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Where to stay in Paris? Here's a breakdown of the arrondissements.

Where to Stay in Paris: How to Pick a Solo-Friendly ‘Arrondissement’

Your choice of arrondissement can make or break your Paris trip as a solo traveler. You need to consider aspects like safety, proximity to attractions and facilities, convenience, budget, and overall vibe to decide where to stay in Paris. This guide breaks down the most solo travel-friendly arrondissements so you can figure out what’s best for you.

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What Are “Arrondissements”?

Where to stay in Paris? Here's a breakdown of the arrondissements.

Paris consists of 20 administrative districts, locally known as “arrondissements”. The territorial division of the capital of France dates back to the French Revolution, whereas the city was first divided into 12 districts in 1795, and later, in 1860, the authorities incorporated part of the suburbs and added 8 more arrondissements. 

If you look at a map, you’ll notice that the Parisian arrondissements take the shape of a clockwise spiral that starts with the 1st arrondissement from the center.

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Deciding Where to Stay in Paris? Here’s Your Guide to the Best of the 20 Arrondissements

Where to Stay in Paris: The Safest Arrondissements for Solo Travelers

In spite of its major popularity, safety in Paris is nuanced. However, like I previously mentioned in my Paris safety guide, I don’t like to label destinations, especially when it comes to safety. Simply put, by taking the right precautions and doing enough research, you can travel alone safely almost anywhere. That said, learning about arrondissements is essential for deciding where to stay in Paris.

1st Arrondissement

Given the clockwise spiral map of Paris, the 1st arrondissement is quite central, making it very close to a lot of the major attractions. This also means that it’s one of the most heavily-patrolled areas in the city, as it’s usually packed with tourists. 

Paris, France © 2023 Curls en Route – All Rights Reserved.
Where to stay in Paris
Paris, France © 2023 Curls en Route – All Rights Reserved.

6th Arrondissement (Saint-Germain-des-Prés)

The 6th arrondissement is one of the most upscale areas in the city; it’s family-friendly, so it’s quite tranquil and quiet, especially in the evenings. Crime rate is also very low; however, you’d want to keep an eye out for petty theft near tourist attractions. It is worth mentioning that it might be too pricey if you’re on a budget, which can be quite common amongst solo travelers.

3rd & 4th Arrondissements (Le Marais)

Le Marais, located in both the 3rd and 4th arrondissements, is one of the most beautiful historic neighborhoods in Paris. It was once a marshland, turned Jewish Quarter, and now an artsy hub, bustling with boutiques, cafés, and art galleries. The foot traffic and its LGBTQ-friendliness make it one of the safest neighborhoods in the city. So, if you’re a solo traveler wondering where to stay in Paris, Le Marais is hands down one of the best choices.

Cycling is one of the many modes of transportation in Paris.
Paris, France © 2023 Curls en Route – All Rights Reserved.
Le Marais is one of the safest options if you're wondering where to stay in Paris.
Paris, France © 2023 Curls en Route – All Rights Reserved.

5th Arrondissement (Latin Quarter)

The Latin Quarter, located in the 5th and 6th arrondissements, is another historic neighborhood. With bookstores on every corner and being home to the famed Sorbonne University, this is the intellectual hub of the city. The student-heavy vibes make this a lovely neighborhood to hang out at, at bohemian cafés during the day and at jazz clubs at night. 

7th Arrondissement

The 7th arrondissement is home to iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Champ de Mars Park. It’s an upscale, aristocratic neighborhood, so it’s one of the quiet and safe ones in the capital. However, it goes without saying that the Eiffel Tower area, in particular, can be full of pickpockets, so it’s important to remain cautious. And of course, given that the Eiffel Tower view is priceless, expect accommodations to be on the expensive side.

Spending an afternoon in a park is one of the most unique things to do in Paris.
Paris, France © 2023 Curls en Route – All Rights Reserved.

14th Arrondissement

This one’s mostly a residential area, but given its peaceful atmosphere and incredibly low crime rate, it’s a great option to consider when thinking about where to stay in Paris. 

