france

Posted: 5/20/2019 | May 20th, 2019

It feels like only days ago I came to Paris — and now it’s the middle of May.

And, with more time behind me than ahead of me (I leave June 19), as I look back on my time here, I can’t say I’ve seen as much of Paris as I intended.

I haven’t visited one new attraction. Or taken one day trip out of the city. Or gone to another region of the country. Or even the outlying neighborhoods of the city, really. Nothing.

I have taken five walking tours (so I did something).

But that’s it.

That’s the extent of my explorations of Paris.

But, as I mull that over, I realize I don’t really care about that stat.

Because I’ve done what I came to Paris to do: create a quiet life.

My time here so far has been characterized more by writing, sleeping, and, overall, just generally “chilling.”

I’ve made a few friends — and, thanks to said new friends, exponentially increased the number of favorite restaurants and bars on my Google map. (So, I guess, if I have done a lot of anything, it’s eating and drinking.)

Every place, every moment has a lesson in it. Every place is perfect for certain times in your life. Thailand was the place I need to explore my independent self. New York City was what I needed when I transitioned from nomad to non-nomad. They were the perfect bridges to a new phase of life.

Paris is my bridge to a quieter life.

But, more than that, Paris has taught me something about myself I didn’t fully realize until now:

I’m the most motivated when I feel I have limited time.

I came to Paris guns blazing, with a grand vision that I’d have all this time to explore. I was going to do so much.

But three-hour lunches take up a lot of your day. So does work. So does dinner with friends. So do a plethora of visits from other friends.

When you live somewhere (instead of just visiting), there’s always tomorrow. When I feel like there’s a tomorrow, I’m less inclined to leave my comfort zone. I work, read, sleep, and eat.

So I always put everything off. I wanted to work anyways. I was in no rush.

But eventually, you run out of tomorrows.

Suddenly, you wake up and months have passed and you marvel at how quickly time went by.

Now, the clock is ticking down rapidly and I’m ready to kick things into high gear.

With only about six weeks in Europe left (and only half of them in Paris), I’ve begun to book more walking tours, museum visits, and cooking classes, plus trips to Bordeaux and Normandy. (Booking all this in advance ensures I won’t find a work reason to skip it!)

Looking back, I don’t think I’d change a thing, though. I needed some R&R. Not only from travel but from life. I needed time to get my head right again. To wind down projects, relax, and get some motivation back. I needed to take a step back and hit the reset button.

I’m heading to Normandy next week. After that, I’m off to Italy. Then it’s my birthday.

Then it’s home.

For now, at least.

After that, who knows?

If Paris reminded me of anything, it’s that I need to stop planning and accept that when I do make plans, I’m likely to just do the opposite.

I just need to see where the day takes me.

The post Life in Paris, Part 2: Only One Month Left appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Posted: 3/21/2019 | March 21st, 2019

It’s been exactly one month since I moved to Paris.

During that time, it’s been nonstop wine, cheese, brasseries, influencer meetups, fashionable social events, writer salons, museums, picnics, and late-night jazz concerts.

It’s been a whirlwind of adventure and romance.

Just I imagined it would be.

Actually…

It hasn’t been that way at all.

I just made that up.

Life here has been the exact opposite of that (though that kind of fabulous lifestyle does sound like fun).

I arrived after a much-delayed flight, plopping my jetlagged self into bed and not waking up until the following day. From there, I met my one Parisian friend and her friends for some wine and cheese. That little outing to a park turned into a late-night wine fueled bar crawl that ended at some ’50s-style American sock hop. (Seriously. I couldn’t believe it. Here I am, in a bar in Paris, and people are dressed up and dancing like it’s 1953. It was kind of incredible.)

But, after that wild night, life slowed to a crawl.

I spent my first week here settling in: I got a SIM card, saw a plethora of apartments (and finally picked one), signed up for French classes, and tried to catch up on work. (I thought about joining a gym but, in paperwork-loving France, you need a doctor’s note saying you’re fit enough to join. I’m told most people don’t follow that rule but, for now, I can’t be bothered.)

After that first week, I moved into my new apartment, went to some meetups in hopes of making friends, and flew to Berlin for ITB, the largest travel conference in the world.

Upon returning to Paris, I came down with a terrible cold and spent the last week inside my apartment trying to recover. Just when I had hoped to hit the ground running, life had other ideas.

Now, as I hit my first full month here, I’m finally feeling better (and thanks to spending so long inside, I’m fairly caught up on work).

