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From historic restaurants, unique, quirky shops, the best crepe spot in Paris, and more, here are some of the best things to do in the Latin Quarter, Paris.
The Latin Quarter is a must-visit neighborhood while exploring Paris as a first-time visitor.
But to be honest, I never understood why.
If you stick to the main streets close to the Seine—which I mostly did on my first visits—a lot of them are casual street food stands and tourist-trap souvenir shops.
It took me multiple visits to Paris and walking this neighborhood up and down, to realize that there are some great hidden gems here, if you dig a little deeper.
After all, this is one of the oldest districts in Paris; it’s bound to hold some secrets.
From tasty, cheap eats to ancient Roman arenas and the iconic bookshops, there are so many unique things to do in the Latin Quarter, Paris.
So let’s get to it!
11+ Unique Things to do in the Latin Quarter, Paris
Try the best crepes in Paris at Breizh Café
One of the best things to do in the Latin Quarter, Paris, for the foodie traveler, is to visit Breizh Café Odeón.
While there are various cheap and casual crepe stands in the Latin Quarter, feeding the students from the nearby Sorbonne University, if what you want is to try the best crepes in Paris, then you need to go to Breizh Cafe.
Located on a picturesque corner of the Latin Quarter, Breizh Cafe offers delicious crepes, ranging from classic recipes, such as ham and cheese, to unique creations, like my favorite beef pastrami crepe with spicy mustard.
For a sweet little something, you have to try their banana, salted caramel crepe with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. Yes, it’s as insanely good as it sounds!
This is also one of my favorite spots if looking for where to eat in Paris on a budget, and tick off a French essential.
Visit the historic Polidor Restaurant
If, like me, you’ve seen the movie “Midnight in Paris” a million times, then you’ll probably recognize the warm wooden decor of the Polidor Restaurant.
This is the spot where Gil from the movie meets with Hemingway and Dali, and has that iconic “I see a rhinoceros” moment. I love that scene.
After researching where it was shot, I was so excited to learn that that cozy wooden interior is from a real working restaurant in Paris, the Polidor.
Originally a cremerie when it opened in 1845, then turned bistro, this iconic establishment keeps its original charm with period wood paneling, checkered tablecloths, and beautiful tiled floors.
Having been a spot frequented by Hemingway, this place, like many of the cafes in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, could’ve doubled its prices, but didn’t.
Polidor keeps on being an everyday restaurant for locals, with reasonable prices and good quality traditional French cuisine.
I didn’t make it here for lunch, but it’s on my list for next time. However, just walking past it and admiring its beautiful exterior is a great little thing to add to your Paris itinerary.
Browse the shelves of the whimsical Messy Nessy’s Cabinet
One of the most unique things to do in the Latin Quarter is to stop by the beautifully curated Messy Nessy’s Cabinet, the physical shop founded by Nessy of the MessyNessyChic blog.
The shop is everything you’d think it would be if you’ve ever read the blog: an eclectic mix of unique items ranging from apothecary bottles of Seine water, 20-min reading candles, old-school hotel ashtrays, and so much more.
Tucked away on a quiet street in the Latin Quarter, far from the tourist shops, this charming little store is the perfect place to pick up unique and thoughtful souvenirs you couldn’t get anywhere else.
Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, trust me, visit the shop anyway; it’s so fun to explore the rare items Nessy has collected.
Slow down at the charming Square René Viviani
If you need a little escape from the crowds that surround Notre Dame, one of the best things to do in the Latin Quarter is to visit the small and quiet Square René Viviani.
This scenic little park is just across the Seine from Notre Dame, and right next door to the popular Shakespeare and Co., making it the perfect quick escape for a moment of peace and quiet.
At the Square René Viviani, you’ll find a cute garden and some benches around it, where you can sit and relax for a bit, maybe regroup to figure out your next move for the day.
If you need a water bottle refill, you’ll also find a drinking water fountain here.
Grab a quick snack at Patate
If you start to get hungry while exploring the lively Latin Quarter, one of the best things to do is to stop by Patate for a quick snack.
