Paris nightlife guide. From what to wear to where to go, this guide has everything you need for your fun nights in the City of Lights.
As you probably already know, Paris is one of the most popular destinations in Europe.
This city draws millions of visitors each year, which is why all areas of its travel are amazing, including nightlife.
In this guide, I will share travel tips and ideas for your Paris nightlife with you.
We will visit famous bars and popular nightclubs, grab something to eat after partying, and more.
So, let’s get started.
Paris Nightlife
This city is truly a lot of fun, and it has a ton of things for travelers to do, including nightlife.
Paris nightlife is lively, giving you diverse experiences year-round. The city comes alive after dark with its array of bars, clubs, and entertainment options.
While summer brings open-air events and outdoor parties, winter is all about cozy jazz clubs.
Popular nightlife neighborhoods include the Marais and Bastille. They are both famous for lively bars and nightclubs.
On the other hand, Pigalle has a mix of cabarets and trendy spots, while Saint-Germain-des-Prés is home to chic bars.
Regardless of whether one goes for drinks with friends or to dance the night away, Parisians tend to stay out late.
So, what is it like to style for a night out in Paris?
Paris Nightlife Style
You might have to go shopping in the City of Lights. Parisian nightlife style is chic, and this reflects the city’s fashion-forward culture, as well as its diverse population.
For women, fashionable and sophisticated attire is common, with many opting for elegant dresses or stylish separates.
During the summer, women in Paris often embrace breezy and chic outfits, opting for stylish sundresses, skirts, or well-tailored shorts paired with fashionable tops.
In winter, Parisian women show off their fashion-forward sensibilities with elegant and cozy ensembles.
Men often lean towards smart-casual looks, such as well-fitted shirts and tailored pants.
Couples may have to embrace a coordinated yet relaxed style, combining classic pieces with a touch of contemporary flair.
It’s common to see Parisians paying attention to details like accessories and grooming.
Overall, I would say the atmosphere is effortlessly stylish. Think of letting individuality express a unique fashion sense while blending in with the city’s cosmopolitan ambiance.
Now that you’re all dressed up, where should you go? I say try the famous bars.
Famous Parisian Bars
Paris has several famous and historical bars that have played significant roles in the city’s cultural and literary history.
The “Les Deux Magots” in Saint-Germain-des-Prés was a popular haunt for intellectuals.
Les Deux Magots, on 6 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, in the 6th arrondissement, stays open every day until 1 AM.
Likewise, “Harry’s New York Bar” is another famous spot. This bar, near the Opera, is famous for inventing the Bloody Mary and the French 75 cocktail.
Harry’s New York Bar, on 5 Rue Daunou in the 2nd arrondissement, is open every day until 2 AM except on Sundays when it closes an hour earlier.
Similarly, “La Closerie des Lilas” in Montparnasse is another famous spot. This was a place to frequent for writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway.
La Closerie des Lilas, on 171 Bd du Montparnasse in the 6th arrondissement, is open daily until midnight.
Finally, there is “Le Select,” which hosted artistic and literary figures during the 20th century.
Le Select, also on 99 Bd du Montparnasse in the 6th arrondissement, is open daily until 2 AM except on Fridays and Saturdays when it closes an hour later.
Generally speaking, Parisians hang out in these places until late and go home.
That said, though, many stop by in the evening before moving on to more specialized spots like cabaret shows.
Paris Cabaret Spots
Paris is famous for its cabaret scene, and some iconic venues have unforgettable performances.
Start in “Moulin Rouge.” This is in the Montmartre district, and this spot is a world-famous cabaret.
Moulin Rouge, on 82 Boulevard de Clichy in the 18th arrondissement, has dazzling shows and historical significance.
It stays open until 1 AM with 2 shows a night starting at 9 PM.
Meanwhile, “Lido de Paris,” on 116 Av. des Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement, is another grand cabaret featuring spectacular productions.
Lido de Paris is open until 2 AM, and it has 2 shows that start with a dinner at 7 PM.
