The best neighbourhoods to stay in Paris: an expert guide

Best for: young people

Why stay here? Evenings are really when this neighbourhood comes alive. So if you like late dinners, bars and street art under lights, save your stroll for the nighttime. Stay in autumn or spring so you can enjoy a glass of wine alfresco on one of the many street terraces

Nearest attractions: Place de la République, Canal Saint-Martin, Atelier des Lumières

No one really sleeps in Oberkampf. You pretend to. You book a room just to drop your bags, grab a shower and find your first bar to head to. Here, bars spill over, terraces are packed and gigs echo from basements. But it’s also – surprise – a brilliant base for exploring. République is just round the corner, and from there you can hop on a ghost train to Belleville, Bastille, Canal Saint-Martin, or anywhere else in the east of Paris that thinks the night’s still young. 

Nearest stations: République, Oberkampf

📍Stay here: There are a few cool hostels, a couple of artsy hotels, maybe a sleek hideaway or two. If you’re looking to go upmarket, there’s the very posh Renaissance Republique

Best for: bars and literary history

Why stay here? Perhaps one of the most atmospheric and elegant neighbourhoods in the city, Saint-Germain is central but not busy, which is rare for Paris. You're just across from the River Seine here, so you can easily access the main sites without staying somewhere touristy

Nearest attractions: Musée d'Orsay, Luxembourg Gardens, Saint-Germain-des-Prés church

Beautiful, chic and New Wave at heart, Saint-Germain-des-Prés has recently acquired a new charm: the beating heart of the 6th arrondissement has become cool – all without losing its bourgeois nature. Some highly popular new spots have opened there with great fanfare, such as the giant Cravan cocktail bar, the festive Grain(s) wine bar, the literary coffee shop Maison Fleuret or the Pamela Club, which brings a bit of madness to this sometimes overly polite corner. Of course, the area still has its classic institutions too; Le Bon Marché, the Luxembourg Gardens, the bookshops and the must-visit cafés.

Nearest stations: Saint‑Germain‑des‑Prés, Mabillon

📍Stay here: When it comes to hotels, there are plenty to choose from. Take a look at the Hôtel des Académies et des Arts, the Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs or the chic Villa-des-Prés

Best for: couples

Why stay here? It's boehmian and far away from tjhe sight-seeing central. There's plenty of romance to be had in Montmartre, thanks to the many views this hilly area provides. If you want the best vista in Paris, climb the hilltop of Montmartre where the Basilica of Sacré-Cœur

Nearest attractions: Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, Montmarte funicular, Moulin Rouge

Streets lined with retro cafés, ivy-clad apartment buildings and the dazzling white domes of the Sacré-Cœur: Montmartre is most people’s idea of what Paris is really like. So why not live that fantasy? This northern neighbourhood has retained its enchanting village feel thanks to its steep hills, charming multi-coloured houses and tiny old-world shops. Wander around spotting locations from ‘Amélie’, visit the final resting places of Degas and Zola in the Cimetière Montmartre, and take in the dreamy rose gardens of the 17th-century Musée de Montmartre. There are plenty of quality restaurants (Sushi Shunei, A.Léa, Chez Eugène), all within easy reach of the wild nightlife of the indefatigable Pigalle. 

Nearest stations: Abbesses, Anvers

📍Stay here: Our favourite place to sleep is undoubtedly the Hôtel Particulier Montmartre (if you’re not staying there, at least drop by the Très Particulier, its secret bar), but the Ballu is a must for those on a tighter budget

Best for: families

Why stay here? If you like large green spaces and few toursits, Buttes-Chaumont is for you. Its one of Paris's most scenic neighbourhoods brimming with parks with cliffs, bridges, waterfalls and views

Nearest attractions: Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. The Centre Pompidou and Notre-Dame Cathedral are about a 20-minute Metro ride away

If you’re after Eiffel Tower views from your window and a bakery on every corner, you might want to look elsewhere. There are no Ladurée macarons here, no beret vendors, no Paris-in-a-box clichés wrapped in cellophane. Instead, this neighbourhood is a haven for those craving greenery, space and quiet, with the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont as its crown. At its feet, early 20th-century apartment blocks, tiny bars and plenty of local restaurants. Come evening, the vibe is more local than touristy. No Berlin-style warehouse clubs or wild shot bars here – just relaxed drinks at Pavillon Puebla or Rosa Bonheur, mellow playlists, and the soft hum of craft beer chatter.

Nearest stations: Buttes-Chaumont, Jaurès

📍Stay here: Forget luxury hotels here – think stylish Airbnbs, understated boutique spots, and perfect little hideaways. Or just trot five minutes down the road to Babel Belleville for the night. 

