Paris city guide: where to stay
Paris seems like a big movie set and is probably one of the most exciting cities in the world. Stagnation is a foreign word here, the city bubbles with creativity and power, constantly reinvents itself - and yet manages to retain its incomparable identity. As a city of culture with a rich historical and artistic heritage, Paris attracts more than 25 million people from all over the world every year with its monuments, gourmet cuisine and lifestyle. If you get dizzy from all the sightseeing and shopping, you're sure to find relaxation in one of Paris' 435 parks and gardens. Or take a seat in one of the countless street cafés and watch the legendary Parisians stroll around.
The 20 arrondissements, or districts, in Paris are structured like a snail and wind their way from the city centre to the outskirts. Generally, the smaller the number, the closer to the centre and the more affluent the area. So if you're overwhelmed and don't know where to stay in Paris, here's a little guide:
The Seine flows through the 20 arrondissements, dividing Paris into areas on the left and on the right. On the left are the railway stations Montparnasse, 14th arrondissement, and Gare d’Austerlitz, 13th arrondissement. The area is not particularly beautiful, but it is cheaper. If you move more towards the centre, you come to the cute Saint Germain district, 6th arrondissement, which presents typical Paris as you know it from the movies. Small bars and cafés, cute boutiques and numerous flower and book shops can be found here, spreading a wonderful French flair. Right next door is the Latin Quarter with the elite Sorbonne University. The mixture of the oldest buildings in the city and the young influence of the students makes the fifth arrondissement something very special. The two quarters are very touristy in high season, but they stand out for being one of the best locations to discover the city. The Pantheon, Notre Dame and the Pont Neuf, which connects the left and right sides, are all within a few minutes' walk. Upstream, you come to the seventh and thus most famous arrondissement. This is where the Eiffel Tower is located - restaurants and cafés here have higher prices, but you dine surrounded by impressive and symbolic buildings. There is also a wide range of luxury brands and fashion boutiques where you can dress up in Parisian chic style.
And there are many world-famous museums. From the Place de la Concorde to the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou, the first and second arrondissements are adjacent to Le Marais, the third arrondissement. The Jewish quarter is bursting with creative energy and young dynamism. Colourful, lively and en vogue – with fewer tourist and yet there is always something going on! Around the Place de la République you will find the hippest bars and trendiest shops of the locals. There are public dance events, skateboarding areas and lots of street musicians. The exuberant atmosphere invites you to have a picnic on the Saint Martin canal in summer and is definitely a wonderful place to stay. The more secluded 16th and 17th arrondissements are beautiful residential areas. Luxurious villas and private schools line up here and it is probably the safest part of Paris. A trip to Passy is worthwhile if only because almost half of Paris' museums and embassies are located here. It also takes you directly to the Bois de Boulogne, one of the largest city parks in the world, which you should have visited if you are staying in Paris for more than just a weekend. The 18th arrondissement, Montmartre, is probably the most popular district for the French and is often referred to as the artists' quarter, as many famous artists used to live here and there are still some studios to be found today. A little outside and secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, you can relax in beautiful parks in Montmatre and at the same time discover impressive works of art, such as the Sacre Coeur and many other attractions around the Place du Terre. You will also find some nice hotels here, not far from the Gare de l'Est and Gare du Nord stations.