Here you go, your tickets for Paris are now booked and it’s time for you to look for a cool place to stay! Problem, your budget is really tight and you know that you will not have a lot of choices. Also every day your mom tells you that Paris is dangerous, that you’ll end your holiday because you’re assaulted or kidnapped. Relax, in this article, we’ll give our best recommendations for an unforgettable stay in Paris.
First of all, you have to know that in Paris the public transportation,(metro or bus), is really efficient (better than the MRT :p). No need to find a place close to the Eiffel Tower to visit the Eiffel Tower…
The city is divided in 20 districts called “arrondissements“. All of them have their own characteristics and atmosphere. Therefore, the price, security and lifestyle can be totally different depending on which area you are.
So, here are 5 great areas to travel in Paris on a budget:
#1 Montmartre (18th)
Especially known for it The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre is located in the 18th arrondissement. The neighborhood is full of life. It’s really nice to walk around and buy local products.
You can find some great deals there for your stay. However, be careful to book a place close to Sacre-Coeur or close to Pigalle Area. Check the map below, we frame in blue where you should stay.
The closer you get to the city’s limits, the less nice the area will be. So, even if it’s really cheaper. Try to avoid places near Porte de Clignancourt or Porte de la Chapelle, especially if it’s your first time in the city. I lived there for a year, I can tell.
Ratings:
- Price 6.5/10
- Activity 8/10
- Safety 6/10
Recommended Hotel For You in that Area:
Le Village Montmartre, 20 Rue d’Orsel, 75018 Paris, France
#2 Bassin de la Villette / Belleville (19th)
If you like trendy and underground places, you will definitely love Belleville. Historically inhabited by foreign immigrants, the district has become the favorite place of young artists and entrepreneurs. You’ll find many small ethnic stores and the best street food spots in Paris.
Big advantage, the prices of the accommodations are really affordable and the neighborhood is relatively safe during the day. At night if you travel only with a girl, consider taking a taxi (or any app like Uber) to come back to your hotel. We are never too safe.
Ratings:
- Price 8/10
- Neighborhood life 7/10
- Safety 5.5/10
Recommended Hotel For You in that Area:
St Christopher Inn Paris Canal, 159 Rue de Crimée, 75019 Paris, France
#3 Bastille / Oberkampf (11th)
We really recommend this area for budget travelers, foodies and fashionistas, the 11th arrondissement of Paris is the perfect neighborhood if you want to experience the real Parisian Life.
You’ll find cool Parisians restaurants and cheap bars to party for a few euros. The neighborhood is safe and calm all day. Icing on the cake, you will be well connected by public transportation to all the major tourist spots in Paris.
Ratings:
- Price 7/10
- Neighborhood life 7/10
- Safety 8/10
Recommended Restaurant For You in that Area:
Because Food is life, we got the right place for you! If you’re an italian food lover, Visit Obermama, 107 Boulevard Richard Lenoir, 75011 Paris.
#4 The arrondissement de Reuilly (12th)
If your budget is your N°1 concern but you still want to stay in Paris, you should consider the 12th arrondissement. To be honest, this is not the place we know the most. Simply because it’s a bit far from the city center.
However, you could appreciate the quiet and local life there. You will experience how locals live during the year. If you stay there, in summer, you can chill in the gardens of the Château de Vincennes. However, we recommend you to book a place close to the subway or RER (public transportation),so you can move quickly in the City Center.
Ratings:
- Price 8/10
- Neighborhood life 5/10
- Safety 8/10
Recommended Hotel For You in that Area:
Motel one Paris Porte-Dorée, 295 Avenue Daumesnil, 75012 Paris, France
#5 Metro cadet, Grand Boulevard Area (9th)
Located between Gare du Nord and Grand Boulevards, this part of the 9th district includes a number of affordable hotels. For shopping lovers, you will be walking distance from Gallery Lafayette and Boulevard Haussmann.
Well connected as well, there are many subways that will take you wherever you want. Your tummy will be happy by finding many small restaurants with amazing and cheap food (cheap for Paris mean a bit expensive… ^^).
Close to the city center this part of the 9th is a great compromise for your stay. It can be a bit more expensive if you stay closer to the center.
Ratings:
- Price 6/10
- Neighborhood Life 7/10
- Safety 7/10
Recommended Hotel For You in that Area:
Hotel 34B, 34 Rue Bergère, 75009 Paris
Last tip: less or not recommended places
Stay within the city
Outside of the city, it’s less recommended to stay, especially if you are alone. First, you’ll be far from the main places to visit inside Paris. Then even if it’s way cheaper, the areas are less safe.
A Filipina friend traveling alone told us that she found a very cheap hotel in the north of Paris, in Saint-Denis. The first time she went back to her hotel, she took public transportation. She didn’t feel safe so she then only took taxis to go back to the hotel. And, taxis are way more expensive than in Manila.
It’s logical but If you plan a trip in Paris, it’s better to stay within Paris.
The 20th
This place is a bit off-centered and not that safe. Remind yourself that if you find a great deal, it’s maybe because there is something behind that. Although I used to go on the 20th when I was a kid, my grandma lives there. Around Gambetta precisely, nothing never happened to me. So, even if we say places are less safe than others, it doesn’t mean that something bad will happen there, as well as the contrary..
15th and 16th not for a budget trip and a bit boring
You will probably think that staying close to the Eiffel Tower could be a great idea? No worries, we all made the same mistake. The 16th is an upper class residential place, there is nothing much to do and the prices are expensive. Well if you have a budget to book a room with a view of the Eiffel tower, it’s another story but you won’t be reading this article.
So, we hope that our article will help you to find the perfect place for your holiday in Paris. If you still have questions drop us a comment, for sure we can help you. And if you’re back from France and you tried one of these places, feel free to comment or share with your friends 🙂 Cheers.
