Key-Areas, Hotels & Places to Visit in Paris

Although some of the smallest and oldest of arrondissements in Paris, the 1st and 2nd districts continue to be the most visited in Paris. Located on the right bank of the Seine River, these first arrondissements have played home to the Blue-Bloods of France for centuries and the amount of opulence that can be found in and around these districts can be quite overwhelming – in the best possible way!

The 1st arrondissement provides a very touristy, metropolitan atmosphere, offering world-class shopping experiences, stunning gardens (for instance the Tuileries Gardens) to visit and a wide range of fascinating museums and galleries to tour (more particularly The Louvre and Musée de l’Orangerie). It is in the Les Halles neighbourhood that you will find up-and-coming, trendy cocktail bars and chef’s Brasserie to indulge in, while the royal heart of Paris will sweep you off your feet completely with its modern and historic clash.

The 2nd arrondissement does lay claim as being the smallest of its kind in Paris and is, perhaps, just a little underrated amongst tourists. It is the least populated district in Paris and ⅔ of the area is taken up by the mighty Louvre art gallery and Jardin des Tuileries. Most travellers tend to congregate on the bustling street of Rue Saint-Honoré, which homes both the popular Palais-Royal and Rue Cambon (an incredible shopping district featuring luxury brands like Chanel). Rue Saint-Honoré is certainly the shining star in the 2nd arrondissement and is situated just between Saint-Roch (and artistic Parisian parish) and the famous Polish Church on Place Maurice Barrès. There are tons of jewellery and fashion boutiques situated here and upscale accommodations that run along the south-east towards the Louvre come aplenty. One of the most highly regarded landmarks in the 2nd arrondissement is without a doubt the abandoned Palace of Versailles which was once the Royal Residence of Louis XIV, where travellers can discover the rich history hidden within its walls.

Additional points of interest in the 1st and 2nd arrondissements are Rue de Rivoli (an iconic shopping street), Rue Montorgueil (a market street full of many cafés and shops), RER and Metro transit hub, Pont Des Arts (the “love locks bridge”), Jardin du Palais Royale, Place des Victoires and Place Vendôme.

It is no secret that both the 5th and 6th arrondissements are the thriving epicentres for everything literary and chic.

Moving on over to the left bank of the Seine River (directly under the 4th arrondissement), the 5th arrondissement has been mostly taken up by the Quartier Latin, or better known as the “Latin Quarter”. It is one of the oldest districts in Paris and visits to the Old Roman City are sure to raise more than a few hairs and shows off the fascinating history from which this part of Paris once stemmed. History buffs will adore moments spent regarding the ancient Roman baths (Les Thermes de Lutèce), and the amphitheatre which is known as the Arènes de Lutèce today. It is also the home of the Sorbonne University, which was founded in 1257 and if the historic atmosphere isn’t enough to woo you, allow the quaint cobblestoned streets that served as weapons during the demonstrations in May 1968  to transport you back in time. Some of the major points of interest found in the 5th arrondissement are that of the Arènes de Lutèce (Lutetia ‘s Roman amphitheatre), The Panthéon of Paris and Foucault pendulum (found inside The Panthéon), Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, Institut du Monde Arabe and the Musée de Cluny (Museum of Middle Ages).

Similarly situated on the left back of the Seine River, located within the very soul of Paris’ Rive Gauche, is the 6th arrondissement – the district that both locals and travellers regard as the quintessential Parisian neighbourhood. The streets are devastatingly charming, lined with everything from quaint and quirky outlets, patisseries, bakeries, wine shops and trendy cafés that add to the ever-growing coffee-obsession in the area. The shopping experiences found here vary vastly between vintage and designer, so for every Chanel, there’s a thrift store or two to grab a bargain at. It’s no secret that the 6th arrondissement is more of a tourist hot-spot, but who can blame them with all the delicious eateries, adorable bookstores, and fashionably luxurious atmospheres to indulge in? Although there are hordes of hidden gems to discover in the 6th district, Saint-Germain-des-Près Quartier and the fabulous Musée de Cluny (housed in a fabulous Gothic mansion and dedicated to the arts of the Middle Ages) are absolute must-sees.

