11 best districts of Paris for tourists

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Paris is many-sided, multifaceted and varied. Everyone has their own associations with this city. Someone sees romance in Paris, someone – a treasury of art, someone – the richest historical heritage, someone – an ideal place for shopping and entertainment. Indeed, it is all there. This is a paradise for lovers and connoisseurs of beauty, for fashionistas and gourmets, for adventure seekers and vivid impressions.

But Paris can also be a huge disappointment, especially if you get the wrong place of residence. Alas, there are also disadvantaged areas in this city. And one of the biggest mistakes tourists make is to succumb to the temptation to settle in such areas due to low prices for hotels and apartments. Therefore, the first thing you should pay attention to when planning a trip to Paris is the number of the district in which this or that hotel is located (be sure to check this nuance with the tour operator if the trip takes place as part of a group tour).

Geographically, the capital of France is divided into 20 districts, located in a spiral from the city center, and schematically resembles a snail shell. Thus, the lower the county number, the closer to the center it is. But the problem of choice is not so much in the location as in the prosperity of the districts. There are areas in which it is not recommended to settle due to the low level of security. In particular, these include the 10th and 11th districts, where there are many people from African and Asian countries. The proximity of Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est, as well as low prices for accommodation, tempt tourists who are not yet familiar with the realities of life in Paris. For example, few people expect 'pitfalls' from Montmartre -18th arrondissement, mistakenly associated with churches and artists. Montmartre is also a 'red light district' with all sorts of noxious establishments, a bohemian habitat with all the attributes of a bohemian life, including drugs, and a 'workplace' of numerous thieves, beggars, etc. It is certainly interesting to visit this district, but it is undesirable to stay in it during your stay in Paris.

The same applies to some other areas of the city. Therefore, you need to be extremely careful when choosing places to stay and walk in Paris. Our ranking of districts will help you navigate the French capital and find the area that best suits your needs.

Ranking of the best districts of Paris

Nomination	a place	district	rating
Ranking of the best districts of Paris	1	First District	4.9
	2	Fourth arrondissement	4.9
	3	Seventh arrondissement	4.8
	4	Eighth arrondissement	4.8
	5	Third District	4.8
	6	Fifth arrondissement	4.7
	7	Sixth arrondissement	4.7
	8	Ninth arrondissement	4.6
	9	Second District	4.5
	10	Sixteenth arrondissement	4.4
	11	Seventeenth District	4.4

Paris districts map

First District

Rating: 4.9

The heart of Paris is the first arrondissement. Geographically, it is located in the heart of the French capital and is full of attractions. Even if a visit to Paris is designed for just one day, this district cannot be ignored. After all, it is here that the Louvre and the Concierge palace complex, the Palais Royal and the Orangerie Museum, the Tuileries Garden and the New Bridge, and many other attractions are located.

This is a very convenient place to rent a hotel or apartment, since the sights of the surrounding areas are in close proximity and almost walking distance (this is one of the smallest districts both in terms of area and population – less than one percent of Parisians live here).

The first arrondissement is also famous for its chic boutiques and jewelry stores located on Place Vendome and in the surrounding streets. Shoppers can also visit one of the best shopping centers in Paris, Forum desHalles.

Advantages

• One of the most prestigious and respectable districts of Paris (the cost of a square meter of housing reaches 20 thousand euros)
• A huge number of places of interest for tourists (the number of all kinds of museums, architectural monuments, etc. exceeds three hundred).
• Abundance of green spaces.
• A special flavor (it was this area that inspired Emile Zola to write the novel 'The Womb of Paris'.
• Luxury hotels where celebrities stay (like, for example, 'Ritz', whose guests were Ernest Hemingway, Charlie Chaplin, Coco Chanel, Princess Diana and many other eminent personalities).
• The best restaurants, including those awarded with Michelin stars ('Grand Vefour', 'Carre des feuillants', 'Il Cortile', etc.)
• Availability of catering outlets where you can have a snack at reasonable prices.
• There are many shops with affordable prices (including grocery stores).
• Excellent transport links – from the first arrondissement you can easily reach anywhere in Paris.

disadvantages

• High prices for accommodation.
• There are many tourists.
• Noisy enough even at night.

