Top 10 Things To Do On Your Birthday in Paris

Top 10 Things To Do On Your Birthday in Paris

Updated by Vanessa M in September 2023.

To turn another year older in the ever romantic city of lights, how lucky are you?

Even with little money to spend, there are multiple ways to enjoy a birthday in the French capital. Here are ten of the things my friends and I enjoy most whenever someones birthday rolls around; some free, some inexpensive and some you’ll have to budget for (but that’s okay).

1. Attend a Cabaret Show in Paris

I feel like people don’t take advantage of this experience often enough especially if they’ve been in Paris a long time. The spectacle that is cabaret is something we are fortunate to be able to witness in the very city in which it originated.

While the Moulin Rouge in the 18th arrondissement is a consistent option, it is sometimes saturated with tourism . The Crazy Horse on the Right Bank across from the Eiffel Tower is a far more local hangout and a truly impressive showcase to be part of. They are open seven days a week.

The Crazy Horse – by Pline – Wikimedia Commons

2. Spend a Night at the Theatre in Paris

If erotic cabarets aren’t so much your live performance of preference, then a night out at the regular Parisian theatre may be better suited for a birthday outing.

The Théâtre Mogador is the most beautiful theatre in the 9th arrondissement, with the Folies Bergère a close second also in the same district. The Folies Bergère is a great alternative to the erotic cabarets as it is also a musical theatre venue, without the sex and sleaze!

Ultimate List: Here are the 100 Best Things to do in Paris

Folies Bergère – by Wayne77 – Wikimedia Commons

3. Have a Drink at Le Carmen in Paris

34 Rue Duperré

Le Carmen is situated deep inside an old mansion in the south of Pigalle. I don’t have the right words to properly convey just how transportive this space is, nor words for the incredible ambiance that the bar has created.

Like something out of a 1930s mob scene, this dimly lit piano lounge is possibly the coolest venue in all of Paris. Think fine liquor, jazz and blues, good conversation and attention to detail. The word “seduce” comes to mind.

Le Carmen – by Le Carmen – Sourced from their website

4. Collect French Cuisine Through the Streets of Montmartre in Paris

This is a fun day excursion to do on your birthday with a friend or two. Begin at the bottom of Montmartre hill and make a point of stopping in all of the bakeries, fromageries and chocolate ateliers that catch your eye as you make your way up to the top.

Purchase something different from each one; a baguette from the first, a wheel of cheese from the next, some cranberries if you see any, a bottle of wine near the top, chocolates for dessert.

Once you’ve gathered all your goodies you should be near the summit where you can settle and indulge. Top spots for this spontaneous picnic would be: the Place du Tertre, the I Love You Wall or the grass below the Sacre Coeur.

5. Host an Airbnb Dinner Party in Paris

Sometimes we become so consumed by needing to constantly be out and about in Paris, when staying in is equally as wonderful given the right context.

For your birthday dinner, why not host a dinner party right from the comfort of your Parisian Airbnb. Attempt to cook one of the dishes you’ve been introduced to since arriving in the city and enjoy intimate time with your closest friends over French wine and canapés.

by Kelsey Chance – Unsplash

6. Venture Back to the 1920s in Paris

Nothing like a birthday to make you incredibly nostalgic; what better way to ride it out than to venture back to the 1920s in Paris?

The Hemingway Bar is housed inside of the Ritz Hotel over in the 1st arrondissement. This is my personal favorite 1920s escape room on account of there are no windows so you can lose track of time completely.

The Little Red Door in le Marais is a close second. It is a 1920s speakeasy style bar with exposed brick and dim lighting. If you arrive too late you’ll face an immense queue waiting to get in. Get there early or mention to the bouncer than you’ve aged a year and need a drink rapidement!

Bar Hemingway, Paris – by Bar Hemingway – Sourced from their website

7. Watch the Sunrise and Sunset Over Paris

Making a point of doing both of these in one day is the best way to get the most out of your birthday time frame.

For sunrise I always recommend heading to the Trocadéro Gardens where you can see the light change behind the Eiffel Tower. It really captures the essence of Paris, you know?

As for a sunset spot, you’re best finding a rooftop terrace or viewing deck from which to perch on. The rooftop at Galeries Lafayette is free to the public and is one of the best panoramic views of the city.

