Paris Things to Do: Best Bars for a Night Out

Paris doesn’t do boring nights. Whether you’re into chic cocktail spots, cozy wine bars, or lively clubs where nobody cares if you dance off-beat, Paris has you covered. It’s a city where a hidden den behind a pizza shop could serve you the best Negroni of your life, and rooftop terraces are dotted with people just soaking in those city lights with a glass of rosé.

Ever tried a bar crawl in the Marais? It’s a local favorite for a reason. Or maybe you’d rather sip something strong in a candlelit speakeasy near Pigalle, surrounded by red velvet and velvet even redder than my cat Luna’s collar. Paris nightlife is full of secret corners and lively patios, so the real challenge is picking where to start.

Whether you want something totally laid-back—think classic French apéritif bars with cheese boards—or you’re in the mood to try a place where local bartenders treat cocktails like an art form, there’s something here for you. Let’s break down the top spots, share some tips for beating the crowds, and figure out how to make the most of your night out in Paris—without accidentally ordering a €30 cocktail. Ready to find your new favorite hangout?

• Top Paris Bars for Every Mood
• How to Choose the Right Paris Bar
• Tips for Navigating Paris Nightlife
• FAQs About Paris Bars

Top Paris Bars for Every Mood

There’s no one-size-fits-all for Paris nightlife. Whether you're hunting for fancy drinks, street-style chill, or a wild dance floor, there’s a spot waiting for you. Here are some top picks—some buzzing, some hidden—that locals actually go to (not just tourists snapping photos of the Eiffel Tower-shaped cocktails).

• Little Red Door (Marais): This spot is always showing up on international “best bars” lists, and for good reason. The cocktails are creative and change seasonally, so you’ll never have the same thing twice. The entrance is literally a little red door, and the staff can help you pick a drink just based on your likes, not just classic names.
• Le Perchoir (11th Arrondissement): If you want views, this rooftop bar wins. It’s perfect for sunset and gets packed quick, so go early for a table. The vibe is chill, with a mix of locals and travelers. Decent snacks, fun cocktails, casual soft lighting—the essentials for a French rooftop night.
• Experimental Cocktail Club (Montorgueil): These guys brought the modern cocktail craze to Paris. The bartenders actually know what they’re doing, and the menu is packed with originals and twists. Don’t stress about dressing up but try not to roll in wearing a football jersey.
• Le Syndicat (Strasbourg Saint-Denis): Hidden behind run-down posters, this bar focuses entirely on French spirits—think Calvados, Cognac, and funky homemade infusions. The hip-hop playlist and friendly bartenders make it feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret party. Try their take on the French 75, just for kicks.
• Chez Janou (Le Marais): When you want to keep it classic and simple, this place is all about Provence vibes. Great spot for pastis or a casual glass of wine, plus a massive chocolate mousse bowl you just have to try once in your life.
• Mama Shelter Rooftop (20th): Looking for something energetic with a laid-back twist? This rooftop is fun, affordable, and filled with people actually laughing instead of posing. Burgers, rosé, and live DJs most weekends, for a true Paris night out without the price tag of the fancier rooftops.
• Sister Midnight (Pigalle): For late-night dancing and cheap drinks, Pigalle’s Sister Midnight is friendly, loud, and never boring. If you miss the gig, just join the dance floor—nobody judges your moves here.

Just a heads-up: Paris bars usually don’t stay open as late as clubs, most close around 2 AM (except for clubs which keep going). Many popular places—like Little Red Door—don’t accept reservations, so show up close to opening if you hate long lines. It also helps to have cash, as tiny places sometimes have a card minimum.

The best thing about Paris bars? There’s always something new popping up. Even regulars swap tips constantly—so don’t be afraid to ask bartenders where they hang out when they’re off the clock. If you’re on the hunt for the best Paris nightlife, bouncing between different neighborhoods is half the fun. Each district has its own flavor, from the hipster haunts of the 11th to classic café-bars down in Saint-Germain.

How to Choose the Right Paris Bar

Picking the perfect spot can feel overwhelming, especially with hundreds of choices across the city. Paris bars are as varied as they come, and each area has its own vibe. If you’re around Châtelet or Bastille, you’ll hit busy pubs and cocktail spots jam-packed with young Parisians. Head up to Montmartre or the Latin Quarter, and you’ll find cozy bohemian hideaways filled with locals hanging out late. The right choice depends on what you want out of the night.

Think about these things before heading out:

• Paris bars close later than most cities—some stay open until 2 a.m. or beyond, but always check the hours beforehand. Paris is not big on after-hours clubs, so plan your nights accordingly.
• Cocktail prices range a lot. In trendy areas like Le Marais, plan to pay €12-18 for something fancy. Happy hour deals are common (usually 5 p.m.–8 p.m.), sometimes dropping prices by 30%.
• If you’re into craft cocktails, bars like Little Red Door or Le Syndicat make France’s best lists year after year. For wine lovers, Le Baron Rouge and Les Caves du Roy are iconic.
• Most bars don’t serve food past 10:30 p.m., so eat beforehand unless you want to live off peanuts—or hit a tapas bar where snacks go late.
• If you’re looking for a crowd that speaks mostly English, head to The Highlander or Harry’s New York Bar. For a true Parisian crowd, spot places with handwritten menus and small, wobbly tables outside.
• Groups larger than four? DM or call ahead. Intimate bars fill up and Parisians don’t love surprise crowds.

