Where To Stay In Buenos Aires | The Best Places and Neighborhoods
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Buenos Aires, Argentina
The city-state of Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina. It’s rich; diverse culture has been shaped by the flow of migrants looking for a better life. Buenos Aires’ residents have come for over 100 years from all over Europe and Russia.
This sprawling metropolis is home to 13 million people spread across 40 diverse neighborhoods or barrios.The buildings and traditions have been stitched together from worldwide influences. European style architecture dominates the city center. When I first landed in Buenos Aires on a flight from Madrid, I thought the plane never left Spain!
Museo Histórico Nacional del Cabildo y la Revolución de Mayo
Buenos Aires an amazing place to visit and explore. So many places to see and things to do. You’d be hard press to spend only a couple of days exploring this expansive place. You’d need several days or even weeks.
But where to stay in this sprawling metropolis?
There are many neighborhoods and sections of Buenos Aires, and there are many places you pick. There are some neighborhoods I’ve omitted because either the location is too far away from cool stuff to do (and things to see) or simply there are not many options in terms of accommodations like “Retiro” for example.
I’ve also omitted the “La Boca” barrio, though beautiful in the daytime it can get very seedy at night. It’s generally not a good place to be, and it tends to have a higher crime rate than the rest of the city. I’ve picked (and tested) the best places where you can have fun and stay reasonably close to all the tourist attractions, while being safe, in Buenos Aires. You can read all about it below.
The Best Places To Stay In Buenos Aires
I spent about two months in this city. To say it’s huge is an understatement. I’ve stayed in dank hostels in downtown and event rented fancy apartments with the celebrities in Palermo. There are some seedy areas in the city and some very cool places. I’m here to give some insights on where to stay and what to do in those places.
This guide to some of the best neighborhoods will help you to choose the best place for you. A base to set out explore this fascinating city.
Microcentro – Where to stay in Buenos Aires for Central Location
A rainbow hovers above the Plaza de Mayo and Piramidi de Mayo
This is the corporate heart of the city. During the day, it is busy and lively. At night when the office workers leave, it is quieter. Plenty of restaurants and shopping catering for residents and tourists. There are easy transport links to the bus and rail network. An ideal central location for exploring this vast and fascinating city.
This is Buenos Aire’s cultural and historic district. No doubt, you will find the most iconic architecture in the city. Just walking around the Plaza de Mayo will show you most of the European style buildings of the city.
1 – Walk around the Plaza de Mayo
Go for a stroll and admire the buildings. This is the oldest public square in Buenos Aires. It’s the place where the public have gathered throughout history. The Casa Rosada is the government house. It is also known as the pink house. Guess why! Eva Perón spoke from the balcony in 1940 – an event that is featured in the song Evita.
There is an interesting museum behind Casa Rosada that explores the history of Argentina. It is free to visit. The Cabildo de Buenos Aires houses the national museum. It concentrates on the May Revolution and the fight for independence.
2 – Check out the El Obelisko
A national monument that commemorates the 400th year of the founding of the city. It was erected in 1936 and has recently been cleaned up and restored. It is an impressive 67m high. Stand at its base and marvel at the widest street ever. The Avenida 9 de Julio has so many lanes.
El Obelisko at night
Impressive and slightly terrifying for the pedestrian, but don’t worry, there are lots of people crossing the street towards the Obelisko. The monument is worth checking out at night or dusk when it lights up and displays all its glory.
3 – Tango and Shopping
Browse through the shops in the Florida Mall and enjoy the street performances of Tango. Then visit the Confiteria Ideal, a beautiful building that has starred in many films. Take a tango lesson or join in with a dance party at El Baso on a Friday afternoon.
4 – Visit Two Iconic Buildings
The Palacio Barola is uniquely designed around Dante’s Divine Comedy. It is an office block with 22 floors. To see this remarkable building, you need to book onto a guided tour. A 1920’s elevator takes you from floor to floor. On the roof, there is a lighthouse from which you can see a panoramic view of the city. You may prefer a night tour, which includes a wine tasting.
