The City of Lights, Love, and Magic! Paris is a wonderful city, filled with delicious pastries & baguettes, breathtaking views, and lovely architecture! A city that everyone shares on their travel bucket list.
Paris has an appeal and charm that surrounds it. It has the ability to draw in any type of traveler and offer them sights that only Paris can offer.
Have you recently booked that long awaited ticket to Paris? Do you need help figuring out which arrondissements to visit? How will you decide which arrondissements to leave out and which ones to explore? Well…
LOOK NO FURTHER AND READ BELOW!
Personally I’m someone who will book a plane ticket and then immediately after I will start writing a list of everything that I want to see, do, and eat. After my list is completed (by that I mean after there are over 50 attractions on it, and it’s advised not to make the list longer), I will drop pins of their locations on google maps and see what is in the same central area. THAT WAY I don’t waste time and end up having to back-trail to the same location I was previously at before.
Paris is separated by 20 arrondissements. Because of this, it was pretty easy to construct my list of where everything is located. Before my own trip to Paris, I made notes on my phone of all the arrondissements and each attraction there. During the trip, I always had it on me and knew exactly which arrondissement had more sights that I personally wanted to see.
Doing this was EXTREMELY HELPFUL for me! Now I want to share it with you! I already did the dirty work for you! Because let me tell you, it was extremely time consuming to pinpoint each location and which arrondissement it was located in. Now you don’t have to spend hours tracing where each famous attraction is!
Now, this is my own list of things I wanted to do. Every traveler has different places they want to explore, BUT I hope we share a few explorations in common.
Paris Arrondissements:
1st:
Home of where the famous Louvre is located. The 1st arrondissement of Paris is split into four quarters: Quartier de la Place Vendome, Quartier du Palais Royale, Quartier des Halles, and Quartier Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois. You will find many luxurious stores with items priced extremely high, but you can also find many local boutiques with more affordable pieces. Sprinkled with its rich history. Fall in love with the architecture, buzzing restaurants, and their luxury fashion.
Offering many famous Paris monuments, that I’m sure are on your list.
- Louvre
- Jardin des Tuileries
- Palais Royal
- Sainte Chapelle
- Angelina (Café)
- Les Deux Plateaux (Located inside Palais Royal)
2nd:
Found in part of the central area of Paris, on the right bank of the Seine. A fragment of Paris that is often overlooked by tourists. Making it a perfect area to explore without a large crowd. The streets are lined with cheese, wine, pastries, and chocolate shops. Charming arrondissement that is perfect to take a lovely stroll outdoors.
- Boneshaker Doughnuts
- La Tour Jean-Sans Peur (Tower from the medieval period)
- Opera Comique (One of Paris’s oldest theaters)
- The Rue Montorgueil Neighborhood
- Galerie Vivienne (Shopping Center)
3rd:
Beloved by locals for their museums, markets, and peaceful residential streets. Art lovers flock here and marvel at the unique museums. I personally did not explore this area, but I have heard that it’s beautiful.
- Foundation Café
- Picasso Museum
- Musee Carnavalet (Free museum showcasing the medieval period)
- Au Bourguignon Du Marais (French restaurant)
4th:
My home base during my trip to Paris, where I resided at Bourg Tibourg Hotel. Buzzing, lively, and you can always count on something to eat and visit in this area! An area that is popular between tourists and locals. A place that oozes elegancy and history.
- Notre Dame
- Ile de la Cite
- Sainte Chapelle
- Cafe Saint Regis (Go for breakfast)
- Las du Fallafel (Falafel)
- Odette Tea Room
- Macarons Gourmands
- Old Jewish Quarter
- Berthillon (Ice cream shop)
- La Droguerie (50-56 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris, France. Delicious crepe shop).
5th:
Paris’s most central district that is known as the Latin quarter. Located on the left bank of the river Seine. Filled with family friendly attractions and home to some of the most stunning bookshops. Offering perfect spots to explore and people watch.
- Pantheon
- Shakespeare & Company Bookshop
- Abbey Bookshop
- Jardin des Plantes
- National Museum of Natural History
- Musée de l’Institut du Monde Arabe (Arab World Institute)
- Le Relais de L’Entrecote (Restaurant that only serves steak & fries. Absolutely delicious!)
6th:
One of France’s richest districts, with bohemian and academic vibes surrounding it. A posh hut filled with chic boutiques, gardens, restaurants, and antiques. Writers can always count on a beautiful café around the corner to relax and put their words into writing. Tourists can blend right into the Parisian lifestyle and submerge themselves into their culture. And it never hurts to enjoy it while enjoying the local food! This was one of my personal favorite districts to simply get lost and explore.
- Luxembourg Gardens (AN ABSOLUTE MUST VISIT!)
- Pierre Herme (Macarons)
- Les Deux Magots (Hot chocolate)
- Odeon Theater
- Saint Germain Des Pres
Café Flore - La Grande Epicerie de Paris (Gourmet Food Hall)
- Fromagerie Laurent Dubois (Cheese Shop)
7th:
The iconic district, where you will find the famous Eiffel Tower. No matter who you are, you cannot help but bask in the beauty of the Eiffel tower. An attraction that you cannot miss during your visit. This district offers many local landmarks and stays true in being vibrant, relaxing, and charming.
Let me know your opinion of what you thought of the Eiffel Tower? Were you a little surprised by its beauty?
Fun Fact: Many writers basked at the look of Eiffel Tower when it was being constructed and deemed it monstrous. People of Paris disliked it so much they even petitioned for it to be removed in 1887!
- Eiffel Tower
- Champ De Mars Gardens
- Musee d’Orsay
- Rue Cler market
- Musee de I’Armee (Napoleon is buried here & it’s the largest military museum in the world)
- Le Bon Marche (Paris’s oldest department store)
8th:
Stroll into this district and marvel at the lovely alleyways that are lined with the most beautiful trees. Filled with many upscale retail shops and fashionistas everywhere! Be sure to explore this area and not only visit the Arc de Triomphe!
