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13th Arrondissement Paris

4.6
·491k reviews·Paris, France

Discover Paris's artistic edge and global flavors in the 13th arrondissement, a district of vibrant street art, modern architecture, and bustling Chin...

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow
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13th arrondissement - Image 1

13th Arrondissement Paris

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Paris's artistic edge and global flavors in the 13th arrondissement, a district of vibrant street art, modern architecture, and bustling Chinatown.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The 13th arrondissement offers a refreshing, authentic Paris experience with incredible street art and food."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

The 13th arrondissement is best discovered by walking to stumble upon hidden street art and local gems .

🍜 Taste of Asia

Don't miss the authentic Vietnamese, Chinese, and Thai food in Chinatown .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Street Art Wonderland

Street Art Wonderland

Various locations throughout the arrondissement

Discover massive, vibrant murals adorning buildings, transforming the urban landscape into an open-air gallery.

Paris Chinatown

Paris Chinatown

Around Avenue d'Ivry and Avenue de Choisy

Immerse yourself in a bustling Asian cultural hub with authentic restaurants, markets, and shops.

Modern Architectural Marvels

Modern Architectural Marvels

Bibliothèque Nationale de France area

Admire striking contemporary buildings and the impressive architecture of the National Library of France.

Butte-aux-Cailles Village Charm

Butte-aux-Cailles Village Charm

Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood

Wander through this charming, village-like area with cobblestone streets, independent boutiques, and cozy cafes.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Unexpected

The 13th arrondissement offers a unique Paris experience beyond the usual tourist trail. Explore vibrant street art, diverse Asian cuisine, and modern architecture. It's a bit further out, so factor in travel time to central attractions.TikTok

Chinatown Delights & Vintage Finds

Dive into Paris's largest Chinatown for authentic Asian flavors TikTok+1 or hunt for treasures at massive vintage stores.TikTok+1 These spots are local favorites, offering a different pace from central Paris.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Lively Chinatown atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring/Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant for exploring street art
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Ouvert 10h-20h 7/7 📍31 rue Vergniaud , Paris 13 #paris #parisvibes #vintage #parisvintage #vintagestyle #vintagefashion #vintageclothing #parisfrance #parisstyle #france #clothes #shopping #jadore #vetements #mode #style #aesthetic #y2k #fashion #4f #like4likes #likesforlike #love #bonplans #bonplan #bonplanparis #fripe #friperie#CapCut
@fivevintage
23.7K likes • 919K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

The 13th arrondissement is best discovered by walking to stumble upon hidden street art and local gems.TikTok

🍜 Taste of Asia

Don't miss the authentic Vietnamese, Chinese, and Thai food in Chinatown.TikTok+1

Have you visited already the 13th arrondisement in Paris? #paristraveltips #paristravel #parisvisit #parisexplore #mustdoparis #paristhingstodo #paristraveladvice #paristravelguide #parislocalguide #parisfoodies
@le__walk
148 likes • 8.6K views
The luckiest neighborhood, the 13e is also by far my most conflicted arrondissement. On the one hand it has some fantastic architecture, the kind of stuff you don’t find anywhere else in Paris, along with amazing street art, a vibrant Asian food scene, and some solid hidden gems for parks and coffee shops. It is also SO FAR AWAY. I love it, but I don’t know that I’ll ever be of it. Sorry Fox and G...
@jay.swanson
253 likes • 7.4K views

🛍️ Vintage Shopping

Hunt for unique finds at the large vintage stores, some with incredible prices.TikTok+1

🚇 Metro is Key

While walkable, the metro is essential for reaching the 13th from central Paris.Reddit

The 13e for me has the highest potential for exploration - there's a lot to love that I've found in the last year, and I get the feeling there is so much more going on. This is probably the farthest flung arrondissement for the average tourist, but I wouldn't complain if I landed in Butte-aux-Cailles for a spell. As I rank every arrondissement for where I'd live in Paris, what are your thoughts on...
@jay.swanson
518 likes • 17.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

The 13th arrondissement is best discovered by walking to stumble upon hidden street art and local gems.TikTok