The beautifully quilted neighbourhoods of the 8th arrondissement are enough to make any traveller fall in love and it is here where one will find an abundance of luxury labels, massive focus on financial and political powers, a marriage of 5-star accommodations and world-class dining experiences. Enjoy the many unusual museums and art galleries scattered throughout these areas and gawk at the cascading mansions that line the streets of the 8th district. If it is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience you’re interested in, simply head to the sophisticated Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne. From boulangeries, boucheries, food markets, luxury boutiques and shoe stores to the various landmarks of Place de la Concorde, Place de l’Alma (with its iconic bridge and golden flame), the Arc de Triomphe, Place des Ternes, Place de Clichy, and the church of La Madeleine, travellers will adore every moment spent in the 8th arrondissement!

The 13th, 14th and 15th arrondissements offer a lush, green and family-friendly atmosphere away from the bustle of Paris, while still being close enough to all the action.

The 13th arrondissement is a fantastic clash between high-rise buildings and classic French architecture that makes walking its pretty little lanes all the more interesting. It’s certainly no secret that the 13th arrondissement is a totally thriving, multicultural hub, particularly due to its large Chinatown that blossoms with an array of Asian groceries, produce and a combination of both upscale and affordable Chinese and Vietnamese eateries. Additionally, one of the shining gems in the 13th district is France’s main library, the Bibliothèque Nationale François Mitterrand, set within iconic book-shaped towers. Trendy bars, clubs and eateries come aplenty here and travellers will enjoy day-trips to various spots of the 13th arrondissement.

Due east, the 14th arrondissement runs over Montparnasse, a quaint shopping district that features streets lined with casual eateries and richly historic French bistros. Although the 14th has come a long way since the heavy bohemian 19th-century atmosphere, hints of its creative and wild spirit can still be found when lingering around the area. Here tourists can find the Montparnasse cemetery where the famous Sartre was buried and adventurous travellers can make their way through the daring underground tunnels and catacombs of Paris. A key landmark for those who are into the arts is the Foundation Henri Cartier-Bresson while small galleries can be found freckled throughout the district.

Situated just above the 14th arrondissement, one will find the eccentric residential neighbourhood of the 15th arrondissement. Here, the La Motte Grenelle metro station is ready to take you to all the major hot-spots of Paris and the area itself provides a ton of cool experiences for travellers interested in the modern architecture of the Montparnasse skyscraper, while art aficionados can enjoy The Musée Bourdelle where artists like Antoine Bourdelle and Chagall has featured their work. There are fantastic city views across the 15th district and visitors will enjoy the various green-spaces that were created here.

The 18th, 19th and 20th arrondissements of Paris offers a gorgeous clash of old, nostalgic Paris and modernist atmospheres, so there is certainly something for each traveller here.

The 18th arrondissement is located around the beautiful hilltop of Montmartre (or rather “La Butte”), which used to be a thriving artists’ village that once homed names such as Picasso and Dali, and is also the district where the Sacré-Cœur basilica can be found. Think winding streets, soaring views and charming village-style architecture. Just below, one will find the booming Moulin Rouge and the lively clubs and bars of the Lamarck district where hipsters seem to have settled within the up and coming, trendy accommodations.

The 19th arrondissement gives a different take on Paris altogether, and families tend to be drawn to the picturesque beauty of the Canal de l’Ourcq with its waterfront promenade and bike lanes that lead to Parc de la Villette. In the park, one will find museums such as the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie as well as a wide open space for year-round outdoor concerts. Don’t get us wrong though, the 19th district may be known for its natural beauty, but there are still plenty of edgy bars and eateries for the youngsters to splash out in.

The chilled out vibe of the 20th arrondissement is sure to grab your attention, particularly if you head over to its former industrial-heartland. Here one will find a great mix of casual Chinese eateries and French bistros, along with a multitude of contemporary art galleries that seem to have sprouted out of nowhere! The street art is something to behold while the youth-culture takes the reign in the 20th arrondissement. Music venues, bars and clubs come aplenty in this booming district and the leafy Père Lachaise Cemetery draws crowds from all around the globe for two of its most famous residents – Oscar Wilde and Jimi Hendrix!