A Complete Guide To The 20 Arrondissements Of Paris (+ What to Do in Each District)

Here is a complete guide to the arrondissements of Paris to help you get a deeper understanding of what they are and what each entails!

Organized in a snail shell spiral, the iconic city of Paris is divided into several arrondissements or districts, each with distinctive neighborhoods, monuments, landmarks, and an administrative hierarchy.

While you’ll definitely have to make a couple of trips to know the hidden corners and gems of each arrondissement, knowing some basics will allow you to explore the city with ease!

The arrondissements of Paris truly have their own personalities — some attract more artsy and outgoing tourists, while others are found to be more enjoyable by those looking for a relaxing vacation.

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The quickest way to understand the arrangement of these Paris arrondissements is to envision that the 1st arrondissement lies at the heart of the city and as the districts go on, they move in a spiral form progressively away from the center.

However, this doesn’t mean that these Paris districts follow each other in a chronological order.

For example, when exploring the neighborhood of Montmartre which is in the 18th arrondissement, if you walk towards the southeast or in the direction of Musée de la Vie Romantique, the immediate district you’ll find is the 9th arrondissement.

I know it can be quite confusing, (I know it was for me when I first moved to Paris), so to help you get a deeper understanding of the arrondissements in Paris and what they mean to the city, let’s go back in history right at their creation.

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES HAPPENING NOW IN PARIS
Luminiscence at Saint-Eustache Church: A music and lighting show in one of Paris’s most beautiful churches: (4.7/10)
Candlelight show: Perfect if you want to be treated to a candlelit music show in a beautiful Parisian venue: (4.8/10)
Cabaret at Moulin Rouge: A cabaret in the iconic Moulin Rouge is a must: (4.7/10)

History of The Arrondissements of Paris

Back in 1795, Paris just had only 12 arrondissements with the first 9 located on the right bank of the Seine and the last 3 on the left bank.

However, as a way of expanding the city bounds and creating a more modern and livable one by Baron Haussmann on the directive of Emperor Napoleon III, nearby villages and communes like Montmartre were made part of Paris.

They stopped using the initial 12 names and 20 new arrondissements were established. But deciding which area gets which number became a hard task since no area wanted to be called the 13th arrondissement.

Want to know why? Because back in the day, unmarried couples who used to live together were always made fun of that they were married at the marier/ town hall of the 13th district yet in reality, it didn’t exist at the time.

But when Haussmann released the names of the new 20 districts, the area of Passy got the 13th district, something they rejected.

The mayor of Passy suggested that areas should be named in a spiral form starting from the Right Bank of the Seine.

Haussmann agreed and the current way of naming the regions of Paris was born. In the end, Passy became the 16th arrondissement.

All these Paris arrondissements became distinct when it came to administrative work and each had its own town hall and a mayor.

Fast forward to 2020, and another change was made. Paris agreed that the first 4 arrondissements of Paris (1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th) be united under one administration called Paris centre and this became effective.

Though today these 4 districts have one administrative centre, (one town hall and one mayor), each area is still hugely known by its arrondissement number.

Not to be confused with Paris neighborhoods, you might find that one arrondissement has 2 or more neighborhoods and that one neighborhood is part of 2 arrondissements.

For example, the Latin Quarter neighborhood is both in the 5th and 6th arrondissement but the 8th arrondissement has neighborhoods like Quartier de la Madeleine, Quartier des Champs-Élysées, and 2 more others.

Now that you know how these arrondissements of Paris came to be, let’s look at what each is known for.

Follow this comprehensive Paris arrondissements guide to take you through the best of each arrondissement, what to expect, what to do, and more!

Guide to The Arrondissement of Paris

Besides the numbers, these Paris districts can be recognized by their nicknames, usually derived from the most famous attraction in that particular arrondissement to make sure it’s easily recognizable.

For example, Paris 1, or the 1st arrondissement of Paris is nicknamed Louvre since that’s the most famous landmark in the area, the 5th as Panthéon, the 9th as Opéra, and so forth.

1st Arrondissement (Louvre)

Located in the heart of the city of love on the right bank of the Seine is the 1st Arrondissement, home to some of Paris’ famous landmarks and tourist spots.

It’s basically a tourist hub with a few residential places, so the exploration you can do here is truly boundless.

With the iconic Louvre museum, which is the largest and most visited art museum in the world, the elegant Palais-Royal, and the expansive Tuileries Garden, touring the 1st arrondissement will give you the quintessential Parisian experience.

