I absolutely LOVE Paris at night. The city lights up and turns into this absolute dream – the Eiffel Tower puts on its sparkle show, tiny wine bars spill with laughter, and the streets feel like you’re walking through the most beautiful movie set ever. Every time I visit, nighttime brings the moments I remember most.
The best things to do in Paris at night are honestly incredible. From drinking wine under the stars by the Seine to finding the coolest rooftop views and ducking into underground jazz clubs that feel frozen in time, this city knows how to do nights right. I’m so excited to show you my favorite spots. Trust me, your nights in Paris are going to be unforgettable!
- 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend this romantic Seine dinner cruise through midnight Paris! They treat you to gourmet French cuisine while gliding past the glittering Eiffel Tower, plus a private deck for champagne under the stars. Dance to DJs with the city’s lights as your disco ball. This cruise is absolutely a must-do on a Paris itinerary in my opinion.
20 Things to Do at Night in Paris
Experience the excitement of the city after dark with our guide to the best things to do in Paris at night. From lively entertainment to quiet spots for reflection, Paris’s nighttime offerings are as diverse as they are captivating.
1. Watch the Eiffel Tower’s hourly light show
The Eiffel Tower puts on a free light show every hour on the hour from sunset until 1 AM. Twenty thousand golden bulbs sparkle for five minutes straight. It’s touristy but absolutely spectacular.
The best viewing spots are Trocadéro or Pont de Bir-Hakeim. Get there 15-20 minutes early since these free spots fill up fast. The golden lighting comes on automatically at sunset (thanks to sensors), and the sparkles start at the top of the next hour.
Want to splurge? Book dinner at 58 Tour Eiffel (starts at €85 for three courses) or go all out at Le Jules Verne (€290+ for tasting menus). You can also take the elevator to the summit for €36.10, but it stops running at midnight in summer.
I watched the last sparkle show at 1 AM last spring and it was incredible. It lasts 10 minutes instead of five, making it the most dramatic. Since 2022, they turn off all the lights right after midnight to save energy, except during summer when everything stays on until 1 AM. Check sunset times before you go since the show starts automatically when it gets dark.
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2. Go underground at Paris’s legendary jazz clubs
38 Riv in Le Marais is honestly one of the coolest jazz spots I’ve ever been to. This place sits in a 12th-century vaulted cellar with exposed brick walls, and when you’re down there listening to live music, you feel like you’re part of some secret Parisian society. They’ve got concerts every single night at 7:30pm and 9:30pm, plus jam sessions that run until 4am on weekends. The acoustics are incredible, and since it’s so intimate, you’re literally sharing the experience with the musicians.
Caveau de la Huchette in the Latin Quarter is where jazz history was actually made. This underground club has been around since 1946, and the space itself dates back to the 16th century. I love that there’s no cell phone signal down there – it forces you to be present. The crowd is a mix of serious jazz lovers and tourists, but everyone’s there to dance. Entry is usually around €13-17, and they teach swing dancing if you don’t know how.
Sunset/Sunside on Rue des Lombards is actually two venues in one – Sunset downstairs for electric and experimental jazz, Sunside upstairs for acoustic performances. This street is basically jazz central in Paris. Shows typically start around 9pm, and ticket prices range from €25-35. The programming is solid, and you might catch some pretty big names here. I always grab dinner nearby first since the venues don’t serve much food.
3. Cruise the Seine River past illuminated landmarks
A Seine cruise at night is touristy but worth every euro. You’ll see all the major landmarks lit up: Notre-Dame (still under restoration but beautiful), the Louvre, and dozens of historic bridges.
Bateaux Parisiens runs evening cruises every 30 minutes from 7:30-10:30 PM. Basic sightseeing tours start at €18 for adults and €9.50 for kids (4-11 years). Book online for €16 to save €2. Their glass-topped boats give you unobstructed views, and audio guides come in 14 languages.
Want dinner? Cruise packages range from €79-190 depending on the menu, with most including wine pairings. The 2.5-hour dinner cruises feature French cuisine while you glide past 37 bridges and monuments.
