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The NH Concierge’s Tips
Are you planning a trip to France and want to know the best Paris neighborhoods to stay in during your vacation? This article is for you. Here, you will find a complete travel guide of the best zones and connections to choose the proper place to be near this city's most important tourist attractions. Keep in mind that each neighborhood has its own personality, history, and pros & cons, so take our advice to make a nice decision to have the best experience in Paris.
Paris has 20 neighborhoods called “arrondissements”, and they’re numbered from the center of the city, in a spiral ending to the outskirts at 20th in the northeast. But let's imagine for a second that you are already in Paris, and you plan to visit the most emblematic places in the city such as the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, and other special places without complications… Do you think it would be an advantage to book your hotel in the central area of Paris? Well, let's see if it's worth it.
Central Paris is rich in history, culture, and iconic attractions that will keep you busy exploring all of its local gems. Between the 1st and 5th arrondissements, you will find one of the world’s largest and most visited museums, the Louvre Museum, the most beautiful gardens like Tuileries Garden, and the oldest covered passages in Paris like Passage des Panoramas, among others. They are located in the most walkable Parisian districts of the city, perfect to know the Parisian aura that we see in the movies like:
This is one of the most beautiful Paris district to stay, between the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, and one of the aristocratic areas that keeps shining in the city. There you will find a very important Jewish community with synagogues and a wide range of traditional kosher shops that reflect its rich cultural heritage. So don’t miss the opportunity to go to the Holocaust Memorial, the synagogue Agoudas Hakehilos, and the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire du Judaïsme that recompile all the information about this community in France.
Also, this is one of the neighborhoods that has a reputation for being a perfect place to do shopping at important brands like Kate Lee, COS, MAC, and The Hideout Clothing, among others. Because you can go to make your shops around comfortable cafes and restaurants, even take a break from shopping at the Picasso Museum. This museum has more than 5000 artworks of Picasso, located at the Hotel Sale at 5 rue de Thorigny, and to get there you can go through subway line 1 to the Saint-Paul o Hôtel de Ville.
This neighborhood is located in the 5th arrondissements and is one of the oldest districts in Paris known for being home to Sorbonne University and the most famous schools in the city. So if you’re looking for a place surrounded by creativity and deep thoughts, maybe this is a good place to stay in your vacations. Also, you’re going to be near the center of Paris, the impressive Jardin des Plantes, the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, and the Muséum National D’histoire Naturelle which means a lot of fun for nature lovers.
However, this zone is really expensive, and it's full of tourists, so keep it in mind if you want to save some money on your trip, or get away from large crowds in your accommodation. But, the experience of visiting this place is amazing, if you like to read you can go to the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, or visit the historic cafes like Café de Flore. To get there you have to take the subway line 10 to the stations Cluny-La Sorbonne or Odéon; or take the bus lines 21, 27, 38, 47, and 63.
This is one of the famous Paris neighborhoods for its culture, and especially for the influence of jazz music. This place is located in the 6th arrondissement and staying in this neighborhood allows you to have a luxurious night with the best of Parisian jazz. Moreover, if you want to have a memorable night, you should go to Chez Papa Jazz Club at 3 Rue Saint-Benoît, one of the best bars that offers jam music every evening.
Another special thing about this neighborhood is the influence it has on literary history, art, and philosophy. In the 20th century, this place was the meeting point of figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Simone de Beauvoir. Between the 5th and 6th arrondissements of Paris, they found a Bohemian lifestyle that worked as inspiration for their amazing creations. So, if you want to know this spot, you have to use the subway line 4 to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés station.
However, if you want to stay near the best museums, and get to know the real Parisian vibe near to the Mona Lisa and other impressive artworks. Please go ahead to the 1st arrondissement of Paris in the center of the city, and discover the wonders hidden in The Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, and Place de la Concorde.
So, if you're not bothered by the hustle and bustle, and wish to take your time exploring its surroundings, this is a good choice to stay. To get to this neighborhood you can take the bus lines 21, 24, and 72; or use the subway lines 1 and 7 to the Palais Royal - Musée du Louvre station.
