Paris Nightlife: 25 Best Things to Do in Paris at Night - Dreams in Paris (2024)

Looking for the best things to do in Paris at night? You’re in the right place as this post will show you how to enjoy Paris Nightlife to the max.

Paris is truly beautiful but when the sun disappears and night comes, the city of love becomes even more charming with all the famous places glittering up. I’ve roamed these streets many nights, and each time the city reveals something new.

And just because it’s nighttime, it doesn’t mean that Paris goes to sleep! On the contrary, there are so many things to do in Paris at night that you’ll be torn between seeing them during the day or seeing Paris at night.

Disclaimer:This post might contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) should you choose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using one of our links. It’s okay – We love all of the products we recommend anyway, and you will too! Also, that commission helps us keep this awesome free blog up to date! You can read ourfull disclosure herefor more details!

Having experienced many Parisian nights firsthand, staying out late has its own unique charm! From watching the beautiful sunset over the Eiffel Tower, taking a seine cruise, to even visiting museums, here are the best things to do at night in Paris.

But before we look at them, I have a few practical tips to share with you for a perfect night in Paris.

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

• Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
• Prepare your trip extensively with this Paris Travel guidebook.
• Don’t forget a universal travel adapter, a travel neck pouch, and comfortable walking shoes.
• Consider getting either the museum pass or the Paris city pass if you plan to visit many attractions. The city pass comes with free transportation and access to the hop-on-hop-off bus. You can read my Paris museum pass review to see if it’s right for you.
• Book this private transfer from CDG airport to Paris to avoid the hustle of figuring out how to get to Paris.

Psst… Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads.

Practical tips for a perfect nightlife in Paris

Keep your items close to you and stay safe

Is it safe to roam in Paris at night? Generally, Paris is a safe city! But like any other big city in the world, nighttime is when most goons lose the shame and start taking advantage of the dark.

Always stay on alert when it comes to street theft or you can be pickpocketed! Try to go out with a group of friends if you plan to stay out late or take a guided tour. You can check out my favorite night tours of Paris.

And if you’re going to a crowded place, you may want to leave your expensive travel items at home and keep your phone or purse close to you. This travel neck pouch can help you keep your travel items safe!

Consider taking a Night Paris Pass

The nightlife of Paris is incredibly booming so much so that they recently introduced a night Paris pass to make exploring easier for those who want to enjoy the city of lights at night.

The pass which comes in different categories (silver, gold, platinum) caters to activities like enjoying a Seine River Cruise, watching a Cabaret show, and hopping on the double-decker hop-on hop-off bus which are all some of the best things to do in the evening in Paris

This Night Paris Pass can help you get an incredible experience of the Paris nightlife while having a front-row seat by skipping the queues.

Latest Update: Unfortunately this pass is no longer on sale!

Be mindful of the Metro working hours

Luckily for you, the Paris metro runs until late at night unlike in some places. But even with that, it doesn’t mean that it runs 24/7.

So, as you enjoy Paris in the night, make sure that you don’t forget the metro hours, especially if you plan to use public transport.

For your information, the Paris metro runs between 5:30 am to 1:15 am on weekdays, however, it extends up to 2:15 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and some other French holidays.

You can get more details of the general operating hours of public transportation in Paris at night from here.

But don’t fret if you miss the metro! You can still use Uber, Bolt, Freenow, or other taxi services.

If you’d rather stick to public transportation, then be sure to catch the night bus, the Noctiliennight bus which runs from 12:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. You can get more details about its routes from here.

Try to stay sober while exploring Paris at night

We all know what happens when we choose to get intoxicated, especially beyond what our heads can handle!

That’s when you’ll remember all the lessons you had in Kungfu classes, that’s when you’ll remember the words you never want to say in front of your mum or that you enjoy screaming at the top of your voice.

I am not saying you shouldn’t have a drink or 2 to stay “happy” but getting extremely drunk and wasted should not be part of your Paris nightlife adventure.

You easily become a target and can get robbed, you miss out on the actual fun of appreciating Paris’ beauty and yes, you can become a problem when you start screaming and causing trouble!

If those are not enough reasons to stay sober while visiting Paris at night, then think of the full day you’ll waste while nursing your hangover instead of visiting other Parisian landmarks.

Stay away from some Paris neighborhoods

Taking a stroll in Paris at night is as fun and romantic as doing any other activity, but not all places are great to walk around at night.

I am not saying this to scare you or to label Paris as an unsafe place, but like any other city, there are some neighborhoods locals will warn you against visiting at night.

