1st arrondissement – Louvre:
The 1st arrondissement is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, including the Louvre Museum, which is the world’s largest art museum, and the Tuileries Gardens. The district is also home to some of the city’s best shopping, with high-end boutiques and luxury brands lining the streets. The Place Vendôme is a beautiful square that features a towering column and luxury jewelry stores. The Palais Royal is also worth visiting for its beautiful gardens and historic architecture.
2nd arrondissement – Bourse:
The 2nd arrondissement is known for its bustling business district and popular shopping areas, including the pedestrianized Rue Montorgueil, which is lined with cafes, restaurants, and food shops. The district is also home to the Paris Stock Exchange and the beautiful Palais Brongniart. The covered passages such as Passage des Panoramas and Galerie Vivienne are also worth exploring.
3rd arrondissement – Temple:
The 3rd arrondissement is a trendy neighborhood that is popular with locals and visitors alike. The Marais is a beautiful historic district, which is home to a number of museums, including the Musée Carnavalet and the Picasso Museum. The Place des Vosges is a picturesque square with beautiful architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. The district also has a lively nightlife scene with many bars, cafes, and restaurants.
4th arrondissement – Hôtel-de-Ville:
The 4th arrondissement is home to some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall). The district also features the beautiful Ile Saint-Louis and Ile de la Cité, which are two islands in the middle of the Seine River. The Marais district is also a great place to explore, with its narrow streets, historic architecture, and trendy shops and restaurants.
5th arrondissement – Panthéon:
The 5th arrondissement is known for its student population and bohemian atmosphere. The Sorbonne University is located here, and the district is home to a number of museums, including the Natural History Museum and the Musée de Cluny. The Panthéon is a beautiful neoclassical building that houses the remains of many famous French figures. The district also has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars and cafes.
6th arrondissement – Luxembourg:
The 6th arrondissement is a chic district that is home to the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens and the Senate Building. The district is also known for its high-end shopping, with many luxury brands and boutiques lining the streets. The Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood is also worth exploring, with its historic cafes and bookstores.
7th arrondissement – Palais-Bourbon:
The 7th arrondissement is home to many important government buildings, including the Palais-Bourbon (National Assembly) and the Hôtel Matignon (Prime Minister’s residence). The district is also home to the Eiffel Tower, which is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris. The district also features many beautiful parks and gardens, including the Champ de Mars and the Esplanade des Invalides.
8th arrondissement – Élysée:
The 8th arrondissement is known for its opulence and luxury. It is home to some of the most famous landmarks in Paris, including the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées, which is a shopper’s paradise. The district is also home to several upscale hotels, restaurants, and high-end boutiques.
9th arrondissement – Opéra:
The 9th arrondissement is a vibrant and bustling district, famous for the Palais Garnier, the stunning opera house which inspired the famous novel, The Phantom of the Opera. The area is also a popular shopping destination with the iconic department stores, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. Rue des Martyrs is a must-visit for foodies, with its plethora of specialty food shops and cafes.
10th arrondissement – Entrepôt:
The 10th arrondissement is a diverse neighborhood that has been revitalized in recent years. The Canal Saint-Martin is a picturesque waterway that runs through the district and is lined with trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants. The area is also home to Gare du Nord, one of the busiest train stations in Europe.
11th arrondissement – Popincourt:
The 11th arrondissement is a trendy district that is popular with young Parisians. It is home to many bars, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great destination for nightlife. The district also has a thriving arts scene, with many galleries and theaters. The Bastille neighborhood is a historic area that played a significant role in the French Revolution.
12th arrondissement – Reuilly:
The 12th arrondissement is a diverse district that is home to several beautiful parks, including the Bois de Vincennes, which is the largest park in Paris. The district is also home to the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, a large sports and entertainment venue. The Aligre Market is a must-visit for foodies, with its bustling atmosphere and variety of fresh produce.
13th arrondissement – Gobelins:
The 13th arrondissement is a largely residential district that is known for its street art and colorful buildings. The district is home to several universities, including the Sorbonne Nouvelle, and has a large Asian community, which is reflected in the many excellent Asian restaurants in the area. The Bibliothèque Nationale de France is also located here and is the largest library in France.
14th arrondissement – Observatoire:
The 14th arrondissement is a quiet and residential district that is home to several beautiful parks, including the Parc Montsouris and the Jardin du Luxembourg. The district is also home to the Catacombs of Paris, an underground ossuary that contains the remains of over six million people. The area around the Montparnasse Tower is a lively neighborhood with many bars, cafes, and restaurants.
15th arrondissement – Vaugirard:
The 15th arrondissement is the largest district in Paris and is largely residential. It is home to several parks, including the Parc André Citroën and the Parc Georges Brassens. The district also has many cafes and restaurants, as well as the Beaugrenelle shopping center. The Front de Seine area is a modern development with many high-rise buildings and offices.
Also, check out our Paris transportation guide and why France is Considered One of the Best Holiday Destination