Nightlife in Paris: The Best Spots for a Girls' Night Out
Paris isn’t just about croissants and the Eiffel Tower. When the sun sets, the city transforms into a playground of glittering bars, live music, and secret cocktail lounges perfect for a girls’ night out. Forget the tourist traps. This is where real Parisians unwind after work, and where visitors can find the kind of magic that only happens when the city lights up.
Le Perchoir - Rooftop Views and Cocktails That Don’t Quit
If you want to start your night with a view, Le Perchoir is a multi-level rooftop bar perched above the 11th arrondissement. It’s not fancy, but it’s got soul. Think mismatched couches, string lights, and a crowd that’s half locals, half travelers who know better. The cocktail menu changes weekly, but the Perchoir Spritz - a mix of Aperol, grapefruit, and soda - is a constant. Bring your friends, order a few rounds, and watch the city glow below you. It’s open until 2 a.m. on weekends, and the energy doesn’t fade until the last person leaves.
Le Baron - Where the Energy Never Drops
Le Baron is a legendary nightclub in the 16th arrondissement, known for its curated guest lists and vibe that feels like a private party. It’s not cheap - cover charges start at €25 - but it’s one of the few places in Paris where you won’t feel like you’re stuck in a club designed for men in suits. The music? Think indie pop, disco revival, and deep house. The crowd? Mostly women in designer dresses, laughing loudly, dancing without a care. They don’t play Top 40 hits here. They play what makes you move. Arrive after midnight to avoid the line, and wear something that makes you feel powerful. This isn’t a place to blend in.
La Chope des Halles - A Real French Bistro Night
Not every night needs a dance floor. Sometimes you just want wine, cheese, and someone to tell you about their ex. La Chope des Halles is a bustling, no-frills bistro in the 1st arrondissement that’s been open since 1973. The walls are covered in old posters, the tables are close together, and the waiters don’t care if you linger for three hours. Order the charcuterie board and a bottle of Beaujolais. Talk. Laugh. Argue about whether Les Misérables is a musical or a tragedy. It’s loud, it’s warm, and it’s the kind of place where friendships get forged over shared fries and bad decisions.
Le Comptoir du Relais - Wine and Small Bites in Saint-Germain
For a quieter, more intimate start, head to Le Comptoir du Relais is a tiny wine bar in Saint-Germain-des-Prés with only 12 seats and a sommelier who remembers your name. It’s the kind of place where you show up at 8 p.m., order a glass of natural Pinot Noir from the Loire, and end up staying until 1 a.m. because you forgot the time. They serve tiny plates - duck rillettes, pickled mushrooms, and aged cheese - that taste like they were made for your palate. No music. No flashing lights. Just good wine, great company, and the kind of silence that feels like comfort.
Concrete - Underground Beats and a No-Dress-Code Vibe
Concrete is an underground club in the 10th arrondissement that feels like a secret warehouse party. It’s not on Google Maps. You find it by following the bass. The entrance is unmarked, the lighting is dim, and the sound system is so good you feel the music in your chest. No VIP sections. No velvet ropes. Just a crowd of women in boots and leather jackets, dancing like no one’s watching. DJs spin everything from techno to French house, and the drinks are priced like a student budget - €8 for a cocktail. Go after 11 p.m. on a Friday. Leave your heels at home. This isn’t a place for posing. It’s a place for letting go.
Le Mary Celeste - Cocktail Craftsmanship You Won’t Forget
Some nights are about sipping slowly. Le Mary Celeste is a speakeasy-style bar in the 10th arrondissement, hidden behind a fridge door in a seafood restaurant. The bartender doesn’t hand you a menu. They ask what mood you’re in. Then they make you something unforgettable - maybe a smoky mezcal drink with lavender, or a gin cocktail that tastes like a Parisian spring. The decor is moody, the music is jazz, and the vibe is hushed but alive. It’s the kind of place you’ll text your friends about the next morning: "Did you know this existed?"
