Are you looking for the best things to do in Paris at night? This guide will help you dive right in!
Be sure to book your accommodation and tours in Paris ahead of time to ensure availability!
🇫🇷 Top Experiences and Tours in Paris:
- Moulin Rouge Cabaret Night Show (top-rated night entertainment!)
- Seine River Night Cruise with 3-Course Dinner (recommended!)
- Louvre skip-the-line ticket + audio guide (you have to visit!)
- Discover Paris by Night in a Vintage Car
- Day trip to Champagne country with 8 tastings + lunch (my fave day trip!)
🛌 Top Hotel Recommendations in Paris:
- Ibis Hotel in Clichy (Budget – I stayed here and recommend it)
- Tilsitt Etoile (Mid)
- La Maison Favart (Lux)
🚗 Looking for the best way to get around Paris? Click here to check rental car rates for France!
Paris is filled with plenty of things to do – whether you’re a morning person or whether you want to explore the City of Lights late at night.
This guide will help you plan some epic things to do during the evening and night in Paris!
Did we miss any Paris night activities and places to visit? Let us know in the comments.
In this post...
Best Things to Do in Paris at Night
1. Stroll through the Louvre at Night
Explore the secrets and mysteries of the Louvre on a private tour at nightfall.
Not only do you skip the lines, but you get the chance to explore the largest and most visited museum during hours when it is closed to the general public.
Your tour guide will direct you toward the highlights of the Louvre and intrigue you with myths, legends, and curious stories about each historic artwork.
This tour is free from the crowds, an incredibly rare experience at the most visited museum in the world. Meet your guide at 6 PM by the big equestrian statue of Louis XIV, which faces the glass pyramid.
Enter the stunning architectural masterpiece and exhibit the interior decor of the former royal residence and military facility.
The Museum spans over 60,000 square meters (15 acres) and houses a collection of more than 35,000 works of art.
Its collections range from ancient civilizations dating as far back as the 6th century BC to the recent 19th century.
Some of the most notable works of art that are housed in the museum are the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the former of which has its separate line.
>> Click here to check tour rates and availability
2. Go on a Latin Quarter Pub Crawl Tour
Paris’ Latin Quarter was not included in Baron Haussman’s renovations and thus retains its original medieval aesthetic with narrow, winding, cobblestone streets.
It’s located in the 5th Arrondissement and is home to numerous important buildings, including the Pantheon, the University of Sorbonne, the Cluny Museum, Musée National du Moyen Age, the Jardin des Plantes, as well as the churches Saint Etienne du Mont, Saint Medard, Saint Julien Le Pauvre, and Saint Severin.
As it is the university quarter, some of the best bars, clubs, and social lounges are located in this area and are thus home to some of the best nightlife in Paris.
Explore the best of Paris’ nightlife and parties at its top bars and a club in the Latin Quarter. Your international tour guides will lead you to 2 or 3 bars and a club, with an opportunity to try out drink specials at each.
Over 4 hours, you can “crawl” through the best of medieval Paris with sights of gorgeous illuminated buildings, like the impressive Pantheon, overlooking the area.
The tour guide will meet you inside the Long Hop bar, and the cost of the tour only costs €25 (27 USD).
>> Click here to check tour rates and availability
3. Learn More about Paris – the City of Lights
Surely, you have heard Paris and “the City of Lights” in the same sentence once or twice before.
Other than the iconic sparkling Eiffel Tower, which alone is made up of 20,000 light bulbs in 40 kilometers (24 miles) worth of illuminated garlands, there are over 296 other illuminated sites in Paris.
You’ll find anything from churches, statues, cinemas, hotels, fountains, bridges, and national buildings, to monuments glowing at nightfall.
Even the Paris tramway along Boulevard des Maréchaux is lit up with 4,000 lights.
Paris takes it to a whole nother level during Christmas with its picturesque illuminations. The popular Champs-Elyées is strung with lights for over 2.4 kilometers (1,5 miles), from the Place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe.
The Grands Magazins and Gallerie Lafayette on the Grands Boulevards is also an iconic, illuminated part of Paris that outdoes itself during the festive season.
Walking through Paris is an experience all in itself– every time you think you’ve seen Paris, you come across a hidden gem tucked away in plain sight – most probably also illuminated.
The public lightings consisting of over 50,000 street lights and 113,251 light sources above ground highlight the essence of the classical city.
4. Check out the Sainte-Chapelle Night Concert
Explore the Palais de la Cité intimately by visiting 2 of its most remarkable monuments: Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie.
At the Conciergerie, learn about the French Revolution as you discover the ancient court, the cells of criminals, and the tombs of the heroes of historical events.
Travel back in time with the HistoPad, a digital mediation tool that augments reality with 3D reconstructions and interactive capabilities.
It will give you access to visuals and further information on the medieval and revolution-era rooms, in addition to the other spaces that have disappeared since the French Revolution.
Afterward, marvel at the Sainte-Chapelle Cathedral, which is one of the most renowned and gorgeous examples of Gothic architecture.