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. The weather is getting warmer and sunnier again. Over the next few weeks, I start hosting a plethora of visitors, which will finally get me out of my apartment and exploring the city more. (I’ve lined up a lot of activities, which are basically the museums, tours, and shows I’ve yet to see, so my friends are going to get a very off-the-beaten-path look at Paris.)

Life here is very different than what I imagined it to be.

In my head, I imagined hitting the ground running. I imagined perfectly scheduled days balanced with work and play, including regular French classes, meetups, sightseeing, food tours, and nights out. I imagined myself like Owen Wilson’s character from Midnight in Paris where I just wander around town and stumble into this action-packed life.

But, instead, my time here has been similar to when I moved Bangkok where I spent much of my early weeks there alone playing video games, discouraged that life just didn’t “happen” to me.

It took a long time to find my groove in that city.

But living in Bangkok taught me two things:

First, life just doesn’t happen. Sitting at my kitchen table doing work isn’t going to show me life in Paris. Neither is going to the same co-working space.

This first month has gone by the in the blink of an eye, and, with only three more left to go, I know I have to make the most of every single day.

I need to go out and make thing happen. I need to be more proactive in doing things.

But, when I think of some of my motivations for coming here — to escape the fast pace of New York City, to write more, to relax, to sleep, to be healthier — I realize that, by those metrics, my first month has been a success.

I’ve done all those things.

Yeah, it would be nice to live this life I imagine in my head. But what I really want is exactly what I’ve been doing.

Now I feel settled in and ready to take on the city.

So, though, I’m 25% of the way through my time in Paris, I still have plenty of time left to accomplish the other things I want to do.

I didn’t come here in hopes of establishing a new life.

I came here for a fresh start and to try out what it’s like to take a really extended holiday to one of my favorites cities in the world. To no longer be just passing through but rather to peel back some of the layers of the onion that is Paris.

No move to a new place is ever going to be easy.

Because the second thing living Bangkok taught me? If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere.

Bangkok showed me that I could be self-reliant and independent. It showed me that I could adapt to anything.

I’ve done this before.

And I can do it again.

***

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about my time here, so here are some answers to for anyone wondering:

1. How did I find an apartment so quickly?
I got lucky. Someone on Twitter connected me with someone who rented out apartments. And having a decent budget allowed me to find a place quicker. I was going through some agencies and looking at Facebook groups and Le Bon Coin (French Craigslist), but that personal connection made it a lot easier.

Finding an apartment here in Paris is hard even for the French. It’s a long process filled with a lot of paperwork. The way New Yorkers talk about the price of an apartment is the way people here talk about finding an apartment. It’s the first topic of discussion, as a way to bond with strangers.

2. Are you studying French? If so, where?
I was taking French classes at Alliance Française but, disliking the classroom teaching style, dropped out and hired a private tutor. I’m also learning via podcasts and Duolingo.

3. How are you meeting people and making friends as an expat?
There’s a bunch of expat meetup groups I’ve joined, and I started hosting my own meetups. I am also reaching out influencers based in France. But if you know of any cool Parisian locals, let me know!

4. I heard you’re running walking tours. Is that true?
Yep! I started running my own historical walking tours. You can sign up here. I have put up the schedule through the end of May. I do them once a week and they’re free. Come join! If a date is full, join the waitlist. A few people always end up canceling!

Photo credit: 1

The post Life in Paris: One Month Down appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Posted: 1/14/19 | January 14th, 2019

Ever since I first set eyes upon it, I’ve wanted to move to Paris. It was everything I’ve imagined it to be. A city that oozed sophistication and history from its cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, cafes, restaurants, and Parisians strolling down the street.

I loved the lights, the food, the music, the people, that special je ne sais quoi.

I know I idealize Paris.

I know living somewhere is a lot different than dropping in for a few weeks at a time.

But I’ve always wanted to be the clichéd American travel writer who wakes up, has his coffee, and writes on his balcony or in some café while lingering over wine for hours.

I’ve always wanted to immerse myself in Paris. To learn the language and everything one could possibly know about the city.

And so, since there is no time like the present, it’s time to finally do it.

I’m moving to Paris!

Not forever. Just until June.

Maybe “moving” is a strong word. Maybe an “extended stay” might be a better term.

I don’t care.

I feel that is long enough to say I’m (temporarily) “moving” to Paris.

It will be my base of operations. My sole domicile. My home.