Fourth arrondissement

Rating: 4.9

The crowded and bustling fourth arrondissement is rarely chosen by tourists because of the high prices. However, it is imperative to visit this central area of ​​Paris, because it is here that one of the most famous sights of France is located – Notre Dame Cathedral. The viewing platform on the tower of this temple offers a fabulous view of Paris. You can also admire the French capital from above by visiting the Georges Pompidou Center. This museum of modern art also has an observation deck, which can be purchased separately. Beautiful panoramas open up from the bridges of Marie, Notre-Dame, Changes.

In this district is the city hall of Paris – Hotel de Ville, located on the square of the same name. Another attention-grabbing square is the Royal Square, the oldest surviving in Paris, and one of the most 'famous'. Hugo, Gaultier, Cardinal Richelieu lived here, and even the wedding of kings was celebrated.

Advantages

• Scenic area including the Seine Islands.
• High concentration of attractions.
• On Sunday, car traffic is partially blocked, and you can safely walk.
• Many catering establishments, retail outlets.
• Free Wi-Fi access in many places, including in open spaces (for example, the area next to Notre Dame, Ave Maria square, etc.)
• Excellent transport interchange.

disadvantages

• Very high prices.
• Long lines to Notre Dame and some other attractions.
• According to many, the building of the Center. Georges Pompidou spoils the appearance of this place.

Seventh arrondissement

Rating: 4.8

The area of ​​Paris that attracts the most tourists is the seventh arrondissement. It is here that the symbol of the French capital is located – the world famous Eiffel Tower. Inspection of this attraction is item number 1 both in the excursion plans of travel companies and individual travelers. It is not surprising that there are always a lot of people here. But despite the high concentration of people, this is one of the safest places in Paris. Indeed, in addition to attractions, in the seventh district are government buildings (Parliament, ministries), offices of many official structures, embassies of other states. This part of the capital is considered the political center. But there are also many interesting things for tourists, in particular museums (Orsay, Rodin, etc.), Les Invalides (a luxurious palace complex in which Napoleon Bonaparte is buried). Travelers from Russia can, among other things, visit the Russian Spiritual and Cultural Center.

Advantages

• An elite area where many famous people live (the residence of the Prime Minister of France is located here, designer Karl Lagerfeld has a mansion).
• High level of security.
• A beautiful place on the banks of the Seine.
• One of the most attractive parklands in paris
• Convenient transport interchange.

disadvantages

• A huge number of tourists.
• High prices for hotels and apartments.

Eighth arrondissement

Rating: 4.8

Its central location, legendary sights, and an abundance of historical and entertainment sites make the 8th arrondissement one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Paris. Here is another symbol of the French capital, the Arc de Triomphe. This is one of the most beautiful districts where you can see the Paris of your dreams, as it looks in the pages of glossy magazines.

The eighth arrondissement is famous for its 'Golden Triangle', formed by the Champs Elysees and two streets – George V and Montaigne. The most fashionable boutiques are located in this triangle. Most of the 8th arrondissement hotels and restaurants are also 'extra class'. Therefore, tourists often choose other areas for living, and they visit this area only for informational purposes. And there are plenty of objects for acquaintance here: the oldest Saint-Lazare train station, the Madeleine church in the classical Greek style, the ancient Egyptian Luxor obelisk, the Elysee Palace – the residence of the President of France, and much, much more.

Advantages

• One of the most beautiful areas of Paris.
• Abundance of historical and cultural sites.
• Designer stores.
• Along with expensive restaurants, there are cafes where you can dine relatively inexpensively.
• The magnificent Parc Monceau, where you can retire and enjoy the beautiful views.

disadvantages

• High price level.
• There are a lot of tourists.

