2nd Arrondissement , Paris guide

There’s no better way to get a feel for the 2nd Arrondissement than by visiting Rue Montorgueil. This pedestrianised street is packed with historic bakeries, cheese shops, creperies, wine stores and Parisian cafes. Stop by Mariage Frères, France’s oldest tea house, dating back to 1854. And tuck into some of the city’s best oysters at Au Rocher de Cancale, open since 1804.

Traces of medieval Paris still stand in the 2nd Arrondissement, most notably the 15th-century Tour Jean-sans-Peur. The Napoleonic Palais Brongniart once housed the Paris Bourse (Paris Stock Exchange). For a more recent slice of history, visit the Grand Rex with its Art Deco architecture. Built in 1932, it’s Europe’s largest cinema.

One of the best things to do in the 2nd Arrondissement is explore the area’s covered arcades and historic passages. Passage des Panoramas and Passage du Caire are two of the city’s oldest. And Passage Choiseul, which opened in 1827, is now lined with antique shops, jewellers and boutiques. Passage du Grand-Cerf is also worth a visit for its architecture and quirky shopfronts.

With its shops, historic sites and secret passages, the 2nd Arrondissement is a great place to explore as a family. Stop by Stohrer — a legendary patisserie founded in 1730 — to satisfy your sweet tooth. Good luck choosing from its selection of tarts, cakes and eclairs. Then make a beeline for Square Louvois, a small park perfect for a picnic.

The 2nd Arrondissement is perhaps best known for its theatres. From secret comedy clubs to classical theatres like the Théâtre des Variétés and the Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens, the area is a hub for the performing arts. If you’re curious to peek inside one of Paris’ grandest spaces, the Théâtre National de l'Opéra-Comique offers guided tours.

Rue du Nil has become a culinary destination with its European restaurants and speciality food stores, while Rue Sainte-Anne is known for its Asian eateries. Wander down Rue Montorgueil to buy classic French goods like cheese and baguettes, or enjoy great food and atmosphere in one of its terraced restaurants. You’ll find some of the best restaurants in the 2nd Arrondissement hidden away in its covered passages.

You’ll find a great choice of bars and lounges in the 2nd Arrondissement. Head to Rue Montorgueil for late-night spots and find live music haunts nearby. And if you like your cocktail with a side of history, stop by Harry’s New York Bar, which is said to be the birthplace of the Bloody Mary.

Historic shopping arcades, speciality food stores and clothing boutiques — the 2nd Arrondissement offers a wealth of retail therapy. Foodies and aspiring chefs won’t want to miss the cookery stores here. If you’re after fashion, Rue Montmartre has you covered with its name brands and independent shops. Kids will be in paradise at Passage des Princes, an arcade dedicated to toys, hobbies and games.

Place des Victoires sits on the border of the 1st and 2nd Arrondissements and is one of the city’s oldest squares. If you’re a classical music fan, stop by the Basilica of Notre-Dame des Victoires, which was once visited by Mozart. For a fun photo op, don’t miss Rue des Degrés, Paris’ smallest street.