Dress warmly. It gets seriously cold on the water after sunset. I took an evening cruise last fall and my favorite moment was when Notre-Dame’s flying buttresses came into view, still magnificent despite the ongoing restoration work. Bateaux Mouches offers similar cruises starting at €15 for adults, departing from Pont de l’Alma, while Vedettes du Pont Neuf costs €14 for adults. All offer the same spectacular views of illuminated Paris.
4. Hunt for the best nighttime food tours in Paris
Secret Food Tours does this amazing Le Marais evening walk that I can’t stop recommending. You hit about 6-7 stops trying everything from fresh croissants to artisanal chocolates, plus some mystery dishes that change seasonally. The tour runs about 3 hours and costs around €69 per person, but you leave completely stuffed. Our guide knew all the local vendors personally, which made it feel authentic rather than touristy.
Paris by Mouth offers small-group evening tours through Saint-Germain that focus on wine pairings. Their guides are actual food professionals – chefs, sommeliers, food writers – who really know their stuff. The tours include stops at a fromagerie, boulangerie, chocolaterie, and wine bar. Tours run around €89 per person and they limit groups to 8 people max. I learned more about French cheese in one evening than I thought possible.
Most evening food tours start around 6pm and run until 9pm, which works perfectly if you want to grab drinks somewhere afterward. The Montmartre routes are particularly fun because you get the food plus incredible sunset views from the hilltop. Book ahead for weekends – these fill up fast, especially the smaller group tours. Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking between 5-8 stops depending on the route.
5. Explore Montmartre’s artistic streets and nightlife
Montmartre is pure magic after dark. The cobblestone streets buzz with over 30 bars and cabarets, while Sacré-Cœur glows white against the night sky. Street artists work under lamplight in Place du Tertre, creating that perfect Parisian movie scene.
Au Lapin Agile, operating since 1860, offers authentic French chanson performances Tuesday through Saturday starting at 9 PM. It costs €40 including one drink (€25 for students under 26 except Saturdays). The red windmill facade and candlelit interior transport you straight to Belle Époque Paris. Shows run until 1 AM with flexible arrival times.
For late-night food, hit the 24-hour crêpe stands in Place du Tertre where sweet crêpes cost €3-6. The neighborhood stays lively until 2 AM, especially around Place Saint-Michel where locals and tourists gather.
The funicular runs until 12:45 AM (2:15 AM weekends), so you won’t get stranded. I love wandering these streets on weekend evenings when accordion music drifts from bistros and portrait artists work by lamplight. Check out Café la Fourmi, one of Montmartre’s trendiest spots with a funky bar-café vibe open until 2 AM (4 AM on weekends). Le Sancerre offers great cocktails and Belgian beers on tap until 2 AM with that old-school Montmartre charm locals love.
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6. Sip cocktails on floating bars along the Seine
Rosa Bonheur sur Seine is probably the most famous floating bar in Paris, and honestly, it lives up to the hype. This converted barge is moored near Pont Alexandre III with killer views of the Eiffel Tower. The vibe is super relaxed – wooden deck chairs, string lights, and a crowd that’s half locals, half tourists. They serve decent pizza from a wood-fired oven right on deck, and the cocktails are creative without being pretentious. Open daily from noon to midnight, with DJ sets on weekend evenings.
OFF Paris Seine is Paris’s first floating hotel, but their bar is open to everyone. The drinks are pricier than other spots, but the setting is unique – you’re literally sleeping on the Seine if you book a room. Located near Gare d’Austerlitz, it’s got a modern, sleek vibe that feels different from the more rustic barges. They do live music and DJ sets regularly, plus the pool area is pretty Instagram-worthy.
Petit Bain in the 13th arrondissement combines a floating bar with a cultural center. During summer, the rooftop transforms into this amazing outdoor space with views of the Bibliothèque François Mitterrand. Entry is usually free for the bar area, but concerts and events cost extra. I love that it feels more like a local hangout than a tourist attraction. The formule du midi during the day is only €17 if you want to check it out before committing to evening drinks.
7. Experience a cabaret show at Moulin Rouge or Crazy Horse
Moulin Rouge remains Paris’s most famous cabaret with the iconic Féerie revue featuring 100 performers and the legendary French can-can. Shows run nightly at 9 PM and 11 PM. Tickets start at €87 for show-only or €185+ for dinner packages.
