To celebrate the publication of our 2024 PDF Guide to Paris, we’ve put together our very official rankings of all 20 Paris arrondissements – from worst to best.
For this new blog post, we have based our “worst to best” results on the data from our Countdown season, where we spent 24 hours in each of the 20 arrondissements.
The scoring criteria, in short: The more things for a tourist to do, and the easier it is to access them, the better. And let’s be honest, you can’t ever really go too wrong in Paris. But you can maximise your time.
So let me stress it again: This is a list for tourists. If you’re looking for a place to live, to go bird watching, or to go train spotting, then you’ve come to the wrong page. This blog post alone will give you an excellent insight into Paris, but of course, the best insight comes from buying our new guide (or getting it free as a Patreon member).
The top 20, starting with the worst
20. The thirteenth arrondissement: Hidden Gems
The 13th Paris district is mostly for residents. Yes, there’s the lovely Butte-aux-Cailles neighbourhood (read all about it here), the Asian Quarter, and a delightful riverside promenade. There’s even a modern library with untold worldly wonders and an exceptional antique map shop.
But, there are more hidden gems (and more gems in plain sight) elsewhere. Last place for the 13th.
Click here for everything we found in the 13th arrondissement.
19. The fifteenth arrondissement: The Overlooked District
The 15th arrondissement is a little boring… Off the beaten path and mostly residential. The top spots to check out are the Île aux Cynes (learn more about Paris’s third island here), the Montparnasse Tower (for one of the best views of the city) and, if the weather is right – a ride in a huge balloon.
Click here for everything we found in the 15th arrondissement.
18. The twentieth arrondissement: Where Bohemia Meets the World
The delights of the 20th are many, but perhaps not if you’re a tourist on your first visit to Paris. Plus you’re miles away from all the real action. Top tourist spot: The Père Lachaise cemetery where Oscar Wilde and Edith Piaf were laid to rest. For the top graves to find, click here.
Otherwise, the singalong dinner at Le Vieux Belleville is certainly worth a look, if you dare.
Click here for everything we found in the 20th arrondissement.
17. The seventeenth arrondissement: A Slice of Family Life
Sure there are some cool spots to eat and drink, and some interesting architectural feats (learn more about the domed rooftop homes here), but if you’re a tourist and you find yourself here, head south to the elegance of the 8th or east for the charms of the 18th. Top tourist spot the charming English style gardens: Square des Batignolles.
Click here for about everything we found in the 17th arrondissement.
16. The nineteenth arrondissement: City Life by the Water
Yes, the Bassin de la Villette is lovely. And sure, it’s interesting to see how the up-and-coming 19th is changing every day. But don’t rush there yet. If you want to see the sights, head closer to the centre of the city. Top tourist site: The Buttes Chaumont park and the Canal Saint-Martin.
Click here for everything we found in the 19th arrondissement.
15. The eleventh arrondissement: The Cool Part of Town
The 11th arrondissement is undoubtedly the cool part of town. Some call it the trendiest Paris district. Here you will not find tourists with their cameras out, nor models posing for their Instagram followers. It’s where you can explore secret passages, find a 1920s themed speakeasy bar, as well as really great food and coffee.
Click here for everything we found in the 11th arrondissement.
14. The twelfth arrondissement: A District on the Move
The 12th arrondissement of Paris is massive. The top highlight of the 12th is, of course, the elegant Train Bleu train station restaurant – read more on that here. You can also ride carousels in a curious fairground museum, taste the produce at an ancient market, sip on gin from the nearby distillery, walk the elevated walkway and generally live like a local.
Click here for everything we found in the 12th arrondissement.
13. The sixteenth arrondissement: The Sweet Life
Ah, the elegant 16th arrondissement. Ignored by many tourists for being too “boring”, perhaps even too expensive – but there are plenty of treasures to find (and we found them). There is a tiny art nouveau Parisian bar from 1911, a glorious secret mosaic lobby, exceptional art nouveau architecture to be found and at least five terrific museums to visit.
Click here for everything we found in the 16th arrondissement.
12. The fourteenth arrondissement: The Surprise Package
The 14th arrondissement is totally skipped by most tourists, unless they’re seeking out the Catacombs. There are, however, a surprising number of spots to find in the 14th, you can search for treasure at the Vanves Flea market or dine at the luxurious Dôme restaurant.
But, of all things, be sure to see those catacombs, video below.
Click here for everything we found in the 14th arrondissement.
11. The ninth arrondissement: A District of Note
The ninth arrondissement may as well be two districts. There’s playful Pigalle to the north, where you can find everything from cool bars to sex shops… And then to the south is the famous Palais Garnier Opera House and the Printemps and Lafayette department stores.
This is the coolest neighbourhood in Paris, at least according to Earful guest Caroline de Maigret.
Click here for everything we found in the 9th arrondissement.
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The top ten – now we’re really talking
10. The 8th arrondissement: The Most Elegant Part
The eighth arrondissement is exceptionally elegant. From the exquisite Pont Alexandre III bridge leading into it from the south, along the famed Champs-Élysées avenue, all the way to the magnificent Parc Monceau, this is one of the finest parts of Paris. Discover one of the most exquisite museums in the neighbourhood here.
Click here for everything we found in the 8th arrondissement.