Next month, I’ll return from Colombia, pack my things, and by the end of the month, be ensconced in the City of Lights.

I know my time there will fly by. I remember the summer I spent in Stockholm and how quickly that came to an end. Right as I started meeting people, it was time to go.

Luckily, Americans get to stay six months in France, so I’ll have a longer time to play with.

I have a lot of plans for that time:

I am going to write — a lot!

I’m going to find a ’20s swing dance group.

I’m going to seek out all the best jazz the city has to offer.

I’m going to visit every tourist attraction in town. Just because.

I plan to learn French.

My 2019 mantra is “do less but better.” I plan to cut down the number of things I do — but go deeper into them.

I’m going to focus on living. I plan to work in the mornings, sightsee in the afternoon, check in with the team, and have long dinners.

Paris is the first step in making that happen.

I’m not over New York. Just over living there.

New York City will always be a part of me, and I’m glad I was here so much this year, but I don’t have good habits in the city: I’m out too often and too late, and I don’t find myself sleeping a lot. I don’t have a productive workspace or a kitchen. Many of my friends have started to move away or are planning to have kids.

The life I want to lead is not found there any longer.

My time there has come to an end.

And I’m OK with it. Since I decided to do this, I haven’t had one moment of regret.

So before June brings TravelCon and July brings my next book and book tour (more on that later), I feel like this is the perfect window to live out all my Paris writer dreams.

Opportunity is knocking.

If you don’t answer the door, it will move on to the next person.

So I’m doing it.

I’m finally going to live in Paris!

And I’m pretty damn excited about it!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like yourself! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money in one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more! Click here to learn more and get started.

The post Surprise! I’m Moving to Paris appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Posted: 12/16/2018 | December 16th, 2018

Paris. The city of lights. With 20 arrondissements (neighborhoods) and thousands of hotels, hostels, and apartments, finding the best place to stay in Paris can be a bit of a challenge.

What’s the best overall neighboorhood?
What’s the cheapest neighboorhood in Paris?
Where do all the cool kids stay?
Where’s a good spot for families?
What’s close the city center?

There are a lot of questions.

Over the course of dozens of visits to Paris, I’ve stayed all over the city and in all types of different accommodations. Every neighborhood in Paris has its own unique personality. Its own pros and cons. There’s always a trade-off to be made here.

Paris sprawls and, with attractions throughout the city, first-time travelers can be a bit unsure of where to stay.

So, I’ve taken my experience in Paris, and created this guide to the neighborhoods of Paris to help you figure that out! (I included a brief description of each area, why I like it, and my favorite accommodations!)

Bastille

Bastille takes its name from the famous prison that used to occupy this neighborhood (the storming of which started the French Revolution). Today, the prison is gone and this part of town has become a busy and animated and known for its bars and clubs that are popular with Parisian youth. If you are looking for a fun arrondissements to stay in, I’d recommend here. It’s centrally located and the tiny cobblestone streets give you the most Parisian of feels!

Best places to stay in Bastille

• BUDGET: Auberge Internationale des Jeunes – This is a safe and well-maintained hostel but the amenities are basic – there is no kitchen for cooking your own meals, but there is a microwave and free breakfast is served daily from 7-9:45am. There is also a common room with vending machines where people like to hang out, and a secure luggage storage area. Note: You have to be under 30 years old to stay here!
• MID-Range: Paris Bastille – Located right across from the Opera House and near the Gare de Lyon, the Paris Bastille is an elegant, quiet hotel with soundproofed rooms and large walk-in showers. You can start your morning with a coffee and fresh croissant in the hotel bar while reading one of the free newspapers.
• LUXURY: Hotel l’Antoine – This boutique hotel was once a 17th century convent, but its modern design of brightly patterned cement tiles, wallpapers, and decor make it an eccentric space. No two rooms are alike here. There’s an honesty bar and lounge, and a hearty breakfast buffet each morning. The fitness room has a sauna with a cold shower too!

Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter is filled with narrow streets that turn at weird angles and open onto little café-lined squares. There are a lot of restaurants, bars and jazz clubs around here. This is one of my favorite parts of the city. I love wandering around here. It always feels like you’re stepping back a few hundred years in history. It’s a busy area and not as quiet as other sections of Paris but, when you’re here, you’re in the middle of it all!