It’s the same for Paris! Not all neighborhoods are created equal! Some are safe, some are not and that feature comes out well at night.

Some of the neighborhoods of Paris I’d advise you to stay away from at night include; the Northern 18th and 19th districts around Marx Dormoy, Porte de la Chapelle, Port de Clignancourt, Porte de la Villette, and La Chapelle. You may also want to stay away from the Saint Blaise neighborhood in the 20th district at night.

Please don’t get me wrong, this is not to say that Paris is dangerous or unsafe! If you apply common knowledge and the tips I provided above, you’ll not get in trouble at all.

Actually, even these places are not extremely dangerous, just a bit unsafe compared to other parts of Paris.

Now that you know some practical tips to enjoy Paris in the evening, let’s look at what to do in Paris at night.

Best Things to Do in Paris at Night

In no particular order, here are the best things to do in Paris at night!

1. Visit the Louvre Museum

If you want to beat the crowds that visit the Louvre Museum during the day or better yet just to have another perspective of the museum, then you’ll be happy to know that the Louvre Museum stays open till late on some days.

The Louvre which is the most visited museum in Paris and the largest art museum in the world stays open till 9:45 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.

On top of that, you can visit it for free between 6:00 pm to 9:45 pm every first Saturday of the month – at least some sections of the museum and it’s completely free from 6 pm on the first Friday of the month (except in July and August).

And if you visit during the popular time of the year known as La Nuit des Musées, (Museums Night in Paris) you’ll be able to visit it at night too as most museums in Paris stay open to the public till late at night.

So if you are looking for fun things to do at night in Paris, then exploring the Louvre museum is one of them.

But before you go, make sure that you book this skip-the-line ticket in advance or better yet this Louvre night guided tour to learn more about the museum. This will help you save time and skip the long lines in Paris.

Pro tip* Need to buy a number of skip-the-line tickets for Paris attractions but are not sure where to find them? Then check out my post that summarises all the popular Paris skip-the-line tickets to save you time turning the internet upside down looking for them.

2. Watch the Eiffel Tower Sparkle

One of the must-do night activities in Paris is to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle! There is nothing as beautiful as this moment!

Whether watching from afar or near, watching the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower never gets old.

I’ve watched it a number of times but I still get excited and goosebumps every time I watch it.

So what you need to do is to head out at night as the Iron Lady sparkles at every top of the hour for 5 minutes and if you watch it at midnight, the shimmerings last for a whopping 10 minutes which in my opinion is one of the best things to see in Paris at night.

And if you want to get a magnificent sight, watch the sparkles of the Eiffel Tower on the banks of the Seine River! The reflection of the shimmers on the water’s surface is everything. This is also one of the best Eiffel Tower photo spots.

3. Climb The Eiffel Tower

On top of watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle, make sure that you climb it too as the views it offers are spectacular.

If you plan to climb the Tower at night, note the closing hours! In the summer months, the Tower closes at 12:45 a.m. and in the winter months, it closes at 11:45 a.m.

You should, however, note that admission usually stops 1 hour before the Tower closes.

And while at it, make sure you buy this Eiffel Tower skip-the-line ticket in advance to avoid the long queues.

4. Picnic In front of the Eiffel Tower At Night

If you’ve already climbed the Eiffel Tower and are looking for what to do in Paris at night, then picnic right in front of it.

On summer nights, you’ll find many locals picnicking at Champ de Mars (the park where the Tower is located) while toasting to the beauty of Paris.

You’ll have a front-row seat to the Eiffel Tower light show at every top of the hour, making it one of the best ways to spend your night time in Paris. All you have to do is carry a picnic blanket, some drinks, and snacks!

What’s even more magical is that at the top of the hour when the Tower starts shimmering, people start applauding which adds to the experience!

5. Take An Evening Cruise Along The Seine River

Cruising the seine is beautiful regardless of the time of the day but it becomes even more magical at night.

The city lights are all on and the famous Parisian landmarks are all brightening in glory and since a cruise on the seine gives you a 360-degree view of most Paris landmarks, nothing can beat that view of the city lights bouncing off the seine.

And on top of enjoying the views of Paris, you get to enjoy a French dinner as you sip on wine creating a romantic feel!

All this creates an experience you’ll never forget! No wonder cruising the seine at night is high on the list of the best things to do in Paris at night.

