2nd Arrondissement of Paris: Best Hotels & Neighborhood Guide

👉 Jump to: Meet the 2nd Arrondissement | Best 2nd Arrondissement Hotels | Areas | Tips | FAQs

The 2nd arrondissement flies under the radar of many visitors. That’s their loss – and it can be your gain! 

With everything from the Louvre to the Opéra Garnier within walking distance and great transport links, the 2nd is a great home base for your Paris stay. But because it’s not as popular as the neighboring 1st and 3rd arrondissements, you can find incredible deals here. Hotels and restaurants across the board are cheaper than they would be in better-known areas. Yet you’re in the second-most central area in Paris.

The hotels in the 2nd reflect the area’s variety. Charming hotels include the Grands Boulevards Experimental, with Marie-Antoinette inspired décor. But there’s also the Le 123 Sébastopol with its movie-themed rooms! Price-wise, you can go under 150 euros a night at the recently renovated Hotel Marie or splurge at the 5-star Kimpton – St Honoré Paris.

Curious about the 2nd? You should be! Here’s what you need to know.

Meet the 2nd Arrondissement: Paris’s Best District for Deals

❤️ Why We Love the 2nd: The 2nd, more than any other place to stay in Paris, is defined by its variety. Art Deco movie theaters and neon lights sit next to charming covered passages full of unique boutiques. Ultra-modern clubs are a few minutes’ walk from restaurants that epitomize establishment Paris. It’s stunning!

So why do so many people overlook it? The 2nd isn’t very residential, and it doesn’t have a lot of top monuments in it. When I told a friend I’d be taking some pictures after we had lunch there, she was delighted. 

“I’ll come with you!” she said. “We can go see the… um… what used to be the Bourse?” 

Paris’s former stock exchange (now an event center) isn’t the highlight of the 2nd. But the area’s variety makes it hard to pin down. It’s where I treat myself at an ultra-chic salon, but it’s also where I get work done at the national library. I’ve gone there for lunches ranging from upscale to hole-in-the-wall. 

In terms of Paris attractions, you won’t find a ton to do within the limits of the 2nd itself. That’s not to say there aren’t interesting things! You’ll find the house where Mozart stayed, historic bakeries, and important churches and fountains.

While the Eiffel Tower and the Picasso Museum aren’t here, they’re not far away. And whether you want to dress up for a night at the opera or party the night away near the Canal Saint-Martin, the 2nd is happy to have you.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Who This Neighborhood Is For: If you’re a bargain-hunter interested in seeing what makes Paris so eclectic and exciting, the 2nd just might be for you. Luxury hotels are far cheaper here than in the 1st or the 3rd. Bargain hotels are, too!

But before you click “book,” keep a few things in mind. First, there aren’t a ton of attractions in the 2nd. There are fun things to do and see, but you’ll need to walk just a little to reach Paris’s best museums, for example. 

Second, some parts of the 2nd can be absolutely dead quiet at night, and some parts can be incredibly rowdy. As a general rule of thumb, Bonne-Nouvelle is a bit livelier than other areas in the 2nd. But this varies by street. Check out hotel reviews and Google Street View before booking if you’re worried about noise. 

Bonne-Nouvelle, though, is just one of the 2nd arrondissement’s four quarters. Here’s what you should know about each of them before deciding where to stay. 

📍Areas in the 2nd: The 2nd’s neighborhoods are close – but they can feel like separate worlds. The area is divided into four quarters, as all of Paris’s arrondissements are. From west to east, these quarters are: 

• Gaillon
• Vivienne
• Le Mail
• Bonne-Nouvelle

🚲 Getting Around the 2nd: As a central arrondissement, the 2nd has incredible transport links. It’s especially well-connected to the Métro. Line 8 runs along the north of the district. Meanwhile, Line 3 cuts through it. Opéra is a hub that connects the 8 and 3 with Line 7. And, on the eastern side, Line 4 is easily accessible.

Buses also run through the 2nd. They can be less reliable than the subway, but are a nice way to see the city. Check out my guide to getting around Paris for details on how to use them.

