From iconic cabaret shows to late night river cruises and moonlight swimming. We’ve chosen the best places to visit in Paris if you want to experience all that the city has to offer after dark.
Check out our guide to Paris nightlife…
Listen to jazz in Paris
Home to some of the best 1920s inspired jazz music, Le Caveau de la Huchette is potentially one of the best music venues in the whole of Paris. Conveniently tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Paris nights, guests can expect a cosy and inclusive atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to get up and dance.
You’re not alone if you decide to dress up either. Many locals and regular visitors wholeheartedly buy into the 1920s theme and dress up in their favourite prohibition outfit or flapper girl costume. It’s easy to lose yourself in the swing of things at this historic underground jazz bar so don’t be surprised if you find yourself asking ‘Gatsby, what Gatsby?’ all night long!
Red Route, Stop: Notre Dame
Visit the iconic Moulin Rouge
Established in 1889, Moulin Rouge is a true landmark of Paris nightlife and home to the oldest cabaret show in Europe. Entertaining late-night crowds for well over a century, huge stars such as Elvis Presley, Zaza Gabor, Ella Fitzgerald and George Michael have all been on the roster here. Made even more famous by the 2001 Baz Luhrmann film of the same name, this is definitely an experience you’ll want to tick off your bucket list.
When it’s lit up at night it’s worth a trip for a photo in front of the windmill cabaret hall alone. Moulin Rouge ticket prices for the show start from €100pp and usually include dinner and drinks. Focusing more on creating an amazing atmosphere for the guests than the storyline of the cabaret, we suggest going here to see the astonishing costumes and enchanting set designs more so than anything else.
While Moulin Rouge is great for small groups looking for an exciting evening in Paris or as a romantic date night location, the show does include nudity so may not be suitable for little ones.
Experience Paris’s stand-up comedy
A fun thing to do in Paris at night is attend a comedy show. There are quite a few to choose from but we always have a great time at The Great British American Comedy Night (GBACN for short). After throwing open its doors in 2013, in a few short years the event has become one of the best places to visit in Paris if you’re looking for a laugh.
Every Saturday at 7pm, those seeking a light-hearted evening can look forward to giggling along to a line-up of international acts from different countries. Located in the world-famous French quartier des théâtres, this is a must-do in Paris for anyone looking to experience the city’s stand up in a one of the most creative locations.
Red & Blue Route, Stop: Louvre-Pyramide/Big Bus Information Centre
Book a Paris night tour
It’s no secret that sightseeing in Paris at night is a completely different experience to the one you have during the day. The twinkling lights on the Eiffel Tower, the illuminated Louvre shining brightly, and golden hues of the Pont Alexandre III bridge are all some of the breath-taking sights you’ll be able to see. One of the best ways to enjoy this experience and guarantee yourself a front row seat is to go on a late-night tour of the city.
There are two options to choose from if you want to experience the phenomenon. A firm favourite with locals and tourists alike is the Bateaux Parisiens’s Seine River dinner cruise. Depending on the package you choose, passengers can feast on a gastronomic menu as they take in the shimmering skyline.
The second option is our popular Panoramic Night Tour which gives you a stunning view of all the dazzling landmarks from the safety of dry land. Hop aboard our double decker bus for an amazing way to see and learn about the City of Lights by night.
Red Route, Stop: Tour Eiffel
Go for a swim
Arguably one of the coolest things to do in Paris is going for a moonlight dip at Piscine Pontoise. A relaxing way to spend an evening in Paris, the swimming pool is open until 11.45pm on weeknights and for €11 you can splash about in this picturesque venue to your hearts content.
The art-deco style pool is located in a classified historic building adding even more to the mystique of the experience. Did we mention it’s heated and fully covered from the elements? Perfect come rain or shine, we recommend packing a swimsuit and going for a late-night swim. Then head to a delicious bistro at the nearby Saint-Germain Boulevard for a midnight snack afterwards. This is a true hidden gem of Paris’s nightlife and a unique experience you won’t get anywhere else in the city.
Red Route, Stop: Notre Dame
Pick just one activity from our list of top things to do in Paris at night or add them all to your travel itinerary for a true introduction to the nightlife in the City of Lights. Once you’ve made the most of the nightlife why not check out our guide to the Best Afternoon Tea in Paris, the most delicious way to spend your day…
