Where To Stay In Paris First Time On A Budget 2025 - Affordable Areas
Wondering where to stay in Paris first time on a budget?
Paris is a dream destination, but it’s no secret that the City of Lights can be expensive, especially when it comes to accommodation.
However, it is possible to visit Paris on a budget if you know where to stay.
In this guide, we’ll explore affordable neighborhoods that offer you the best of both worlds: access to budget accommodation and direct metro connections to the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Whether you’re planning to marvel at the Eiffel Tower, stroll through the historic Marais, or explore artsy Montmartre, these neighborhoods will keep you close to the action without stretching your budget.
In short: The best areas to stay in Paris first time on a budget are Belleville, La Villette, Montmartre, and Ménilmontant.
These four areas are part of the city center but are located on the outskirts.
All four have excellent access to metro lines, which easily take you to the tourist epicenter.
If you stay in one of the more outlying areas, you can easily find something affordable while still being relatively central in Paris.
Belleville (19th arrondissement): This vibrant neighborhood offers a mix of affordable accommodations and a lively atmosphere. Belleville is known for its diverse cultural scene, affordable restaurants, and markets. It’s also well-connected via metro lines 11 and 2, making it easy to access popular spots like Notre Dame and the Marais area. It’s a perfect area to stay with kids.
La Villette (19th arrondissement): A little further out, but with excellent access to the center, La Villette offers budget-friendly options and spacious parks like Parc de la Villette. With metro line 5 at Porte de Pantin, you can directly reach Gare du Nord and places like the Latin Quarter. Overall, this area is a predominantly family-friendly neighborhood.
Montmartre (18th arrondissement): While some areas of Montmartre can be more expensive, there are affordable areas just outside the tourist center. If you stay near the Barbès-Rochechouart or Anvers stations on line 2, you’ll have easy metro access to all of Paris, including the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées. It’s one of the most romantic neighborhoods in Paris. Couples will definitely appreciate a stay here.
Ménilmontant (20th arrondissement): This bohemian neighborhood has reasonably priced accommodations and a lively, artistic atmosphere. With metro stations like Ménilmontant and Père Lachaise on line 2, it’s well connected to Montmartre, the Marais, and the Latin Quarter. This area is ideal for young travelers and nightlife lovers.
The best areas to stay in Paris first time on a budget are:
1. Belleville (19th arrondissement)
One of the main reasons to choose a hotel in Belleville is the wide range of budget accommodations.
Compared to central Paris, Belleville stands out as an affordable option.
Thanks to its diverse, multicultural population, you’ll find a wide variety of dining options here at affordable prices.
From delicious Chinese street food to North African restaurants and authentic French cafes, this neighborhood offers a rich culinary experience without breaking the bank.
Belleville is also home to open-air markets, such as the Belleville Market, where you can pick up fresh produce, pastries, and snacks at affordable prices.
Also, as we mentioned earlier in this article, having direct access to the metro is key when staying outside the center.
Belleville is well-connected by metro lines 2 and 11, allowing you to quickly reach iconic sites such as the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Montmartre.
Known for its artsy, unpretentious vibe, Belleville is a favorite spot among locals and young creatives, giving visitors a more authentic and local perspective of Paris.
Belleville’s streets are adorned with vibrant street art, especially on Rue Denoyez, which adds a distinctive and free feel to explore.
Before booking in this area, there are two things to consider.
First, Belleville is not the most “picturesque” area of Paris.
Unlike the picture-postcard neighborhoods, a more urban and genuine aesthetic prevails here, which has its charm, although it might not be what those who prefer a more traditionally “Parisian” atmosphere are looking for.
Second, it is important to keep certain safety precautions in mind.
Although Belleville is generally safe, some areas may seem less peaceful, especially after dark.
As with any dynamic urban neighborhood, there may be occasional small incidents of crime or groups that may make visitors uncomfortable.
Those who prefer a more serene and safe area for evening strolls may find other options more suitable.
However, Belleville remains a popular choice for budget travelers, and especially families.
