A Night on the Town: The Ultimate Paris Bar Crawl

Paris doesn’t sleep-and neither should you.

Forget the Eiffel Tower at dusk. The real magic of Paris happens after midnight, when the city sheds its postcard charm and turns into a living, breathing party. You don’t need a reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant to feel the pulse of the city. You just need to walk into the right bar, order a glass of wine, and let the rhythm take over.

Start in Le Marais: Where History Meets Hipster

Begin your crawl in Le Marais, the neighborhood where medieval alleyways meet rainbow flags and vinyl records spin in the background. Head to Le Comptoir Général, a hidden gem tucked behind a plant-filled courtyard. It’s not a bar. It’s an experience. Think mismatched sofas, African art on the walls, and cocktails made with homemade syrups. The crowd? Artists, expats, and locals who’ve been coming here since 2012. Order the Parisian Mule-vodka, ginger, lime, and a splash of rosewater. It’s sweet, spicy, and smells like a Parisian summer night.

Walk five minutes to Bar de l’Hôtel, a tiny, no-frills spot with a long wooden counter and a bartender who remembers your name after one drink. They pour natural wines by the glass and play French indie rock so loud you can’t hear yourself think. That’s the point.

Move to Saint-Germain-des-Prés: The Classic French Night

Next, hop on the metro to Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This is where Sartre and de Beauvoir used to argue over coffee. Now, it’s where well-dressed Parisians sip absinthe and debate the latest film festival. Stop at Le Procope, the oldest café in Paris (opened in 1686). It’s touristy, yes-but the basement bar is where the real crowd hangs out. Order a Chartreuse on the rocks. It’s herbal, strong, and tastes like history.

Then walk to Bar à Vins du Vieux Colombier, a wine bar that feels like your French aunt’s living room. No menu. Just a chalkboard with five bottles and a question: “Qu’est-ce que vous avez envie de boire ce soir?” Tell them your mood. They’ll pick for you. One glass turns into three. You lose track of time. That’s how it’s supposed to be.

Head to Oberkampf: The Local’s Secret

By now, you’re ready for something grittier. Take the metro to Oberkampf, a neighborhood most tourists never find. This is where Parisians go when they want to dance without paying €20 cover. Start at Le Comptoir du Relais, a tiny bar with a backyard garden and a jukebox full of 80s French pop. The bartender makes the best negroni in the city-equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. No substitutions. No fancy garnishes. Just perfect.

Next door is La Belle Hortense, a jazz bar that doubles as a record store. You’ll find people sitting on bean bags, listening to Miles Davis while sipping cheap red wine. The owner, a 70-year-old sax player, sometimes joins in. He doesn’t ask for money. He just smiles and plays.

End in Belleville: The Wild Finish

By 1 a.m., you need energy. That’s where Belleville comes in. This neighborhood is loud, colorful, and full of life. Start at Bar Le Perchoir, a rooftop bar with a view of the entire city. The stairs are steep, the drinks are pricey, but the skyline? Worth every euro. Order a French 75-gin, champagne, lemon, sugar. It sparkles like the city below.

Then, head down to Le Très Petit, a basement bar no bigger than a walk-in closet. It’s packed. People are dancing on the tables. The music? House, techno, and French rap. The bartender doesn’t speak English. You don’t need him to. He hands you a shot of absinthe with a wink. You take it. You feel it in your bones.

What to Know Before You Go

• Don’t expect English menus. Most bars in Paris don’t have them. Point. Smile. Say “Un verre de vin rouge, s’il vous plaît.” It gets you further than any app.
• Cash is king. Many small bars don’t take cards. Keep €20-€30 in small bills.
• Start late. Parisians don’t hit the bars until 10 p.m. Show up at 8 and you’ll be the only one there.
• Walk everywhere. The metro is fine, but the best moments happen between bars-when you get lost, find a hidden doorway, or hear someone singing in the street.
• Don’t drink like a tourist. No shots. No vodka Red Bulls. Just wine, beer, or a classic cocktail. You’re here to taste Paris, not get drunk.

What Not to Do

Don’t go to Montmartre for nightlife. The bars there are overpriced, packed with drunk tourists, and play American pop on loop. Don’t follow Instagram influencers to “secret” bars. Most of them are just paid promotions.

Don’t wear sneakers and a hoodie to a wine bar in Saint-Germain. Parisians dress for the night-even if it’s just jeans and a blazer. It’s not about being fancy. It’s about respect.

And never, ever ask for ice in your wine. That’s not a request. That’s a crime.

Final Tip: The Last Bar

There’s one place you should end at: Le Perchoir Marais, the original rooftop bar that started it all. It closes at 3 a.m. On weekends, the DJ plays French disco and the whole city seems to be there. You’ll be tired. You’ll be buzzed. You’ll be standing on the balcony, looking at the Eiffel Tower sparkling at midnight-again, because it does that every hour now.

That’s when you realize: Paris doesn’t need you to see its monuments. It just wants you to feel it.