Here’s a quick look at some key features to help tailor your night:

Think about which side of the river you want to explore (locals love the "Rive Gauche" for a bit more chill). Factor in your budget, the energy you’re after, and how much walking you want to do—the Metro shuts at 1 a.m. on weekdays, 2 a.m. on weekends.

If you want the most bang for your buck, go for happy hour or split a bottle of wine with friends. For something memorable, try a speakeasy: many require a secret knock or a reservation, but you’ll walk out feeling like you unlocked a secret side of Paris nightlife most visitors miss.

Tips for Navigating Paris Nightlife

Getting the most out of Paris nightlife isn’t as hard as you think, but there are a few tricks to make your experience smoother, safer, and way more fun. Here’s what you need to know before you head out hunting for the best Paris nightlife spots.

• Start later than you think. Most bars don’t fill up until after 9 pm. If you show up at 7, you’ll probably just see staff prepping for the night.
• Dress smart, but not over the top. Parisians love casual chic. Jeans and sneakers are fine as long as you look put-together. Skip the gym clothes.
• Bring cash, but not too much. Some smaller bars, especially in older neighborhoods, may have a minimum for card payments. Budget €10-€15 per drink, or more for cocktails at trending spots.
• Check bar opening days. Many places close on Sundays and Mondays. Double-check before heading out, especially for those tiny tucked-away bars.
• Use public transport or ride-shares. Metro runs until about 12:30 am on weeknights (1:30 am on weekends). Taxis and apps like Free Now (used to be Kapten) fill in after hours if you miss the last train.
• Mind the noise. Some older neighborhoods are super strict about noise after 10 pm. If you want a more energetic vibe, pick spots in the 11th or near Pigalle instead of Saint-Germain.

Average Drink Prices in Paris Bars

Be smart with your stuff. Pickpocketing isn’t rare in crowded clubs and metro stations late at night, especially around big hubs like Châtelet or Bastille. Keep a small bag, zip it, and don’t get distracted. If you’re out solo, stick to busy venues and maybe let a friend track your location—just like you’d do anywhere else.

Want to meet locals? Head to the bar—literally. Parisians don’t always love chatting at tables, but standing or sitting at the bar sparks more conversation. Squeeze in, order your drink, and you just might find yourself swapping tips with people who actually live here.

Most bars in the city stop serving at 2 am, but a few legendary spots (like Le Carmen and Concrete) go later or have late-night licenses. If you want an all-night adventure, plan your route ahead so you don’t end up wandering for hours.

FAQs About Paris Bars

Going out in Paris can be an adventure, but it comes with a few questions—especially if you don’t want to look lost or out of place. Here are real answers to things people actually want to know before planning a night at the best Paris nightlife spots.

• What time do Paris bars usually open and close?
  Bars in Paris usually open around 5 or 6 PM and can keep serving until 2 AM. Some cocktails bars in busy neighborhoods—like the Marais or Bastille—open a little earlier, especially on weekends. Clubs and late-night spots might keep the party going until 4 or 5 AM, but these are more the exception than the rule.
• Do you need a reservation?
  For iconic cocktail bars and speakeasies, it’s smart to reserve—especially on weekends. Places like Little Red Door and Le Syndicat fill up quickly. Wine bars and neighborhood spots usually work fine for walk-ins unless you’re rolling with a big group.
• Can you get non-alcoholic drinks at Paris bars?
  Absolutely. Most bars offer cool alcohol-free options, not just boring sodas. Ask for a "mocktail" and many bartenders will whip something up to make you feel like you’re not missing out at all.
• What’s the dress code?
  Paris isn’t super formal, but folks do dress up more than in some other big cities. Sneakers are fine at casual spots, but upscale cocktail bars can turn you away for shorts, flip-flops, or too-casual outfits.
• Is tipping required?
  Tipping isn’t mandatory in Paris because service is included, but it’s normal to round up or leave a euro or two for good service. Tossing coins on the table is always appreciated.

Wondering where people go out more—left bank or right bank? The truth is, it depends on your vibe. If you want tradition, the Left Bank has historic wine bars. For trendier cocktails and new faces, try the Right Bank. Here’s a quick cheat sheet for some Paris neighborhoods and their bar scenes:

If you’re worried about language, don’t stress. Most bartenders in Paris speak enough English to get by, but a simple "Bonjour" goes a long way. If you want your drink made a certain way, just ask—most places are happy to help. And if you want to mingle, bar counters are the way to go. Table service can feel a little slow sometimes, so standing at the bar is a good hack for faster drinks and maybe even a little local gossip.