Paris Nightlife: Famous Parisian Bars, Night Clubs & Cabarets

Paris, the City of Lights, is just as dazzling after dark as it is during the day. With a rich history of entertainment, the French capital boasts a legendary nightlife scene that caters to every taste. From chic cocktail bars and electrifying nightclubs to historic cabarets that have captivated audiences for centuries, Paris offers an unforgettable experience for night owls and party enthusiasts alike.

Whether you’re sipping an artisanal cocktail in a stylish rooftop bar overlooking the Seine, dancing until dawn in a world-famous club, or witnessing a mesmerizing cabaret show at the iconic Moulin Rouge, Parisian nights are filled with glamour, energy, and sophistication. Each arrondissement has its own distinct vibe—Le Marais is known for its trendy bars, Pigalle is home to sultry cabarets, and the Champs-Élysées boasts upscale lounges and high-end nightclubs.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through Paris’s most renowned nightlife hotspots. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy speakeasy, a pulsating dance floor, or a dazzling theatrical spectacle, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to experience the magic of Paris after dark!

Experience Paris Nightlife During an Adventure in Paris

Paris is a fabulous city that benefits from a vibrant and varied nightlife scene. Whether you’re only in the city for a short while, or you’ve got lots of time to spend, there is much to enjoy in Paris after dark. Paris has nightlife experiences that can please a variety of tastes, so whether you’re interested in visiting nightclubs, cabaret venues, bars, or are just looking to experience Paris after dark, this guide will help walk you through some of the top neighborhoods for nightlife options in Paris, as well as offer some great suggestions for attractions to visit. And don’t worry if you’re looking for alternative options for Paris’s nightlife, or aren’t interested in visiting bars, clubs or cabarets, the city is wonderfully illuminated at night and there are plenty of sites that are worth seeing after the sun has set for the day. No matter how you’d like to spend your evening in Paris, you’ll certainly be able to find something fun to do with the help of this guide!

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Paris Nightlife | Plan Ahead & Stay Near Popular Parisian Clubs & Bars

If you’re heading to Paris for the first time, or even if it’s not your first time to travel in France, choosing a good location for your home base is key to making sure that you have a great time in the city. It is important to remember that you’ll likely be traveling by transit, so if you choose a location that’s way outside of the city core, you’ll spend much of your time on the metro–which means you will spend less time at great Paris sites. Save your time and do yourself a favor by staying in an area that’s near the city core and also has access to transit.

If you have some nightlife options in mind for your stay in Paris, then it may be a good choice to stay in the same neighborhood that you’re planning to visit at night. However, if the locations you wish to visit are all over, then choosing a hotel location that is near the metro is also a good option. Paris is a wonderful, vibrant city, and each neighborhood (called arrondissements) has its own distinct feel, so select an area that works best for your vacation plans.

Top Paris Nightlife Areas

• Pigalle: Pigalle was once famous for being home to Paris’s red light district, similar to the red light district in Amsterdam. However, Pigalle is not nearly as seedy as it used to be and has become quite touristy in recent years. With cabarets like the Moulin Rouge, lots of restaurants and bars, and great options for hotels in the area, Pigalle is a vibrant, exciting neighborhood that is worth seeing in Paris.
• The Latin Quarter: Located in the 5th Arrondissement, The Latin Quarter is full of attractions and great nightlife opportunities. This area caters to a younger crowd, including students, so expect an exciting night out as well as more budget-friendly prices. And, if you’re a little older, don’t worry as The Latin Quarter is famous for being an area that people of all ages can enjoy.
• Bastille: If variety is what you’re looking for, then consider a stay in Bastille as this area is known for its diversity in options for bars and clubs. This trendy neighborhood is popular with music lovers and is tourist friendly, so if you enjoy a musical atmosphere while you drink or dine, then be sure to check out Bastille when you are in Paris.

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Paris Nightlife | Cabarets & Nightclubs Rule the Night in Paris

Paris is known for its love of cabarets, and it also has a fantastic assortment of nightclubs for visitors to choose from. Whether you’re looking for something that’s a little more like dinner theater, or you want to head out on the town and shake your groove thing, Paris is a city with a nightlife scene that is famous around the world. But with so many great options to choose from, deciding where to spend your time can be overwhelming. Take a little time and read about some of the best cabarets and nightclubs in Paris.

1. The Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge is world-famous for a good reason! Aside from being in some famous Hollywood movies, the Moulin Rouge is known for being the place to go if you’re looking to see a cabaret performance in Paris. The Moulin Rouge is the birthplace of the Can Can dance and is known for being a risqué and rousing cabaret theater experience. You can also enjoy dinner and drinks during your visit to the Moulin Rouge, so be sure to choose a dining package that is right for you. If you’re looking to experience a little piece of history, while also having a fantastic time, then the Moulin Rouge is the right choice for you!