Pro tip* For a magical night on the seine, book yourself this evening dinner cruise

6. Stroll the streets of Paris at night

I know taking a walk at night might sound basic but not in Paris! I mean it’s Paris, everything here is magical!

A night walk in Paris will give you a stunning view of the brightened-up city landmarks giving you a different perspective of them as they shimmer in glory.

Some of the prettiest streets in Paris that are worth strolling along at night include; the Champs-Élyséesavenue for the best shopping Paris nightlife or to even just watch people shop, most streets of Montmartre are great for a night stroll; especially the street leading up to Sacré-Cœur, Rue des Rosiers in the neighborhood of Le Marais district in Paris and so many others.

So, whether you’re in Paris for a weekend or a day, get some time to stroll on the beautiful Parisian streets to get a real feel of the Paris nightlife.

7. Hop on A Panoramic Night Tour

One of the best ways to take in the beauty and the views of Paris at night is by hopping on this Panoramic night tour.

The bus passes most of the popular landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre Museum, Champs-Elysées, the Eiffel Tower, and more. They also provide a pre-recorded audio guide in various languages to give you some facts about the landmarks you’ll be seeing.

So, if you’re looking for what to do in the evening in Paris, make sure to add this night bus tour to your list.

8. Visit Musée d’Orsay

Looking for the best places to visit in Paris at night? Then look no further than the Musée d’Orsay. The museum stays open until 9: 45 pm on Thursdays giving tourists and locals a chance to see this famous museum at night.

The museum also participates in the Museums Night in Paris theme so be sure to check it out if you visit during that time of the year.

While in the museum, you’ll be able to see some of the best impressionist and post-impressionist paintings by famous painters, plus some sculptures.

But since the Musée d’Orsay is one of the popular attractions in Paris, you can expect to find crowds, and the best way to beat them is by purchasing this skip-the-line ticket in advance.

9. Watch the beautiful sunset over the city

One of the other things to do in the evening in Paris is to watch a sunset! Honestly, there is no city that gives spectacular sunsets like Paris.

Imagine a sunset over the famous Eiffel Tower! Nothing can beat that. And it’s not just the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower that makes a beautiful sunset, there are so many other places in Paris to catch a sunset from.

Some of the places to watch a sunset in Paris include the Montparnasse Tower which will give you an entire view of Paris with the sunset lingering in the sky and if you want to see the sun setting right through the Eiffel Tower, go to Pont Neuf.

Another place in Paris to catch a magical sunset is at the Seine River and if you’re in Montmartre, head up to Sacré-Cœur and the incredible views of the sunset over the city of love will not disappoint one bit.

Related post: Prefer sunrises instead? Here are the best sunrise spots in Paris.

10. Visit the Catacombs at night

The Catacombs are some of the best places to go in Paris at night! They might seem a bit weird to some people but visiting them is actually one of the fun things to do in Paris in the evening.

And if you think that not so many people go to see the thousands of skulls buried beneath Paris during the night, you’ll be surprised since it’s a very popular night activity in Paris.

So book your ticket online in advance to skip the never-ending lines and to get the most out of your night visit to the Catacombs, make sure that you join this guided tour that has knowledgeable tour guides.

Make sure you learn about them by reading my post on the fun facts about Paris Catacombs before your visit.

11. Take A Ghost Night Walking Tour Of Paris

The Paris Catacombs are not the only “weird place” in Paris. While Paris displays a fancy look on the outside, there are many secrets it harbors under and this dark city secrets night tour will help uncover them.

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys thrillers and mysterious stories, then you’ll enjoy this tour.

You’ll visit various mysterious places like where public executions were conducted, places that are believed to have ghosts, and those that are cursed!

You’ll also hear various stories of the famous French people who became ghosts that haunt Paris today, and so much more.

So, if you’re looking for what to do in Paris tonight, this night ghost tour is one to consider. You can also check out my complete list of all the best night tours of Paris.

12. Watch a Carabet show at Moulin Rouge

Can you even enjoy the nightlife in Paris without watching a cabaret show at Moulin Rouge? Certainly not!

Paris comes to life when the talented dancers and performers come to the stage in the red-light city of Mouline Rouge tucked away in the Montmartre district.

With shows running daily at 7:00 PM and another one at 11:00 PM (more affordable than the former), you have no excuse for missing this exciting show that showcases talent and fun like no other in Paris.

You can choose between this Moulin Show with champagne or this one with dinner which comes at a higher price.

