What's the best thing about the 13th arrondissement of Paris? Some would argue it's Chinatown, a vibrant district that shows such a colorful culture and serves delicious cuisine. Others would say it's the area near the Quai de la Gare station, home to many hip hotspots where the young and the young at heart can play all night long. Whether it's any of the two or something else, there's no doubt that this district has a lot to offer. It may not be the most popular arrondissement in the city, but it's still worth exploring. Even worth considering as your new home if you're relocating to Paris yourself too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Source: Wikimedia Commons
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Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Fred Romero
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Source: Wikimedia Commons/ GFreihalter
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The 13th arrondissement of Paris may not be the most famous district in the city, but there's still a lot to expect here. The more explore this part of the French capital, the more you'll fall in love with it!
The French Capital's Chinatown
Perhaps the most famous part of the 13th arrondissement is Chinatown. Home to a big portion of the Chinese and other Asian communities in Paris, this is where they show off their culture for all the world to see. It's an especially great spot for foodies, seeing as there are tons of amazing restaurants that serve all sorts of Eastern cuisines. From delectable dumplings to soothing noodles, the food here is out of this world. Though not exactly French haute cuisine, they still contribute to the city's reputation as one of the finest food capitals of the world.A Great Place to Enjoy Food
Chinatown is just one part of the 13th arrondissement's incredible culinary scene. Just like in the other parts of Paris, this area also has a treasure trove of foodie hotspots that you'd do well to check out. Of course, Chinatown restaurants are the perfect places to start. They serve some of the finest Asian cuisines in the city. Maison-Blanche on Avenue d'Italie, on the other hand, is a charming food market where you can indulge in the most delectable and downright fascinating delicacies. And if you want some old-school French cuisine, look no further than Chez Gladines Butte aux Cailles on Rue des cinq Diamants!One of The Best Places in Summer
Once summer arrives in Paris, there are a few places that you'll want to head off to. One of them is in the 13th arrondissement. Why? Because this is where Piscine Joséphine Baker is located. Floating along the banks of the Seine River, this is a public swimming pool where you can cool off under the hot summer sun. And when you want to work on your tan, just head on over to its deck and lie on a sunbed. In many ways, Piscine Joséphine Baker is a more luxurious alternative to the man-made beaches, the Paris plages, in the other neighborhoods in Paris.The Threshold to The Rest of France
Did you know that this district is also home to Gare d'Austerlitz? One of the biggest terminals in Paris, it's practically the city's threshold to the rest of France. If you ever want to take a day trip from Paris or see the rest of the country, this is one of the few train stations to go to. The trains that stop here go to various parts of France, be they in the countryside or even on the French Riviera. Some even go beyond the country and to the neighboring European territories too!The Coolest Pedestrian Bridge
Part of what makes Paris such an excellent city is that it's also a great place for you to walk around. Whether you're going to a specific destination or you're just on a relaxing stroll and seeing the sights along the way, walking in the French capital is easy to do. And in some places, such as the 13th arrondissements, you get to walk on some pretty extraordinary pathways. Thos district is home to Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir, an architectural marvel of a bridge that leads to the 12th arrondissement. Far from the more classic stone bridges in other areas, this one is undoubtedly cool and unique.Home to The National Library of France
If you're a self-professed bibliophile, you'll feel right at home in the 13th arrondissement. This is where the François-Mitterrand Library of Bibliothèque Nationale de France (National Library of France) is located, after all. Home to the more modern brands of the national institution, this is where you can read countless books, novels, historic texts, and more. The place itself isn't exactly as grand as the more famous Richelieu Library in the 1st arrondissement, but that won't matter to those who simply want to read. Who knows? Many of the reference materials here might just help with your work/studies in Paris!The Nightlife at Quai de la Gare
For those not in the know, Quai de la Gare is just another metro station in the 13th arrondissement. Perhaps this is where you went off when you first go to the city. And when you want to travel to the other parts of Paris, this is also where you board the metro. Locals, on the other hand, know Quai de la Gare a little differently. For them, this is the starting point for the area's incredible nightlife scene. There are tons of awesome bars, bistros, and nightclubs located near this public transport stop. And they get pretty lit once the sun goes down!The 13th arrondissement of Paris may not be the most famous district in the city, but there's still a lot to expect here. The more explore this part of the French capital, the more you'll fall in love with it!
