Paris at Night is beautiful. We’ve had the privilege of visiting Paris a half a dozen times and we never tire of enjoying its beauty. So we want to share its beauty with you with all of these great ideas for what to do in Paris at night!
It’s known as the city of lights and Paris doesn’t disappoint. If there is one city worth strolling through once the sun goes down, Paris is it! Monuments, towers, and museums are lit up. Traffic even turns into a work of art.
Each time we visit Paris we love getting lost in the streets at night. Sometimes Dave has his camera ready to take photographs of the city at night and others we simply enjoy the city of love.
Table of Contents
Things to do in Paris at Night
A word of warning, they turn all of the lights off on the monuments and bridges of Paris at Midnight but that gives you plenty of time to still see it all. Better yet, if you have a few days, you won’t miss a thing!
- Read More Paris at
Moulin Rouge
What says Paris at night more than a cabaret? Of course, when looking for things to do in Paris at night Moulin Rouge is definitely the first thing that springs to mind. Known as the birthplace of the can-can, the Moulin Rouge has been running since 1889. It may not be the first place local Parisians visit, but it is still a Paris attraction that is not to be missed!
- You can pre-book a Moulin Rouge Show with Champagne.
If you are looking for other Cabarets in Paris, check out:
- Lido Cabaret – Enjoy a half bottle of Champagne while watching the Bluebell Girls and the Lido Boys perform in their flashy costumes.
- L’Oiseau Paradis Cabaret – is an extravaganza of dancers, comedians, singers and attractions merging on stage.
- Crazy Horse – Legendary cabaret in Paris
Visit the Louvre After Dark
The Louvre is busy during the day, but at night nobody is there. The glass pyramid by IM Pei is a work of art unto itself and it is far more beautiful to see in the evening than during the day. The Louvre stays open late on certain days so be sure to visit it at night!
- Louvre After Hours – Take a guided tour of the Louvre once the museum closes. When you are done, be sure to stroll around the grounds and see the magical setting lit up at night.
Stroll the Seine
It seems to be a moment in every romantic movie that takes place in Paris. Two lovers walking hand in hand along the River Seine at night. There is nothing more romantic than walking along the Seine. From here you will see all of the beautiful Paris attractions lit up at night. Walking along the River Seine at night lets you see all of the great attractions of Paris. See the lights of the Eiffel Tower and the dome of Les Invalides.
- Paris Dinner Cruise – See Paris at sunset as you cruise along the River Seine
Spend a Night at the Opera
If there is one place in the world to enjoy the opera, it is Paris! The Phantom of the Opera was actually set in the Palais Garnier. Take in a performance to experience opera in a grand setting the way it was meant to be. And if you are not into seeing a performance, you can also check out the Mysteries of the Opera Tour where you’ll explore the legendary opera house, Climb up the double stairway of the Grand Escalier, and listen to stories about the famous performances that graced the stage.
- If you have a short time in Paris, combine two of the best things to do in Paris at night on a Seine cruise with Opera Tour.
Go Up the Arc de Triomphe
Going up the Arc de Triomphe and seeing the city lights at night was one of the highlights of our many trips to Paris. This view is truly our favorite view of Paris. Not only do you see the Eiffel Tower view (seen above in our opening image). you also have a gorgeous view of the Champs Elysee. You don’t need to book tickets in advance, but going up the Arc de Triomphe is included in the Paris Pass
Admire the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the symbol of Paris and its most recognizable site. But seeing it at night is truly something special. It’s twinkling lights dazzle in the night sky. Our favourite view is from Trocadéro Square or from Champs de Mars.
But going to a rooftop bar at one of the surrounding hotels is the best way to really enjoy the view and to have a romantic evening. The Shangri la Hotel definitely has one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower with a lovely outdoor patio to enjoy an evening cocktail.
Planning a trip to Paris, you may want to read our guide to the Best Paris Hotels with Eiffel Tower Views
Seine River Cruise
An evening Seine River tour is another beautiful thing to do in Paris at night. See all the iconic landmarks and buildings that line the river from a different point of view.
- This Eiffel Tower Summet Access aned Seine Tour is a great package to combine two of the best things to do in Paris at night.
Take a Vintage Car Tour
We took a chauffeured vintage car tour through Paris and it was such a cool way to see the city. The Citroën 2CV is a classic Parisian car driven by an informative tour guide/driver. What is more romantic than sipping champagne while being told all about the history of Paris. It’s a dream to drive down the Champs Elysees without the stress of having to navigate through traffic yourself.
Pub Crawl in the Latin Quarter
If you want to meet some people and party the night away, join a guided pub crawl through the Latin Quarter.
- Book a pub craw tour that will take you to three top bars in the Latin Quarter.
Drink Champagne on a Rooftop Bar
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, the best way to see Paris at night is from above. You don’t have to go up to the top of a Paris Landmark though, find a rooftop bar at one of Paris hotels like the Novotel Paris Vanguard in Montparnasse or Hotel Raphael offering views of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. And Hyatt Regency’s always seem to have great rooftop bars in all cities around the world. Order a bottle of champagne and have a true Parisian night out.
