What to do in the Latin Quarter in Paris? And in which arrondissement is it located? The famous Latin Quarter is located on the left bank of the Seine, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. It is one of the best districts in Paris that you should definitely visit, a lively place with a dynamic atmosphere due to the many students. And with an exciting history that dates back to Roman times. Narrow streets full of bookshops, restaurants, charming cafés and traditional bistros add to the nostalgic charm of the Latin Quarter.
It is also a neighbourhood with fascinating buildings such as the Panthéon or the prestigious Sorbonne University. Quartier Latin has also been largely spared from the works of Baron Haussmann. From the tasty food stalls on Rue Mouffetard to Jardin des Plantes, the Panthéon and the historic Musée de Cluny, there is plenty to see and do in Quartier Latin. And did you know that many Emily in Paris film locations were shot in this neighbourhood? Here are our favourite hotspots, famous sights, restaurants & tips for going out in the student district.
TIP: discover the best boutique hotels in Latin Quarter Paris for a wonderful overnight stay
• Fun to do: Tickets Paris Hop On Hop Off Bus + Cruise on the Seine (1h) →
1. Place de la Contrescarpe & Rue Mouffetard: lively square & famous market street
Place de la Contrescarpe is one of the most beautiful squares in the Latin Quarter. With its cobbled streets and lively bustle, Place de la Contrescarpe is a perfect mix of authenticity and Parisian charm. It was one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite places in Paris. The American writer stayed not far from the square (74, Rue du Cardinal-Lemoine) in the 1920s.
Rue Mouffetard, also located on Place de la Contrescarpe, is a famous market street with shops full of fresh produce, local cheeses and delicious pastries. Take your time to stroll around this neighborhood, browse the bookshops or find a cozy café to enjoy a delicious coffee.
TIP: what the locals do on Rue Mouffetard in Paris on Sundays? Dancing in the streets after a short walk at the Sunday market.
2. Restaurants in the Latin Quarter: good food and drinks in the 5th arrondissement
The student district Latin Quarter has a lot of nice restaurants where you can eat and drink. With not only the classic French cuisine, but also traditional falafel, great couscous and the latest food trends. Cheap food in the Latin Quarter is also often possible.
Our favorite restaurants & hotspots for culinary enjoyment in the Latin Quarter:
– Le Petit Châtelet: authentic and cozy restaurant with French cuisine, located right next to the Notre-Dame
– Restaurant Le Coupe-Chou: charming old restaurant serving traditional French dishes
– Les Crêpes de Louis-Marie: here you can enjoy delicious crêpes with delicious cider
– Bistro des lettres: gastronomic and authentic dishes in a romantic setting
– JOZI Brunch: popular & hip place for a cheap brunch
– Rotisserie de la Tour d’Argent: little brother of the famous Tour d’Argent, but without waiting lists and high prices
– Baca’v Paris par Gilles Choukroun: lively Parisian bistro atmosphere with seasonal dishes and friendly service
– Au P’tit Grec: another great place for sweet crêpes and galettes with usually a long waiting line
– Narro: delicious French-Japanese fusion dishes, accompanied by an excellent wine list
– Lesar Restaurant: the adventure of two passionate young chefs with culinary dishes to share
• Read also: 10x Trendy & coolest restaurants in Paris right now →
3. The Panthéon: a must-see in the student district
The Panthéon in Paris is an imposing neoclassical building that was originally built as a church in honor of Sainte-Geneviève (the patron saint of the city). Today it serves as a mausoleum where some of France’s greatest thinkers and heroes, including Voltaire, Rousseau, Marie Curie, and Victor Hugo, have found their final resting place. With its impressive dome and colonnade, the building not only offers a wealth of history, but also offers stunning panoramic views of Paris from the top. The Panthéon is a must-see when visiting the Latin Quarter.
4. Enjoy Jazz or cabaret show in the famous Paradis Latin
Paris, the jazz capital of Europe, is home to many renowned clubs. Le Caveau de la Huchette in the Latin Quarter is a jazz club that every jazz lover should visit. Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Django Reinhardt… all these talented and famous musicians have lived in Paris for many years.
Also located in the Latin Quarter is Paradis Latin, an iconic cabaret theatre in Paris. Originally built by Gustave Eiffel, the theatre offers spectacular shows full of dance, music and dazzling costumes. Going out in the Latin Quarter is a lot of fun.
• Read also: 9x Best jazz clubs & bars in Paris + jazz festivals →
• Tickets Paradis Latin Cabaret Night Show →
5. Jardin des Plantes: the largest botanical garden in Paris
Jardin des Plantes is the largest botanical garden in Paris and a delightful oasis of greenery in the heart of the city. Founded in 1626 as a royal herb garden, it now houses beautiful flowerbeds, rare plants and greenhouses with exotic flora. Next to the garden is also the National Museum of Natural History and a small zoo, making it an ideal destination for families with children and nature lovers. With its walking trails and educational value, Jardin des Plantes is a place where nature and science come together.
• Tickets Grande Galerie de l’Évolution →
• Tickets Zoo of the Jardin des Plantes →
6. Shakespeare and Company: famous English bookstore
Shakespeare & Co is without a doubt the most famous English bookshop in Paris. More than 100 years old and once the meeting place of some big names such as Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. A bookshop full of history and charm. Afterwards, enjoy your new reading material and a delicious espresso on the nice terrace of the Shakespeare & Company Café, just next door.
• Read also: 8x Best bookstores in Paris: oldest (English) bookshops →
7. Musée de Cluny: impressive collection of medieval art and objects
The Musée de Cluny (also known as the National Museum of the Middle Ages) is a unique cultural treasure in Paris. Housed in a magnificent medieval building that combines the baths of ancient Roman Lutetia with a 15th-century Gothic mansion, the museum features an impressive collection of medieval art and objects, including the famous La Dame à la Licorne tapestry series. The Musée de Cluny offers a fascinating journey through medieval history.
8. Arènes de Lutèce: Roman amphitheater in the heart of Paris
Arènes de Lutèce is a well-preserved Roman amphitheater in Paris. Built in the 1st century AD, it could seat thousands of spectators for gladiatorial fights and theatrical performances. Now a serene, historic place where visitors can stroll and escape the hustle and bustle of the student district.
9. Institut du monde arabe: designed by architect Jean Nouvel
The Institut du Monde Arabe is a strikingly modern cultural centre that celebrates Arab culture, art and history. Designed by architect Jean Nouvel, the building stands out for its innovative façade with geometric patterns that filter light like a mashrabiya. The institute houses exhibitions, a library, a magnificent panoramic terrace with views over Paris. It also organises occasional events that promote dialogue between Arab and Western cultures.
TIP: visit on a sunny day to enjoy the best light.
10. Grande Mosquée de Paris: beautiful example of Islamic architecture
The Grande Mosquée de Paris is a beautiful example of Islamic architecture in the heart of Paris. Built in 1926 and inspired by the Moorish style, the building has an ornate minaret, a serene courtyard with fountains and very beautiful gardens. In addition to being a place of prayer, it is also a center for culture and meeting, with a traditional hammam and a nice tea house where you can enjoy mint tea and sweets.