In fact, half of Ile de la Cité, an island in the Seine, also lies here. You’ll also get to admire the exhibits at Musée de l’Orangerie, soak in the beauty of the colorful stained glass windows at Saint Chapelle, see the Conciergerie, and shop till you drop at Rue de Rivoli, a famous shopping street, or at Forum des Halles which is the biggest shopping mall in Paris.

The 1st arrondissement really stands out when it comes to famous attractions. You’ll find a little bit of everything — from historical landmarks, and green patches to shopping centers.

How to Visit the 1st Arrondissement of Paris

Below are some of the skip-the-line tickets you’ll need to purchase to visit the popular landmarks of this district.

• You’ll need to purchase this Louvre museum skip-the-line ticket, but you can also opt for this guided tour of the Louvre to learn more about this landmark.
  
  
• Buy this Musée de l’Orangerie entry ticket to admire the famous water lilies by Monet.
  
  
• If you plan to visit the Louvre and take a Seine River cruise, then you can book this combined ticket for the Louvre and the cruise to save money.
  
  
• Book this skip-the-line ticket to Saint Chapelle or this combined ticket to visit both the Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie.
  
  
• If want to stay in the 1st arrondissement, check out these Paris hotels near the Louvre museum.

2nd Arrondissement (Bourse)

As the smallest arrondissement of Paris, the 2nd arrondissement truly has a charm of its own!

Perfect for those looking to explore hidden places in the city, some of the most notable landmarks of the 2nd arrondissement are the several covered passages of Paris (a great place to explore, especially on a Parisian rainy day), old bakeries, and the city’s garment hotspot (so if you’re looking to buy some textiles, head here).

You’ll also find a plethora of designer boutiques, luxurious hotels, and some of the most well-renowned jewelry shops.

Unlike the 1st arrondissement which is all about tourist attractions, the 2nd doesn’t offer much in this domain.

But for those longing to explore its old covered shopping arcades, be sure to head to Passage Des Panoramas which is the oldest covered passage, Galerie Vivienne, the most elegant, Passage Du Grand-Cerf, and more.

3rd Arrondissement (Temple)

One of the most loved regions of Paris, the 3rd Arrondissement is known for a lot of things, but mostly for being home to nearly half of the Le Marais neighborhood.

Perfect for feeding the history buff in you, here, you’ll find landmarks like Musée des Archives Nations, Musée des Arts et Metiers, the Anne Frank Garden, Musée Carnavalet, Picasso Museum, and more, plus the oldest surviving private house in Paris.

Home to several chic cafés as well, this district is also known as the Temple, with the word “Temple” originating from the military order that used to be decreed in this area called “Knights of Templar.”

The 13th arrondissement is also a great region to explore the culture and lifestyle of thriving diverse communities like the Jewish and Wenzhou Chinese. 

How to Visit the 3rd Arrondissement of Paris

Here are the tickets plus tours you’ll need to book before visiting Paris 3.

• Book your skip-the-line ticket to Picasso Museum here.
  
  
• Purchase this Musée des Arts et Metiers entry ticket to see some of the scientific inventions over the years.
  
  
• To get a full understanding of the Le Marais neighborhood, I recommend booking this Le Marais private walking tour that will take you through all the district’s attractions.

4th Arrondissement (Hôtel de Ville)

Home to the larger part of Le Marais, Ile Saint Louis, and part of Ile de la Cité, the 4th Arrondissement is the ideal place to tour for the typical French experience.

At the center of this district lies Place des Vosges, the city’s oldest city square, and some of Paris’ most visited monuments like Notre Dame Cathedral, Centre Pompidou (a modern one-of-a-kind museum with a terrace restaurant with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower), and Hôtel de Ville, the city hall of Paris which the district is named after.

The 4th district is also home to Colonne de Juillet at Place de la Bastille which is a monumental landmark in the history of France.

Fondly called ‘the gay district of Paris,’ the region is also home to several gay bars and holds several events in support of the LGBTQ+ community!

And if you’re a literary enthusiast, Victor Hugo’s house formally known as Maison de Victor Hugo, a free museum in Paris is also located in the 4th arrondissement!

 How to Visit the 4th Arrondissement of Paris

Here are the tickets plus tours you’ll need to book before visiting Paris 4.

