Ascot Opera

Main attractions: Home to the Bourse (the French stock exchange) as well as France's national library (which has a more recent outpost in the 13th arrondissement), this central neighborhood is generally thought of as a business district.

Neighborhood Atmosphere: Historically the garment district of Paris and more recently ground zero for French Internet start-ups, the 2nd arrondissement is also a lively place to eat, stroll and shop, with a hip but laid back vibe.

Affordability: The rue Montorgueil is a happening pedestrian thoroughfare that includes a mix of established and trendy shops and reasonably priced restaurants cafés and one of Paris’ biggest and best open markets in the shadow of the imposing Saint-Eustache church (technically in the adjacent 1st arrondissement). Amateur and professional chefs haunt legendary cooking supply stores like E. Dehillerin. And the rue du Nil has become a hotspot of casual dining options that include chef Grégory Marchand’s uber-popular Frenchie outposts including a restaurant, a wine bar and a to-go sandwich shop that puts a luscious French spin on American classics like pastrami and pulled pork.

Stay Here If: You want to discover a cool central Parisian neighborhood that won’t be as packed with tourists as the Marais or St. Germain des Prés.

Stay Elsewhere If: You prefer staying in a more name brand area.