Tour through the massive structure and study its ancient stained glass windows depicting a variety of vibrant colors formulating its iconic design.
The royal chapel’s deep blue interior sprinkled with golden stars looks like the night sky and the names of the prisoners are written on the walls of the Conciergerie. Skip the line and also spend as much time as you want at each of the iconic monuments.
>> Click here to check tour rates and availability
5. Enjoy a Moulin Rouge Show in Montmartre
The Moulin Rouge is Paris’ world-renowned cabaret with spectacular shows and performers costumed with flamboyant rhinestones, sequins, and feathers.
One of the world’s most famous cabaret shows,“Féerie,” was created by Doris Haug and Ruggero Angeletti, and choreographed by Bill Goodson.
The troupe of 100 artists on the stage of the Moulin Rouge are wearing costumes designed by Corrado Collabucci.
The set is designed by Gaetano Castelli and the music is composed by Pierre Porte, which is performed by 60 vocalists and 80 musicians.
The performers also often include acrobats and magicians and the perfectly in-synch choreography will take your breath away!
The show will grant you an iconic French experience as you sip on some sparkling Champagne. The medley of vibrant and lavish colors on stage lasts about two hours.
To enter the venue, you must be dressed according to the dress code, which consists of elegant attire (but I was able to get away with a little less).
As one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris, it’s ideal to arrive half an hour early so that you can select your own table and place to sit.
Address: 82 Bd de Clichy, 75018 Paris
>> Click here to check tour rates and availability
6. Admire the Eiffel Tower Lights at Night
The sparkling of the Eiffel Tower at nightfall is one of the main reasons why Paris is called the “City of Lights.”
It lights up just ten minutes after nightfall due to its light-sensitive sensors, and the monument twinkles and shines two beams of light out of its beacon. Its rays reach up to 80 km and sweep with a rotation of 90°.
The rays are also synchronized to cross and form a double beam pivoting around 360°. The sparkling effect over the golden lights of the Eiffel takes place every evening after dusk at the beginning of each hour for 5 minutes until the final sparkle at 1am.
You’ll find locals and tourists alike sitting along the Seine River with baskets of wine, cheese, bread, fruits, and other charcuterie pieces, enjoying the view of the sparkling monument up close.
There are numerous boat restaurants right in front of the Eiffel Tower as well that you can consider for dinner or just to simply lounge over drinks.
Address: Champ de Mars, 5 Av. Anatole France, 75007 Paris
>> See the Eiffel Tower Lights from a Cruise
7. Indulge in a Seine River Panoramic Dinner Cruise
Explore the best of the capital on a dinner cruise that’ll navigate you along the highlights of the riverfront sights of the city.
The cruise along the Seine River lasts 105 minutes on average and includes a 2-course meal. The comfortable red leather club chairs face the river, and the lounge room is both spacious and air-conditioned.
There is a panoramic terrace as well, which is a popular option for taking photos with iconic Parisian monuments in the background.
Enjoy a starter, main course, and dessert as you sail.
The menus vary depending on the day, however, a good example of a sample menu would include Amuse-bouche to start, followed by the choice of Provençal Veal Marmite accompanied by Vegetable Bouquetière with Lemon confit and basil oil, or Marseille Bouillabaisse with cod, potato and herb salad, and smoked aïoli.
The dessert would include rice pudding with roasted peanuts and salted butter caramel or chocolate mousse with Espelette pepper and chocolate shavings.
You will find the boat, which is called “Paris en Scène” at the Île aux Cygnes. It can be found in the middle of the Bir Hakeim bridge down the stairs at the pier on the left side. Tickets cost €54 (58 USD) per person.
>> Click here to check tour rates and availability
8. Explore and Eat in Montmartre at Sunset
Montmartre is both a village and neighborhood located in the northern parts of Paris’ 18th Arrondissement. It was home to many revolutionaries and artists who have impacted Paris’ history in some sort of way.
One of the most famous squares of Paris, Place du Tertre, is found in the heart of the magical Montmartre.
Start your tour by meeting your guide at the front of the Carrousel de Saint-Pierre, which is inside the Square Louise-Michel.
From there, you’ll head over to the basilica and explore both its stunning interior and exterior.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris was built between 1874 and 1914 and towers over the picturesque village of Montmartre.
It holds the largest mosaic in the world, depicting Christ’s Sacred Heart, worshipped by the Virgin Mary, Saint Michael the Archangel, and Jeanne d’Arc. The mosaic is called Christ in Majesty.
After marveling at the Basilica, your guide will lead you through the village and neighborhood of Montmartre.
Over an hour to an hour and a half, you’ll stroll around the lovely square enclosed by charming cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops, in which the guide can give you local opinions. The tour only costs €23 (25 USD).
>> Click here to check tour rates and availability
9. Stroll along the Seine River
The Seine River cuts through the middle of Paris, providing a semi-circular or horseshoe path for people to observe some of the most renowned attractions in the capital.