Patate is a small shop dedicated to French fries, and French fries only.
The process is simple: you pick a size for your French fries cone and a sauce to go with it, et voilà!
I love having the option of a quick, easy snack while traveling, so as not to waste time sitting down for a full meal at a restaurant every time of the day.
To elevate your affordable snack, grab your fries cone and make your way to the Seine to sit at a bench by the river. Now you have a cheap lunch with a view.
Take a break at the ancient Arènes de Lutèce
One thing you might not have thought that you could do in Paris, and in the Latin Quarter, is to chill at an old Roman Amphitheatre(!)
After many visits to Paris, it was only on the most recent trip that I discovered this unique spot in the Latin Quarter: the Arènes de Lutèce, some of the only remaining Roman ruins in the city.
Only recently discovered in the 19th century, the Arènes de Lutèce were constructed in the 1st century AD, and designed to fit around 15,000 spectators for gladiator combats.
Nowadays, the ruins are surrounded by greenery and make for a great spot to escape the crowds. I saw some locals coming here with a picnic to have lunch and enjoy the quiet—so while in Paris, do as Parisians do!
Treat yourself to oysters and wine at Ostra
For one of the best things to do in the Latin Quarter, Paris, for a little bit of a fancy break—I mean, you’re on holiday, why not?—is to stop by Ostra, a casual oyster bar steps away from Notre Dame.
This no-frills seafood bar is the perfect place to slow down during your trip, grab a seat outside, and enjoy some freshly chucked oysters with a crisp glass of white wine or champagne as you people-watch.
The location is great, the service is friendly, the food is delicious, and the prices are very reasonable, especially for such a central location—with combos of 3 oysters and a glass of wine for only 12 euros(!).
Definitely a spot I’ll be revisiting whenever I’m back in Paris.
Taste the famous Ladurée macarons
I don’t care what anyone says, if it’s touristy or not, but one of the best things to do in Paris is to stop by one of the beautiful minty-green Ladurée shops for some decadent macarons.
After having tried various of the top contenders, I still think that Ladurée is the best one in Paris.
And if you’re exploring the Latin Quarter and are in the mood for a sweet little something, your best option is to visit the Ladurée shop right across the street from the Luxembourg Gardens.
While the Luxembourg Gardens are not part of the Latin Quarter, you’re already all the way over there, and the park is beautiful, so I’d recommend picking up some macarons and enjoying them on a bench by the pond, or by the picturesque Marie de Medicis fountain.
My top three macaron flavors from Ladurée are raspberry, salted caramel, and pistachio, in that order. If you get a box, the empty box also makes for a cute trip souvenir!
Emily in Paris fans need to visit Place de l’Estrapade
If you’ve devoured the whole series of Emily in Paris—either because you love it or you love to hate it—then one of the top things to do in the Latin Quarter is to stop by Emily’s apartment and neighborhood.
For this, you need to make your way to Place de l’Estrapade, the little square right in front of Emily’s apartment building, from where you can see other locations of the show.
I really appreciate that the way they depicted things in the TV show actually makes sense. Her apartment is a few steps away from the bakery she visits in the show, La Boulangerie Modern, as well as Gabriel’s restaurant (Tera Nera in real life), and the Luxembourg Gardens.
So it’s really fun to see the whole area, kind of step into Emily’s shoes, and imagine how insanely cool it would be to live in that well-located area within Paris.
One can dream.
Afternoon pick-me-up at The Coffee
If you start to feel like you need a little energy boost while exploring the Latin Quarter, then you need to stop by The Coffee, one of the most highly-rated coffee shops in the area.
The first time I visited this coffee location, I was surprised at the number of reviews and the generous ratings. The amount makes sense; it’s a student area, but the quality made sense once I visited.
The service here is warm and foreign-friendly, and the coffee is delicious and prepared to perfection, especially in this location, which is why it is one of my favorite coffee shops in Paris.
A unique aspect of this specialty coffee shop is that instead of only sticking to strict classics—as many other cafes do—they also play with flavors, with drinks such as vanilla flat white, a nutty latte, and mochas.
