Looking to have the night of your life? No matter what kind of night you want to have in Paris, the city can deliver. Looking for great eats? It’s got you covered. A museum or two, or a walk on the promenade? Check and check. Or perhaps you’re in the mood to celebrate, dance the night away - don’t worry, Paris is ready for you.
Read on for the best spots to find Paris nightlife.
Best Bars
Harry’s New York Bar
5 Rue Daunou | Harry's Bar website
Commonly visited by Americans and locals alike, Harry’s New York Bar has served a mountain of legendary writers, artists, and government officials over the years. Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, famed authors, were said to frequent its stools. Today it’s a homely bar serving classic, well-made drinks. And the bar itself is a beautiful piece of wood imported from Manhattan! If you want to see how the Parisians see New York, definitely drop by for a Manhattan or two.
Le Bar, Four Seasons George V
31 Avenue George V | Le Bar website
Want a night out where you can feel like an aristocrat? Le Bar in the Four Seasons George V is your answer. Sporting beautiful, expensive decor, the bar looks like a movie set. You can relax by yourself or with friends. Sip a glass of their many wine offerings and treat yourself - if you’re feeling especially fancy, there’s a spa inside the hotel you can slip off to after a drink or two. You deserve it.
Le Comptoir General
80 Quai de Jemmapes | Le Comptoir General website
Advertised as “a timeless place out of a midsummer's night dream,” Le Comptoir General is definitely a place where you can get your groove on. Elegant and classic, Comptoir hosts multiple types of rooms for whatever kind of rendezvous you can imagine. Want a larger space to entertain guests, or a smaller room with a chandelier in which to sip your champagne? No problem. Reservations are available if you have a party over eight.
Excellent Restaurants
Auberge Nicolas Flamel
51 Rue de Montmorency | Nicolas Flamel website
With a name out of the Harry Potter series, Auberge Nicolas Flamel is much more than its acclaimed relation to a fictional character. Flamel is housed inside an old French building, oozing charm. Many visitors go here simply for the name’s relation to Harry Potter. But legend has it that Flamel himself fancied this place. It's easy to see why - it’s a certified foodie haven! Try out a three course meal with a wine pairing. Any Parisian classic you’re dying to try while in the city, like foie gras, is made here.
Dans le Noir
51 Rue Quincampoix | Dans le Noir website
If you’re one for adventures, then Dans le Noir is for you. Its name translates to “In the Dark,” which is, well, how you’ll be eating! Diners sit in complete darkness and take in a surprise menu, unsure of where other patrons are or what exactly they’re eating. More for the food-adventurous, definitely don’t come here if you have dietary restrictions. If not, you’re free to explore! It’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Septime
80 Rue de Charonne | Septime website
This eatery is notoriously hard to get into - but it's well worth the trouble! Septime’s trademark is their dinner “tasting menu in 7 steps” with optional wine pairings. If you’re a fan of trying new, exotic foods and weird flavor combinations, give Septime a shot. This restaurant, referred to as a “hip neo-bistro,” was named number 15 of the world’s top 50 restaurants in 2020. If it’s 15th in the world, well- it must be simply delicious!
Artwork for the Ages
Musee d’Orsay
1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur | Musee d'Orsay website
If you’ a contemporary art lover, the Musee d’Orsay may be for you. It’s open later into the night than the Louvre and houses special rotating exhibits for specific artists. It's definitely a must if you’re interested in artwork made of stone. The museum houses art from all over the world, including an expansive American collection and, of course, legendary Van Gogh paintings. Check out his self-portrait, which you’ll definitely recognize from high school art textbooks.
Le Moulin Rouge
82 Boulevard de Clichy | Le Moulin Rouge website
While not the same kind of art as the Louvre or the Musee d’Orsay, Le Moulin Rogue provides another kind of art for the art-lover - live shows. Le Moulin Rogue is a famous theatre known for cabaret and musicals. The outside, the building sports its infamous red windmill, which you can see from far down the street. The original building burnt down in 1915, so what you’ll see now is a well-made replica. Pop in for a show - it’s a guaranteed good time.
Nightclubs
L’Arc Paris
12 Rue de Presbourg | L'Arc website
If you want to try your luck at getting into an elite club, L’Arc is the one to go for. With slick interior design and shelved backlight walls holding rows of liquor, L’Arc isn’t for first-time clubbers. This elusive bar is featured prominently in magazines like Elle and Gala, as the stars do occasionally stop by. Another night you’ll never forget - maybe you’ll spot a French movie star!
Silencio
142 Rue Montmartre | Silencio website
Silencio, despite its name, is the opposite of silent. Created and owned by filmmaker David Lynch, this club is truly a sight for sore eyes. A sleek, minimalist interior houses members-only events from 6 to 11, but once 11 p.m. hits the doors are open to all. If you can get in, prepare for your mind to be blown. Eclecticism is the name of the game here- don’t be surprised if you run into wild outfits, as the artists and creatives all flock here.
Le Caveau de la Huchette
5 Rue de la Huchette | Le Caveau website
If you want a calmer nightclub experience, perhaps this jazz club in the Latin Quarter of Paris will soothe your senses. It’s labyrinthian halls are very cellar-like, provide a dancing experience like no other. Perfect for couples or groups, Le Caveau absorbs you in jazz culture. The live musicians truly talented. Go on, swing dance like the best of ‘em!