Tourists can go for a walk along the river and begin at the Eiffel Tower, continuing to the Musée d’Orsay, then across the bridge to the Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre Complex, or take the oldest bridge in Paris, the Pont Neuf, over to the Ile de la Cité where the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Conciergerie are located.
As they stroll they can watch boats gliding by, lit up, on the river.
Street artists and vendors are often found setting up their stalls at the shoreline of the Seine River, giving tourists the chance to take in a show and purchase some of their products as a memento.
10. Relax on the Sunset Aperitif Cruise on the Seine River with Music
Visiting Paris brings with it the opportunity to see its well-known monuments and landmarks in a special and romantic way.
Taking a ride on the Seine River at sunset is a perfect way to observe the city in the evening when its famous places are lit up and the City of Lights shines.
As the sun goes down, the sky turns magnificent shades of pink and orange, providing a glow over the buildings and monuments situated along the river.
Enjoy a glass of wine or champagne while cruising by the iconic Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Musée d’Orsay, each of which are illuminated and mirrored on the river.
Live music and tour commentary make for a captivating and informative experience.
>> Click here to check tour rates and availability
11. Go Dancing in Paris
Paris is renowned for its late-night entertainment, with a plethora of clubs to pick from, but two renowned ones are La Station – Gare des Mines and Rex Club.
The former is in the 18th arrondissement and is an old train station transformed into a club. It has a distinctive industrial feel, with exposed walls of brick, high ceilings, and a large dance floor.
It is known for its techno and house beats, and the youthful and fashionable come to enjoy the music.
Rex Club, located in the 2nd arrondissement, is one of the oldest techno clubs in Paris and is widely regarded as a Parisian nightlife staple.
It has a big dance floor, and a VIP area, and pulls in a broad crowd who come to experience the music and atmosphere.
12. Take a French Wine Tasting Class with Sommelier
France is renowned for its wines, and Paris is the perfect place to experience them.
Taking a wine-tasting class with a sommelier in Paris is an excellent experience for those seeking an immersive educational experience of French culture.
It is also a great way to learn about the different wines of France, including the regions they come from, the grapes used to make them, and the best ways to pair them with food.
A sommelier, a wine expert, will guide you through the class, educating you on the history, the production process, the culture of French wines, the main wine regions of France, the grapes they grow, and the style of wine they make.
You’ll learn how to read a French label, and even have the option to purchase some of the wines you sampled after the class.
Consider staying for dinner and continue trying the O Chateau’s selection of 40 wines.
>> Click here to check tour rates and availability
13. Enjoy the Rooftop Bars of Paris
Paris is renowned for its beautiful skyline, and enjoying it from the top of a rooftop bar is an amazing way to take in the view.
Three of the most recommended include the Terrass” Rooftop Bar in the 18th arrondissement, the Sequoia Rooftop Bar in the 16th arrondissement, and the Skyline Paris Lounge & Bar in the 8th arrondissement.
The Terrass Hôtel Montmartre Rooftop Bar has a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
The Sequoia Rooftop Bar has a panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower and the city. At the Skyline Paris Lounge & Bar, you can see the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and the Arc de Triomphe, plus you can listen to live music while sipping your favorite cocktail.
All of the bars offer a variety of cocktails, champagne, and light bites, but be sure to check the dress code before you go.
14. Watch a Show with the Opera Garnier Entry Ticket
Charles Garnier’s gorgeous Opera Garnier, also known as the Palais Garnier, is situated in the 9th arrondissement and was unveiled in 1875.
The structure itself is a masterpiece, with its huge marble stairs, exquisite chandeliers, and gilded ornamentation.
Visitors can take part in a guided tour of the opera to learn about its past and observe its beautiful features up close.
The tour comprises access to the auditorium, where you can observe the stage and the seating, as well as the renowned chandelier that was once included in the novel and later movie, “The Phantom of the Opera.”
Apart from the tours, Opera Garnier also has ballet and opera performances (which are great if visiting Paris during winter and the weather isn’t great!).
These shows are a great opportunity to experience the beauty and acoustics of the opera house while enjoying some of the most highly esteemed performances in the world.
Address: Pl. de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris
>> Click here to check tour rates and availability\
Things to Do in Paris at Night (On a Map!)
Where to Stay in Paris
If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Paris, here are some of our top recommendations!
- Ibis Hotel in Clichy (Budget – I stayed here and recommend it)
- Tilsitt Etoile (Mid)
- La Maison Favart (Lux)
Did we miss any of the best things to do in Paris at night? Let us know your favorites in the comments!
More Paris Travel Guides
- Day trips from Paris
- Paris perfume workshop
- Musée d’Orsay tickets
- Champagne tours from Paris
- Best weekend breaks in France
- Louvre travel tips
- Moulin Rouge show in Paris
- Winter in Paris
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Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now splits her time between Frankfurt, Germany and Arctic Finland after also living in Norway, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.