The 2nd arrondissement is in the heart of Paris, a neighbourhood filled with so much to do and see and it’s often overlooked by tourists. My guide will tell you what there’s to see, do, where to eat and where to stay.
As someone who’s been living in Paris for over 8 years, I know the area really well. From the majestic Palais Brongniart to the enchanting Galerie Vivienne and some fantastic restaurants, the neighbourhood is very much worth exploring.
Where is the 2nd Arrondissement?
The second, or deuxieme/2éme in French, arrondissement (district) is located in the very centre of the city, on the right bank. Roughly a 10 minute walk from the Seine and the Louvre museum, it’s an ideal area to stay in if you want to be in the very heart of the city.
It’s the 2nd of 20 arrondissements that make up the city which spiral outwards in a clockwise direction (just like a snail shell). It’s also the smallest arrondissement covering only 1 sq km.
Bordering the Le Marais neighbourhood on the east side as well as Les Halles on the south side, it’s an incredibly accessibly (both by foot and by metro) area of the city.
What is it Known For?
The 2nd arrondissement is often referred by locals as the Sentier and Bourse neighbourhoods. These are two very small areas that refer to the area around the Sentier metro station and the Palais Brongniart which was the old French stock exchange (and was the equivalent to Wall Street in Paris).
The Sentier area has historically been the hub of the Parisian textile industry. Many tailors and cloth merchants still exist to this day around Rue de Cléry.
Historically the Bourse area is know, as the name suggests, as the hub of the old financial district. As well as the Palais Brongniart, it’s also known for the home of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France – Richelieu which was the old National Library of France.
Where to Eat & Drink
There’s a lot of great eating options in the 2nd arrondissement. In fact there’s some of my favorite restaurants in the city here.
If you’re looking for classical French food then I’d recommend checking out Aux Crus Bourgogne just off rue Montorgueil. They serve some really well done French classics like Onion Soup, Steak au Poivre and Œufs en Meurette.
There’s also a very good modern French bistro, La Bourse et La Vie which is a perfect spot if you’re after a classic steak frites in Paris.
Fancy something different? Mắm From Hanoï is a new and really good Vietnamese restaurant. Their pho is fantastic and one of the best in Paris.
Bambou is also really good Thai restaurant and is perfect if you’re looking for a chic restaurant with plenty of atmosphere.
Thirsty? Just beyond the northern end of rue Montorgueil, you’ll find one of my favorite craft beer bars in the city, Hoppy Corner.
What to See & Do
Check out Place des Victoires
The Place des Victoires (or Victory Square in English) is a beautiful round square with a statue of King XIV on horseback. Dating back to the 1600s, the circular place connects 7 roads.
Around the place you’ll find designer boutiques and just off the place, plenty of furniture shops.
It’s a beautiful place to walk around that’s distinctly old Paris and is a stone’s throw away from the stunning Jardin du Palais-Royale.
Discover Galerie Vivienne
Galerie Vivienne is one of many passages couverts (covered passages) in the city. Perhaps one of the most famous, it’s a beautiful old fashioned Parisian shopping arcade with boutiques, bars and restaurants.
First opened 1823, the passage is stunning with beautiful a glass roof, wooden boutique facades and mosaic floors.
You’ll find plenty of art, jewellery and fashion boutiques in the passage. There’s also the very lovely Bistrot Vivienne that serves classic French food non-stop all day.
Paris Stock Exchange (Palais Brongniart)
The Palais Brongniart is an iconic neoclassical building completed in 1826 and was historically the home of the Paris Stock Exchange.
2In 1987 the trading floor was moved and eventually ended up in La Défense (the business district, just outside of Paris).
Today, the Palais Brongniart functions as a venue for conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events. More recently the Palace was home to Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Note that it’s not possible to visit the Palace unless you’re attending an event.
Take a Stroll down Rue Montorgueil
Rue Montorgueil is one of the most famous streets in the 2nd arrondissement. It dates back to the 13th century and was a key trade route in to the city.
Popular with both Parisians and tourists, for me it’s genuinely authentic street with fishmongers, cheese shops, butchers and of course plenty of bars and restaurants.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth be sure to check out Stohrer which is one of the city’s most famous patisseries.
Read more: Learn more about this fascinating medieval street in my in-depth guide to rue Montorgueil.
Visit the Bibliothèque Nationale de France – Richelieu
The Bibliothèque Nationale de France – Richelieu is one of the oldest and most historic libraries in Paris.
Its interior is genuinely stunning and it contains a vast collections of historical books and documents.
Constructed in the 1600s, it served as the main site of the French National Library until the late 20th century when it moved to the 13th arrondissement in 1996.
Despite the existence of the new library in the east of the city, the Richelieu site houses exceptional manuscripts, maps, coins, and performing arts archives, including illuminated medieval texts and rare prints.
Hotels Near the 2nd Arrondissement
The Hoxten: A lovely boutique hotel that’s just to the north of Rue Montorgueil. It’s modern, trendy and has a great restaurant for brunch and dinner.
Hôtel du Sentier: An incredible 4* hotel located in a side street just behind Rue Montorgueil. Perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the Paris but without the noise of the nearby busy streets.
FAQ
Is it Safe?
Yes the 2nd arrondissement is very safe. It’s one of the most central districts in Paris and is generally very busy even until late at night.
Personally I’d avoid the Rue Saint-Denis on the eastern edge of the arrondissement – it’s on the rougher side!
You can read more about keeping safe in Paris in my guide.
How Can You Get to the Eiffel Tower?
You can get to the Eiffel Tower from the 2nd arrondissement by walking north to the Bonne Nouvelle metro stop and taking Line 9 directly to Alma-Marceau.
It’s about a 5 minute walk to Bonne Nouvelle from rue Montorgueil and then another 15 minute walk from Alma-Marceau.
The entire trip will take around 30 minutes.