The Casa de la Cultura has a room – the Salon Dorado, inspired by Versailles. Think gold cherubs and rococo style. This building was commissioned for the La Prensa newspaper. The building is topped by a bronze statue of Pallas Athena – the goddess of wisdom. She represents the freedom of the press. Visit on a Friday evening to enjoy a musical performance.
5 – Kitsch Culture
Take a guided tour of La Botica del Angel, the birthplace of the “café concert.” This was the home of Eduardo Bergara Leumann. He was an actor and TV presenter with a flamboyant style. The interior displays bling at an extreme level. If it glittered, he loved it.
San Telmo – Where to Stay in Buenos Aires on a Budget
This is the oldest barrio in Buenos Aires. The site of the first industrial works in the 17th century. It housed the dockworkers and the brickmakers. It is named after the patron saint of seafarers.
The most multicultural area of the city. The colonial buildings and the cobbled streets echo the lives of past inhabitants. Now the buildings house antique shops, steak houses, cafés, and tango parlors. The area is famous for its murals and pop-up galleries. The Paseo de la Historieta runs through San Telmo, and you can see comical structures throughout.
Budget accommodations are plentiful in San Telmo, so if you’re on a tight budget, I recommend you stay here. There are also lots of places to eat for cheap. There are few luxury hotels, but they do exist in San Telmo. See below.
The La Bombonera Stadium is reachable within 1.3 miles of L’Adresse Hôtel Boutique. The place has express check-in and check-out, a bar, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi throughout.
This hotel is situated in the oldest and best-preserved neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and surrounded by bars, tango shows, and shops. Breakfast is served daily.
Centrally located in Buenos Aires, Puerto Limon Hostel is a cozy vintage style hostel. There are spacious accommodations with free WiFi access throughout the property. The rooms come with air conditioning, a bathroom, and a flat-screen TV. Shared kitchen and an outdoor area with BBQ facilities are also available.
Top 5 Things to Do in San Telmo
1 – Visit the Plaza Dorrego
ThePlaza Dorrego is the beating heart of San Telmo. A historic square with plenty of bars and cafés. You may be lucky and witness an impromptu tango performance. Or you can visit one of the many milongas (tango parlors) to see the dance that was born here.
On Sunday, the square hosts a sprawling antique fair. Almost 300 stalls crowd together accompanied by street entertainers. In the surrounding streets like Calle Defensa, the stalls offer crafts and unique gifts. If you are looking for clothing, visit Pasaje Guiffra.
2 – Visit the Convento de Santo Domingo
This Dominican convent was built in the 18th Century. The British lay siege to it in the 19th Century. It was turned into a museum when the Dominicans were thrown out. The interior is a beautiful example of the Spanish colonial style. Manuel Belgrano, a national hero, is buried here. A beautiful building a short walk from Plaza Dorrego.
3 – Check out Casa Mínima
This is a small narrow house that was supposedly built by freed slaves. Or gifted to a free slave. It’s a great and charming story that highlights the historic slavery that existed in Buenos Aires and the rest of the world. It is a fascinating little house and worth including in a walk around the historic buildings. Blink, and you may miss it.
4 – Admire the Architecture
Take a breath and look around. The mix of cultures has resulted in some lovely and unusual buildings in various styles. Many of the old colonial houses are now galleries and shops. Look out for the Solar de French. Once the home of a French soldier, now a place to shop. Many quirky artisanal wares.
5 – Museum of Modern Art (MAMBA)
The building was a tobacco warehouse built in the 19th Century. The museum has been recently restored (2010) and contains an impressive amount of Argentine art. Also, work by many modern artists like Salvador Dalí and Henri Matisse.
Palermo – Best Area to stay in Buenos Aires for Nightlife
Floralis Genérica structure in Palermo
Palmero is the largest neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Lively and vibrant. Palmero has it all. Historical museums, restaurants, art galleries, and green spaces. It is so large that it is a collection of neighborhoods. Each has its own distinct feel and attractions. This place is also active at night, featuring bars and nightclubs.
If you’re staying in Buenos Aires a little longer than a month, Palermo is your best choice. I recommend you find an apartment rental. My then-girlfriend (wife now) rented an apartment for a month in Palermo. It’s one of the up and comping neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and fairly clean. Outside of this, check out my recommendations for the best accommodations in Palermo.