And, of course, one of the great advantages of the 2nd is its walkability. Depending on what area you stay in, you could be just across the street from Palais Royal, the Musée Grevin wax museum, or the Musée du Chocolat! 

With that in mind, here’s my advice for picking a hotel in the area.

Best Places to Stay in the 2nd Arrondissement

If you only have time for a quick glance, these are my top hotel picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Le 123 Sébastopol, Bonne-Nouvelle
• 📍 Best Location – Hôtel Etats Unis Opéra, Gaillon
• 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – Park Hyatt Paris – Vendôme, Gaillon
• 👨‍👩‍👦 Best for Families – Hotel Malte, Vivienne
• 🛎️ Best Boutique – Grands Boulevards Experimental, Le Mail
• 💆🏻‍♀️ Best Hotel with Spa – Kimpton – St Honoré Paris, Gaillon
• 🖼️ Best Décor – La Maison Favart, Vivienne
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Hôtel Marie, Bonne-Nouvelle

As you can see, the 2nd’s hotels are as diverse as the neighborhood! So, how to narrow down where’s best for you? Take a look at the quarters in-depth to find what most appeals to you.

Ready to dive into each quarter of the 2nd arrondissement? Take a look!

Areas to Stay in the 2nd Arrondissement

Gaillon

👉 Best Area For Grandeur | ✨ Best Gaillon Hotels: Park Hyatt Paris – Vendôme • Kimpton – St Honoré Paris by IHG • Hotel Etats Unis Opera

If you’re considering staying in the 1st arrondissement but want a deal, the Gaillon quarter is absolutely for you. In the west of the 2nd arrondissement, the area is just around the corner from the Place Vendôme. In other words, if you want the Ritz’s location without the Ritz’s prices, you should check out Gaillon!

You’ll find lots of luxury shopping in Gaillon. And in terms of upscale restaurants, you have a range to choose from! The Restaurant Drouant is a great splurge for lovers of literature and architecture. They have a famous Art Deco staircase. Meanwhile, the jury for the extremely prestigious Prix Goncourt literary prize dines here each year.

If you’re thinking Gaillon doesn’t have any nightlife, think again! Be prepared to pay through the nose for a cocktail, though. My favorite splurge is Harry’s New York Bar on Rue Danou. Famous international visitors, from Ernest Hemingway to Humphrey Bogart, have had a drink here. Even the Duke of Windsor, was known to stop by!

The hotels in Gaillon live up to the district’s generally grand vibe. Unsurprisingly, my favorite luxury hotel in the 2nd is located here: the Park Hyatt Paris – Vendôme. This 5-star hotel has two restaurants, including a Michelin-starred one. There’s also a lovely summer terrace and an 800+ square foot spa.

If a hotel’s spa is the main draw for you, you can’t go wrong at the Kimpton – St Honoré. This luxury hotel has a younger atmosphere than its Park Hyatt neighbor. And its spa facilities are out of this world. Think: sauna, fitness center, sun terrace, indoor swimming pool. Not enough? How about a plunge pool, steam room, and yoga classes? The Kimpton’s truly the place to treat yourself.

Pros of Staying in the Gaillon Neighborhood:

• Beautiful architecture
• Luxurious surroundings
• Extremely central

Cons of Staying in the Gaillon Neighborhood:

• Not very residential
• Hotels and restaurants can be pricey

Vivienne

👉 Best Area For Peace & Quiet | ✨ Best Vivienne Hotels: Hôtel Saint-Marc • La Maison Favart • Hotel Malte – Astotel

If your ideal trip to Paris involves books and quiet garden walks, Vivienne is the best neighborhood in the 2nd for you. It’s not necessarily quiet everywhere – larger streets can be loud. But in terms of quiet corners, access to green space, and general charm, it’s your best bet in the area. You’ll find it between Gaillon to the west and Le Mail to the east.

