20 Best Trendy Districts for Nightlife in Paris
*Originally published by Natalie on February 28th, 2020, and Updated by Vanessa in October 2022 and by Vanessa M in September 2023 and Updated by Vanessa R in October 2023 and updated by Felix in May 2024
Only those who have previously visited Paris will understand just how much this city comes to life once the sun goes down.
All across the city, we find hotspots for nightlife and entertainment. The diverse nature of each of Paris’ arrondissements makes every nightlife hub equally as unique. The bottom line is that there is something for every taste, every budget, everyone… you just have to know where to go.
Consider indulging in some culinary pleasures from the Paris food tour to enhance your evening before stepping out.
1. The Latin Quarter
5th and 6th Arrondissement
The Latin Quarter is on Paris’ Left Bank, right on the edge of the Seine River.
It’s a very old part of the city; one where historic cafes live on, having been established in times long before Picasso or Hemingway even took to Paris’ nightlife scene.
More mature folk will enjoy the street-side dining and ambient eateries, while students revel in the bars and pubs that line the streets offering cheap beer and tequila. The Latin Quarter has been a student-oriented district since back when Latin itself was the spoken language of this land.
Click here for more information on the best bars in the Latin Quarter.
2. Le Marais
4th Arrondissement
Moving just across the Seine water onto the Right Bank, le Marais is considered to be one of Paris’ most trendy and exciting districts.
Known as the queer quarter, le Marais caters to a variety of partygoers but mostly under the LGBTQ+ umbrella. Gay clubs, lesbian bars and queer-friendly cafes are found in abundance, all guaranteed to be some of the wildest nights out available in Europe.
Le Marais free tour provides insights into the unique charm of this district.
Aside from this, le Marais is also a hub for Paris’ most fashionable crowds. They roam the streets hopping from cafe to cafe, sipping fine French wines and chatting trends, politics and feminism until the early hours of each morning.
Click here for more information on the best bars in the Le Marias
3. Piaglle
18th Arrondissement
Pigalle is a district in the far north of Paris; it sits at the foot of Montmartre hill.
Pigalle was once the city’s official Red Light District, and the remnants of these times are still very much alive in this area. Think of Pigalle as one long strip of bars, restaurants and theaters.
Peep shows rule the district once it’s dark enough to keep attendees somewhat anonymous, and you’ll find an undeniable element of risqué in just about every establishment on the main road.
This is what makes Pigalle, Pigalle! Once a district where one’s inhibitions could be thrown into the wind, people still love coming here as a sheer form of escapism and wild fun.
This is also the home to Paris’ infamous Moulin Rouge cabaret venue. If this is an attraction you intend to check out while in the French capital, it’s likely you’ll venture through Pigalle either before or after your show… or both!
Click here for more information on the best bars in Pigalle
4. Belleville
20th Arrondissement
Belleville is our nightlife district of the far east. This was famously the district in which the beloved Edith Piaf grew up, and here memory is still very much preserved by the people here today.
Belleville’s nightlife scene is similar to Pigalle’s in that everything seems to take place on one main strip. In Belleville, affordability is the order of the day and you won’t find any overpriced alcohol or food.
Belleville likes to keep it real. The nightlife makes much use of the sidewalks, and as nights get older will move into grimy dive bars and live music venues nearby. This is a very artistic part of Paris so don’t be overwhelmed if you feel like the least hip person in the world while here.
Click here for more information on the best things to do in Belleville
5. Bastille
11th Arrondissement
Bastille was late to the nightlife table in Paris, having only become a truly worthwhile place to party during the late 90s.
It quickly adopted entertainment options of all kinds, making it a place where everyone can go for some fun after dark. Whether you’re into live bands, jazz bars, techno clubs, Latino dance venues, or even funk parties, it’s available across the Bastille district.
This is a club-goers hotspot; a neighborhood where you can hop between venues quite easily on foot. In the summer it’s hot and sticky, and in the winter it’s refuge from the cold city streets.
The Bastille also has a thriving LGBTQ+ scene with queer bars and a few clubs. While these will identify themselves with the flags displayed proudly at the entrances, all nightlife venues in Bastille make an effort to be safe and open to everyone.
Click here for more information on the best happy hours in Bastille
6. Oberkampf
11th Arrondissement
Oberkampf is like an extension of the Bastille; they are both part of the 11th arrondissement, and are within walking distance of one another.
When things get too wild in the Bastille, people will venture to Oberkampf for more controlled bars and clubs. Similarly, some people choose to start their nights out in Oberkampf where things are considerably calmer, and then make their way into the Bastille to carry them through until four in the morning.