• BUDGET: Young & Happy Hostel – This hostel has pretty simple rooms but comfy beds, small but well-cleaned showers, and a large kitchen space. The common room is an old cellar lined with stone, making for a cozy and unique spot to hang out. The staff will sometimes host evening events, and there’s a daily Happy Hour for mingling with other travelers. They also offer free breakfast of croissants, coffee, and juice!
• MID-RANGE: Hotel Minerve – On a quiet street near Notre Dame and the Sorbonne, Hotel Minerve is housed inside a historic 1864 Haussmanian building complete with flowered balconies. This place has been recently renovated to give it some quirky charm, like walls of stone, visible beams, and original artwork throughout. There’s a large central courtyard as well. You can get a decent breakfast spread each morning for 9 EUR, and there’s a handy airport shuttle.
• LUXURY: Grand Hotel Saint Michel – Grand Hotel Saint Michel is within walking distance to the some of the area’s best attractions, like the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Panthéon. It caters quite a bit to biz travelers, but it isn’t stuffy and the location is unbeatable. There are a bunch of high-end services onsite, like concierge, a fitness center, and even a hammam!

Champs-Élysées

The most famous and upscale street in Paris is lined with cinemas, cafés, luxury specialty shops, big brand names, and chain restaurants. It’sa fun place to club-hop at night or snap photos and shop during the day. The area surrounding the street is one of the most upscale and luxurious in Paris. If you stay off the main street, you’ll find it to be very quiet. It’s nice and centrally located to everything but theere’s not a lot of “cool” things to do in the area.

• BUDGET: Bvj Champs-Elysées – This hostel is one of the most historical hostels in Paris, having been around since 1948 and housed in a former mansion. They have a free French breakfast each morning, free storage luggage, and there’s a sunny private courtyard to hang out in.
• MID-RANGE: Hotel Magda Champs Elysées – This hotel has modern, clean and stylish rooms. The bar makes for a good spot to work while having a cocktail (or some complimentary coffee). They even put smartphones in the room so you can make free phone calls, watch Netflix, and more. There’s an excellent courtyard here too.
• LUXURY: MARQUIS Faubourg Saint-Honoré – This is a chic hotel! The rooms are super plus (if not a bit small) with marble fitures and clawfoot bathtubs. Skip the breakfast. It’s over priced.

Le Marais

Le Marais (meaning “the marsh”) has been revitalized in the last few years and is now a stylish, lively part of the city filled with hip art galleries, boutiques, and cafés. The tight, winding streets are lined with old architecture, half-hidden courtyards, and quite a few museums. You’ll also find some of the best restaurants and bars in town here. It’s my favorite area of Paris. Additionally, it’s the center of Paris’ gay life, so you’ll be able to find a lot of gay bars, cafés, and shops here, as well as plenty of gay-friendly restaurants.

• BUDGET: Auberge de Jeunesse MIJE Fourcy – This is a unique budget hostel, as it’s three 17th century buildings renovated to create a hostel trio: MIJE Fourcy, Fauconnier, Maubuisson. The rooms are pretty basic but there’s a free breakfast. Don’t miss the courtyard.
• MID-RANGE: Villa Beaumarchais – This tiny and attractive hotel is on a quiet side street within walking distance to the Opéra Garnier and la Place de la Madeleine. The rooms are antique with a lot of wood furtniture and floral wall paper. It’s very cozy here. Try to get one that overlooks the interior courtyard. The American-style breakfast buffet is also good!
• LUXURY: Pavillon de la Reine – Pavillon de la Reine is in the Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful and oldest squares in the world, and the vine-covered building is gorgeous. The rooms have amazing, unique décor with antique furnishings and enormous windows, and there’s a spa and a fitness center onsite. This is a wonderful little hideaway, and Queen Anne of Austria actually once stayed here. Eat at Restaurant Anne if you feel like splurging.

Montmartre

Home to starving artists for decades, Montmartre offers a stunning view of Paris, arty cafés, bars, cobblestone streets, and the only winery within the city limits. It’s one of the hipper parts of Paris, even if it has lost some of its old grandeur. It’s home to a lot of students as the rents in this part of town are much cheaper than elsewhere. It’s also pretty loud at night so try to stay on one of the beautiful side streets.

