Next time you’re in Paris, skip the packed tourist centers and base yourself in a quieter, cooler part of town.
Paris is designed like an escargot, with its 20 neighborhoods, called arrondissements, spiraling out from the city’s center point like the shell of a snail.
Each area has a unique draw. The 1st is home to the Louvre, for example, while the 7th boasts the Eiffel Tower. For a time, the 2nd Arrondissement was best known as the location of an events center that was once the stock exchange. However, it’s precisely why this neighborhood should be on your radar.
The 2nd Arrondissement has long been underrated by travelers, meaning it’s not a hot spot for tourists but rather a calm, chic neighborhood popular with locals.
The relatively quiet streets are within walking distance from major attractions including Notre Dame, the museums along the Seine, and Le Marais: the historic aristocratic district that’s now synonymous with Parisian cool.
It’s not just the proximity to notable attractions that make the 2nd a noteworthy destination. Recently, the neighborhood has welcomed exciting new places to stay, restaurants, and design-driven cocktail bars, making it a stylish area in its own right. Moreover, there are some landmark attractions that have always anchored the 2nd Arrondissement, like the nearby Centre George Pompidou and charming covered walkways.
Hotels in the 2nd Arrondissement
The Hoxton, Paris
Having opened its doors in late August, the new Hoxton, Paris is one of the youngest hotels in the area. The hotel is located in an 18th-century building, originally constructed for an advisor to Louis XV. They’ve maintained original details, including the façade and two 300-year-old spiral staircases. Like its Shoreditch, London counterpart, The Hoxton, Paris offers a range of room sizes, with cheeky categories like Shoebox or the Biggy. All accommodations feature timber flooring, white tiled bathrooms with copper fixtures and exposed bulbs, and bright accent colors.
Hotel Saint-Marc
The rooms at Hotel Saint-Marc have ample space to spread out, but the rest of the experience at this small, 26-room boutique hotel is more intimate. Guests can access an ‘honesty bar,’ where they help themselves and simply record what they’ve had, while the wellness center offers private bookings. After a solid night’s sleep in one of the quiet guestrooms, start the day with fresh juice, fruit, and pastries on the verandah.
Hotel Square Louvois
Another relative newcomer in the 2nd is the mid-sized Hotel Square Louvois, which has 50 rooms. Visitors can choose from a range of sizes, from single occupancy to a family room large enough to accommodate five (with various options for bed arrangements). The rooms are simple and elegant, featuring dark curtains, copper light fixtures, and houndstooth textiles. In addition to standard breakfast, the hotel offers an afternoon tea for guests. Another perk: visitors can request delivery from major department stores directly to the hotel, making it easy to squeeze in shopping trips.
Restaurants in the 2nd Arrondissement
Frenchie
The most difficult part of picking a restaurant in Paris is the sheer abundance of great options. For a delicious meal in a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere, head to Frenchie. The tiny restaurant’s friendly, accommodating staff are the perfect antidote to what you may have heard about the stuffiness of French dining. If you don’t eat meat or are gluten-free, you’ll find options here. It’s essential to plan ahead.
Daroco
For Italian, eat at Daroco, just down the road from Palais Brongniart. The menu is straightforward, consisting of pizzas, pastas, and a handful of meats—and they do all of it well. However, the main draw is the atmosphere. Large chandelier bulbs, seafoam-hued velour curtains, and live greenery are complemented by mirrored ceilings and industrial, cement walls with exposed columns. The bar serves as the centerpiece of the restaurant, with balcony seating above.
La Cevicheria
When you’ve had enough of rich French fare, try La Cevicheria. Located on a vibrant street near the center of the 2nd, the restaurant features a selection of fresh fish served ceviche-style in various marinades. (Think: tuna with nikkei sauce, mango, avocado, and red onion, or sea bream with lime juice, garlic, ginger, coriander, chili, and sweet potatoes.)
Bars in the 2nd Arrondissement
Frenchie Bar à Vins
Across the road from Frenchie Restaurant is the bustling Frenchie Bar à Vins. If you couldn’t land a reservation at the restaurant, this is a great way to experience some highlights. When Frenchie’s proprietor, Gregory Marchand, decided to open the wine bar, it was meant to be an establishment where people could more easily drop in. Due to its popularity, however, you should still expect to wait.
La Fusée
This petit joint is just outside the 2nd, but only a short walk away. If you’re looking for a relaxed glass of wine or beer, this is the place to go. Unlike many of the sparkling, newer establishments, La Fusée feels authentically French, packed with locals. Order a charcuterie platter featuring French cheeses, olives, and cornichons.
Jacques’ Bar
Whether or not you’re staying at The Hoxton, the on-site Jacques’ Bar is an excellent spot to sip a late-night cocktail. The cocktails, wine, and beer are curated by a local group known for running some of the best bars in Paris. If you’re craving something before 5 p.m., when Jacques’ opens, order a drink from the lobby bar and enjoy it in the courtyard.
Brasseries in the 2nd Arrondissement
Le Central
Brasserie technically translates to brewery, but the ubiquitous corner establishments offer much more than beer. Though they serve food throughout the day, come here to people-watch while sipping a glass of red wine. Le Central’s location on busy Boulevard de Sébastopol, just south of the Metro stop, makes it an excellent place to stop for a quick café-au-lait before heading out for the day. If you’re only having coffee, be sure to bring cash, as brasseries often don’t accept cards for small tabs.
