Arguably the most sought after neighborhood in Paris is probably the one nearest to the Eiffel Tower. Imagine waking up early in the morning, as the sun is just rising, and when you open your window or go to your balcony to enjoy a hot cup of coffee, it's the Eiffel Tower that will greet you good morning. It's as if you're in a movie or something, right? Well, many people who stay here already live that day-to-day. It's one of the more upscale and expensive neighborhoods in the city, but for a very good reason. Every penny you spend staying here will be worth it!
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If you think the Eiffel Tower neighborhood is the most high-class area in Paris, think again! That title is held by the Champs Elysées area! It’s the place for haute living! One of the most famous boulevards in the world, this is where a lot of the major celebrities and most powerful people stay. In this beautiful five-star district, you will see the biggest luxury labels, designer brands, world-famous hotels and spas, and an array of high-class cafes. Not to mention the Arc de Triomphe, another of the city's most beloved monuments.
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Perhaps the only downsides to both of the first areas are that a lot of the older residents and visitors of Paris mainly stay there. Being two of the most expensive neighborhoods of the French capital, it's highly likely that not a lot of the younger crowds go there. They usually congregate in other districts, such as Marais. This area is lined with as many bars, cafes, and nightclubs as far as the eye can see. If you're one to go out at night, this neighborhood is for you!
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Ask any other tourist and they probably wouldn't know where Montparnasse is. Nor what's so special about that neighborhood. And there lies its charm. As compared to other districts on this list. Montparnasse is one that not a lot of tourists often go to. Sure, it has its fair share of beautiful cafes and quaint book shops, but it doesn't have the postcards monuments and luxury shopping. It does, however, have that beautifully laid-back Parisian lifestyle, and for many, that's more than enough!
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After a couple of visits to Paris, you're probably sick of going to the Louvre, even if you haven't explored the entire museum yet. It's just that the crowds are too much at times, aren't they? Fortunately, the neighborhood surrounding it, also known as the 1st arrondissement, is a little quieter. Avoid the many tourist spots in this area and you'll get to see a beautiful and high-end side of Paris that you probably never noticed before.
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As the saying goes, Paris isn't all glitz and glamour you know. There are also areas in which you can broaden your horizons and get a little bit of culture. One, in particular, is Saint Germain des Prés along the 6th arrondissement. This neighborhood is chock-full of museums and galleries to challenge your mind and let you see more beyond what you know. They include Musée Maillol and Musée Delacroix, among many others.
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The Latin Quarter off of the 5th and 6th arrondissements is as Parisian as you can get. The juxtaposition of the gothic architecture and the neon signs combine the charms of the old and the excitement of the new. It's also where a lot of the city's universities are located, making it quite the haven for youth. They study and discuss their ideas in the many cafes and bars that line up the cobblestone streets of this district. And it's one of those areas where it's better to go here at night, where everything is simply livelier.
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No, this isn't the country off the edge of France. There's actually a neighborhood in Paris itself that bears the same name. It's a chic district on the Left Bank of the French capital, famous for its beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg, one of the best parks in Paris. But apart from this, the area is very much like any other neighborhood in the city. A series of cafes, beautiful gothic architecture, scenic cobblestone streets, and the like. Its only ace is that it's a quiet part of Paris than the other districts.
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The 9th arrondissement, also known as the 'Opera' neighborhood, is a pretty unique area indeed. It houses two sides of Paris that couldn't be any farther from each other. Of course, there's the iconic Opera Garnier and the famous high-end department store Galeries Lafayette. But this neighborhood also has the city's Red Light district, full of shady and sketchy establishments. If you're bringing your family along on your trip to Paris, it's best to stay away from this area (unless you're going to the opera or shopping). This place is more for single travelers.
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Ask any Parisian and he/she will probably tell you that the easiest neighborhood to live in is at Montorgueil. Why? Because it has many stores that sell what you need. As touristy as Paris is. It's still a city where people live. So beyond the picturesque cafes and novel souvenir shops, Montorgueil has a lot of supermarkets. fish stores, cheese shops, wine places, and more. It's more for the everyday Parisian who has to go out every once and a while to buy food for their homes.
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If you stay in the Passy district in Paris, you might get a sense of history and culture. That's because this place, apart from its many must-visit museums, used to be the home of such literary and art figures like Honoré de Balzac and Claude Monet. In fact, the former's house still stands in this area to this day, open to any visitor fascinated to see how the great novelist once lived. There's also a museum that was put up to celebrate the latter artist, visited by countless tourists who all appreciate his signature art style.
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Ahh, Montmartre! The great hill of Paris! Home to the Moulin Rouge! The former center of artistic and philosophical enlightenment of the early 20th-century. Nowadays, however, the area has become quite the favorite for foodies. It now houses all sorts of cafes, creperies, and restaurants that offer some of the most unique culinary experiences in all of Paris. A particular stand-out, La Table d'Eugene, offers a scrumptious seafood menu that will make you want some more. And if you stay here, you can easily get some!
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The charm of the Ternes neighborhood is that it's quiet. Nestled at the heart of such a bustling city, you'll feel as if you're no longer in Paris when you're staying here. Although it can get busy at times, especially since it's near a metro station, it's not as noisy and cramped as other areas on this list. And it has its fair share of coffee shops, groceries, wine places, and more to keep you fulfilled and entertained.
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But if you really want to stay in what is arguably the most peaceful neighborhood in Paris, look no further than Belleville! The place is so out of the way from many of the more famous Paris hotspots that, at times, people don't even consider it to be part of the city anymore. But it still very much is, from their adorable alfresco cafes, artistic shops, beautiful parks, and more. It's even said that the great Edith Piaf used to live here! You can't get any more Parisian than that!
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Don't know where to stay in Paris yet? Don't worry! This ultimate guide will tell you which of the areas that make up this beautiful city will fit your needs better. At the end of the day, it's all about experiencing the true Paris, not just the one you see on postcards!
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