Here’s an upscale hotel by Francis Ford Coppola. Luxurious rooms are furnished with upscale decor and equipped with plasma T.V. Alto Palermo Shopping mall is close by.
Located in the trendy Palermo Soho neighborhood. This hotel is just one block from Serrano Square and the many pubs and cafes in the area. The Line D subway station is five blocks away.
Caravan BA | Hostel Boutique has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a bar, a lounge, and a garden. Continental and buffet breakfast options are available daily. The property has a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen, and a currency exchange for guests.
Top 5 Things to Do in Palermo
1 – Visit the Museums
MALBA – Museo de Arte de Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires. Founded in 2001, it boasts a fabulous collection of Latin American art. Tickets are cheap and start at $2 per person.
Museo Evita – dedicated to the life and impact of Eva Perón
Museo de Arte Popular José Hernández – the collection of the family Blanco. A small museum filled with a collection of religious icons and silver.
2 – Go to the Gardens
Palmero has two notable gardens. A botanic garden and a Japanese garden. Both are an exquisite day walking around fabulous green spaces. There’s a small fee to get into the Japanese garden but well worth it. You can always see this along with other notable attractions via the Hop-on-Hop-off bus.
3 – Take a Walk in the Parks
Parque Tres de Febrero contains the Galileo Galilei Planetarium. There are many other green spaces to enjoy. An impromptu picnic?
4 – Visit the Buenos Aires Eco, Park
This used to be known as the city zoo. It still retains the collection of animals.
5 – Food Culture
The Argentine meat platter is impressive. Most restaurants serve this grilled dish. La Cacrera is well-known for this dish.
The Plaza Serrano is the place to go for cocktails and drinks. If you want a view of the ocean with your favorite drink, then head to the historic Club de Pescadores.
For shopping and food, visit Palmera Hollywood with its fashion stores and upmarket restaurants.
Recoleta – Where to Stay in Buenos Aires for the First Time
A wealthy barriowith upmarket boutiques and exclusive schools. It’s famous for its buildings. The former palaces and townhouses are in the fine art style. A quiet walk in the early morning or late afternoon will let you experience how it resembles Paris.
If it’s your first time in Buenos Aires, this would be your ideal place because it will have most of its famous tourist attractions within walking distance. Buenos Aires is a big city, but I walked from neighborhood to neighborhood without exhausting myself. It’s a pedestrian-friendly city.
The Hotel has 192 guestrooms and suites decorated in a modern French style. Renovated top floors show off 15 spacious suites. Alvear Suite and higher categories provide exclusive service, where a team of butlers assists guests, making their stay a memorable experience.
Hotel Etoile offers elegant well-lit suites overlooking the charming French-style Recoleta Gardens, 2,950 feet from 9 de Julio Avenue, and 1.1 mi from Florida Pedestrian Street. Guests can enjoy the fine cheese and wine bar and taste Argentinean meat at the on-site restaurant. WiFi is free in all areas of the hotel.
WiFi is provided throughout the property. La Bamba Student Hostel is a 19-minute walk from Recoleta Cemetery and one mile from Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. The Colon Theater is 1.1 miles, and the Obelisk is 1.5 miles. A shared kitchen, a shared lounge, and currency exchange are available for guests.
Top 5 Things to Do in the Recoleta
Outside of the famed cemetery with the same name, the Recoleta neighborhood is full of colorful things to do. There’s a shopping mall and a movie theater right next to the cemetery if you get tired of looking at tombs.
1 – Visit Recoleta Cemetery
This strange and beautiful graveyard dates back to 1822.
All the graves are above ground and are ornately decorated.
The building styles are an eclectic mix of ancient, modern, and quirky.
There are at least 6,400 graves.
Each one a marvel. It’s worth taking a tour to learn about some of the fascinating people buried here.
Famously Eva Perón, twenty years after her death.
Every grave has its own tale to tell. Not just the high-status ones.
Open 8:00 am, and the gates close at 6:00 pm.