Café Le Brebant
The draw of Le Brebant, just outside the Grand Boulevards Metro station, is its décor. The ceiling is draped with springy green vines, making it feel welcoming and chic rather than tacky. Enjoy a quick coffee at the bar, or linger at one of the pavement tables for afternoon seafood plates.
Sites and Attractions in the 2nd Arrondissement
Porte Saint-Denis and Porte Saint-Martin
Along the stretch of road where Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle turns into Boulevard Saint-Denis are Porte Saint-Denis and the slightly smaller Porte Saint-Martin. While you won’t find the same crush of people that flock to the Arc de Triomphe, architecturally, these arcs are similarly impressive. They’re both worth a detour to see, as they are easily stumbled upon due to their location on main thoroughfares and adjacent Metro stations.
Palais Brongniart
Palais Brongniart, at the center of the 2nd Arrondissement, is historically the most well-known building in the neighborhood. It served as the stock exchange from its opening in 1826 until 1998, when operations moved offsite. Today, it’s an events venue that hosts seminars and conferences.
Place des Victoires
A short walk southeast of Place de la Bourse, the circular Place des Victoires boasts a statue of King Louis XIV on horseback, surrounded by buildings with concave facades. Despite the six roads converging at the roundabout, there isn’t much car or foot traffic, making it a calm and scenic place for a stroll.
The Louvre
Though not in the 2nd, the Louvre, perhaps Paris’ most famous museum, is within walking distance. This incredible museum is home to masterpieces including Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa, making it a must-see for travelers. Unlike the Musée d’Orsay, the Louvre is simply too vast to see everything in one visit. Plan to determine which pieces you’d like to see in advance and make sure to enjoy a stroll through the adjacent Tuileries Gardens before dark.
Centre George Pompidou
The Pompidou Center is a contemporary art museum located just outside the 2nd Arrondissement. With external scaffolding, brightly painted piping, and an airy, open-plan design, its style contrasts with Paris’ best-known Haussmanian architecture. In addition to its unique design, the museum houses a collection of more than 100,000 pieces. Insider tip: if you’re visiting on the first Sunday of the month, take advantage of free entry. The museum offers guided tours or guests can wander freely through the exhibits.
Transportation in the 2nd Arrondissement
One of the easiest ways to get around Paris is by using the underground train system, known as the Metro. While the routes may seem elaborate, it’s fairly straightforward.
Because the trains do not always travel directly north, south, east, or west, directions are noted by signs naming the last station where the train will stop. In the 2nd, or just outside, you can catch the 3, 4, 7, 8, and 9 trains.
Shopping in the 2nd Arrondissement
Si Tu Veux
This charming little toy shop is perfect for people traveling with children, or for those picking up a souvenir. The store’s philosophy—that play makes children smarter and happier—is evident in their selection of high-quality, educational toys. Additionally, the shop is located in beautiful Galerie Vivienne, a covered passageway that is also a notable point of interest.
Sézane
The line at French it-girl label Sézane features crisp white shirts, soft sweaters, and sleek clutches. Best known as an online boutique, lucky locals or visitors can also visit brick-and-mortar locations in the 2nd Arrondissement, including l’Appartement, where shoppers can try the newest pieces, La Librarie focusing on the leather collection, and La Conciergerie, exclusively for those retrieving or returning online purchases.
Legrand Filles et Fils
Legrand is part wine bar, part gourmet grocery, and a fully Parisian institution: the first location opened in 1880. Stop by to collect a few bottles of wine and other delicacies to take home, and be sure to sample a few glasses before purchasing.
Passages des Panoramas
Passages des Panoramas is Paris’ first covered walkway and has served as a commercial center since the early 1800s. There are several eateries and plenty of small collectors selling postcards and used books.
Galerie Vivienne
Galerie Vivienne is another covered passageway that has gained recognition as a historical monument in Paris. It features a collection of boutiques and restaurants, but its stunning architecture is the main draw. It’s a perfect place to stroll regardless of the weather, as the glass roof shelters pedestrians from rain while still allowing sunlight to brighten the space on clear days.
Things to See Near the 2nd Arrondissement
The Eiffel Tower
Even for those who’ve spent plenty of time in Paris, the Eiffel Tower is an attraction that never gets old. From the 2nd, hop on the 9 line toward Pont de Sèvres and get off at Trocadero for a perfect view of Paris’ most famous landmark.
Le Sacré Coeur and Montmartre
Montmartre has long been home to artists from around the world, maintaining a bohemian feel. At the base of the hill, check out institutions like the Moulin Rouge and, at the top, the breathtaking Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Although it’s easy to arrive via Metro with one connection, the walk is only about 30 minutes and quite pleasant, albeit slightly uphill.
Notre Dame and Latin Quarter
Notre Dame, one of the best-known cathedrals in the world, lies just a 30-minute walk in the opposite direction. Arrive early to dodge crowds, then wander along the quays on the Left Bank to the Fontaine Saint-Michel before weaving through narrow cobblestone streets into the Latin Quarter.
