What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Paris with Family? It’s not my place to tell you what is best, as that will differ from one family to another.
It is my place to help you navigate Paris, and you can read my extensive post on how to best spend your time in Paris.
Each arrondissement has its own distinct character, attractions, and ambiance, ranging from historic landmarks and cultural institutions to vibrant neighborhoods and hidden gems.
By knowing a little about each one, you can make an informed decision when choosing your accommodations.
When you familiarize yourself with the layout and features of each arrondissement, you can tailor your itinerary to your interests and preferences which ensures a more immersive and enjoyable experience in the City of Light.
Whether exploring iconic landmarks, discovering local neighborhoods, or indulging in culinary delights, knowing about the different arrondissements allows travelers to unlock the true essence of Paris and make the most of their time in this captivating destination.
These descriptions provide insights into the unique character, attractions, and cultural heritage of each arrondissement in Paris, offering visitors a diverse range of experiences to explore and enjoy.
Good Neighborhoods In Paris For Families
1st Arrondissement: The 1st arrondissement is home to iconic landmarks such as the Louvre Museum, Palais Royal, and Tuileries Garden. It’s the heart of historic Paris, with charming cobblestone streets, elegant architecture, and world-class shopping on Rue de Rivoli.
The 1st-4th arrondissements will have you close to most tourist attractions. The 1st is where Chatelet is located, which is a hub of activity for Parisian youth. Check out my guide on visiting Paris, you can read it here.
Make sure you get your tickets to the Louvre in advance, find your tickets here.
2nd Arrondissement (Bourse):The 2nd arrondissement is known for its bustling financial district, the Palais Brongniart, and the Paris Stock Exchange.
It’s also famous for its covered passages, such as Passage des Panoramas and Galerie Vivienne, which are filled with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants.
3rd Arrondissement (Temple): The 3rd arrondissement is a vibrant neighborhood with trendy boutiques, art galleries, and hip cafes. It’s home to the historic Marais district, the Picasso Museum, and the lively Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, known for its fashionable shops and nightlife.
A food and wine tasting tour would be a fabulous way to spend time in this district. Click here to see your options.
NOTE: The Marais is well-known as a welcoming district for the LGBTQI community.
4th Arrondissement (Hôtel-de-Ville):The 4th arrondissement is packed with historic landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral, Île de la Cité, and the medieval streets of Le Marais.
It’s a cultural hub with museums, art galleries, and iconic landmarks like the Centre Pompidou, it is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in in Paris, France.
5th Arrondissement (Panthéon): The 5th arrondissement is known as the Latin Quarter, with its narrow streets, historic universities, and lively student atmosphere. It’s home to the Sorbonne, the Panthéon, and the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore.
6th Arrondissement (Luxembourg):The 6th arrondissement exudes Parisian elegance with its upscale boutiques, art galleries, and beautiful parks.
It’s home to the Luxembourg Gardens, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and iconic cafes like Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots. Luxembourg is one of the park highlighted in my best Paris parks post, Find out more about the best parks by clicking here.
Rue du Rennes is a long and lovely street in this district, teeming with a variety of shops and treats for your senses.
Neighborhoods 7th-12th in Paris
7th Arrondissement (Palais-Bourbon):The 7th arrondissement is synonymous with elegance and luxury, with its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, and Invalides. It’s also home to upscale shops, gourmet restaurants, and the Musée d’Orsay.
This is a more expensive district, so hotels and apartment rentals will be more expensive. It’s a great place to hop on a river cruise and see Paris from a different perspective.
8th Arrondissement (Élysée):The 8th arrondissement is the epitome of luxury and sophistication, with its prestigious avenues, high-end boutiques, and grand boulevards. It’s home to the Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, and luxury hotels like the Hôtel Plaza Athénée.
The Champs-Elysees is an extremely touristy street, and is bustling with people from day to night. Most Parisians do not frequent this street.
9th Arrondissement (Opéra): The 9th arrondissement is a dynamic neighborhood known for its theaters, department stores, and vibrant nightlife.