Third District

Rating: 4.8

The history of the third arrondissement of Paris is connected with the Order of the Knights Templar, who built a castle-fortress in this area. But the building had a difficult fate: the castle changed owners, was repeatedly rebuilt, twice became a prison and destroyed many lives until it was destroyed by Napoleon I. But the third district is called Temple – in memory of this majestic fortress. But although the Templar castle has not survived, there are many other buildings of that era left here. This is a real corner of the Middle Ages in modern Paris, which was chosen by people of art. However, this place was attractive for them even in ancient times – many writers, poets, artists lived on the Place des Vosges. Now the museums of Picasso, Hugo, Cognac-Je (museum of painting of the 18th century) are open here. In addition, there are many other interesting museums: the history of Paris Carnavale, the architecture of Paris located in the Sully mansion, museums of dolls, hunting and nature, locks and doorknobs.

Advantages

• An unusual district with a special flavor and a memorable atmosphere.
• A multinational and multicultural environment (the Jewish Quarter, the Gay Village is located here, many people from African countries live).
• The ideal shopping destination is a wide variety of shops, including boutiques of young creative designers.
• Original cafes, restaurants with interesting interiors.
• Good transport links.
• Fairly affordable prices.

disadvantages

• Crowded and noisy area, especially in the Mare quarter.

Fifth arrondissement

Rating: 4.7

It is one of the most popular districts in Paris due to a combination of a number of factors. Firstly, this is the most ancient district of the French capital, which the ancient Romans began to build (Latin Quarter). Secondly, there are a lot of historical sights here. Thirdly, in comparison with other central districts, prices in the Pantheon – as the fifth district is also called – are quite loyal.

It is the center of the intellectual life of Paris. In addition to the famous Sorbonne, there are many other educational institutions, research institutes, and libraries on the territory of the fifth arrondissement. Boulevard Saint-Germain is a real Mecca for bibliophiles and not only. The Fountain Saint-Michel on this boulevard is one of the most romantic places in Paris.

Other interesting objects for tourists include the Pantheon, in which many prominent personalities are buried, one of the oldest churches of Saint-Severin, a museum of the Middle Ages, an antique arena (Arena of Lutetia), built in the first century AD.

Advantages

• A large number of attractions, including those with free admission (Botanical Garden, Arena of Lutetia, etc.).
• Many hotels at affordable prices.
• Variety of catering establishments with reasonable prices.
• Excellent transport links.
• Comfortable atmosphere.

disadvantages

• It is crowded and noisy around the clock due to the huge number of students.

Sixth arrondissement

Rating: 4.7

One of the nooks and crannies of the ever-bustling Paris is the sixth arrondissement, considered one of the safest in the French capital. The main attraction of this area is the Luxembourg Palace with the garden of the same name, where Parisians love to relax.

Luxembourg, as this district is also called, is rich in historical buildings – along with the Pantheon, this is the oldest part of the city. The oldest churches in Paris are also located here: Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Saint-Sulpice (a temple known to many from the novel and / or the film 'The Da Vinci Code'), the Cathedral of Vladimir the Great, the construction of which began during the reign of Marie de Medici.

The Pont des Arts is also known far outside Paris, which has become an open-air studio for artists and photographers, and for lovers – a place of pilgrimage. Couples still continue to hang locks with their names on the fence and throw the key into the river as a sign of eternal love, despite the fact that a few years ago part of the fence could not withstand ardent passions and fell into the water.

Advantages

• Convenient location in the central part of Paris.
• Cozy, calm area.
• Unique gastronomic establishments, among which the 'literary' cafes stand out.
• Many shops, many of which are exclusive.
• Interesting museums (for example, Osip Zadkine, a French sculptor of Russian origin, painter Delacroix).

disadvantages

• High prices for hotel accommodation.

Ninth arrondissement

Rating: 4.6

Opera, as this district is also called, is known primarily for the magnificent building of the Garnier Opera House, which is considered one of the most beautiful theaters in the world. But besides the opera, there are many other interesting places in the 9th arrondissement. Music lovers can visit one of the most beautiful concert halls 'Olympia' or the Folies Bergeres cabaret, while shopaholics will be delighted with the abundance of shops. In particular, it is here that the Galeries Lafayette shopping arcade is located – the main center of Parisian shopping. This huge building with an area of ​​30 thousand square meters has everything your heart desires – from cosmetics to the most fashionable clothes. And if something is still not found, you can go in search of another famous shopping center Printam, located nearby.

