The unexpected around the corner - that's the spirit of the 13th arrondissement. In this multi-faceted district, beautiful discoveries await us as we stroll among neighborhood nuggets, surprising exhibition venues, varied architecture and hidden spots. The 13th arrondissement is often referred to as the capital's largest Chinatown. Although this is a misnomer, in reality it lies at the crossroads of several Asian cultures. Unsurprisingly, when the Lunar New Year comes around, this is where the festivities are in full swing!
But the 13th isn't just a multicultural place! For art lovers, it's home to some of the world 's most unusual art centers. A veritable open-air art gallery,Paris's 13th arrondissement is also a great place to stroll for street-art fans in search of beautiful frescoes to immortalize. It has to be said that this arrondissement is one of the favorite playgrounds for street artists.
While the Bibliothèque Nationale de France is home to modern architecture, the Gobelins district showcases a historic heritage. But the 13th arrondissement is also home to a number of hidden villages, some of which bring a touch of the countryside to the heart of the city. These charming microcosms include the famous Butte aux Cailles. And if you've got your sea legs, head for the quays of the Seine, where the many festive and gourmet barges await you!
Chinese New Year - Lunar 2026: Lion Dance Schedule in Paris 13th Arrondissement and Île-de-France
On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year 2026, stores like Tang Frères and Paris Store, along with others, will host traditional lion dances in the 13th arrondissement of Paris and across Île-de-France from February 14 to March 7, 2026. We’re revealing the full schedule, which takes us not only through Paris but also to Seine-Saint-Denis, Val d’Oise, Yvelines, Seine-et-Marne, and Essonne. [Read more]
What to visit in Paris's 13th arrondissement? Monuments, museums and exhibitions
What cultural events are waiting for us in Paris' 13th arrondissement? We take you on a tour of this Parisian district's heritage, exhibitions and not-to-be-missed events! [Read more]
Where to eat in the 13th arrondissement?
Restaurants in Paris 13: Where to eat in the 13th arrondissement? Our favorite places and top picks
Fancy a good restaurant in Paris's 13th arrondissement? Here are our best addresses, our latest discoveries and our favorites! [Read more]
Brunch Paris 13: Where to have brunch in the 13th arrondissement? Our favorite places and top picks
Want to brunch in a dynamic, multicultural neighborhood undergoing rapid change? Head to Paris's 13th arrondissement, between Butte-aux-Cailles, the banks of the Seine, and the Asian quarter, to discover a wide variety of gourmet spots. [Read more]
Bar Paris 13: Where to have a drink in the 13th arrondissement? Our favorite spots and recommendations
A diverse neighborhood, Paris's 13th arrondissement invites you to its hidden cocktail bars, beer pubs, and wine cellars for an original and unpretentious evening. [Read more]
Hotel Paris 13: Where to stay in the 13th arrondissement? Hotels, hostels, and other accommodations
Where to stay in Paris's 13th arrondissement? Here are our recommendations for hotels, youth hostels and accommodation of all kinds in the district! [Read more]
Magical Dining Experience in Paris: Factorielle 52, the Theatrical Bar in the 13th Arrondissement
In the 13th arrondissement of Paris, Factorielle 52 is a unique spot that combines a restaurant, bar, and live performance venue dedicated to magic. Guests can enjoy a meal while being dazzled by illusions and mentalism acts. It’s a place where gourmet dining and live entertainment come together, creating a memorable evening of both flavor and fascination. [Read more]
The Secret Lady: An immersive investigative dinner aboard La Dame de Canton
The Dame de Canton hosts La Dame Secrète, an immersive dinner detective experience along the Seine, featuring drinks, a full meal, and a mysterious storyline to unravel, on Friday, March 27, 2026. [Read more]
Street Art: a jam session at Spot 13 to celebrate International Women's Day
For the second year in a row, Spot 13 is celebrating female artists in honor of International Women's Rights Day. On Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8, 2026, around twenty artists will be invited to create murals across half the walls of the association’s space in the 13th arrondissement of Paris. The goal? Spotlight some of the most iconic women figures. Here’s everything you need to know about this free event. [Read more]
L'Heure Bleue: a free immersive experience of light and sound under the elevated metro viaduct in Paris
Under the viaduct of Line 6, Paris is gearing up to sparkle. Starting January 26, 2026, L’Heure Bleue will turn concrete and sky into an immersive stage, blending light and music for a one-hour sensory journey. Throughout the year, this artistic installation will light up at dusk, offering walkers a poetic, vibrant, and one-of-a-kind experience. [Read more]
Climbing at Climb Up Paris Porte d’Italie and Climb Up Aubervilliers
Sponsored - Climb Up Paris – Porte d’Italie, the largest climbing gym in the capital, is a 4,000-square-meter air-conditioned hub dedicated to sport and fun. It's the perfect place to learn the ropes, train, and enjoy yourself at Porte d’Italie. Don't miss out on Climb Up Aubervilliers too! [Read more]
Curse of the Pirate Queen: Taktic's escape game inspired by a Chinese legend
In the 13th arrondissement of Paris, Taktic offers La Malédiction de la Reine Pirate, an escape game inspired by the legends of Zheng Yi Sao. An immersive adventure combining maritime enigmas and fantastic mysteries. How about a reservation? [Read more]
Did you know? In Paris, a forest garden hides in a library
A garden... In a library? Yes, that's the concept of a very famous Parisian library, which boasts a hidden forest right in the heart of Paris. [Read more]
Gutea, the creative spot to paint on figurines while sipping bubble tea, in the 13th arrondissement.
