A City of a Thousand Facets, Paris is as rich in stories as it is in nicknames: the City of Light, the Gastronomic Capital, the City of Love… We could list as many names as there are arrondissements.
Paris has 20 arrondissements, each contributing to the city’s unique personality. Every district has its own identity, shaped by its architecture, its atmosphere, and its history.
A walk along the Left Bank in the 6th arrondissement offers a completely different vibe from a stroll on the Right Bank in the nearby 4th arrondissement.
As King Francis I once said:
“Paris is not a city, it’s a world.”
So, if you are visiting Paris in just one day, making choices might be a challenge—but it’s far from mission impossible. To make the most of your time, it’s worth planning ahead. That’s exactly what this guide is here to help you do.
Table of Contents: Hotel to visit Paris in 1 day
What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Paris?
After exploring every corner of Paris many times, here is my Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in when visiting the city:
1. Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Left Bank: 6th Arrondissement
Let’s start with my favorite neighborhood in the capital: Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
In addition to its rich history, its central location makes it ideal for seeing Paris in just one day. Whether you’re passionate about fashion, art, literature, or in search of gourmet food and cultural experiences, Saint-Germain will meet all your expectations.
As soon as you arrive at the Saint-Germain-des-Prés metro station, your eyes will be drawn to the beauty of Place Saint-Germain, where the oldest bell tower in Paris (the Church of Saint-Germain) faces the legendary literary café Les Deux Magots.
Independent boutiques offering fashion, accessories, home decor, publishing houses, and art galleries line the narrow streets of this irresistibly charming district.
Like its neighbor, the Latin Quarter, it’s a lively area. Day and night, bars and restaurants energize the streets, showcasing the very best of French gastronomy. Even Chef Cyril Lignac has opened several of his restaurants here.
One address to remember: Cour du Commerce Saint-André, a picturesque open-air passage home to several restaurants—including Le Procope, the oldest café in Paris.
But that’s not the only great place to visit! Later in this guide, we’ll also introduce you to the Welcome Hotel Paris, a top choice to fully enjoy your stay in the area.
Another major strength of Saint-Germain: its central location, providing easy access to numerous cultural landmarks around the city:
- Louvre Carrousel and Tuileries Garden (5-minute walk)
- Rue de Rivoli – Les Halles shopping center – BHV Marais (15-minute walk)
- Centre Pompidou (20-minute walk)
- Le Marais district (20-minute walk)
- Assemblée Nationale – Palais Bourbon (25-minute walk)
- Paris Catacombs (15 minutes by metro)
- Champs-Elysées and Arc de Triomphe (20 minutes by metro)
- Jardin des Plantes (20 minutes by metro)
- Musée du Quai Branly (20 minutes by metro)
In short, this neighborhood alone combines all the best features of the other areas listed below. It’s the perfect choice to visit Paris in a single day.
Average hotel price: €200–€300 per night
Metro station: Saint-Germain-des-Prés l Nearest train stations: Gare Montparnasse (14th), Gare de l’Est & Gare du Nord (10th), Gare de Lyon (12th)
Pros: Central location (near Latin Quarter, Tuileries Garden, Notre-Dame), rich in culture and history, charming boutique hotels
Cons: High prices, limited nightlife (outside of bars and restaurants)
2. Le Marais District – Right Bank: 4th Arrondissement
Let’s now cross the Seine to the Right Bank. A true village in the heart of Paris, Le Marais is without a doubt one of my favorite areas of the capital. Its narrow streets, lined with historic façades, invite you to wander and explore.
The vibe here is relaxed—perfect for strolling, browsing, and treasure hunting.
The neighborhood is full of independent shops of all kinds: home decor, jewelry, accessories, and vintage clothing at great prices. It’s a great spot for anyone looking to step off the beaten path and discover a more intimate Paris.
History is everywhere in this emblematic area. You’ll find:
- The Musée Carnavalet, which tells the story of Paris
- The National Archives Museum
- The famous Picasso Museum, located in a former private mansion
Le Marais will win you over first with its authentic charm, and then with its vibrant nightlife.
Parisians flock here on the weekends to enjoy its many trendy restaurants, cocktail bars, and cafés.
Another key detail—especially if you only have one day in Paris—is that you can walk to the Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement) by crossing Île Saint-Louis.
Average hotel price: €200–€300 per night
Metro station: Hôtel de Ville l Nearest train stations: Gare de Lyon (12th), Gare de l’Est & Gare du Nord (10th)
Pros: Historic charm, lively nightlife, cultural highlights, walkable to the Latin Quarter, warm and friendly atmosphere
Cons: Limited accommodation, can be noisy on weekends
3. Opéra District – Right Bank: 9th Arrondissement
Overlooked by the iconic Palais Garnier, the Opéra district is known for its grand Haussmann-style architecture and serves as a lively hub of Parisian life, perfect for combining culture, shopping, and gourmet experiences.
First and foremost, it’s home to two of Paris’s most famous department stores:
- Galeries Lafayette
- Le Printemps
These historic landmarks bring together the biggest luxury brands from France and around the world.
If you’re visiting Paris for just one day and love shopping, this area is a must!
