Are you looking for the best things to do in Paris at night?
Paris is home to some of the world’s most well-known tourist sites, including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.
The European city is brimming with art, culture, history, and gastronomic delights, making it a popular destination on travel bucket lists.
Dubbed “the city of lights“, Paris is home to an abundance of incredible things to do from day to night. Paris at night is just as enchanting, if not more so than it is during the day. As the sun sets, the city truly comes alive, transforming into one of the most romantic places in France.
Whether you’re in Paris for the romance, the culture, or the food, there’s always something to do at night.
Things you'll find in this article
- 11 Fun Things To Do In Paris At Night
- 1. Watch the Eiffel Tower light show or head to the top!
- 2. Dine at a Michelin restaurant
- 3. Enjoy a Night at the (Louvre) Museum
- 4. Indulge in l’apéro with Friends
- 5. Take a classic Seine river cruise
- 6. Ride the Ferris wheel at Concorde
- 7. Catch a Cabaret Show
- 8. Experience a Night at the Opera (Palais Garnier)
- 9. Go On a Vintage Car Night Tour
- 10. Descend into the Paris Catacombs
- 11. Sip on cocktails or enjoy a glass of wine
- Where to stay in Paris
11 Fun Things To Do In Paris At Night
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Are you travelling to Paris on a budget? Or you’re looking forward to splurging? This guide will undoubtedly come in handy! Here is a list of the best things to do in Paris at night!
1. Watch the Eiffel Tower light show or head to the top!
The lit-up and majestic Eiffel Tower greets Paris with a spectacular display of glittering lights as soon as the sunsets.
This spectacle adds charm to the already gorgeous Parisian cityscape. Make time during your Paris nights to view this stunning light show at least a couple of times throughout your visit.
Another must-do is to climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Nighttime provides a unique mood and is the ideal time to visit. Just make sure to book your tickets ahead of time.
Access to the top of the Eiffel Tower tends to sell out quickly as one of the most popular things to do in Paris in the evening!
2. Dine at a Michelin restaurant
Around 630 Michelin Star restaurants are based in Paris, ranging from one to three stars. Whether you are looking for a fancy dining experience or classic French food, there are likely to be a few menus that will suit your preference and budget.
After viewing the Eiffel Tower’s light show, savour a delectable dinner made by Michelin-starred chefs. It’s one of those things to do in Paris at night that everyone should experience at least once in their lives.
3. Enjoy a Night at the (Louvre) Museum
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The beautiful Louvre Museum is unquestionably a must-see in Paris. However, most people who have visited the Louvre after dark tell you that it is significantly superior to seeing during the day. It is undoubtedly one of the most exciting things to do in Paris at night.
The world’s most famous museum is open until 9:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, giving visitors plenty of time to explore after dark. At night, the Louvre takes on a more romantic air.
There’s something unique about wandering while the crowds are thin, giving you plenty of room to examine fantastic art. So, don’t forget to reserve your skip-the-line tickets ahead of time to ensure you get in!
4. Indulge in l’apéro with Friends
A l’apéro is a casual evening drink and nibbles shared with friends before a late dinner. This is one of the best nighttime activities in Paris for truly immersing yourself in the local culture and evening environment.
Nothing like discovering a little tavern off the main path and sharing a chilled glass of rosé with friends while snacking on a dish of salted cashews! Apéro is available in practically every bar in Paris.
After your aperitif, take a seat in the dining room and enjoy a more filling dinner like a local.
5. Take a classic Seine river cruise
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Among the many enjoyable things to do in Paris at night, a Seine River cruise is most popular with travellers. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also a lot of fun and a great nighttime activity in Paris.
Sunset is the ideal time for a Seine river tour. It’s even more magnificent to gaze from the water when darkness falls over the city. Watch as the lights begin to illuminate the superb Parisian skyline from the boat.
6. Ride the Ferris wheel at Concorde
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Another popular thing to do in Paris at night is the Ferris Wheel, also known as La Roue de Paris, in Place de la Concorde. From the 60-meter-tall Ferris wheel, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of Paris’s historic centre and beyond.
As you make your way up the wheel in your pod, you’ll be able to see the best areas of Paris lit up at night.
The Louvre pyramid, the Jardin des Tuileries, the Arc de Triomphe, Les Champs Élysées, and the Eiffel Tower and the River Seine will be visible in the distance.
7. Catch a Cabaret Show
Hundreds of cabaret shows are available in Paris to keep you entertained at night. The Crazy Horse, Paradis Latin, Libo de Paris, and Cesar Palace are Paris’ most famous cabaret shows.
Moulin Rouge, a popular French cabaret production, is also worth stopping. The 1952 film was the inspiration for this must-visit dinner theatre.
Indulge in a fantastic evening of entertainment and performances featuring music, dance and theatre. It’s impossible to be disappointed by a visit to the lounge, so make sure you see one while in Paris.
You can get your ticket for a Cabaret Show online here.
8. Experience a Night at the Opera (Palais Garnier)
A night at the Palais Garnier opera theatre in Paris is an experience not to be missed. The theatre, which has a capacity of over 1970 people, is one of the world’s largest opera houses.
The Palais Garnier wonderfully reflects the splendour of a bygone period, with stunning architecture and elaborate interiors made of marble and stone.
Join in an after-hours tour of the opera house for a closer look behind-the-scenes and into the mysteries of the French Opera. It’s a fun thing to do in Paris at night that’s bound to be unforgettable!
You can get your ticket for self- guided visit to Opera Garnier online here.
9. Go On a Vintage Car Night Tour
One of the best things to do in Paris at night is to take a trip in a classic Citroen car through the streets of the city of lights.
The Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre are just a few of Paris’ most famous sights that your driver will take you to while on this vintage automobile night tour.
There is also a Secret Paris Tour that lasts two hours and takes you through some new neighbourhoods and backstreets to discover hidden gems that you won’t find on your own.
An excellent pre-ride dinner goes well with this one-of-a-kind tour of the French capital.
10. Descend into the Paris Catacombs
Do you want to embark on a spooky tour of Paris? A journey to the Catacombs is a chilling peek into the city’s history.
During the French Revolution, due to the congestion of the city’s Cemetery of the Innocents, masses of bones were deposited in stone quarries.
Over 15 months, nighttime processions led by priests took the remains below, culminating in the 300 kilometres of below-ground tunnels upon which Paris now stands.
Guided tours are available for two kilometres of these tunnels, an underground ossuary, the Quarriers’ Footbath, the Sacellum Crypt, the Sepulchral Lamp, and the Tomb of Gilbert.
Along the way, you’ll hear a museum lecturer share stories and trivia while learning about Paris’ geological history.
Check out this Paris: Catacombs Skip-the-Ticket-Line Ticket and Audio Guide here.
11. Sip on cocktails or enjoy a glass of wine
France is the birthplace of many of the world’s most famous wines. When it comes to drinking, you’re spoiled for choice between the wines of Bordeaux, the reds of Burgundy, and the crisp rosés of Provence.
That’s why finishing an adventurous Paris evening with a glass or two of the country’s iconic drink is a must!
Most Parisian bars feature happy hours during evenings, where they offer cocktails for less than €10 per person.
This is why one of the best things to do in Paris at night is to gather a group of friends and head to a bar to sip on some delectable wine. Santé!
Where to stay in Paris
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Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.
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