• BUDGET: Le Village Montmartre By Hiphophostels – This small, cozy hostel with a view of the Sacre-Coeur is literally surrounded by bars, restaurants, and supermarkets. There’s a French breakfast each morning for 6 EUR, or you can just take advantage of the large kitchen for cooking your own meals.
• MID-RANGE: Le Relais Montmartre – This hotel is on a quiet street in Montmartre. It’s a great value. The rooms have a rustic charm with exposed beams and vintage furniture. Check out the breakfast – it’s really good and the cellar restaurant is unique.
• LUXURY: Terrass Hotel Montmartre by MH – The hotel bar’s views of Paris are stunning, and the sunset is spectacular. The rooms are larger than most in town and have beautiful décor in a classic Parisian style. The hotel offers yoga classes and spa treatments. Make sure it’s brunch on the terrace.

Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis

The two islands in the Seine are the historical center of Paris. The Romans set up camp on the Île de la Cité in 52 BC, and the island is now home to Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, administrative buildings, and the Conciergerie. It’s super and louad. The Île Saint-Louis, on the other hand, is a quiet neighborhood for Paris’ rich and powerful, filled with well-preserved historic homes and streets. If you want luxury and quiet, you stay here. It’s fancy hotels and little else.

• BUDGET: HA! That doesn’t exist here!
• MID-RANGE: Hôtel De Lutece – Notre-Dame – This luxury is surprisingly affordable considering it’s on Île Saint-Louis. It’s on the smaller side, but with a lot of cozy touches – like working wood fireplaces. There are only 23 rooms here, but each one is air-conditioned and soundproofed. It feels more like a house than a hotel.
• LUXURY: Hotel Saint-Louis en L’Isle – This hotel is located in a 17th century townhouse, which has retained most of its original charm, like exposed wooden beams and stone walls. The rooms are spacious and regal. It’s one of the most luxrious hotels in the area and will make you feel like royalty. Breakfast is served in the stone-vaulted cellar!

Montparnasse

Montparnasse is one of the more modern parts of Paris, with a lot of more office buildings, new apartments, and a more local feel to it. Located near the train station with the same name, Montparnasse has inexpensive accommodations to stay and a good number of restaurants around. It’s not as classically pretty as other parts of the city but it’s a lot more “local” then other districts and the city.

• BUDGET: FIAP Jean Monnet – This is not a party hostel – there are often school groups, and it is similar to a hotel conference center. It’s in a quiet neighborhood. However, you can’t bring in your own food (they check!). Dorms are available only for 18 to 30 year-olds.
• MID-RANGE: Novotel Paris Centre Gare Montparnasse – This is a comfortable, business-style chain hotel has everything you’d expect from a chain. The rooms have large walk-in showers and memory foam mattresses. It’s modern and bright. They offer free coffee and tea, and if you have kids, they’ll love the balloon animals the staff makes!
• LUXURY: Niepce Paris Hotel – This small boutique hotel is charming. It’s a new hotel, so everything is still shiny. Some rooms have outside patios with jacuzzi tubs, but even the junior rooms are modern and luxurious. The restaurant serves unique Japanese/French fusion cuisine.

Les Halles

This chic, bustling neighborhood is centered around Paris’ former central marketplace, Les Halles (pronounced lay-AL), which was torn down in the 1971. The market was the “stomach of Paris” for centuries. There’s now an underground shopping mall, and the surrounding streets are filled with designer stores, cafés, and artisanal food shops. Staying here puts you in the center of all the action.

• BUDGET: Appi Hotel – It’s hard to find a good budget option in this part of town, but Appi Hotel is the best place. There’s nothing particularly noteworthy about this hotel, but the rooms are private and clean. Keep in mind that not all of them come with private bathrooms, however.
• MID-RANGE: Hôtel du Cygne – Hôtel du Cygne will make you feel like you’re at home – literally, the owner’s mother has hand-sewn all of the bed linens and curtains. There are just a few tiny rooms in this hotel but it’s a comfortable spot, and located just a quick walk to the Etienne-Marcel Metro Station. There’s a breakfast each morning (which you have to pay for).
• LUXURY: Hôtel Novotel Paris les Halles – Air-conditioned rooms, 24h room service, giant beds – what’s not to love? Novotel Paris Les Halles is next to the big shopping areas (like the Rue de Rivoli), and also within walking distance to the Louvre and other attractions. There’s a lovely patio where you can enjoy traditional French meals or cocktails, or hang out in the lounge with the other guests.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Saint-Germain-des-Prés used to be home to artists, writers, and thinkers. Now it’s one of the most expensive and trendy neighborhoods in Paris (home to celebrities), with high-priced art galleries, designer shops, and fancy restaurants. It’s a beautiful area to walk through and one of my favorite in town It’s not cheap the stay in but it’s one of the best areas of the city. It’s everything you imagine Paris to be.

