Where is the Best Area to Stay in Paris?

Highstay offers short stay accommodations in the best area to stay in Paris: the city center. Staying in the center of the city means the best Paris attractions are at your doorstep, as central Paris offers a treasure trove of the best restaurants, museums, and shopping. The joy of finding some of the world's most stunning places within walking distance is part of the appeal of this world-class city.

This street is the ideal location for a stay in Paris, as you are right in the heart of the finest area of the city. Spanning from the Marais to the Vendôme district, this street houses everything from luxury fashion boutiques to elegant restaurants and art galleries. You are still steps away from the Louvre Museum and other major tourist attractions.

This square is adorned by a column erected by Napoleon to celebrate his military victories. The column features 425 bronze bas-relief plates depicting his victory at Austerlitz, crowned by a statue of Napoleon at the top.

Among the most famous occupants of this prestigious square is the Ritz, the Luxury Hotel frequented by many recognized figures past and present. The Hemingway bar, once patronized by the writer Ernest Hemingway, offers delectable cocktails in an intimate and refined setting.

This stately edifice overlooking the Place de la Concorde once housed the Royal garde-meuble where the French royalty stored their priceless furniture. The sumptuous apartment of the garde-meuble's intendant has recently been restored and refurnished to return it to its ancien régime splendor. The Hôtel de la Marine is now open to the public as a museum.

Housed in what was once the Paris Stock Exchange, this museum opened in 2021 to showcase the private art collection of businessman François Pinault. It features temporary exhibitions of many different types of art and is located next to rue Saint Honoré and the Louvre-Rivoli metro station.

This sophisticated thoroughfare evolves as it flows through different neighborhoods, becoming less formal as you head east from the Place Vendôme. So whether you are in the mood for French haute cuisine, something casual, or something exotic - you can find it on this street.

This restaurant is a masterpiece of French haute cuisine, as is witnessed by its three Michelin stars. Reserve your table well in advance, likely months before your trip to Paris, to ensure you secure a table for what will likely be the highlight of your trip.

This restaurant on an adjacent street welcomes you with classic French brasserie dishes and an intimate atmosphere, including an art nouveau stained glass ceiling.

In the mood for something different? This Japanese restaurant, close to the Place Vendôme, specializes exclusively in "unagi" or grilled eel.

This central location immerses you in the best neighborhood to visit Paris for the first time. The proximity to the Seine River and a whole host of Parisian attractions make this a great place to stay for exploring Paris.

On the same street as the Louvre Museum, you will find major shopping destinations like the Samaritaine Luxury Department Store, which reopened in 2021 to much fanfare after 16 years of renovations. This art nouveau gem is worth a look if only for its architecture, let alone its well-curated assortment of high-end fashion brands.

This island in the middle of the Seine River was the birthplace of Paris thousands of years ago. Today, it is famously home to Notre Dame Cathedral. Notre Dame caught fire in 2019 and is currently being restored in preparation for a December 2024 opening date. The island is also home to another major tourist attraction: the Sainte Chapelle, where France's kings were crowned in front of a shockingly beautiful backdrop of stained glass walls. The adjacent Île Saint Louis, connected via a bridge, is a lovely place for a stroll.

This chic neighborhood is the most luxurious on the left bank, featuring a selection of fashion boutiques covering mid range to luxury brands. The area also features several fine antique dealers and art galleries. Famous painter Eugène Delacroix once had his studio here, and his atelier is now open to visitors as a museum, including a quiet garden that brings a sense of calm to a busy corner of the city.

The famous Café de Flore and Café Les Deux Magots have been favorite the watering holes of the French cultural elite for over a century. Either is worth a stop for a coffee or lunch to take in the refined atmosphere. Afterward, stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens.)

This area is home to a wide variety of foods, from French cuisine to food from around the world.

This three Michelin star restaurant is housed inside the Cheval Blanc luxury hotel, itself within the Samaritaine department store. Chef Arnaud Donckele reinvents French cuisine, creatively showcasing different regions of France, from the Mediterranean to Normandy.

This cozy neighborhood eatery is conveniently located next to the Louvre Rivoli metro station and offers classic French comfort food like Duck (Magret de Canard) and Chicken (Poulet Fermier.)

This Moroccan restaurant near the city center serves Couscous and Tajines which will convince you that you are in Morocco.

The most famous boulevard in France, stretching from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe is also well-situated for visiting Paris.

If the Champs are not enough to satisfy your desire for luxury fashion, continue your shopping spree on the nearby Avenue Montaigne. You are also close to the Eiffel Tower and other attractions like the Petit and Grand Palais.

Some of France's best restaurants are clustered around the Champs Elysées.

At this one-star Michelin restaurant, the food is chosen according to the wine and not the other way around. The creative and contemporary cuisine offers a unique experience to each customer. If you prefer a three-star experience, Alléno Paris is a few blocks away.

Looking for something different after enjoying meal after meal of French cuisine? Yatai Ramen is just a few blocks from the Champs-Elysées to take your taste buds on a quick trip to Tokyo.

This French chain offers a healthier alternative to fast food by offering salads, soups, and hot dishes. If you need a quick lunch during your shopping spree, there is a Cojean just two blocks from the Champs.

This laid-back yet sophisticated neighborhood features small fashion boutiques, art galleries, wine shops, and some of the most storied buildings in the city's history. If you are looking for a slice of authentic Parisian life or want to discover new designers, this neighborhood is a must-visit for the discerning traveler.

The Musée Carnavalet tells the history of Paris through objects and artwork from this surprisingly ancient city. After your visit, the adjoining Fabula restaurant is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the museum's elegant 17th-century courtyard.

This beautiful square is surrounded by historic residences featuring stunning 17th-century brickwork and dramatically slanted slate roofs. A visit to the square is an excellent excuse to savor the creations of celebrated Pastry Chef Yann Brys at Brach - La Patisserie Corner.

The serendipity of wandering around this enchanting area reveals hidden gems like chic boutiques, picturesque cafés, and more.

From authentic Mediterranean food to fine French restaurants, the Marais is a microcosm of culinary opportunities awaiting discovery.

This one Michelin star restaurant offers creative modern cuisine in the heart of Paris. Located next to the Queen's Pavillion, the restaurant takes its name from the building's namesake - Anne of Austria (Queen of France and wife of Louis XIII.)

This corner bistro stands out for its atypical design (a two-story home in the center of Paris) and its 1930s-inspired décor. The menu features classic French fare which pairs perfectly with the surroundings.

This restaurant takes inspiration from Mediterranean spices and flavors from Israel to Morocco. In a neighborhood known for its popular falafel places, this restaurant offers a more refined side of Mediterranean food.

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While they did not make our list of the best area to stay in Paris, these places are worth a visit during your trip!

This area is one of the city's oldest. The Panthéon is the final resting place of France's most remarkable minds. Today, this Paris neighborhood is home to several universities, including the prestigious Sorbonne.

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This up-and-coming neighborhood will charm you with its cobblestone streets and canalside cafés. It is a great location for an afternoon stroll.