• Admire modern and contemporary art at Centre Pompidou by purchasing this skip-the-line ticket or better yet book this private guided tour to learn more about the museum.
  
  
• Walk through the streets and learn more history about the district by joining this Le Marais walking tour.
  
  
• However, if you prefer tasting some of France’s famous food, then you shouldn’t miss this Le Marais food walking tour.
  
  
• Got a sweet tooth? Join this Le Marais pastry and chocolate food tour instead.

5th Arrondissement (Panthéon)

One of the coolest parts about touring Paris by arrondissement is exploring every district and getting to experience the best of each nook and cranny of the magnificent city, and the 5th Arrondissement is one of them.

It is most famously known for being home to the Latin Quarter, a neighborhood equipped with historical buildings, bars, and cabarets, like Paradis Latin, and for being a scholarly neighborhood with various educational establishments mainly the Sorbonne University.

The region is also well-known for being the first settlement of the Romans in the city which explains the name Latin Quarter since the professors and students used to speak Latin in these universities at that time.

Additionally, the district houses monuments like the Panthéon, Musée Marie Curie, Jardin des Plantes, Saint-Étienne-du-Mont church, the Grand Mosque of Paris, and Arènes de Lutèce, one of the ancient Roman remains in Paris.

Within the 5th Arrondissement, you’ll also find jazz clubs, cinemas, and bespoke Parisian Engish bookstores like Shakespeare and Company and The Abbey Bookshop.

Whether it’s cute Parisian cafes, ancient ruins, museums, churches, parks, or historical buildings, the 5th stands out as one of the best arrondissements in Paris to explore.

How to Visit the 5th Arrondissement of Paris

Here are the tickets plus tours you’ll need to book before visiting Paris 5.

• Since the 5th arrondissement has so much to offer, I’d recommend booking this walking tour of the Latin Quarter to see all the area’s highlights and learn more history about it.
  
  
• You’ll also need to purchase this ticket to watch a cabaret at Paradis Latin.
  
  
• To get access to the Panthéon, you’ll need to buy this entrance ticket.
  
  
• You can also check out my list of the best hotels in the Latin Quarter if you want to stay in the neighborhood.

6th Arrondissement (Luxembourg)

Home to some of the most loved tourist eateries like Café de Flore (one of the oldest cafés often frequented by celebrities) & Les Deux Magots, the 6th Arrondissement is easily one of the most loved Paris districts, especially in the spring and summertime.

The gem of this district is hands down the Luxembourg Gardens, a sprawling patch of green perfect for a Parisian picnic with loved ones or an evening walk in the fall months surrounded by red and orange-hued trees.

You’ll also find Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a luxury shopping neighborhood, with several art galleries, as well as walking gourmet food tours.

Other attractions that make the 6th arrondissement stand out include Pont des Arts, unofficially known as the Love Lock Bridge in Paris, and some of the famous Parisian churches like Église de Saint Germain des Prés which is the oldest church in Paris, and Saint-Sulpice Church, the second largest church in the city just after Notre Dame.

How to Visit the 6th Arrondissement of Paris

Here are the tickets plus tours you’ll need to book before visiting Paris 6.

• Book this Saint-Germain-des-Prés pastry and chocolate walking tour to learn more about the city while eating all the sweets it provides.
  
  
• Take a journey through the neighborhood where popular artists used to hang back in the day while learning all the history of the place by joining this Saint Germain des Prés private walking tour.

7th Arrondissement (Eiffel Tower)

Home to the symbol of not only Paris but France as a whole, the magnificent Eiffel Tower, the 7th Arrondissement is easily one of the most visited arrondissements of Paris for obvious reasons.

In fact, it’s probably where every tourist especially first-time Paris visitors head to as soon as they land in the city.

Besides the Eiffel Tower (which you can climb for unobstructed views of Paris, or even splurge on a meal at one of the three restaurants within the tower), you’ll be able to explore landmarks like Les Invalides, the final resting home for Napoleon, Champs de Mars, a large Parisian Park where the Eiffel Tower sits, and famous Parisian museums like Musée d’Orsay, Musée Rodin, and the Quai Branly Museum.

The 7th arrondissement of Paris is also home to some of the cutest streets of Paris like Rue Cler, a popular market street, Avenue Rapp to see some of the one-of-a-kind art-nouveau buildings, Rue Saint-Dominique, and Rue de l’Université which both give some of the best views of the Eiffel Tower.

But with all this, it also means that it’s one of the most crowded Paris districts.