• BUDGET: Hotel de Nesle – There are unfortunately not too many budget accommodations in this part of town. If you like kitsch, Nesle is the place for you! There’s hardly a single wall that isn’t covered in some kind of adornment. Some bathrooms have private rooms with showers, while others are shared. There’s an inner garden where you can relax.
• MID-RANGE: Hôtel M Saint Germain – This boutique hotel is super stylish, and each air-conditioned room is decorated with bright pops of color! Some rooms have small balconies. There’s a delicious breakfast here too.
• LUXURY: Hôtel Récamier – The staff is extremely helpful with arranging any outings you’d like to do, and the complimentary afternoon tea is a nice touch. The rooms are spacious and air-conditioned (I also love the mattresses), and the building is historic and beautiful.

Belleville

Belleville is definitely one of the grittier parts of town, with a busy Chinatown and a whole melting pot of different cultures. The center of Paris’ immigrant community, Belleville is slowly become hip with the city’s hipsters and younger kids. Some of the best ethnic food is food here; there’s an awesome street market; and it’s right next to the La Marais so you can always walk over and get some fancy French food. I find myself staying in this part of town more and more.

• BUDGET: Les Piaules – This newish hostel has a fantastic chimney lounge and a rooftop space. The bar/restaurant on the ground floor is popular with locals and groups, so it’s always a fun time. The rooms are super modern and the beds comfy. It’s one of my favorite hostels in town.
• MID-RANGE: Hotel des Pyrénées – While there is nothing particularly stand-out about this hotel, it has recently undergone some big renovations, so you’ll find sleek and modern rooms here at affordable prices. There are family rooms for up to four people.
• LUXURY: Hotel Scarlett – Hotel Scarlett is a trendy, refurbished hotel with seriously beautiful spaces. The beds are large and comfortable, and each room comes with a flat-screen TV. The helpful concierge will help you find your way around Paris no problem.

Eiffel Tower/Champs de Mar

As you might have guessed, Eiffel Tower/Champs de Mar is the place to be if your main reason for visiting Paris is to see the iconic Eiffel Tower (and to have easy access to some other huge attractions). Other than the impressive architecture, there are several great natural history and modern art museums to check out, as well as the sprawling Parc du Champ-de-Mars.

• BUDGET: 3 Ducks Hostel – A 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower, 3 Ducks has one of the best locations in town. The staff is friendly, the rooms are small but comfortable, and the showers are clean. This is a more upscale hostel with recently revamped decor.
• MID-RANGE: Hôtel Eiffel Kensington – A no-frills hotel, but it’s meters from the Eiffel Tower and you can get private single rooms at decent prices. The rooms are spacious enough and come with a desk. I like the fluffy pillows.
• LUXURY: Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel – The rooms here are all modern and minimilist with leather furniture and sleek finishings. Most have a desk and a little couch. There’s a fitness room and a really nice terrace for dining. Each room comes with amazing views over the city, and some come with balconies looking onto the tower.

***

No matter where you choose to stay in Paris, you can’t go wrong. The city is super well connected via metro, there’s no such thing as an area with bad food, and everywhere is beautiful (it is Paris after all!).

For me, the Marais, Latin Quarter, Bastille, and Saint Germain are the four best areas to stay in Paris.

But every nighborhood has something for you so just pick the one you want to be in that suits your needs!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Paris!

For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like yourself! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money in one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more!! Click here to learn more and get started.

Photo credits: 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 11

The post The Best Neighborhoods in Paris: Where to Stay on Your Visit appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Posted: 11/9/2018 | November 9th, 2018

Paris. It’s a city on everyone’s bucket list. I’ve been dozens of times and my love for the city is well known to you all.  I love visiting Paris and can’t imagine a year in which I don’t go even for a bit. To me, Paris has it all – music, history, food, culture, and beautiful architecture. It’s got that special something. I dream of moving to Paris to live out that writer cliche…if just for a bit!

As a visitor to Paris, knowing where to stay in Paris can be difficult. There are lots of arrondissements (neighborhoods). What’s the best place to stay in the city? What’s the best neighboorhood?

For a tourist, there’s really no bad neighboorhood to stay in. No where you stay is going to be too far or unsafe (forget what you hear about in the news). Paris’ metro goes everywhere, stays open late, and has stops throughout the city.