Book at least two weeks ahead during peak season. This place sells out with a 95% occupancy rate year-round. Prices increase when shows fill up, so book early. No photos allowed, and dress smart casual (no shorts or sneakers).
Crazy Horse offers a more contemporary, artistic approach near the Champs-Élysées. Shows cost €65-100 depending on seating, with VIP packages including champagne starting at €160. Le Lido is another option with dinner shows featuring acrobats.
Here’s the thing: these places are expensive and touristy, but they’re also uniquely Parisian experiences. I went to Moulin Rouge last year and while the Can-Can only lasts about two minutes (which disappoints some people), the overall production impressed me with elaborate costumes and skilled performers. Crazy Horse focuses more on artistic lighting and choreography.
All venues require reservations and don’t take credit cards at some locations, so bring cash. The atmosphere is festive, not seedy, making it suitable for all ages (though expect some artistic nudity).
8. Explore art galleries with extended night hours
Centre Pompidou stays open until 9pm most nights, but Thursday nights until 11pm are when the magic happens. The building itself is a work of art with those crazy colored pipes, and seeing contemporary art in the evening feels more intimate. Entry is €16.50, and I always recommend starting with the top floors for the city views, then working your way down through the collections. The temporary exhibitions are usually worth the extra time.
Palais de Tokyo is open until midnight every night except Tuesday, making it perfect for late-night culture. This contemporary art space feels edgy and experimental – they showcase artists you probably haven’t heard of yet but definitely should. Entry is around €12, and the exhibitions change frequently. I’ve seen everything from immersive installations to performance art here. The space itself is this cool, industrial former palace that adds to the whole experience.
Musée d’Orsay extends hours until 9:45pm on Thursdays, and it’s honestly the best time to see their Impressionist collection. The famous clock windows overlooking the Seine are incredible at sunset. Since most tour groups clear out after 6pm, you can actually spend quality time with the Van Goghs and Monets. Entry is €16, and I always recommend grabbing the audio guide – it’s worth the extra €5.
9. Tour the Louvre during extended Wednesday and Friday hours
The Louvre stays open until 9:45 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays. It’s a completely different experience with way fewer crowds and special evening lighting. Night tickets cost the same €17 as daytime admission, but you’ll practically have the Mona Lisa to yourself.
Last entry is at 8:30 PM, giving you over an hour to explore. Start with the Egyptian antiquities or Islamic art wings, which are almost meditative in the evening quiet. The museum’s glass pyramid creates stunning reflections after dark, perfect for photos.
Wednesday evenings tend to be less crowded than Fridays. Book your timed entry ticket online to skip lines. They’re selling out faster in 2025 due to increased tourism. Download the official Louvre app for free audio tours in 11 languages.
I visited on a Friday evening last winter and it was incredible how peaceful the galleries were compared to my previous daytime visits. Most internal restaurants close by 6 PM except Starbucks and The Comptoir du Louvre, so plan your dinner accordingly. Free admission kicks in for under-26s from any country on Friday evenings after 6 PM. Some special exhibitions stay open until 10 PM on these nights.
10. Take a guided food tour through historic neighborhoods
Le Marais evening food tours are incredible because this neighborhood has such a rich culinary history. You’ll walk through medieval streets stopping at Jewish bakeries, traditional French patisseries, and modern chocolatiers. I did one that included falafel from L’As du Fallafel (which is legendary), macarons from Pierre Hermé, and cheese tastings at fromageries that have been family-run for generations. Tours usually run 3-4 hours and cost €75-95 per person.
Saint-Germain tours focus more on upscale tastings – think foie gras, premium chocolates, and wine pairings. The neighborhood itself is beautiful for evening walks, with cobblestone streets and historic cafés like Café de Flore. Our guide took us to spots that most tourists never find, including a tiny wine bar hidden in a courtyard. These tours tend to be pricier (€85-110) but the quality is consistently excellent.