I recommend booking in advance since seats book out very fast — after all this is the most famous cabaret in Paris

While I recommended Moulin Rouge, if you prefer a more sensual show that uses lights and talented dancers to bring forth an electric night, then I recommend booking a ticket to Paris Crazy Horse.

13. Watch a concert/play at Opera Garnier

Paris is a city that appreciates arts, stage plays, music, and films which means that it never runs out of what to showcase in its beautiful Opera.

From jazz music, concerts, and ballet to Opera shows, there is something for everyone! But before you go, be sure to check what’s showing on the day you want to visit so that you watch what you really enjoy.

However, even if you’re not a fan of Opera music or concerts, the Opera house is a magnificent building that is worth admiring!

You can visit it on your own on a self-guided tour with this fast-track entry ticket to take in all the glamors of this place. Before visiting, you can read my post on the fun facts about Palais Garnier to have some background knowledge about it.

14. Stroll along the Seine River

If for whatever reason you choose not to take a Seine cruise, then a stroll along its banks is one of the things to do in Paris evening. Did I mention that it’s absolutely free? Yes, it is!

You get to enjoy the cool freeze as you take in multiple views of the Eiffel Tower from all angles! And if you do it at sunset, be ready to enjoy some of the best sunsets in Paris!

As it becomes darker, the city’s lights will start marking their territory on the surface of the river creating an awe-inspiring sight that can only be found when you visit Paris at night.

15. Picnic on the Seine Banks

Picnicking on the banks of the Seine has become one of the go-to fun things to do in Paris at night by Parisians.

Instead of just strolling the banks, carry a picnic blanket, get a few drinks and snacks from any nearby supermarket, and enjoy Paris at night as the locals do.

You’ll find many groups of young locals doing the same on summer nights, some even playing music.

If you’re traveling to Paris solo, this may not be an ideal activity but if you’re a group, you definitely can’t miss a summer night picnic along the Seine.

16. Sip on a co*cktail/ Wine from one of the many Paris rooftop bars

Did I mention the happy hour!! There is no better way to unwind your day than sipping on a co*cktail while taking in the views of the city from a rooftop bar.

And if you go at the happy hour (it’s usually between 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm in most bars), you get your beers or co*cktails at a discounted price.

This is also a good way to mix with the locals and make some Parisian friends or just catch up with the friends you know in the city.

Some of the best rooftop bars in Paris that also offer amazing views include; Terrass” Rooftop Bar on the rooftop of Terrass” hotel in Montmartre, Laho rooftop on Rue Van Gogh, Windo Sky Bar on Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile Hotel, and so many others.

17. Go on a Latin Quarter Pub Crawl Tour

One of the best things to do in the Latin Quarter at night is to go on a pub crawl. This bustling student neighborhood is buzzing with bars making it the perfect place to jump from bar to bar.

While you can do so on your own, it’s even more fun when you join this Latin Quarter pub crawl.

On this tour, you’ll go to 3 to 4 bars in the neighborhood, have drinks while making new friends with your tour buddies, play various games, and get a free shot for every drink you buy.

Do note that this tour is only for people who are 18 and above, so make sure you don’t leave your ID card behind. And as always, make sure you drink responsibly.

18. Get Dinner at one of the many restaurants in Paris

If you are traveling to Paris with your loved one, a dinner date is one of the most romantic things to do in Paris at night!

However, even if you’re traveling solo, you can still taste French cuisine alone or with a couple of friends and don’t forget to taste some Parisian desserts for a real treat.

And remember that in Paris, there is nothing like just popping in real quick for dinner, at least for the fancy restaurants like these rooftop Paris restaurants or these Michelin starred restaurants in Paris.

You’ll need to book way in advance to stand a chance of getting a table especially when it comes to popular restaurants.

The fancier the restaurant, the longer you’ll need to book in advance and vice versa. For example in places like Le Jules Verne — the exquisite restaurant on the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower, you may need to book a table 3 months earlier or so before your trip or you can forget about having dinner with a view.

You can also check out my list of Paris restaurants with Eiffel Tower views if you want to take your dining experience in Paris to the next level.

19. Take in the incredible night views of Paris

Paris is a beautiful city when seen from below but the higher you go, the more magical it becomes.

Climbing some of the famous monuments will give you spectacular views of the city — from spotting other famous landmarks to admiring the city as it comes together in one picture.

Some of the places to climb for the best view of Paris include; the Arc de Triomphe, Montparnasse Tower, the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and many others.

