The Ultimate Guide to the Nightlife in Paris (2024)

The Ultimate Guide to the Nightlife in Paris (1)

Yordan

Updated on Aug 15 • 5 minute read

Living

Known as the city of lights, Paris flourishes at night. To make the most out of it, however, you must know where the hotspots of Paris’ nightlife are.

Whether you're looking for a quiet bar to have a conversation or want to party until the sun comes up, this guide will help you find the right spot for your mood and your style.

So put on your best outfit and get ready to explore all that Paris has to offer after dark!

The Ultimate Guide to the Nightlife in Paris (2)

The top nightlife areas in Paris

Paris is known for its legendary clubs and bars. But the main question is where should you go to experience the best nightlife in the city?

Unlike in other major European cities, the nightlife areas in Paris are scattered across the city instead of being concentrated around the city center.

Here’s a list of our suggestions for the areas you should check out:

  • Le Marais is one of Paris’ historic party areas. Nowadays, Le Marais caters to a wide range of partygoers, the majority of whom identify as LGBTQ+. There're numerous gay clubs, lesbian pubs, and queer-friendly cafes, all of which are guaranteed to provide some of Europe's craziest experiences.

  • Pigalle is another great party destination. The area was once the city's official Red Light District but today is a long stretch of pubs, restaurants and theaters. This district is also the location of Paris' renowned Moulin Rouge cabaret.

  • Belleville is the place to be if you find the cost of living in Paris high and are looking for a night out that won’t break the bank. This very artistic district is in the far east of Paris and both food and alcohol are reasonably priced. Here, you can expect to find the crowd mingling on the sidewalks at the start of the night, giving the area a true bohemian vibe. As the night pans out, the crowd shifts to the surrounding dirty dive bars and live music venues.

  • Bastille is popular among partygoers in Paris as the area is filled with a wide variety of venues that cater to every taste — you’ll find live band performances, jazz and techno clubs, and even Latino dance venues. If you’re lucky, you’ll even come across some of the underground funk events that take place throughout the Bastille district.

Whichever district you take your party spirit to, you can count on the night busses in Paris to drive you home at the end of the night.

The Ultimate Guide to the Nightlife in Paris (3)

The best co*cktail bars in Paris

There’s no shortage of amazing co*cktail bars in Paris. The ones that made the top of our list are:

  • The Broken Arm, located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. The bar has a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day. The menu features a wide variety of drinks, including both classic and creative mixes.

  • The Bar at The Ritz Paris is the place to be if you're looking for a more upscale co*cktail experience. This iconic bar is known for its luxurious decor and impeccable service. The co*cktail menu features both classic and signature drinks, making it the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner co*cktail or nightcap.

  • Le Syndicat is another top location where you can get a unique co*cktail experience. This popular speakeasy is located in an underground cellar (just like during the prohibition!) and features a menu of creative co*cktails made with unique ingredients. The bartenders are also happy to customize drinks to suit your taste.

  • Bisou is the place to be if you’re looking to observe a mixologist master at work. There's no menu but the bar’s mixologist, Nicolas, is there to give you a run-down of the options and will even spin up a co*cktail to suit your fancy with just a word in the correct direction. The co*cktails are spectacular, and even better, Bisou takes a sustainable approach by using only locally sourced and 100% organic fruit.

The best nightclubs in Paris

From trendy clubs to underground venues, we’ve compiled a list of the hottest venues in Paris for a night out on the town. So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to explore our top club picks in the city:

  • La Station at Gare des Mines is an excellent spot for fans of the harsher styles of music. This experimental clubbing location, tucked inside an old coal station just beyond the Périph', offers visitors a choice of numerous stages inside and out and functions as an exhibition space by day. The program, arranged by Collectif MU, includes anything from disco through straight-up techno and all the way to hardcore punk.

  • The Rex Club, nestled under the historic Grand Rex cinema, has an established reputation as one of the hotspots for electronic music for the past 30 years. The club, an early habitat of French pioneers such as Laurent Garnier and Daft Punk, continues to host some of the city's top evenings. Want to be completely immersed in the sound? That is unavoidable with a high-quality 70-speaker system.