Rue Oberkampf offers fabulous happy hours all along the street every evening between 6pm and 9pm.
Click here for more information on the best bars in Oberkampf
7. Canal Saint Martin
10th Arrondissement
The Canal Saint Martin is a district that surprises me every time I visit. It’s comparable to a Pandora’s Box of nightlife; the more you choose to open it the more it seems to hold.
The Canal Saint Martin starts with the the strip that lines the canal itself; a road filled with international cuisines and stylish cafes. Each evening, particularly in the summer, both the banks of the canal and the outdoor seating of these lining establishments are filled to the brim with people just getting started on their nights on the town.
After sundown, they will usually move deeper into the district to the many cafes and bars that line the streets. It’s a very youthful and social part of Paris.
Click here for more information on the best things to do near the Canal Saint Martin
8. Sorbonne
5th Arrondissement
Sorbonne is on the Left Bank, also against the edge of the Seine. This is Paris’ hottest university district, given that this is where Sorbonne University’s main campus is situated.
Like the Latin Quarter, nightlife here is young, cheap and usually centered around pubs and dive bars. Drink specials are the order of every day; two for one drinks, €1 tequilas and half-priced pints of beer make for a cocktail of drunk & disorderly teens.
If you’re young, broke and in the mood to get black out drunk, then Sorbonne is the district you probably want to start in. From here you’ll move with the masses through to the greater Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhoods.
9. Montmartre
18th Arrondissement
Montmartre is the district on the hill, just above Pigalle. While Pigalle is the sexy, seductive strip of bars and entertainment venues, Montmartre is more of a reserved entity when it comes to nighttime in Paris.
In Montmartre, the nightlife exists within a few isolated cafes that are scattered between the winding streets the escalate up to the summit. For some, drinking in a relaxed cafe until the early hours of the morning screams “Paris!”, so Montmartre does well with intellectual, conversational types who aren’t partial to music so loud they can’t think.
Those willing to delve a little deeper into Montmartre will find some of Paris’ most unusual bar concepts existing peacefully in the district. One of them being a bar designed like the inside of a very small, very intimate hotel room from back in the Bohemian era.
There are also some fabulous cabaret venues in this district. Check out the historic Lapin Agile cabaret.
Click here for more information on five unusual bars in Montmartre
10. Saint-Germain-des-Prés
6th Arrondissement
Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter are within short walking distance of one another. While also predominantly a student village, Saint-Germain-des-Prés does have a more mature element to it I feel.
There are fantastic cafes and jazz lounges in this district; most of which the raucous student crowds tend to actively avoid. One can also a variety of Old English pubs in this neighborhood; generally, beer is cheap so you’ll encounter a mix of age groups, but good fun and great food nonetheless.
11. The Marais
3rd Arrondissement
One of Paris’ most popular and active nightlife areas has emerged in the historic Marais. A vibrant gay and lesbian subculture is also present there.
12. Charonne
BEDHAE CHARONNE DISTRICT, PARIS
Charonne has a quaint, village-like atmosphere that is accentuated by allotment gardens, cobbled alleys, and Église Saint-Germain de Charonne, which is known for its 13th-century tower and cemetery and is one of only two church graveyards left in the heart of Paris.
Charonne is made up of a patchwork of old industrial buildings and winding residential streets. The region is known for its stylish nightlife, starting with the Mama Shelter hotel, which has a rooftop restaurant and ultra-hip bar, and the Flêche d’Or arts and entertainment venue, housed in a former train station.
14. Montparnasse
75014 Paris, France
The vibrant Montparnasse district used to be the center of the arts, where Picasso and Matisse frequented establishments like La Rotonde and La Coupole, both of which are still operating in opulent Parisian style.
The Musée Bourdelle features Antoine Bourdelle, Matisse’s mentorcolossal ,’s sculptures. However, the current Montparnasse, with its broad roads of chain stores and stylish independent boutiques, is more about shopping than art. The summit of the Tour Montparnasse, where the Ciel de Paris bar-restaurant is located, offers the greatest views of the city.
15. Canal Saint-Martin
10th Arrondissement
You may wander along the almost 200-year-old waterway in the Canal Saint-Martin neighborhood, which has long been known as a hip location. Consider getting some tacos and burritos from El Nopal in Mexico and finding a seat by the canal outside. There are several wonderful bistros to pick from if you prefer table service; we recommend the wildly popular La Vache dans les Vignes wine cellar with its cheese-themed decor. When you’re thirsty, you’re close to historic neighborhood hangouts like lunch favorite Chez Prune or eccentric Le Comptoir Général. For fashionistas, there are the stores on rue Beaurepaire and rue de Marseille.