9. The tenth arrondissement: The Melting Pot
The 10th arrondissement feels like the centre of everything. People spill into the streets from the Gare du Nord station, one of the busiest rail terminals in the world, and mingle into a melting pot of old Paris, new Paris, and cultural offerings from around the world.
The district also features an intriguing museum of handheld fans, a delightful art nouveau restaurant, and the authentic Paris picnic spot: the Canal Saint-Martin.
Click here for everything we found in the 10th arrondissement.
8. The eighteenth arrondissement: What to Find in Montmartre
It’s the 18th arrondissement, home to the famed Montmartre district where Picasso painted, Dali dallied, and Matisse made masterpieces. There’s also the Sacre-Coeur cathedral and the Moulin Rouge and the charming Place du Tertre where you can get your portrait done by a local artist.
Sure, you might get nearly decapitated by someone’s selfie stick, but it’s often worth it. When you’re done with all the main bits, stroll the cobbled streets of Montmartre and find a cafe terrace or a specialty coffee shop to watch the world go by. Yes, it can be touristy, but this is Paris as you’ve probably imagined it. There’s is so much to find in this neighbourhood and lucky for you: we offers tours of it – book yours here.
Click here for everything we found in the 18th arrondissement.
7. The seventh arrondissement: Paris When it Glitters
The 7th is heaven for the Paris tourist. It really is Paris at its best. You’ve got the most famous attraction in the world, The Eiffel Tower, which is absolutely 100 percent worth climbing to the top. Get up there and take in the view, it really gives you some perspective on the city. Then explore the Eiffel’s surroundings: find out where to go here.
This arrondissement is full of delightful streets that are perfect for wandering – be sure not to miss Rue Cler.
Click here for everything we found in the 7th arrondissement.
6. The sixth arrondissement: Classic Paris
The sixth will take your breath away. It’s an absolute classic, it’s what you dream about whenever you hear the word “Paris”. There are mind-explodingly beautiful churches, there’s the Jardin du Luxembourg, and picturesque backstreets like the Place de Furstenberg and not to mention a huge collection of iconic cafes and restaurants.
Click here for everything we found in the 6th arrondissement.
The Top Five – Brace yourselves, the rest may prove divisive.
5. The second arrondissement: Centre Stage
Welcome to the centre of Paris: the second arrondissement. The smallest of all the arrondissements, yet home to so many treasures. Discover the lively market street of Rue Montorgueil, explore the newly reopened library la BNF Richelieu, dip into one of the many covered passages and find the most beautiful Starbucks in the world. How can you go wrong?
Click here for everything we found in the 2nd arrondissement.
4. The fifth arrondissement: Historic Paris
The 5th arrondissement is old Paris at its best. I call it the flaneur’s fifth, as a flaneur is someone who loves an aimless stroll, and this is an ideal location to do just that. You can find Roman ruins from the 1st century, the exceptional Pantheon where the greats of France are buried, and you can wander down Rue Mouffetard: one of the oldest streets in Paris (read more on that here).
This district is also the best to simply get lost in. Ditch the guide book, throw away your compass, and toss your cellphone in the river. Just get walking and discover it for yourself. Enjoy!
Click here for everything we found in the 5th arrondissement.
3. The third arrondissement: The New Marais
The famed Marais neighbourhood spans two Paris districts, the third and the fourth. This is where ancient buildings meet modern culture. The cobbled trendy streets of the third are exactly what many people think of when they dream about Paris.
Secrets at every turn, interesting museums seemingly on every corner, and some of the best restaurants in town. There are chic models strutting down terrace-lined streets, antique markets, and top-notch speakeasy bars.
Click here for everything we found in the 3rd arrondissement.
Here’s our visit, in video format, via our YouTube channel. We’ll be making one of these travel vlogs every week, so be sure to subscribe (you can do it in one click via this link).
2. The first arrondissement: The Best of Paris
The 1st arrondissement is the very centre of Paris, the heart of the city. It’s everything you imagine of the French capital, the River Seine lazily flowing under the Pont Neuf, the mighty Louvre museum (learn how best to visit it here), the breath taking Saint-Chapelle.
Even for Parisians, this is the version of Paris they’ll showcase to their visiting friends and family (before taking them to their own versions of Paris, where other Parisians actually hang out).
Click here for everything we found in the 1st arrondissement.
1. The fourth arrondissement: The Old Marais
First place goes to the fourth arrondissement! It feels like every street here holds some kind of ancient secret – or a new shop worth popping into. There’s is so much to find in this neighbourhood and lucky for you: we offers tours of it – book yours here.
In the fourth there is the lively Jewish district close to the city’s gay district, there are fascinating relics from an the magnificent Philippe Auguste Wall, and there is the most beautiful island in Europe: the Île Saint-Louis.
Click here for everything we found in the 4th arrondissement.
So that’s it. The top 20. Do you agree? The full scoring was quite complicated, we tackled it properly in the podcast episodes, but here are the final rankings in points out of 100.
Looking for Paris tips? The Earful Tower’s guide book includes the top 200 things to do across all 20 arrondissements, and is jam packed with bar, restaurant, and hidden spot recommendations. You can get it here.
Do you like this channel? Become a Patreon member of The Earful Tower here to support it and to unlock extras. Enjoy the videos 🙂 And remember to subscribe on YouTube to see much, much more of Paris and France.
Want to do a Paris walking tour? Find out more here. Photography by Augusta Sagnelli, find her on Substack here.
Additional reporting by Charlotte Pleasants.