What to Wear - No Rules, Just Confidence
Parisians don’t follow dress codes. They follow instinct. For a rooftop bar like Le Perchoir, think sleek jeans and a blazer. For Le Baron, go bold - sequins, heels, a statement coat. For Concrete? Combat boots and a leather jacket. For Le Mary Celeste? A little black dress, or even just a silk shirt and tailored pants. The key? Don’t try too hard. You don’t need to look like a model. You just need to look like yourself - the version of you that’s ready to laugh, dance, and stay out too late.
When to Go - Timing Is Everything
Paris nightlife doesn’t wake up until midnight. Bars start filling at 11 p.m. Clubs don’t get lively until 1 a.m. If you show up at 9 p.m., you’ll be the only ones there. Wait. Let the energy build. Weekends are the best - Friday and Saturday nights are electric. But if you want to avoid crowds, try Thursday. It’s less packed, the music is still great, and the staff has more time to chat.
How to Get Around - Skip the Uber
The metro runs until 1:15 a.m. on weekdays and 2:15 a.m. on weekends. It’s clean, safe, and cheap. A single ticket costs €2.10. If you’re heading out after 2 a.m., use a taxi or ride-share - but only from official stands or apps like Bolt. Avoid random cabs on the street. Stick to well-lit areas. Most bars and clubs are in the 1st, 9th, 10th, and 11th arrondissements - all easily reachable by metro.
What Not to Do
- Don’t ask for "American-style" drinks. Parisians make cocktails with care. Trust the bartender.
- Don’t take photos of strangers. It’s rude, and you’ll get glared at.
- Don’t assume everyone speaks English. Learn two phrases: "Merci" and "Où est la salle de bain?"
- Don’t rush. Parisian nights are long. Savor them.
Final Tip: Bring a Friend Who Knows the Rules
If you’ve never been to Paris at night, go with someone who has. Not because you can’t figure it out - but because the best moments happen when you’re not trying to. Let someone lead you into a hidden bar. Let them order for you. Let them dance badly and laugh until your cheeks hurt. That’s the real Paris night.
Is it safe for a group of women to go out at night in Paris?
Yes, Paris is generally safe for women going out at night, especially in tourist-friendly areas like the 1st, 9th, 10th, and 11th arrondissements. Stick to well-lit streets, avoid isolated alleys after 2 a.m., and use official taxis or ride apps if you’re out past the metro’s last run. Most bars and clubs have security, and locals are used to seeing groups of women enjoying the night. Just use common sense - you wouldn’t wander alone through an empty parking lot in any major city.
Do I need to book reservations for these spots?
For Le Perchoir, Le Comptoir du Relais, and Le Mary Celeste, reservations are a good idea - especially on weekends. Le Baron and Concrete don’t take reservations - it’s first come, first served. La Chope des Halles is so big you can usually walk in. If you’re going with a group of four or more, call ahead. Otherwise, just show up and wait. Parisians don’t stress over lines - they just wait, sip a drink, and enjoy the buzz.
How much should I budget for a girls’ night out in Paris?
You can have a great night for €50-€80 per person. That includes two cocktails, a snack, and metro rides. If you’re hitting Le Baron or a fancy cocktail bar, budget €100-€150. Drinks range from €12-€18, and cover charges at clubs are usually €15-€25. Skip the overpriced tourist restaurants - stick to bistro snacks and wine by the glass. You’ll get more flavor and better vibes.
Are there any LGBTQ+-friendly spots for a girls’ night out?
Absolutely. Le Perchoir, Le Mary Celeste, and Concrete all have inclusive crowds and staff. If you want a dedicated LGBTQ+ space, try Le Baron - it’s known for welcoming queer women. For something more casual, head to La Belle Hortense in the 11th - a cozy bar with drag shows on weekends and a crowd that celebrates everyone. Paris has one of the most open nightlife scenes in Europe. You’ll feel it the moment you walk in.
What’s the best time to start a girls’ night out in Paris?
Start around 8 p.m. with drinks at a wine bar like Le Comptoir du Relais. Move to dinner or snacks at 9:30 p.m. Then head to a rooftop or lounge by 11 p.m. Clubs don’t heat up until 1 a.m., so don’t rush. The magic happens between midnight and 3 a.m. - when the city feels like it’s yours alone.