Montmartre combines food with incredible views as you climb toward Sacré-Cœur. You’ll try traditional French onion soup, artisanal bread, and local wines while learning about the area’s artistic history. The sunset views from the hilltop are worth the climb alone. Most tours end around 9pm, perfect timing to catch the Eiffel Tower’s light show afterward. Book ahead for weekend tours – they sell out quickly, especially in summer.
11. Stroll the Champs-Élysées from Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde
The Champs-Élysées becomes a river of light after sunset. This famous 1.2-mile avenue stretches from Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde, lined with luxury boutiques that stay illuminated until midnight.
Climb the Arc de Triomphe for €13 (closes at 10:30 PM) for spectacular night views down the avenue. The 284 steps are worth it for the panoramic city views. Street performers gather near Metro stations, and during Christmas season, elaborate light displays transform the entire street.
For late-night shopping, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps stay open until 9 PM Monday through Saturday. The famous red buses (line 73) provide scenic transportation with great views while connecting to other nighttime districts.
People-watch from outdoor cafés like Fouquet’s or Café de la Paix, where terraces offer prime viewing of the nightly fashion parade. The avenue buzzes with energy as tourists and locals promenade under the twinkling lights.
I always enjoy walking this stretch in the evening when the crowds thin out slightly and the lights create that magical Parisian atmosphere. The Christmas market (November-January) adds extra magic with wooden chalets selling hot wine and local crafts. Even if you’re not shopping, the illuminated storefronts of Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and other luxury brands create a glamorous atmosphere. It’s crowded but iconic.
12. Discover underground speakeasies and cocktail dens
Little Red Door in Le Marais is hidden behind an unmarked red door (obviously), and finding it feels like being part of some exclusive club. The cocktails are next-level creative – think flavors like “Blood and Sand” with mezcal and cherry heering. Prices run €14-18 per drink, but the experience is worth it. The space is tiny and gets packed after 10pm, so arrive early or be prepared to wait outside with the other hopefuls.
Ballroom is supposedly one of the hardest bars to find in Paris, hidden beneath a pizza place with no obvious entrance. Once you find it (good luck), the cocktails are incredible and the space feels like a 1920s speakeasy. The bartenders take their craft seriously – expect 10-minute waits for drinks while they perfect every detail. No reservations, cash only, and they close whenever they feel like it. Very Parisian.
Dirty Dick has the worst name but some of the best tiki cocktails in the city. This place is deliberately divey with bamboo everywhere and drinks served in coconuts and pineapples. It’s not technically a speakeasy since there’s a proper entrance, but the vibe is definitely underground. Cocktails are €12-16 and strong enough that you probably won’t need many. Gets wild after midnight, especially on weekends.
13. Wander the Latin Quarter’s medieval streets and bookshops
The Latin Quarter pulses with student energy after dark. Shakespeare and Company bookstore stays open until 11 PM most evenings, perfect for browsing books by lamplight. The narrow medieval streets buzz with jazz clubs, wine bars, and impromptu debates spilling from café terraces.
Rue Mouffetard transforms into a lively pedestrian zone after 7 PM with dozens of bistros offering €20-35 prix fixe menus. The area around Place Saint-Michel stays alive until 2 AM, especially around the fountain where locals and tourists gather for celebrations.
Visit Caveau de la Huchette, a 16th-century jazz club where Ella Fitzgerald once performed. Entry costs €13-20 depending on the night, and the intimate stone vaults create perfect acoustics for live music until 4 AM. The club’s medieval setting makes it feel like a secret underground speakeasy.
Le Procope, Paris’s oldest café (since 1686), serves nightcaps in historic surroundings where Voltaire and Napoleon once drank. Street musicians perform on every corner, and the intellectual heritage comes alive with animated conversations at sidewalk tables.
I spent a wonderful evening last autumn browsing Shakespeare and Company before grabbing dinner on Rue Mouffetard and ending at a jazz club. The neighborhood’s winding streets reveal hidden courtyards, medieval churches, and centuries-old buildings that look magical under gas-style street lamps. It’s where Parisian bohemian culture thrives.
14. Visit the mysterious Paris Catacombs at night
The Paris Catacombs officially close at 8:30pm, but evening visits (last entry around 7:30pm) are honestly the best time to experience this underground city of bones. With 6 million Parisians’ remains arranged in haunting patterns, the atmosphere gets even more intense as daylight fades above ground. The temperature is a constant 14°C, so bring a jacket even in summer.