Click here for more information on the best bars in Saint-Germian-des-Prés
16. République
11th arrondissement
By strolling around the streets of the 11th arrondissement, you might find your new favourite nightlife spots. République has a wide variety of nightlife options, including music and bars. This neighbourhood will teach you how to party like a local in Paris. Take a moment to picture yourself relaxing in Le 114’s comfortable sofas while enjoying some pop or rock music.
Head to Le Bric à Brac early in the evening to partake in their happy hour and a few cocktails. The city’s liveliest club nights are at Nouveau Casino, so hurry there. The Crowne Plaza Paris République is a hotel that offers excitement, enjoyment, and comfort, so make sure to book a room there if you want to try them all.
17. Grands Boulevards
9th arrondisement
The Grands Boulevards are another nighttime star in Paris, stretching from Place de la République to Grands Magasins. This area certainly understands what culinary treats and amusement are all about with its abundance of cafes, restaurants, brasseries, and nightclubs. Your evening adventure starts at De La Ville Café. This ancient marble building has a colourful past, having been a brothel, an upscale restaurant, a Chinese restaurant, and now an elegant and posh café-restaurant.
Afterwards, take advantage of the opportunity to mingle with the top DJs at Rex Club. Include all of these in your nighttime schedule, and for the cherry on top, make a reservation at Moris Grands Boulevards, the hotel that will help you achieve your ideal night.
18. Champs-Élysées
8th arrondissement
The Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris’s 8th arrondissement is where another unforgettable evening is waiting. There are many upscale stores, theatres, and coffee cafes in this area. The high-end shops, hotels, and restaurants are what make this place so popular despite the number of clubs and pubs.
Late-night shopping is the name of the game here, from Guerlain and Ladurée to Louis Vuitton. The greatest place to look fabulous before moving on to another neighbourhood for a wild night is, in fact, here. The Maison de Lignières – Bed & Breakfast Paris – quartier Champs-Elysées is available to help you arrange your day and night tour!
19. Petit Bain
13th arrondissement
The 13th arrondissement is home to Petit Bain, which is anchored on the Seine. It has a restaurant, dance club and rooftop bar in one incredible space. This location is ideal for a wild summer night out dancing and is well known for its art displays and concerts. Indie folk, rock, jazz, and even minimalist Norwegian pop are all included in the lineup, so check it out in advance!
20. Supersonic
11th arrondissement
Supersonic is a well-liked location for young residents of Paris to dance and enjoy live music because practically every night (apart from DJ nights) admission is free.
There is plenty of room to be wild in this two-floor venue, although occasionally it means you have a poor view of the stage.
5 Best Cocktail Bars in Paris
Les Ambassadeurs
The bar Les Ambassadeurs at Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, located on Place de la Concorde, embodies the quintessential Parisian attitude. The mythological address, which overlooks one of the world’s most beautiful squares and has a patio beneath the arcades, is a one-of-a-kind venue that enchants both Parisians and visitors with inventive cocktails and complimentary live music.
Discover their newest cocktail menu, which includes fourteen signature creations inspired by the people who pass by their windows every day. The bar Les Ambassadeurs, is an enduring witness to the city’s rush and bustle: brave fashionistas, adventurous voyageurs, and clever students all congregate on Place de la Concorde. The menu, designed like a board game, enables you to roll the dice and walk in the footsteps of those great Parisians for a few moments.
Read more on 15 Great Things to Do in Paris at Night
Practical information
address: 10 Pl. de la Concorde, 75008 Paris, France
hours:mon-sun: 5 pm-1 am
website: LES AMBASSADEURS
Little Red Door
For almost a decade, this charming and cosmopolitan nightspot entered through a red door in the delightful Paris area of Marais, has been a near-constant presence on The World’s 50 Best Bars. That longevity is due to reinvention rather than classicism. Little Red Door has never stopped questioning cocktail customs and how they are delivered to visitors.
Alex Francis and Barney O’Kane, the bar’s current drinksmiths, continue to carry the creative torch: their latest menu, Flourish, builds on the bar’s new approach. Little Red Door’s farm-to-glass concept places seasonal ingredients and their producers at the center of the bar experience – and the decor, with producer images now adorning the walls.
