Discover Paris: the 2nd arrondissement
The 2nd arrondissement, located on the right bank of the Seine in the center of the city, might be the smallest district in Paris, but it’s certainly not short of things to discover. Not only is it home to the enormous Les Halles shopping mall, the famous Pompidou centre, and the Lodgis office (!), it also has a whole host of other great places to visit. So what are the best things to do in the 2nd arrondissement? Here are some of the hidden gems to discover during your time in the neighborhood:
Eat:
Brunch
Twinkie
This English/ French/ American restaurant does one of the best brunches in the city. Think things like stacks of pancakes, eggs Benedict and full English breakfasts; the best way to kick off your day. But you won’t be the first to discover this neighborhood gem, so be sure to get there early to avoid the queues!
Located: 167 Rue Saint-Denis, 75002
Metro: Réaumur-Sébastopol, line 3/ line 4
Opening time: 10am – 3pm, closed on Mondays
Dinner
Dalmata
This hip Italian pizza place is one of the neighborhood’s worst kept secrets, with queues out the door most nights of the week. There are no reservations, so its first come first served, and they only make 101 pizzas per sitting! If you can get your hands on one, they are undeniably delicious, with the best authentic Italian ingredients combined with original toppings and a lively atmosphere. What’s not to like?
Located: 8 Rue Tiquetonne, 75002
Metro: Etienne Marcel, line 4
Opening time: 12pm – 2.30pm, 7.30pm – 10.30pm
Café Montorgueil
There are some of the best traditional French restaurants in the city located on the famous Rue Montorguiel. Pay a visit to this traditional bistro, known for its French classics like Croque Monsieur, escargots and French onion soup. Sit out on the covered terrace for some great people watching on this bustling street, and enjoy the French culinary experience.
Located: 58 Rue Montorgueil, 75002
Metro: Etienne Marcel, line 4
Opening time: 6.30am – 2am
Drink:
Coffee
Matamata
If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee during your time in the city, be sure to pay a visit to Matamata. This cosy cafe is a great place to grab a flat white and a mid morning croissant, or brunch on weekends. There’s a downstairs area where you can escape from the city for a moment, or a few chairs outside, just the best for a Summer’s day.
Located: 58 Rue d’Argout, 75002
Metro: Sentier, line 3
Opening time: 8/9am – 5pm
Wine
Rue Saint-Sauveur
There are some great cocktail and wine bars that line Rue Saint-Sauveur and the surrounding streets, like REDD and the Experimental Cocktail Club. The area is known for its great atmosphere, particularly in the summer time when the bars are known to open up onto the street outside. They may not serve the cheapest drinks in the city, but they’re certainly worth a visit if you’re looking for a great evening in the neighborhood.
Metro: Réaumur-Sébastopol, line 3/ line 4
Click here to see our selection of apartments located in the 2nd arrondissement.
Visit:
Markets
Rue Montorgueil
This vibrant, bustling pedestrian street in the heart of the neighborhood is known for having one of best permanent markets in the city, and is definitely worth a visit. It includes a butchers, a fish mongers, a green grocers, a cheese shop, a bakery (La Maison Stohrer, one of the best in the city), a florist… You’ll find the best fresh, organic market produce here.
Metro: Sentier, line 3
Nightlife
Rex Club
Underneath the enormous Grand Rex cinema, known for hosting films and concerts, lies one of the most famous techno clubs in the city. They put on a whole host of nights, with both French and international DJs, so be sure to check their website to see what’s on.
Located: 5 Boulevard Poissonnière, 75002
Metro: Bonne Nouvelle, line 8/ line 9
Monuments
La Tour Jean-sans-Peur (‘Tower of John the Fearless’)
Just at the entrance of the Etienne Marcel metro station is this little-known monument. Built as a residence of medieval Counts, and later the Dukes of Burgundy, this 15th century tower now houses a museum with rotating exhibitions on life in the Middle Ages. It’s a great surviving example of residential architecture in the neighborhood in the Middle Ages.
Located: 20 Rue Étienne Marcel, 75002
Metro: Etienne Marcel, line 4
Opening time: 1.30pm – 6.30pm, closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Art
Le Mur Végétal de la rue d’Aboukir
Although there aren’t any gardens in the 2nd arrondissement, you can still get your dose of greenery from a visit to this beautiful green wall. It’s covered with 7500 plants from nearly 250 different species, and it’s quite a sight! While you’re at it, take a quick detour down to 28 Rue Dussoubs to discover the Mur des Vents – a wall covered in colourful tiles that spin in the wind. They really are works of art.
Located: 83 Rue d’Aboukir, 75002
Metro: Sentier, line 3
These are some of the best things to do in the 2nd arrondissement, but there are many more great spots to discover amongst the neighborhood’s cobbled streets. Known for its great French restaurants, hidden works of art and unusual museums, it is certainly a neighborhood not to be missed during your time in the city. To continue your travels, why not head south onto the Ile Saint Louis, and on to the Saint Germain des Près neighborhood, where there are more great museums, markets and famous monuments to discover.
Are you looking for an apartment in the 2nd arrondissement?
Lodgis offers a fabulous selection of furnished apartments for rent. We offer over 7,500 properties, from studio to family apartments with period features, spacious dining and living areas, terraces, elevator access…and just about anything!
