If you're visiting Paris for a week or more, should you consider splitting your stay between two or more neighborhoods so that you can experience different parts of the city?

In the Sunday edition of my free Paris Discoveries Newsletter, I answer reader questions about Paris travel.  Recently, readers have asked whether it makes sense to move from one Parisian neighborhood and hotel to another when time permits.

This article is part of the Paris Discoveries Q&A Archive and brings together my answers based on my own experiences with staying in multiple neighborhoods on longer trips.  

You'll find advice about whether splitting your stay is worth doing, how to choose best-for-you neighborhood combinations, hotel suggestions for several popular areas, and. 

I've lightly edited, expanded, and updated my original answers, included a few practical tips for making the move from one hotel to another easier, and added photos to make this a more complete Paris travel resource. 

Attractions & Restaurants near Palais des Congrés & the Ternes Neighborhood

Lynn's Question:

We're visiting in August, and we love to walk.  We're staying at Hyatt Regency Park Etoile. Where are some nearby places to visit - restaurants, history, boutiques, nice spots, etc? 

Susan's Answer:

The Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile, as you probably already know, is next to the Palais des Congrès, concert venue, a big exhibition center, and shopping mall almost by the Périphérique, the multi-lane highway that encircles Paris, and just over half a mile from the Arc de Triomphe.  This is the edge of the posh Ternes neighborhood in the 17th arrondissement.

Several large hotels are located in this area due to the events (particularly the large conventions) that take place at Palais des Congrès.  Although the area is a bit outside of Paris's touristic center, it's close to a number of interesting places that you can easily access on foot. 

Here are five to check out:

• The Arc de Triomphe (at the juncture of the 8th, 17th, and 16th arrondissements) - Napoleon Bonaparte, during the decade when he was Emperor of French in the early 1800s, commissioned this famous monument as a triumphal arch to commemorate his military victory against the Austrians and Russians at the height of what was called the "Napoleonic Wars."  Elaborate sculptural details and engravings on the Arc's surfaces commemorate those victories, those who fought in them, and, of course, Napoleon.  Today, it's fair to say that the Arc's most popular feature is its rooftop terrace which offers panoramic views of Paris.  Twelve avenues intersect with the circular road surrounding it, including the famous Champs-Elysees; south of C-E, especially along Avenue Montaigne, are some of the city's top haute-couture designer showrooms and boutiques.
• Rue Poncelet market street (17th arr) - This is perhaps the best and most gourmet-oriented food market street in Paris - always fun to explore, with plenty of small bistros, wine bars, and cafes tucked in among the food markets.  To reach it, walk east along Avenue des Ternes, where it insects with the avenue a block before the Ternes metro station.  As you walk, take a few moments to admire the spectacular architecture in this part of the 17th arrondissement.
• Avenue Foch (16th arr) - Stroll along its entire length from the Arc de Triomphe to Porte Dauphine to see some of Paris's most beautiful, expensive, and discreet, almost-hidden mansions, and enjoy the lovely park along the avenue's broad median strip.
• Fondation Louis Vuitton (16th arr) - If you enjoy modern and contemporary art, get advance tickets for the current exhibition at this popular venue designed by renowned American architect Frank Gehry, and stop by its onsite restaurant for lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner.  Take advantage of free admission through FLV's back door to the adjacent Jardin d'Acclimatation, Paris's only amusement park where you can stroll through beautiful gardens, perhaps accompanied by the free-roaming peacocks, and even visit a small menagerie started by Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie in 1860.  Both FLV and the Jardin are in Bois de Boulogne, Paris's second-largest park, which has several lovely lakes, gardens, and lots of trees if you want to roam further.
• La Defense - You'll see the tall buildings and an even larger arch, Grande Arche de la Defense, from your hotel - this is Paris's glittering modern business district.  To get there, walk west on Avenue de la Grande Armée/Avenue Charles de Gaulle, which becomes an esplanade/open-air museum lined with contemporary and mostly massive sculptures - it's about a mile from your hotel. This is one of my own favorite spots to explore.  Most of the buildings were designed by big-name architectects.  I come here fairly often and discover something new each time.  A massive renovation project (should be completed in 2027) is underway right now to transform the esplanade into Paris's third-largest green space filled with plants, trees, and water features.  It's also quite fast (less than 5 minutes) and easy to reach by Paris's metro from Porte Maillot, should you feel inclined - get off at either the La Defense or Esplanade de la Defense station.