2 – Check out a Bookshop and a Library
One of the 12 largest bookshops in the world. The fabulous El Atenceo Grand Splendid is worth a visit. Not just for books but for the building. It began in 1919 as a theatre. A short spell as a cinema. Now an exquisite bookshop. You can drink a cup of coffee while listening to the piano player. Admire the sumptuous theatrical décor. Red velvet drapes and fresco ceilings provide the opulent backdrop to the rows and rows of books.
The National Library of Argentina is built in the brutalist style. It is built on the grounds of the demolished Unzué Palace. This was the residency of President Juan Perón and his wife, Eva. The reading room on the fifth floor has a spectacular view. You will need identification to gain access to the library. The library has close to a million historical documents, some of which date back to the 16th century. A fascinating glimpse of past lives and troubles.
Enjoy a walk around the sculptures. The park was named after Carlos Thays – a French landscape architect. He designed many of the green spaces around the city. Look out for the impressive sculpture by the Columbian artist Fernando Botero – the nude male torso (Torso Masculino Desnudo). As well as Marta Minujín’s United Nations statue and many others.
Stroll through Calle Junín to see some of the wonderful former palaces like Palacio Duhau and Pizzurno Palace.
5 – It’s time to Shop
At the weekend, make time to visit the Feria de Artesanos de Plaza Francia.The 150 plus stands offer a wide range of high-quality handcrafted goods. At a substantial discount to the same goods gound in the upscale shops. A festive atmosphere is provided by a range of street performers. Plenty and varied street food to enjoy as you decide what to buy. Or just soak up the atmosphere. All kinds of traditional and modern items made from silver, leather, and ceramics.
Need a coffee break? Then head to the year-old Café La Biela. Serving its customers for 150 years. You can sip your coffee on the terrace shaded from the sun by a giant rubber tree. The name means ‘connecting-rod.’ Once, it was the meeting place for racing car champions. The interior is decorated with motoring memorabilia. The café is recognized as a Place of Cultural Interest.
Puerto Madero – Where to Stay in Buenos Aires for the New Trendy
This was once a run-down dockland. It has been refreshed through a decade of regeneration. This is a quiet and safe place to visit. Celebrated architects like Santiago Calatrava have contributed to the transformation.
This place is surrounded by modern high-rises yet close to the historic district. There are many waterfront restaurants, and if you happen to be there during New Year, there’s the fireworks show.
Puerto Madero is a hip hang out. There are lots of modern structures and top-notch restaurants throughout. It’s a perfect place for a late-night stroll.
1 – Burque Museo Corbeta A.R.A “Uruguay”
This nautical museum is close to the Sarmiento. This ship is a corvette. You can find out about its history from the exhibitions and items displayed inside. It had an interesting working life that included a rescue mission to Antarctica as well as naval battles.
2 – Buque Museo Fragata Sarmiento
You can explore the ship and take that perfect Instagram photo from the deck. A view of the Buenos Aires skyline. You are standing on a ship that has been six times around the world. It was built in 1890. Only ever used as a training ship.
3 – Walk over Puente de la Mujer
The bridge designed by Calatrava. A fantastic blend of engineering prowess and art. Based on the idea of a couple dancing the tango. The bridge swings 90° to allow ships to pass up the river. Keep an eye out, especially if you’re there on the holidays for spectacular fireworks!
4 – Visit the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve
The best way to see this giant park is by bike. There are many hire shops. You can explore a variety of habitats from forest to lagoons. Enjoy a stroll along the ocean’s edge. This is a free attraction.
5 – Visit El Zanjón
In 1536 this was the first settlement of what was to grow into Buenos Aires. A large Mansion was constructed here in the 19th Century. Some of the original structures were destroyed in the process. Tourists can now explore the site as a collage of different times. Colonial buildings alongside a ruined mansion.
Villa Crespo – The Coolest Place to Stay in Buenos Aires
This is a district that manages to balance being modern and traditional. This is the barriowith a large Jewish population. Take a stroll around the streets, and you will come across historic synagogues.
Murillo is both the traditional and current center for the craft of worked leather. You will find many shops covering any item that can be made out of leather. If you have the time, you can have a custom made item to fit you.
