From the Right Bank to the Left Bank and Beyond, an Insider’s Guide to Paris’ Top Neighborhoods and What To Expect in Each

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, deciding where to stay in Paris is an important decision. Although the French city is relatively compact, it comprises 20 arrondissements — or neighborhoods — that vary dramatically. These are arranged in a spiral from the center of town, and some of Paris' most popular areas can be made up of one or more of them. Those experiencing Paris and its tourist attractions for the first time tend to gravitate towards the more centrally located areas, around the Louvre and Champs-Élysées, but there is no wrong choice when determining your ideal home base. From the Right Bank to the Left Bank and beyond, here are eight of Paris’ most popular neighborhoods and what to expect when staying there.