Passage des Princes
This covered passage in Paris’s 2nd arrondissement links Boulevard des Italiens with Rue de Richelieu, a short walk from Opéra.
In pictures
About
Passage des Princes is one of Paris’s covered passages. It sits in the 2nd arrondissement, between Boulevard des Italiens and Rue de Richelieu. Its location makes it easy to include in a walk around Opéra, the Grands Boulevards, and Palais-Royal.
People come here less for a long visit than for the character of these indoor arcades. The glass roof, filtered light, and compact scale create a useful pause between busy streets. It works well as a short stop. It does not need much planning.
It is especially practical on a rainy day. It also suits a quieter transition within a central Paris itinerary. Morning can feel calmer. Midday is convenient if you are already exploring nearby shopping streets or cultural sites. The main appeal is the setting and its place within a broader walk.
For a smart route, pair it with Passage Choiseul, Galerie Vivienne, or the gardens of Palais-Royal. In cooler months, these covered passages are particularly pleasant. In fair weather, alternate indoor arcades with nearby open-air squares and cafés.
The Concierge's Tip
Start here in the morning, then continue on foot to Passage Choiseul and Palais-Royal. The route is easy and coherent. In colder months or wet weather, these covered passages are a practical choice. If Passage des Princes feels brief, use it as a link between Opéra, the Grands Boulevards, and a coffee stop. In fair weather, add Galerie Vivienne or a nearby square to balance indoor and outdoor walking.
Ask the Concierge
Our Concierge arranges your visit: skip-the-line tickets, a private guide, off-hours access.
Ask the ConciergeFrequently asked questions
- How much time should I allow for Passage des Princes?
- Plan on a short stop. In most cases, ten to twenty minutes is enough to walk through, look at the arcade, and take a few photos. It makes more sense as part of a broader stroll through nearby covered passages, Opéra, or Palais-Royal.
- Where is Passage des Princes in Paris?
- It is located at 5 boulevard des Italiens in Paris’s 2nd arrondissement. The passage connects this area with Rue de Richelieu. You are within walking distance of Opéra Garnier, the Grands Boulevards, and several other covered passages in central Paris.
- When is the best time to visit?
- Morning usually feels calmer and more comfortable for a short walk. Rainy days are also a good option, since the covered setting lets you keep exploring on foot. In the middle of the day, it fits naturally into a central Paris itinerary focused on shopping, culture, or architecture.
- Do I need to book in advance?
- No booking is generally needed to see the passage itself. It is best approached as a walk-through stop within the neighborhood. If you plan to combine it with a performance, museum visit, or nearby restaurant, check those venues separately for their own access conditions.
- Is Passage des Princes suitable for families?
- Yes, for a short and easy stop. It works well within a family walk, especially if you want a sheltered break between busier streets. It is not a long or highly interpretive visit. The appeal is mainly the setting and the convenience of exploring the neighborhood on foot.
- Can I combine it with other nearby covered passages?
- Yes, and that is usually the smartest way to see it. Passage des Princes pairs well with Passage Choiseul, Galerie Vivienne, and the Palais-Royal area. Seen as part of a sequence, it feels more rewarding and avoids turning a brief stop into an isolated destination.
- Is there a convenient hotel area for visiting this part of Paris?
- Yes. The Opéra and Grands Boulevards area is especially convenient if you want to reach the passage on foot. Staying nearby makes it easy to build a half-day plan around covered arcades, gardens, shopping streets, and cultural landmarks in central Paris.