Best for: art galleries and parks

Why stay here? This neighbourhood is a melting pot of cultures and its street art and markets give an 'underground' feel

Nearest attractions: Belleville Park. Père-Lachaise Cemetery is a 15-minute walk away

Belleville is on top, both literally (it’s up on a hill) and metaphorically (it made our list of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods for 2024). You’re a long way from the picture-postcard image of Paris, and yet, at the junction of two of the area’s main streets, you’ll find one of the most surprising and picturesque views of the capital (even the name Belleville refers to these impressive vistas). Here you’ll find Chinatown, with its many bouis-bouis (hole-in-the-wall restaurants, like the fabulous Mian Guan) and karaoke bars, not to mention a host of top-notch bars (locals flock to the area when they’re in need of a drink) and eateries, such as the galloping Cheval d’Or, and bistros that are part traditional, part trendy (think Café des Délices and Paloma). Imagine if Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris had been given an edgier touch by Gaspar Noé, perhaps using the excellent bars Combat and Kissproof as locations, and you’ll start to understand the area’s vibe. 

Nearest stations: Jourdain, Pyrénées – Belleville

📍Stay here: As a bonus, accommodation options are nice and cheap in Belleville – we'd recommend Hotel Babel

Best for: a central location

Why stay here? If you want to walk your way around Paris – and you have deep pockets – this is the ideal neighbourhood for you. You're right on the bank of the Seine, within walking distance of major attractions

Nearest attractions: Notre Dame cathedral Place des Vosges, the Picasso Museum, Marché des Enfants Rouges market

Here, you're in the centre of Paris, a paradise of galleries, thrift shops, designer boutiques and trendy cafés. A cultural hub, the Marais is home to some of the most cutting-edge institutions, from the Lafayette Anticipations contemporary art centre to the MEP (Maison Européenne de la Photographie). Good restaurants abound, too, from the cheeky Marché des Enfants-Rouges to the hype of Carboni’s and the gourmet flair of Datil (which we named restaurant of the year at the Time Out Food & Drink Awards). You’ll even find two of our favourite bistros and brasseries: the Bistrot des Tournelles and the Grande Brasserie. Of course, all this comes at a price, and quality hotels in the area are a little more expensive than elsewhere. 

Nearest stations: Saint-Laurent, Arts et Métiers

📍Stay here: If you have the budget, nothing beats the stately serenity of the Cour des Vosges, on the square of the same name. For something a little more under the radar, try Sinner

Best for: affordable stays

Why stay here? If you want an authentic experience of being a Parisian, Ménilmontant is a strong choice. Rich in street art, independent cafes and small boutiques, its more locals and than tourists

Nearest attractions: Père Lachaise Cemetery, Canal Saint-Martin is 2.4km walk away and you’re close to a the Metro Line 2 which can take you to the Arc de Triomphe

Ménilmontant isn’t the neighbourhood for top attractions and grand buildings. Instead, you come here to stroll, to people-watch, to take it all in – and to drink a few cheap beers whilst the sun goes down. Our favourite spots include Ave Pizza Bar (where they do negronis on draft), Numidia (for Algerian meats and spreads), and for a bit of culture, indie bookshop Le Monte-en-l’Air. 

Nearest stations: Ménilmontant, Couronnes

📍Stay here: For an affordable stay, you can’t go wrong with Mama Shelter Paris East (one of three branches of the hotel chain in the city)

Best for: first timers

Why stay here? Relaxed, authentic and stylish, Canal Saint-Martin is well-positioned to explore Paris's hotspots without being touristy

Nearest attractions: Parc de la Villette, the Eiffel Tower is about 30 minutes away on the Metro and you’re about a 10 minute walk to Garde du Nord station which has a direct 48 minute train to Disney Land

With the first rays of sunshine, the cobblestones of the Canal Saint-Martin are transformed into an urban beach where the whole of Paris lazes around until late at night. So if you’re looking for a bit of holiday, you’ve come to the right place. Between République and Stalingrad, on either side of the Arletty footbridge that spans the canal (in homage to the actress in Hôtel du Nord), you'll find plenty to keep you busy all day.
Coffee and croissants at Ten Belles, window-shopping at Centre Commercial, lunch at Sur Mer or sunrise at Ima Cantine... In the evening, dinner at Early June is a must, before heading off to party at the not-to-be-missed Point Éphémère. If humour is your thing, the best comedy club, Paname, is just a stone’s throw away.