2 – Enjoy Dining
A multicultural community with a varied range of restaurants. Sample Jewish dishes at La Crespo. Try middle eastern cuisine at Sarkis. If you’re a meat-eater, you’ll be in heaven!
Argentina has some of the best beef in the world. Definitely go for the Argentine Parilla.
3 – Parque Centenario
A circular park covering 12 hectares. Plenty to do and see. The park contains the Bernardino Rivadavia Argentine Museum of Natural Science. It is open every afternoon until 7 pm. For festivals and events, visit the Eva Peron Amphitheatre.
At the edges of the park, you will find an assortment of stalls. A book fair all week and a weekend market.
4 – Explore the Streets
As well as the buildings, you can admire the art. Villa Crespo is famed for its murals. Buenos Aires is acknowledged as one of the top cities for urban art. They can be seen all over the area, but there are some spectacular examples at the crossroads of Castillo and Serrano. You can take an organized tour to seek out the hidden gems. This is free art on a giant colorful scale.
5 – Enjoy a Night Out
Visit Club Silencio for cocktails while you watch a performance. You begin the experience with a blindfold and are led through a sensory musical experience. This club is based on the David Lynch club of the same name in Paris. Or you can go to Villa Malcolm for cheap wine and tango dancing. Café San Bernardo offers pool, dancing, and your drink of choice.
Belgrano – The best Neighborhood in Buenos Aires for Families
In this friendly neighborhood, you can see old Anglo-Saxon style family houses mixed together with sleek, high-rise apartment blocks. There are two things to watch and listen for while walking around the sidewalks.
The unique dialect that is a mixture of Spanish and German. It’s called Belgranodeutsch. The other is the dog walkers. They have masses of dogs. There is a rule that there is a maximum of ten dogs per person. This is often ignored with people walking twice that number.
This is the area for fashionistas. The shops are centered around Avenida Cabildo. You can get anything from top designers down to fast fashion.
2 – Barrancas de Belgrano
There are many green spaces across Buenos Aires. In Belgrano, the park is designed by the French-Argentine architect Carlos Thay. It was created by moving a river by building an artificial embankment. Over 60 different varieties of trees and plants grow here. It is a pleasant green space to relax in the midst of the city.
There are many sculptures to enjoy as you stroll around. Most famously a replica of the Statue of Liberty. It was made by Frédéric Bartholdi. The same creator as the iconic statue.
In the evening you can watch tango dancers at the bandstand.
3 – Visit a Museum
There are two museums. The Larreta Museum is housed in the former home of the Argentine writer Enrique Larreta. Inside there are exhibits of his modern art collection. His love for Spain is reflected in the exhibits and the beautiful tiled floors. Outside, the garden is laid out in the Andalusian style.
The Historical Museum Sarmiento was once the town hall. It is built in the style of an Italian townhouse. The museum covers Argentine history. You can take a guided tour, and there is a museum gift shop.
4 – Visit River Plate Stadium
This is the largest stadium in Argentina. It is the venue for most of the international football matches played in this country. Depending on your preference you can watch a football match or a concert. Or you can visit the sports museum on the site. At 3,500 square feet, it is the largest museum dedicated to sporting achievement in the World. The stadium sits in the Estuary of the Rio de la Plata. The silver river, but the English mistranslated it as a plate. The Argentine name for the stadium is Estadio Monumental.
5 – Walk Around the Streets
If you are passing the Inmaculada Conceptión Church in the afternoon, you may be lucky enough to see a bright and colorful wedding party. The building itself is beautiful. It is built in a round shape and has a lovely interior and an interesting history.
After you have enjoyed the architecture, make sure you end up in the Barrio Chino – China Town. You enter through an ornate stone archway. Here you can enjoy the noodle bars and street food. But you can also sit down in a high-end restaurant to enjoy the very best oriental cuisine. Around February, you may be fortunate enough to see the Chinese New Year celebrations. Plenty of shops selling a mixture of oriental goods.
The Best Accommodation In Buenos Aires?