Address: 2 Boulevard de Clichy

Transportation near the Moulin Rouge

• Blanche Metro Station
• Place de Clichy Metro Station

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2. Le Duc des Lombards

Jazz fans absolutely must make a trip to Le Duc des Lombards jazz club! This gorgeous club attracts a variety of international Jazz stars and makes for a fantastic night out. Grab a drink, pull up your chair, and listen to the sultry sounds from the live music. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can even listen to the club’s jam sessions free of charge! With food available from 7 pm, live concerts at 8 and 10 pm, great drinks, and more, make sure to stop by Le Duc des Lombards when you’re in Paris.

Address: 42 Rue des Lombards

Transportation near Le Duc des Lombards

• Châtelet Metro Station
• Châtelet les Halles RER Train Station

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3. Jazz Club Etoile – Hôtel Le Méridien Etoile

This legendary Jazz club is famous for a reason! With live music featured from Tuesday to Saturday nights, the Jazz Club Etoile – Hôtel Le Méridien Etoile offers visitors the chance to enjoy some great food, amazing drinks, and stellar music while they enjoy their night. Choose from a dining option (entrance to the club is free if you purchase dinner), or stop by for a drink and some music. The Jazz Club Etoile – Hôtel Le Méridien Etoile is a very busy venue, so be sure to book ahead to avoid being turned away at the door. This club is a great option if you’re looking for a complete package for your night out, and with dining, drinks, and great music, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Jazz Club Etoile – Hôtel Le Méridien Etoile!

Address: 81 Boulevard Gouvion-Saint-Cyr

Transportation near Jazz Club Etoile – Hôtel Le Méridien Etoile

• Neuilly Porte Maillot Metro Station
• Porte Maillot Bus Station

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Parisian Nightlife: The Best Paris Bars

While Paris is famed for its historic cabarets, they also have a fantastic and thriving bar culture that traces back in time as well. Though heading to a bar to enjoy a cocktail fell out of favor in the mid-20^th century, recently there’s been a resurgence in Paris with cocktail bars and, as Paris has some of the most historic cocktail bars in the world, this is great news. But Paris has more than just cocktail bars to choose from. Here are some of the great cocktail bars, as well as other popular locations that are sure to offer you a great bar experience in Paris.

1. Harry’s New York Bar

This Paris bar is world famous! You might know Harry’s New York Bar as the historic haunt of American expats looking for a little taste of home in Paris. Originally founded in 1911, it became famous after being acquired by Harry MacElhone, who was the original barman and eventual owner of Harry’s New York Bar. Once frequented by such notable presences as Coco Chanel, Humphrey Bogart, and Rita Hayworth, this bar still retains its old school cool vibe. Head to Harry’s New York Bar if you’re looking for an exceptional cocktail in an exceptional city. Sit and enjoy the ambiance as you sip on a drink and imagine what Paris was like in the 1920s.

Address: 5 Rue Daunou

Transportation near Harry’s New York Bar

• Opéra Metro Station
• Madeleine Metro Station

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2. STOLLY’S

STOLLY’S is located right in the middle of the fantastic Marais area and has been serving up great times in the neighborhood since 1991. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to the area, STOLLY’S has seen and served it all – so get ready for a fun environment, great crowds, inexpensive drinks, and a mix of music. With beer on tap, a great wine selection, and a cocktail menu to die for, arrive at STOLLY’S early because this small space does fill up quickly!

Address: 16 Rue Cloche Percé

Transportation near STOLLY’S

• Saint-Paul Metro Station
• Hôtel de Ville Metro Station

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3. Pop In

Pop In is a great club if you’re looking for tasty beer, great music, and a relaxed atmosphere. Affordable, friendly, and catering to a younger crowd, Pop In makes for a great night out. Check their events calendar and see if a live show is playing during your stay in Paris, otherwise, drop by any night of the week and get ready to have a great time at this quirky bar in Paris.

Address: 105 Rue Amelot

Transportation near Pop In

• Saint-Sébastien – Froissart Metro Station
• Filles Du Calvaire Metro Station

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Paris Bars | What to Do in Paris After Dark

Not everyone is looking for a bar or club to attend, and Paris is a great city to visit, even if you’re not much of a social butterfly. If you haven’t experienced Paris on foot yet, then you might want to take some time and have a visit during the evening and nighttime. Many of the most famous attractions, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum are beautifully illuminated at night. Take a stroll through the city at night and enjoy the view as you walk along the Seine River and take in the beautiful ambiance that Paris effortlessly exudes.

Transportation Options for a Night Out in Paris

If you are planning on staying out late, make sure to plan a safe ride to your hotel. Taxis are available all over the city and there are options for public transit as well. No matter which method you choose, if you’ve been drinking, plan for a safe ride back to your hotel prior to heading out for the evening. The streets are still remarkably busy at night, so walking back to your hotel after a night of drinking could be a dangerous idea, especially with the uneven cobblestones that line some neighborhoods.

Hours of operation for the Paris Metro

• Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 am to 12:40 am
• Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 am to 1:40 am.

Night buses also available in the city, but availability depends on the area you are in, so be sure to check ahead to ensure the route you want to use will be running late at night. The “Noctilien” bus lines run once the main lines have completed their routes for the day and generally operate between the hours of 12:30 am and 5:30 am. Some bus lines don’t run on Sundays at all, so plan ahead if you’re heading out on a Sunday evening.

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