Perfect European city if you’re looking for art, glam, and charming sights, Paris offers tons of places to visit during the day, from breathtaking museums and ancient churches to inspiring gardens and tranquil boulevards.

From picturesque historic districts to unique shopping opportunities, as well as, of course, some of the most iconic landmarks in France, nobody could argue that there’s a lot to do in Paris during the day.

But what to do in Paris at night? Let’s see the best things to do when the sun goes down in Paris.

Let’s explore Paris at night!

 

 

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Paris at Night

If you’re wondering what to do in Paris at night, you must know that there’s plenty!

The city lights up and Parisians go out to enjoy the boulevards and areas along the Seine River, where they picnic, dance, and spend time with their friends.

In many museums there is also one night when they stay open late, including the famous Louvre and D’Orsay museums. On these evening there are fewer visitors and it’s a more relaxed and pleasant time to enjoy the exhibits.

The City of Light is famous for its cuisine and starred restaurants, so dinner is another unmissable activity in town, especially with gorgeous views of the illuminated Eiffel Tower.

Moreover, the Montmartre district, in the eighteenth arrondissement, with dozens of cabarets and entertainment, is the quintessential example of Paris at night.

So, with a varied selection of things to do at night, it might be hard to decide what to do… are you ready?

Let’s check the best Paris attractions and things to do in the evening.

LEARN MORE: One Day Paris Itinerary

 

 

L’Apéro – Paris’s Take on the Happy Hour

“Ir de tapas in Spain” and “Prendere un aperitivo” in Italy also have its French counterpart: l’apéro!

One of the most beloved traditions in the whole country, l’ l’apéro (which stands for l’apéritif) is a simple but beloved ritual that involves getting together with friends to share drinks and a few bites right before dinner.

However, traveling solo to Paris does not mean you cannot enjoy this awaited moment of the day.

Many women and men head to their favorite bar in Paris for a glass of southern rosé wine and local cheese.

Since dinner in Paris tends to be served later than in North America, it makes sense to start the evening by having a few delicious drinks and nibbles before sitting at the table.

You can even enjoy an apéro at the same restaurant where you are planning to dine, this way it would feel less odd if you are a solo traveler.

LEARN MORE: 8 Best Day Trips from Paris

Picnic by the Eiffel Tower

Another great opportunity to be carried away by the charm of the Parisian nights is to purchase a bottle of wine, a baguette, and some French cheese and head to the Champs de Mars to sit and indulge in a typical Parisian DIY dinner.

This is a fantastic Parisian ritual usually enjoyed from late spring until autumn, people flock both to this gorgeous garden to admire the stunning views of the lights on the Eiffel Tower, grab a bite, make a toast, and even dance.

On several areas by the river, there is music and dance for a few hours. This unique tradition perfectly embodies the French joie de vivre spirit.

 

 

Dinner… or Fancy Dinner!

Paris is a delicious gastronomic destination, but also a place where going out for lunch or dinner is one of the local’s favorite hobbies… and passions.

There are dozens of stunning restaurants scattered in every arrondissement of the city.

Some of them are super famous as well as other culinary gems, lesser known, but still worth a try.

Dinner in Paris can also be a fancy experience, you just need to choose among the many Michelin star restaurants in France’s capital (spoiler alert: there are plenty!).

To take the experience to the next level, choose a fine dining restaurant that also has terrific views of the city, such as Le Jules Verne Restaurant on the second level of La Tour Eiffel.

It might be one of the most expensive restaurants in town, but those who have visited say it is worth each and every penny. And the views are to die for.

LEARN MORE: Weekend in Paris Itinerary

Dinner on a Boat

You can also admire Paris’ night landscape while sampling some terrific high-end cuisine on a top class boat on the Seine River, one of the most exclusive restaurants in Paris is, indeed, Ducasse sur Seine.

On board, you can choose some spectacular dishes from the original menu created by the world famous French chef Alain Ducasse and the boat’s own chef.

This top-rated experience gives you the opportunity to savor seasonal and contemporary French dishes with refined, fresh produce, and cooked on the spot, all while enjoying a glass of bubbles and the magic of Paris when the streetlights illuminate the city.

You can find more details on the official Ducasse website.

Night Boat Ride of the Seine

If you cannot afford a fancy dinner on a boat, relax. First of all, most travelers can’t either, and second, there are other more affordable options to sail the Seine River at night.

And a few of them also offer an affordable menu, a drink, an ice cream, or snacks.

Although most of these cruises last about an hour, the ones including a meal can take longer… and that can only offer more incredible views of the city for you to take in!

The boat rides on the Seine have become one of those must-do items in Paris, and that is because the experience is really pleasant and affordable.

Some of the possible Seine tours you can choose are the following ones:

• Seine River Guided Cruise and Snacks: Although there is no dinner involved, this affordable experience includes snacks, while extra food and drinks can be added when reserving your seat.
• Paris Boat 3-Course Dinner Cruise: You’ll be surprised by the convenient price of this Seine tour and dinner in perfect bistro style.
• Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Dinner and Sightseeing Cruise: Although a bit more pricy, this is a top-rated river cruise with a delicious meal and music to enjoy the views of Paris at night.

Book your Paris dinner cruise now.

 

 

Paris Museums at Night

On certain days of the week, Paris’s most remarkable museums open their doors until later hours for locals (and travelers) to enjoy the art exhibited at a different, more relaxed pace.