2. La Villette (19th arrondissement)
La Villette is a relatively quiet area located north of Belleville, on the edge of Paris city centre.
This makes it a great place to find budget accommodation, although it also means there is a little less to do compared to more central areas.
However, you will have easy access to Parc de la Villette, one of the largest green spaces in Paris, with wide fields, playgrounds and scenic walking trails.
This park is family-friendly, thanks to the kid-friendly areas, and is also a favourite picnic spot for locals, making it nice for couples looking for a relaxing day outdoors.
Perhaps most importantly, La Villette offers excellent access to metro line 5, which connects to Gare du Nord and other central locations such as the Latin Quarter and Le Marais.
This makes it easy to explore the heart of Paris while staying in a quieter, more budget-friendly neighbourhood.
La Villette is also known for its local markets, including the Marché de Joinville, where you can find fresh produce, baked goods, and local delicacies at reasonable prices, especially in the morning.
The main drawback is the distance to central attractions.
However, if you don’t mind a short metro ride, La Villette can save you a lot on accommodation costs without sacrificing access to the best of Paris.
3. Montmartre (18th arrondissement)
Of all the areas we’ve mentioned, Montmartre is the one that offers the best value for money.
You’ll be close to the iconic Sacré-Cœur, in one of the most romantic and picturesque neighborhoods in Paris, and with plenty to explore right on your doorstep.
However, as this article is about budget stays in Paris, we have to admit that finding an affordable option here can be a little more complicated than in other areas.
However, if you’re willing to stretch your budget a bit, the experience is well worth it.
Montmartre is a fantastic area to explore on foot, with charming streets like Rue de l’Abreuvoir and Rue des Martyrs that perfectly capture the essence of Paris.
You’ll find plenty of little cafes, bars, and bistros where you can enjoy delicious meals without spending a fortune.
And when you’re ready to explore other attractions, the metro will get you to the center of Paris in a jiffy.
Plus, Montmartre is conveniently located near one of Paris’ main train stations, making it easy to arrive or depart by train.
The downside? Some areas of Montmartre can be more expensive, but if you’re up for a little adventure, you can always find a hotel that fits your budget, especially on the outskirts of the neighborhood.
Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!
4. Ménilmontant (20th arrondissement)
Our final recommendation is Ménilmontant, located in the 20th arrondissement.
Generally, the higher the arrondissement number, the further away it is from the city center.
In the case of Ménilmontant, it’s about as far away as you can go while still being in the center of Paris, which, as a general rule, usually means a better chance of finding affordable accommodation.
But what can you expect from this neighborhood?
Ménilmontant has a distinctly bohemian charm, with an eclectic mix of street art, independent galleries, and creative spaces showcasing local talent.
Its vibrant, youthful energy attracts artists and musicians, making it a great place for travelers interested in exploring the artistic and alternative side of Paris.
This area also boasts an impressive array of affordable dining options, from traditional French bistros to North African restaurants and international cuisine.
Located next to Belleville, Ménilmontant offers access to even more affordable food markets, parks, and rich local culture.
The nearby Parc de Belleville offers a peaceful green space with panoramic views of the city, a perfect place to relax.
Ménilmontant is well connected to the rest of Paris via metro lines 2 and 11, making it easy to access major attractions such as the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Montmartre.
You’ll be able to explore all of Paris’s highlights and return each evening to a relaxed, budget-friendly neighborhood.
If you choose to stay in Ménilmontant, you’ll have a more authentic and relaxed experience than if you stayed in the center, allowing you to enjoy daily Parisian life.
You’ll find local markets, casual cafes, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Ménilmontant is also close to some of Paris’ nightlife spots, such as Rue Oberkampf.
While it’s not always budget-friendly, it’s still possible to get a glimpse of Paris’s party scene here without spending a fortune.
As for downsides, this area tends to appeal more to younger travelers.
Families may find Belleville or La Villette more suitable, and couples often prefer the romance of Montmartre.
But for budget travelers looking for something vibrant and unique, Ménilmontant is a fantastic option.