Big cities have a special charm at night, and the City of Love is no exception. Paris’s major attractions are beautifully illuminated, and there are plenty of nightlife spots in Paris worth experiencing. Here, we’ll show you what you shouldn’t miss if you visit Paris at night.
Considering that France’s capital is also known as the City of Light, we think it’s worth sharing some of the options you have when night falls. In this section, you’ll find everything you need to make your evenings in Paris unforgettable and unique.
From enjoying a cruise on the Seine, admiring the Eiffel Tower at night with its breathtaking views, exploring the Louvre Museum, to visiting the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral—and, of course, savoring delicious French pastries—there are countless possibilities.
What to Do in Paris at Night?
Paris at night transforms into something different, magical, and full of surprises. It’s when you’ll get to see the true essence of the city, feel the Parisian vibe, and witness what life is really like in this beautiful place. During the day, locals are busy with work, school runs, and daily commitments, but the Parisian night tells a different story.
In the evening, people unwind and look to have a good time with friends or meet new people. Parisians are known to be open and welcoming, and if they learn you’re a European tourist, they’ll often make you feel right at home. This friendliness adds an extra layer to your experience, making your stay even more special.
But there’s more: Paris at night offers an endless array of activities. You can enjoy drinks at stylish cocktail bars, dance the night away at clubs, or watch a captivating theater performance.
Opportunities abound, and knowing about a few of them as a visitor or temporary resident can make your stay even more enjoyable. After all, you’re there to have the best time possible!
The nightlife in Paris is vibrant, with a variety of options ranging from scenic strolls and iconic monument visits to lively outings. Here are some of our top recommendations:
1. Night Cruise on the Seine
Taking a romantic cruise along the Seine is one of the best nighttime activities in Paris, offering views of the most famous landmarks illuminated along the river. You’ll see sights like the Louvre Museum, the Musée d’Orsay, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
For a more luxurious experience, some cruises include a gourmet dinner, allowing you to enjoy an intimate evening with a loved one or family while soaking in the city’s nighttime beauty. Most cruises last around an hour, and some offer guided commentary highlighting key sights as you pass by.
You’ll glide beneath numerous architecturally impressive bridges, beautifully lit up at night, including the Pont de Bir-Hakeim, Pont de l’Alma, Pont Alexandre III, Passerelle Simone de Beauvoir, Pont Neuf, Pont des Arts, Pont Marie, and Pont des Invalides, among others.
It’s a stunning way to see the city lights reflecting on the water, and I highly recommend booking your tickets early to secure your spot and avoid long lines. Here are some cruise options we recommend:
- 1-Hour Seine Cruise with Audio Commentary
- 3-Course Gourmet Dinner Cruise on the Seine
- Dinner Cruise with Panoramic Views
- Night Cruise with Live Music on the Seine
2. Ascend the Eiffel Tower
Visiting the Eiffel Tower at night is an absolute must. The panoramic views of the city, with lights sparkling as far as the eye can see, will leave you breathless. It’s a magical way to end your day in Paris.
Just approaching the Eiffel Tower and seeing it lit up on a Parisian night is already worth it. But there’s even more, as nighttime is one of the best times to ascend the tower and take in the panoramic views of illuminated Paris.
From its observation platforms at different levels, you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree vistas that will stay with you forever. Capture as many photos as you like, gaze out over the city, or even dine at one of the tower’s two restaurants.
Every evening, between midnight and 1:00 AM (or 2:00 AM in summer), the Eiffel Tower dazzles with 20,000 sparkling lights. For the first five minutes of every hour, a spectacular light show takes place, which is best appreciated from right on the tower itself.
The observation platforms offer three different experiences:
- First Floor: At 57 meters high, this level features a glass floor providing a direct view of the ground below. You’ll also find an exhibition, gift shops, and a restaurant.
- Second Floor: Positioned at 115 meters, this is the prime spot for taking photos of iconic Paris landmarks visible from here.
- Summit: Standing 276 meters high, this level can be reached by elevator and offers a breathtaking, panoramic view of the city.
The Eiffel Tower elevator operates from 9:00 AM to 12:45 AM from mid-June to early September. For the rest of the year, it runs from 9:30 AM to 11:45 PM. Adventurous visitors can also take the stairs for a more thrilling climb.
