With its maze of arrondissements and curving cobbled streets, Paris is truly a city worth exploring from its center all the way to the green outskirts. There’s something traditionally Parisian around every corner, whether it’s delicious bistros, local food markets or historic hilltop churches.
We’re often asked about the best neighborhoods in Paris, so here’s our tips on the different districts.
What is an arrondissement?
This is how the city describes its neighborhoods. Starting with the 1st in the center, the numbers spiral outwards until you reach the 20th in the north east. Roughly speaking, the lower numbers are the closest to the city center.
The different areas are also known colloquially by name, as well as arrondissement. For example, Le Marais, known for its museums and cultural heritage, is located in the 4th arrondissement, but also crosses over into the 3rd. The cool Pigalle area, famous for the Moulin Rouge, is in the 9th arrondissement.
What are the best neighborhoods in Paris?
While most tourists head for the 1st or 2nd arrondissements to be close to the city sights like the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre, their neighboring arrondissements are some of the most popular areas to visit for families and those who want a more authentic, less touristy experience.
Le Marais
Covering the 4th and 3rd arrondissements, this part of Paris is basically the museum quarter. This neighborhood is home to the Picasso Museum, the Centre Pompidou, as well as Notre Dame on the river (with The Louvre in the neighboring 1st).
Where to go: Explore the area’s famous flea markets and take the kids to Place des Vosges park, which has sand boxes, slides and a jungle gym surrounded by elegant royal buildings.
Where to stay: The Saint Sebastian Residence
Saint Germain
Saint-Germain-des-Pres is part of the 6th arrondissement, is considered one of the most fancy areas, with traditional big hotels and luxury stores.
Where to go: Discover the Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés historic abbey, dating from 543 – the oldest in Paris!
Where to stay: The Rue du Dragon Residence
The 6th Arrondissement
The rest of the 6th arrondissement is also worth a look. Historic, authentic and luxurious, it’s in a great location that feels slightly less touristy than the 7th. Notable sights include the Luxembourg Gardens and the Saint Sulpice cathedral.
Where to go: The heart of this district is the Luxembourg Gardens, where you’ll find a playground, tennis courts, a puppet theater, sailboats, a 100-year-old carousel, art sculptures and 3 museums (including mineralogy and modern art).
Where to stay: The Rue de Sevres Residence
Canal St Martin
This hip and trendy neighborhood is part of the 10th arrondissement, with boho cafes, restaurants and bars on Cour des Petites Ecuries and fantastic food markets. What’s more, you’re nestled in between Montmatre, Le Marais and Pigalle so it’s a great central spot to explore some of the city’s best neighborhoods.
Where to go: Visit Le Comptoir Général – a bazaar and canteen with curiosity cabinets, mini flea markets, children’s workshops and great food.
Where to stay: The Rue de Lancry Residence
Montmatre
Famous for its spectacular Sacré-Cœur cathedral perched high up on the hills, this is one of Paris’ prettiest arrondissements. The winding hills make it trickier for those with toddlers, but if you can climb the steps to some of the area’s viewpoints, the photo opportunities over the city are exquisite.
It’s also great for foodies: endless bistros, cafes and laid-back restaurants with outdoor tables line the streets – head there for a relaxed lunch or a quiet croissant and morning coffee.
Where to go: Don’t miss the Sacré-Cœur – ride the furnicular to the top if you’re traveling with toddlers or babies.
Where to stay: The Rue Simart Residence
Is Paris easy to walk around?
It’s one of the biggest European cities so you’ll need to use public transport or taxis if you want to visit lots of different parts of the city and see all the best neighborhoods in Paris. It’s less walkable than smaller cities such as Bruges or Porto, but you still won’t want to drive.
Kid & Coe Tip:
Read more on where to stay in Paris with kids or discover the best places to visit in Europe without a car.
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/montmartre/the-rue-simart-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/canal-st-martin/the-rue-de-lancry-residence-the-10th-arrondissement
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/the-6th-arrondissement/the-rue-de-sevres-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/the-6th-arrondissement/the-rue-du-dragon-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/le-marais/the-saint-sebastien-residence
