Where to Stay in Paris for First-Time Visitors: Best Areas & Hotels for Every Style and Budget
June 24rd, 2025
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Planning your first trip to Paris? One of the most common — and most overwhelming — decisions is figuring out where to stay in Paris for first timers. With 20 unique arrondissements (neighborhoods), each offering its own vibe, choosing the right base can make or break your experience.
In this guide, we break down the best areas to stay in Paris for sightseeing, relaxation, romance, and family travel — with carefully selected hotel options to match every budget and style. Whether you're searching for affordable boutique hotels in Paris, a romantic hotel with Eiffel Tower views, or a luxury stay under €200, this list has you covered.
Photo by Max Avans
1. 7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower): Iconic Paris, Romantic Views
Why Stay Here
If your dream is to wake up to views of the Eiffel Tower and stroll Champ de Mars at sunset, this is your spot. The 7th is ideal for couples, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants that classic Parisian postcard come to life.
Must-Do Experience
Picnic on the lawn below the Eiffel Tower, then walk along the Seine at dusk — one of the city’s most magical moments.
Where to Stay
Hotel Le Walt – A chic boutique hotel in Paris with Eiffel Tower views, perfect for honeymooners.
Hotel Relais Bosquet – A romantic hotel in Paris under €200 a night, with balconies and breakfast included.
Photo by Azra Tuba Demir
2. 5th Arrondissement (Latin Quarter): For First-Timers & Walkability
Why Stay Here
Central, historic, and packed with charm, the Latin Quarter is ideal for anyone wondering where to stay in Paris for first-time visitors. You’ll be within walking distance of Notre-Dame, the Seine, and countless cafés.
Must-Do Experience
Browse the shelves at Shakespeare & Company, then sip wine at a sidewalk bistro near Place de la Contrescarpe.
Where to Stay
Hotel Monge – Offers affordable boutique accommodation in Paris with a hint of old-world charm.
Hotel les Dames du Panthéon – Overlooks the Panthéon and offers elegant rooms ideal for solo travelers or couples.
Photo by Tommy Milanese
3. 1st Arrondissement (Louvre): For Culture & Short Stays
Why Stay Here
The heart of historic Paris. If you're short on time or want museums at your doorstep, this area is unbeatable. It's also excellent for those seeking family-friendly hotels in Paris near the Louvre.
Must-Do Experience
Spend a morning exploring the Louvre, then take a stroll through the Tuileries Garden to Place de la Concorde.
Where to Stay
Hotel Molière – Quiet and classy, ideal for families or cultural travelers.
Le Pradey – A luxury hotel in Paris under €200 a night, just minutes from the Louvre.
Photo by Max Avans
4. 18th Arrondissement (Montmartre): Artistic, Bohemian & Budget-Friendly
Why Stay Here
Montmartre is where Parisian artists once lived — and it still holds that poetic, boho spirit. It's a top choice if you’re looking for budget-friendly lodging near the Eiffel Tower without the price tag (you’ll just be a few metro stops away).
Must-Do Experience
Climb the steps to Sacré-Cœur for panoramic views, then wander the cobbled streets at golden hour.
Where to Stay
Hotel des Arts Montmartre – A traveler favorite with cozy rooms and artistic flair.
Le Relais Montmartre – Great value for those asking where to stay in Paris without breaking the bank.
Photo by Büşra Karabulut
5. 6th Arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés): Classy, Quiet, Central
Why Stay Here
Ideal for travelers who want a refined, Parisian neighborhood vibe with upscale cafés and fewer crowds. Perfect for couples or relaxed solo travelers.
Must-Do Experience
Enjoy a coffee at Café de Flore, one of the city’s most iconic literary haunts, and stroll through Luxembourg Gardens.
Where to Stay
Hotel Recamier – Tucked away in a quiet square, a favorite romantic hotel in Paris with Eiffel Tower views (from a distance).
Hotel de Seine – A classic pick with great walkability to top sights and nearby metro stations.
Bonus: Pet-Friendly Paris
Traveling with a furry friend? You’ll be glad to know there are great pet-friendly hotels in Paris near Eiffel Tower and beyond. Booking.com allows you to filter by “pets allowed” — a must-use feature for this niche!
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Place to Stay in Paris for First-Timers
Whether you're dreaming of waking up to Eiffel Tower views, exploring museums on foot, or sipping coffee in a quiet local square, there's no shortage of incredible neighborhoods and accommodations in Paris. For first-time visitors, the best areas balance convenience, walkability, and access to key sights — and the right hotel can turn your Paris stay into a story worth telling.
Before you book, consider what's most important to you:
Do you want a budget hotel near the Eiffel Tower or a romantic boutique hotel in the Latin Quarter?
Are you looking for family-friendly hotels near the Louvre, or do you prefer something quieter in Montmartre?
Traveling with pets or seeking a hotel in Paris with a jacuzzi in the room?
Each neighborhood offers its own charm, and the best part is — Paris is compact and well-connected by metro, so you’re never far from an unforgettable adventure.