Where to stay in Paris: Best areas and locations for Malaysians
Paris gets something in the region of 50 million tourists annually - a staggering number which shows quite how popular it is as a destination. If you’re off to Europe, the chances are that Paris might be on your itinerary - but what’s the best place to stay in Paris to see it all?
This guide walks through the best area to stay in Paris on your first visit, plus where to stay in Paris with kids and where to stay in Paris to see the Eiffel Tower. We’ll also share more about the Wise card, a handy way for you to save while spending abroad.
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What types of accommodation are there in Paris?
Your primary options for accommodation in Paris will be hotels, hostels, B&B style accommodation and holiday rentals which allow you to rent an entire property. There are also some serviced apartments on the market which give you your space, with the extra bonus of cleaning and other practical support on a regular basis.
Paris isn’t the cheapest destination you could pick, and much of the accommodation - at least centrally - reflects this. However, if you’re in Paris to make the most of the tourist opportunities, being pretty central is worthwhile - even if you pay a bit more for the hotel. The city center is packed with museums and other attractions, which you can visit on foot comfortably. This also gives you the opportunity to people-watch in the fashion capital of the world - part of the quintessential Paris experience.
Use this guide to work out which area to stay in Paris based on your specific trip and plans, and then head over to a site like Booking.com1 to browse options, and search on a map based on the location you’re targeting.
Is Airbnb legal in France?
Yes. AirBnB is legal in France. There are various national and regional rules in place which the hosts must abide by. However, as long as you select a host with an established location and lots of positive reviews you should be able to relax and enjoy your stay, knowing you’re using a legit provider who has complied with all necessary legislation.
Where to stay in Paris for first timers?
It’s one of the most popular destinations in the world for tourists, with fine food, culture, iconic architecture, and plenty of romantic spots if you’re there on a couples trip. If it’s your first time in Paris it makes sense to stay centrally to make getting to and from the main tourist sights easier. There are plenty of things to see, so maximizing your time exploring will mean you get more from your stay - even if the accommodation options are a bit on the pricier side.
The 1st Arrondissement
Home to the Louvre and the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries - a beautiful garden for taking a break from the hustle and bustle, the 1st Arrondissement is not a cheap option - but it is classically Paris. You’ll have all the shopping you could possibly want on your doorstep, with fine dining, cultural landmarks and plenty of reasons never to leave the neighbourhood. When you do decide to visit some of the city’s other attractions, the central location makes this fairly simple to do. Walk easily to the Seine River, and popular tourist sights like Notre Dame, and the Orsay Museum.
And if you’re wondering - Arrondissement - simply means the administrative district of the city. Paris is made up of 20 in total - with the 1st being the most central of all.
The Latin Quarter
On the famously bohemian left bank of the Seine, The Latin Quarter is another ideal choice for your first time in Paris. If the Paris you’re imagining conjures up images of lazy walks browsing the wares of artists and booksellers by the river, or people watching from a cafe as you sip on a hot coffee, this is the place for you. The area has a young vibe, being home to the Sorbonne university, and offers a lovely balance of an off beat cosmopolitan feel surrounded by stunning traditional architecture.
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Where to stay in Paris with kids?
Paris is a great family destination. If you’re wondering where to stay in Paris with family, you’ve got a few options. The locations we’ve looked at already would work very well, but can get a bit crowded. If you’d prefer somewhere a bit quieter, we’ve picked out the calmer 2nd Arrondissement - and if you’d rather a quirkier location where you can wander for hours in between visiting the key tourist sites, we’d recommend Montmartre. Here’s the lowdown.
Montmartre
Montmartre is a charming and relatively affordable area, which can afford views of the Eiffel Tower, as well as lots of cafes and boutiques to explore. It’s hilly - so may not be ideal if you’re travelling with kids in a stroller - but if you can handle the steps and walk up to the famous church, you’ll be rewarded by wonderful views and atmosphere.
Another good option if you’re thinking of being close to this area is to look at the 10th Arrondissement which is close by but may have more budget friendly accommodation options, and fewer hills.
Bourse - The 2nd Arrondissement
The 2nd Arrondissement is still super central, but a good pick for families thanks to its pedestrianised areas, with easy access to sights and fewer crowds compared to the very central points. Also known as Bourse - stock exchange - it’s the heart of the financial district in Paris, and home to great shopping including quirky stores and traditional covered walking streets packed with vendors selling interesting items.
You’ve still got easy access to the Seine for a stroll, and if you want to hit the top museums and cultural attractions with the kids, they’re all very close by.
Where to stay in Paris to see the Eiffel Tower?
At over 300 metres tall, you can see the Eiffel Tower from pretty far away. In fact, it’s said to be visible from as much as 50 miles (80 kilometres) away. Seeing the Tower in Paris is often more about how high up you can get than the specific location.
Unless you’re planning on staying right on the doorstep - in one of the locations suggested below - then getting up to a higher viewpoint is the thing to do. For example, check out the Galeries Lafayette department store in the 9th Arrondissement, which has a free to access rooftop with a panoramic view of Paris including the Eiffel Tower. And if you’d prefer that the tower was in touching distance, check out these ideas:
The 7th Arrondissement
The 7th Arrondissement is the district that the Eiffel Tower is situated in, right across the river from the 1st Arrondissement where we started this guide. As you’d expect, it’s a very central location - and has accommodation prices to match. You’ll get unprecedented access and views of the tower, though, and high class dining options are plentiful. If you’re in the city to soak up the culture, this is also the right area to be in for the Musee d’Orsay, the Musee Rodin, and - if military history is your thing - Les Invalides.
The 16th Arrondissement
Next door to the 7th, the 16th Arrondissement also offers stunning views of the tower. It’s one of the most expensive districts in Paris, so a place to stay for a really special occasion. Home to embassies and modern art museums, alongside high end dining, it’s a genuinely beautiful area which is great for wandering and people watching, once you’ve had your fill of looking at the Eiffel Tower.
Save even more on your travels when paying in foreign currency with the Wise card
Check out Wise and the Wise card for a great - low cost - way to spend while you’re away from home. Top up in MYR from your bank or with a card, and manage your money in EUR with the mid-market rate and low, transparent fees.
You can use your Wise card to spend in 150+ countries around the world, in over 40+ currencies. Start spending with your free virtual card, or order a physical Wise card for a one time fee. This grants you some free ATM withdrawals of up to 1,000 MYR each month as you travel, to save time waiting at a money changer.
Choose to convert your MYR to EUR in advance at your desired rate, or leave it to Wise’s auto conversion and spend in MYR directly. All Wise currency exchanges use the rate you see on Google, so you’ll know you’re getting a great deal without the hassle.
Paris isn’t usually associated with being a budget destination. Whether it’s food, cafes, or shopping, do more with your money while you’re there with a Wise card, for easy and cheap spending and cash withdrawals with low fees and the mid-market exchange rate.
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