How To Visit The 7th Arrondissement Of Paris

Here are the tickets plus tours you’ll need to book before visiting Paris 7.

• A trip to Paris 7 is not complete without climbing the Eiffel Tower and this is the ticket you’ll need to have access to all floors of the Tower.
  
  
• If you prefer going with a guide to learn more about the French icon, then this is the Eiffel Tower guided tour I recommend.
  
  
• Grab this skip-the-line ticket to enjoy impressionist and post-impressionist art at the Musée d’Orsay or join this Musée d’Orsay guided tour if you want to go with a knowledgeable guide.
  
  
• Admire the outstanding works of Rodin by purchasing this Rodin museum entrance ticket.
  
  
• Explore the collection of Musée du Quai Branly with this entry ticket.

8th Arrondissement (Élysée)

Easily the most famous of the 20 Paris arrondissements, the 8th Arrondissement is the best place to visit in Paris for shopping and to enjoy an upscale side of Paris.

In the 8th Arrondissement, you’ll find the iconic Champs-Élyées, the main shopping street of the city anchored by Arc de Triomphe on one end and Place de la Concorde on the other.

Besides being the site of the famous Bastille Day parade (held on 14th July annually to commemorate the storming of the Bastille and the attainment of freedom for the French), the Champs-Élyées is home to all the luxurious French fashion brands, boutiques, and stores you could hope for, including a five-story Louis Vuitton store (the biggest one in the world), and various fancy restaurants and hotels.

The district also has some other high-end shopping streets like Avenue Montaigne, and Rue George V, which both form the golden triangle together with the Champs-Élyées, where you can get some of the most luxurious French perfumes, French handbags, French jewelry, luxurious Haute couture, and more. You can think of it as one of the most expensive districts in Paris.

Other landmarks in the district are Pont Alexandre III, the most beautiful bridge in Paris, Parc Monceau, Petit Palais, Luxor Obelisk, Élysée Palace which is the official residence of the president of the Republic of France, and more.

How To Visit The 8th Arrondissement Of Paris

Here are the tickets plus tours you’ll need to book before visiting Paris 8.

• To enjoy the most beautiful views of Paris from the Arc de Triomphe, you’ll need to purchase this ticket to climb the monumental arch.
  
  
• You can also purchase this combined ticket for the Arc de Triomphe and the Seine Cruise to save money.

9th Arrondissement (Opéra)

If you’re looking to visit one of the more historically rich and relaxed arrondissements in Paris, the 9th arrondissement might be perfect for you!

The area used to be one of the city’s intellectual centers and is now an oasis of the distinctive Haussmannian architecture that Parisian buildings are known for, like Opéra Garnier, Le Printemps (a series of departmental stores), and Galleries Lafayette (Paris’ premier departmental store).

It also houses the Pigalle neighborhood, which is the place for several theaters, cabaret shows, and museums like Musée de la Vie Romantique, Musée Grévin, Fragonard Perfume Museum, and Musée Gustave Moreau.

How To Visit The 9th Arrondissement Of Paris

Here are the tickets plus tours you’ll need to book before visiting Paris 9.

• Opera Garnier or Palais Garnier is one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris. Its main foyer is dripping in shimmers while its grand staircase is uniquely stunning. To see all this, you’ll need to purchase this ticket to go on a self-guided visit.
  
  
• See wax figures of your favorite celebrities at Musée Grévin by purchasing this entry ticket.
  
  
• With this ticket to Fragonard Perfume Museum, you won’t only learn about perfume making but you’ll also get a chance to make your own perfume.

10th Arrondissement (Canal Saint Martin)

One of the most historically rich arrondissements of Paris, the 10th arrondissement is a great place to explore on foot, especially on a sunny day!

Home to Place de le République, which houses the tall statue of Marianne (symbol of France), Point Éphémère, a cultural centre, popular train stations like Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, and many more unique landmarks, there’s lots to do in this area.

However, one thing that stands out when you think of the 10th arrondissement is the Canal Saint Martin, a favorite hip area where locals go to relax and unwind.

The Canal Saint Martin is less popular compared to the Seine so it’s a great place to hang with the locals, shop from independent vintage stores, or eat and drink at various eateries, and bars. You can even shop for fresh produce from Saint Quentin Market for a picnic at the canal.

Wanna take your experience to the next level? Hop on a boat cruise to see all that the 10th arrondissement has to offer.

