Where to Stay in Paris
Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips
Quick Answer
Stay in Montmartre
Cheapest hostels in central Paris, incredible views, and a village-like atmosphere with affordable eats.
See full Paris neighbourhood guideTop 4 Areas to Stay in Paris
Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation
Montmartre
Bohemian hilltop village with winding streets, street artists, and sweeping city views from Sacré-Cœur. Retains a romantic, artistic spirit.
Our top picks in Montmartre
Latin Quarter
Student-filled Left Bank neighborhood with affordable eateries, bookshops, and a lively, youthful energy centered around the Sorbonne.
Our top picks in Latin Quarter
Le Marais
Trendy historic quarter with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, art galleries, and a buzzing cafe scene. One of the most walkable and photogenic neighborhoods in Paris.
Our top picks in Le Marais
Bastille / Oberkampf
Trendy, local-feeling area with the best nightlife in Paris, diverse food scene, and a creative edge. Where young Parisians actually hang out.
Our top picks in Bastille / Oberkampf
Largest private courtyard garden in Paris, peaceful retreat in a lively area.
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Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers
| Neighbourhood | Budget | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
#1Montmartre | Budget | Bohemian hilltop village with winding streets, street artists, and sweeping city views from Sacré-Cœur. Retains a romantic, artistic spirit. | Budget BackpackersCouples |
Latin Quarter | Budget | Student-filled Left Bank neighborhood with affordable eateries, bookshops, and a lively, youthful energy centered around the Sorbonne. | Budget BackpackersSolo Travelers |
Le Marais | Mid-range | Trendy historic quarter with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, art galleries, and a buzzing cafe scene. One of the most walkable and photogenic neighborhoods in Paris. | First-TimersCouples |
Saint-Germain-des-Prés | Luxury | Intellectual Left Bank charm with literary cafes, upscale boutiques, and art dealers. Classic Parisian elegance at its finest. | CouplesCulture Lovers |
Bastille / Oberkampf | Mid-range | Trendy, local-feeling area with the best nightlife in Paris, diverse food scene, and a creative edge. Where young Parisians actually hang out. | Party GroupsDigital Nomads |
Find budget-friendly hostels in Paris
Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas
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Tips for Backpackers in Paris
Book Hostels with Kitchens
Self-catering saves significant money in Paris. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.
Walk Where Possible
Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.
Find Free Activities
Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.
Carry a Water Bottle
A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.
Find free walking tours in Paris
Budget-friendly ways to explore
Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers
Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Paris
Montmartre
BudgetBohemian hilltop village with winding streets, street artists, and sweeping city views from Sacré-Cœur. Retains a romantic, artistic spirit.
- +Cheaper than central Paris
- +Incredible views
- +Authentic village feel
- +Great street food
- -Very hilly with lots of stairs
- -Tourist traps near Sacré-Cœur
- -Some streets feel unsafe late at night near Pigalle
Latin Quarter
BudgetStudent-filled Left Bank neighborhood with affordable eateries, bookshops, and a lively, youthful energy centered around the Sorbonne.
- +Affordable restaurants
- +Central location
- +Great for walking
- +Lively atmosphere
- -Rue de la Huchette is a tourist trap
- -Can be noisy at night
- -Some mediocre restaurants targeting tourists
Le Marais
Mid-rangeTrendy historic quarter with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, art galleries, and a buzzing cafe scene. One of the most walkable and photogenic neighborhoods in Paris.
- +Central location near major sights
- +Excellent restaurants and bakeries
- +Vibrant nightlife and LGBTQ+ scene
- +Beautiful historic architecture
- -Can be very crowded on weekends
- -Higher prices for accommodation
- -Noisy on weekend nights
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
LuxuryIntellectual Left Bank charm with literary cafes, upscale boutiques, and art dealers. Classic Parisian elegance at its finest.
- +Quintessential Parisian atmosphere
- +World-class dining and cafes
- +Near Luxembourg Gardens
- +Quieter than Right Bank
- -Most expensive area to stay
- -Fewer budget dining options
- -Can feel touristy near main boulevard
Bastille / Oberkampf
Mid-rangeTrendy, local-feeling area with the best nightlife in Paris, diverse food scene, and a creative edge. Where young Parisians actually hang out.
- +Best nightlife scene
- +Authentic local vibe
- +Great food variety
- +Good metro connections
- -Far from main tourist sights
- -Noisy on weekend nights
- -Less picturesque than central areas
Daily Budget (Budget)
€ 65/day
Hidden Gems in Paris
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Canal Saint-Martin
FREEThis picturesque canal is lined with charming footbridges, trendy boutiques, and relaxed bistros. Locals love to picnic by its waters or enjoy a leisurely stroll, especially in the evening.
Marché des Enfants Rouges
FREEParis's oldest covered market is a vibrant culinary hub where you can sample global street food from various stalls. It's a fantastic spot for lunch, offering a lively atmosphere away from typical tourist crowds.
Rue Montorgueil
FREEA lively pedestrian street, this is a true Parisian market street where locals shop for fresh produce, cheese, and bread. It's also packed with charming cafes, bakeries, and restaurants perfect for people-watching.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Paris
Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.
Paris Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Paris on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Paris Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Paris with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of Paris: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Paris's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
View Tour Details
Day Trip from Paris: Scenic Excursion
Escape Paris for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Paris Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Paris's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
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2 areas to be cautious about
Read our full safety guide for Paris
Backpackers in Paris: FAQ
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