a guide to the Parisian arrondissements

Feeling a bit lost in the Parisian arrondissements maze? Don't sweat it, citizens, we know it's tricky! Here's a quick guide to get you oriented. So, what exactly are these arrondissements? Think of them as neighbourhoods, each with its own vibe. Paris has 20, numbered in a spiral from the centre outward. The higher the number, the further you are from the heart of Paris.

Pick any of Paris best areas to stay in and you're set for a fab trip to Paris. Need some more deets? No prob! Let's hop on a tour through all Parisian arrondissements below, from 1 to 20.

1st Arrondissement (Louvre)
Best for sightseeing

Say "Bonjour" to the royal 1st! Home to the Louvre, where art rules and the Mona Lisa's smirk is officially the city's best-kept secret. Fancy a strut in the Tuileries Garden? Feel like royalty, but watch out, those statues might just be more stylish than you. And Place Vendôme? It’s not just posh, it’s "Oh la la" with a cherry on top.

2nd Arrondissement (Bourse)
Central, lively and local

Typical Parisian cafes invite you for a delish croissant and wine bars wink at you from every corner. Explore the hidden treasures of the historic passages, where you can shop till you drop like a true Parisian. And for a touch of drama, don't miss the majestic Opéra Garnier – and in case you´re around, don´t forget to pop by citizenM Paris Opera!

3rd Arrondissement (Temple)
Cafes and museums

Bienvenue to the trendy 3rd arrondissement, where every street feels like a catwalk and every market stall is a work of art. Wander through the lively Rue de Bretagne market, where the scent of freshly baked croissants mingles with the chatter of locals. And if you’re up for a splash of culture, dive into the stunning world of the Picasso Museum.


4th Arrondissement (Hôtel-de-Ville)
UNESCO heritage sights

The heart of historic Paris, where every cobblestone tells a story and every corner hides a culinary gem. Marvel at the Gothic masterpiece of Notre-Dame Cathedral, then wander the charming streets of Île Saint-Louis. And when the sun sets, join the colourful LGBTQ+ scene of Le Marais for a soirée you won't forget – because in Paris, every night is a celebration.

5th Arrondissement (Panthéon)
Universities and late night bars

The brains and bohemians! Meet Paris´intellectual hub, where conversations are philosophical debates and every bookshop is a treasure trove. Explore Sorbonne University, where minds meet and ideas collide like bubbles in a glass of champagne. And for a taste of the Latin Quarter's bohemian spirit, lose yourself in its charming streets.

6th Arrondissement (Luxembourg)
Elegance, jazz and greeneries

Chic, darling, chic! The 6th is where elegance sips coffee with leisure. The Luxembourg Gardens? A green catwalk for the sophisticated. Saint-Germain-des-Prés? Every café is a haven for the mind and the soul, every conversation a work of art.

7th Arrondissement (Palais-Bourbon)
Iconic landmarks

Picturesque Paris, where landmarks are a symbol of grandeur. Stand in awe of the iconic Eiffel Tower Then, delve into the artistic treasures of the Musée d'Orsay, where the Impressionists come to life like flavours in a perfectly crafted dish. Magnifique!

8th Arrondissement (Élysée)
Luxury shopping and museums

The glamorous playground of Paris and home to our citizenM Champs-Élysées hotel. Strut your stuff down the iconic Champs-Élysées, where the shopping scene gleams like champagne flowing from the bottle. Wave at Arc de Triomph, visit the Modern Art Museum and don't miss the Palais de l'Élysée – because in Paris, even politics are haute couture!


9th Arrondissement (Opéra)
Cocktails, cabaret and croissants

Say ´bonsoir´ to the liveliest arrondissement at night. Pigalle’s cabarets are spicy, the melodies endless. Got hungry again? Refuel with delicious French delicacies at one of the many bakeries, cheeseries or restaurants at the famed Rue des Martyrs. Ah, oui – when you´re here, come say hi at citizenM Paris Opera!


10th Arrondissement (Entrepôt)
Picnics and peaceful canals

Get lost in the canal-side culinary spots of this lively neighbourhood – cause in the 10th arrondissement, you´ll find a whole array of yummy eats. Fancy mingling with the locals? Bring a bottle of Merlot and stroll down the lively Canal Saint-Martin for picnic and people-watching. Up for some shopping? Find the best vintage spots here!

11th Arrondissement (Popincourt)
Best for creative souls

Creativity thrives and every corner surprises you with artistic inspiration in Popincourt. Here, you´ll find trendy boutiques and quirky cafes of every kind. And when night falls, join the hip crowd in the bars and live music venues – because in this arrondissement, the party never stops!

12th Arrondissement (Reuilly)
Greenery and grandeur

Picnics and paddle boats await you at Bois de Vincennes. And for a taste of local charm, wander through the lively Marché d'Aligre. Here, the sights, sounds and smells will take you on a dreamy journey to authentic Paris.

13th Arrondissement (Gobelins)
Multicultural touch

A colourful mix of tradition and innovation, the 13th is a global village within Paris. Street art enthusiasts,  you´ll love Butte-aux-Cailles. Getting hangry? Hop over to Chinatown, where the smell of spicy noodles and savory dumplings fill the air – this neighbourhood is a true journey around the globe, citizens.  


14th Arrondissement (Observatoire)
Crepes and catacombs

Fancy going off the beaten track? Here, you´ll find less tourists and more artists. It’s been a hotbed for creative souls and a little corner of Brittany in Paris. Famous for its head-in-the-clouds skyscraper, the Tour Montparnasse and the lively Gare Montparnasse. It´s a place with stories to tell and art to spill!

15th Arrondissement (Vaugirard)
Family-friendly chic

A riverside stroll with Eiffel Tower views? It’s as iconic as that perfect croissant. Rue du Commerce? Let’s just say shopping here is an absolute must. Not to mention, it's peppered with cultural hotspots, museums, and theatres to tickle your fancy.

16th Arrondissement (Seizième)
Woodlands & art shows

Stroll through chic Bois de Boulogne, check out the artsy Fondation Louis Vuitton, and play in Jardin d’Acclimatation. Tennis fan? Hello, Roland Garros! Swing by Passy for a sip at the Wine Museum.

17th Arrondissement (Batignolles-Monceau)
Environmental- and family-friendly

Off the beaten track! This eco-friendly quarter is full of green spots. Less crowded shopping? Yes, please! Don't miss the charming, cobbled streets for a serene walk.

18th Arrondissement (Montmartre)
Moulin Rouge and city views

Montmartre's artsy hills, vibrant Pigalle and the famous Moulin Rouge shows await. Don't miss the quirky Saint-Ouen flea market! Top it off with breathtaking city views from Sacré-Cœur.

19th Arrondissement (Butte-Chaumont)
Hipsters and waterfalls

Green lovers, head to the 19th for Parc de la Villette's cultural treats and Parc des Buttes Chaumont's secret waterfalls. Hipster heaven! Enjoy the indie shops and bars nearby for a local feel.

20th Arrondissement (Ménilmontant)
Lively bars and dining gems

Explore Père Lachaise Cemetery in the 20th, then hit the artsy Ménilmontant and Belleville for hidden dining gems and lively bars. Walk along the peaceful, house-lined streets of la campagne à Paris.