Where to Stay in Paris for First Timers

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Call it a cliché, call it whatever you want – Paris is one of my favorite cities in Europe. The lights, the culture, the history, the fashion – it’s all magnificent. Every visit to Paris brings me somewhere new. The city is vast, and knowing where to stay in Paris is important for your first experience.

When to visit

• Summer (June–August): The weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities. Open-air concerts, festivals and beer gardens are in full swing during the summer.
• Fall (September–October): I personally love traveling anywhere in Europe in the fall. There are fewer crowds, but the weather can be unpredictable.
• Winter (November–January): France in the winter means off-season prices, and the chance to explore the French Christmas Markets. Paris’ market even runs through the New Year!
• Spring (April–May): The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and everyone in Paris is waking up from the dark winter.

Staying in Paris: things to consider

For most people, Paris is a city you can remember hearing about ever since you had the ability to remember. It’s a lively, historic, and elegant city. The city is also very organized, broken up into 20 arrondissement (districts) that make up the city.

When choosing where to stay in the city, the first question to ask yourself is: hotel or Airbnb? This depends on a few things. Keep in mind, that most rentals won’t have air conditioning. If you’re staying in the summer, a hotel is a better choice. Most hotels will advertise if they have air conditioning or not.

I like the added safety of a hotel, especially ones with 24-hour concierge. I think the only way I’d opt for a rental in Paris is if I needed to do laundry.

Paris Arrondissements

Paris is broken down into neighborhoods called arrondissements. Each arrondissement has its own feel and vibe. Out of all the arrondissements (arr. for short), in Paris, my favorite to stay in is the 6th arr. but I do love the 4th arr. on the right bank as well. I’ve also stayed in the 16th arr. and later this year, I’ll be staying in the 5th arr.

4th Arrondissement (Le Marais)

If you want to stay somewhere that feels unmistakably Parisian, look no further than the 4th arrondissement. Sitting along the Right Bank of the Seine and home to medieval streets, iconic landmarks, and some of the city’s most atmospheric neighborhoods, the 4th is an ideal home base for both first-time visitors and returning Francophiles.

We stayed in the 4th for a few nights in December. This was the perfect location to check out local shops and made exploring Parisian nightlife so much easier. If you want to learn more about this, I write about it in my four day Paris itinerary.

Hotel Recommendations for the 4th arrondissement:

• Budget: Castex Hotel – A standard hotel that still has the Parisian charm. Truthfully, the price is a steal.
  Solo: Hôtel De Nice – An eclectic, centrally located hotel. With a 24 hour front desk, this is a great choice for a solo traveler.
• Mid-range: Le Petit Beaumarchais Hotel & Spa – I can’t say enough incredible things about this hotel. Technically, it’s just across the street from being in the 4th arr., but close enough. All stays includes an exclusive one hour access to the spa. We will be back!
• Splurge: Le Grand Mazarin – A unique hotel that screams Paris luxury. I would love to stay here one day!

5th Arrondissement (The Latin Quarter)

The 5th arrondissement is the oldest arrondissement and considered to be the birthplace of Paris. Dating back to Roman times, this arr. is where you can find the Pantheon. For a more modern fact, this is where Emily in Emily in Paris lives. This is a great location on the left bank.

The 5th is easy walk to iconic spots like Cafe de Flore, the original Pierre Herme, and Notre Dame. If you decide to stay here, the first two days in my four day Paris itinerary is perfect for you!

Hotel Recommendations for the 5th arrondissement:

• Budget: Port Royal Hotel – A simple room that’s perfect for the first time in Paris where you rarely spend time in the room.
  Solo: Hotel Minerve – My best friend has stayed here twice and loves it!
• Mid-range: Hôtel Serotel Lutece – We stayed in this 4-star hotel due to its high ratings, and ability of adjoining rooms. The courtyard here would make it a perfect location for summer stays.
• Splurge: Les Rives de Notre-Dame – A boutique-style hotel with modern and spacious rooms!

6th Arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)

I genuinely believe the best area to stay is in the 6th arrondissement. If you’d like to be able to be in a beautiful part of Paris while also having access to rest the city, this is the place to be. Here’s where you’ll stumble upon charming cafes, incredible pastries, and overall feel the true energy of Paris. I stayed here on a solo trip in August and I felt like a local. I read in the Luxembourg Gardens, grabbed fresh bread at the Boulangerie, and had the time of my life.

For example, on a three day trip, you can purchase three day tickets at once. The day tickets allow unlimited rides and you can be free at your own leisure. I was charged $27.90 for three day passes, and I got my money’s worth and know you will too!

The metro is efficient and will save your legs and ensure you get to everything you have on your bucket list.

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