Here are some options to skip the lines and get your tickets:
- Access to the Summit Ticket with No Queues
- Guided Tour of the Eiffel Tower and Seine Cruise
- Elevator Guided Tour of the Eiffel Tower
3. See a Show at the Moulin Rouge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpTcFBu_djM
One of the most iconic nighttime sights is the famous Moulin Rouge cabaret in the Montmartre neighborhood. A nighttime visit to Paris would be incomplete without experiencing this, with its characteristic red, orange, and yellow lights.
While it’s stunning from the outside, the experience inside is even more magical. Watching a cabaret performance here is an unforgettable experience, full of glittering lights, elaborate dance numbers, incredible choreography, and a unique atmosphere. It is, without a doubt, the most famous variety show in the world.
Alongside the Moulin Rouge experience, there are numerous bars and nightclubs in the nearby Pigalle area, making Montmartre one of the most lively spots in the city. With countless pubs, cocktail bars, and places to relax with a drink, the area is buzzing with energy.
It’s important to reserve your tickets in advance, as shows often sell out due to limited seating and high demand. You can book your tickets through these links:
- Ticket + Féerie Show + Bottle of Champagne
- Ticket + Féerie Show + Champagne + Seine Cruise
- Ticket + Féerie Show + Dinner
- Ticket + Féerie Show + Dinner + Transport
Other cabaret options aside from the Moulin Rouge include:
- Lido: Enjoy one of the most iconic cabaret shows at the Lido, a legendary Parisian venue.
- Penthouse Club Paris: For a more exclusive cabaret experience, the Penthouse Club offers a cozy and intimate setting with great performances.
- Crazy Horse: Known for its innovative and bold shows, Crazy Horse presents its signature performance, ‘Désirs,’ blending art and entertainment.
4. Visit the Louvre at Night
The Louvre at night has a special charm, with its soft lighting casting a glow over the museum’s architecture and artworks. Night visits are available on Wednesdays and Fridays, when the museum stays open until 9:45 PM.
What can you see at the Louvre at night?
- The Mona Lisa
- Venus de Milo
- Winged Victory of Samothrace
- Egyptian collections
- Renaissance and Baroque rooms
5. Show at the Opéra Garnier
If you’re looking for a relaxing and cultural activity to do in Paris at night, attending a show at the Opéra Garnier is one of the best options. This iconic venue is renowned for its opera and ballet performances, which change every season and are often executed by some of the world’s finest artists.
Check the official events calendar to see what’s available during your stay in Paris and make sure to book your tickets in advance, as it’s a popular experience that sells out quickly. Waiting until the day of the event might leave you without a ticket. Some of the most beloved productions include operas like “La Traviata” and ballets like “Swan Lake.”
Arrive at least an hour early to explore the building before the show starts. Note that while photography is allowed in common areas, it’s prohibited during the performances.
You can book your tickets here:
6. Night Tour by Bus
This activity is perfect for seeing the city from a different perspective and taking amazing photos. It’s an excellent way to view all the major monuments in just 60 minutes without walking, which might be ideal after a long day of exploring.
These night tours usually cover major sights in Paris, such as Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, the exterior of the Louvre Museum, the Opéra Garnier, Les Invalides, and the Moulin Rouge cabaret.
While each tour might have a slightly different itinerary, this should give you an idea of what to expect. We highly recommend this open-top bus night tour, which we found fantastic, especially with good weather.
7. Stroll Through Montmartre at Night
Montmartre is known for its bohemian atmosphere and cobblestone streets filled with artists, which become even more magical at night. If you have time, take a leisurely nighttime walk through this charming neighborhood, where soft lighting illuminates the streets and local shops.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart sits atop Montmartre and offers panoramic views of the city. The square in front of the basilica is often bustling with tourists who come to enjoy the views and lively ambiance.
Montmartre is also an excellent place for dinner, with numerous cafés, pubs, and restaurants where you can savor French cuisine and relax after a day of sightseeing. If you can only choose one place for a drink, try “Le Consulat,” a historic café serving classic Parisian dishes.
8. Experience the Latin Quarter at Night
Our nighttime journey through Paris continues in the Latin Quarter. This area is a hotspot for Parisian nightlife, offering a vibrant and animated scene with no shortage of things to do.
It’s a fantastic place to walk around and enjoy a drink at one of the many terrace bars or restaurants. You can sip on a freshly prepared cocktail or try a local wine, soaking in the lively atmosphere.