  • Vibe/Character: Residential, peaceful.
  • Attractions: Catacombs of Paris, Rue Daguerre (shopping and dining), and the Vanves Flea Market. 
  • Transportation: Metro lines 4, 6, 13, and 14.
  • Why it’s great for solo travelers: Safety.

Where to Stay in Paris: Other Arrondissements to Consider

8th Arrondissement

Is Paris safe? Join me as I explore the city as a solo female traveler.
Paris, France © 2023 Curls en Route – All Rights Reserved.

Home to the world-famous Champs-Élysées, it’s generally considered very safe due to heavy patrolling. However, petty theft is still common in touristy spots, so vigilance is crucial. 

16th Arrondissement

Another one of the safest, most affluent, and peaceful areas in Paris. But given that it’s also a residential area, it might be too quiet for activities. Also, it might not be on the affordable end for solo travelers as it’s quite an upscale area. 

  • Vibe/Character: Upscale, quiet, residential.
  • Attractions: Trocadéro Gardens & Palais de Chaillot.
  • Transportation: Metro lines 1, 2, 6, 9, and 10.
  • Why it’s great for solo travelers: Safety.
  • Arrondissement tour(s) worth checking out: Premium photo shoot at the Eiffel Tower

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Arrondissements That May Not Be Ideal for First-Time Solo Travelers

Like I said earlier, staying safe in Paris requires vigilance. That’s why some areas may not be for first-time solo travelers, and I may advise against other areas when deciding where to stay in Paris.

If you’re not well-traveled, areas around major train stations, such as Gare du Nord or Gare de l’Est in the 10th arrondissement, may feel less safe. The main downside of this area is that it’s usually packed with tourists, often in a hurry, making them easy prey to pickpockets. However, based on personal experience, as I’ve stayed there multiple times, I never felt unsafe as long as I stayed vigilant. I’ve stayed at both Generator Paris and St. Christopher’s Inn and had a great experience at both. So, if you’re a frequent solo traveler like me, don’t hesitate to stay there.

Another area where I’d be careful would be Châtelet-Les Halles. Even though it’s located in the 1st arrondissement, which is generally safe, the super busy shopping hub during the day isn’t the same after dark. It often attracts groups of loiterers, so it might make you feel uncomfortable, especially if you’re a solo female traveler.

On the other hand, there are some areas where I recommend you avoid while deciding where to stay in Paris. These include some parts of the 18th and 19th arrondissements, such as La Chapelle, which has lower evening foot traffic and attracts more petty thieves, and Pigalle, which is basically the red-light district of Paris. Also, try to avoid Barbès-Rochechouart, which is at the intersection of the 9th, 10th, and 18th arrondissements, as drug trade can be quite common there at night.

Additionally, I’d avoid suburbs, in general, especially the northern ones. Areas like Saint-Denis and Aubervilliers are known for street crime. If I were you, I’d opt for staying in central Paris instead.

Where to Stay in Paris: The Best Hostels and Hotels

Best Hotels in Paris

Where to stay in Paris? St. Christopher's Inn is a good option for solo travelers.
Paris, France © 2023 Curls en Route – All Rights Reserved.

Staying on a Budget? Best Hostels in Paris

Tips for Deciding Where to Stay in Paris

Aside from safety, which should be your top priority as a solo traveler, there are a bunch of other aspects you should consider when booking your stay in Paris. So, I put together a list of useful tips to help you decide where to stay in Paris–don’t let these things slip your mind!

  • Consider your travel style: Are you a foodie, culture lover, or party animal? Your travel priorities will help you figure out which accommodations fall within your budget.
  • Check proximity to public transportation: Consider arrondissements with metro lines that are well-connected to the rest of the city. Then prioritize stays within walking distance from the nearest metro station, preferably, or bus stop.
  • Balance cost VS. safety VS. vibe: Consider all 3 aspects, weigh down your options, and try to book an accommodation that offers the perfect balance. 

Conclusion

Overall, Paris is a bucket list destination that’s absolutely worth visiting, even more than once. And it’s not just for the Eiffel Tower and Louvre; Paris has so much more to offer! So, don’t be discouraged from visiting. You can definitely stay safe in Paris as a solo traveler by staying vigilant and taking the right precautions. 

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

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