Stay in Paris: 11th vs 18th? Plus a Few Other Options
Choosing the right neighborhood can shape your entire Paris experience. For a first-time visitor debating between Montmartre in the 18th and the 11th arrondissement, the opinions are clear but also bring up a few extra neighborhoods worth considering.
The 18th: Montmartre and Anvers
Montmartre is iconic, but staying near Anvers metro means being right at the entrance to its most tourist-heavy streets. Expect souvenir shops, constant crowds, and late-night noise.
Sacré-Cœur is a 5-minute walk uphill, and Place du Tertre is about 10 minutes on foot. Gare du Nord is just 10 minutes by metro, which makes it convenient for arrivals.
However, areas like Pigalle, Barbès, and La Chapelle are often avoided by visitors.
The 11th: Trendy and Local
The 11th has overwhelming support. It’s lively without being overrun by tourists, full of restaurants, bars, and cafés.
From Oberkampf station, you can reach Bastille in 5 minutes and Hôtel de Ville in under 15 minutes by metro.
Le Marais is walkable in 10-15 minutes, and you can reach the Louvre in 20 minutes on Line 1.
Boulevard Voltaire hosts a twice-weekly market, and the area around Rue de Charonne and Rue de la Roquette is packed with dining spots. It feels safe and gives a strong sense of everyday Parisian life.
The 9th: South Pigalle
If your Airbnb pin shows “18th,” double-check – it may actually be in the 9th, around South Pigalle. This area is fashionable and less touristy than Montmartre.
Rue des Martyrs is a 10-minute walk from Opéra Garnier and Galeries Lafayette, while metro stations Saint-Georges and Pigalle put you 10 minutes from the Louvre and 15 minutes from Notre-Dame.
Highlights include Mamiche bakery, Ara Chocolat, and vintage shops on Rue Condorcet.
The 17th: Batignolles
The 17th has a village feel, especially around Batignolles. Parc Monceau is a 10-minute metro ride from Villiers, and Arc de Triomphe is about 15 minutes on Line 2.
Rue de Lévis is excellent for food shopping. It’s quieter, more residential, and works better if you plan to cook or want to stay longer.
It’s not as central for short sightseeing trips but has great access to Line 13 and Line 2.
The 4th: Le Marais
Le Marais in the 4th is one of Paris’s most atmospheric areas. Place des Vosges is a 5-minute walk from Saint-Paul metro, and Notre-Dame is 10 minutes on foot.
Rue des Francs Bourgeois is packed with boutiques. Restaurants like Ma Bourgogne and Chez Janou are local favorites.
From Saint-Paul, the Louvre is 15 minutes by metro. Hotels like Pavillon de la Reine put you in the heart of historic Paris (though prices reflect the location).
The 6th: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Saint-Germain in the 6th has Left Bank elegance, with Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots steps from Saint-Germain-des-Prés metro.
The Luxembourg Gardens are a 10-minute walk, Notre-Dame is 15 minutes on foot, and the Louvre is 15 minutes via Line 4.
It’s central and beautiful but among the priciest options in Paris.
Quick Comparison Table
| Arrondissement | Vibe | Pros | Cons | Metro & Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18th (Montmartre/Anvers) | Tourist-heavy, bohemian | Close to Sacré-Cœur, iconic views | Crowds, noise, some sketchy spots (Pigalle, Barbès) | Anvers, Abbesses; 10 min to Gare du Nord |
| 11th (Oberkampf/Faidherbe) | Trendy, local | Great food, safe, lively but not touristy | Less classic “Paris postcard” feel | Oberkampf, Faidherbe; 15–20 min to Louvre |
| 9th (South Pigalle) | Fashionable, creative | Cafés, vintage shops, celebrities, central | Can be busy, more expensive than 11th | Pigalle, Saint-Georges; walk to Opéra |
| 17th (Batignolles) | Residential, village feel | Parks, food markets, quiet | Not central for short stays | Villiers; 15 min to Arc de Triomphe |
| 4th (Le Marais) | Historic, lively | Boutiques, Place des Vosges, close to Notre-Dame | Expensive, touristy streets | Saint-Paul; 10–15 min to Louvre/Notre-Dame |
| 6th (Saint-Germain) | Elegant, Left Bank | Classic cafés, Luxembourg Gardens | Very expensive | Saint-Germain-des-Prés; 15 min to Louvre |
Final Take
Between the two original choices, the 11th stands out. It’s safe, well-connected, full of places to eat, and close enough to walk or metro to the main sights.
If budget isn’t an issue, the 4th or 6th give you a classic Paris experience in the very center.
For a trendy vibe, the 9th delivers cafés and boutiques while still being walkable to key landmarks. The 17th suits those looking for a quieter, residential base.
For a short first trip, the 11th is the best mix of local life, convenience, and easy access to Paris’s highlights.