However, that said, Paris has thousands of hotels and hostels. How do you know the best ones to pick? The city is expensive and as someone who has stayed in some less than stellar places for way too much money, I know the price of making the wrong decision.

That’s why I wrote this post on the best hostels in Paris so you know my the best places to say. This short, to the point list will make choosing a hostel in Paris easy. I’ve been visiting Paris for a decade and have stayed in dozens upon dozens of places to stay. This short list will make knowing where to go stay easy.

Before you go: Things to Consider When Picking a Hostel in Paris

I’ve stayed in thousands of hostels in my life. There are a lot of things to consider when selecting a hostel. The top three things you want to consider when picking the best hostel in Paris are:

1. Location – Paris is huge and, while the metro goes everywhere, it can take some time to get places. Pick a place that is central to the sites and nightlife you want to see! All the hostels listed here are in central locations.
2. Price – Paris is not an expensive city. Its hostels aren’t either. In Paris, you really get what you pay for so if you go with a really cheap place, you’re probably going to get a hostel that is small, cramped, and doesn’t offer great service.
3. Amenities – Every hostel in the city offers free wifi and most have a free breakfast but if you want more than that, be sure to do your research to find the best hostel for your needs!
4. Staff – All the hostels listed here have amazing staff! They are super friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t end up staying at one of the places listed below, be sure to look up reviews to ensure you get a place where the staff is helpful and friendly! They can make or break a hostel!

15 Best hostels in Paris

So where should you stay in Paris? Well, without further ado, here are my favorite hostels in the city:

1. St. Christopher’s Canal

I love the St. Christopher’s chain. They have two hostels in Paris (see below for the other one). This location has Wi-Fi, comfy beds, lockers, clean showers, free breakfast, and a lively bar. It’s very popular among backpackers and is in a relaxing and beautiful part of the city. The view on the canal is incredible and, during the summer months, the terrace is hoping!  This is one of my favorite hostels in Paris.

Beds from 18 EUR/20.50 USD.

—-> Book your stay at St. Christopher’s Canal!

2. The Loft Boutique Hostel & Hotel

The Loft is located in the diverse and historical neighborhood of Belleville. It’s an up and coming immigrant neighborhood that is super fun to hang out in. The area has a lot to offer, including many ethnic food options. The hostel itself has an awesome outdoor patio, bar, and a cute cat, Espiga. It’s small and cozy with friendly staff too!

Beds from 18.95 EUR/22 USD, privates from 74.95 EUR/86 USD.

—-> Book your stay at The Loft Boutique Hostel & Hotel!

3. Les Piaules

This hostel has a fantastic chimney lounge, cool bar, and a rooftop space. The bar/restaurant on the ground floor is popular with locals too (I saw a paint and drink club here). The rooms are super modern and the beds comfy. It’s my favorite hostel in Paris and one of the best places to meet people! I can’t recommend it enough!

Beds from 19 EUR/22 USD, double rooms from 100 EUR/114 USD.

—-> Book your stay at Les Piaules!

4. Generator Hostel

In this emerging district, the Generator Hostel has a chic array of stylish rooms with comfortable beds, high-speed Wi-Fi, and friendly staff. Its private rooms even have terraces! There is also a lively bar, a common area, and female-only dorms. This is one of my favorite chains in Europe.

Beds from 30 EUR/34 USD.

—-> Book your stay at Generator Hostel!

5. St. Christopher’s Gare du Nord

This backpacker base opened in 2013 and is close to the Gare du Nord train station, making it easy to get to the airport. It’s the most convenient hostel in the city. It has Wi-Fi, comfy beds, clean showers, free breakfast, and a bar that features live music too. It’s really popular with many of the backpacker tours that come through the city! Try to get a room facing the street, as the interior courtyard rooms are loud from the downstairs bar.

Beds from 24 EUR/27 USD.

—-> Book your stay at St. Christopher’s Gare du Nord!

6. Enjoy Hostel

This hostel is in the residential/business neighborhood of Montparnasse in the south of the city. There are lots of restaurants, bars, and supermarkets in the area. It’s much more “local” than other neighborhoods in the city. The hostel provides a free basic breakfast. If you get there early, try to get a top bunk, as the bottom ones have very little headspace. This also is a great choice if you have an early or late train as it is close to the Montparnasse station.

Beds from 24 EUR/27 USD.

—-> Book your stay at Enjoy Hostel!

