We don’t expect you to be hanging out in the 13e district of Paris if you’re visiting the city for the first or even really the fourth time. It’s pretty out of the way - far from any monuments, most of the best food and drink, and even from much of the classic Haussmanion architecture. However, perhaps you’re here because you want to get out of central Paris for something new, or maybe this is where your hotel or Airbnb are located. There are some great places to check out while you’re in the 13e, regardless of why you’re here. So let’s get into it.
What to See
Street Art
The one thing the 13e has absolutely nailed is their street art game. You can choose to stroll through the 13e for the best murals (recommendation: start around Metro Chevaleret and stroll along Line 6 towards Place d’Italie) or you can see some of the biggest directly from Line 6 while riding it (hop on at Bercy, enjoy the views as you cross the river - hi Notre Dame!) If you’re a space invader hunter, there are also several in the neighborhood, but you’ll have to get out and walk around to find most of them.
Where to Eat and Drink
Coffee
Cayo
Our go-to coffee spot in the 13e is Café Cayo. Opened by the owner of Good News Coffeeshop in the 15e, Cayo is a coffee roaster, café, and restaurant with delicious small plates and a great vibe. They also do fun events and collabs, so keep an eye out if you plan to visit on your trip to Paris!
We Love Coffee
We Love Coffee has great coffee and tasty pastries when you find yourself in the neighborhood needing a pick me up! It’s got a laid back vibe and has a lot of coffee accessories on offer if you’re that level of coffee nerd that you want a mug or grinder as a Paris souvenir. This is a great place to post up before heading into one of the most unique parks in the city, Square René Le Gall.
Food
Place d’Italie
Known locally (and unofficially) as the Chinatown of Paris, this area is filled with delicious Asian cuisine, primarily Chinese and Korean.We recommend having a wander and swinging into whatever looks the most interesting - try Sweeteas Korean BBQ. And if you need to stock up on some veggies or snacks, be sure to check out Tang Frères, the massive Asian grocery store chain.
La Felicità
Not a place we’d go out of our way to visit, but a fun option if you’re in town for a while and looking for a great space to do some work with high end food-court vibes. You’ll find everything from coffee to pizza to tiramisu to an apérol spritz here. You could easily spend an afternoon working and an evening drink (we have). In their own words, you’ll love this sexy Italian food court.
And if you’re not sure where else to go in Paris for food, we’ve got you covered. Grab our Guide now, and you’ll have instant access to hundreds of places to eat and drink in the city. All tested, vetted, and kept up to date (along with a list of places we’re dying to check out). You’ll get access for life and hopefully you’ll need it because, if we have any influence on your trip, you’ll love Paris so much you’ll be determined to come back.
Best Places to Hang Out
Parc Kellerman
In general, there aren’t a ton of spaces for hanging out outside in this arrondissement. No ideal picnic locations…. We’re recommending Parc Kellerman because again, we realize that you might be staying further south and slightly away from the center of town, or even the center of the 13e. And if that is the case for you, this park is a great option if you’re tired of the metro and want to spend a half day sitting in the sun, or having a picnic after picking up some food at Tang Frères. It genuinely feels like you’re outside of Paris, and it’s big enough that you’ll be able to find a quiet corner to rest your weary legs.
Otherwise, when it comes to the most hopping places to hang out… there are better arrondissements for that, especially across the river. For the best recs, be sure to grab our guide. And check back here tomorrow for another sleepy left bank neighborhood - the 14e.