Last Updated on July 14, 2024 by April Nicole

Paris, the City of Lights, offers a myriad of enchanting experiences after the sun sets.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, finding the best things to do in Paris at night can be overwhelming. The problem many face is the sheer abundance of choices, leading to indecision and missing out on the city’s nocturnal magic.

From strolling along the Seine under the glow of historic street lamps to discovering hidden gems in vibrant neighborhoods, there’s something for every night owl.

Drawing from my numerous adventures exploring Paris at night, I’ve curated a list of must-see attractions and activities. My expertise stems from years of personal exploration, allowing me to uncover the true essence of Parisian nightlife.

This guide will ensure your evenings in Paris are unforgettable, helping you navigate the city’s enchanting streets and vibrant nightlife with ease.

If you are in a hurry, here’s a summary of things to do in Paris at night:

16 Exciting Things to Do in Paris at Night: A Complete Guide

Where to Stay in Paris

Let’s make sure you have someplace to go after the night is finished before we start our list of the top nighttime activities in Paris. There are many various types of accommodations available in Paris, ranging from affordable to luxurious.

But depending on your particular interests and how you want to spend your nights in Paris, there can be better locations in the city than others!

Although you are free to stay in any arrondissement in Paris, these are the best places to enjoy the local nightlife and will help you have a much easier and quicker nighttime commute back to your hotel. These are my top picks for hotels!

Le Marais

Hôtel Jeanne d’Arc le Marais: Hotel Jeanne d’Arc Le Marais offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with a touch of Parisian charm. The rooms are simple yet stylish, providing a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

Pavillon de la Reine & Spa: Pavillon de la Reine & Spa is a luxurious haven tucked away in a historic building. The elegant rooms and suites feature lavish decor and modern amenities, providing a truly indulgent stay.

Saint-Germain-Des-Prés

Hôtel de Seine: Hôtel de Seine offers a charming and budget-friendly stay in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés without sacrificing comfort or location.

Hôtel d’Aubusson: Hôtel d’Aubusson is a stunning 5-star hotel that combines historic charm with modern luxury. The rooms are spacious and elegantly designed, offering a perfect retreat.

Pigalle/Montmartre

Hotel Luxia: Stay at Hotel Luxia for an affordable and comfortable experience in Montmartre. Enjoy cozy rooms, free Wi-Fi, and proximity to Sacré-Cœur and lively local cafes.

Maison Souquet: Experience opulence at Maison Souquet, a five-star luxury hotel. Delight in elegant rooms, a private spa, and exquisite Belle Époque decor, just steps from Moulin Rouge.

List of Things to Do in Paris at Night: By Category

The nightlife of Paris is definitely worth seeing. Even if day trips like visiting Versailles will have to wait for daybreak, there are plenty of things to do to pass the time. Additionally, with the Eiffel Tower shining in the distance, the city’s charm really comes to life when the sun sets.

Paris offers everything, whether your style is for a chic wine bar, a neighborhood tavern, or exciting nightclubs! I’ll go over every activity you can do in Paris at night down below!

Bars to Go to in Paris at Night

Parisian bars provide a variety of experiences for taking in the city’s nightlife. They act as gathering places where residents and visitors may interact in a laid-back setting.

Le Comptoir Général, Experimental Cocktail Club, Dirty Dick, and Le Perchoir are a few of Paris’s premier bars. Here are a few different kind of bars to choose from!

Wine Tasting: Paris’s romantic atmosphere and vibrant nightlife are well complemented by the unique experience of wine testing at night. Moreover, French wine is among the world’s greatest! A few of the greatest locations for a nighttime wine tasting in Paris include the Montmartre district, La Dernière Goutte, and Ô Chateau.

Rooftop Bars: Are you trying to get a fresh perspective on Paris? For a glimpse of Paris at night, visit one of the city’s numerous rooftop bars. Go to Le Kong, Nüba, and Le Perchoir Marais, for example.

Clubbing and Dancing: You can expect to find lots of locations to go dancing and have a good time in the city of love. Visit Wanderlust or Rex Club for amazing nightlife experiences in Paris.

Latin Quarter: The Latin Quarter comes alive after dark, offering everything from jazz clubs and historic sites to romantic strolls down the Seine. You may wander around Saint-Germain-des-Prés’ streets, see Notre Dame Cathedral, and go to a jazz performance.

Fondue Bar: Go to Refuge des Fondues for a very unique nighttime experience in Paris. This quaint little bistro offers handmade wine in glass baby bottles and has some of the greatest cheese fondue in the city. This location ranks highly on my list of the top hidden gems in Paris. It’s one of my personal favorites!

Shows to See in Paris at Night

Attending a performance is an integral component of Paris’s nightlife. Parisian entertainment, from opera spectacles to cabaret acts, are certain to wow you.

Moulin Rouge: The renowned Moulin Rouge in Paris is the origin of the contemporary cabaret. A trip to the Moulin Rouge is an adventure into the world of Belle Époque Paris, from the can-can dancers to the opulent scenery and costumes.