Food lovers will also find plenty to enjoy, thanks to:
- The renowned Cédric Grolet pastry shop
- Galeries Lafayette Gourmet – a true paradise for gourmets
On top of that, the district is extremely well connected by public transport. You can reach:
- The 1st arrondissement in under 10 minutes (Louvre, Palais Royal, Tuileries Garden)
- The bustling Châtelet area for even more shopping, dining, and cultural experiences (Centre Pompidou, rue de Rivoli, Les Halles)
Average hotel price: €200–€300 per night
Metro station: Opéra | Nearest train stations: Gare Saint-Lazare (12th), Gare de l’Est & Gare du Nord (10th)
Pros: Lively vibe, excellent transport connections, shopping paradise, great for foodies
Cons: Business-oriented in some parts, heavy traffic
4. Montmartre District (Butte Montmartre) – Right Bank: 18th Arrondissement
Wandering through the bohemian, iconic neighborhood of Montmartre feels like stepping into the whimsical world of Amélie Poulain.
Climb the hill to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica to enjoy a panoramic view of Paris. Just a short walk away, artists and portrait painters gather at Place du Tertre, a must-see for art and photography lovers.
Then, let yourself get lost in the cobbled streets and flower-lined façades of this legendary hilltop neighborhood. As evening falls, vibrant colors give way to a romantic, mellow ambiance—perfect for a candlelit dinner on a terrace at one of Montmartre’s many bistros.
Fun fact: Did you know Montmartre hosts its own wine festival every autumn?
The Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre celebrates the local vineyard, Clos Montmartre, with tastings and a festive atmosphere.
Average hotel price: €150–€200 per night
Metro station: Anvers l Nearest train stations: Gare de Lyon (12th), Gare Saint-Lazare (12th)
Pros: Historic, artsy, and picturesque; rich cultural vibe; more affordable than central Paris
Cons: Further from main attractions; lots of stairs and slopes—less accessible for those with mobility issues
5. Champs-Élysées District – Right Bank: 8th Arrondissement
Staying in the heart of the Golden Triangle—the prestigious Champs-Élysées district—is like stepping into a dream for anyone passionate about high fashion and luxury shopping. There, you’ll find the flagship stores of legendary brands like: Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Cartier and Hermès. These boutiques line the iconic Avenue des Champs-Élysées and the neighboring Avenue George V.
But this neighborhood isn’t just about shopping—it’s also a great base for exploring major cultural landmarks, such as:
- The Arc de Triomphe
- The Art Nouveau Grand Palais
- The Petit Palais (free entrance)
- The Jacquemart-André Museum, with its exquisite private art collection
- The Hôtel de la Marine, a hidden gem full of history
- The Quai Branly Museum
- The Cernuschi Museum, focused on Asian arts
Average hotel price: €250–€350 per night, with many luxury hotels exceeding €1,000 per night
Metro station: Charles de Gaulle – Étoile
Pros: Luxury shopping, excellent public transportation, rich in cultural sites
Cons: Lacks authenticity, little local life, expensive
Hotel for Visiting Paris in 1 Day
The Welcome Hotel Paris, a Strategic Location in the Heart of Paris
Among my selection of good addresses is the Welcome Hotel, located in the central district of Saint-Germain-des-Prés on the Left Bank, which I introduced earlier. Right in the heart of this neighborhood, at the corner of Boulevard Saint-Germain and Rue de Seine, this hotel is an ideal starting point for a short visit to Paris.
By staying at the Welcome Hotel, you are just steps away from the publishing houses, art galleries, and gourmet spots that make this area so rich. Saint-Germain is also famous for its cultural history. Many artists (poets, writers, musicians, painters) have left their mark here over the centuries. Among them: Eugène Delacroix, Balzac, George Sand, and Serge Gainsbourg. They all helped create the unique soul of this neighborhood.
Booking in Saint-Germain means immersing yourself in the literary, artistic, and historical heart of Paris. Let’s not forget, this district is also close to the tourist sites and cultural places that attract visitors. These include the Luxembourg Gardens, the Pont des Arts, the Louvre Museum, the Tuileries Garden, BHV Marais, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and even more unusual places like the Paris Catacombs.
Moreover, it is served by several metro stations: Odéon, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Mabillon, and Saint-Michel—very convenient when coming from the airport.
During my last visit to Paris, arriving early at the Welcome Hotel, I was immediately won over by the warm and friendly reception at the front desk. As a friend of mine says, it was a “spotless welcome.” Boutique hotels are my favorites. Their family atmosphere and limited number of rooms encourage exchanges with the hosts. They even gave me some excellent restaurant recommendations (the neighborhood is full of them), tailored to my needs.
Furthermore, although the rooms are typically Parisian in size—which is part of their charm—they offer all the necessary comforts for a pleasant night in Paris.
Comfortable and Well-Equipped Rooms for a Peaceful Stay
The Welcome Hotel has 30 rooms spread over 6 floors. For a short stay, I chose a classic room, which perfectly met my needs. It was both cozy and well-equipped with:
- Hairdryer;
- Safe;
- Courtesy tray;
- Flat-screen TV;
- Free Wi-Fi;
- Bottled water and financiers (small French pastries) offered;
- Air conditioning.
