A Night on the Town: The Ultimate Paris Bar Crawl

Start in Le Marais, where the vibe is casual and the cocktails are sharp

Your night begins in Le Marais, the heart of Parisian nightlife that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Head to Le Comptoir Général, a hidden gem tucked behind a bookshelf in a 17th-century townhouse. The decor feels like a mix between a librarian’s dream and a bohemian salon-think velvet couches, mismatched lamps, and walls covered in vintage maps. Order a Parisian Mule-vodka, ginger beer, lime, and a splash of elderflower-and watch the crowd shift from locals after work to a mix of travelers and artists as the night rolls on. This isn’t a tourist trap. It’s where Parisians go when they want to unwind without the noise.

Move to Saint-Germain-des-Prés for wine and conversation

Walk ten minutes west to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where the streets still hum with the ghosts of Sartre and Camus. Stop at Le Procope, Paris’s oldest café-turned-bar, opened in 1686. It’s not fancy, but it’s real. The wine list is all French, all small producers, and the staff won’t push you toward the most expensive bottle. Grab a glass of Beaujolais from a vineyard you’ve never heard of, and strike up a conversation with the person next to you. Parisians here don’t talk about tourism. They talk about books, politics, or why the new metro line is a disaster. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve been invited into a private club, not just another bar.

Hit the underground scene in Oberkampf

Take the metro to Oberkampf, where the nightlife gets raw, real, and loud. This isn’t the Paris you see in movies. This is the Paris that stays open until 4 a.m. and doesn’t care if you’re dressed up. La Belle Hortense is your next stop-a narrow, dimly lit bar with a jukebox that plays everything from French chanson to 90s hip-hop. The bartenders know your drink before you ask. The crowd? Musicians, painters, students, and expats who’ve been here long enough to stop pretending they’re just visiting. Order a Verjus Spritz-a bitter, herbal aperitif made from unripe grapes-and let the music pull you in. This is where the night turns from sightseeing to living.

End with a rooftop view and a quiet sip

By 1 a.m., you’re tired but not ready to call it a night. Head to Le Perchoir Rue de la Roquette, a rooftop bar perched above the 11th arrondissement. The view? The Eiffel Tower glowing in the distance, the city lights stretching like a constellation. The drinks? Simple. A gin and tonic with house-made tonic, or a glass of natural wine from the Loire Valley. No gimmicks. No photo ops forced by staff. Just quiet, warm air, and the kind of silence that only comes after hours of laughter and music. You’ll sit there, sipping slowly, thinking about how Paris doesn’t need to scream to be unforgettable.

What you need to know before you go

• Start early. Bars in Paris don’t open at 10 p.m. Like in most European cities, the real action starts after 11 p.m. and peaks around 1 a.m.
• Walk or take the metro. Taxis are expensive and slow. The metro runs until 1:15 a.m. on weekdays and 2:15 a.m. on weekends. Get a Navigo Découverte card for unlimited rides.
• Don’t expect American-style service. Parisians don’t rush. Your drink might take 10 minutes. That’s normal. Don’t snap your fingers. Smile. Say "Merci". It goes a long way.
• Carry cash. Many small bars, especially in Oberkampf and Le Marais, don’t take cards. Keep 20-30 euros in small bills.
• Dress smart-casual. No flip-flops, no sweatpants. Parisians dress with intention-even at 2 a.m. A nice jacket or a stylish scarf makes you look like you belong.

Common mistakes tourists make-and how to avoid them

Too many visitors treat Paris bars like they’re in Las Vegas: loud, flashy, and transactional. That doesn’t work here. You won’t find neon signs, drink specials with shot glasses, or bartenders who yell your name. Instead, you’ll find quiet spaces where the atmosphere matters more than the alcohol.

Don’t ask for a “Moscow Mule” at Le Procope. They’ll give you one, but they’ll also think you’ve never been to France. Ask for a "un verre de vin rouge, s’il vous plaît" and let them choose the bottle. That’s how you get the good stuff.

Also, don’t follow Instagram influencers to the "top 10 Paris bars." Many of those spots are overpriced, overcrowded, and designed for photos-not conversation. Stick to places where the locals are the main customers. You’ll know them by the line of people waiting outside-not the ones taking selfies with the sign.

What to do if you’re not a drinker

Paris nightlife isn’t just about alcohol. Many bars double as tea houses, coffee spots, or live music venues. In Le Marais, try Le Pain Quotidien after dark-it stays open until midnight with warm lighting, organic pastries, and herbal infusions. In Oberkampf, La Chambre aux Oiseaux offers non-alcoholic cocktails made with house syrups, spices, and botanicals. You don’t need to drink to enjoy the night. You just need to be present.

How to extend your night if you’re still going

If you’re still buzzing at 3 a.m., head to Le Comptoir du Relais in Saint-Germain. It’s a tiny wine bar with a back room that turns into a jazz lounge after midnight. No cover charge. No reservations. Just a saxophone, a few stools, and people who’ve been here since the 80s. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t advertise. You have to hear about it from someone who’s been.

Final tip: Slow down

The best Paris nights aren’t the ones where you hit the most bars. They’re the ones where you sit in one place long enough to notice the details-the way the light hits the wine glass, the laugh of a stranger who becomes a friend for an hour, the quiet hum of the city outside. Paris doesn’t reward speed. It rewards presence.