  • The Petit Bain club is yet another spot to dance the night away. This picturesque location on the Seine in Paris's south-east includes a restaurant, rooftop bar, and 450-capacity music venue all in one. The concerts you can expect to see here include live rock and metal, experimental electronic music, and reggae. There're also regular club nights which are known as some of the most eclectic in Paris.

  • La Bellevilloise may be the smallest venue on our list but it definitely has the potential to knock the air out of you. La Bellevilloise's varied lineup, including hip-hop, soul, funk and jazz, is sure to please your boogie needs and you'll undoubtedly be dancing until dawn. The venue typically hosts its live events during the earlier parts of the night and transforms into a club after 23:00. Make sure to visit La Bellevilloise during the “Classics Only” event night if you’re looking to quench your thirst for the best pre-2000s classics.

The Ultimate Guide to the Nightlife in Paris (4)

The best bars in Paris

Paris is known for its amazing bars, so you definitely won't want to miss out on them when living in the city! Whether you're looking for a trendy bar to dance the night away or a cozy bar where you can relax with friends, we've got you covered:

  • Billili is a great spot that doubles as a wine bar and one of the best bistros in the city. With its simple central bar set up and giant windows looking out to the street, Billili can easily fool you into thinking that it’s just a simple bar. However, the menu defies first impressions. On top of that, the wine list, which has been expertly chosen by the resident sommelier Tristan, is specifically tailored to the food offering of the day. There're no reservations — it’s first-come, first served.

  • L’Avant Comptoir du Marché is a much-hyped bar-restaurant owned by Yves Camdeborde, one of the most famous French chefs. This a great wine bar that serves all types of mouth-watering dishes. There're pigs on the walls, a flying pig hanging from the ceiling and pots of grease on the counter, all of which serve to convey 1 message — pork takes the center stage here. And if the mouth-watering dishes weren’t enough, L’Avant Comptoir du Marché takes it a step further with a great wine selection. You certainly won’t regret spending a whole evening chilling with your friends here.

  • 10 BAR Odéon has been perfecting its sangria recipe since 1955, making it the ideal bar to go to if you want to switch your usual evening drink up. 10 BAR Odéon’s offering is affordable and the only downside of this amazing bar is that you can only pay in cash.

  • Taqueria & Hidden Bar is the most famous place in Paris to get authentic Mexican food. Once inside, you’ll find the taqueria at the front and you've to find the backdoor that leads to the Hidden bar. The atmosphere here is intimate and the drink selection is among the best in the city.

The Ultimate Guide to the Nightlife in Paris (5)

Now that you’ve an overview of the nightlife in Paris, the only thing left for you to do is start the process of moving to France and experience the eclectic Parisian nightlife.

Please reach out to content@housinganywhere.com if you have any suggestions or inquiries about the content on this page.

The Ultimate Guide to the Nightlife in Paris (2024)

FAQs

The Ultimate Guide to the Nightlife in Paris? ›

For most restaurants and bars, the dress code is dressed-up casual. So, if you do decide to go with a co*cktail dress, the norm is for it to be accompanied by tights and a sweater/light jacket. This isn't because Parisians are against showing skin; it's just not typical for this type of setting.

What is the hardest club to get into in Paris? ›

  • Le Montana. Opened during 2009 Fashion Week by Olivier Zahm and Andre Saraiva, Le Montana is arguably the hardest club to get into in Paris. ...
  • Silencio. **David Lynch'**s beautifully designed club-cinema, Silencio, offers annual memberships, a photo gallery, a 24-seat cinema, a library, two bars, and a stage. ...
  • La Kiss Room.
Nov 7, 2014

How to dress for Paris nightlife? ›

For most restaurants and bars, the dress code is dressed-up casual. So, if you do decide to go with a co*cktail dress, the norm is for it to be accompanied by tights and a sweater/light jacket. This isn't because Parisians are against showing skin; it's just not typical for this type of setting.

What are the coolest night clubs in Paris? ›

Best nightclubs in Paris
  • Les Bains. ...
  • La Bellevilloise. ...
  • Point Ephémère. ...
  • Alimentation Générale (ALG) ...
  • Le Sacré ...
  • La Gaîté Lyrique. ...
  • Le Glazart. Music. ...
  • Supersonic. In the early evening, Supersonic puts on live indie rock shows for free, with a line-up that spans both French and international acts.
5 days ago

Where are the crime hotspots in Paris? ›

Crime Rate: Moderate

The city buzz sprawling at Parc de La Villette is one of the reasons to visit the 19th arrondissem*nt; however, the northern part may make you feel less safe. Stalingrad, Jaurès and Mouzaia are some areas to avoid in Paris when you are travelling alone on summer nights.

