What to do in Paris at night? From climbing the Eiffel Tower and strolling along the Seine to attending night shows and visiting museums, there is a wide variety of options to choose from. That’s not all. There are many other fun activities and attractions for people looking for an unforgettable nightlife experience in the City of Lights.
In order to experience Paris to the fullest, you should enjoy it during the day and save a lot of energy for nightlife. Here are some of the best things to do in Paris at night.
1. Spend a Night At the Moulin Rouge to Watch Traditional Cabaret Shows
When thinking about a show in Paris, the first thing that comes to mind is Moulin Rouge. This traditional Parisian cabaret has been providing kitschy fun for decades. It entices both locals and tourists to get inside and see legendary cabaret shows. Since 1889, it has been attracting crowds to get a sense of entertainment and old-world experience, which makes this red-light area popular with visitors.
Many people regard it as a kitschy and touristy place. Nevertheless, Moulin Rouge is still traditional and appealing as well. A variety of cabaret shows are held here throughout the year. They fit different preferences and most of them include the option of drinks and dinner in order to get the visitors sorted for the night. If you are planning to visit Paris on a weekend and wondering how to spend a Saturday night, Moulin Rouge is the answer!
2. Go For a Moonlit Walk Around the City Landmarks
One may argue that it’s better to visit Paris landmarks in the daytime. This is especially true if you enjoy a photo walk. However, there is something enchanting and a bit otherworldly about walking the streets at nightfall. Some of Paris landmarks you should not miss include:
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris (it is currently closed to tourists due to fire restoration)
- Arc de Triomphe
- Eiffel Tower
- Palais Garnier
- Sainte-Chapelle
- Louvre Museum
Where to go? During the warmer months, many people stroll along the Seine riverbanks at night. The Pont Neuf, Ile de la Cité, and Pont des Arts are especially popular with walkers. Another popular place in Paris perfect for night ambling is the Marais. It offers a lot of narrow passageways and medieval streets where night owls often wander around. The Rue Montorgueil district is also frequently visited by visitors at night.
3. Take a Seine River Night Cruise
A private cruise is a good alternative for strolling along the Seine. Actually, it is a completely different experience. See the iconic landmarks and monuments after dusk, including the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, the Assemblée Nationale, the Pont des Arts, and Notre Dame. They are bathed in light for enchanting effects. Go on a night cruise to admire the nocturnal glory of the city from a different perspective.
4. Visit the Eiffel Tower to Admire Light Show
Be sure to visit this gorgeous place to admire the spectacular light show. This is a fun way to spend a romantic evening in Paris. The Eiffel Tower is spectacular both during the day and after dark. It greets the city with an exhilarating display of twinkling lights every hour on the hour.
That adds magic to the cityscape and makes it more delightful at night. Head to the top of the tower for the most enjoyable experience. You should also take the illuminations cruise will let you get a new vantage point of the Eiffel Tower.
5. Tour the Opera Garnier
Not everyone is an opera fan. Perhaps ballet or opera isn’t your thing. Even so, you should tour the Garnier while in Paris. During the day, this stunning place is truly magnificent. Yet most tourists visit it during their evenings in Paris for a memorable experience.
It’s best to join the Opera Garnier night tour. This is a great chance to learn more about its history. In addition to enjoying a show, you will also admire the rich decoration and architecture of the building. It is really impressive.
6. Take a Dip in the Lavish Art-Deco Pool
Pack your bathing suit and take an after- or pre-dinner dip in the Piscine Pontoise. It is one of the most beautiful art-deco pools in the world. Even if you plan a trip in the winter or autumn, you should visit this lavish swimming pool. You can easily find it in the old Latin Quarter.
The Piscine Pontoise is an excellent place for relief. People come here to swim, relax and escape from the city bustle. It features magnificent architectural details and shimmering lights that make this swimming pool astonishing at night.
7. Nibble and Sip in Wine Bars and Restaurants
No trip to France is complete without wine tasting. The same is true for Paris. That said, you need to schedule wine tasting before heading to Paris. This city allows for a unique tasting experience in the evening. There is no shortage of night bars and traditional restaurants where visitors can try the best French wines.
There are also many stylish rooftop bars that serve exceptional cocktails as well as eateries that offer delicious food you can try on a private food tour. Many locals enjoy a late evening casual meal after a good aperitif. Enjoy gastronomic delights!
8. Hit a Movie at Classic Theaters
The art of cinema is very popular with residents and most of them prefer art-form films to blockbusters. There are no many multiplex movie theatres in the city. On the other hand, there are lots of arthouse places and old classic treaters that date back to the early twentieth century.
They boast opulent decor and stunning interiors. Take your partner to a classic theater and indulge in a romantic night of cinema. Remember that eating popcorn isn’t regarded well by Parisians at cinemas and theaters.
9. Ride the Grande Roue de Paris
Riding La Roue de Paris (Ferris Wheel of Paris) is another fun thing to do in Paris at night. Located at Concorde, this impressive 60-meter-tall structure provides breathtaking views of the City of Lights.
It is a good opportunity to see most of the city lit up when the sun goes down while driving in a personal pod. Some of the things you can see include the Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Les Champs Élysées, Versailles, Eiffel Tower, and Jardin des Tuileries. We recommend visiting it at night when this huge wheel gets illuminated in various colors.
10. Night Clubbing & Dancing in Paris
For late-night tourists as well as younger locals, dancing and clubbing are the most exciting ways to have fun in Paris in the dead of night. This vivid city never sleeps. What’s more, it becomes more vigorous and lively when it gets dark.
Whether you are looking for classic clubbing, gritty rock, techno, or salsa scene, Paris has it all. They get the vivacious crowds to move till dawn. Here are some of the most popular nightclubs in Paris:
- La Bellevilloise
- Chez Moune
- Le Baron
- Rex Club
- Le Truskel
Final Thoughts
Most travelers describe nightlife in Paris as sophisticated and stylish. While it goes for the city in general, there are quite a lot of nocturnal attractions and activities that do not conform to this.
To sum up, the best things to do in Paris at night include:
- Spending a Night At the Moulin Rouge
- Going For a Moonlit Walk Around the City Landmarks
- Taking a Seine River Night Cruise
- Visiting the Eiffel Tower to Admire Light Show
- Touring the Opera Garnier
- Taking a Dip in the Art-Deco Pool
- Nibbling and Sipping in Wine Bars and Restaurants
- Hitting a Movie at Classic Theaters
- Riding the Grande Roue de Paris, and
- Night Clubbing and Dancing
This lively European city offers numerous options to those who seek something more upbeat and wild. Tour Paris at night and discover them all. You will like it!
