Paris is a city full of interesting places to see. Museums with famous pieces of art, large green parks ideal for summer picnics, tiny streets with typical French bakeries.
Literally at each corner, there is something to explore.
Even if “mademoiselle” Paris is charming during the daylight, there is nothing like experiencing it during the night.
The appellation “city of lights” has not been chosen for Paris by coincidence.
So, what about making use of its evening atmosphere to make your stay more special? Here is a list of the best attractions that will manifest the Parisian night beauty in all its splendor.
Paris Riverbanks
There is barely something more romantic than a small walk through Parisian riverbanks during the night.
While walking on the old pavement, you can enjoy spectacular views of all the Parisian monuments, illuminated by lights.
1. Les berges de Seine
Les berges de Seine is a new Parisian project that has transformed an old waterfront on the left (south) bank of the Seine river.
The new area, starting at the Alma bridge, is a place to relax and exercise.
It goes up to the Solférino bridge that connects the left bank with the famous Tuilleries Gardens.
During the night, Les berges de Seine waterfront offers beautiful views of Paris’ landmarks.
This includes the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Orsay Museums, and the art nouveau building called Grand Palais.
Also, there are good restaurants and bars, where night visitors can grab a drink while enjoying the reflection of lights in the Seine river.
2. Quai Saint-Bernard
Another popular waterfront is called Quai Saint-Bernard.
It starts just behind the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral and is one of the more popular places for picnics.
During summer nights, Quai Saint-Bernard is full of young people having fun while enjoying the night view to the Island of Saint Louis – the oldest part of Paris.
In addition, during the month of July, Quai Saint-Bernard hosts a special dance festival.
Each evening, three dance styles are presented in the rounded concrete area next to the river.
And, participation is free.
So, what about an Argentinian tango class, entertaining Irish dance, or seductive salsa?
Grab a beer and dive into the night dance fever!
3. Bassin de la Villette
North of Paris, you can find a water canal with a small port that is called Bassin de la Villette.
Both of its waterfronts are popular meeting points for young, artistic people. They are playing music, singing, and drinking.
In addition, the port is full of cultural attractions – a pair of artistic cinemas called MK2 offer a large scale of interesting movies to see.
You’ll see numerous boats bars, anchoring each summer in the canal, watching various entertaining concerts and shows.
Night river cruises
An alternative to the night spent by enjoying riverfront attractions is to try some of the Parisian Cruise tours.
There are two main cruise lines, Bateaux Mouches and Les Vedettes du pont Neuf.
Both offer tours around the main monuments, accompanied by detailed information.
4. Les Bateaux Mouches
Les Bateaux Mouches cruise line is located on the right (north) bank of Paris, at Port de la Conférence.
It’s a few minutes’ walk from the Alma-Marceau subway station (line 9).
The tour takes between 30 and 40 minutes and starts by reaching Notre-Dame Cathedral.
On the way, the Cruise passes through Louvre and Orsay Museums and rounds a fortress called Conciergerie, where the famous French queen Marie-Antoinette was detained.
Behind Notre-Dame, it would turn and take you to the Eiffel Tower and the Trocadéro palace.
The prices start at 13,50 Euros. Bateaux Mouches offer equally the option to dine in on board for 75 Euros.
Check Cruise More Dinner Cruises
5. Les vedettes du Pont Neuf
The cruise line Les vedettes du Pont Neuf is located in the heart of Paris, just below one of its oldest bridges called Pont Neuf (The New Bridge).
The tour follows almost the same itinerary as Bateaux Mouches offer and is accompanied by a guide speaking in French or in English.
With les vedettes du Pont Neuf, count with one hour on board.
The specialty of this cruise line is “Croisiére Champagne” – a guided tour that connects sightseeing with a French Champagne tasting.
Parisian views
For those dreaming of seeing Paris from a bird’s perspective, there are several observatories that will offer stunning panoramic views to the whole city.
6. Eiffel Tower
For first-time visitors, Eiffel Tower is a must.
The stunning steel building is situated on the West side of Paris.
It is accessible by the Bir-Hakeim subway station (line 6) or via the RER C (Champs de Mars – Tour Eiffel station).
It was designed and constructed by the architect Gustave Eiffel for the World Exposition of 1889, has three floors and is 300.24 meters tall.
The tower accommodates several restaurants, a champagne bar, a macaroon pastry shop, and an observatory deck on the top.
The best way to save money and see more of Paris is through package tours.
7. Montparnasse Tower
There is another observatory deck that you should not miss, called the Montparnasse Tower.
The 210 meters tall tower was constructed in 1973.
For a long time, it was considered to be the tallest building in Paris.
It is located in the 15th Arrondissement (district) and is surrounded by many restaurants and bars with a great 60′ atmosphere.
From the top of Montparnasse tower, you can see places up to 40 km far away.
As well as the Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse offers to visitors dinner in a fancy restaurant on the top.
In addition, it is only from Montparnasse that you can see the golden-shining Eiffel Tower in all its splendor. The tickets start at 15 Euros.
Night Museum Tours
What about a bit of art and history during the night?
Several museums and galleries offer special night tours for late visitors.
8. Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is one of the biggest museums in the world, preserving important artifacts and pieces of art.
It protects treasures and mummies from ancient Egypt, Greek statues as well as the famous Da Vinci painting Mona Lisa.
The Louvre palace, built in 13th century, was longtime used as a siege of powerful French kings.
Escape the daily rush and explore Louvre on Wednesday or Friday night.