It’s home to the Palais Garnier opera house, Galeries Lafayette, and the lively Pigalle district. If you want to experience something different, check out the Paradox Museum in this neighborhood.
10th Arrondissement (Entrepôt): The 10th arrondissement is a diverse and multicultural neighborhood with a thriving food scene, trendy boutiques, and vibrant street art.
It’s has Canal Saint-Martin, Gare du Nord, and bustling markets like Marché Saint-Quentin.
These descriptions highlight the unique charm, cultural heritage, and attractions of each arrondissement in Paris which makes them special in their own right.
11th Arrondissement (Popincourt): The 11th arrondissement is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood known for its trendy bars, cafes, and nightlife.
It’s home to the historic Place de la Bastille, the lively Oberkampf district, and the trendy Rue de Charonne, lined with boutiques and restaurants.
For those who want a detailed walking tour, this may be of interest to you.
12th Arrondissement (Reuilly): The 12th arrondissement is a residential neighborhood with green spaces, including the expansive Bois de Vincennes park.
It’s home to the Opéra Bastille, the Viaduc des Arts, and the popular Marché d’Aligre, known for its fresh produce and flea market. Why not take a segway tour around Paris?
Neighborhoods 13-15th In Paris
13th Arrondissement (Gobelins): The 13th arrondissement is a multicultural neighborhood with a vibrant Asian community and colorful street art.
Here you will find the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, the Butte-aux-Cailles district, and the striking street art murals of the Paris 13 Open Air Museum.
14th Arrondissement (Observatoire): The 14th arrondissement is a residential neighborhood known for its artistic heritage and green spaces. It’s home to the Montparnasse district, the Paris Catacombs, and the historic Montsouris Park, a popular spot for picnics and leisurely strolls.
15th Arrondissement (Vaugirard): The 15th arrondissement is the largest and most populous arrondissement in Paris, with a mix of residential and commercial areas. It’s home to the sprawling Parc André Citroën, the iconic Tour Montparnasse, and the Beaugrenelle shopping center.
Neighborhoods 16-20th In Paris
16th Arrondissement (Passy):The 16th arrondissement is an affluent neighborhood known for its upscale residences, elegant boulevards, and prestigious museums.
The Palais de Tokyo, the Musée Marmottan Monet, and the expansive Bois de Boulogne park are a few of the attractions in this area.
17th Arrondissement (Batignolles-Monceau): The 17th arrondissement is a residential neighborhood with a mix of Haussmannian architecture and modern developments.
The lively Batignolles district, Parc Monceau, and the Palais des Congrès convention center are the top attractions.
18th Arrondissement (Butte-Montmartre): The 18th arrondissement is a diverse and eclectic neighborhood. It’s known for its artistic heritage, bohemian atmosphere, and panoramic views of the city. It’s home to the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica and the historic Moulin Rouge cabaret.
Why not take a private tour of the vibrant streets of Montmartre? Or visit the historic Moulin Rouge cabaret.
Best Neighborhood In Paris To Visit
19th Arrondissement (Buttes-Chaumont): The 19th arrondissement is a diverse and multicultural neighborhood with green spaces, cultural institutions, and modern developments. Check out the Rosa Parks area in this neighborhood.
This is a less touristy area and a little further from the city center. You will find Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, and the Canal de l’Ourcq.
20th Arrondissement (Ménilmontant): The 20th arrondissement is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood with a mix of residential areas, historic sites, and cultural attractions.
It’s home to the Père Lachaise Cemetery, Belleville district, and the Parc de Belleville, offering panoramic views of the city.
I highly recommend this tour of Belleville. The owner is a personal friend of mine and her company does an amazing job. I’ve taken her tour twice and loved it both times.
These descriptions provide insights into the unique character, attractions, and cultural heritage of each arrondissement in Paris, offering visitors a diverse range of experiences to explore and enjoy.
NEXT STEPS: If you are looking for a hotel in Paris with Eiffel Tower views, click here to read my post on your best options.
If you want to visit the best parks in Paris, I’ve done the work for you and have them listed here.
And of course, you must get my Paris travel guide that gives you all you need to navigate the city. It’s on Amazon and you can get it here.
