Neighborhoods in Paris: A Guide to Exploring the Best Ones

Last Updated on September 10, 2023 by April | Dreaming in French

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So many people have Paris as one of their tourist destination bucket list items. If you’re one of them, you must wonder where to start and some of the best places not to miss. Below are the best neighborhoods in Paris to visit.

Paris is one amazing place to visit. Maybe, you’ve heard all the good things that come with it including romantic places, amazing food and wine, famous buildings and much more. For those who’ve visited Paris, one trip is never enough. It is one of the most visited places in the world. Even the locals are astonished by the city’s beauty and glamour. Paris is a city worth visiting and being proud of.

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If you are in a hurry, here’s a summary of the best neighborhoods in Paris:

Map of Neighborhoods in Paris

Le Marais: 3rd & 4th arrondissements

On your next trip to Paris, Le Marais should be a priority. It’s a warren of narrow streets known for amazing and breathtaking architecture and a buzzy vibe. It’s a fantastic neighborhood especially for creatives. It has concept stores like Merci to keep you up to date with fashion or if you’re a spendthrift. For those who want to feed the mind, the Musee Picasso and the Musée Carnavalet will do the trick.

No trip to Paris is complete without drinking some fine wine and enjoying local food. Le Marais has food restaurants all over the neighborhood’s cobblestone passageways. No restaurant offers food without wine as an accompaniment. I mean this is Paris and without wine, it wouldn’t be as astounding as it is so, enjoy yourself. If you’re a party person and enjoy night life, Le Marais got your back.

Main Sights:

• Place des Vosges
• Hôtel de Ville
• Notre Dame de Paris (from outside)

Best Museums:

•  Picasso Museum
• Carnavalet Museum
• Musée des Arts et Métiers
• Centre Georges Pompidou (Beaubourg)

Parks and Gardens:

• Anne Frank Garden
• Square Georges Caïn

Champs Elysées: 8th arrondissement

Located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, the Champs Elysées is one of the most iconic and well-known streets in the world. Lined with beautiful trees and towering buildings, the Champs Elysées is one of the must-see neighborhoods in Paris.

Starting at the Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysées stretches for over 2 kilometers all the way to the Arc de Triomphe. Along the way, there are plenty of things to see and do. For shoppers, there are plenty of high-end stores to browse, and for foodies, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. There are also plenty of cafes and bars, perfect for people-watching.

One of the best things about the Champs Elysées is that it is always abuzz with activity, no matter what time of day or night it is. Whether you’re looking to shop, eat, drink, or just people-watch, the Champs Elysées is the perfect place to do it.

Main Sights:

• Arc de Triomphe
• Pont Alexandre III
• the Luxor Obelisk (the oldest monument in Paris)

Best Museums:

• Grand Palais
• Petit Palais
• Jacquemart-André Museum

Parks and Gardens:

• Parc Monceau

Châtelet–Les Halles: 1st & 4th arrondissements

The Châtelet–Les Halles neighborhood is one of the most popular areas in Paris. It is known for its shopping, dining, and nightlife. The area is also home to some of the most famous tourist attractions in the city, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum. If you are looking for an exciting and diverse neighborhood to explore during your trip to Paris, Châtelet–Les Halles is the perfect place to start.

The neighborhood is located in the center of Paris, between the 1st and 4th arrondissements. It is easy to reach by public transportation, and there is always something going on. Whether you are looking for a nice place to have a meal or want to enjoy a night out on the town, Châtelet–Les Halles has something to offer everyone.

Main Sights:

• Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois Church
• Pont Neuf
• Sainte Chapelle

Parks and Gardens:

• Royal Palace Gardens

Saint-Germain-des-Prés: 6th arrondissement

Placed in the sixth arrondissement, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is one of the luxurious neighborhoods in Paris to visit. It leans towards the more expensive neighborhoods in Paris but it is all worth it. The breathtaking luxury boutiques with all the superbrands when it comes to fashion explain it. If you’re a spendthrift especially on clothing and fashion, you’ll love this neighborhood. Café Flor is located here along with the Jardin Luxembourg so you’ll understand when I tell you it’s a luxurious place to visit.