I’m often in this part of the 2nd to work at the BNF (a branch of the French National Library). The building contains multiple fascinating rooms. There’s also a restaurant, a specialized art history library, and a gallery space on site. I’ve spent whole days there and come away invigorated.

Meanwhile, the hotels in the area are superb. I love La Maison Favart for its peaceful location on a narrow street. But I’m also obsessed with its décor! You’ll find 18th-century furnishings with modern touches exactly where they’re needed most. And you wouldn’t know it from the entrance, but there’s a sauna, fitness room, and even a small indoor pool.

The area’s also home to one of my top family hotels in the city, and definitely the best family hotel in the 2nd: the Hotel Malte – Astotel. A lot of hotels offer “family rooms” that only include two beds. The Malte takes this one step further. They offer (soundproofed) rooms with a huge range of layouts, from two beds to two bedrooms to two floors! There’s also a specialized area with toys where children can play.

Pros of Staying in the Vivienne Neighborhood:

• Great mixture of hotels
• Close to many central attractions
• Well-connected by public transport
• Home to the BNF and across the street from the Palais Royal

Cons of Staying in the Vivienne Neighborhood:

• Larger streets can be busy
• Winding streets and passages can be confusing

Le Mail

👉 Best Area For a Chic Visit | ✨ Best Le Mail Hotels: Grands Boulevards Experimental • The Hoxton • CasaÔ

Le Mail, between Vivienne to the west and Bonne-Nouvelle to the east, combines the best of both worlds. It has chic aspects of the western parts of the 2nd district, like great shopping. At the same time, it has great restaurants and boutiques that cater to a younger crowd. I was delighted to see a huge store devoted to products for curly hair on a recent trip! 

The area is part of the unofficial “Sentier” region of the 2nd, which extends into Bonne-Nouvelle. This area was historically a textile and manufacturing area. But at the end of the 20th century, it became popular among start-ups. This led to the nickname “Silicon Sentier” after Silicon Valley. You’ll find this in the northern half of Le Mail. While it’s vibrant during the day, it can be dead at night.

It’s no surprise that you’ll find the ultra-cool hotel, The Hoxton, in Silicon Sentier! The luxe exterior pairs well with the surprisingly modern rooms and facilities. You can get a deal on a smaller room. Or, for a bit extra, get a room with a view of the garden or its own terrace. 

Le Mail is also home to my favorite boutique hotel in the 2nd, Grands Boulevards Experimental. This charming hotel has 50 rooms, each furnished differently. The decor, inspired “by the building’s history and Marie Antoinette,” is lovely. Look for everything from canopy beds to intricate tiles.

Pros of Staying in the Le Mail Neighborhood:

• Chic hotels
• Easy access to vibrant nightlife
• Easy access to central attractions
• Fun shopping

Cons of Staying in the Le Mail Neighborhood:

• Many areas lack nightlife
• Not very residential
• Few Métro links

Bonne-Nouvelle

👉 Best Area For Variety & Bargains | ✨ Best Bonne-Nouvelle Hotels: Le 123 Sébastopol – Astotel • Hôtel Marie • Nestay Sentier

“Bonne Nouvelle” literally translates to “Good News.” And finding out about this area is definitely good news for night owls! From its wide boulevards to its smaller streets, Bonne Nouvelle is full of fun and unique bars, clubs, and restaurants. On the eastern side of the 2nd, it borders the Marais. This makes it easy to access the amenities of both quarters. 

And Bonne-Nouvelle is also where you’ll find the absolute best bargains in the 2nd. My overall favorite hotel in the 2nd arrondissement, Le 123 Sébastopol – Astotel, is here. You can find a double room for under 250 euros in the off-season, which is incredible for a hotel of this quality. The hotel’s given each floor a theme of a particular cinema artist, and the rooms pay homage to that artist! 

But for the real bargain hunters, my favorite budget pick for the 2nd has to be your destination. The recently renovated Hôtel Marie offers a variety of studios from around 140 to 190 euros a night in the off-season. At the lower end of that range, bathrooms are shared, but private bathrooms are available for just a bit more. Reception is open 24/7, and there’s public WiFi.