Evening guided tours are available through several companies and cost around €29-45 per person. These tours often include access to restricted areas that regular visitors can’t see. You’ll descend 131 steps into tunnels that stretch for miles beneath the city. The audio guides are worth getting – they explain the history of how these former quarries became an ossuary in the 18th century.
I always recommend booking online well in advance since they limit daily visitors to preserve the site. The entrance is at 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, and you exit at 21 bis Avenue René-Coty – nearly 700 meters away, so plan accordingly. No bags larger than 40x30x20cm allowed, and definitely wear comfortable walking shoes. The whole experience takes about 1.5 hours, and photos for personal use are fine but no flash or tripods.
15. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and walk around Île de la Cité
While Notre-Dame Cathedral remains closed for restoration following the 2019 fire, its Gothic silhouette creates a hauntingly beautiful backdrop when illuminated after dark. The surrounding Île de la Cité offers peaceful evening walks with fewer crowds than daytime.
Start at Pont Neuf, admiring the cathedral’s flying buttresses reflected in the Seine while street lamps cast dancing shadows on medieval stones. The restoration work is visible but doesn’t diminish the cathedral’s majesty. It’s still one of Paris’s most moving sights.
Sainte-Chapelle stays open until 7 PM in summer (6 PM in winter) for €11.50. The 13th-century stained glass windows create a kaleidoscope effect during golden hour that’s absolutely breathtaking. The nearby Conciergerie, where Marie Antoinette was imprisoned, offers evening visits until 6 PM for €11.50.
End at Place Dauphine, a hidden triangular square lined with wine bars and bistros perfect for quiet dinner away from tourist crowds. This tucked-away spot feels like a village square in the heart of Paris.
I walked around the entire island perimeter one evening last summer and it took about 30 minutes, offering beautiful views of both banks of the Seine. The island’s peaceful atmosphere at night contrasts sharply with the daytime crowds. Even with Notre-Dame’s scaffolding, the evening lighting makes this a romantic and contemplative experience.
16. Experience Paris’s floating cultural scene along the canals
Canal Saint-Martin comes alive at night with locals gathering along the waterside for impromptu picnics and drinks. This area is way less touristy than central Paris, and you’ll find mostly 20-somethings hanging out on the canal banks with bottles of wine from nearby shops. The tree-lined canal is particularly beautiful in the evening when the iron footbridges are lit up.
Bassin de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement hosts floating DJ sets and outdoor cinema during summer months. This massive water basin becomes the center of northeast Paris nightlife, with floating bars and temporary beach setups during Paris Plages. The crowd skews younger and more local – think art students and creative types rather than tourists. Entry to most events is free, though drinks obviously cost extra.
I love that this area feels authentically Parisian in a way that central tourist zones don’t. You can grab takeaway food from nearby restaurants and enjoy it waterside, or join the locals playing pétanque (French boules) in the designated areas. The MK2 cinema complex here often shows films on floating screens during summer. It’s about a 20-minute metro ride from central Paris, but the vibe is completely different – more relaxed and community-oriented.
17. Sip cocktails at Le Perchoir or other rooftop bars
Le Perchoir in Ménilmontant offers killer panoramic views from its 7th-floor terrace where creative cocktails cost €12-16 and the Eiffel Tower sparkles in the distance. The industrial-chic space operates year-round with heated terraces, attracting trendy locals especially on weekends. Arrive before 8 PM. They don’t take reservations and the best spots fill fast.
Bar Hemingway at the Ritz serves world-class cocktails where the author himself drank, but expect to pay €25-35 per drink for the privilege. For cheaper options, try Monkey Club near République with rooftop cocktails starting at €10 and DJs spinning until 2 AM on weekends.
Terrass” Hotel’s rooftop bar in Montmartre provides stunning Sacré-Cœur views with cocktails averaging €15. Le Mary Celeste in the Marais combines natural wine with small plates on their outdoor terrace. It’s more relaxed and affordable.
