Where to Stay in Paris for the First Time (& Where Not To Stay)

“Paris is not a city; it’s a world,” said King Francis I. And oh, how right he was!

Seeing Paris is seeing an entire world of possibilities, centuries of architecture and culture. It’s a lifestyle so special to one single place you wouldn’t be able to replicate it if you wanted to.

Nowhere else will you walk down a busy street, looking up at the imposing and elegant buildings, turn a corner and end up in an expansive garden where students are actually discussing Sartre and reading paper books, no phones or e-readers in sight.

As the day goes by and you meader the cobblestone streets, the smells emerging from the restaurant terraces change from early morning coffee to freshly baked bread at lunch until finally turning into busy hubs of activity in the evening when locals and tourists alike sit down for a catch-up and the all-important glass of wine.

Each neighborhood has its own identity and style: from the opulent-looking stone buildings in the centre to the tourist hub around the Champs de Mars and the romantic, cobblestone streets of Montmartre lined with small boutiques and art galleries. Whether your dream is to hit all the must-see attractions or lose yourself in the artistic world that inspired so many painters, we’ve got you covered.

Psst: Planning a trip to Europe? Here are some other posts!

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Paris Travel Tips

Before we dive into where you should specifically stay in Paris, here are a few tips to help you prepare for your trip.

• When to go: Paris is at its best in summer, because it doesn’t get too hot (usually in the 70s F) but it’s mostly sunny and days are long so you can maximize your time strolling through the streets. Alternatives are spring (mid-April to June) when everything starts to bloom and days are still cooler between 65 and 70F (pack some warm…