Ah, Paris. The City of Light, love, and existential dread in overpriced coffee shops. But real talk—when planning your dream Parisian escape, the age-old debate always hits hard: Left Bank or Right Bank? Which side of the Seine should you stay on, eat your croissants on, or dramatically pretend you’re a tortured artist on?
Let’s break it down. This isn’t just geography—it’s a whole vibe shift. Like East Coast vs West Coast, but with more cheese, wine, and attitude.
Why is it even called Left and Right Bank?
Okay so here’s a fun twist: the Seine flows west, so when you’re facing downstream, the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) is to your left and the Right Bank (Rive Droite) is to your right. Not rocket science, but hey, when I first visited, I spent 20 minutes staring at Google Maps upside down.
It’s one of those things Parisians just know. Like how they just magically know how to tie scarves or walk on cobblestones in heels.
Also read: What To Do In Edinburgh
Left Bank: what’s the vibe?
The Left Bank is all poetry, painters, and the ghosts of existentialists past. If you’ve ever romanticized reading a dusty book in a café while wearing an oversized coat and chain-smoking (please don’t), this side is your soul’s home.
You’ve got classic neighborhoods like Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the artsy Montparnasse, and the eternal student energy of the Latin Quarter. Think: jazz bars, secondhand bookshops, and the aroma of butter clinging to the air like a sweet, flaky ghost.
One time I sat at Les Deux Magots and accidentally ordered just a €10 espresso because I misread the menu. Spent an hour sipping it slooowly while pretending to be deep in thought. Peak Left Bank behavior.
Local tip: Even if it’s touristy, wander through Jardin du Luxembourg in the early morning. The old men playing chess will ignore you, but the pigeons might nod in approval.
A perfect day on the Left Bank
Start at Coutume Café for strong coffee that could probably raise Hemingway from the grave. Then hit Le Bon Marché for bougie window-shopping and outfit envy.
Wander down to Montparnasse, grab a crêpe from a random crêperie (if the cook speaks Breton, it’s a jackpot), then head to Jardin des Plantes for some much-needed green therapy.
End the night with jazz at Caveau des Oubliettes, and if you’re feeling fancy, sneak in a glass of wine at Bar Joséphine at the Lutetia. It’s giving classic, cinematic Paris.
Right Bank: what’s the vibe?
Oh, the Right Bank is like the cooler older sibling who throws better parties, dresses better, and somehow gets invited to every gallery opening. It’s where energy crackles and trends are born.
From the artsy grit of Montmartre to the absolute chaos (in the best way) of Le Marais, this side is full-on sensory overload. I once got lost looking for Centre Pompidou, only to end up in a natural wine bar listening to a DJ mix acid jazz and Tunisian trap music. I stayed for hours.
There’s diversity here—Little Tokyo on Rue Sainte-Anne, Little Africa in Goutte d’Or, hipster heaven near Canal Saint-Martin—and somehow, it all works.
Local tip: Hit up Rue Oberkampf after dark for bars with character, cheap apéros, and occasionally, a guy playing the accordion for no reason.
A perfect day on the Right Bank
Start strong at Galeries Vivienne—seriously, this place is like a Wes Anderson film trapped inside a shopping arcade. Pop into Jardin du Palais Royal next door and channel your inner Parisian muse.
Get lunch on Rue Sainte-Anne—ramen at Higuma or bibimbap at Jantchi, your call. (I once burned my tongue so bad on udon broth I had to whisper for the rest of the day. Sexy.)
Then wander through Rue Montorgueil, grazing on fruit, cheese, and pastries until you roll into the Marais for some window shopping and people watching. Wrap it up with dinner at Le Datcha and cocktails at Fréquence. Music will be good. So will the crowd.
Left Bank vs Right Bank: transportation
Look, if we’re talking metro supremacy, the Right Bank kinda wins. It’s got more lines, more stations, and access to the major hubs like Gare du Nord and Gare de Lyon.
The Left Bank has Gare Montparnasse and Gare d’Austerlitz, but honestly? If you’re staying on that side, get ready to walk more or practice your bus skills. Or just embrace being “that person” who bikes in Paris—honestly, kind of iconic.
Hot tip: Download the RATP app. Trust me. Paris public transport doesn’t play around, and missing the last metro at 1:05am is a rite of passage… but also a pain in the ass.
Paris’s islands: can’t pick a side?
Don’t wanna choose? Be Switzerland and stay on the Île de la Cité or Île Saint-Louis. These tiny islands are literally in the middle of the Seine, so you’re on neutral ground.
Pro tip: Get ice cream at Berthillon, sit by the river, and pretend you’re starring in your own indie film.
Village-like arrondissements
Whether you go Left or Right, each arrondissement feels like its own mini village. That’s part of what makes Paris feel like magic—turn one corner, and boom, you’re in a totally different world.
Want sleepy vibes? Try Butte-aux-Cailles in the 13th. Prefer artsy chaos? Belleville. Want to channel Emily in Paris? Don’t. But go to Montmartre anyway.
Walking everywhere is how you uncover Paris’s secrets. Every flaky croissant and creaky bookstore feels like a little reward for not taking the metro.
Final verdict: so… which side wins?
Here’s the thing: there’s no “best” side. It’s like asking if you should date the brooding poet or the life-of-the-party DJ. Both have their charms.
If you want vintage vibes, jazz, and long café sits—go Left Bank.
If you want nightlife, global eats, and an edgier pulse—go Right Bank.
Me? I stay on the Left Bank, party on the Right, and crash on a bench by the Seine when I miss the last train. C’est la vie.
Whichever you choose, you’re gonna fall hard for Paris. That’s the only guarantee.So—Left Bank or Right Bank?
Honestly… just pick one. Then cross the river anyway.