In the Glacière district of the 13th arrondissement, Gutea invites you to relax in a café-style setting, with a creative workshop. [Read more]
Parc de Choisy: the green lung of Paris's 13th arrondissement and its assets
Located in the bustling 13th arrondissement of Paris, Parc de Choisy, also known as Square de Choisy, offers residents and visitors a haven of peace and greenery in the heart of Chinatown. Opened in 1937 on the site of a former gasworks, this classically inspired garden extends over 4.3 hectares and is a central feature of the neighborhood's community and cultural life. A lively sports spot, discover its assets. [Read more]
Phobia Escape Game: the escape game that ignores padlocks and codes
Escape game fans, we've found a new way to play! Phobia Escape Game, located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, is revolutionizing the way escape games are played by offering players total immersion in different worlds, all locked in a room with no codes or padlocks to advance or exit. And no stopwatch either... Ready to take up the challenge? [Read more]
The Stade Charléty, a pre-war sports stadium for athletics and soccer
The Charléty stadium, located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, is now home to Paris FC matches and athletics competitions. Built just before the Second World War, the stadium has had several lives. [Read more]
The Butte-aux-Cailles swimming pool, a historic site with year-round heated outdoor pool
The Butte-aux-Cailles swimming pool is a historic spot in Paris, nestled in the heart of a village-like neighborhood in the 13th arrondissement. It is one of the few swimming facilities to offer an outdoor Nordic pool heated to 28°C all year round. [Read more]
The Josephine Baker pool in Paris: an open-air floating pool on the Seine
Fancy a swim? We'll take you to the Josephine Baker pool, a floating spot on the stage where you can enjoy an open-air pool! [Read more]
Climb Up, the biggest climbing gym in France opens in Paris - our photos
Climb Up, one of France's biggest indoor climbing gyms, is located on the Avenue de la Porte d'Italie in the 13th arrondissement. A huge, brand-new complex designed as a real living space, it's sure to satisfy all climbing and bouldering enthusiasts. [Read more]
Manga Café V2: a literary café for reading and playing video games in the 13th arrondissement
It's a must for all manga fans. Manga Café V2, just off Avenue de France in the 13th arrondissement, combines bookshop, relaxation and video arcade terminals. [Read more]
Boby la Plante, playful workshops to create your own terrarium
If you're a plant lover, come and visit Boby la Plante, an astonishingly friendly store where you can create your own miniature tropical garden and take it home with you in fun workshops! [Read more]
Things to do in the Place d'Italie and Gobelins neighborhood: Ideas for outings and places to visit
Restaurants, movie theaters, concert halls, historic monuments... Discover all the great places and things to do around Place d'Italie and Les Gobelins, in the heart of Paris's 13th arrondissement. [Read more]
For a green, artistic, and relaxing stroll through the Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood in Paris's 13th arrondissement, follow the guide! [Read more]
Things to do in the Place d'Italie and Gobelins neighborhood: Ideas for outings and places to visit
Things to do in the Butte-aux-Cailles neighborhood: Ideas for outings and places to visit