Pros of Staying in the Bonne-Nouvelle Neighborhood:

• Low-priced hotels
• Easy access to the Marais
• Lots of nightlife options

Cons of Staying in the Bonne-Nouvelle Neighborhood:

• Many streets can be loud
• Can be crowded on weekends
• Larger streets lack charm of other areas

Tips & Things to Know about the 2nd Arrondissement

#1 – Explore the Covered Passages

From the Galerie Colbert to the Passage Choiseul, these delightful passages have a ton to offer. Covered “outdoor” dining on the coldest days, antique shops, niche interest stores… the sky’s the limit. They also make a great place to warm up when it’s chilly.  You can also use them as shortcuts through the district!

#2 – Don’t Overlook “Hole-in-the-Wall” Restaurants

The 2nd has great food from all over the world. If you want to explore Paris’s cuisine beyond French food, this is the place to experiment! Don’t be put off by simple storefronts that only have a few tables. You might just have the best meal of your life there.

#3 – Use the Neighborhood as a Home Base

The 2nd has its attractions, of course. But if it’s your first time in the city, think of it as a central location you can return to. Spend most of your time exploring areas outside the 2nd to see Paris’s top attractions. Then, come home to the hotel room you got a great deal on to relax.

#4 – Plan Grocery Shopping in Advance

Because the 2nd isn’t very residential, grocery stores are scattered. They may also have unusual hours. If you’re staying in an apartment rental and plan to cook, make sure you know what stores are open nearby and when. Carrefour, Franprix, and Monoprix are all good options.

#5 – Dress for the Day’s Activities

As I’ve said before, the 2nd’s experiences are pretty varied… and that means your wardrobe will have to be, too! Use my Paris packing list as a foundation, then adapt your outfit to the formality of the locations you’ll visit. This can be as simple as putting on a pair of nice earrings before entering a chic shop. Or it can be as complex as returning to the hotel to get heels for a fancy dinner.  

#6 – Set Aside Time to Appreciate the Mixed Architecture

You shouldn’t spend too much time only in the 2nd arrondissement on your first trip to Paris. But whether it’s your first or your fifteenth time, you should wander the streets! The variety of architecture is incredible. From the ultra-contemporary to the modern and the neoclassical, the buildings in the 2nd arrondissement are an intriguing mixture.

#7 – Know Your Routes!

Depending on where you’re staying in the 2nd, you could have the Métro at your doorstop. Or, you might not. In any case, the 2nd can be deceptive because it does contain many big streets and boulevards. In between these, though, are tons of smaller streets that twist and wind. I’ve gotten lost here multiple times. Unless wandering is your goal, map out your route carefully!

FAQs

Is the 2nd arrondissement good to stay in?

The 2nd arrondissement is good to stay in if you want excellent, central lodging at bargain prices. It’s less appealing if you want to stay in the midst of many attractions. It’s also not for those looking for a super charming area. 

What is the 2nd arrondissement known for? 

The 2nd arrondissement is known for its variety! The quarters all have their own distinct personality: grand, academic, industrial, chic. It’s primarily known as a working area, but that’s what makes its prices so reasonable. 

Is the 2nd arrondissement a walkable area?

The 2nd arrondissement is very walkable. I’m a fairly fast walker and can cover the width of it in about half an hour. North to south takes about 10 minutes.

How does the 2nd arrondissement compare to others?

Compared to the 1st arrondissement, the 2nd has fewer world-famous attractions. However, it’s right next door! And compared to the Marais, the 2nd is less charming and residential. But it’s also right next door!

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Curious about how other areas stack up compared to the 2nd? Check out my hotel & area recommendations in Paris, or do a deep dive into the individual areas:

• 1st Arrondissement
• 3rd Arrondissement
• 4th Arrondissement
• 5th Arrondissement
• 6th Arrondissement
• 7th Arrondissement
• 8th Arrondissement
• 11th Arrondissement
• 16th Arrondissement
• Montmartre District