12 Best Things to do in Paris at Night
Discover the best things to do in Paris at night for the ultimate fairy-tale evening in Paris.
Paris is one of the most magical cities in the world. On every street and around every corner you will find something new and exciting to admire and enjoy.
Both day and night Paris offers a wide range of amazing sites to see, experiences to be had, and beauty to soak in. There are few places on earth with so much history and charm, and making the most of your time in Paris by enjoying the city after hours is a must.
Here are the 12 best things to do in Paris at night for a night you will never forget.
Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you may even receive a small discount. See disclosure for more information.
In This Post
12 Best Things to Do in Paris at Night
Admire The Eiffel Tower
There are few things in the world as magical as watching the Eiffel Tower at night. Once the sun sets the iconic structure lights up with thousands of little light bulbs illuminating the sky.
As one of the most famous landmarks in France, this is something you have to see at least once in your life to experience the grandeur that is the Eiffel Tower. In the warmer months, people will bring blankets and sit on the grass admiring the Eiffel Tower with friends, wine, cheese, and meats.
In addition to lighting up at night, every hour on the hour there is a light show with flashing lights. It is spectacular. Heading to the Eiffel Tower during Paris at night is a must to see and experience the magic of the city. It is also a popular place for proposals and romantic dates, and heading here for an evening is easily one of the most romantic things to do in Paris.
Explore The Louvre After Hours
The Louvre is one of the most famous landmarks in Paris and is worth a visit both day and night. However, once the sun sets and the museum is closed The Louvre is less busy, and walking around admiring this beautiful attraction becomes much more enjoyable.
The iconic glass pyramid and surrounding buildings light up with a magical glow of lights that must be soaked up. There are few things as romantic and charming as exploring the Louvre after hours. You will feel like you’re in a romantic novel or the main character in a movie!
Relax With L’apéro
L’apéro is short for l’apéritif and is a French tradition that is ingrained in French culture. This is when you go for drinks and small finger foods before dinner. This typically takes place between 6 PM and 9 PM and is a very popular thing to do in Paris at night.
You will likely find restaurants for dinner don’t start filling up until after 8 PM or 9 PM and this is because it is very popular to just go for L’apéro in the evening and eat later.
There are a ton of restaurants all around Paris that are made for L’apéro. They are often packed with people sitting on the iconic Paris terraces and inside enjoying the night before going for dinner. Find beers, wines, cocktails, and more for the perfect evening pre-drink and some of the best places for Apero in Paris.
Watch a Parisian Cabaret or Traditional Show
There is no better thing to do in Paris at night than head to a Parisian Cabaret or Traditional Show. Cabarets in Paris are where you go for dinner and a show for a night of entertainment and excitement.
They became famous in the 19th century and since then have only grown in fame! There are a ton of cabarets in Paris to choose from, the most famous being Moulin Rouge, but you have a ton of different options!
Enjoy a Delicious Dinner
Everyone knows that the food in Paris is on another level. With hundreds of different restaurants to choose from you truly have the option of just about anything! Heading to one of the amazing restaurants in the city for a night of delicious food, magical ambiance and a vibrant atmosphere is a must.
Just note, that prices in Paris are really high so you will likely be spending quite a bit on a nice dinner, but it is so worth it.
Due to the high demand for all the top restaurants in Paris, it is a must to make reservations beforehand. Be sure to check and make them a week in advance to ensure you get a place at the restaurant you want and at the time you want. One of the best restaurants in Paris for a magical dinner experience is Coco!
Night Cruise on the Seine
Sailing on the Seine River after hours is one of the best things to do in Paris at night. With the twinkling lights of the city, relaxing atmosphere and beautiful views, there are few things in the world as magical.
There are plenty of different companies that offer Seine River cruises ranging from sightseeing to candlelit dinners, all of which have their charm. This is easily one of the most romantic things to do in Paris and a great date idea for couples visiting the city!
Night at a Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bars in Paris are amazing. With views of all the buildings, and if you’re lucky the Eiffel Tower in the distance, you can enjoy an evening you will never forget. Luckily, there are plenty of amazing rooftop bars in Paris with stunning views of the city and its iconic structures to choose from. Making a reservation far in advance is a must!
Here are some of the top rooftop bars in the city:
Enjoy An Evening At Opera Garnier
The Palais Garnier is often called the most famous opera house in the world. It is one of the most iconic places in Paris that is best visited at night. It was used as the setting of the novel The Phantom of the Opera which is where its fame began and since then has only grown.
If you are lucky enough to be visiting Paris during the time of performance getting tickets is a must. You can enjoy concerts, dancing, ballets and more!
Versailles Firework Show
Every Saturday night in the summer there is a fireworks and fountain show in the Palace of Versailles. Taking a day trip from Paris to enjoy this magical show is a wonderful thing to do in Paris at night. It is a great idea to head to The Palace of Versailles in the morning to explore the Palace interior and Palace grounds during the day and stay for the show at night.
Paris Photography at Night
Paris is easily one of the best places on earth for Photography. There are endless places around the city to take stunning photos of iconic structures, beautiful views, and ancient streets.
Soak in The Arc Du Triomphe & Champs Elysse
After hours at the Soak in The Arc Du Triomphe and The Champs Elysse are buzzing with excitement. The hectic roundabout is full of cars zooming around, the streets are full of people, and the city is alive! The Arc Du Triomphe looks absolutely mesmerizing with the lights around it amplifying it – making it look almost unlifelike. This is the perfect thing to do in Paris at night for a free and exciting activity.
Night Tour
Go on a night tour to see and admire the city at night with a professional guide. This is a great option if your safety in Paris is a concern and you want to ensure you are well-guided.
How to Get Around Paris
The best way to get around Paris is by public transport. You can buy a day ticket for 15 euros and use the metro, trains and busses as you please!
It is also a good idea to get the Paris City Pass for access to a hop-on hop-off bus and access to plenty of attractions in the city.
Where to Stay in Paris
Booking.comTravel Insurance
Getting travel insurance before you travel is a MUST. It’s the number one thing you should always pack before travelling that can save you a lot of money, time, and stress. With how crazy travel has gotten recently you need that peace of mind that no matter what happens there is something protecting you from losing out. I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should.
I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should. Below is my favorite travel insurer Safety Wings, enter your details to get a free quote!
Paris at night is nothing short of magical. The city of love will have you falling in love with the views and vibrance of the city over and over again!
Like this post? Pin “Paris at night” for later
Love,
SSW