Crazy Horse Cabaret: Crazy Horse is well-known for its seductive cabaret shows, which combine dance, music, and visual arts. It has a little more mature vibe than Moulin Rouge.

Lido de Paris: Lido de Paris is another legendary cabaret theater, similar to Moulin Rouge, renowned for its lavish shows and worldwide artists. It’s on the Champs-Élysées, so you’ll get amazing views all along the route!

Palais Garnier (Opera): With its rich history, the Palais Garnier is a magnificent place to see French ballet and opera. It has appeared in several films as well!

Concert at Sainte Chapelle: Sainte Chapelle is a converted church with Gothic style and stained glass windows. You may enjoy live music and the grandeur of the cathedral by going to a concert in this setting.

Outdoor Activities in Paris at Night

It’s a magnificent experience to explore Paris’s outdoor spaces at night, when you can stand directly under the sparkling lights. Here’s a summary of some of the top nighttime outdoor activities in Paris!

Picnic in Front of the Eiffel Tower: Grab a bottle of wine and some French bread, then make your way to the Champ de Mars for a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy one of the most recognizable sites in the world when it’s dark under the sky as the tower glistens and lights up every hour.

Climb the Eiffel Tower: Climb the Eiffel Tower to get a better perspective of Paris at night. It has to be one of the first things you do since the tower itself shuts at dusk. Or, you may stop by one of the eateries at the summit for a meal or a drink! Additionally, you may get a glimpse of the city skyline and see the tower light up from the neighboring Champ de Mars and Trocadéro views.

Stroll Along the Seine: Take a walk along the Seine River’s banks after a hearty French meal to experience Paris’s beautiful ambiance. Take in the lit bridges, iconic sites, and riverbank cafés while strolling along one of the world’s most stunning waterfronts.

Climb the Arc de Triomphe: Reach the summit of the Arc de Triomphe for breathtaking views of Paris beneath the stars for another legendary nighttime view. You can see the expansive boulevards and sparkling lights spilling out in every direction from this famous landmark. If this is your first time visiting Paris, I strongly suggest doing this!

See the Catacombs: Enter the enigmatic Catacombs beneath for a different—yet creepier—aspect of Paris after dark. You may learn about the darker side of the city’s past as you explore the subterranean passageways filled with antiquated bones and skulls—especially if you take a night tour!

Dinner Cruise Along the Seine: Sailing down the Seine for dinner was one of my favorite things we did in Paris! It was extremely lovely, even though I was afraid it would be touristic! As you ride along the river and take in the famous sights, sip champagne. The majority of seine river excursions get at the Eiffel Tower just as it begins to light!

Museums to Visit in Paris at Night

This area is reserved for those who like art and history. One of the best things to do in Paris at night is to visit one of the numerous museums in the city if you prefer immersing yourself in historical artwork and cultural objects.

Although the city is many with museums to select from, these are some of my personal favorites since they have an extra unique quality at night!

Louvre at Night: Seeing the Louvre Museum in Paris after dark is an unforgettable experience that you shouldn’t pass up! You may appreciate the sculptures and artwork without feeling crowded when there are less people around.

In addition, the museum has a unique atmosphere at night, which adds to its specialness. The same entrance cost of €17 applies to night visitors as it does during the day. Every Friday, the Louvre stays open until 9:45 p.m., giving you plenty of time to explore. Additionally, for exceptional events, the museum often remains open late.

Observing the Mona Lisa up close, appreciating the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and perusing the ancient Egyptian antiquities are a few of the highlights you won’t want to miss.

Musee d’Orsay: The Musée d’Orsay is an excellent choice for an evening visit. You may appreciate the paintings and sculptures more slowly and without feeling hurried when there are less people around. The museum is open until 9:45 p.m. on Thursdays for special “Nocturne nights.” The Musee d’Orsay charges €12–15 for nighttime admission.

Claude Monet, Auguste Rodin, and Vincent van Gogh’s pieces are among the top highlights. The museum’s architecture, which is situated in a former railroad station, further to the allure of seeing it at night.

Palais de Tokyo: A popular venue for nighttime gatherings is the museum of modern art, Palais de Toyko. A subterranean club and cantina are also located within! The Eiffel Tower and the museum are situated across the Seine. This is one of the best places to view the Eiffel Tower lit up at night!

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Paris at Night

Paris provides a limitless array of adventures to discover beneath the stars, as the City of Lights really comes life after dark. Paris offers a plethora of nighttime activities, from wandering down the Seine to taking in the lighted sites and enjoying a late-night lunch at a quaint café.

So embrace the enchantment and let the nightly attractions of this French capital to enchant you! The adventures never stop in the city that never sleeps, after all.

For further information on this amazing city, don’t forget to read my guides to the Best Day Trips from Paris by Train, my 7-Day France Itinerary, and my 4-Day Paris Itinerary!

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