The neighborhood is great for people who want the five-star Parisian experience. Its where Paris’s most important 20^th century cultural movements thrived. Saint-Germain-des-Prés offers amazing authentic café culture with storied places like Le Procope which is Paris’s oldest restaurant. If you’re an exquisite seafood lover, Fish La Boissonnerie offers an exquisite menu.

Main Sights:

• Saint Sulpice Church
• Médicis Fountain

Best Museums:

• Eugène Delacroix Museum

Parks and Gardens:

• Luxembourg Gardens

Eiffel Tower – Trocadéro: 16th arrondissement

The Eiffel Tower may be the most famous landmark in Paris, but the Trocadéro neighborhood surrounding it is worth exploring too. This neighborhood has a lot to offer both tourists and locals alike.

For starters, the Trocadéro is home to some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower. The area around the Trocadéro Metro station is especially popular for its photo-worthy views. If you want to get up close and personal with the tower, though, there are plenty of other places to do that too.

The tower itself is located in the Jardins du Trocadéro, a large park that’s perfect for a stroll or picnic. You can also find the Palais de Chaillot here, a beautiful building that houses several museums.

Main Sights:

• Palais de Tokyo
• Théâtre National de Chaillot

Best Museums:

• Musée de l’Homme
• Palais de Chaillot
• Musée Yves Saint Laurent

Parks and Gardens:

• Trocadéro Gardens

Canal Saint Martin: 10th & 11th arrondissements

The Canal Saint Martin neighborhood is one of the most up-and-coming areas in all of Paris. Located in the 10th arrondissement, the neighborhood has been undergoing a major renaissance in recent years, with new shops, restaurants, and bars popping up all over the place. The canal itself is a great place to take a leisurely stroll, and on a sunny day you can find Parisians of all ages enjoying a picnic or a game of petanque.

If you’re looking for a truly unique shopping experience, head to the Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen, the largest flea market in all of Paris. You can find everything from antique furniture to vintage clothing, and it’s the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home with you.

Main Sights:

• Canal Saint-Martin

Latin Quarter: 5th arrondissement

At the 5^th arrondissement stands the Latin Quarter. One of the liveliest neighborhoods to visit on your next trip to Paris. It’s filled with narrow streets turning at unique angles most of which open onto little café-lined squares. When you walk around the neighborhood, you feel like you’re going back a hundred years in the history of Paris. It’s not as quiet compared to other sections of the city thanks to an assortment of jazz clubs, bars, and restaurants.

Also known as the student district or the medieval district, being in Latin Quarter puts you right in the middle of the action. If you want to enjoy amazing food at a local restaurant, walk and turn and you’ll find one. You can sip coffee at Shakespeare & Company then g ahead and sit on the steps of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont. Here, you get to enjoy the marvelous beauty Latin Quarter has to offer as you take snaps to keep the memories.

Main Sights:

• The Panthéon
• Grande Mosquée de Paris

Best Museums:

• Musée du Moyen Age (Cluny Museum)
• Grande Galerie de l’Évolution

Parks and Gardens:

• Jardin des Plantes

Montparnasse: 14th arrondissement

The Montparnasse neighborhood is one of the most popular areas in Paris. It is known for its cafes, bars, and nightclubs. Montparnasse is also home to many art galleries and museums.

The neighborhood gets its name from the Montparnasse Cemetery, which is located here. The cemetery is the final resting place for many famous French people, including writers, artists, and musicians.

One of the most famous cafes in Montparnasse is the Café de la Rotonde. This café was a popular meeting place for artists and writers in the early 1900s. Today, it is still a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

Main Sights:

• Catacombs of Paris
• Cimetière du Montparnasse
• Carrières des Capucins

Best Museums:

•  Giacometti Museum
• Musée de la Libération de Paris

Parks and Gardens:

• Parc Montsouris

Montmartre: 18th arrondissement

In the 18^th arrondissement of Paris lies Montmartre. It was home to artists in the 19^th century including Monet, Modigliani, and Renoir. Located on a large hill, Montmartre is an amazing place to visit on your next tip to Paris. Most of the people who visit here want to catch a view of the portrait artists in Place du Tertre. The astounding white-domed Basilica of the Sacre-Coeur is also a famous tourist attraction.