🍜 Taste of Asia

Don't miss the authentic Vietnamese, Chinese, and Thai food in Chinatown.TikTok+1

🛍️ Vintage Shopping

Hunt for unique finds at the large vintage stores, some with incredible prices.TikTok+1

🚇 Metro is Key

While walkable, the metro is essential for reaching the 13th from central Paris.Reddit

🎨 Street Art Hunter

Look up! Some of the best street art is on building facades and can be missed if you're not observant.TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise the 13th arrondissement for its unique character, vibrant street art, and authentic Asian culinary scene, particularly in Chinatown. It's seen as a refreshing departure from typical tourist spots, offering a more local feel. However, some find its distance from central attractions a drawback, requiring more travel time.

What People Like

Vibrant street art
Authentic Chinatown
Affordable dining

What People Dislike

Perceived distance from center

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The 13th arrondissement is well-connected by the Paris Métro. Lines 6, 7, and 14 serve key areas like Place d'Italie, Nationale, and Olympiades, making it accessible from major tourist hubs.TikTokReddit Consider using apps like Citymapper or Google Maps for real-time navigation.

Yes, the 13th arrondissement is generally considered safe for tourists. While it's on the outskirts, it's a residential area with good public transport links.Reddit As with any large city, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

The Métro is efficient for longer distances within the 13th. However, for exploring specific neighborhoods like Chinatown or Butte-aux-Cailles, walking is highly recommended to discover its unique charm and street art.TikTok

The 13th arrondissement is located south of the city center. While not immediately adjacent to landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, it's easily reachable by Métro in about 20-30 minutes, depending on your starting point and destination.TikTok

Key Métro stations include Place d'Italie (lines 5, 6, 7), Nationale (line 6), Corvisart (line 6), and Olympiades (line 14). These stations provide access to different parts of the arrondissement, including Chinatown and areas with street art.TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the street art in the 13th arrondissement is publicly displayed on buildings and walls, making it free to view. It's an open-air art gallery that you can explore at your own pace.TikTok

Chinatown in the 13th arrondissement is a neighborhood, not a ticketed attraction. You can freely wander its streets, browse shops, and enjoy the atmosphere without any entry fees.TikTok

Opening hours for vintage stores can vary. Many are open daily, often from around 10 AM to 7 PM or 8 PM, but it's best to check specific store hours online or upon arrival.TikTok

Access to the public areas and exhibitions of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France (BnF) may have specific entry requirements or fees. It's advisable to check the official BnF website for current information on visiting hours and ticket prices.

While not as common as in central Paris, some local guides or organizations may offer walking tours focusing on street art or the culinary scene in the 13th arrondissement. Searching online for 'Paris 13th arrondissement tours' can reveal options.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The 13th arrondissement boasts a fantastic array of Asian eateries. Popular choices include Pho Bida for Vietnamese pho, Uncle Kang for Chinese cuisine, and Thaï Yim for Thai dishes.TikTok Ngoc Xuyen Saigon is also highly recommended for its soups.TikTok

While many dishes are meat or seafood-based, you can often find vegetarian options, especially in Vietnamese and Thai restaurants. It's always a good idea to ask your server for recommendations or inquire about vegetable-based dishes.TikTok

The 13th arrondissement is renowned for its vibrant Asian culinary scene, particularly Vietnamese, Chinese, and Thai food, centered around its Chinatown.TikTok+1 You'll also find charming cafes and bistros in areas like Butte-aux-Cailles.