There are other interesting objects in the ninth arrondissement, among which the temples (Saint-Trinity, Notre-Dame-de-Loret) and the Grevin wax museum attract the most attention.

Advantages

• Good location (you can walk to the center, Montmartre, many other attractions).
• Interesting places to visit inside the county itself.
• There are many offers of accommodation (hotels, apartments) at affordable prices.
• A lot of budget restaurants, cafes, fast foods.

disadvantages

• A heterogeneous district, in which, along with fashionable quarters, there are also not entirely prosperous and quiet zones.

Second District

Rating: 4.5

The second arrondissement is located between the Louvre and the Paris Opera. This small area is also called the Stock Exchange. This is the business center of the French capital, where, in addition to the country's main exchange itself, there are numerous banks, offices, etc. There are also many shops – from fashionable boutiques to small shops selling food and everyday things. And although life is in full swing here, too, but, in general, there are fewer tourists and much quieter than in other central districts.

Hotels in the second arrondissement are mainly chosen by those who visit the capital of France for a business purpose (prices for accommodation, by the way, are also of a business level). However, there is also plenty of entertainment in this part of Paris – these are nightclubs, galleries and museums. Here is the Gran Rex – the largest cinema palace in Europe. And music lovers will no doubt appreciate the Comique Opera (or, as it is also called, the Paris Opera), famous for its extraordinary performances and creative approach.

Advantages

• Quite calm area, not oversaturated with tourists.
• Convenient location – many attractions are nearby.
• Interesting architectural ensembles.
• A variety of catering establishments, among which there are many restaurants and cafes with very moderate prices for the center of Paris.

disadvantages

• High prices.
• Few sights compared to other central districts.

Sixteenth arrondissement

Rating: 4.4

The sixteenth arrondissement (or Passy – after the name of the suburb, which was later included in the territorial boundaries of Paris), although not located in the central part, but there are many attractions worthy of attention. This area is also not to be missed if you are looking for a place to stay in Paris. This is a rich and fashionable part of the city, but due to the remoteness from the center, prices are not exorbitant. Transport links are very good, so anywhere in Paris can be reached quickly and without problems. And in the area itself there is something to do. On the territory of Passy, ​​there are numerous museums, in particular the Balzac Museum, organized in the house where the writer lived for almost 8 years. The museums of contemporary art in the Tokyo Palace and the museums of oriental art named after M. Guimet. You can also look into the museums of crystal, wine, handicrafts. The private Dapper Museum organizes a variety of interesting events.

Advantages

• Calm, safe area.
• Free admission to some museums.
• Convenient transport links.
• Reasonable prices for accommodation.

disadvantages

• Remoteness from the center.

Seventeenth District

Rating: 4.4

The seventeenth arrondissement is not teeming with attractions like many other districts. Rather, it can be called 'sleeping'. But, in comparison with some other areas, it stands out for its calm and comfortable atmosphere, as well as a fairly high level of security. It will appeal to those who, even while traveling, cannot imagine life without sports – there are many different places for sports activities in this district (stadiums, swimming pools, gyms). In addition, there are magnificent green areas, in particular the parks of Bitignol and Martin Luther King, which are real masterpieces of landscape art. Fans of painting will be interested in the large seven-story museum of Jean-Jacques Enner, which has over two thousand paintings in its collection, including other authors.

Living in this area will give you the opportunity to see real Paris, not tourist, and plunge into the ordinary life of ordinary French people. Plus it will cost significantly less than in the central districts.

Advantages

• Cozy, quiet, safe area (17 embassies are located here).
• Convenient transport scheme that allows you to easily and quickly reach anywhere in Paris.
• There are many good cafes and restaurants with reasonable prices.
• Buildings with original architecture, such as the Palais des Congrès.
• Affordable prices for accommodation in hotels and apartments.

disadvantages

• Remoteness from the center.
• Few attractions.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.