7 Great Budget Hotels for Seeing Paris on Foot
Paris is the quintessential city to explore on foot. Small, compared with other major cities, meandering, and full of secrets and surprises, there's really no better way to plumb its fascinating depths than a nice leisurely stroll. These seven gently priced hotels put you in the heart of some of Paris's more compelling neighborhoods, so you can walk out your door, pick a direction, and go—with the peace of mind of having a great place to come home to.
Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers
Why it made the list
Set in on the fringes of more famous neighborhoods—the Marais, Les Halles, Grands Boulevards—this stylish newcomer near the Musée des Arts et Métiers (a discovery unto itself) is perfectly placed to explore an area rich in history as well as some up-and-coming neighborhoods. Foodies love the teeming Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, and the medieval streets between the Haut Marais and Les Halles have plenty to divulge about ancient Paris. The up-and-coming Sentier neighborhood, including Little Egypt, as well as the streets between République and the Canal St-Martin (the rue des Vinaigriers for foodies and rues du Marseille, Beaurepaire, and Yves Toudic for shoppers) are perfect for an afternoon of discovery.
Terrass Hôtel Montmartre
Why it made the list
Though a little pricier than the other hotels on our list, you'll see why when you take in the views from the top-floor restaurant, bar, and terrace (and maybe your room). But along with panoramic views of Paris, this chic hotel puts you squarely in the "village" of Montmartre, one of Paris's greatest walking neighborhoods and a fabulous place to explore. Besides the Sacré-Coeur, do not miss the delightful Musée de Montmartre, the 12th-century Église Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, the charming Vignes de Clos Montmartre, Paris's last working vineyard, and the rue des Martyrs, one of the city's oldest and greatest market streets, brimming with boutiques, cafés, and gourmet food galore. And don't forget Pigalle and Nouvelles Athènes!
Hôtel Caron de Beaumarchais
Why it made the list
Within a block of this fabulously located hotel lies the elegant Place des Vosges surrounded by a 17th-century palace, the last vestiges of Paris's old Jewish quarter on the rue des Rosiers, and scores of chic boutiques in Paris's largest shopping neighborhood. But this old medieval quartier is also home to a handful of Paris's great smaller museums: the Musée Carnavalet (the museum of the City of Paris), Musée Cognacq-Jay, and the marvellous Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature. Plus, the lovely old streets of the medieval Marais around the rue des Archives and between the Seine and the Rue de Rivoli are a joy to explore on foot.
Hôtel des Grands Hommes
Why it made the list
If you don't know the fifth arrondissement—the Latin Quarter and its leafy environs—take our word that this is one of Paris's best neighborhoods for wandering. This charming hotel, set between the Luxembourg gardens and the Jardin des Plantes (the old royal botanic gardens)—site of the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle, the lovely Grandes Serres greenhouses, the zoo, and the Musée de Paleontologie—is also an easy walk to the Arènes de Lutece, the Panthéon (across the street), Rue Mouffetard, and so much more.
Hôtel Henri IV Rive Gauche
Why it made the list
About 50 paces from Notre-Dame and the Seine, this charming family-run hotel covers all the bases and then some. Smack dab in the beating heart of Paris, you'll save time and resources by walking pretty much everywhere, from the big monuments—Notre Dame, the Louvre, Sainte-Chapelle—to the ancient winding streets along both sides of the Seine, and around the wonderful Latin Quarter and sophisticated Saint-Germain-des-Près.
Hôtel Le Pradey
Why it made the list
Friendly, charming, affordable, chic, and in a superb central location, this well-priced hotel really does have it all. Besides being ridiculously close to to Paris's major monuments and museums—the Louvre, Notre Dame, Musée des Art Décoratifs, you can grab a coffee and a croissant and have breakfast and a stroll under the Linden trees of Paris's peerless Palais Royal gardens, five minutes away, then wander over to the 19th-century Galerie Vivienne, one of Paris's first shopping arcades.
Hôtel Saint Jacques
Why it made the list
At this cozy family-owned hotel you'll be in both welcoming hands and an ideal spot in the historic fifth arrondissement, a 10- to 20-minute walk from loads of important monuments and museums—Notre Dame, the Panthéon, the Arènes de Lutèce, the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle and the zoo, as well as Paris's two best gardens, the Luxembourg and the lovely Jardin des Plantes both worth an afternoon of exploring. Not to mention the historic market street rue Mouffetard (immortalized in Hemingway's A Moveable Feast), beautiful ancient churches, and dozens of other landmarks.
Check Rates for Hotels
on the List
BACK TO TOP