Many restaurants in the 13th arrondissement, especially within Chinatown, offer authentic and affordable dining experiences. You can find delicious meals at reasonable prices, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.TikTok

Beyond the Asian eateries, areas like Butte-aux-Cailles offer a selection of cozy cafes and coffee shops perfect for a break. Keep an eye out for independent spots as you explore the neighborhood.TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The 13th arrondissement offers diverse photographic opportunities. Capture the massive, colorful street art murals,TikTok the bustling atmosphere of Chinatown,TikTok and the unique modern architecture around the National Library.TikTok

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer, more even lighting for photographing street art, minimizing harsh shadows and glare. Golden hour can also create dramatic effects.TikTok

A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm equivalent, is useful for capturing both wide street art and street scenes. A wide-angle lens can be great for the large murals, while a smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for most casual shots.TikTok

Generally, yes, you can take photos inside vintage stores for personal use. However, it's always polite to ask permission from the staff, especially if you plan to take many photos or use a professional setup.TikTok

While not as famous for panoramic views as Montmartre or the Eiffel Tower, some of the taller modern buildings in the 13th arrondissement might offer interesting perspectives. The area around the National Library provides a modern urban landscape to photograph.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The 13th arrondissement offers a different kind of family adventure. While it lacks the iconic playgrounds of central Paris, the vibrant street art can be a huge hit with kids, turning a walk into a treasure hunt for colorful murals.TikTok Exploring Chinatown can also be an exciting sensory experience, with new sights, smells, and tastes to discover.TikTok Consider a picnic in one of the less-known parks or a visit to a family-friendly Asian restaurant for a culinary exploration.

💰 Budget Travelers

The 13th arrondissement is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious travelers. Chinatown offers incredibly affordable and delicious meals,TikTok and the massive vintage stores are perfect for finding unique souvenirs or clothing at low prices.TikTok+1 Since much of the appeal lies in its street art and neighborhood exploration, you can experience a lot of what the 13th has to offer for free or very little cost.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Explorers

For solo travelers seeking an authentic Parisian experience away from the crowds, the 13th arrondissement is ideal. Its distinct neighborhoods, like the street art districts and Chinatown, offer plenty to see and do independently.TikTok+1 The Butte-aux-Cailles area provides a charming, relaxed atmosphere for a solo stroll and coffee. The well-connected Métro system also makes it easy to navigate and return to your accommodation safely.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of the 13th: Street Art & Architecture

The 13th arrondissement has transformed into a canvas for some of Paris's most impressive street art. Unlike the more scattered pieces found elsewhere, here you'll find XXL murals adorning entire building facades, created by renowned international artists.TikTok These vibrant artworks add a unique, contemporary character to the neighborhood, making it a must-visit for art lovers and photographers alike. Keep your eyes peeled as you wander, as new pieces can appear regularly.

Complementing the street art is the arrondissement's striking modern architecture. The area around the Bibliothèque Nationale de France (BnF), designed by Dominique Perrault, is a prime example, featuring sleek lines and imposing structures that stand in contrast to traditional Parisian Haussmannian buildings.TikTok This blend of urban art and contemporary design gives the 13th a distinct, forward-looking identity that sets it apart from other Parisian districts.

A Taste of Asia: Exploring Paris Chinatown

The 13th arrondissement is home to Paris's largest and most vibrant Chinatown, a bustling hub of Asian culture and cuisine. Centered around Avenue d'Ivry and Avenue de Choisy, this neighborhood offers an authentic sensory experience.TikTok You'll find a plethora of restaurants serving delicious and affordable Vietnamese, Chinese, and Thai dishes, from steaming bowls of pho to flavorful stir-fries.TikTok

Beyond the food, Chinatown is a fantastic place to explore Asian markets filled with exotic ingredients, specialty products, and unique snacks.TikTok The area is also dotted with shops selling everything from traditional clothing and ceramics to K-pop merchandise. Visiting during festivals or holidays can offer an even more immersive cultural experience, with vibrant decorations and special events.

Vintage Treasures and Local Finds

For those who love a good bargain and unique finds, the 13th arrondissement is a treasure trove of vintage clothing stores. One standout is Five Vintage, described as the largest thrift store in Paris, offering a massive selection of pre-loved fashion.TikTok+1 These stores are perfect for sustainable shopping and discovering one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect various styles, from Y2K aesthetics to classic retro looks.TikTok

Beyond the large thrift shops, the Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood offers a more bohemian and village-like atmosphere. Here, you can find independent boutiques, artisan shops, and charming cafes, providing a more intimate shopping and exploration experience. It’s a great area to wander without a specific destination, allowing for serendipitous discoveries.