You will enjoy the collection under the cover of the night charm and the beautiful lighting of the building.
Louvre accepts night visitors until 10:45 pm.
The ticket price is 15 Euros for an adult.
9. Orsay Museum
Another important Museum, Musée d’Orsay, exposing paramount works of French fine art history, is just across the Seine river from the Louvre.
So, enjoy the walk over Pont des Arts bridge and reach the old train station built in 1900 for one of the famous World Expositions.
It is surprising that Orsay station was transformed into a gallery only in 1975.
Their main attraction is the collections of French paintings.
Starting with Claude Monet and Auguste Renoir, it comprises this whole avant-garde period of art.
Night visit of the Orsay Museum is possible each Thursday when the door closes at 9:45pm.
Fancy Restaurants
You cannot leave Paris without getting an insight in the secrets of the rich French gastronomy.
French food is delicious and always fresh.
In addition, the service is professional and the atmosphere is unique.
What about picking a good restaurant after one of the Parisian night tours?
Here are a couple of unique recommendations.
10. Bouillon Racine
Popular restaurant with a long tradition called Bouillon Racine is situated in the hearth of the student district called Quartier Latin.
You can get there from subway stations Saint-Michel (line 4) and Cluny-la Sorbonne (line 10), or through the RER B station Jardins de Luxembourg.
The interior of Bouillon Racine will enchant you by a stunning art nouveau decoration.
Shiny mirrors on the wall, light green walls, and golden ornamental decoration will make you feel like at the beginning of the century.
Pick a fresh cod with ratatouille or a delicious slow-cooked beef.
Then, end up your dinner with the most famous French pastry – the decadent layered dessert l’Opéra. One main dish will cost you around 20 Euros.
11. Polidor
Cinema enthusiasts would surely love a tiny restaurant with a warm, familiar atmosphere called Polidor.
Polidor is just around the corner from Bouillon Racine.
It is here, where Woody Allen shot his movie called Midnight in Paris.
A simple interior with wooden tables, red checkered tablecloths, and dim lights give a perfect atmosphere of bohemian 20’.
Order a glass of wine and pick a homemade dish from a large offer.
Delicious chicken breast with homemade potato purée is the right choice. The price is 22 Euros for the menu including entrée, main dish, and a dessert.
Alternatively, you can go for a more flashy dining experience where there are shows and wine included.
Book one of our Paris dining packages if you prefer everything planned upfront.
Entertaining Bars
If you are not hungry enough to eat, stick in some of Parisian bars for a drink or two.
12. Le Reflet
The first bar you should not miss is called Le Reflet.
It is hidden in a tiny street called rue Champollion, just next to the metro station Cluny-La Sorbonne (line 10).
Thanks to its central position within many artistic cinemas, Le Reflet is the paradise of cinephiles.
The walls are decorated with popular cinema posters, and students talking about films are omnipresent.
Cinema employees themselves come here and sit on bar stools enjoying their work break.
The background music supports the relaxed mood of the place – the oldies rule here. Le Reflet has a large variety of beers, delicious wines, and cool cocktails.
13. Edwards and Sons
This is a quaint bar on the roads of Paris with a humble and local feel.
There’s no need to be fancy here, as everyone gathers for real French beer when the doors open at 5pm.
Live bands play here regularly, adding to the homely atmosphere.
Or you can have a chat with some of the friendly locals talking about football!
A number of pub crawl tours stop here since it’s such a popular location for local gatherings.
14. Buddha Bar
If you preparing for a bigger occasion, the Buddha Bar might be more appropriate.
This classy venue also serves drinks and dinner.
However, its the luxurious decor inside and giant Buddha that will make your jaws drop.
The club lighting is romantically set, adding to the intimate experience.
You can package a visit to Buddha Bar with Eiffel Tower entry to save more money.
Shows
The city of lights does not offer only great restaurants, bars, and stunning views.
For centuries, Paris is the European epicenter of performing and visual arts. To try at least one show that the artistic scene offers is compulsory.
15. La Filmothéque du Quartier Latin
Next to cabarets, Paris is also a cradle of the cinema. It is here, where the “cinephile” movement was born during the 50’s.
The cinema called La Filmothèque du Quartier Latin, situated in the rue Champollion next to the subway station Cluny-La Sorbonne (line 10) has preserved its extraordinary atmosphere.
Old projection halls have intellectual charm and if you don’t experience at least one movie you’ll miss a big part of Parisian culture.
The program offers the best films throughout cinematic history and the price for the ticket is 9 Euros.
16. Moulin Rouge
The quintessence of bohemian culture is surely the district called Montmartre.
Its most famous cabaret, Moulin Rouge, is accessible by the subway station Pigalle (line 2).
An opulent end-of-century building with luxurious interior was founded in 1889 and has quickly become one of the most popular cabarets in France.
Many world-famous artists have performed here, including Frank Sinatra, Josephine Baker, or Edith Piaf.
Nowadays, Moulin Rouge offers entertaining shows full of dancing, singing and acrobatics. As Moulin Rouge is extremely popular, tickets must be reserved early.
Don’t miss your chance to see the world-renowned showgirls and French Cancan dancers strut their stuff on the Moulin Rouge’s historic stage.
You can also choose a dinner package or a quick Paris tour before the show if you want to experience the works!
This list presents only a few ideas of Parisian night charms, and we’re sure there are many other options.
On any given night, you could choose to go on a romantic night walk, a cabaret show, or a delicious dinner.
