While there is so much to see and do in Paris, many of the listicles online (including our own) focus on what to do during the day. What about once the sun sets? Paris is an active city when the sun goes down, and you definitely don’t have to stop exploring just because it’s nighttime. Curious what you can get up to in Paris at night? We’ve got you covered. On you go!

What can you do in Paris at night?

Just because the sun sets, doesn’t mean the action in Paris does, too. Whether you’re interested in partying, seeing the city of lights lit up at night, or anything in between, there’s so much to get up to at night in Paris. Before we dive into the party scene, here are our recommendations for touristy things to do at night in Paris!

Night cruise along the Seine

Cruising along the Seine is a great way to see Paris during the day, especially if you’re not spending loads of time in the city. It’s an even more exciting way to see Paris at night, though, and is a beautiful way to take in the illuminated sights like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. You can even book river cruises with dinner to make a true evening of it. 

Eiffel Tower at night

While the Eiffel Tower is spectacular as it lights up at night, did you know that there’s an hourly light show as well? Whether you look at it from afar or get up close, be sure to take some time in the evening to watch the show! It’s truly merveilleux. 

Spend a night at the opera

Paris is home to the Opera Garnier, and what’s a classier way to spend the evening than going to see an opera? You might recognize the name as the home of the famous Phantom of the Opera, but while you won’t see any phantoms, you’ll for sure get to see some beautiful architecture. You can also book an after-hours tour to experience the building at night if you’re not interested in seeing a show!

Can can at the Moulin Rouge

While visiting the Moulin Rouge is a touristy thing, sometimes it’s fun to check those things off the bucket list. Book your tickets in advance for a night at the cabaret, and have fun at one of the most well-known night shows in Paris!

Ride the Ferris wheel at Place de la Concorde

For a sky-high view of Paris at night, head to Place de la Concorde, and ride the Roue de Paris. From your seat aboard the wheel, you’ll be able to see the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and more. Tickets cost 12€ and can be purchased on-site. You can ride this during the day as well, but a nighttime ride will give you a bird’s eye view of the lit-up streets of Paris. 

Watch the fireworks at Versailles

If you’re willing to head a little outside of Paris, from June to September Versailles offers a nightly fireworks show. Tickets are separate from general entrance tickets, but you will have access to the gardens at night (starting from 20:30), and then you’ll be treated to a nighttime firework spectaculaire! 

Head up the Arc de Triomphe

For a panoramic view of Paris at night, climb the Arc de Triomphe. From up top, you’ll have a view of the Eiffel Tower, and the Champs Elysees. You don’t have to purchase tickets in advance, but entry to the Arc de Triomphe is included in the Paris Pass. 

Best quartiers for partying in Paris at night

While there are lots to see in Paris at night, there’s also a lot of partying to be done. Whether you’re looking to go clubbing, bar hop, or just have fun, some quartiers are more designed for the party vibe. Here are our suggestions for where to look if you’re looking to get your party on in Paris!

Le Marais

Located in the fourth arrondissement, this is your go-to nightlife quartier. There’s also a very strong LGBTQ presence, both for clubs and in general in Le Marais. For a cool night of dancing to house music and partying until the early hours, CUD Bar ticks all the boxes.

Quartier Latin

This neighborhood is known as a student-heavy neighborhood, so if you’re looking for bars or clubs filled with younger travelers/French people, this is the place to go. You’ll also find quieter pubs and bars if you’re just looking for a place to get a drink while still taking in the Parisian atmosphere. If you’re not sure where to start, head to Rue Mouffetard or Place de la Contrescarpe to find some popping bars and clubs. 

Montmartre and Pigalle

Home to the Moulin Rouge, you’re sure to find some fun in this quartier. As Pigalle is known as the red-light district of Paris, it’s home to some of the trendiest bars and clubs, making it a lively stop for some evening fun. La Machine du Moulin Rouge combines a club, live venue, and a bar in one building spread out over three floors if that tickles your fancy!

Oberkampf

One of the newer quartiers for partying, this is one of the trendier nightlife districts in Paris. It’s popular, so be prepared for crowds, but if lively party scenes are what you’re looking for, this is the place to go. Head to Nouveau Casino for hopping club nights and live concerts as well!

Places for nighttime photoshoots

Who doesn’t want to get some fabulous photos out of their travels for scrapbooks or Instagram? Paris at night makes for some beautiful photos, but since there’s so much to see, we’re here to help you find the most photogenic spots in Paris. Do note that most of the monument lights are extinguished at midnight!

The Louvre pyramid

A perfect Instagram spot during the day, the pyramid lit up only makes it a better photo opportunity. If it’s rained recently as well, you’ll benefit from the reflection of the lights on the pavement - it’s truly a chef’s kiss moment of beauty.

Pont Alexandre III

While there are ample bridges in Paris, this one is filled with Art Nouveau lamps that really accentuate a photo, especially when they’re lit up at night. You can opt to have the Eiffel Tower in the background (also lit up at night), or Les Invalides so you have plenty of options to make this a picturesque memory. 

The Eiffel Tower

With The Eiffel Tower lighting up every hour after sunset, you can get some stunning photos of the light show in action. Head to Trocadero for some of the best views, but the tower from any angle is simply stunning. 

Sacre Coeur

Up in Montmartre, the church lights up when the sun goes down, and you can take some beautiful photos of the architecture in stark contrast with the dark sky. You can also get a panoramic view of the city at night, and see all the lights dotting the skyline. 

Montparnasse Tower

For another panoramic view of the city (by day or by night), head up to Montparnasse Tower. From the top, you’ll be able to see the Eiffel Tower and the glowing skyline of Paris. You must book tickets for the panoramic viewing deck in advance, but that floor is open until 23h. 

Is Paris Safe at Night?

Paris is definitely safe at night! Like any other major tourist destinations in the world, streets should be brightly lit and local nightly attractions should be fairly frequent in the tourist parts of town. As always, it's better if you travel with a buddy or let a friend or family know of your whereabouts so that they can check up on you! If you're still worried, make sure you're in the know of the few Paris neighborhoods to avoid in the evening.

Even if you're traveling alone, Paris should be a safe place to visit. Make sure you're aware and cautious of your surroundings and stick to well-lit or populated places! That shouldn't be very hard to find in the touristy areas of Paris. If you want to be better prepared, make sure you check out our detailed guide on whether Paris is a safe place to visit and learn the common tips to avoid common and petty crimes in the city.

Have a good soirée in Paris!

No matter how you want to spend your nights in Paris, there’s something for everyone. Spending an evening in Paris will show you why it’s called the City of Lights, and give you a glimpse into why people think the city is so romantic. 

Now that we’ve made sure your days and nights are filled with activities, what about the other details of your trip to Paris? We want to help you organize everything, so check out our helpful posts about which neighborhoods to stay at, dishes to eat, and what souvenirs to buy!

Even if Paris isn’t where you want to go, make sure you check out all our resources at Pilot. We’ve got itinerary planning ideas, destination inspiration, budgeting tips, and more to make travel a breeze, wherever you want to go. Make sure you sign up for our weekly travel newsletter, Flightdeck, for more travel inspo, news, stories, and entertainment! Bon voyage!