I especially appreciated the large window overlooking the street, perfect for watching Parisian life go by while wrapped in cozy sheets.
For those who want more space, in addition to the classic double rooms, superior and deluxe rooms are also available. Detailed descriptions can be found directly on the hotel’s website. Unfortunately, they do not offer connecting rooms or family rooms.
They offer two types of direct booking rates:
- A flexible rate with free cancellation up to one day before arrival;
- A non-refundable rate offering a better price.
Tip: Contrary to what one might think, July and August are considered low season in Paris. Prices are therefore more attractive during these months.
An Eco-Friendly Commitment
Moreover, the Welcome Hotel is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Green Key label for its ecological efforts. This commitment has further enhanced the quality of services and comfort at the establishment:
- Breakfast highlights organic products or those from local producers (yogurts, honey, cheese, eggs, milk, tea…);
- Traditional bath towels have been replaced by bamboo towels, which are softer and larger;
- Individual hygiene products have been replaced by large-format dispensers with natural products, better for the skin and more sustainable.
To learn more about their environmental actions, visit the dedicated section on their website.
One-Day Paris Sightseeing Itinerary
My goal was to soak up the Parisian atmosphere in the shortest time possible — just one day and one night. After dropping my bag at the hotel’s luggage storage, I already had the advantage of being in a central neighborhood of the city.
Morning Stroll
Paris is like an open-air museum; every corner is worth a look. I started the day walking along the banks of the Seine towards the Eiffel Tower. Along the way, I admired gems like the Musée d’Orsay, the Palais Bourbon, and the Musée du Quai Branly.
Watching Paris wake up, feeling the gentle morning breeze, spotting the first tourist boats — it was the perfect introduction.
I then crossed the Seine to head to the Right Bank and made my way to the Champs-Elysées. Few visitors think about it, but climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe offers a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower and Place de l’Étoile.
Curious to discover the many shops on the avenue, I continued my walk until I came face to face with the Obelisk at Place de la Concorde. That marked the halfway point toward my next stop: the Louvre Museum. A must-see is the Tuileries Garden. Even without going inside, seeing the Louvre Pyramid is worth it.
Having already visited the Louvre, I preferred to continue towards the Opéra district — Palais Garnier — passing through the prestigious Place Vendôme. Then I went to the terrace of the Printemps department store and had lunch at Galeries Lafayette Gourmet, which is very close.
Note: Less crowded than the Galeries Lafayette terrace, the Printemps terrace offers a stunning and free view of the Eiffel Tower.
Afternoon of Cultural Visits and Leisurely Wandering
With a full stomach, I resumed my walk towards the Châtelet district where street performances and large shopping centers (BHV Marais, Les Halles) animate the area both day and night.
Tempted for a moment by the Centre Pompidou, I finally continued my way to the 3rd arrondissement and the Marais. There, I visited the magnificent Picasso Museum, housed in a former mansion. Right next door, the Carnavalet Museum, which is completely free, is also worth a visit.
I continued my walk to the 4th arrondissement to see Place des Vosges with Victor Hugo’s famous house and its superb selection of high-end hotels.
After some window shopping and a stop in a café to fully enjoy the atmosphere of the neighborhood, I headed back to my hotel to take a break in my comfortable hotel room before the evening began.
A Gentle Evening
For this Parisian night, I chose the Saint-Germain district. I dined at the Vagenende restaurant, an art deco brasserie recommended by the hotel. Once full, I strolled through the streets, admired the illuminated Saint-Germain Church, enjoyed the lively terraces of Rue de Buci, then headed to the Pont Neuf, just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. From there, I admired the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the distance. A magical evening.
Other options for an evening:
- Bastille (between the 4th and 11th arrondissements): trendy bars and a festive atmosphere.
- Les Batignolles (17th arrondissement): a quieter, charming neighborhood with quaint restaurants.
- Montmartre (18th arrondissement): romantic setting, cozy restaurants, and as a bonus, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica at night.
- Montparnasse (14th arrondissement): close to the hotel, home to the famous Bouillon Chartier restaurant.
WAKING UP IN PARIS…
The next morning, I set off on foot toward the Notre-Dame Cathedral, located in the Latin Quarter, about a 15-minute walk away. I chose to go as soon as it opened, to enjoy the beauty of the place in peace and quiet.
Just nearby, the Sainte-Chapelle—adjoined to the Palace of Justice—is a gem not to be missed.
If you’d rather start your day more leisurely, I recommend two lovely green spaces, such as the former wild garden of Saint-Vincent in the 18th arrondissement:
- The Luxembourg Gardens, just a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
- The Jardin des Plantes, a bit farther away in the 5th arrondissement.
And that’s how my tailor-made trip to Paris came to an end—short, yes, but rich in discoveries.
If you decide to stay at the Welcome Hotel, I highly recommend contacting them directly. Their team is attentive and will gladly help you plan your stay. By booking directly, you’ll not only get the best guaranteed rates, but also enjoy a 15% discount through this link.
Elsa C. – passionate traveler