Berlin, Barcelona and Amsterdam might be known as Europe’s top three countries to party in, but Paris certainly has its fair share of hot-spots. With a large student population and young professionals living within the city walls, Paris certainly knows how to party, albeit perhaps with a more relaxed “laissez faire” attitude than its neighboring countries. Here are our top spots for finding Paris’ hip young crowds and having a great night out!
Nightclubs that locals actually go to…
There is many a nightclub in Paris that caters to an international, tourist crowd, especially on the Champs Elysées. But most Parisians won’t be found here… If you’re looking to have an amazing night and maybe even practice your français, check out the not-so-French-sounding The Social Club, an underground hipster magnet for electro-lovers. More touristy, but still on most Parisians party lists is the Rex nightclub, located under the enormous movie theater on the Grands Boulevards. The Nouveau Casino, on the buzzing rue Oberkampf, is one of those love/hate venues that has a regular crowd and is good for dancing. Lastly, Wanderlust in the 13th arrondissement has a prime location on the banks of the river Seine. The queue can be long, so get there around 11pm after dinner.
Where all the bars are…
For a few years now, the Parmentier/Oberkampf district has been the go-to place if you’re not sure exactly what kind of night you’re looking for. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and nightclubs to suit all tastes. Getting a taxi can be a difficult after the last metro, so plan ahead. The rue de Lappe at Bastille attracts a more touristy crowd, but its central location is ideal and there are more than enough bars to choose from! The area just south of Pigalle (nicknamed So-Pi) also has a great choice of bars, and is more and more popular with young trendy Parisians.
“Ze place to bee” right now
A bustling blend of different cultures, the rue Faubourg Saint Denis has become the latest hip place to be seen – or say you’ve been to. It’s cheap, central, and it seems that every month a new bar or restaurant opens. Plus, the popular New Morning concert venue is just around the corner if you’re looking to check out some live music.
Les Berges is the newly-pedestrianized district along the riverbanks by Invalides. An unforgettable view, several pop-up bars and floating nightclubs have made this a must-do for tourists and Parisians alike. We recommend visiting in spring or summer, when you can stay outside and watch the sun set without getting cold.
To see even more of Paris at night and avoid a sluggish morning (!) try a night-time bike tour with Fat Tire Tours! The ‘City of Light’ always looks her best at night… just check out our video!