It is one of the Parisian neighborhoods that reflect on the ambiance that so many people see when they think of Paris. Tourists find that the neighborhood gives a romantic vibe that surely screams you’re in Paris. From the steep hills, the cobblestone streets to the picturesque views anywhere up the large hill. The locals do their shopping along rue des Abbesses where they get a fresh supply of local farm produce. Dinner at the hip bistro LouLou Montmartre is terrific. You get to enjoy an amazing meal coupled with fine wine as you glance over Paris’ rooftops. Are you the cocktail type? Grab an exotic one at Le Tres Particulier. Montmartre is never a dull neighborhood in Paris.

Main Sights:

• Sacré Coeur
• Montmartre Cemetery
• Moulin Rouge

Best Museums:

• Montmartre Museum
• Dali Museum

Louvre, Tuileries and Palais Royal: 1st & 2nd Arrondissements

The Louvre, Tuilerie and Palais Royal neighborhood is a great place to explore if you are interested in art and history.

The Louvre Museum is one of the most famous museums in the world and is home to some of the most iconic art pieces, including the Mona Lisa.

The Tuileries Garden is a beautiful green space in the heart of Paris that is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic lunch. The Palais Royal is a beautiful palace that was once the home of French royalty. You can explore the grounds and the gardens, and even visit the shop that houses the world’s largest collection of Louis Vuitton products

Main Sights:

• Visit the Louvre
• Visit Rue Montorgueil
• Stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries
• Browse the shops on Rue Saint-Honoré

Best Museums:

• Louvre Museum
• Musée de l’Orangerie
• Musée des Arts Décoratifs

Parks and Gardens:

• Tuileries Gardens
• Royal Palace Gardens

Bastille: 11th & 12th arrondissements

On your next trip to Paris, be sure to check out Bastille. It’s in the 11^th arrondissement where the cool Parisians moved to once tourists overran Le Marais. The neighborhood is now experiencing steady growth in all sectors tourists love. Its home to exquisite upcoming restaurants and bars as well. Its full of culinary delights from the lunchtime hotspot Septime to the esteemed boulangerie Ble Sucre. It is also home to the most colorful street in Paris, Rue Cremieux.

Bastille is known for great dining venues coupled with top-notch cocktails. The bar-nightclub Badaboum and the speakeasy Moonshiner give you a taste of your favorite music and nightlife. Master chef Alain Ducasse revamped Bastille by setting up his chocolate factory here on rue de la Roquette. If you want a cultural night out, L’Opera Bastille is a sure bet.

Main Sights:

• Port de l’Arsenal
• Le Viaduc des Arts
• Marché de la création Bastille

Parks and Gardens:

• Coulée verte René-Dumont

Île de la Cité: 1st arrondissement

Île de la Cité is a neighborhood in Paris located on an island in the Seine River. The neighborhood is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the city, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Sainte-Chapelle, and the Palais de Justice. Ile de la Cité is also a popular tourist destination, with many restaurants, cafes, and shops lining the streets.

If you’re looking to do some shopping while in Île de la Cité, head to the Marché St. Augustine, a covered market located near the Sainte-Chapelle. This market is full of stalls selling fresh produce, cheese, meats, and more. Or, browse the shops along Rue de la Cité, which is lined with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.

Main Sights:

• Sainte-Chapelle
• Quai des Orfèvres
• Canons’ Quarter

Best Museums:

• The Conciergerie

Parks and Gardens:

• Square du Vert Galant

Butte-aux-Cailles: 13th arrondissement

The 13th Arrondissement of Paris is located on the Seine Left Bank, as seen on the map of Paris’s arrondissements. It is located in the city’s far southeast.

This neighborhood of Paris, which is something of a no-man’s land with a large Chinese community and a distinctive personality, offers some great things to see and do, such as the artistic Butte-Aux-Cailles neighborhood, several iconic Parisian bistros, or its wonderful Street Art.

Paris 13 was divided by the Bièvre River, Paris’ second river, which used to be populated with little communities and convents. The Bièvre River was gradually filled in throughout the 18th and 19th centuries as a result of pollution from the nearby industries and tanneries.

The 1980s saw the development of the French National Library, which helped revitalize the neighborhood by bringing cutting-edge architecture, hip bars along the Seine’s bank, and amazing street art.

Main Sights:

• The Mural Program
• La Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood,
• French National Library

Best Museums:

•  Manufacture des Gobelins

Frequently Asked Questions

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