Most rooftop venues operate April through October only, with indoor alternatives during colder months. I’ve been to Le Perchoir several times and the sunset views over Paris never get old, especially when the Eiffel Tower starts sparkling. The scene gets competitive, so having backup options helps. These spots cater to different vibes: Le Perchoir for hipster crowds, Ritz for luxury seekers, and Mary Celeste for wine lovers. Dress nicely but not overly formal. Smart casual works everywhere.
18. Browse the Marché des Enfants Rouges evening food stalls
Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris’s oldest covered market dating to 1615, transforms from daytime produce vendors to an evening food court with international cuisines. Located in the trendy Marais district, it stays busy until 8:30 PM Tuesday through Saturday with 20+ food stalls.
Grab Lebanese mezze from Alain’s stall for around €15, then find a communal table to soak up the buzzing atmosphere. The Italian stall serves fresh pasta and cannoli for €4-6, while wine vendors offer tastings and bottle sales perfect for pairing with your meal.
The covered setting makes it perfect for rainy evenings, while outdoor seating areas provide people-watching opportunities in good weather. After 6 PM, when daytime produce vendors close, the dinner crowd creates a lively, social atmosphere that feels like a multicultural block party.
Nearby Rue de Bretagne and Rue Charlot offer additional dining options if market stalls are full. The Moroccan tagine stall draws long lines for good reason. Portions are generous and prices reasonable around €12-15. Japanese ramen, fresh oysters, and artisanal ice cream round out the options.
I love coming here on Thursday evenings when the mix of locals and tourists creates this amazing energy around the communal tables. It’s basically a trendy food hall before food halls were cool. Bring cash since not all vendors accept cards.
19. Attend opera or ballet at the Palais Garnier
The Palais Garnier‘s opulent 19th-century architecture and Chagall-painted ceiling make it one of the world’s most beautiful theaters. Evening performances typically begin at 7:30 PM with tickets ranging from €5 for restricted-view seats to €300+ for premium orchestra locations.
Even if you don’t attend a show, self-guided tours cost €14 and run until 6 PM. The grand marble staircase and ornate foyer are worth seeing alone. Evening performances require formal attire. Think suits and cocktail dresses, not casual wear.
The venue’s champagne bar operates during intermissions, offering flutes of Mumm for €12-18. Popular performances like Swan Lake or Carmen sell out weeks in advance through the Opera de Paris website. Same-day tickets occasionally become available at the box office 90 minutes before curtain.
The acoustics are incredible, and the atmosphere is pure Old World glamour. Even cheap seats offer decent views due to the theater’s intimate design. Programs include opera, ballet, and classical concerts throughout the year.
I splurged on center orchestra seats for La Traviata last season and felt completely transported by both the performance and the venue’s incredible acoustics. Book early for the best experience since this isn’t the place to wing it. The building itself is a masterpiece, representing the pinnacle of Parisian cultural elegance. Many performances have English subtitles for opera.
20. Join a nighttime photography tour through historic districts
Guided photography tours reveal Paris’s most photogenic angles after dark, led by professional photographers who know the best lighting conditions and hidden viewpoints. These 3-4 hour walking tours typically cost €75-120 per person and cover iconic locations like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Pyramid, and Notre-Dame.
Tours accommodate all skill levels from smartphone users to advanced DSLR photographers. Guides provide technical tips for long exposures, light trails, and architectural photography. Meeting points usually start near major landmarks around 7 PM, allowing you to capture both golden hour and blue hour lighting.
Popular companies include Paris Photo Tours and Shoot My Travel. Small group tours (maximum 8 people) offer more personalized instruction, while some provide equipment loans including tripods and filters. Most tours end around 11 PM near convenient Metro stations.
You’ll learn to photograph the sparkling Eiffel Tower, capture the Louvre’s illuminated pyramid reflections, and master low-light techniques for street photography. The guides know exactly when and where to position you for the best shots.
I joined a Montmartre-focused tour last summer and learned techniques for capturing the neighborhood’s gas-lit streets and illuminated Sacré-Cœur that I still use today. It’s perfect for photography enthusiasts wanting to improve their skills while exploring Paris. Even beginners come away with professional-looking shots, and you’ll meet fellow photography lovers from around the world.
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