If you are willing to visit the Louvre, for instance, but hate the idea of waiting in crowded halls and long lines to admire some of the world’s best masterpieces, then night visits are the answer.

Every Friday, the Louvre remains open until 10 pm, and you will not only enjoy some of the best sculptures and paintings in the world…

The museum’s entrance and the glass pyramid get surrounded by a different, captivating atmosphere at night when hundreds of lights illuminate the area.

In Paris on a Saturday night?

There are several museums you can visit in the evening, one great way to enjoy the nights in Paris, especially if you’re a solo traveler and dining on your own is not something you look forward to.

Many museums in town have their night opening on Saturdays, including the Pompidou Center, which opens until 9 pm, and the Palais de Tokyo, which is open until midnight!

Museé d’Orsay, one of Paris’ most beautiful museums also has a weekly opening night, on Thursdays. The museum closes at 9:45 pm and tickets can be purchased until 9 pm.

Visit the Catacombs

Looking for a spooky Paris experience? Then the Paris Catacombs are the perfect night activity in town.

Locally known as the Catacombes de Paris, this world-famous ossuary dates back to the 1700s when the place was created from an old underground quarry.

This was the place where thousands of human remains from the overcrowded cemeteries of the city were places to make room for the city’s development.

The darkest side of the City of Lights comes to life in the labyrinth-like underground passageways lined with the bones of thousands of former Parisians.

Since the area is quite extensive and difficult to visit, the best way to explore the Catacombs of Paris is by joining a small walking tour with a local expert guide.

You can wander through the dimly lit empire of death beneath the city’s famous streets with one of the following organized activities:

Opera de Paris

If you’re short of time during the day to explore the imposing Palais Garnier, then book a seat at the opera to enjoy a performance and admire the gorgeous architecture of the facilities, an architectural masterpiece from the nineteenth century, clearly evoking the aesthetics of the Belle Époque.

Opera and ballet performances are among the more popular events you can attend, although there is quite a rich variety of nightly events programmed every season.

You can find more information and book your ticket at the Opera Garnier official site.

 

 

Cocktail at Le Marais

This hip Paris neighborhood, home to the local Jewish community as well as the hipster and gay communities, Le Marais is one of those corners in Paris that retain the most authentic atmosphere.

In the area, there are different places open at night and not just for dinner.

Different cocktail bars animate the nights at Le Marais.

Sherry Butt (20 Rue Beautreillis) is a trendy hip cocktail bar with a retro-chic atmosphere serving classic cocktails and global whisky flights… because not everything is about wine in Paris.

One more local favorite is Le 1905 (25 Rue Beautreillis) is a gorgeous vintage bar with a cozy atmosphere and stunning small terrace serving very good cocktails as well as light bites.

Maria Loca (31 Henri IV Boulevard), instead, is among the best cocktail bars in town combining a cool vibe and excellent drinks.

Montmartre, the Moulin Rouge, and more

If there is one neighborhood in Paris that is made to be seen at night, that is the bohemian Montmartre.

Located on the eighteenth arrondissement, the district is the place to be in Paris at night.

Known as a refined red-light district, the area surrounding the Blanche metropolitan stop in Montmartre is known for its dozens of cabaret and night shows, some of them also offering drinks and dinner.

If you’re a woman solo traveler, wandering this red light district alone at night might feel odd, and although the area is quite safe, the usual precautions should be taken.

However, if you don’t feel as comfortable as you would wish, then moving to the top of Montmartre hill can be a better idea.

This area of the district (which feels very far from the Moulin Rouge area) is not only safer, but also incredibly picturesque and beautiful to explore at night.

With its dozens of souvenir shops, delicious menus at small restaurants and bistros, and the white cupolas of the Sacré Coeur Basilica illuminated as a backdrop it creates a magic atmosphere.

 

 

Ride la Roue de Paris

Place de la Concorde is not just the city’s biggest square, it is also the place housing Paris’s historical axis and a fun ride which can be even more spectacular at night, the Ferris Wheel or, as Parisians call it, La Roue de Paris.

Standing at 60 meters high, from the top of the wheel you will enjoy some of Paris’ best sights, including the Louvre’s Pyramid, the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and the Seine River.

The ride is quite short for the price (€12) however, the views are unforgettable.

 

 

Tango at Quai Saint Bernard

This is one of those night activities you can only enjoy in summer, from May to September.

Right opposite the Seine, the Quai Saint Bernard as well as the picnic area of Jardin Tino Rossi is the place where local tango dancers gather, from sunset until very late at night to dance the tango.

And it is not just professional dancers, regular citizens and tourists also love to join the experience or even watch from their picnic spot, because yes, this is another of the favorite spots for a picnic in Paris.

And if you’re a solo traveler who loves to dance but cannot find a tango partner, worry not, you do not really need to know your next tango partner as it is very common to dance with people you will never see again.

And if you would love to learn and participate but have no idea how to dance, there are beginner tango lessons (free) right before sunset, at about 7 pm.

Final Thoughts on Paris at Night

It is easy to see how Paris can be an endless source of fun experiences any time of the day, pick the ones that suit you the most, and spend an unforgettable evening in Paris!

About the Author

Gabi Ancarola is a translator and travel journalist living in Crete. She regularly writes about Europe for several magazines about travel, gastronomy, and hospitality. She has published several travel guides about Greece and plans customized trips to the Greek islands. She loves cooking local dishes, taking photos, and driving on the mountain roads of Crete.

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