After a long day of sightseeing you might be wondering where to go out in Paris. Paris’ nightlife is lively and there’s something for every taste. Check out our 12 best bars in Paris, hand-picked from our free city guide, momondo places, available for iPhones.
Harry’s Bar
Join the list of famous writers, musicians and actors who have enjoyed a drink at Harry’s Bar. Opened by American expat Harry MacElhone on Thanksgiving Day 1911, his family has owned it ever since, during which time it’s seen the invention of some of the world’s most famous cocktails, including the White Lady, the Bloody Mary, and the Sidecar.
Step into the dark and classic interior of a bygone era, where it’s easy to imagine the likes of Hemingway as well as many noted jazz musicians who have performed here over the years.
Where: 5 Rue Daunou, 2nd arr.
Tel: +33 1 42 61 71 14
Nearest station: Opéra
Le China
Asian bar-restaurant Le China is inspired by a 1930s Shanghai colonial gentlemen’s club; the interior décor features lacquer-red walls, black and white checkerboard floors, Chesterfield sofas, palm trees, and dim light.
The bar offers decadent cocktails like the Hemingway – a concoction of Cuban rum, Cointreau, lime and grapefruit – and a good selection of wines. In the dining area you will be able to enjoy a fine Asian fusion dish such as the luxurious glazed pork with mint.
It wouldn’t be a true gentlemen’s club if it didn’t have a dedicated space for an after-dinner drink; head upstairs to the cigar lounge and enjoy a glass of cognac in front of the fireplace.
Where: 50 Rue de Charenton, 12th arr.
Tel: +33 1 43 46 08 09
Nearest station: Ledru-Rollin
Le Café
An intimate room off Rue Tiquetonne, strewn with knick-knacks, Le Café offers an unpretentious meal. The outdoor space is tiny and there is no DJ, but staff members put on a CD every now and then.
Though it dons a rather simple décor, jet-setters and French celebrities flock here to such an extent that this place, time and again, appears in French trend-guides right next to the most exclusive venues.
Where: 62 Rue Tiquetonne, 2nd arr.
Tel: n/a
Nearest station: Étienne Marcel
Ice Kube Bar
In a dark alley close to the railway, a design hotel in a luxury mansion boasts two bars that make it worth a visit.
In the bar downstairs, the décor is warm and in dark brown hues, with a bearskin draped over the sofa. As popular for Sunday brunch as for a midnight snack, it’s always packed.
Upstairs, the temperature drops to -18° in Paris’ only ice bar. Put on a ski jacket, mittens, and a knitted hat before you go in for an arctic shot at the frozen bar. You have to book in advance and it’s a cool €26 for three vodka cocktails.
Where: 1-5 Passage Ruelle, 18th arr.
Tel: +33 1 42 05 20 00
Nearest station: La Chapelle
Read more: A day in Montmartre
Le Général Beuret
Le Général Beuret is an unpretentious bar located on the corner of a charming little square. The décor is simple, yet colourful and you will quickly notice that they are crazy about superheros here. The walls are adorned with a Superman-inspired character bearing the letter B on the chest.
The bar is usually brimming with young Parisians reading newspapers, drinking half pints, and joking with the friendly staff. The food on the menu is classic bar fare: burgers, steak and fries.
During summertime you can take in the cosy atmosphere from one of tables on the pavement terrace.
Where: 9 Place du Général Beuret, 15th arr.
Tel: +33 1 42 50 28 62
Nearest station: Volontaires
Le Fumoir
Come in for a drink and a good book amidst fabulous buttoned armchairs, light smoky-grey walls, and heavy roller blinds. The library at Le Fumoir contains over 3,000 volumes and you’re welcome to take anything you like, as long as you swap it with something else.
The long mahogany bar was rescued from a warehouse in Philadelphia and dates back to the illicit alcohol trade during the Prohibition era. Nowadays many exquisite cocktails are served on it, as well as high-quality tea, and brunch on Sundays.
