Did you know Paris, France has 20 designated districts called arrondissements? They start in the heart of the city and spiral outwards, allowing the numbers to give you a sense of how close you are to the city center. Within these arrondissements, you’ll find various neighborhoods, each with its own unique identity and atmosphere. To truly get the most out of your stay in the City of Light, make sure you visit these popular neighborhoods of Paris.
Tuileries: 1st Arrondissement
Some of the most beautiful natural elements of the city can be found in the Tuileries Gardens. This large area serves as the perfect place for a stroll where you can admire the lovely trees and impressive fountains located in the garden. In addition, this neighborhood has tons of interesting and unique shops, a nice change of pace from the many upscale and expensive boutiques in the city. And don’t forget that Tuileries is also where you’ll find the iconic glass pyramid entrance to the Louvre, where you can catch a glimpse of the infamous Mona Lisa.
Quartier Latin: 5th Arrondissement
Located just south of the city center is the famed Latin Quarter of Paris, where you’ll find some of the oldest buildings in the city. The neighborhood’s cafes and brasseries are the perfect spot to stop for a bite and feel like a true Parisian. You can also tour the Gardens of Luxembourg or visit the renowned Shakespeare & Company bookstore. This area boasts a vibrant student population that lends a young, hip vibe to this historic part of the city.
St. Germain-des-Pres: 7th Arrondissement
If you want to see where the city’s intellectual elite once resided, visit the St. Germain-des-Pres neighborhood. Great minds of the last century have called this area home, including Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir. Today, it’s still elite in its own way through the presence of high-end designer fashions and upscale restaurants. In fact, some of Paris’s most famous cafes are located in St. Germain-des-Pres, including Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore.
Tour Eiffel: 7th Arrondissement
Photo by Carmel Cardente via Trover.com
Who can claim they’ve truly seen Paris without a visit to the Eiffel Tower? The city’s most famous symbol resides in this popular Paris neighborhood in the 7th arrondissement. It’s surrounded by a huge green space called the Champs de Mars, the perfect place for a picnic or for snapping every angle of the tower with your camera.
Champs-Elysees: 8th Arrondissement
As one of the most famous streets in the world, you’d be remiss to leave the Avenue des Champs-Elysees off your must-see list. This neighborhood is centered around the gorgeous, tree-lined street. However, some of the side streets are where you’ll find true gems, like luxurious Paris hotels and upscale boutiques. Make sure to walk the famous Avenue all the way to the Place de l’Etoile, where you’ll find the iconic Arc de Triomphe.
Bastille: 11th Arrondissement
With the focal point of the July Column (Colonne de Juillet), the Bastille neighborhood is situated in the 11th arrondissement on the east side of the city. Home to the city’s hippest residents, Bastille was once a working-class neighborhood. Today, it’s been transformed to contain a wide variety of ethnic eateries, boutique shops, art galleries, and avant-garde performance spaces. The narrow, winding alleys are exciting to explore, while the large green spaces and gardens are perfect for a relaxing respite from the city.
Montmartre: 18th Arrondissement
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Montmartre is one of the most popular Paris neighborhoods despite its location on the city’s edge. This hilltop neighborhood offers sweeping views of Paris from above, making for unmatched photo opportunities. Despite being the site of the gorgeous and tranquil Sacre-Coeur Basilica, Montmartre is most known for its lively and often racy nightlife. The neighborhood, which was once the home of artists like Picasso and Van Gogh, retained its bohemian feel over the years. At the Place du Tertre, you’ll find an array of street artists and performers entertaining the crowds.
Can’t-Miss Paris Experiences
Though only some of the most popular neighborhoods are listed here, there’s something to do in every area of Paris. Whether you’re an architecture junkie or you want a true taste of the city’s nightlife, there are exciting Paris experiences available for everyone in this European destination.
Art and Architecture
If you want to see all of the iconic sites in Paris, you’ll need months to cover it all. The city is jam-packed with gorgeous architectural wonders and some of the finest works of art in history. The Louvre is obviously on the must-see list, but there are also many other notable museums nearby. And while you don’t want to miss Notre-Dame, be sure to make time for other cathedrals in the city as well.
The following are some of the top art and architecture experiences in Paris:
- Cathedrale de Notre-Dame
- Musee du Louvre
- The quays of the Seine
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Opera Garnier
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
- Sacre-Coeur
- Boulevard Haussmann
- Metro Abbesses
Nightlife
Paris has a bustling nightlife scene with diverse options for varying tastes. For something more low-key, check out neighborhood cafes which stay open late to offer wine, beer, and late-night snacks in a cozy atmosphere. Tourists can often be found in the city’s Irish-style pubs enjoying a more lively atmosphere.
If you want to savor the incredible wines of the region, visit a wine bar, most of which offer delicious small plates along with their extensive wine offerings. In addition, you can get decked out in your finest couture for a visit to the bars at the Ritz or the Plaza Athenee, which are some of the most luxurious late-night spots in the world.
Theater
Complete your visit to Paris with a trip to one of the world-class theaters in the city. Take in a classic production at the Opera Garnier or the Opera Bastille. You can also catch a more modern show at the Théâtre National de la Colline or the Odéon Théâtre de L’Europe.
Have you been to Paris? What is your favorite neighborhood in the City of Light? Share your thoughts in the comments below!