The 6th arrondissement is known for its serenity, and elegance, surrounded by museums and beautiful architecture that works as a refuge for locals and tourists. There you are going to find one of the most comfortable Parisian districts for families that can be part of your travel itinerary. It has the most famous green spaces like Luxembourg Gardens, which offers 25 hectares of park that can be toured while enjoying beautiful views of the Senate Palace.
But there is also a wide cultural offer such as the Luxembourg Museum, the Cluny Museum (which collects information about the Middle Ages), and the Place de Saint-Sulpice. To get to these places you can take the subway line 12 to Notre-Dame-des-Champs station, or take the bus lines 21 and 27.
As you may have already realized, there are accommodation options for any lifestyle and budget. So it’s important to take into account which are the best Paris district to stay without breaking the bank. For that reason, NH Hotels has three locations in the most beautiful Paris neighborhoods to offer a wide range of possibilities to their guests.
Our NH Paris Champs-Elysees hotel is located in the 8th arrondissement, a lovely neighborhood known for its shopping and cultural sights. Guests enjoy easy access to the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, the Place de la Concorde, and the Élysée Palace thanks to the hotel's excellent location. The hotel also offers a 24-hour fitness center. At meals, guests may decide to dine in the hotel's restaurant, which is known for its excellent breakfast selection and great lunch options. You can get there using the subway station called Franklin Roosevelt is a 3-minute walk from the hotel (Line 1 and 9).
Another location is NH Paris Opéra Faubourg on Rue La Fayette in the 9th arrondissement next to two subway stations that run on line 7 (Le Peletier and Cadet). Also, it’s within walking distance of some of the main tourist attractions in the city. For example, Opéra Garnier, Galeries Lafayette, and the Boulevard Haussmann, which is home to many high-street fashion brands, are only a 15-minute walk.
NH Paris Gare de l'Est is located in Paris's 10th arrondissement, on the right bank of the Seine. It's surrounded by multicultural neighborhoods and magnificent markets like Marché Saint-Quentin and Marché de la Porte Saint-Martin. You can reach this hotel via car or public transport from Charles de Gaulle Airport in 45 minutes, and subway lines 4, 5, and 7 stop at Gare de l'Est station.
The Bastille neighborhood and the 11th arrondissement of Paris are known for their spectacular nightlife with a modern atmosphere. But there you can find other tourist attractions, such as the Place de la Bastille, a memorial to the old prison that was located there. This is a symbol of freedom that marked the beginning of the French Revolution, so it’s a place that you should visit on your trip.
Additionally, if you stay in this area you can visit the Canal Saint-Martin, which connects the Seine River with the Canal de l'Ourcq. This is a place to walk, have picnics, and enjoy its calm waters surrounded by cafes and bars that will make you relax and live the best Parisian style. To get to these places you can use the subway lines 1, 5, and 8 to Bastille station.
Montmartre is one of the most emblematic neighborhoods of the city for its charming streets and the most impressive landscapes. Also, a place with the best views, which you can enjoy taking photos on your trip, is on the hill of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica. In this Paris neighborhoods the sunset seems straight out of a movie, so do not miss the opportunity to go up to the dome of the basilica to see it.
Also, if you’re on an artistic vibe you can explore the Place du Tertre where you can see local or international artists in action. Or visit the Musée de Montmartre, to learn about the history of the neighborhood and check out the artwork of the famous Toulouse-Lautrec and Dufy. To get there you can take the bus lines 30 and 80, or use the subway line 12 to Abbesses station.
This is a nice place to take a walk around to enjoy a very rich multicultural atmosphere with murals and urban art and also to try the best street food in Paris. There you will experiment with influences from Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe brought together in an interesting gastronomic and entertainment proposal. To get to this place, you have to go to 20th arrondissement, using subway lines 2 and 11 to Belleville station; or taking the bus lines 26 and 61.
