The Best Bars in Paris

Looking for a great place to grab a drink in Paris? You’re in luck – the city is full of excellent bars if you know where to look. While it’s not known as a beacon of nightlife activities, Paris has a bar for everyone. We have you covered whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to sip on some wine or a lively bar with good music. Check out our list of the 15 best bars in Paris – you won’t be disappointed!

Le Perchoir

€€€ | Upscale Cocktails | Rooftop City Views
Address: 14 Rue Crespin du Gast, 75011 Paris, France
Hours: Wed. – Sat. 6PM – 2AM
Website

Located in the 13th arrondissement, Le Perchoir is a bar with killer tunes and an even better cocktail menu. The brainchild of two Parisian DJs, the bar is located on the rooftop of a department store and offers some fantastic views of the city skyline (I highly recommend going at sunset!)

The best seating is outside, so I recommend reading more about the best time to visit Paris, so you don’t get stuck inside.

The cocktail menu features a range of classic cocktails and inventive creations like the Drunken Sailor Moon (Bijito Junmai Sake, Ultra Sour, Apple Juice, Wild Strawberry Syrup).

If you get peckish, there’s also a menu of small plates available. We ordered a pizza and empanadas poulet, which was enough to split between us.

So if you’re looking for an atmospheric cocktail bar and rooftop views of Paris, Le Perchoir needs to be on your list.

Le Baron Rouge

€ | Neighborhood Wine Bar | Outdoor Seating
Address: 1 Rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris, France
Hours: Mon 5PM – 10PM | Tues – Fri 10AM – 2PM & 5PM – 10PM | Sat 10AM – 10PM | Sun 10AM – 4PM
Website

You can have an enjoyable time at Le Baron Rouge without breaking the bank! Here, glasses of natural wine start at only two euros, and they offer amazing fresh oysters when in season.

Customers often spill out into the streets and drink around the wine barrels when the weather permits. A relaxed atmosphere located right next to Marche d’Aligre – one of Paris’ best markets – Le Baron Rouge is definitely worth stopping by.

While some Parisian wine bars are pretentious, Le Baron Rouge is anything but.

Le Syndicat

€€ | French Spirits & Liqeurs | Recording Studio Theme
Address: 51 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75010 Paris, France
Hours: Everyday 6PM – 2AM
Website

Located in the 11th arrondissement, this bar first appears as nothing special—just some graffiti and posters on the door, with no signage. But once you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve returned to a 1977 recording studio.

The place has an unfinished feeling, from the exposed sheetrock walls to the soundproofing on the ceiling to the gold curtains sectioning off sections of space.

The bar only serves drinks with French spirits and liqueurs, so you know the ingredients are top-notch. This is a bar for cocktail aficionados.

For example, on one visit, they had “Drop the Beet,” made with Normandy Calvados, beet purée, honey syrup, and fresh lemon juice (it was very rich in flavor and filling!) as well as “Saix en Provence” which contained brandy from Armagnac, spicy watermelon syrup, and lavender essence.

L’Avant Comptoir

€€ | Wine and Finger Food | Fun and Relaxed Atmosphere
Address: 3 Carr de l’Odéon, 75006 Paris, France
Hours: Everyday 12PM – 11PM
Website

For a taste of the best wines and finger foods in Paris, head to L’Avant Comptoir. This tiny bar is tucked away on the corner of rue des grands augustins and has been named one of the best bars in Paris by Conde Nast Traveler.

The drinks menu features an array of creative cocktails, like their signature Negroni with gin and Amaro Averna, and extensive wines. The food menu is equally inventive, with dishes like duck foie gras skewers with piquillo peppers and oxtail croquettes with red wine and horseradish.

The best part? Everything on the menu is incredibly affordable. It’s no wonder that this spot is so popular – it’s the perfect place to stop in for a quick bite and delicious drinks.

So if you’re looking for a great bar experience in Paris, visit L’Avant Comptoir. You won’t regret it!

Le Carmen

€€€ | Housemade Gin | Baroque Architecture
Address: 34 Rue Duperré, 75009 Paris, France
Hours: Closed Sun. – Mon. | Tues. – Fri. 12AM – 6AM
Website

This popular bar is located in the 9th arrondissement, and it’s known for its lively atmosphere, baroque architecture, and young crowds.

Le Carmen is admittedly not a bar I would go to now that I am in my 30s, but it was a blast when I was 22. Virtually everyone that visits Le Carmen is in their late teens and early twenties.

They’re known for their housemade gin cocktails (named after famous mythological women) and a dance floor if you’re feeling energetic. I recommend the rose-infused Penelope and the mezcal Electra.