Good restaurants near your hotel include Cafe Maillotine, Le Hameau, and Le Paris 17 for French cuisine, Il Grano for Italian, and a bit further away, Le Crabe Marteau, known for its seafood.  Also, definitely check out all the small bistros and cafes along and near Rue Poncelet.

What to Do in the 5th & 6th Arrondissements (Latin Quarter & Saint-Germain) for First Time Visitors in December?

Michael's Question:

What are some things for first-time Paris visitors to do in the 5th and 6th arrondissements in December?

Susan's Answer: EXPAND A BIT with dec slant

In the 5th arrondissement, top attractions include the Pantheon, the Cluny Museum (Roman and Medieval artifacts and art), an old Roman arena, and the Jardin des Plantes (huge park, usually with a big "illuminations" event at night during the winter months).

In the 6th arrondissement, top attractions include the old literary cafes such as Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore, Luxembourg Garden, the Saint-Germain neighborhood, and the medieval Saint-Sulpice Church. You can find out more about them and see photos in this article about Paris arrondissements.

What to See & Where to Eat on Île Saint Louis

Laura's question:

Just a quick question on best things to see and do on Île Saint Louis.

Any great spot for lunch that isn't too crowded? Thanks.

Susan's answer:

Ile Saint-Louis, one of the two tiny islands in the Seine River, is mostly residential, but its main street as well as a couple of side streets are lined with small boutiques (fun for browsing) and cafes, creperies, a wonderful cheese store, and bistros.  The popular ice-cream shop, Berthillon, is a major attraction and usually easy to spot by the line on fans along the sidewalk in front of it.

Toward the island's eastern end, you'll easily spot the Eglise Saint Louis en l'Ile church (just look for the steeple). It's quite lovely inside, so stop in for a look or get tickets to one of the classical concerts that take place there from time to time.

However, the most famous things to do and see are on Ile de la Cité, the other somewhat larger island that's about a 60-second walk away over a short bridge.

That's where you'll find Paris's important Medieval attractions: Notre Dame Cathedral, Sainte Chapelle, and La Conciergerie along with a number of other interesting sites. Definitely plan to spend some time exploring!

Now for lunch suggestions: although I've never had lunch at L'Orangerie (28 Rue Saint-Louis en l'Ile), I've had dinner with my husband there a couple of times and we loved the food - traditional French with modern touches and a nice vibe. It's family-owned (the chef is one of the owners) and based on what I observed when we were there, it's popular with locals - always a good sign.

Another place I can suggest, based on raves from friends whose taste I trust, is L'Escale (1 Rue des Deux Ponts; right the Pont Tournelle bridge to the Left Bank). It's been around for awhile (like maybe a century or more) but now has a new owner and new chef.

Otherwise, there are a number of other small cafes and bistros, plus several creperies.  A couple of picturesque brasseries at the end of the island overlooking Notre Dame offer fantastic views but, in my experience, are better for coffee or drinks than food.

What Can We See and Do in the 1st Arrondissement?

Liz's Question:

Hello Susan, l am staying in the 1st district on October 25. We are coming in from New Orleans to do that Saints Game, so please give me some suggestions where my husband and I can go!

Susan's Answer: 

Hi Liz, First, congrats for getting tickets to that game! I'm sure you're going to have a very exciting weekend!