Nearest stations: République, Jacques Bonsergent

📍Stay here: Le Generator is the area’s best hostel and is perfect for those on a budget. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, choose the Bloom House Hotel & Spa and its superb swimming pool

Best for: nightclubs, coffee shops and famous bakeries

Why stay here? Pigalle offers a distinctive mix of Parisian energy, edgy nightlife and creative renewal. It moves between its historic red light district past and its hipster, foodie present

Nearest attractions: Moulin Rouge is just outside Pigalle. The Louvre is 2.4km away and easily reached on the Metro

Pigalle is so cool that every other district in Paris probably hates it. He’s your mate who goes out until late (in his defence, there’s literally only one step from the terrace of the Mansart to the door of the club le Carmen) but stays cool for a cinematic day out at the Musée de la Vie Romantique or the Musée Gustave Moreau. He’ll tell you that you can find everything you need in his long Rue des Martyrs, and he’ll be right. But we recommend that you go shopping in the surrounding streets, which are full of crazy bakeries (Norma, Léonie, Babka Zana, Mamiche...), florists that look like museums (Debeaulieu) and second-hand clothes shops (Mamie Blue).

Nearest stations: Pigalle, Blanche

📍Stay here: If you’re more into yoga than hangovers, head to HOY Paris

Best for: restaurants

Why stay here? Charonne offers real village-in-the-city charm and oozes calm without sacrificing on character

Nearest attractions: Place de la Bastille is five minutes away on the Metro and Notre-Dame cathedral is 20 minutes away on the Metro

There are so many dining options in the area that we could probably launch a whole new site called Time Out Charonne. Leading the way is chef Adrien Cachot’s Vaisseau, but he’s surrounded by a whole host of timeless spots; Clamato, Septime, Bistrot Paul Bert... And if you fancy cooking for yourself, you’re close to two of the best markets in Paris: the one on Place de la Bastille and the one on Place d’Aligre (both make for a great stroll come Sunday, too). To extend your walk, head to the Père Lachaise cemetery, which is nearby. 

Nearest stations: Charonne, Faidherbe – Chaligny

📍Stay here: Look no further than Maison Bréguet in Place de la Bastille or Hôtel Paradiso in Place de la Nation

Best for: walking to major attractions

Why stay here? One of the most centrla and historically rich neighbourhoods, you're right in the beating heart of it all here. Spring and early autumn are ideal times to visit when it's not too hot and busy with tourists

Nearest attractions: the Louvre Museum, Musée de l'Orangerie, Jardin des Tuileries and the Eiffel Tower is 25 minutes away by Metro

If you’re Bella Hadid and you’re spending three days in Paris, Tuileries is the place. Head down to the Place de la Concorde, off the Rue de Rivoli and the Jardin des Tuileries – much more chic than the Champs-Élysées if you’ve got money to spend. Even more expensive, Place Vendôme and its luxury boutiques are just a stone’s throw away, while at the end of the garden, the Bourse de Commerce and its blockbuster exhibitions are sure to make the neighbouring Louvre jealous. When it comes to eating, you’ll be well served by the city’s best Japanese restaurants, from Kodawari and Echizen Ramen to Toraya’s goldsmith bentos and pastries.

📍Stay here: The hotels here are like palaces: from the single-storey Crillon on Place de la Concorde to Le Meurice a little further along under the arcades, luxury hotels line up along the Tuileries like pearls on a necklace along the Tuileries

Nearest stations: Tuileries, Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre

Best for: trendy spots and Turkish food

Why stay here? Dynamic, multicultural and up-and-coming, this  neighbourhood is one of the coolest in Paris right now without being miles away. Strasbourg Saint-Denis is quite central with good Metro connectivity

Nearest attractions: Place de la République is a 10 minute walk away, the Louvre Museum is eight minutes on the Metro and Canal Saint-Martin is a 10 minute walk too

If you want to play it like an insider, move to SSD. You’ve been warned: if you choose this district, it’s more for its Turkish restaurants, bars and cafés than for its monuments and museums (which are almost non-existent). But this is where youth is made, and where you’ll have the best chance of meeting new people. Here, you can choose between the rockers at Chez Tony or the hip crowd at La Chope des Artistes. For after-dinner drinks, you can count on the burgers at Dogma or Dumbo, or the unmissable dürüms at Urfa. And if by any chance you feel the need for a bit of culture, the Porte Saint-Martin theatre has one of the best programmes in the capital! 

Nearest stations: Bonne Nouvelle, Porte Saint-Denis

📍Stay here: Sleeping is cheating in this buzzy neighbourhood, but the Grand Amour is a hotel unlike any other, and its hidden Book Bar is a must-visit too