Dernier Bar Avant La Fin Du Monde

€€ | Cocktails & Board Games | Science Fiction Themed
Address: 19 Av. Victoria, 75001 Paris, France
Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 4PM – 12AM | Fri. – Sun. 11:30AM – 2AM
Website

This science fiction, fantasy, and horror-themed bar is located in the 13th arrondissement and is my favorite bar in Paris. It’s a quiet spot that makes me smile whenever I stop in and want some artisanal beers.

Dernier Bar Avant La Fin Du Monde (which translates to “Last Bar Before the End of the World”) is an excellent spot for a night out with friends that are into geeky things.

The bar has a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, and the staff is always happy to make recommendations. If you have the time, grab a drink and play board games with your friends or locals.

I recommend trying the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster and Tardis cocktails.

Moonshiner

€€ | Vintage Cocktails & Beers | Prohibition Themed
Address: 5 Rue Sedaine, 75011 Paris, France
Hours: Everyday 6PM – 3AM
Website

Hidden in a Bastille restaurant, this speakeasy will take you back to the Prohibition period by mixing cocktails, gramophones, and retro decoration.

You will first enter a pizzeria before passing the little door leading to this secret place. Once there, you will find dim lights, vintage lamps, and superb whiskey bottles at the counter. The atmosphere will project you into the 20s in the United States.

This bar caters to a younger crowd (20s and 30s) and features a solid mix of locals, expats, and tourists.

Little Red Door

€€€ | Creative Drinks & Presentation | Award Winning
Address: 60 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris, France
Hours: Everyday 4AM – 2AM
Website

Opened by Experimental Cocktail Club protégée Timothée Prangé and Dotan Shalev, Little Red Door was voted one of the 50 best bars in the world.

This American-style speakeasy is hidden behind a red door on Rue Charlot and is known for its creative cocktails and inventive presentations. This is the place to go if you’re looking for a truly unique drinking experience.

The menu is a work of art with fourteen original cocktails, each illustrated by a local artist across two pages. However, you won’t find the ingredients on the page. Only the drink’s name is listed on the menu to encourage cocktail aficionados to guess the ingredients from taste alone.

Le Comptoir Général

€€€ | Classic Fish Dishes & Cocktails | Outdoor Seating
Address: 84 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 44 88 24 48
Hours: Sun. 11AM – 1AM | Tues. – Sat. 6PM – 2AM
Website

Le Comptoir Général is an elegant bar in Paris known for its unusual drinks. The menu includes a wide variety of cocktail concoctions and a selection of wines and beers.

But what makes Le Comptoir Général truly unique is its location: the bar is located in an old department store, and the decor includes items from the store’s former life. As a result, Le Comptoir Général has a distinct “vintage” feel.

The atmosphere is relaxed and charming, and the drinks are sure to please even the most discerning palate.

Les Ambassadeurs

€€€ | Cocktails Inspired by Parisian Landmarks | 18th Century Palace
Address: 10 Pl. de la Concorde, 75008 Paris, France
Hours: Everyday 5PM – 2AM
Website

The newest bar on our list, Les Ambassadeurs, is located within the remodeled Hôtel de Crillon – an 18th-century palace that was host to many Parisian ambassadors and dignitaries.

Although most of the room’s original design remains intact, such as the floor-to-ceiling marble walls, gilded moldings, pane-glass windows, and ceiling fresco, contemporary designer Chahan Minassian re-imagined the furniture and ambiance.

To add a touch of rock n’ roll, Minassian draped metal chains over four 18th-century chandeliers. The central horseshoe-shaped bar provides the perfect setting for uniformed bartenders to show off their skills with occasional tricks.

Most of the time, ambient music is playing overhead, but in the evenings, there is usually live music from either the grand piano or a singing duo. One occasion, Mike D of the Beastie Boys did a late-night DJ set.

Experimental Cocktail Club

€€€ | Bold & Inventive Cocktails | Rustic & Cozy
Address: 37 Rue Saint-Sauveur, 75002 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 45 08 88 09
Hours: Sun. 8PM – 2AM | Mon. – Sat. 7PM – 2AM
Website

If you’re looking for a trendy cocktail bar in Paris, look no further than the Experimental Cocktail Club. This place is packed, night after night, so make sure you arrive early to order drinks.

The brains behind this operation are three young bartenders passionate about mixology. They’ve put their creativity and expertise to good use, creating a menu of inventive cocktails you won’t find anywhere else (hence the name).

The decor is also worth mentioning – it’s chic and retro.

Whether you’re looking for an impressive date night spot or a place to enjoy unique drinks with friends, the Experimental Cocktail Club is sure to please.