Located in the 13th arrondissement, this neighborhood was very popular for its hills, water fountains, and Art Nouveau style. But these days, this place has become famous for its authentic French cuisine in traditional bistros. So, if you’re a food lover, we recommend you visit Le temps des cerises which is a typical food restaurant with the best prices in the city. In addition to not being visited by many tourists, here you can taste different meat dishes that will blow your mind. To get to this zone, you’ve to use subway line 6 to Corvisart station and walk a few minutes, or take the bus line 27.
Moreover, if you want to move more freely and save time on your trips, you can use public transportation and be sure that it will not disappoint you. Because this city is one of the best connected in Europe, with an extensive network consisting of subways, trains, trams, and buses.
In the case of transfers from Charles de Gaulle Airport, you can use the RER B Train to the center of Paris for approximately 10 euros, or use the cheapest option which is bus lines 350 and 351. In the case of Beauvais Airport, you can take the train to Paris Gare du Nord station, which has a frequency of 1-2 hours. Likewise, the most economical option is the A02 bus line, which leaves every 15 minutes to the Saint-Denis Université subway station.
On the other hand, to move within the city you must take into account that Paris is divided into zones and each one has its own transport cost. There are certain tickets that work for specific lines, for example, single tickets that cost around 2.80 euros can be used on the RER subway lines in zone 1, buses, trams, and funiculars. But there are others like the île-de-France ticket that allow you to get to Versailles or Disneyland Paris. Or the Paris Visit Card that allows you to travel unlimitedly during certain days and also depends on the zones that you buy
To experience the city to the fullest, there are other types of transportation that you can use, such as bicycles, because there are numerous bike lanes throughout the city. This is recommended for urban explorers who want to explore the corners of the city at their own pace and exercise at the same time. The favorite apps for renting bikes are Vélib' Métropole, Dott, Lime, and Zoov, among others, so you won't be short of options.
Furthermore, another tip for getting around Paris districts is to first get up early to explore the city, because it allows you to avoid large crowds.
What are you waiting to experience the best of the Paris neighborhoods in your vacations? Well… this city offers a unique appeal that everyone has to know at least one time in their life. So, get ready to plan your trip, schedule your itinerary with this travel guide, and book your accommodation in your favorite neighborhood once and for all. Remember, this city has a lot of hidden gems that you need to discover and each of the arrondissements promises unforgettable experiences for your trip.
The 8th, 9th & 10th arrondissements are the best options to stay in your holidays. These are residential neighborhoods that allow you to save money and be strategically located in Paris.
The 11th arrondissement, especially around Bastille, is known for its nightlife scene. There you can experience how the locals have fun with a lot of bars, cafes, and restaurants that work all night.
Le Marais and Belleville offer an exclusive shopping experience with international brands, awesome restaurants, and plenty of stores with original proposals. So it's a good place to check the latest products and know new trends in different industries.
If you want to stay in a kid-friendly neighborhood check out the 5th arrondissement, near the Luxembourg Gardens, which is great for families, offering parks and attractions that your kids will love.
NH Paris Champs-Elysées is located in the 8th arrondissement, a chic neighborhood where many of Paris’s shopping destinations and must-see cultural landmarks are located. Thanks to the hotel’s excellent location, you’ll find that the Champs-Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, Place de la Concorde as well as the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the President of the French Republic, are all either within walking distance or within direct metro access.
NH Paris Gare de l’Est is located in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, on the right bank of the River Seine. It’s opposite Gare de l’Est train station and is only an eight-minute walk away from Gare du Nord. The hotel sits in a cosmopolitan and multicultural neighborhood, which is also home to two magnificent markets and is known for Canal Saint-Martin, which offers a great number of informal restaurants, hip bars and attractive shops.
NH Paris Opéra Faubourg is locate on Rue La Fayette in the 9th arrondissement (Opéra) of Paris, between Montmartre and the antiquarian district of Drouot. As a result, it’s within walking distance of some of the main tourist attractions in the city. For example, both Opéra Garnier and Galeries Lafayette are only a 15-minute walk from the property. Meanwhile, Boulevard Haussmann, which is home to many high street fashion brands, is just 10 minutes away. Other points of interest, such as the Louvre, Place Vendôme and Sacré-Cœur are within 30 minutes on foot.
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