Especially don't skip the area around Rue de Marseille,with a good mix of clothing, shoe shops and delis.
Towards the tourist heart of the city, you will find this urban and cosy neighbourhood with a raw and alternative character. Also called 'little Africa', it fills with a mix of hipsters, creatives and locals who have lived here for years. The main attractions in this district are the imposing Place de la République and the famous Canal Saint-Martin. Especially on a hot summer day, you will see many (young) Parisians perched by the water here for a picnic or a drink.