Candelaria

€€ | Creative Tacos and Cocktails | Large Agave Menu
Address: 52 Rue de Saintonge, 75003 Paris, France
Phone: +33 9 50 84 19 67
Hours: Fri. – Sun. 12PM – 2AM | Mon. – Thu. 5PM – 2AM
Website

Candelaria is a taqueria in the heart of the Mission District and was featured on the World’s 50 Best Bars list five years in a row.

While the drink menu is fantastic, and I highly recommend the $34 tasting flight, the food menu is too good to ignore.

The menu is traditional Mexican, with tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and enchiladas. The ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, and the dishes are carefully prepared.

The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and the service is friendly and efficient. If you’re looking for a great Taqueria in the Mission, check out Candelaria.

Prescription Cocktail Club

€€€ | Inventive Throwback Cocktails | Moody 1930s Bar
Address: 23 Rue Mazarine, 75006 Paris, France
Phone: +33 9 50 35 72 87
Hours: Sun. 8PM – 2AM | Mon. – Thurs. 7PM – 2AM | Fri. – Sat. 7PM – 4AM
Website

Prescription Cocktail Club is a unique bar that offers a range of bespoke cocktails, each of which has been designed to suit your mood and personality (a little pretentious, but fun regardless).

If you want to bypass the personality test, chat with the bar staff for recommendations on anything from absinthe-laced cocktails to natural wines.

Just one block from the fantastic Musée National Eugène Delacroix, Prescription Cocktail Club is the perfect place to end the night.

La Belle Hortense

€€ | Extensive Wine List | Intimate & Welcoming Bookstore
Address: 31 Rue Vieille-du-Temple, 75003 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 48 04 7160
Hours: Mon. – Tues. Closed | Wed. – Sun. 5:30PM – 2AM

A wine bar that doubles as a bookstore, La Belle Hortense is a fantastic way to escape the hustle and bustle of Marais’ trendy streets. With a quaint blue exterior, this wine bar is all kicking back with a good book and glass of vino.

No matter what brings you into this small bar, whether it’s the promise of a good book or a curiosity about La Belle Hortense’s famous collection of bottles, there’s something for everyone. Along the walls, you’ll find newly released books, rare volumes, and classic collections from history.

If you want to try new wines, this is the place for you. The wine list is extensive and varied, with something sure to please everyone. Prices by the glass can be a bit steep, but bottles and carafes are reasonably priced.

I recommend the white Mâcon Solutré from Bourgogne or the red Morgon Flache Somay–both are delicious! For a special treat, go to one of the top vintages, Saint-Emilion or Margaux.

There’s also a monthly selection on the board if you’re feeling adventurous. Just note that glasses of wine will cost an extra €0.50 after 10 pm.

Bisou.

€€ | Seasonal Cocktails Made-to-Order | Eclectic & Small
Address: 15 Boulevard du Temple, 75003 Paris
Phone: +33 1 40 27 82 85
Hours: Everyday 5PM – 2AM
Website

Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, Bisou is a cocktail bar that transports guests to the streets of Paris.

The inviting space features exposed brick walls, tufted leather banquettes, and a stunning chandelier from over 1,000 blown glass orbs.

You won’t find a menu at Bisou; instead, bartenders listen to you and pick something out based on your current cravings. I was served the Boulevardier (bourbon, sweet vermouth, Campari), and my wife got the Vieux Carre (rye whiskey, Benedictine, sweet vermouth).

But it’s not just the drinks that are worthy of note—the small plates are also expertly executed, with dishes like roasted bone marrow and foie gras torchon.

Does Paris Have a Good Nightlife?

Paris is one of the best cities in Europe for nightlife, offering a wide array of bars, clubs, and lounges. From traditional Parisian wineries to chic cocktail bars, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Whether you’re looking to dance all night or enjoy cocktails with friends, you can find exactly what you’re looking for in Paris. The best part is that there are plenty of affordable options, so you can have an enjoyable time without breaking the bank.

Do You Tip in Paris Bars?

In most bars and restaurants in Paris, tipping is not expected but appreciated. If you’re happy with the service, a tip of 5-10% is considered standard. Of course, it’s best to use your discretion, and if you feel like the service was particularly exceptional, a larger tip is a nice gesture. For most bars, it’s best to round up your bill to the nearest euro and leave the spare change as a tip.

Can You Walk around with Alcohol in Paris?

You can drink alcohol in public parks and many other public places, but it’s illegal to drink on Metro/RER trains, public buses, and within Metro/RER stations.

Bar-hopping in Paris is a great way to experience the city’s nightlife, but only if you know where to go. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite bars in Paris, each with its own unique atmosphere and specialty drinks. Whether you’re looking for a place to dance the night away or just relax with a cocktail in hand, one of these bars is sure to be perfect for you.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and head out on the town – Parisian style! And don’t forget to let us know which bar is your favorite in the comments below.