As a result, expect cocktails with basic names like Carrot but flavor wizardry behind them. This is certainly a cosmopolitan setting with sophisticated drinks, but it also serves a more profound purpose: to link people to the products they consume. All of this adds up to a very eco-friendly concept, which helped the bar win the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award 2022.
Practical information
address: 60 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris, France
hours:mon-sun: 5 pm-2 am
website: LITTLE RED DOOR
Bar 228
Le Meurice is one of Paris’s most prestigious hotels, and it also has one of the city’s top bars. The hotel decided to turn its library into Bar 228, yet much of the old décor remains. It keeps all of the trademarks of a refined reading environment, with stacked bookshelves and dark wood walls, but now you can also have a lovely cocktail.
Sink into one of the bar’s sumptuous leather seats and raise your head to admire the beautiful hand-painted ceiling. Try the distinctive Le 228 cocktail, a light blend of champagne, pear, lychee, and raspberry. In addition to a variety of handmade cocktails, the bar has historic champagnes and over 50 Scotch whiskies, which are presented in bespoke Riedel glasses.
Practical information
address: 228 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
hours:mon-sun: 12 pm-1 am
website: BAR 228
Bar Arbane
L’ Arbane is a small jewel in the center of Saint-Germain-des-Pres. This slightly trendy and comfortable setting will entice you for a few drinks. And, yeah, this is where you can sample some excellent cocktails.
L’Arbane has a large selection of Signature drinks, with something for everyone! Dry, sweet, fruity, sour, bitter, short, long, whatever the bartender recommends. They also serve a variety of vintage cocktails. The bartenders, who are mixology masters, will offer you a list of original signature cocktails.
This glamorous bar offers mirrored walls and some of the friendliest service in Paris, all in a charming, intimate atmosphere. Their distinctive drinks are delicately balanced and delivered with hand-carved ice.
Practical information
address: 10 Rue Guénégaud, 75006 Paris, France
hours:mon-sun: 6 pm-2 am
website: BAR ARBANE
Hemingway Bar
This tucked-in and compact bar at the Ritz Paris Place Vendôme has a lot to look at. No seat is left empty in a corner, and no wooden wall is devoid of odd memorabilia, whether it’s boxing gloves, a framed airline seatbelt, newspaper clippings, a dried shark’s jaw, or regular business cards.
Despite a multi-million dollar remodel, the place known for being liberated from the Nazis by novelist Ernest Hemingway has its old-world elegance with tufted leather banquettes and bar stools. The establishment is packed with well-heeled tourists shortly after it opens at 6 p.m., looking to enjoy a world-famous cocktail before heading out on the town.
Here are the 15 Most Luxurious Paris Nightclubs
Practical information
address: 15 Pl. Vendôme, 75001 Paris, France
hours:mon-sun: 5:30 pm-12:30 am
website: BAR HEMINGWAY
10 Popular Things to Do At Night in Paris
Paris is one of the most lively cities at night, offering a dazzling array of experiences for visitors and those who live in the city. I have concluded that nightlife in Paris is as good as any other good city in the world because of iconic monuments, world-class museums, and lively activities that keep people awake throughout the night. As I delve into some of the best things to do in Paris at night, I want you to think about any other place that offers what this romantic city offers. At nightfall, Paris drastically transforms into a romantic and captivating destination with several possibilities for adventure.
Whether you are looking for a place to enjoy music, or just relax, Paris has you covered. A night in this city offers you a chance to marvel at the light show of the famous Eiffel Tower, something you will not see anywhere else. Or perhaps you want to dance the night off and be swept up in the energy of the city’s live bar scenes. Another way to spend a night in Paris is to hop into one of the rooftop bars in the city and have a beautiful view of the night lights and landmarks. However, don’t fail to go on a Seine River cruise. The options are plenty.
The following are ten things to do at night in Paris:
1. A Special View of the Lightshow of the Eiffel Tower at Night
The Eiffel Tower is Paris’s most famous landmark and possibly one of the most beautiful scenes at night. Everyone visiting Paris must visit the Eiffel Tower at night to experience the night show that brings this monument to life. As the sun goes down, the Eiffel Tower is transformed into a beautiful scene with an array of lights twinkling and illuminating the city’s skyline. The light is so beautiful that you can have a view from a distance. However, for a perfect view, find a cozy spot along the Seine River and enjoy a drink while you marvel at the twinkling light on the tower. This is a magical moment that will be a memory forever, make sure to take photos.