Are you looking for the best hotels in Buenos Aires, regardless of the location? Don’t have the time to look at the various neighborhoods and barrios? Here are my top picks for hotels and other accommodations in Buenos Aires!
If you want the best views in Buenos Aires, there can be none better than the Hotel Panamerico! The top floor lounge is reserved for guests only, and you won’t be able to get the insane view of the Avenida 9 de Julio with the Obelisko unless you book a room in the hotel. It’s rated at 4.5 Stars, so it’s not exactly friendly if you’re in a tight budget.
I think the view with all the photos I was able to get is well worth it. I think I paid just a hair over $100 a night, but the photos I got from the top are priceless. Just click on the link of this page to get the best deals in rooms.
This post contains affiliate links from Booking.com or similar. It costs nothing to you should you purchase or book from our affiliate links.
Paris is one of the most romantic cities and is on most travelers’ bucket lists. Visiting Paris is a must for all of you who love the spirit of Europe, and wish to explore the art, fashion, culture, and gastronomical side of this fascinating city.
Every year, tens of millions of tourists visit the city, hoping to get their piece of the romantic cake everyone who’s visited Paris is talking about. Once you get a chance to explore this magnificent city you’ll understand why it is the most popular tourist destination in the world.
Ah, Paris!
The City of Lights and Capital of Fashion are nicknames that this city is described with. They tell you enough about how glorious this city is. The monumental value is proven by the fact that a large part of Paris is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Paris holds second place when it comes to the highest number of Michelin restaurants in the world (after Tokyo) which shows how seriously they take gastronomy.
But, when it comes to finding accommodation in Paris and deciding where to stay there’s a lot of choices. Officially, the city has 20 districts that are called arrondissements.
The districts are numbered from 1 to 20 and they are ordered in a clockwise spiral from the city center. The center of the city is called Kilometre Zero (it is where it all starts) and the mark of this location is in front of Notre Dame.
Knowing about the order of the districts will help you get around the city, however, considering that there are 20 districts or arrondissements to choose from, getting information about some of the best ones can help you find the one that fits you.
Let’s take a look at the best neighborhoods for tourists in Paris to stay in.
Please refer to the Wikitravel map for the numbered districts for reference.
7 – Saint Germain
This district is great for families and those who want to visit as many art galleries and explore the fascinating architecture of the city. Medieval churches, sidewalk booksellers, galleries, and numerous cafés such as the famous Flore (favored by Hemingway) will easily steal your attention.
You can have an amazing time just walking around this district and absorbing this distinctive architectural style or you can spend days visiting art galleries and appreciating all the impeccable pieces. Saint Germain is in the 6th arrondissement of Paris so the youthful atmosphere from the Latin Quarter is somewhat transferred to this district as well.
For a more touristy place to stay in this district focus on rue Buci. You’ll have lots of things to see there as soon as you walk out. Enjoy the good restaurant with your family and spend time strolling around and just breathing in the Parisian lifestyle. Make sure that you visit Luxembourg Palace and Gardens since every one of you will be amazed by its beauty. This is a great place to spend your afternoons when you want to chill after a tiring day.
Located in the 4th arrondissement, Marais is the best place for shopping-lovers and those who are looking for rich nightlife. It is safe to say that this is the hippest and trendiest part of the town. Moreover, the area is filled with chic boutiques, interesting galleries, concept stores, cafés, and gay bars.
Since this was once a Jewish quarter you can find lots of great kosher restaurants. Young travelers can have the time of their life in this area, shopping in the daytime and partying in the nighttime. This is why most Millennials who are looking for a carefree time in Paris head to this place.
Besides shopping, during the day you can spend walking around and chilling in the Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris. If you feel like getting some historical information, head to Mémorial de la Shoah. This is Paris’s Holocaust Memorial Museum.
It is located in the heart of the Marais on rue Geoffroy l’Asnier. The best part is that the entry is free and they offer guided tours weekly. Any of you who love the work of French poet, novelist, and dramatist of the Romantic Movement Victor Marie Hugo, should check out the Musée Victor Hugo, where the writer lived.
