest hotel to public transport: Hôtel Crimée*** – 188 Rue De Crimée (from €178)
- The hotel with the best view of the canal: Holiday Inn Express Paris Canal de La Villette*** – 68, Quai De La Seine (from €259)
20th arrondissement
My opinion
Global rate: 3/5
Key strengths
- calm district
- low cost of living (for inner Paris)
- hipster and affordable places to go out
Weaknesses
- a bit far from the center
- popular district
What to see / do in this district
A little bit of history…
The Père Lachaise cemetery is undoubtedly the most famous cemetery in Paris. Beautiful and surprising, it contains an astonishing quantity of celebrities from the whole world; but more than that: you will discover a huge number of vegetal species because the 5,000 trees spread on a surface of 44 hectares make it the biggest green space in Paris!
As to monuments, the Church of St. Jean Bosco is a religious building of a modern and surprising style.
To go for a walk
The Jardin Naturel, next to the Père Lachaise cemetery, is a piece of garden that was not designed by landscapers. Its purpose is just to let nature run its course.
You can also go for a walk in the “Campagne de Paris”, a district with the appearance of a small village, or admire the view from the Parc de Belleville.
My favorite hotels in the 20th arrondissement
- The most colorful hotel: Mama Shelter** – 109, Rue De Bagnolet (from €193)
- The best-connected hotel to public transport: The Nadaud Hôtel ** – 8 Rue de la Bidassoa (from €189)
- The hotel with the best value for money: Hôtel de la Mare – 20, rue de la Mare (from €117)
Conclusion: which arrondissement to stay in Paris?
Here is a small comparative chart to help you choose your arrondissement, to enjoy the best stay possible in the capital.
| Good | Not that good | |
|---|---|---|
| Affordable | 9, 11, 19, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 16 |
| Calm | 7, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20 | 1, 2, 5, 6, 10, 17, 18 |
| Green | 1, 7, 13, 15, 16, 19, 20 | 2, 3, 10, 11 |
| Touristic | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18 | 10, 11, 13, 15, 19, 20 |
| Safe | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16 | 18, 19, 20 |
| Good for visits (museums...) | 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 16, 18 | 2, 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, 20 |
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