Where: 6 Rue de l’Amiral Coligny, 1st arr.
Tel: +33 1 42 92 00 24
Nearest station: Louvre-Rivoli
Le Comptoir Général
Like a treasure trove of keepsakes collected from the ex-Francafrique-colonies overseas, Le Comptoir Général is a window into vintage goods, exotic kitchen utensils, and art originating from different sub-Saharan countries.
There’s live music and DJ-sets, second hand books and vinyls, and a vintage fashion shop upstairs. The bar is popular at night, so it’s worth arriving early. When you make it inside, try the refreshing Secousse cocktail – vodka mixed with passion fruit juice and served with cucumber slices.
Where: 80 Quai de Jemmapes, 10th arr.
Tel: +33 1 44 88 24 48
Nearest station: République
Andy Wahloo
A Moroccan-owned bar filled with pop art from the 1970s, stools made from paint buckets and shelves packed with sardine tins, Andy Wahloo is hidden behind a modest door in a narrow street.
The tree-lined courtyard is open during the summer, and you can enjoy a cup of Moroccan mint tea while stretching out on comfy cushions. Owner Hakim welcomes you into the back as if it were his private flat and invites you to play billiards, watch TV, or have something to eat.
Best of all, walk through the closet and find yourself in the secret smoking room.
Where: 69 Rue des Gravilliers, 3rd arr.
Tel: +33 1 42 71 20 38
Nearest station: Arts-et-Métiers
Le Coeur Fou
Le Coeur Fou – the Crazy Heart – is the kind of local place where creative types and groups of artsy friends meet to mingle. The atmosphere is laid-back, the menu features a few tapas dishes, and the interior décor is simple – just a pair of yellow sofas, a pillow-clustered bench and an old film poster.
Undoubtedly influenced by bartender Rachid’s deliciously intoxicating Brazilian Caipirinha, it’s not uncommon to see two apparent strangers suddenly start talking. In the summer when temperatures rise, the party spills out onto the terrace to enjoy the Parisian night air.
Where: 55 Rue Montmartre, 2nd arr.
Tel: +33 1 42 33 04 98
Nearest station: Sentier
Café La Perle
Once one of the hottest bars in Marais, Café La Perle still attracts a buzzing crowd with its kitsch 70s style and carefree attitude. The eclectic crowd of self-aware fashionistas, expats with artsy careers, and a solid LGBT contingent often spills outside onto the corner, bringing the party to the street.
A DJ plays on Thursdays and Fridays, and the party starts early in the evening, so make sure to come in good time. The staff is friendly and during the warmer months there’s outdoor service, too.
Where: 78 Rue Vieille du Temple, 3rd arr.
Tel: +33 1 42 72 69 93
Nearest station: Saint-Sébastien – Froissart
Little Red Door
This little bar is unsurprisingly hidden behind a miniature red door; though it’s more of a decorative element, since more often than not it’s locked. Enter through the regular door on the left.
Inside, the flickering candles, exposed brickwork, and colourful chairs combine to create a cosy atmosphere that lends a certain street art style to the chic and petite Parisian cocktail bar.
The ambient is heightened by the skilled bartenders, concocting creative cocktails, served in beautiful vintage glasses. The spectacular mastery of the mixologists is well worth the slightly higher price.
Where: 60 Rue Charlot, 3th arr.
Tel: +33 1 42 71 19 32
Nearest station: Filles du Calvaire
Chez Jeannette
No matter what time of the day you come to Chez Jeannette, the atmosphere is warm and the crowd unpretentious. During the day, there’s just a few locals drinking beers, but after 6 pm, it gets crowded with Parisians coming here for an after-work drink.
Though it looks a bit run-down, with its ancient chandeliers and tobacco-stained wallpaper, this place oozes authenticity. Just order some beer and a cheese platter from Auvergne and enjoy the ambience.
Where: 47 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 10th arr.
Tel: +33 1 47 70 30 89
Nearest station: Strasbourg Saint-Denis
