Okay, if you’re reading this, perhaps you’re already staying in the 16e of Paris and want to know the best things to do there. Or, you’re thinking of staying there, and want to know the best things to do there. Or you’re thinking of spending the day there and… well you get it. Look, there’s not much going on in the 16e! We wouldn’t really recommend staying nor spending too much time here, but if you decide that that’s something you’d like to do - it is a beautiful neighborhood after all - here are our best recommendations for how to maximize the time you spend in the 16e arrondissement of Paris.
If you are thinking about where you might want to stay, we have an article with our advice on this subject in our Guide to Paris.
In addition, travel journalist and author Lindsey Tramuta has recently contributed an article on how to approach deciding where you want to stay, and she’s even provided us with several hotel recommendations across the city. For all of this and more, grab our Guide.
What to See
There’s not a ton to see here, and more visitors come for the obvious views of the Eiffel Tower at places like Trocadéro. Still, there are a few museums (Musée de l’Homme, Palais de Tokyo, Musée Marmottan-Monet) worth checking out, and a good time can still be had!
Trocadéro
The Place de Trocadéro’s outlook is overcrowded, under-shaded, and possibly overrated, but we’re not going to suggest you skip it if you happen to be in the 16e. Pop up, grab your shot, admire the view of the Eiffel tower, and then get out of there. The real trick is to get here as early as possible for your photos, but thanks to social media everyone knows that now. Paris is a sleepy city, however, so you’ll still have more space (and we have a dozen pins dropped around here on our interactive map, which will get you more unique shots of the Eiffel Tower if you’ve got a lens and the ambition to go with it).
For the best photo spots of the Eiffel Tower, check out this video:
Musée de l’Homme
Done with your photo hunt? If you’re like us, the answer is never, but you could take a break and head straight into the Musée de L’Homme. This anthropology museum is an exploration of human beings, their histories and their societies over the world and across our evolution. It’s a great way to get away from the crowds while in this busy area of town, and snag a bit of AC to escape the heat. The exhibitions are always interesting. There’s also a café if you need a sit down. Across the square you’ll find the Architecture Museum which also has some great exhibitions AND some crazy photos of the Eiffel Tower framed in tall windows, if you can’t resist hunting for yet more photos.
Where to Eat and Drink
Coffee
Belén
We only recently stumbled across Belén, a wonderful Argentinian coffee shop and patisserie in the 16e. Could this mean more good things are coming to this historically very pretty, but pretty stuffy and dead area of town? Only time will tell. Please, for all of us, try their Za’atar croissant - two flavors you wouldn’t expect to go together, but make for a true party on your palette. Or if you need a protein hit, their beef empanada is absolutely on point. There are two pastry chefs working overtime in this tiny location, which means everything is hand made and gloriously delicious.
Noir
Wherever there isn’t an abundance of good coffee, you can usually find a Noir to save the day! We recommend grabbing your coffee to go and then going for a wander or a sit in a nearby park. The location just down Avenue Kleber is going to be your closest option, but as of writing the opening is still delayed. If that’s still the case when you arrive, fret not, there are options 10min away in Passy and Victor Hugo. Like we said, it’s hard to throw a rock and not hit a Noir these days.
Food
Seraphine
Seraphine is a fantastic boulangerie and patisserie in this neighborhood. They do everything well, but if you want an affordable lunch option on a sunny day in the 16e, you have to swing in and grab a selection of their savory tarts - tomato, smoked salmon, or whatever is on offer that day. If you’re in more of a sweet mood, go for their Paris-Brest. It’s a must-try pastry while in France, and this is a great place to do it.
Andia
You’ll love this place not only for the food, but for its gorgeous and forest-y aesthetic. With a cuisine that centers around the Andes Mountains and the Amazon, you’re bound to get a fantastic taste of Latin food here. They have a beautiful terrasse you can reserve on their warmer days, and offer a brunch as well. If you’re staying in the 16e, we’d recommend checking them out.
Best Places to Hang Out
Trocadéro Gardens
We’re circling back to Trocadéro for this one, because the gardens, while surrounded by tourists, can actually be a nice place to sit and hang out in the summer. Often, people will walk from the outlook of Place du Trocadéro straight down to the Eiffel tower without stopping, but the gardens in-between are a nice place to pause and rest the legs. Find a shady bench, or a grassy spot next to a busker and enjoy the view. Just note - we wouldn’t recommend taking an afternoon nap here, as pickpockets can be lingering near the Eiffel tower.
Marché Couvert de Passy & Le Grande Epicerie
You probably won’t make it all the way over here unless you’re specifically aiming for the Epicerie or you’re staying in this neighborhood, but if you do, be sure to have a wander around the Marché Couvert de Passy (fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, fish, and more) and/or the Grande Epicerie. The former is perfect for your picnicking needs, or cooking if you have an airbnb, and the latter is a great option to pick up edible souvenirs for your friends and family back home.
While there’s not a ton to do here, the 16e can still offer some classic Parisian moments in its covered markets and Eiffel tower views. If you’re really there for the views though, there are several hidden side streets where you can grab a banging shot without the crowds. We actually list them all in our Guide - grab yours today!
Otherwise, be sure to check back here tomorrow for… well, yes, another residential area of town, but with a totally different energy.