Ask any Parisian about the best neighborhoods to stay in Paris, and they’ll attest: Each quartier has its own distinct character. Within each arrondissement is a patchwork of little villages that form one of the most dynamic cities in the world.
The peak Parisian experience is when you start to feel like a regular. Here, AD shines a light on a selection of quartiers that design and creative professionals in the City of Light call home—and why you should, too, if only for a brief window of time.
6 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Paris
1. 1st arrondissement: Palais Royal
Go for: art, design, and inimitably cool brands.
Dating back to the 17th century, the Palais Royal is known for its walking paths lined by lime and chestnut trees, manicured gardens, and elegant fountains surrounded by scattered green metal chairs. Enclosed by boutiques on the surrounding arcades—with inimitably cool brands like Rick Owens, Pierre Hardy, Acne Studios, and more—it feels cloistered from its bustling environs. It’s one of the most serene pockets of central Paris, just steps from the Louvre and the Tuileries Gardens.
2. 7th arrondissement
Go for: omnipresent Eiffel Tower views and a taste of Left Bank life.
If there’s one arrondissement where the Eiffel Tower most often peeks at you around building corners and peers down from large swaths of sky, it’s the 7th. Iconic landmarks abound, from the Hôtel des Invalides, safekeeper of Napoleon’s tomb, to the grassy Champs-de-Mars, where you’ll find merchants vending Iron Lady keychains and picnic blankets holding apéro spreads.
3. 10th arrondissement
Go for: vintage and home design stores and people-watching along the canal.
Usha Bora, founder of Jamini Design, a French brand specializing in home items created by Indian artisans, has called the 10th arrondissement home since 2004. “It’s such a melting pot of cultures,” Bora tells AD. “I love the fact that you can hear so many languages being spoken in the street; you can get so many types of food. And the fresh markets are amazing.” On sunny days, you’ll find terraces packed with friends sharing drinks, and 20- and 30-somethings cradling beers alongside the Canal Saint Martin.
4. 11th arrondissement
Go for: the sceniest restaurants and independent shops with high-quality artisan wares.
“I’ve been in the 11th for 13 years,” says Ajiri Aki, author and founder of Madame de la Maison. “The 11th isn’t touristy. It’s where locals hang out. There’s a high concentration of well-known restaurants, where everyone’s trying to get reservations, like at Septime and Chateaubriand.”
5. 17th arrondissement
Go for: proximity to iconic landmarks, picturesque parks, and a quieter neighborhood vibe.
After years in the southwestern suburb of Vanves, Paris-based photographer and self-proclaimed “homebody” DeMarcus Allen was ready to relocate to a more central area. “In fashion, you have to be ‘out’ a lot, and it started to become a headache to take an Uber every night,” Allen says. “Also, my 15-year stay in Paris needed a refresh.” The 17th arrondissement turned out to be the perfect mix of calm and proximity.
6. 19th/20th arrondissements: Belleville
Go for: street art, green space, and a dynamic, multicultural food scene.
Straddling the 19th and 20th arrondissements and hugging the borders of the 10th and 11th, Belleville is a destination for street art, great restaurants, natural wine, sprawling parks, and unparalleled Eiffel Tower views. It’s a neighborhood known for its creativity and mix of cultures, making it a vibrant place to explore.
Each of these neighborhoods offers a unique slice of Parisian life—from chic boutiques and art installations to serene parks and vibrant culinary scenes. Whether you’re seeking luxury, culture, or a taste of everyday Parisian living, these locales promise an unforgettable stay in the City of Light.
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