I can't tell from your message if this will be your first visit to Paris but if it is, a fun way to see some of Paris's top attractions is to take a city tour, perhaps soon after you arrive.  Here are three popular choices that you might consider:

• Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour - You'll also have the option of adding on a 1-hour Seine River cruise or a Notre Dame exterior walking tour (you can go inside on your own for free)
• 1-Hour Vintage Citroen 2CV Tour - These tours are very popular in Paris right now - you'll see the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and other famous sights; it also includes pickup at your hotel
• Bustronome Gourmet Dinner Tour - On this tour, you'll get fantastic views of the Eiffel Tower and other top attractions from on top of a double-decker bus while also enjoying a gourmet dinner prepared in a kitchen on the bus's lower level.  It's one of my own favorite ways to see the city.

Paris's 1st arrondissement is on the Right Bank (the north side of the Seine River), and in one of the most historical parts of the city.  You'll find so much to enjoy here!

The biggest attractions in the 1st include the Louvre Museum, a huge, sprawling former royal palace overlooking the Seine, and best known for being the home of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, Sainte-Chapelle which has stunning medieval stained glass, lots of shopping destinations, and a couple of beautiful parks.  Check out this article with 32 things to see and do in the 1st arrondissement - all of them should be an easy walking distance from where you're staying.

What Can We See Near Our Hotel near Palais Garnier in Paris 9?

Harold's Question:

We will be visiting Paris for the first time for 3 days beginning on June 20th, We are staying at the Sofitel Le Scribe Opera at 1 Rue Scribe 75009. Can you recommend any sites we should see that are within easy walking distance from our hotel?

Susan's Answer: 

Sure - that's a wonderfully convenient central location - I often stay less than a 10-minute walk away in the 1st arrondissement and know that neighborhood well. Here are suggestions for some top attractions (plus a few of my own favorites) within a 10-minute walk from your hotel, starting with the closest, slight less than a block away:

• Palais Garnier - The Paris Opera House - spectacular architecture and ornamentation than rivals Versailles with its lavish usage of gold. If you want to go inside, book an admission ticket well in advance - even on my last visit in March, I was too late to get an admission ticket with only 3 days notice) - and please note, the tickets are non-refundable
• Galeries Lafayette and Printemps - Two of the grandest of the grand 19th century department stores, with rooftop decks offering skyline, decent restaurants, and selections from every major French designer (plus many international) you can think of, with price tags ranging from expensive to super-expensive
• Place Vendome - Beautiful square lined with neoclassical buildings with what's known as the Vendome Column at its center a bronze monument made from 1,200 melted-down enemy cannons ordered by Napoleon I to demonstrate his military power - but today the square and nearby Rue de la Paix are home to the Ritz hotel plus lots of luxury jewelry and watch stores.
• 19th Century Covered Passages - A couple of these historical passages are nearby: Passage Choiseul and Passage des Panoramas - you can learn more about them and see their locations on a map here
• Musée Grevin - Paris's wax museum - a fun way to learn more than you might expect about French history and culture - plus the Hall of Mirrors (which dates back to the World's Fair of 1900) and light show right after you enter is fun. If you go, though, get advance tickets as the line can be tortuously long and slow-moving, and also stroll through adjacent Passage Jouffroy, another of the historical covered passages
• Eglise de la Madeleine - This lovely late-18th century church located about 5 minutes from your hotel is interesting to visit or even to just see on the outside, but it's also the site of fairly frequent classical concerts
• Le Village Royal - From Eglise de la Madeleine, walk south on Rue Royal for maybe 1 minute or less, and on your right just past a Dior store, you'll see the entrance to this 19th century passage (not covered) - the outdoor tables at Le Village restaurant is a wonderful spot for enjoying a drink or a quick bite while people-watching
• Tuileries Garden and Palais Royal Garden - These two magnificent parks, one large and grandiose and the other hidden from sight by arcaded buildings, are two of the best in Paris for a stroll or a picnic lunch enjoyed while sitting on one of their many park benches

Is Montmartre a Good Neighborhood for a Stay?  What Can We See Nearby?