How To Visit The 10th Arrondissement Of Paris

Here are the tickets plus tours you’ll need to book before visiting Paris 10.

• You can cruise on Canal Saint Martin by booking this cruise which takes you from the Seine to the Canal.

11th Arrondissement (Oberkampf)

Lying in the middle of the Bastille, Nation, and République squares is the 11th Arrondissement which is one of the largest arrondissements of Paris.

Home to some chic cafés and breweries and several flagship stores (if you’re looking to shop but don’t want to break the bank at the high-end stores on Champs-Élyées), the 11th Arrondissement is definitely the place to head to for a vibrant and electric day or a fun night in Paris since it turns into a party district when it gets dark.

One of the best parts of the district is Atelier des Lumières, an immersive, digital art space that has some of the unique shows and exhibitions in the city but you can also head to Musée Edith Piaf to learn more about the life of the famous French singer.

The 11th district is also famous for its street art, especially around Rue Oberkampf, so be sure to take a stroll and you might just find some surprising pieces of art.

How To Visit The 11th Arrondissement Of Paris

Here are the tickets plus tours you’ll need to book before visiting Paris 11.

• Book your ticket to Atelier des Lumières from here.

12th Arrondissement (Reuilly)

As one of the largest of the 20 districts of Paris, there’s a variety of things to explore in the 12th arrondissement.

The district is not frequented by tourists compared to other Parisian arrondissements, making it the perfect place to go to enjoy the authentic feel of the city, get away from the bustles and hustles of the city centre, and explore Paris like a local.

From exploring Marché d’Aligre (a market with a mixture of fresh produce and antiques), and Picpus Cemetery which is the largest private cemetery in Paris, to Opéra de la Bastille, one of the best venues for orchestra shows and the biggest opera house in Paris after Palais Garnier, there’s genuinely no dearth of places to visit.

In this district, you’ll also find Rue Cremieux, a colorful Parisian Instagrammable street, Parc de Bercy (a lovely patch of green surrounded by cobblestoned streets), Bercy Village, an excellent destination to shop that goes all out in decorating during the Christmas season, and Bois de Vincennes which is the largest public park in Paris and is home to one of the botanical gardens in Paris, Parc Floral de Paris.

You’re sure to find several other hidden gems and aesthetic cafés to make the most of this enormous district.

13th Arrondissement (Gobelins)

Located on the Left Bank of the Seine, the 13th Arrondissement is known for a handful of random but unique things, so it’s a great alternative if you’re looking for nontouristy things to do in Paris.

Home to Paris’ largest Chinatown (also the largest in Europe), and the Bièvre River (Paris’ lost river that the city is trying to revive), the 13th arrondissement is fondly referred to as the graffiti hotspot of the city.

You’ll witness several vibrant murals on many of the buildings in the district, which you can also admire while on either a self-guided or guided street art walking tour.

How To Visit The 13th Arrondissement Of Paris

Here are the tickets plus tours you’ll need to book before visiting Paris 13.

• Since the 13th arrondissement is mainly known for street art, the best way to explore this area is by signing up for this street art guided tour that will take you to all the murals of the district while giving useful information and insights.

14th Arrondissement (Montparnasse)

Among the few districts in Paris that are a favorite with locals and artists is the 14th Arrondissement!

Here, you’ll find a quaint and unique neighborhood of Montparnasse, which is home to Montparnasse Cemetery.

Another top landmark of this district is the Paris Catacombs, a collection of remains of people who couldn’t fit in graves back in the 17th century.

You can also take a walk in the lush Parc Montsouris, tour around the Cite Universitaire de Paris, and taste delicacies at chic brasseries and historic cafes where famous artists used to meet back in the day.

All in all, if you’re looking for a less touristy Paris arrondissement, then you shouldn’t skip the 14th.

How To Visit The 14th Arrondissement Of Paris

Here are the tickets plus tours you’ll need to book before visiting Paris 14.

• Since the Catacombs are popular among tourists, you’ll need to purchase this skip-the-line ticket in advance to avoid long lines.
  
  
• And if you want to learn all the history there is and access areas in the Catacombs that can only be accessed with a tour guide, then I recommend booking this Catacombs guided tour.
  
  
• If you prefer exploring the entire neighborhood of Montparnasse with a knowledgeable guide, then you can opt for this guided walking tour of Montparnasse.

15th Arrondissement (Vaugirard)

Located on the Left Bank of the Seine is Paris’ most populated & largest district, the 15th Arrondissement.