2. Enjoy the Art in the Louvre Museum at Night
While museums are open during the day, the Louvre Museum in Paris gives an unforgettable experience at night. This world-class museum transforms into a different environment under the moonlight with its hallowed halls. This is the place to enjoy an exclusive view of some of the best art in history, including the famous Mona Lisa, and Venus de Milo. The museum is busy during the day, so a night visit gives you exclusive time to enjoy the view of the art and sculpture. Take enough time to marvel at the genius of the ancient artists who created these old pieces of art.
3. Be a Part of the Special Candlelight Concerts in the City
Paris is known to be the heart of music and culture in Europe because of its experiences, such as the candlelight concerts at night. While in the city, hop into one of the churches or concert halls and witness the wonder that the city has. You will come across hundreds of candles that create a transformed ambiance. While you take your seat, the music will transport you to a different world with the haunting melodies of the classical performances. This concert is designed to ensure that all your senses are activated to give you a lifetime experience.
4. Marvel at an Opera Performance in Palais Garnier
A night at the Palais Garnier for an opera performance is an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. First, the architectural masterpiece especially welcomes you with the beautiful walls and interior. You will marvel at the marble staircase and lavish balconies just like you see them in movies. Once inside and settled, the light will dim and the music will take over. Allow yourself to enjoy the performances of the city’s renowned and talented artists with their melodious voices. In the end, you will appreciate the Parisian culture.
5.Take a Journey through the Seine River Under the Moonlight
Another experience that every visitor must get a chance to have is a journey through the famous Seine River in Paris. Embark on this journey under the moonlight, as well as the beautiful flickering street lights in the city. There is no better feeling than cruising over the quiet river on a chilly night as you enjoy the view of the city’s landmarks and lights. This is an experience and a moment of silence when the only sound you hear is the flowing water. This is also a good idea for a night date in the city.
6. Descend into the Paris Catacombs at Night for an Exclusive time
If you want a chilly experience in Paris at night then visiting one of the city’s catacombs will be the best thing to do for you. As you descend into the catacombs, the busy nightlife of the city fades away as you go deeper underground and the weight of the city is above you. You will be guided through the tunnels of the catacombs as you come across several skeletons. The sight of millions of bones stacked together is both a haunting a mesmerizing experience that will make you remember Paris for the rest of your life.
7. Visit the Versailles Palace and enjoy the Night Fountain Show
Witnessing the Fountain Night Show at the magnificent Palace of Versailles at night is an experience that you will remember forever. Arrive at the palace at nightfall and enjoy the architectural genius that was used to build the palace. You will be greeted by the warm glow of the strategically placed lights on the walls and ceiling. However, the best part of the palace is the fountain night show. The palace’s iconicfountain comes to life with a beautiful display of water falling, music, and light to engage all your senses. You will live in this place with memories to take home.
8. Experience a Classic and Lifetime Cabaret Show at Moulin Rouge
The Moulin Rouge offers one of the best experiences in the city with the classic cabaret show. As you approach the windmill, adorned with the iconic red lights, you will feel a sense of excitement in preparation for the show. Once inside, you will be transported back to the ancient days. In addition, you will marvel at the interior décor with the red velvet seats and the inviting glow of the candles. After everyone has settled, the costumed dancers will take the stage to make sure you have the best night of your life. The show leaves many people reluctant to depart and so will you.
9. Enjoy Soft Drinks and a Night City View at a Rooftop Bar
Paris being one of the most vibrant cities at night is a statement that is confirmed by the presence of lively nightclubs and bars. Pop into one of these bars and head straight to the rooftop for a special treat. Once on the rooftop, you will marvel at the city lights, the skyline, and some of the mesmerizing landmarks in the city. With a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree view, you will spot the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Settle in the cozy seats and order your personalized drink as you enjoy the atmosphere at the top of the building.
10. Relax at one of the Bars along the Rue Montorgueil
Rue Montorgueil is a pedestrian street in the heart of Paris with different cafes, and bars where you can relax for a night in Paris. This street comes to life at night with dim lights that create a perfect atmosphere for a night date in Paris. Stroll along the cobblestones and the inviting glows of the bars on the street. Once you identify one bar, head straight in and take your perfect position as you wait to be served with drinks and meals of your choice.
I have highlighted a few things that you can do at night in Paris and they are a testament to the lively nightlife in the city. While in Paris, you can be swept into the city’s classic entertainment, attend an opera, or enjoy the city’s beautiful landmarks. The Eiffel Tower is the center of attention in the city which everyone must experience while in Paris. The experience of one night will make you come back again.
Planning a trip to Paris ? Get ready !
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