7. Woodstock Montmartre

This 1970s themed hostel has been around for more than 20 years. It’s a much more old school hostel experience! The hostel offers free breakfast and an in-house bar. This is a great option for couples and singles as the private rooms are pretty inexpensive when compared to other hostels. You’ll never lack for something to do as it is near Sacré-Coeur and Montmartre, one of the best neighborhoods in the city. It’s action packed and fun! If you’re looking for a good time, come here.

Beds from 24.30 EUR/27.75 USD, privates from 48.60 EUR/55.47 USD.

—-> Book your stay at Woodstock Montmartre!

8. Le Montclair Montmartre

Also located in Montmartre, Montclair is a fun hostel with soft beds, group activities, and a spacious common room. The staff is super friendly and the hostel is pretty big with lots of beds! This is the most popular hostel in the area.

Beds from 25 EUR/28.53 USD.

—-> Book your stay at Le Montclair Montmartre!

9. Yves Robert Hostel (Hostelling International)

This eco-friendly hostel is in an old warehouse and boasts a bar, restaurant, and theater. There is a garden, free Wi-Fi, bicycle rentals/storage, a kitchen, and a book swap. Very low-key and quiet, this hostel is perfect for families, groups, and seniors (or those not looking for the noise of the other youth hostels).

Beds from 27 EUR/31 USD, double rooms from 68 EUR/77.60 USD. Discounts for HI members.

—-> Book your stay at the Yves Robert Hostel!

10. Arty Hostel Paris

Located in Montparnasse, a historical artists’ area, this out-of-the-way hostel is near many theaters and restaurants. It’s small, but the artistic décor is lovely. The beds are pretty average but the pillows are really great! If you’re looking for a small, queit place to stay, this hostel is it!

Beds from 33 EUR/38 USD.

—-> Book your stay at Arty Hostel Paris!

11. Perfect Hostel

This “old Paris”-themed hostel is in the lively Montmartre neighborhood and has something that is hard to find in hostels – an elevator. If you get a private room, ask for one with a balcony and enjoy the great views of Paris. While the toilets and showers are small, sinks are in your room. There’s free breakfast too!

Beds from 34 EUR/39 USD, privates from 64 EUR/73 USD.

—-> Book your stay at Perfect Hostel!

12. FIAP Jean Monnet

This hostel is huge and modern and filled with fun activities. Breakfast is included, and there is a cafeteria where you can get other meals. This is not a party hostel – there are often school groups here. It’s in a quiet neighborhood too. This is another place to stay if you’re looking for something quiet and relaxing. Dorms are available only for 18 to 30 year-olds.

Beds from 36 EUR/41 USD, privates from 77 EUR/88 USD.

—-> Book your stay at FIAP Jean Monnet!

13. Hotel Angleterre Etoile

This family-friendly hotel is only a few minutes walk from Place de l’Etoile, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Élysées. There are a couple of great restaurants and bars nearby, as well as museums like Muse d’Art Moderne. All rooms are super quiet and have private bathrooms.

Rooms from 87 EUR/100 USD.

—-> Book your stay at Hotel Angleterre Etoile!

14. 3 Ducks Hostel

A 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower, 3 Ducks has one of the best locations in town. The staff is friendly, the rooms are small but comfortable, and the showers are clean. It has one of the cheapest bars in Paris (which slightly offsets the expensive dorm prices). This is a more upscale hostel, with a recently revamped decor. It’s my second favorite hostel in the city!

Beds from 31 EUR/35 USD, privates from 109.50 EUR/124 USD (sleeps two).

—-> Book your stay at 3 Ducks Hostel!

 

15. Oops Hostel

Oops Hostel is right next to Paris’s Latin Quarter, one of the city’s best hubs for nightlife, dining, and shopping options. It’s actually my favorite part of the city! Dorms are small and cozy but feature great amenities like ensuite bathrooms, free WiFi, and individual reading lamps.

Beds from 27 EUR/31 USD, privates from 70 EUR/80 USD.

—-> Book your stay at Oops Hostel!

***Whichever one of these hostels you choose, you’re going to meet a lot of people, have a good night’s sleep, friendly staff, and clean room. You just need to pick the hostel that matches your personality! These are all easy to get to using public transportation and several offer airport transportation (for a fee). These are the best places hostels in Paris (remember Les Piaules is my number one pick) and you won’t go wrong with any of them.

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For more in-depth information, check out my guidebook to Paris written for budget travelers like yourself! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money in one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more!! Click here to learn more and get started.

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