This is a luxurious neighborhood that offers great sight-seeing and is well-connected to the rest of the city. The 1st arrondissement has lots of landmarks so staying here will help you to get around and see it all. Since there are many things to see here, it will be easier for you to pick your place of stay if you know its four quartiers and what they have to offer:
Quartier Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois
This quartier runs along the bank of the Seine and what you can find here are the Louvre(the “home” of famous Mona Lisa), the Tuileries Gardens, and the west part of one of two remaining islands in the Seine – Ile de la cité.
Quartier Les Halles
This is a place with a more relaxed character where you can enjoy luxurious shopping sprees. What is significant here for all the shoppers is the massive Les Halles shopping center. Besides the numerous stores, you’ll be surprised by the beautifully abstract architecture of this building.
Quartier Palais-Royal
The most prominent monumental site in this area is the Palais Royal. The Quartier Palais-Royal also includes the bigger part of the busy and cosmopolitan Avenue de l’Opera.
Quartier Place Vendôme
Place Vendôme serves as a center for this quarter. It is signified by its 18th-century street grid. The beautiful historic buildings make this area even more impressive and in them, you’ll find the most luxurious boutiques, jewelry brands, and hotels.
Based on the quartier’s locations and their most popular landmarks you can search for the accommodation in the one that you find most suitable for you. However, no matter which quartier you stay in, you can use the metro to quickly reach the other quartiers and see all the landmarks in the 1st arrondissement. What is certain is that none of these quartiers lack luxury and sight-seeing opportunities.
We’ve finally got to the place for all of the hedonists whose guilty pleasure is the tasty food. Food-lovers will enjoy this area since it offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and places to enjoy the local cuisine. You can check out the Rue de Charonne part, located between the République and Nation squares, which currently presents the evolving dining scene in this hip area.
There is something for everyone so you can find cheaper restaurants, cafés, and bars as well as more expensive ones. Feel free to browse around and try out different places until you find your favorite ones. The cuisine varies from typical French to Mexican, meaning that you can literary try it all out.
Besides enjoying all the tasty food and savory drinks, if you stay in the 11th Arrondissement head to the Opéra Bastille, watch the entertainers at Place de la République, or mingle with the bohemians and bourgeois in the hipster neighborhood of “BoBo” quartier (Quartier de la Folie-Méricourt). Anyone who is looking to relax with their friends or a loved one while indulging in great food, head straight to this district. You won’t be disappointed.
If you are a first-time visitor, this district can be the best choice for your stay. It is close to all the major attractions which will make it easier for you to get around. What you can find in the 7th arrondissements are the Eiffel Tower and its Champs de Mars park. This district is a great place for sightseeing.
History lovers will especially be satisfied with this area. Here are some historic places that you can check out there:
The Musée d’Orsay (with French art dating from 1848 to 1914)
The Musée Rodin with its sculpture garden
Les Invalides (a complex of buildings containing museums and monuments related to the military history of France, as well as the Napoleon’s Tomb)
The building of National Assembly
There are also express bus and tour operators the can take you to the famed Versailles Palace. The 7th Arrondissement really has all the marque landmarks that anyone who’s dreamed of going to Paris can check off their list.
The combination of history and fashion can be found at the Parisian mega-store Le Bon Marché which is one of the first modern department stores founded in 1838. The 7th arrondissement is recommended for all of you who don’t have lots of time to spend in Paris and want to see as much as they can for a short period.
The Latin Quarter is the oldest district in Paris and it is known as the district of students. Therefore, if you are looking for an affordable and vivid location that offers fantastic nightlife Latin Quarter should be your pick. Lots of students from Academploy, an educational blog name this quarter as their favorite place to stay in Paris which shows that this is the best pick for the younger crowd. Latin Quarter is in the 5th arrondissement and it is the home of the Sorbonne University. This explains all the student-filled cafés.
This is a historic center of educational and artistic achievements. If you decide to stay in this area, you can spend your days visiting attractions such as the National Museum of Natural History and the Jardin des Plantes botanical gardens, as well as the Panthéon building that has the remains of notable achievers like Voltaire and Marie Curie.