Since it is primarily a residential area with seldom tourist activities, it’s unlikely that you’ll end up there, but if you do, there are still some things to enjoy.

Some of the places you can tour in the area include Montparnasse Tower for a scenic view of the Paris skyline from its 56th-floor terrace, Parc André Citroën where you can fly over Paris on a large balloon, and the Bourdelle museum to see the works of Antoine Bourdelle.

And if you’re looking for Eiffel Tower photo spots, the famous Pont Bir-Hakeim which is one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris and offers a direct view of the Iron Lady can be found in this district.

So, if you’re hoping to completely immerse yourself in the life of Paris, walking through this district could be a great way to discover some more covert and local spots to eat, shop, and explore!

How To Visit The 15th Arrondissement Of Paris

Here are the tickets plus tours you’ll need to book before visiting Paris 15.

• To enjoy the stunning views of Paris, you’ll need to purchase this Montparnasse Tower ticket.
  
  
• Alternatively, you can opt for this combined ticket of Montparnasse Tower and the Seine River cruise if you intend to do both activities.
  
  
• If you’ve always wanted to fly over Paris, purchasing this ticket will guarantee you a seat on the world’s biggest balloon and enjoy views over the city of love.

16th Arrondissement (Passy)

The 16th Arrondissement is easily one of the most visited arrondissements of Paris partly because it offers direct views of the Eiffel Tower!

This is where you can find the sprawling Trocadéro Gardens and the Trocadéro Square, which are the perfect spot to capture the best pictures of the magnificent Iron Lady, especially at sunrise.

With plenty of cafés, perfect for people-watching, wide walkable streets, and lots of greenery, this district is easily one of the top places to explore!

The district is also big offering a little bit of everything that sometimes you might forget that you’re still in the 16th.

On one end you’ll be around the Trocadéro, Aquarium de Paris, and the Palais de Tokyo admiring some quintessential Parisian architecture and museums but on the other end, you’ll be greeted by nature at one of the biggest public parks in Paris, Bois de Boulogne, and landmarks like Louis Vuitton Foundation, Jardin d’Acclimatation, a fun amusement park for kids, and more.

In brief, even if you’re visiting Paris for one day or a weekend, the 16th arrondissement is one you shouldn’t miss to get a taste of the city. This is also where you’ll find some of the luxury hotels with Eiffel Tower views.

You can read more about the 16th arrondissement of Paris here.

How To Visit The 16th Arrondissement Of Paris

Here are the tickets plus tours you’ll need to book before visiting Paris 16.

• To admire the unique architecture of Foundation Louis Vuitton and explore all its art exhibitions, you’ll need to purchase this entry ticket.
  
  
• Traveling to Paris with kids? Then you shouldn’t miss visiting Jardin d’Acclimatation to ride on over 40 rides, enjoy the greenery, and see over 400 animals. In that case, you’ll need to buy this 1-day unlimited Pass that will give you access to everything in the park.

17th Arrondissement (Batignolles-Monceau)

Situated along the Right Bank of the Seine is the 17th Arrondissement which is primarily a local residential district with a laid-back vibe.

Less frequented and almost unknown to tourists since it doesn’t have any famous attractions, it’s not a district on travelers’ Paris bucket list but if you find yourself in the neighborhood, there are a few unique things to enjoy.

You can soak up the sun at Jardin de Batignolles which is the largest green space in the district, walk along Cité des Fleurs for a village-like feel, or catch a film at the cabaret-turned-theatre/ restaurant, Cinema des Cinéastes.

And since it’s located just next to the prestigious 16th arrondissement and connected to Champs-Élyées, you can visit this district with ease when you tour these touristy spots!

18th Arrondissement (Montmartre)

One of the striking areas to visit in Paris is Montmartre located in the 18th arrondissement.

Known to be the most artistic and bohemian arrondissement in Paris, this district was a favorite among the artists and writers community back in the day.

Today, it still remains the same with various street artists (specifically painters) showcasing their talent, especially at Place du Tertre.

Unlike some of the other arrondissements of Paris, you can easily spend a full day exploring all the famous and hidden gems of Montmartre.

Whether it’s walking in the footsteps of previous artists, visiting the Sacré cœur Basilica, known for its immaculate architecture, design, and history, or watching a cabaret show at Moulin Rouge, the list of things to do in Montmartre is endless.