8. Shoot a Polaroid Camera Around Paris

For your birthday in Paris, spoil yourself by purchasing a polaroid camera and full pack of film from any of the tech stores in the shopping districts.

Joining a free guided walking tour on the day will take you through major districts and landmarks around the city. As the day unfolds, have random people take sporadic polaroids of you in front of different sites around the city.

You can even navigate the streets yourself and stop strangers along the way when you feel a photo opportunity has presented itself. By the end of the day you’ll have a pile of at least 10 developed polaroid photographs to commemorate your birthday in the city.

Paris Polaroid – by Natalie Wra – Discover Walks

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9. Kick Back on the Paris Plages in Paris

If your birthday happens to fall in either July or August, you’re in luck! During these hot summer months the city of Paris constructs artificial beaches along the banks of the Seine for the public to enjoy.

The best ones are usually near the banks by the Notre Dame. The beaches are free to all, however swimming in the Seine is not permitted. 

Paris Plages – by p e z i – Wikimedia Commons

10. Take a Day Trip Out of Paris

Sometimes the best thing to do on your birthday in Paris is to venture out of Paris entirely. Taking a spontaneous day trip out to Deauville is one of the most memorable things to do while in France.

Deauville is the closest beach town to the city and is largely void of all the chaos and congestion that the city centre holds. A truly relaxing birthday that won’t cost more than a train ticket there and back.

Deauville – by Dennis Jarvis – Wikimedia Commons

10 Best Places to Celebrate Your Birthday in Paris

1. Visit the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower has various birthday party halls (party locations) that are ideal for celebrating birthdays, marriages, and other types of occasions. The Dome des Champs-Élysées, Les Salons Hoche, Mandarin Oriental Paris, and Chai Brongniart Les Carrosses De Paris are some of the top birthday party halls in the Eiffel Tower.

Stefan Krause, Germany, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The top economical party venues in the Eiffel Tower are well-known for delivering all necessary services while staying within your budget. While here you can explore all three levels of the tower including the pinnacle which provides stunning views over the City of Lights and its many attractions including the Louvre.

It is even more stunning at night with all of the bright lights that illuminate the tower as the sun goes down. While you’re here dine at the tower’s Michelin-starred restaurant, see the Cineiffel, and shop for souvenirs.

Here are top 15 Things to do Around the Eiffel Tower

2. Seine River Cruise

Is it your birthday soon? For this special occasion choose a one-of-a-kind moment and book a dinner cruise on the Seine River in Paris and enjoy a special occasion with friends or family that you will never forget. Celebrate your birthday on a panoramic boat with a breathtaking view of the City of Lights.

Umesh Gopinath from Bangalore, India, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The dinner cruise offers an emotional evening to commemorate this momentous day as it should be. Mark the occasion by celebrating your birthday in a cruise. You and your loved ones will enjoy a delicious supper while seeing Paris’ most famous monuments, which will be illuminated in front of you.

The boats are completely glazed, allowing passengers to thoroughly enjoy the scenery. From the departure point near the Orsay Museum, you will slowly sail to the Louvre, Grand Palais, and French Statue of Liberty, before discovering the Eiffel Tower gleaming with a thousand lights.

3. Visit the Louvre

Syced, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

People visit Paris for a variety of reasons. Many of us though are drawn to the city because of its world-class art, wonderful food, stunning architecture, and enticing French culture. If you’re a fan of Paris’ art scene a trip to the Louvre to celebrate your birthday is a must. Check out the Venus de Milo, The Winged Victory of Samothrace, and more classics. If you’re a fan of the Netflix program Lupin, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy seeing the place where some major sequences were shot.

4. Dancing in a club

Photo by Martin Lopez from Pexels

Dancing is one of the most enjoyable and celebratory activities available. Why not add to your delight and sense of being in the moment by dancing on your wedding day? Birthday Kings and Queens deserve the nicest and most enjoyable day possible. Music and exercise are two things that can make everyone feel better, happier, and lighter. So, decide if you like a Parisian club or impromptu street dancing in Paris. Then proceed from there! Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes.

