A Night on the Town: The Ultimate Paris Bar Crawl
Start in Le Marais - Where History Meets Hipster
Your night begins in Le Marais, the neighborhood where medieval alleys meet modern cocktail culture. Head to Bar Hemingway at the Hôtel Ritz - not because it’s fancy, but because it’s the quietest, most authentic starting point. The bartenders know their craft. Order a classic Old Fashioned. Sip slowly. Let the low lighting and leather chairs ground you before the night gets loud.
Walk five minutes to Le Comptoir Général. This isn’t just a bar. It’s a jungle-themed lounge built inside a converted warehouse, with African artifacts, mismatched sofas, and a backroom full of vinyl records. The crowd? Mix of locals, artists, and travelers who actually want to talk. Try the Le Marais Mule - ginger beer, lime, and a splash of homemade hibiscus syrup. It’s not on the menu, but ask for it.
Don’t rush. Stay until 11 p.m. That’s when the real pulse of the neighborhood kicks in.
Move to Oberkampf - The Local’s Secret
Take the metro to Oberkampf. This isn’t on most tourist maps, but it’s where Parisians go when they want to feel alive. Skip the chain bars. Head straight to Le Baron - not the one in the 8th arrondissement. This one’s smaller, grittier, and way more real. The DJ spins indie rock and French house. The drinks are cheap. The vibe? Like you stumbled into a friend’s basement party.
Next door, Le Perchoir has a rooftop with a view of the city lights. Order a glass of natural wine. Don’t care if you don’t know the grape. Just taste it. The air is cool. The city glows. You’ll forget you’re in a city of 2 million people.
Stay until midnight. That’s when the crowd shifts from young professionals to students and musicians. Someone will start singing. Someone else will dance on the table. Don’t be shy. This is Paris after dark - not the postcard version.
Hit the Canal Saint-Martin - The Midnight Chill
By 1 a.m., you’re ready for something quieter. Walk or take a short cab ride to Canal Saint-Martin. The water reflects the streetlights. People sit on benches with bottles of wine. Some play guitars. Others just stare at the sky.
Stop at Bar de la Marine. It’s tiny. No sign. Just a wooden door and a single light. Inside, the walls are covered in graffiti from past patrons. The bartender doesn’t speak English. That’s fine. Point to the bottle on the shelf. He’ll pour you a glass of Côtes du Rhône. You’ll pay €5. You’ll remember this moment longer than any fancy club.
Walk along the canal. Don’t check your phone. Just listen. The sound of water. A distant saxophone. Laughter from a group sharing a bag of chips. This is the Paris that doesn’t sell tickets.
End at the 10th - Where the Night Doesn’t Sleep
By 2 a.m., most places close. But not here. Head to Le Baron again - yes, the same name, different place. This one’s in the 10th, near Gare du Nord. It’s open until 5 a.m. on weekends. The crowd is wilder. The music is louder. The cocktails are stronger. Order the Parisian Fire - tequila, chili syrup, lime, and a salt rim. It burns going down. That’s the point.
Or skip the drinks. Go to La Belle Hortense. It’s a live music bar with jazz, soul, and blues. No cover. No dress code. Just a small stage, a few chairs, and a crowd that’s been here since 1998. The singer might be a retired teacher. The bassist might be a student. But when they play, the room goes silent. Then they explode. You’ll feel it in your chest.
What to Wear, What to Bring
You don’t need a suit. You don’t need designer shoes. Parisians dress for comfort, not status. Jeans. A good jacket. Flat shoes. You’ll be walking 8-10 kilometers. Bring a small bag. Phone. Wallet. ID. That’s it. No need for cash - most places take cards now. But keep €10-20 in your pocket for tips, snacks, or last-minute metro rides.
Don’t bring a camera. You’ll miss the moments trying to get the perfect shot. Just be there. Remember how the air smelled after rain near the canal. Remember the way the bartender smiled when you said "Merci" in French. Those are the things you’ll carry home.
When to Go - Timing Matters
Weekends are packed. But weekdays? That’s when you’ll find the real gems. Tuesday and Wednesday nights are quiet, but the bars are alive. Locals aren’t rushing. The music isn’t turned up to drown out conversation. You’ll actually get to talk to someone.
Summer nights are long. Start late. Stay later. Winter? Wrap up warm. The city feels colder, but the warmth inside the bars is real. November isn’t peak season - which means you’ll get better service, better seats, and more attention from the staff.
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don’t go to tourist traps. Avoid places with menus in five languages and photos of celebrities on the wall. They’re overpriced and underwhelming.
- Don’t drink too fast. Parisians sip. They don’t chug. Pace yourself. You’ve got eight bars to hit.
- Don’t assume everyone speaks English. Learn two phrases: "Une bière, s’il vous plaît" and "Merci". That’s enough.
- Don’t expect to be the center of attention. Parisians aren’t rude - they’re just not interested in tourists trying to perform. Be quiet. Be present.
Final Tip: Leave Something Behind
Before you leave, write your name or initials on a napkin. Leave it on the bar. Don’t tell anyone. Just do it. It’s a small ritual. The bartender might throw it away. Or they might keep it. Either way, you’ll know you were there - not as a visitor, but as someone who showed up, stayed, and felt something.
Is it safe to bar hop in Paris at night?
Yes, as long as you stick to well-lit, popular neighborhoods like Le Marais, Oberkampf, and Canal Saint-Martin. Avoid isolated streets after 2 a.m. and don’t flash valuables. Pickpockets are rare in bars, but they exist. Stay aware. Trust your gut. Most locals are friendly and will help if you look lost.
How much should I budget for a Paris bar crawl?
Plan for €50-70 total. Drinks range from €6-12, depending on the bar. You’ll likely hit 5-7 spots. Skip the overpriced tourist joints - they’re €15+ for a basic cocktail. Stick to local favorites. You’ll get better drinks, better vibes, and more value. Don’t forget to tip - €1-2 per round is appreciated.
Do I need to make reservations for these bars?
No, not for the places on this list. Most are small, walk-in only, and don’t take bookings. Even Le Perchoir’s rooftop doesn’t require reservations unless it’s a special event. Just show up. Wait five minutes if it’s crowded. The vibe is worth it.
What’s the best time to start a Paris bar crawl?
Start between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. That’s when the first wave of locals arrives. You’ll avoid the rush, get better service, and have time to settle into each place. If you start too early, you’ll burn out. If you start too late, you’ll miss the real energy.
Are there any bars that close early in Paris?
Yes. Most bars close by 2 a.m. on weekdays. On weekends, some stay open until 3 or 4 a.m. But the real all-nighters - like Le Baron in the 10th and La Belle Hortense - are the exceptions. If you want to dance until sunrise, stick to those. Don’t count on any bar staying open past 4 a.m. - that’s rare, even in Paris.
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