Everything You Need to Know About Paris’ 1st and 2nd Arrondissements

Paris is broken up into 20 Arrondissements (districts), each with it’s own unique personality. The 1st Arrondissement, where the Louvre is found, is located in the center of the city. It’s a bit of a tourist hot spot, especially enjoyed by those interested in art and shopping. Next door, the 2nd Arrondissement is the smallest of them all and arguably one of the most underrated. It’s quiet while still being walking distance to everything in the touristy 1st Arr.

Here is everything you need to know about Paris’ 1st and 2nd Arrondissements!

ALSO READ 8 THINGS YOU CANNOT MISS IN PARIS AND THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT PARIS — A FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE!

Other Paris Information

Assuming you are reading this because you are planning on visiting, I have a ton of helpful Paris content to ease your planning woes! Click below for…

• Paris itinerary: 8 things you cannot miss

• Things to know before you visit - a first-timer’s guide

• The best time to travel to Paris

• A guide to Le Marais, the best neighborhood in Paris

• The best hotel in Le Marais: Le Pavillon de la Reine

• 8 Airbnbs in Le Marais you must stay in

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• What to pack for a cold weather trip

• The most comfortable stylish walking shoes for travel

Also, subscribe below to get our free downloadable guide and we’ll also send you some step-by-step help to plan the Paris trip of your dreams!

WHERE TO STAY

The Hoxton is a wonderful 4-star hotel that I have personally stayed at and highly recommend. Since it is in the 2nd Arrondissement it is very centrally located and is beautiful beyond words. Last time I visited Paris I booked two nights here and ended up liking it so much that I extended to four. Click here to see the latest prices.

Hotel Le Meurice is a very highly recommended 5-star luxury hotel on popular Rue de Rivoli. It’s location next to the Louvre and across from the Jardin des Tuileries make it as central as possible in Paris! Click here to see the latest prices.

Ritz Paris is another 5-star hotel in the 1st Arr. Its location in Place Vendome make it slightly more appealing than the Hotel Le Meurice, in my opinion :) Click here to see the latest prices.

Booking.com

WHERE TO EAT + DRINK

Since the 1st Arrondissement is one of the most touristy, you must beware of bad, overpriced restaurants! If you are on the hunt for a bite in this area, make sure to go to one of these:

ELLSWORTH (34 Rue de Richelieu) — French restaurant with good wine. I haven’t tried the fried chick but apparently it’s a can’t miss kinda thing.

KUNITORAYA RESTAURANT (5 Rue Villedo) — A good Japanese restaurant known for its udon.

MAISIE CAFÉ (32 Rue du Mont Thabor) — Healthy food heaven! A delicious cafe featuring vegan and vegetarian options and cold pressed juice.

SHAKA POKE (34 Rue du Louvre) — Hawaiian poke. I didn’t go here in person but ordered it on Uber Eats while working from my hotel room at The Hoxton and it was great!

PIZZERIA POPOLARE (111 Rue Réaumur) — Pizza by Big Mamma Group! I haven’t tried this restaurant but all Big Mamma Group spots are SO GOOD (this one included, I’m sure).

BALAGAN (9 Rue d’Alge) — A great Israeli restaurant.

ITACOA (185 Rue Saint Denis) — Fresh, local and seasonal products. Cold-pressed restaurant and juice bar.

ECHO (95 rue d’Aboukir) — Great for coffee + a quick bite.

LIZA (14, rue de la Banque) — Lebanese food in a beautiful setting.

JUICERIE (2 Rue De la Michodière) — Fresh juice, acai bowls, granola.

MATAMATA COFFEE BAR (58 Rue d’Argot) — Specialty coffee and homemade food.

BAR DANICO (6 Rue Vivienne) — Cocktails!

LE COMPAS (62 Rue Montorgueil) — Cocktails and good people watching on popular Rue Montorgueil.

WHAT TO SEE + DO

The 1st and 2nd Arrondissements are home to many museums, including:

• The Louvre — an obvious can’t miss. Grab a timed entrance ticket (self-guided).

• Musée de l’Orangerie — Smaller collection, but it’s great. Monet’s Lilies are here as well as other impressionist paintings. Reserve your ticket here.

Other places of interest I recommend visiting:

• Jardin des Tuileries

• Jardin du Palais Royale

• Place des Victoires

• Place Vendôme

• Palais Royale

• Pont Des Arts – the “love locks bridge”

If shopping is on your agenda:

• Les Halles — A popular shopping mall connected to Chatelet Les Halles, the RER and Metro transit hub.

• Rue de Rivoli — Famous shopping street, home to many stores.

• Rue Montorgeuil — A market street full of many cafes and shops.

• & Other Stories (35 Rue Montmartre)

• Sezane (1 Rue Saint-Fiarce)

Covered passages:

• Passage des Panoramas

• Passage du Grand Cerf

• Galerie Vivienne, an indoor passage built in 1823 that features several shops, cafes and restaurants

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