What to See in Paris by Arrondissement (District)

The 11th arrondissement of Paris is an edgy, ethnically diverse area of the city that houses sights such as the Place de la Bastille and its majestic modern operahouse. It's also a huge draw for students and fans of nightlife, offering a disproportionate number of the city's hippest bars and clubs.

Paris' 12th arrondissement (district) is a somewhat lesser-known part of the city that notably houses historic train station Gare de Lyon and the Bois de Vincennes, an enormous park known as Paris' "lungs".

Comprising the legendary Montparnasse district, once home to a lively arts and literature scene in the roaring 1920's, the 14th arrondissement has a lot to offer.

Paris' 15th arrondissement is a relatively unchartered area of the city of lights that features charming residential streets, a waterpark and the city's largest convention center. Situated in the southwest part of the city's left bank, the 15th arrondissement is quiet and unassuming, but has many charming nooks.

The 16th arrondissement is an elegant, upwardly mobile area of Paris which houses important museums such as the Claude Monet/Marmottan Museum and the Palais de Tokyo, in addition to quiet, charming neighborhoods like the area known as Passy.

The 17th arrondissement is a somewhat unchartered area in the northwest corner of the city that combines quiet upper-middle class neighborhoods and spots such as Place de Clichy, formerly seamy areas frequented by 19th century artists including Edouard Manet.

Thanks to its sweeping viewpoints, art-drenched history and charming, village-like streets, the 18th arrondissement is one of Paris' most-frequented areas. This arrondissement also includes lively, bustling immigrant neighborhoods such as Barbes and La Goutte d'Or.

Situated in a northeast corner of Paris, the 19th arrondissement has until recently been considered of little interest to tourists. Yet the area, which is undergoing a dramatic urban renewal, has a lot to offer. It notably features a sweeping romantic-style park, lively cinemas and a science and industry museum.

Paris' 20th and final arrondissement is a gritty working class area whose immigrant roots, stately Pere Lachaise cemetery and surprisingly quiet stretches lend a particular charm.