9th arrondissement of Paris: What to see, do, and eat

In the heart of the Right Bank, the 9eme arrondissement in Paris is one of the most popular districts for both locals and visitors.

Located between the Champs Elysées on one side, and some of the top historical attractions of Paris like the Louvre Museum on the other, it is a great area for those who prefer to explore the city on foot.

It also has one of the top shopping districts in Paris, as well as plenty of bars, restaurants and nightlife.

What to see: Top Attractions

Opéra Garnier

Paris has two main opera houses, the Palais Garnier and the Opera de Bastille. Palais Garnier a beautiful 18th-century building in the 9th arrondissement, while the Opera de Bastille is a modern building in the 12th arrondissement constructed in 1989.

Both buildings are run by the Opera de Paris and host the crème de la crème of opera productions and ballets in Paris.

The shows are based on the season and tickets go fast, so book early. If you can, combine it with a guided tour before the show starts (book here).

There are also several other shows in the area, such as the Folie Bèrgere or any one of the tiny theatres that are in the quartier can entertain.

Covered Passages

Along with the 2nd arrondissement, the 9th is famous for its covered passages in the 2nd arrondissement earlier like Passage Jouffroy. Other passages in the area include  Passage Verdeau and Passage du Havre.

There are several across Paris, which used to be the original covered malls in the city. Inside the passages, you will find several charming little shops, cafés, and bookstores.

The passages are not easy to find, so equip yourself with a good GPS, or you can take a guided tour. With allocated time for shopping of course.

Musée Grévin

Inspired by French artist and sculptor Marie Tussauds’ models during the 1789 French Revolution, we have Musée Grévin in the north of Paris that opened in 1882.

Located in the 9th arrondissement, this museum has wax sculptures of famous French people, actors, celebrities, and even the odd inventor. It also has a lot of famous international figures like Marilyn Monroe and James Dean.

Interestingly, there has never been a Madame Tussauds in France, so Musée Grevin is the closest to it. You can also visit Château de Breuteuil outside of Paris, which has puppets and wax figures made by the Musée Grevin in its exhibits. You can book your tickets to Musée Grevin here.

Musée de la Vie Romantique

If you are looking for romantic things to do in Paris, the Museum of the Romantic Life may be just the ticket. It is located in a sumptuous hotel particulier near Montmartre and was built by painter Ary Scheffer 1830.

The museum recreates the romantic era of George Sand and the Belle Epoque with portraits, furniture, and jewelry from the 19th century. There is also a lovely tearoom in the gardens called the Rose Bakery.

The entrance to the permanent exhibitions is free. It is located at Hôtel Scheffer-Renan, 16 rue Chaptal in 75009 Paris. You can find more free museums in Paris here.

Shopping

In terms of shopping in Paris, if you need something to wear for all these wonderful outings, the Grand Magasins (department stores) Galarie Lafayette and Printemps will have you properly equipped. For those who enjoy shopping, I would recommend this area as where to stay in Paris.

Galeries Lafayette and Printemps

Near Opéra on the Right Bank, this is France’s answer to Sak’s Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman. Galerie Lafayette and Printemps are known in France as the Grands Magasins which is the French word for “large shop” aka “department stores”.

They sit side by side along Boulevard Haussmann just across from the Palais Garnier, the national Opera of Paris, along with other smaller shops around like Zara, Petit Bateau, and more.

The area is named for Baron Haussman, who designed much of the buildings in Paris during the latter half of the 19th century.

Inside Galerie Lafayette and Printemps, you will find something for all budgets. From upscale fashion brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, Prada, etc. there are also the modest brands like Sezane, Mango and house brands.

Here, you will find the most popular shopping streets, selling ready-to-wear affordable French clothes and accessories for both adults and children, as well as home goods and other items.

In addition, don’t miss the view from the top floor of Galerie Lafayette. And if you like fashion, book a ticket to the Galerie Lafayette fashion show.

Rue des Martyrs

Rue des Martyrs is now a vibrant street for gourmands covered in artisan food shops, cafés, and restaurants. The name derives from the first bishop of Paris, Saint Denis who traveled on this road and is one of the most famous saints in France. He was decapitated at Basilica Saint Denis during the 3rd century by the Roman Empire.

Today Rue des Martyrs is a busy commercial street with everything from clothing shops to jewellery and artisan boutiques.

Marché Anvers

And if you are looking for outdoor farmers’ markets, head over to Marché Anvers in Place d’Anvers in the 19eme arrondissement. It is a producers’ market, selling everything to fresh fruit and vegetables, to artisan cheeses and jams. The market is only open on Friday mornings.

Where to eat: Restaurants, Brasseries, and Bistros

There are a lot of small restaurants in this area, particularly around Rue du Faubourg du Montmartre, so wander around and see what catches your eye. Some local favorites are:

• Grand Café Capucines – Seafood brasserie at 4 Bd des Capucines, 75009 Paris
• Le Patio Opéra – Elegant Italian fare at 5 Rue Meyerbeer, 75009 Paris
• Au Petit Riche – Traditional French brasserie at 25 Rue Le Peletier, 75009 Paris

You can find more ideas and ways of spending an evening in Paris here.

Bars and Nightlife

The 9th is one of the best arrondissements for night-life. If you are looking for hip young bars, Grand Boulevard and So-pi (aka South Pigalle) are the places to be.

With plenty of Irish pubs and classic French bars in the area, there is something for every taste. Some popular favorites are:

Pubs and Bars

• Sunset Boulevard (small traditional Parisian bar) – 26 Boulevard Poissonnière, 75009 Paris
• L’Entrée des Artistes (interesting cocktails) – 30 Rue Victor Massé, Paris 75009
• Le Sans Souci (popular local hangout) – 65 Rue Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, Paris 75009

Nightclubs

• The Key (large nightclub with electronic music) – 8 Boulevard de la Madeleine 75009 Paris, France
• Chez Moune (nightclub) – 54 Rue Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, 75009 Paris
• Bus Palladium (grand classic known as “temple of rock”, with concerts) – 6 Rue Pierre Fontaine, 75009 Paris

You can find more bars and nightlife options around Paris here.

Where to stay: Hotels and other accommodation

If you want to shop your heart out and then drop those shopping bags off in your hotel room before heading out again, you cannot go wrong with the 9eme arrondissement. Some recommended hotels in the area are:

• €€€€ – Chouchou Hotel
• €€€€€ – InterContinental Paris Le Grand, an IHG Hotel
• €€€€€ – Maison Albar Hotels – Le Vendome (with swimming pool)

You can find more accommodation options for the 9th arrondissement here.