Suggested Rooftop Bars
- Great views can be seen from Montmartre and Terrass Hotel is a good option in this area.
- Le Georges at the top of the Centre Pompidou is another good option for a rooftop patio.
- Rooftop Galeries Lafayette
- Peninsula Hotel Rooftop Bar
Read: Where To Stay In Paris – A 2020 Guide To The Best Neighborhoods
Go for a Wine Tasting
What says Paris more than a wine tasting? When in France, you must sample fine French wine and to join a wine tasting in Paris is a wonderful way to indulge. Or book a dinner at one of Paris’ top wine bars, Le Figaro Wine Bar to enjoy a tasty wine pairing dinner.
- A Parisian Deluxe Wine Tasting takes you to a tasting room led by a sommelier who guides you through six different vintages.
And these are our suggestions for things to do in Paris at night. Have you been to Paris. Did you make sure to go out at night? What Paris at night photo would you like to see added?
Read more about how to plan your trip to Paris.
- Where to Stay in Paris, the Complete Guide to Neighbourhoods
- Paris on a Budget
- Free Things to do in Paris
- Three Days in Paris Itinerary
- Visiting the Catacombs of Paris – An Underground Labyrinth of Death
- Famous People Buried in the Pere Lachaise Cemetery of Paris
- Best Day Trips from Paris
- If you are planning a trip to France, make sure to check out our France Travel Guide!
paris is beautiful city
Wow.. Such a wonderful post on Paris night. Amazing photographs.
Dave,
These are stunning photographs-I haven’t been to Paris in almost 10 years, but your photos are a reminder to how much I loved the city!
Do you have any around the Moulin Rouge? Would love to see how you captured that icon!
We didn’t really take any of the Moulin Rouge at night. We just grabbed some daytime photos of it. But we’ll have to go back to take some, that strip would be amazing to photograph.
I couldnt see the photos on the page but they came up when I clicked on them. They are gorgeous and do Paris justice. I love the city but I live in the French Alps so I only get there two or three times a year. What a wonderful thing you’re doing together. I’m a little jealous. I’ll be back. Cynthia in France
.-= cynthia in France´s last blog ..Videos of France’s Bastille Day Celebrations as celebrated in the French Alps =-.
Thanks for letting us know about the phostos Cynthia! I have no idea what happened to the Paris photos, but we are on it!
Gorgeous pics! Especially of the Notre Dame…it’s one of my favorite buildings in the world. When I was there last, at night the Eiffel Tower was lit up a sparkly bright blue, though I’m not sure if it was like that for a special event or not.
.-= Emily @ Maiden Voyage´s last blog ..Approach Guides Offer Cultural Travel Insight =-.
Hi Emily. That would have been cool to see the Eiffel Tower blue. For 5 minutes at midnight they changed the lighting to sparkling silver, but we didn’t have time to set the camera up and take a great shot. Too bad.
I really like the colors, reflections, and textures in the water at night. That picture of Notre Dame is also beautiful!
.-= Migration Mark´s last blog ..Climbing Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia =-.
Thanks Mark! We couldn’t believe our luck when we actually managed to get a picture with out people in it at Notre Dame. Even late into the night, people are everywhere in Paris. Dave loves taking night shots. We wish that he took more in Paris, but it gets dark so late and when we first arrived we couldn’t stay awake past 10:00!
My last time in France we spent 3 weeks exploring along the southern coast and some of the interior, but only 3 days in Paris – we crammed so much sightseeing into those 3 short days that I must admit I was too tired to take much notice of how beautiful Paris is at night – THANK YOU for these stunning photos to remind me that I really must get back and spend more time there!
.-= Trisha Miller´s last blog ..NEW Feature at TWE: Under The Microscope =-.
I understand completely Trisha. It is so difficult to stay up later and really enjoy Paris at night. We are looking forward to going back one day and making it to the Champs Elyse at night. Our first three days there we couldn’t stay up past 10 and then we only had 2 nights when we got back. One night it rained heavily, so we were forced to take all our shots in one evening. Would have loved more!
Wow, lovely photos! I can’t wait to see this in person!
.-= Gray´s last blog ..The Art of Solo Travel, A Review =-.
Thanks Gray. I can’t wait for you to see it in person as well. Paris is a place that has to be seen.
Dave! OUTSTANDING!!!! I have fallen IN LOVE with my city all over again.
Yes, you both will return again and when you do you will enjoy the timeless
unchanging beauty of Paris, that is forever.
Thanks MaryLouise, we made a point of going to Marie Antoinettes Prison. We only got a couple of shots off before they turned out the lights. But we managed (or should I say Dave managed) to get a few off in time.
BEAUTIFUL photos at night. Paris is one of my favourite cities to explore at night, but as you say, like the lookout point at Champ de Mars is a long way from the Notre Damn. It looks like you covered all the ground – well done 🙂
.-= Andy Hayes | Sharing Travel Experiences´s last blog ..Flying with MJ =-.
Thanks Andy. We didn’t quite cover all the ground, but we tried our best. so many places that we missed. Like the view point from the Arc Du Triomph. The metro closes awfully early as well, so it is difficult to stay out for too long.