What time does nightlife end in Paris? ›

Most bars in Paris close between 1 and 2am, just in time to catch the last metro. But if you want to stay out all night, clubs (known as boîtes de nuit) stay open until 6am, perfect for dancing the night away and then heading home on the first train!

How not to stand out in Paris? ›

Skip the baseball caps, white socks, sneakers, large colorful backpacks, and fanny packs. Instead, opt for dark skinny jeans, plain shirts without logos, and leather shoes. Use tote bags or earth-toned simplistic bags if you really want to dress in France to fit in with the locals.

Where do celebrities go clubbing in Paris? ›

L'Arc – Paris Best Nightclubs

The club also has a rooftop terrace, offering patrons an incredible view of the nocturne Parisian life. With its focus on luxury and entertainment, L'Arc Paris is the perfect spot for those looking to party with the rich and famous.

Is it okay to wear jeans in Paris? ›

French women and Parisian women, in general, are known for their impeccable taste in fashion, including when wearing jeans. Over the years, jeans have become a classic staple in the Parisian women's closet and French fashion.

Can I wear sneakers in Paris? ›

Yes, of course you can wear fashionable jeans in Paris, and sneakers as well. However, make sure your sneakers are what I call “sophisticated city sneakers”, not big white sneakers devoted to sport.

Can you wear black in Paris? ›

Parisians do not all dress alike, but they certainly have a “look”. You can wear any color you want, as long as it's black, black, or black.

What is in Paris red light district? ›

Just South of Montmartre. It starts on the famous Pigalle square and goes all the way until Place de Clichy. Most of the adult theaters, cabarets as Moulin Rouge, Chez Michou and sex shops can be found along the boulevard and in the perpendicular streets.

Where to go for a night out in Paris? ›

Paris after dark: the ultimate guide to nightlife
  • The Marais. Super central Le Marais spreads across both the 3rd and 4th arrondissem*nts on the Right Bank of the Seine. ...
  • Saint-Germain-des-Prés. ...
  • Bastille. ...
  • Montmartre. ...
  • Belleville.
Dec 19, 2023

What is the most exclusive club in Paris? ›

For those who seek unparalleled extravagance, the title of the most expensive private members club belongs to the legendary Saint James's Club in Paris.

Where do people go clubbing in Paris? ›

  • Les Etoiles. Bars & Clubs Château d'Eau / Gare du Nord.
  • Palais Maillot. 255. ...
  • Pop In. Dance Clubs & Discos Bastille / Oberkampf. ...
  • 911 Paris. Dance Clubs & Discos.
  • Supersonic. Dance Clubs & Discos Quinze-Vingts. ...
  • Le Balajo. Dance Clubs & Discos Bastille / Oberkampf. ...
  • La Chapelle des Lombards. ...
  • La Suite.

What is the best area of Paris to stay in? ›

Where to stay in Paris
  1. Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Best for: those who buy more books than they read. ...
  2. Montmartre. Best for romantics (and the Paris you've always dreamed of) ...
  3. Pigalle. Best for: those who work odd hours. ...
  4. The Marais. Best for cool kids with big pockets. ...
  5. Belleville. ...
  6. Charonne. ...
  7. Tuileries. ...
  8. Strasbourg Saint-Denis.
Jun 3, 2024

What street is red light district in Paris? ›

Explore with a local tour guide Paris red light district, it stretches along Boulevard de Clichy in the North of Paris. The red light district is exactly at the border of the 9th district and the 18th. Just South of Montmartre. It starts on the famous Pigalle square and goes all the way until Place de Clichy.

Where is the bar scene in Paris? ›

Bustling and exciting, but overcrowded and noisy, Bastille (Metro Bastille) is best suited to 20-somethings looking for a lively party. Nightlife here is a mix of traditional cafes, classy nightclubs, dive bars, and music venues. Bar hopping down hectic Rue de Lappe or Rue de la Roquette is a good place to start.

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