- Le Village Royal
- Arc de Triomphe
- Champs-Élysées
- Parc Monceau
- Petit Palais (Houses Musée des Beaux Arts, Museum of Fine Arts)
- Eglise de la Madeleine
9th:
Known for its theater life! Containing many hidden gems that are begging to be explored by you!
- Palais Garnier (Highly recommend)
- Printemps Terrace (Department store with a rooftop view on top)
- Galeries Lafayette, Boulevard Haussmann (Shopping Center w/ Glasswalkway & Rooftop View)
- Musee National Gustave Moreau
- Les choux from Popelini (Cream Puff Pastry)
- Musee de la View Romantique (Museum of the romantic life. Just the name of it makes it worth a visit)
10th:
Covered with trendy restaurants, art studios, and Parisian life. Sadly though, the 10th arrondissement simply does NOT draw in tourists. It does not offer famous monuments, and for many, it is only a stop and go destination. Do not let that discourage you from visiting. If you are a market lover, make your way to the 10th arrondissement. Offering one of the largest markets in all of Paris. A bonus is it’s a covered market and offers a beer boutique! Did that spark your interest, like it did mine? Also, it is a perfect area to take a canal tour or book that ticket to board the Seine river cruise!
- Marche Saint-Quentin (Covered market)
- Le Jardin Villemin (Simple & small park)
- Canal Saint Martin Neighborhood
- Gare de Nord (Oldest train station in Paris)
11th:
Lively, buzzing, and parties all year round. Explore their bar scene and gourmet restaurants! Truly a unique and energetic neighborhood.
- Cafe Oberkampf
- Opéra Bastille
- Place de la Republique
- Café Chilango (Mexican restaurant)
- Pizza Julia
12th:
A residential and peaceful neighborhood. Not on many people’s lists when traveling to Paris, and I only had two stops on my list that I wanted to visit.
- Ble Sucre (Pastries)
- Rue Cremiux (Colorful houses)
13th:
Home to Paris’s China town! Hidden with many local gems as artwork and entertainment fill the streets! I personally did not visit this area, but I truly believe every nook and cranny in Paris is magical, so I doubt this will fall short.
- Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir (Pedestrian Bridge)
- Petit Bain (Concert Hall)
- L’Essentiel (Bakery)
14th:
Immerse yourself in this odd bohemian district. Filled with a cemetery, underground tunnels of Catacombs de Paris, and of course cafes! If you want to experience the local side of Paris, definitely make your way here.
- Montparnasse Cemetery
- Montparnasse Tower
- Market at Edgar Quinet
- Observatory of Paris (Oldest observatory in the world)
- Paris Catacombs
- Villa D’Alesia
15th:
The southwestern arrondissement! I have read that because it does not offer many monuments you can find hotel fares to be much cheaper compared to other arrondissements. If you are looking for a truly authentic Parisian Paris this a great place to start!
- Montparnasse Skyscraper
- Rue du Commerce (Shopping strip)
- La Cave de Lourmel (Market opened Wednesday & Sunday)
- Parc André Citroën
16th:
You can find the wealthy residential areas of Paris in the 16th. I have heard that it is the poshest area of Paris. If high-end luxury is what interests you, highly recommend visiting this area. Many museums and the Paris aquarium can be found here. My personal reason for wanting to visit is because I have seen so many photos captured of the Eiffel tower in Trocadero. You could say I was on a hunt for that perfect picture.
- Trocadero (An area of Paris with a great view of Eiffel Tower)
- Musee de la Marine (Museum at Trocadero)
- CineAqua (Aquarium of Paris)
- Musee de Vin (Museum dedicated to WINE)
- Bois de Boulogne (Park)
- Musee Marmottan Monet (Contains over 100 pieces of art by artist Monet)
- Palais de Tokyo
17th:
Known for its breathtaking architecture, this area is a road that is less traveled by tourists. Just because it does not receive as much love as the other districts, it does not make it any less enchanting! Get lost in the streets and walk among the locals.
- Cité des Fleurs
- Cinema des Cinéastes
- Marché Poncelet
18th:
Located around the lovely hilltop Montmartre. A place that was once occupied by former artists Picasso and Dali. Known for its mix of cultures and diversity. Filled with art, history, and stunning views in every corner.
- Sacre Leur (Church with a stunning view)
- Montmartre
- Montmartre Cemetery
- La Grenier a Pain (Bakery)
- Clos Montmartre (Last vineyard in Paris)
- Moulin Rouge Cabaret
- Le Moulin de la Galette
- Dali Museum
19th:
Absolutely lovely little district! Filled with charming parks and divine food. Parc Chaumont offers sights of waterfalls and city views. Lovely place to soak up nature and breathe in the fresh air!
- Parc des Buttes Chaumont
- Parc de la Vilette
- Cent Quatre
- Cite des Sciences et de Industry (Largest science museum in Europe)
- Cite de la Musique (Museum of Music)
20th:
The last arrondissement of Paris. A relaxing laid back district AND the place where Oscar Wilde is buried. Filled with many simple bars and restaurants and a place that is always interesting! A word that I found to fit it well is VINTAGE.
- Père Lachaise cemetery
- Aux Folies (Local bar)
- Le Monte en l’Air (Bookshop)
- Parc de Belleville
Each arrondissement has its own personal style and charm, which one sparked your curiosity? Do you have a favorite place to explore in Paris? Many items on my list I gathered from my own research for my trip. I can’t tell you the hours that I spent reading about Paris from other travel bloggers. Please comment on anything that you feel that I left out and should be on my list.