Top 2 Neighborhoods for 20-somethings to stay in Paris

Answer: 4th and 6th arrondissements

For travelers in their 20s and 30s, the 4th and 6th neighborhoods are hands down the best to stay. Both are packed with shops, cafes, and cute winding streets.

RIGHT BANK

Le Marais (4th)

trendy, festive, quirky, young, charming, vibrant, historic, boutiques, foodies, hidden courtyards, cafe culture, village-like

A perfect place to arrive on your first trip to Paris. The streets are welcoming and quaint, overflowing with shops and restaurants. Also home to some of the best food we had on our trip. You’ll see lots of younger Parisians walking around here, and the nightlife is hard to beat.

Where we stayed: Dandy Hotel

This affordable, super stylish boutique hotel is technically in the 1st arrondissement, but it borders the main road that divides the 1st from the 4th. We actually thought it was in the 4th the entire time, that’s how close it is!

The hotel is situated on a pedestrian only street, lined with cafes in every direction. You’re a 3 minute walk to the train station and a 10 minute walk from the Seine river. There is also a small restaurant on the first floor, perfect for your morning espresso or evening nightcap.

Top food pick: Miznon

Miznon was our favorite meal on the entire trip. We ordered three things to share between two people, a perfect amount.

BOEUF BOURGUIGNON - 13,00 €

Our top pick. Chunks of braised beef and vegetables stuffed into the world’s fluffiest, most heavenly pita. Every bite melts in your mouth. We’re drooling just thinking about it.

RATATOUILLE DORÉE - 9,50 €

Tomato, roasted eggplant, tahini, spicy sauce and hard-boiled egg. Our first time eating Ratatouille and certainly not the last. This warm vegetable medley paired perfectly with the beef pita.

L'ORIGINALE TETE DE CHOUX-FLEURS - 8,00 €

Roasted Cauliflower. A whole head of it. The florets fall off without effort, offering the perfect blend of salt and char in every bite.

LEFT BANK

Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th)

quintessential, lively, charming, artistic, atmospheric, wine bars, romantic, intellectual, quaint, luxurious, authentic, sexy

We didn’t stay here, but wish we did. Being in our late 20s, this neighborhood felt more “adult” than Le Marais, which seemed to skew younger. It’s exactly what we romanticized Paris to be like. We wanted to stop in almost every restaurant / bar we walked by because they’re all so pretty to look at.

Where we ate: Tām

Tām is a vibey little spot serving traditional Vietnamese dishes. The interior is very warm, colorful, and inviting. We each ordered our own dish, but here’s the fav:

Phở de l’amour (23€)

Broth simmered for 18 hours, pasta rice, beef carpaccio, and Vietnamese herbs. Perfect dish for a cooler evening, and a welcomed change of pace from eating French food for every meal. Gotta keep things interesting!

Where we drank: Prescription Cocktail Club

Described as “cosmic and theatrical” this seductive little cocktail bar is a must see. We’re not even going to recommend a specific drink because they are all out of this world. We sat upstairs in a dark cozy room with velvet sofas and upholstered walls.