Canal Saint Martin is to Paris what Williamsburg once was to New York or Shoreditch was to London. This part of town still retains a certain grittiness that has been largely lost from the abovementioned counterparts - gentrification is undoubtedly on its way but the area still feels authentic and edgy so get there before this changes! You'll be rubbing shoulders with Paris's hippest young things, smoking and drinking outside the popular bars and restaurants in Cour des Petites Ecuries, as well as locals grabbing a bite at one of the many excellent South Asian restaurants. Be sure to check out Le Comptoir Général - an old 600 square-metre converted barn (now restaurant/bar) that serves as HQ for the local hipster scene and is definitely worth seeking out for a drink. Rue Oberkampf is where it’s at for vibrant night-life.