If visiting during warmer months, fear not, they also have many iced options!
Admire the impressive Panthéon
Another great thing to do in the Latin Quarter, while looking to explore the neighborhood deeply, is to visit the Panthéon, whether it is to admire it from the outside or go in.
Initially built as a church and then changed a few times back and forth to be a secular temple, this impressive structure now works as a secular mausoleum for honored French citizens, housing the tombs of Voltaire, Victor Hugo, and Marie Curie.
You need to book a ticket in advance to visit the Pantheon, but admiring the impressive building from the outside is free and an easy item you can add to your list of places to stop while exploring the Latin Quarter.
You could mix this with visiting Place de L’Estrapade, and then make your way to Ladurée for macarons in the park.
Try an award-winning croissant at La Maison d’Isabelle
You’ll find no shortage of incredible bakeries all around Paris offering flaky croissants and buttery pain au chocolat. But if you want a guarantee that you’re trying a French-approved high-quality croissant, then you need to visit La Maison D’Isabelle.
La Maison D’Isabelle is a locally-loved, no-frills boulangerie in the Latin Quarter with locals lining up at all times of the day, either for their delicious croissants, their pastries, or tasty quiches.
As the facade proudly displays, this neighborhood bakery won an award for the best butter croissant in all of Paris in 2018. And while that is a while ago, I can testify that the croissants are still delicious nowadays.
One of my favorite elements, besides their perfectly buttery balance and flakiness, is their size; they are quite big, while still being very affordable—under 2 euros.
Browse the rooms of the iconic Shakespeare and Co. bookshop
Overhyped or not—it is not—visiting the iconic Shakespeare and Co. is a must while exploring the Latin Quarter. So much so that I still visit it every single time I’m in Paris.
The original location of this popular English bookshop on the Left Bank was known for being a haven for many writers of the Lost Generation, such as Ernest Hemingway and James Joyce.
The current location of Shakespeare and Co. is an homage to Sylvia Beach’s original shop; however, the sentiment is the same, with the shop still running writing residencies for unpublished authors.
Browsing the cozy corners of this iconic bookshop is one of my favorite things to do in Paris, and a must for any book lover.
For a unique trip souvenir, make sure to pick up a Lost Generation-themed book—they have them at the front—and at check-out, ask for a bookshop stamp on the cover.
I did this with my copy of “A Movable Feast” by Hemingway, and it’s a precious item in my small, but growing, book collection.
Their tote bags are also very cute, and perfect for carrying your new books and future purchases… like a Ladurée macaron box.
Other things to do in the Latin Quarter, Paris:
- Kozy Notre Dame: A very central spot for all-day brunch, a perfect starting point to a day spent in the neighborhood.
- Fontaine Saint-Michel: Beautiful stone fountain in the heart of the Latin Quarter.
- La Crème de Paris: An old-fashioned creperie serving ice creams, crepes, milkshakes, and waffles, with a corner view of Notre Dame Cathedral across the Seine. This is on my list for the next trip.
- All’Antico Vinaio: Delicious, generously served Italian paninos for very affordable prices. My favorite ones are The Boss for the truffle lovers, and Italiana for something classic.
- The Abbey Bookshop: Another cozy English bookshop selling new and used books.
Final thoughts on 11+ unique things to do in the Latin Quarter, Paris
While being a touristy area of Paris, the Latin Quarter has more to offer than the cheap souvenir shops and kebab stands that it’s known for—and don’t get me wrong, the kebabs are good.
But away from all that, you’ll find beautiful ancient buildings, shops full of charm, and high-quality, delicious eats.
From personally curated shops like Messy Nessy’s Cabinet, a casual oyster bar, historic restaurants frequented by the Lost Generation artists, and more, there are so many unique things to do in this old Parisian neighborhood.
While this is a short list of activities, I intend to keep expanding it with every trip, but it should give you a good base to start exploring.
I hope this guide on unique things to do in the Latin Quarter, Paris, provides you with some inspiration to dig deeper into this sometimes misunderstood area.
What are you most looking forward to when visiting the Latin Quarter? Let us know in the comments.