Garden Saint Martin

Main attractions: Located at the intersection of the 3rd, 10th and 11th arrondissements, Place de la République recently had a shiny new makeover in an attempt to make the formerly scruffy, unwelcoming square a gathering place, with a new budget-friendly café that opens early and stays open late, and wide-open space for everything from skateboarding to the requisite French demonstration on the historic square built as a monument to France Third Republic. The nearby Canal St. Martin is a favorite for hanging out, especially in nice weather.

Neighborhood atmosphere: If you're arriving in Paris via train from the north (Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London, etc.), there is a chance that the Gare du Nord will be your first impression of Paris. The neighborhood spanning from République north to the Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est is busy by day and high on budget hotel options, if somewhat low on charm. But the incredible diversity of the neighborhood is reflected in its exotic shops, where anything from plantains to halal meat to organic groceries can be found.

Affordability: This is one of Paris’ more affordable neighborhoods that in recent years has become ever more gentrified. You don’t have to go far for trendy but still reasonably priced dining options.

Stay Here If: You have an early train to out of Gare du Nord or Gare de l’Est and have been known to oversleep. Or you like the proximity to the canal and the excitement of a cosmopolitan neighborhood.

Don’t Stay Here If: You are looking for old world Parisian charm or immediate proximity to major cultural attractions.