Paris Arrondissements Map (Best Districts for First Timers)

A complete map of all Paris arrondissements (districts) with the best areas to stay and hotel recommendations.

Map of Paris arrondissements (districts)

On this Paris arrondissements map, you’ll see all 20 city districts clearly marked in bright and light colours. The brighter colours highlight the areas that are most convenient for tourists. The lighter (pastel) shades show districts that are farther from the main attractions and generally less practical to stay in, especially if it’s your first time visiting Paris. Right below the map, you’ll also find a quick overview of the different neighbourhoods, and tips on how to choose the best area to stay for you.

Click here to open my complete Google Map with the best hotels in Paris, all personally selected to help you find the perfect place to stay.

My top picks for where to stay in Paris

How the Paris arrondissements are organised

If you look at a map of Paris, you’ll see the city split in two by the River Seine. The north side is known as the Rive Droite (Right Bank), and this is generally where you’ll want to stay if it’s your first time. It puts you within walking distance of many major sights, including the Louvre Museum, the Champs-Élysées, and Montmartre, just to name a few.

South of the river is the Rive Gauche (Left Bank). This side is home to icons like the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Musée Rodin, among many others. It’s still a great area for first-timers, but you’ll likely rely on the metro a bit more when heading out to explore. The upside is that hotels here are often more affordable compared to the Right Bank.

In addition to the Right and Left Bank, Paris is divided into 20 districts (arrondissements in French). They’re numbered from 1 to 20 in a clockwise spiral, starting with the area around the Louvre Museum on the Right Bank. To find out which arrondissement a hotel is in, simply look at the last two digits of its postal code. For example, 75007 means the hotel is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris.

As a first-time visitor, it’s usually most convenient to stay in a single-digit arrondissement (1–9). These central areas put you closer to the main sights, which means less time commuting and more time actually enjoying Paris. The 10th and 11th arrondissements are a bit less central – still okay, but if you can, I’d suggest picking a hotel in a district below the 10th.

You can find more details in my complete guide on where to stay in Paris first time.

Quick overview of all Paris arrondissements (districts)

Best arrondissements for first-timers

For first-time visitors, the best neighbourhoods to stay in Paris are the 1st (Louvre), 2nd (Bourse), and 3rd (Hôtel-de-Ville) & 4th (Panthéon) arrondissements. Together, the 3rd and 4th are known as the Marais, which is the name you’ll most often hear. Honestly, you really can’t go wrong with any of them. If you look at the map of Paris arrondissements (districts) above, these are the areas in pink, north of the Seine River.

The 1st arrondissement, home to the iconic Louvre Museum, puts you right in the heart of it all. You can walk to the Seine, stroll through the Tuileries Garden, and tick off major sights without spending half your trip on the metro. The 2nd arrondissement (Bourse) is a little more low-key but still incredibly central. Then there’s the 3rd and 4th arrondissements – Le Marais. This is where historic charm meets Parisian energy. Think cobblestone streets, boutique shopping, hidden courtyards, and landmarks like Place des Vosges.

The only downside is that hotels here tend to be the most expensive in the city. I usually choose to stay in this area because, for me, it’s worth the higher price to be able to walk almost everywhere.

Best Paris hotels for first-timers (most central districts)

Best arrondissements for first-timers (budget-friendly)

Now, if you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly (without sacrificing charm), the 5th and 6th arrondissements are fantastic options. You’re still within walking distance of the Seine and even Notre-Dame Cathedral. If you look at my Paris arrondissements map, these are the areas south of the Seine River (in blue).

The 5th arrondissement (Panthéon), known also as the Latin Quarter, is full of cafés, affordable eateries, bookshops, and smaller hotels that are often better priced than those near the major landmarks.

The 6th arrondissement (Luxembourg), or Saint-Germain-des-Prés, has a more residential feel but is still very practical for first-timers. Here, you can find good-value boutique hotels tucked into quieter side streets.

The other districts (the 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th arrondissements) are worth considering only if you’re looking for more budget-friendly options. Just keep in mind that depending on where you want to go, you could be spending 20–30 minutes on the metro to reach the main sights. Also, it’s best to avoid the immediate areas around the major train stations – Gare du Nord, Gare de l’Est, and Gare Saint-Lazare. These spots tend to have higher levels of petty crime and pickpocketing.

Also, I’d generally avoid staying in the 18th arrondissement (Montmartre). Don’t get me wrong – the area is charming and full of character – but it’s quite far from most attractions, except for Moulin Rouge and the Sacré-Cœur. Depending on where your hotel is, it could take around 30 minutes by metro to reach the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower.

Best hotels for first-timers (budget-friendly districts)

Best arrondissements for Eiffel Tower views

If you’re dreaming of a hotel with that iconic Eiffel Tower view, I’d recommend staying in the 7th arrondissement (Palais-Bourbon) or the 16th arrondissement (Trocadéro area). The 7th arrondissement is better located overall, keeping you within walking distance of several attractions while still enjoying great views. The Trocadéro area in the 16th arrondissement offers arguably the best viewpoint for the Eiffel Tower. However, you’ll mainly be close only to the tower itself and will rely more on public transport to get around. Choose based on whether you prioritise location or the view.

Also, keep in mind that if you want a room with a view of the Eiffel Tower, it needs to be specifically listed as such – and, of course, it will be more expensive. Just being near the tower doesn’t guarantee a view.

Best hotels with Eiffel Tower view

• Most popular 3-star (7th arrondissement) – Hotel Muguet
• Best rated 3-star (7th arrondissement) – Hôtel Le Cercle Tour Eiffel
• Best 4-star (16th arrondissement) – Hôtel L’Ormaie & Spa
• Best 5-star (16th arrondissement) – Shangri-La Hotel