For a more intimate experience, “Crazy Horse,” on 12 Av. George V in the 8th arrondissement, is nice.
Crazy Horse has an artistic and avant-garde performance but closes at 10:30 PM.
Finally, “Le Paradis Latin,” in the Latin Quarter, is one of the city’s oldest cabarets. It has traditional revues in a historic setting.
Le Paradis Latin, on 28 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine in the 5th arrondissement, closes at 11:30 PM.
So, yeah, Paris nightlife can be fun with a taste of Parisian cabaret extravagance.
Best Nightclubs in Paris
Like any modern city, Paris also has a variety of nightclubs that cater to different tastes, including romantic fun.
Likewise, those seeking a lively dance scene will love “Rex Club.” This fun place is on 5 Bd Poissonnière in the 2nd arrondissement.
Rex Club truly is an iconic spot for techno and electronic music enthusiasts.
Also, “Wanderlust,” near the Seine River, has a trendy atmosphere and electronic beats. This is on 32 Quai d’Austerlitz in the 13th arrondissement.
Similarly, “Le Batofar,” which is on a boat, has electronic and house music. The address is 11 Quai François Mauria in the 13th arrondissement.
For a girls’ night out, consider “L’Arc Paris” in the 8th arrondissement. This spot is super famous for its upscale ambiance and diverse music.
L’Arc Paris is on 12 Rue de Presbourg in the 16th arrondissement.
Also, “Le Madam,” which is an awesome spot in the 8th arrondissement, is a very chic option with a stylish setting.
The address for Le Madam is 49 Rue de Ponthieu.
For the LGBTQ+ community, “Le Depot” in the 3rd arrondissement is a famous gay club. This energetic spot is on 10 rue aux Ours.
“Raidd Bar” in the Marais is another popular LGBTQ+ venue with themed nights and a lively crowd. The address is 23 Rue du Temple.
In other words, your Paris nightlife is full of nightclubs!
Parisian Nightlife Food
After a night of fun, Parisians often indulge in delicious late-night snacks or meals.
Street food is popular, with crepes and galettes being favorite choices. In some neighborhoods, they are open all night long.
Bakeries and pastry shops stay open late, offering croissants, pain au chocolat, and other delectable pastries.
Traditional French dishes like “croque-monsieur,” which is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, are also popular.
Hey, they are easy to make, even if you’re a bit drunk.
Of course, modern Paris has pizza spots like any other megacity, and you will find your favorite type all night long.
Finally, apps like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and FoodCheri will deliver delicious goods to you after your Paris nightlife escapade.
What to Avoid
Although Paris is a fun place to enjoy a night out in town, unless you have a private tour guide, there are still a few considerations.
First of all, be cautious of your belongings, as crowded venues can present opportunities for pickpocketing.
I won’t name names, but the bigger the nightclub, the more problematic in this area.
And, of course, while Paris is generally safe, it’s essential to stay vigilant, especially in busy areas.
Avoid excessive noise or disruptive behavior in residential areas, as Parisians value their tranquility.
This is especially the case during the week.
Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean the real people of the city, millions of whom have to work a day job, can stay up all night like you.
Meanwhile, familiarize yourself with transportation options, as some areas may have limited late-night public transport.
For example, the city’s subway service, Paris Metro, ends at 2 AM, although buses haul night owls through the morning.
Finally, I would also recommend researching and choosing reputable venues, especially in less-known neighborhoods, to ensure a positive and secure Paris nightlife experience.
Paris Nightlife – Final Thoughts
Paris truly stands out as one of our world’s premier destinations, with millions of visitors flocking to its borders every single year.
Naturally, the city’s allure extends to every facet of travel, including its lively nightlife.
As a result, this guide gave you travel tips and ideas for exploring its fun nightlife, including famous bars.
We also visited some popular nightclubs, and I even gave you tips for post-party dining experiences.
I believe you’re ready to take on the City of Light.
Enjoy Paris!
Sebastian Clark is a traveler from the UK and writes about Europe for Caravanzers.
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