Welcome to the centre of Paris: the second arrondissement. This is the smallest district of the city but there is an awful lot to find. Here’s what we suggest.
The interactive map
First, here’s an interactive map of everything we are about to recommend, to help you find it all easily.
The Earful Tower podcast episode
This podcast episode on the 2nd district of Paris includes an interview with Oliver Woodhead from l’Entente, Le British Brasserie and our final score for the neighbourhood out of 100.

Video guide to the 2nd arrondissement
Here’s our visit in video format via our YouTube channel. We’ll be making one of these travel vlogs every week, so be sure to subscribe (you can do it in one click via this link).
The Earful Tower’s guide to the 2nd arrondissement

Stroll down the lovely Rue Montorgueil
Montorgueil is a pedestrianized paradise if you like sprawling cafe terraces and prime people-watching opportunities. Plenty of famous food shops too, including the oldest bakery in Paris (see below). Address: Rue Montorgueil, 75002



Satisfy your sweet tooth at Stohrer
If it’s good enough for Queen Elizabeth the Second, it should be good enough for you! We love this place and heartily recommend their massive croissants and exquisite shop interior. @stohrer Address: 51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002





Coffee, brownies, and donuts at Boneshaker
Long-time friends of the show, the team at Boneshaker recently opened a bigger space down the road full of donuts and great coffee. Their original place sells the best brownies in town. @boneshakerparis Address: 86 Rue d’Aboukir, 75002, Address: 77 Rue d’Aboukir, 75002



Wander through the Passage du Grand-Cerf
Each of the covered passages in the second arrondissement has its own personality, and this one offers something for the curiosity collector. Stunning passage too, exceptional light from that high glass ceiling. Address: 145 Rue Saint-Denis, 75002

Get your brunch on at Zouzou
Zouzou has been serving coffees in this minimalist cafe for the past five years and they’re not to be missed! @zouzou_paris Address: 8 Rue Léopold Bellan, 75002


Explore the breathtaking Galerie Vivienne
This is the grand dame of Paris passages, mosaic flooring to stop you in your tracks, elegant restaurants, and beautiful bookshops. Address: 4 Rue des Petits Champs, 75002

Window shop through the Passage des Panoramas
The weird uncle of the district’s passages, you can find everything from a restaurant designed like a train carriage to a stuffed wolf with wings. Terrific photo opportunities in this glorious maze of madness. Address: 11 Bd Montmartre, 75002


Snag an outdoor seat at La Fontaine Gaillon restaurant
A breathtaking outdoor terrace that’s built around an old water fountain. The food is pricey and wasn’t our favourite meal in the city – and we had an indoor table due to the rain – but if you have a nice day and can sit by that glorious fountain, you’re in for a treat. @lafontainegaillonparis Address: 1 Rue de la Michodière, 75002



Find the most beautiful Starbucks in the world
There surely can’t be a more stunning Starbucks on this planet, the interior looks more like a room for Marie Antoinette than for hipster coworkers. @starbuckscapucines Address: 3 Bd des Capucines, 75002

Visit the Tour Jean Sans Peur
As we said in the podcast episode, this museum is for Wallnuts and fans of the Middle Ages. If that’s you, you’re in for a treat. If not: A museum inside an ancient tower might not be for you. Address: 20 Rue Étienne Marcel, 75002


Enjoy French classics at Le Grand Colbert
We stopped for a dessert at the “We were featured in Something’s Gotta Give!!!” restaurant and it was excellent. The restaurant itself is marvellous, the same tiles from the nearby Galerie Vivienne, and the waiters put on a grand show. @legrandcolbert Address: 2 Rue Vivienne, 75002





Try the world’s first Bloody Mary at Harry’s New York bar
They claim to have invented the Bloody Mary, and whether it’s true or not, you’re going to enjoy your drink at this American-themed bar. It’s a bit like the Bar Hemingway at the Ritz but a grittier, cheaper, friendlier, and more accessible version. @harrysbar_theoriginal Address: 5 Rue Daunou, 75002



That will do for now! Next week we’ll be taking you to the 1st arrondissement as part of this Paris Countdown series, where we’ve been spending a day in each Paris district.

A big thanks to Augusta Sagnelli for the photos.



Here’s the podcast episode again in case you missed it, tune in on Monday for the season finale!
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