You can also spend time getting lost in some of its pretty streets like Rue de l’Abreuvoir, visiting the Musée de Montmartre and Gardens, or dining at one of its brunch cafes like Le Consulat.

And if you choose to make it your base while exploring Paris, be sure to stay at one of these best Montmartre hotels.

How To Visit The 18th Arrondissement Of Paris

Here are the tickets plus tours you’ll need to book before visiting Paris 18.

• Cabarets at Moulin Rouge book out so fast, so to make sure that you get a spot, I recommend booking this Moulin Rouge cabaret ticket in advance for an electric night of entertainment and champagne.
  
  
• Want to enjoy Montmartre through food? Then book this Montmartre cheese, wine, and pastry guided tour, after all, these are some of the things Paris is famous for.
  
  
• There is no denying there is so much to see in Montmartre that it can be hard to see everything. However, if you want to see a big part of it including hidden gems in the shortest amount of time possible, then I recommend booking this Montmartre-guided walking tour with a knowledgeable guide.
  
  
• You’ll need to purchase this entry ticket to access the Musée de Montmartre and Gardens.
  
  
• If you’re traveling with your loved one, you may want to try out this fun and romantic Montmartre exploration game.
  

19th Arrondissement (Buttes-Chaumont)

Another one of the more residential arrondissements of Paris, the 19th arrondissement is home to reasonably sparse tourist spots, though it’s still a lovely place to stroll on a warm sunny day.

Situated along Canal de l’Ourcq, this district houses some of the most beautiful and diverse parks in Paris — Parc de le Villette and Parc des Buttes Chaumont.

Besides this, the region is known for its vast exhibition spaces, music, and entertainment venues, so it’s more likely that you’ll attend one of them, especially if visit during the Parisian summer.

Whether you want to chill at Bassin de la Villette, visit the largest science museum in Europe, Cité de la Science et l’Industrie, or picnic at the rather unique park of Buttes Chaumont which has waterfalls, caves, and a bridge, the 19th arrondissement is the best place to escape to if you want to hang with the locals.

How To Visit The 19th Arrondissement Of Paris

Here are the tickets plus tours you’ll need to book before visiting Paris 19.

Most of the activities in the 19th arrondissement are free but if you want to visit Cité de la Science et l’Industrie, you’ll need to purchase this ticket in advance.

20th Arrondissement (Belleville)

One of the trendiest districts of Paris, the 20th Arrondissement is mostly populated by younger Parisians.

The district is not heavily explored by tourist spots but some of the landmarks that make it shine include Cimetière du Père Lachaise, which is the largest cemetery in Paris and the most visited in the world.

This cemetery is also the final resting place for famous idols like Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, Marcel Proust, Jim Morrison, Frederic Chopin, and more.

The district is also home to Parc de Belleville, an elevated park that offers stunning views of the city.

On top of this, it’s also an up-and-coming art district with several quirky street art, modern bars, and chic diners.

Though there are not a lot of different places to explore, visiting the 20th arrondissement would be an excellent way to indulge in the local life and roam the quieter and more relaxed streets of the city.

How To Visit The 20th Arrondissement Of Paris

Here are the tickets plus tours you’ll need to book before visiting Paris 20.

• Visiting the Père Lachaise Cemetery is free but I recommend booking this Père Lachaise Cemetery walking tour to learn more history about it and to get a chance to see some of the famous gravestones which can be hard to find on your own since the cemetery is quite big.
  
  
• Discover the artistic side of this district by booking this 90-Minute Street Art Tour that takes you through both the 19th and the 20th arrondissements.
  
  
• Want to learn about the neighborhood of Belleville through food instead? Then you can join this Belleville 3-hour walking food tour with a local.

FAQs About the Arrondissements of Paris

If all the above information was too much, here are some of the frequently asked questions about the districts of Paris that might answer your question in an instant.

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Final Thoughts on the Arrondissements of Paris

The arrondissements of Paris, arranged in a spiral from the 1st arrondissement to the last, definitely add to the charm of an already beautiful city.

With each district offering something unique to do and explore, this one-of-a-kind way of dividing the city certainly makes exploring the city by foot such a fun-filled experience.

Whether you stick to the landmark-populated districts or venture out to those less explored, you’re bound to find the art that impresses you, people that’ll charm you, and sights that will blow you away!

Do you have a favorite arrondissement in Paris? Let me know in the comments below.

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• How to spend One day In Paris

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