And if you climb those places in the evening time or even at night, you’ll be able to see the sunset setting over the famous landmarks or even see the bright lights of Paris proving that the French capital is indeed the city of lights.

20. Watch a movie in one of the many theatres

Why not take advantage of your night in Paris and catch up on what’s going on in the movie world?

You can honestly enjoy a movie in any theatre (UGC has so many scattered all around Paris), but if you want it to be “special” or in a grand theatre, then you can check out Grand Rex in the 2nd arrondissem*nt. It is the most iconic theatre in Paris that you ought to check out.

21. Become A Parisian By Watching A Comedy Show

If just watching a movie is not your favorite way to spend an evening in Paris, then this comedy show at Theatre des Nouveautes might work for you.

Unlike the usual comedy shows you might think of, this one specifically teaches you how to become a Parisian in a fun and engaging way.

You’ll learn about the cultural differences between Parisians from the rest of the world and see how to incorporate them during your time in the city if you want to blend in with the locals.

The show is incredibly funny — you’ll laugh the entire time and Olivier, the comedian is incredibly charismatic! Everything about the show will bring a piece of Paris you never knew you needed.

If you need a good laugh at the end of a tiring day, this is exactly where to go in Paris at night.

22. Go for a sights night tour by Citroën 2 CV

Ever fancied being driven around the city of love in a French vintage car? That’s exactly what this sights tour is all about!

Make it even more enjoyable by viewing all the famous Parisian attractions with champagne in hand! Paris can’t get any better than this!

This is actually one of the popular night activities in Paris so make sure that you book in advance.

Click here to book your night tour in a Citroën 2 CV!

23. Go Out Dancing in Paris at Night

Clubbing or going out dancing at night will forever be the most known form of enjoying a night for most people, especially on weekends!

If that’s you, Paris has lots of clubs playing all sorts of music you can dance to!

Depending on your kind of jam, some of the best nightclubs in Paris you can go to include; Nouveau Casino in the 11th arrondissem*nt along Rue Oberkampf, La Machine du Moulin Rouge in the 18th, Palais Maillot Paris in the 17th, and so many others.

24. Meet With Locals And Other Internationals At a Bar

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the life of the locals is to meet with them! While that may seem hard in a city as busy as Paris, the Meet Up App makes it incredibly easy.

This is perfect when you’re traveling alone and want to have a drink but don’t have anyone to go with. There are a number of nighttime activities in Paris that you can attend.

They range from just having drinks with both locals and other international people, language practice, sometimes dancing, or even playing games.

I’ve been to so many fun events in Paris at night thanks to Meet Up, but one event I keep returning to is “Apero with Internationals”. You can check it out on Meet Up or download their app, Socializus to know where and when their next event will be.

They usually have events in bars around Clichy near Montmartre, Bastille, and Saint Michel. The app is sometimes buggy but don’t let that put you off! It’s quite useful.

Actually, this is one of my favorite things to do in Paris at night, every time I want to meet new people.

25. Explore Paris at Night on a Sidecar URAL

Looking for unique ideas on what to do at night in Paris? Many tourists may not know about this activity but if you want to enjoy your nights in Paris in a rather fun and romantic way, then consider jumping on a Sidecar Ural.

This adventurous activity involves exploring Paris in the night on a vintage motorcycle sidecar while enjoying the views of lit-up landmarks.

The unique motorcycle sidecar doesn’t just pass around monuments but also comes with a knowledgeable guide to give you historical facts and information about everything you pass!

The best part is that the ride comes with a glass of champagne so you can toast to Paris night as you enjoy everything it has to offer!

You can book your vintage motorcycle sidecar tour from here to get a rare glimpse of Paris during nighttime.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do on a Night Out in Paris

Paris has so many things to do during the day but it doesn’t mean that you just have to stay locked in your hotel room at night!

Head out and enjoy the Paris nightlife and you’ll be blown away by the many things there are to do during nights in Paris.

Did you get a chance to spend a night in Paris? What night activities did you do to appreciate Paris at night?

Let me know in the comments below and if you did something interesting that you don’t see on my list, you can as well drop it in the comments below.

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• The Complete Guide to Visiting Paris in Spring
• Where to Find Cherry Blossoms in Paris
• What to Wear in Paris in Spring
• Where to go for the best views of Paris
• 15 Best Desserts in Paris You Should Try
• Where to get the best views of the Eiffel Tower
• What not to do in Paris
• Things to do in Paris in spring

Was this post on the best things to do in Paris at night helpful? Then please consider sharing it with others.