Book-lovers will find their place in this district since it is filled with mega-bookstores on Place St-Michel as well as booksellers in the open-air who showcase the books by on the Seine. If you want to avoid the crowds, start with book-hunting early in the morning.
For a budget-friendly but romantic area, head to Montmarte. This is the most romantic neighborhood in Paris. What makes it so fairytale-like is that it is located on the top of a small hill so you’ll have a beautiful landscape to look at and enjoy. Montmarte is also known as the Mountain of Martyrs and it’s set in the 18th arrondissement.
This charming place still has that village atmosphere that makes your night walks more romantic and simply takes you back in the time. And in the moments when you want some unforgettable entertainment, make sure to visit the Moulin Rouge.
With many gardens and vineyards, you’ll be able to get lost in nature. There are lots of little bistros, windmills, museums, and artists who are absorbing the atmosphere that resembles the 19th and 20th centuries.
Many novel writers come here to get inspiration that will get them good ratings. This is certainly a place that will leave you with many unforgettable memories. Montmarte is perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway, artists who are in search of inspiration, and a group of friends who want to enjoy the authentic Paris atmosphere.
If you don’t mind doing a little bit of walking and taking public transport, consider staying in Belleville. My first time in Paris I couchsurfed and stayed with a host in Belleville. This neighborhood is the China Town of Paris and the working-class district.
The neighborhood is not very touristy, there’s nothing particular to note except the awesome Parc de Belleville and Edith Piaf’s apartment (incidentally right around the corner of where I stayed). Graffitis might be construed as a bad image for the city but not in Belleville – it’s considered art here!
There are lots of cafes and bars to choose from and every weekend comes the farmers market. This area is some of the cheaper parts of Paris and still relatively safe and great for families. If you want to experience Paris like a local, stay in Belleville.
While the weather in Paris is similar to most European cities and there all tourists visiting the city at all times, there are still some differences depending on seasons. So, here are some of the best times to head to the City of Light:
Early December-February – The cheapest prices and colder weather
April-June and October-early November – Smaller crowds and best for sight-seeing
May, June, September, and October – Best for honeymooners
July and August – Very hot and the roads outside Paris will be congested because of the local’s holiday trips.
Ready to Visit Paris?
As you can see, Paris has so many different sides, and if you can’t explore all of them choose a neighborhood most suitable for your needs. To recapitalize and help you narrow down your choices, let’s just revise the best places to stay based on the preferences and group types:
Where to stay in Paris if you are visiting the first time – 1st and 7th arrondissement
Where to stay in Paris for good nightlife– Marais and Latin Quarter
Where to stay in Paris for a budget-friendly trip – Latin Quarter
Where to stay in Paris with your family – Saint Germain
Where to stay in Paris for a romantic getaway – Montmarte
Where to stay in Paris for a luxurious lifestyle – 1st arrondissement
Where to stay in Paris for artists and writers – Montmarte, Latin Quarter, Saint Germain, and 11th arrondissement
Where to stay in Paris for shopping lovers – 1st arrondissement, Marais, and 7th arrondissement
Where to stay in Paris for food lovers – 11th arrondissement
Where to stay in Paris like a local– Belleville
With this little list, you can simply find the area that you like the most and have an unforgettable trip to a place that exudes with history, romance, and guilty pleasures.
A Tiki bar but instead of appropriating Oceanic cultures and religions, it’s all Garbled Catholic Iconography.
Me *points to cherub*: can you make that but hollow so I can fill it with Mai Tais?
The walls are covered in Lorem Ipsum but if anyone asks, all the staff say it’s a sacred, mystical text.
Bar snacks are all shaped like communion wafers, but, like, salted
You stick your tongue out and a waiter in short shorts and a Roman collar gently places one onion ring on your tongue.
Mini crucifixes instead of drink umbrellas
fun fact: there’s literally a bar with this exact theme in vancouver called hail mary’s! it’s catholic themed and there’s a confession booth and the bathroom is styled like hell
you say that and then you´re not going to add pics?
I’m really glad this post is making the rounds again (yaaaay validation) but it kills me that folks are reblogging versions without all the lovely pictures!!!
This strange and beautiful graveyard dates back to 1822.
