Paris by Arrondissement: Exploring the 16th
A trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without a tour du 16eme. It’s one of largest arrondissements in Paris, and includes some of the most quintessential Parisian sights like the Arc de Triumph, Trocadero (with the most epic views of the Eiffel Tower), and top-notch museums like Palais du Tokyo, Claude Monet Marmottan, and Fondation Louis Vuitton.
And if you’re traveling with kids, the 16th arrondissement is super family-friendly with calm residential areas and plentiful parks.
But what I love most about the 16th are the places that aren’t on the tourist radar — the magical Serre d’Auteuil gardens, the iconic Piscine Molitor, the sprawling greenery of the Bois de Boulogne, and the charming shopping districts, just to name a few.
I’ve spent years curating (and constantly updating) this “Best of the 16th” list. It’s my personal collection of favorites — with some well-known spots & some local secrets. I’m excited to share it here with you!
Exploring Paris’ 16th Arrondissement
Best Sights to See in the 16th:
Fondation Louis Vuitton - One of the newest museums in Paris (well, just outside of Paris, but easily accessible), with spectacular views of the entire city & the Eiffel Tower. It’s an architectural wonder set amidst the greenery of the Bois du Boulogne (a forest on the edge of Paris). If you feel like you should visit a museum while in Paris, but don’t necessarily love museums, this is a good happy medium. You get nature, architecture, and awesome views along with some cool art.
Palais de Tokyo - Edgy, modern art museum situated along the Seine with free admission. They have some great restaurants on site too — I love grabbing drinks at Les Grands Verres (one of the longest bars in Paris) or you can splurge on lunch or dinner at Monsieur Bleue, fancy but a memorable setting with views of the Eiffel Tower from their patio.
Musee Claude Monet Marmottan — Housed in a lovely old mansion in the 16th, this museum has one of Paris’ largest Impressionist art collections, with over 100 works by Monet.
A desert greenhouse at the Serre d’Auteuil gardens
Serre d’Auteuil Gardens - Gorgeous park & arboretum, where you can wander through the various greenhouses where they cultivate plants for all the gardens of Paris. It’s especially picturesque in the Spring and Fall. A lovely place to wander with kids.
Piscine Molitor
Piscine Molitor - One of the most photo-worthy landmarks in Paris, this iconic (formerly-public) pool has been renovated and turned into a posh hotel & spa. In the summertime, it’s a scene. Only hotel guests and club members can use the pool, but you can book a spa treatment and pay an 80€ supplement to use the pool (I warned you it was posh!) Or you can have a drink on the rooftop during summer months, and gaze down at the pool scene below.
Favorite Restaurants & Bars in the 16th:
After-dinner coffee and house-made madelines at La Rotonde de la Muette.
La Rotonde de la Muette - Beautiful modern French bistro & sidewalk cafe with gorgeous decor and heated terrace. It’s decidedly pricier than your average neighborhood bistro, but an ideal location for Parisian people watching.
Restaurant Le Bois - For an authentic, casual French bistro experience, Le Bois is a charming find. Adorable ambiance tucked away on a side street near Rue Passy, they have a cozy sidewalk terrace and offer service at all hours, so you can stop for a coffee, lunch, afternoon drink, happy hour, dinner, etc. I especially like their happy hour deal: one platter of cheese or charcuterie with a bottle of wine, for 25€. The Aperol spritz is massive! Not a bad thing.
Dinner at Le Bois
Au Petit Bistro d’Auteuil - Of all the places you can sit and have a cafe crème of glass of wine in Paris, Petit Bistro is special because of its tranquil setting in a courtyard next to L’Eglise d’Auteuil (a beautiful church). This is a popular local’s spot, so the terrace fills quickly in summetime, but — the interior has lots of retro character, too.
Inside the Petit Bistro d’Auteuil
Le Recepteur - The quality & presentation of the food, their impressive selection of natural wines, and always friendly service make Le Recepteur a real gem of a neighborhood bistro. Try the oeufs mayonaisse, a modern spin on the deviled egg, and très photogenic.
The divine Oeufs Mayonnaise at Le Recepteur
Cravan - This newish cocktail bar draws hipsters from all corners of Paris, yet it never gets too crowded. They also make one of the most proper cafe crèmes in town (they open at 9am). Be warned: they are one of the few bars in Paris that doesn’t offer wine — cocktails or coffee only. I love the basil kir royale (12€).
Cocktails at Cravan
Chalet des Iles - Literally on an island in the Bois de Boulogne, this historic chalet turned restaurant & bar is a super charming locale for lunch or dinner. You have to take a free shuttle boat to get there! Don’t worry, it runs about every 10 minutes.
Chalet des Iles, in the Bois de Boulogne
Best Shopping Areas in the 16th:
Rue de Passy - a very popular shopping street full of great French boutiques for all budgets. It feels much more local than the Champs Elysees. Sezane has an outpost here that is wonderfully under-the-radar, and I love La Grande Epicerie for foodie gifts — it’s like the Dean & Deluca of Paris, with so many beautifully packaged gourmet treats.
La Grande Epicerie on Rue Passy in the 16th
Further on the edge of town, Holiday Boileau was a pioneer of ultra-hipster menswear in the 16th, joined recently by Beige Habilleur — both within a short walk of each other.
Vintage & consignment shopping is very rewarding in the 16th — you’ll find a treasure trove of secondhand stores selling pre-loved designer goods. Check out Reciproque, The Date, and Depot Vente Luxe Paris, all within steps of each other near Place du Trocadero.
Have you explored the 16th? I’d love to hear about your favorite spots in the comments section.