The Latin Quarter is home to the Sorbonne University, giving the area a youthful, academic vibe with lots of cultural events. You’ll also find numerous cinemas, theaters, and jazz clubs, such as “Le Petit Journal Saint Michel” or “La Caveau de la Huchette,” where you can listen to live jazz.
9. Walk Along the Champs-Élysées at Night
Strolling down the Champs-Élysées at night in Paris is a must-do experience. The avenue is stunning, especially when the city lights up, and you’ll get beautiful views of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. The atmosphere is more relaxed and romantic than during the day, with fewer tourists around.
At night, the Champs-Élysées lights up with a vibrant mix of shop and restaurant lights. During the holiday season, the avenue is decorated with dazzling lights, creating a magical ambiance perfect for an evening stroll.
Starting from Place de la Concorde, you can walk towards the Arc de Triomphe, which is spectacularly lit at night. Not far from Place de la Concorde, you’ll also find the Louvre Museum, with its glowing pyramid adding to the charm of nighttime Paris.
10. Views from the Montparnasse Tower
Are you going to miss the chance to see the most famous skyscraper in the city? Located in the 15th district, the Montparnasse Tower stands over 200 meters high with 59 floors. From the top of this tower, you’ll have all of Paris at your feet, with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower lit up in the distance, making for one of the best photos of your trip.
The tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Paris from its 56th-floor observatory and an open-air terrace on the very top floor. From here, visitors can experience a full 360-degree view of the City of Light, with all its landmarks illuminated against the night sky.
Let’s explore these two viewing options in more detail:
56th-Floor Observatory: This indoor observation deck features floor-to-ceiling windows that provide sweeping views of the city in every direction. It’s a weatherproof, climate-controlled area, making it a perfect spot even on days when the wind is strong or the weather is bad.
59th-Floor Open-Air Terrace: For an even better view, head up to the open-air terrace on the 59th floor, accessible by elevator from the 56th floor. The terrace has telescopes for a close-up look at landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre Museum.
The tower’s hours vary by season:
- From April to September: Open from 9:30 AM to 11:30 PM.
- From October to March: Opening time remains the same.
- Closing time is 10:30 PM from Sunday to Thursday, and 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Enjoying Drinks at Night in Paris
Imagine you’ve finished dinner but still have energy to spare and don’t want to head back to your hotel just yet. In that case, going out for drinks at a Parisian bar or pub is a great choice. The city offers a variety of vibes to enjoy, each with its own unique charm.
Pubs
If you’re looking for the best bars in Paris for young people, here are some of our recommendations:
Chez Jeannette: If you love vintage, traditional vibes, this bar is a must. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the historic atmosphere of Paris in a beautifully authentic setting.
Etienne Marcel: If you’re in the mood for cocktails in a stylish and trendy place, this is your spot. Marvel at the modern design while enjoying drinks with your partner in a contemporary, chic environment.
Le Fumoir: For those who prefer intimate and exclusive venues, this bar offers just that. Note that membership is required to enter, but it’s well worth it. Once inside, you’ll see why it’s considered one of the best bars in Paris.
Aux Folies: One of the most famous breweries in Paris, this traditional spot is always lively and bustling with people, making it a great place to socialize and meet new friends.
Nightclubs
Paris nights are vibrant, with numerous clubs and dance venues to choose from. Here are some of the most popular:
Regine’s Club: A very exclusive club, reserved for those who seek a high-end experience. To feel the magic of this place, become a VIP and let the music course through your body in an electric atmosphere.
Club Matignon: One of the trendiest spots, unique in that it doubles as a restaurant and club. Enjoy dinner before dancing the night away to the beats of Parisian DJs.
Chez Raspoutine: Once a former brothel, this venue retains its original decor but has transformed into a stylish club. Its rich history is evident in the opulent design. Have a drink, dance, and soak in the unique ambiance.
Espace Sportif Pailleron: For techno lovers, this venue is a paradise where music takes over. You’ll hear some of the best techno beats in an incomparable setting, perfect for a night out in Paris.
As you can see, there are countless options in Paris for a memorable night out. We’ve listed some of the most well-known and recommended places, but the city holds many more hidden gems for you to discover.
Now, it’s your turn to explore and experience Paris at night, whether you’re looking for romantic plans or a fun night out with friends. There’s always something to do in the City of Light after the sun goes down.
There are plenty of things to do in Paris at night, from lively parties to captivating shows and even sampling French cuisine. We hope these tips help you make the most of your nighttime adventures. Below, enjoy a video showcasing some stunning night views of Paris.