5. A day at Montmartre

Montmartre is a popular area in Paris’ 18th Arrondissement that sits on a big hill. Montmartre, a former artists’ enclave in northern Paris, is still very much a characteristic Parisian experience. The best way to spend your birthday in Montmartre is to start at the top of the hill with the Sacré Coeur and walk down. Unless you want to spend the entire day walking uphill.

Click here for 20 Things to Do in Montmartre

Christophe Meneboeuf, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit the Place du Tertre after the Sacré Coeur and plan your additional stops in the neighborhood. I would suggest spending the entire day here. This does not necessarily imply being present from breakfast to dinner, but rather from around midday to early evening. It’s not a large area, but most of the fun is simply meandering about and enjoying a bottle of wine with a view.

6. Visit a Parisian restaurant

Photo by Leeloo Thefirst from Pexels

Paris is the world’s food capital, and you can find practically any meal under the sun, regardless of your preferred cuisine. Treat yourself to the most amazing meal your cash or travel companion can afford. Exceptional events necessitate exceptional restaurants, whether it’s an anniversary dinner, graduation breakfast, birthday, or family reunion lunch. Sure, it may be expensive, but these memorable lunches don’t come along very often. Do you need some motivation? Bonjour Paris has a plethora of fantastic restaurant choices.

7. At Galeries Lafayette

You’re the star of the show on your birthday! And the birthday boy or girl is entitled to at least one really beautiful material gift. Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, one of Paris’s high-end department shops, is located in the 9th arrondissement, near the Opéra Garnier. This flagship shop is brimming with high-quality goods such as luxury clothing, jewelry, perfume, and shoes.

Benh LIEU SONG (Flickr), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

For your birthday, treat yourself to something pleasant from an upscale store – or even a little local shop. Of course, a trip to Paris is an incredible present in and of itself! If that’s your main present to yourself, window shopping and browsing in some of Paris’ greatest department stores and shops is also a fun hobby. And it will make your suitcase lighter on the trip home!

8. Visit the Shakespeare & Co. Café

There are many fantastic cafés and coffee shops in Paris but spending time at the Shakespeare & Co. Café on your birthday will only add to the joyous atmosphere. You can have lattes, teas, coffees, baked goods, and snacks inside this quaint, intimate area situated next door to the world-famous Shakespeare & Co. Bookstore, as a lovely mid-day break to keep you refreshed.

If you’re a big reader and a book lover head over to the nearby bookstore. Inside the Shakespeare & Co. bookstore, you’ll find a treasure trove of books and a lovely environment that feels especially appropriate on a magical day.

9.  Treat yourself to a 5-Star Hotel

Paris is a city awash in glamorous 5-star hotels, which should come as no surprise given that it’s one of the world’s most popular destinations so it stands to reason that you’ll find some of the world’s best hotels in the City of Light. Go ahead. You deserve it! Among Paris’s 5-star hotels are the Ritz Paris, Relais Christine, Saint James Paris, InterContinental Paris, and L’Hôtel (Fun fact: L’Hôtel was the world’s first boutique hotel and novelist Oscar Wilde’s final residence.)

Photo by min che from Pexels

Visit either on your day and get a lavish experience as well as high-end lodgings. Because of the degree of service, they give five-star hotels are recognized to be some of the most glamorous hospitality venues in the world. The French government has also granted “palace” designation to a select few hotels, ranking them higher than a five-star hotel. Stay at the Shangri-La, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Le Meurice, Hôtel de Crillon, or Le Bristol for an unforgettable experience.

10. Paris museums

You don’t have to be a culture vulture to discover something to intrigue you in one of Paris’ 150 museums including the world’s largest the Louvre. Before you go inside to meet Mona and the other masterpieces take an exterior tour of the Louvre’s environs to learn about its architecture, history, and significance. The magnificent Musée de l’Orangerie offers a more relaxed museum experience where you can practically drown in the splendor of Monet’s large-scale water-lily paintings.

Benh, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Meanwhile, the Musée d’Orsay housed in a soaring converted railway station houses a remarkable collection of furniture, sculpture, and especially Impressionist paintings. Get up close and personal with works by Monet, Renoir, Gaugin, Cézanne, and Van Gogh before relaxing in the café next to the massive station clock.

Read here for the Best Way to Visit Paris Museums