Cathy's Question:

My husband and I, and our adult daughter will be in Paris celebrating our 50th anniversary for eight days in mid-April!! We are staying at Appartement Cozy Paris in Montmartre. Is this good place to be? What can we see around us? 

Susan's Answer: 

Montmartre is indeed a wonderful place to stay.

I spent the first 8 days of my most recent trip there, and even though I've stayed there a few times before, it never loses its magic! The neighborhood is filled with winding lanes, small cafes and coffee shops, quirky sights, and overall, a relaxed, village-like vibe.

Montmartre's most famous site is Sacre Coeur Basilica, which is high up on a hill where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city. Although most people just go for the views, I highly recommend going inside, which is stunning - especially the beautiful mosaic ceiling in the dome.

You can also find more suggestions in my article on things to do in each of Paris's 20 arrondissements. Montmartre is in the 18th arrondissement, so take a look at those suggestions, and also nearby districts, especially the 9th and 17th, and also the 2nd and 1st, which are also easily accessible.

I love walking around Montmartre and exploring the Rue des Abbesses food street, trying the lastest coffee shops, and discovering the neighborhood's quirky and fascinating sights.  The food tasting walking tours in Montmartre provide a fun starting point for getting acquainted with the neighborhood, so you might want to consider joining one - this one is perhaps the most popular.

I also recommend putting your daughter in charge of coming up with a list of suggestions for things to do which you can then choose from. As the mom of two daughters, I feel sure that she will come up with fun ideas that you might not think of yourself. 

Special Things to See & Do in Paris's 2nd Arrondissement

Ron's Question:

We will be staying in Paris for 6 weeks beginning in mid-September. We will have an apartment on Rue St. Marc. Are there any special things to see or do there?

Susan's Answer:

Hi Ron, That's an excellent location in Paris's 2nd arrondissement. You're in the midst of several 19th century covered passages, including Galerie Vivienne, Passage des Panoramas (practically at your doorstep), and Passage du Caire. Definitely spend some time exploring them. The area around Passage des Panoramas is packed with tiny shops selling olds stamps, old coins, and antiques, and the Drouot Auction House and Musée Grevin (wax museum) are nearby. You're also right between the 1st and 9th arrondissements too.

So for a fuller description plus addresses, etc., of all of these places, check out the articles on the website about things to do and see in the 1st, 2nd, and 9th arrondissements. You might also want to check the articles about what's going on in Paris in September and October, as those are both lively months.

Have a terrific time exploring Paris in the fall!

 

What Are the Main Attractions Plus Good Places to Eat in Paris's 2nd Arrondissement?

Bruce's Question:

I'll be traveling to Paris in May and staying in the 2nd Arrondissement. What are the main attractions in the 2nd? Any recommendations to see and eat?

Susan's Answer:

Paris's 2nd arrondissement is a wonderful area - even though it's the city's smallest district, it packs in a lot of different attractions, including one of the city's best food streets, some fascinating covered passages, and arguably the best (and for sure the most popular) Asian restaurants in Paris.

For both attractions and suggestions about where to eat, check out my article about the 2nd on Paris Discovery Guide.

I was in the 2nd a number of times on my most recent visit, so I updated the food recommendations in the article a couple of days ago. I've also stayed a few times in the 2nd myself, most recently in the Passage du Caire/Rue de Nil area, and one of my favorite things to do is just walk around and explore.

The 2nd arrondissement is sandwiched between the 1st and the 9th arrondissements, so you may want to check out things to do and places to eat there as well.  Both districts are only a 5-6 minute walk from almost anywhere in the 2nd, and they have a greater number of top attractions.

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See Questions & Answers on Similar Topics

Wondering about specific neighborhoods for your Paris visit?  You'll find those Q&A archives here:

• Where to Stay in the Marais (placeholder: add links later)
• Where to Stay in Saint-Germain (placeholder: add links later)

Paris Neighborhoods & Hotels - Where to stay in Paris + choosing the right hotel

Paris Discoveries Q&A Archive - See Q&As on all topics

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