Paris isn’t just about the Eiffel Tower and croissants. When the sun goes down, the city transforms into a living, breathing party that doesn’t care if you’re a tourist or a local. You don’t need a reservation, a dress code, or even a plan-just curiosity and sturdy shoes. This is the ultimate Paris bar crawl, built for people who want to taste the real nightlife, not the postcard version.
Start in Le Marais: Where History Meets Hipster
Begin at Le Comptoir Général, a hidden gem tucked behind a green door on Rue de la Grange aux Belles. It’s not a bar. It’s an experience. Think vintage furniture, hanging plants, and a cocktail menu that changes weekly. The bartenders mix drinks with herbs from their own garden. Order the Parisian Negroni-gin, vermouth, and a splash of elderflower. It’s not on the menu, but they’ll make it if you ask nicely. This place feels like a secret your French friend forgot to tell you about.
Walk five minutes to Bar Le Perchoir, a rooftop bar with a view of the city’s red rooftops. The crowd here is young, loud, and full of energy. They don’t serve beer in bottles. You get it in a glass, chilled, with a slice of citrus. The music is indie French pop, not the same playlist you hear in every tourist bar. Stay for one drink. Then leave. This isn’t your last stop.
Move to Saint-Germain-des-Prés: The Intellectual Hangout
Take the metro one stop to Saint-Germain. This neighborhood used to be where Sartre and de Beauvoir argued philosophy over wine. Now, it’s where Parisians debate the best wine bar. Head to Le Procope, the oldest café in Paris, opened in 1686. It’s not fancy, but the wine list is serious. Try a glass of Beaujolais Villages. It’s light, fruity, and perfect for sipping while people-watching. The staff doesn’t rush you. They know you’re not in a hurry.
Next door, find Le Comptoir du Relais. It’s tiny. Only six stools at the bar. No menu. Just a chalkboard with the day’s wines. The owner, a retired sommelier, will pour you a glass of something obscure from the Loire Valley. He’ll tell you why it’s special. You don’t need to know anything about wine. Just say yes.
Head to Canal Saint-Martin: The Local’s Secret
Take a 20-minute walk or a short metro ride to Canal Saint-Martin. This is where Parisians go when they want to be themselves. The bars here don’t care if you’re dressed up. Jeans and a jacket are fine. Start at Le Baron, a cozy basement bar with red velvet chairs and a jukebox that plays only French punk from the 90s. The cocktails are cheap, strong, and made with fresh fruit. Try the Canal Sour-gin, lemon, and a hint of rosemary. It tastes like summer in Paris.
Across the canal, find Bar de la Marine. It’s a dive bar with mismatched chairs and a single TV playing silent films. The bartender is a former rock musician who moved here to escape the spotlight. He doesn’t ask your name. He just hands you a beer. The music here isn’t loud. It’s just there, like the smell of rain on pavement. Sit by the window. Watch the boats pass. This is the quiet moment before the night gets wild.
End in Oberkampf: Where the Party Gets Real
Take the metro to Oberkampf. This is the heart of Paris’s underground scene. The streets are narrow, the lights are dim, and the music spills out of every doorway. Start at Le Comptoir Général-no, not the one in Le Marais. This one is different. It’s bigger, louder, and has a dance floor. The crowd here is mixed: students, artists, expats, and locals who’ve been coming for years. The DJ plays everything from disco to techno. No genre is off-limits. Dance if you want. Sit if you don’t. No one cares.
Next, find Bar des Poètes. It’s a tiny hole-in-the-wall with a sign that says "No Photos." The walls are covered in handwritten poetry. The owner, a poet himself, will hand you a glass of absinthe if you promise not to take a picture. It’s not for everyone. It’s bitter. It’s strong. But it’s real. This is the kind of place you remember because it didn’t try to impress you.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
You don’t need to speak French. But a simple "Merci" goes a long way. Parisians appreciate effort, not perfection.
Most bars close between 2 and 3 a.m. Some stay open until 4, but they’re not the ones you want to be in at 3:30. If you’re still going, head to a 24-hour café like La Fontaine de Mars in the 15th arrondissement. Coffee, croissants, and silence. Perfect for winding down.
Public transport runs until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends. The metro is safe, clean, and frequent. Don’t take a taxi unless you’re lost or tired. You’ll pay double, and you’ll miss the city lights.
Bring cash. Many small bars don’t take cards. A 10-euro bill will cover three drinks. Keep change in your pocket. You’ll need it for the metro.
What Not to Do
Don’t go to the bars near the Eiffel Tower after dark. They’re overpriced, overcrowded, and full of tourists who think "Paris" means "champagne and clichés."
Don’t ask for a "wine list." In most local bars, you get what’s open that night. If you want to know what’s good, ask the bartender. They’ll tell you.
Don’t wear heels. The sidewalks are uneven. The streets are cobblestone. You’ll twist your ankle. And no one will help you up.
Don’t rush. This crawl isn’t a race. It’s a rhythm. Slow down. Talk to people. Let the night lead you.
Final Tip: The Best Bar in Paris Isn’t on the List
It’s the one you find by accident. Maybe it’s a tiny place behind a laundry shop in the 11th. Maybe it’s a bar with no name, just a red door and a man nodding you inside. You won’t find it on Google Maps. You’ll find it because you were walking, not looking. That’s the point.
Paris doesn’t give you nightlife. It lets you discover it.
What’s the best time to start a Paris bar crawl?
Start between 8 and 9 p.m. That’s when locals begin to gather. Bars open at 6, but they’re quiet until 8. Starting early lets you enjoy the transition from dinner crowds to night crowds. You’ll get better service, better seats, and better drinks.
Is it safe to bar hop in Paris at night?
Yes, if you stay aware. Paris is generally safe for tourists at night, especially in neighborhoods like Le Marais, Saint-Germain, and Oberkampf. Avoid poorly lit alleys and don’t carry large amounts of cash. The metro is safe after dark, but keep your bag close. Most incidents involve pickpockets, not violence.
How much should I budget for a night out bar hopping in Paris?
Plan for 30 to 50 euros per person. A cocktail costs 10 to 14 euros. A beer is 5 to 8 euros. Wine by the glass starts at 7 euros. Most bars don’t have cover charges. You’ll spend more if you eat, but you don’t need to. Many bars serve free snacks like olives or nuts.
Can I do this bar crawl alone?
Absolutely. Paris is one of the best cities in the world for solo bar hopping. Locals are used to people coming alone. Bartenders remember regulars, even if they’re tourists. Sit at the bar. Talk to the person next to you. You’ll make a friend before your third drink.
Are there any dress codes?
Most places have no dress code. Jeans, a clean shirt, and closed shoes are fine everywhere. Avoid flip-flops, sportswear, or overly flashy clothes. You don’t need to dress up-but you shouldn’t look like you just got out of bed. Parisians notice details.
What’s the most unique drink I should try?
Try the Champagne Punch at Le Perchoir or the Herbes de Provence Martini at Le Comptoir Général in Le Marais. Both use local ingredients and are made fresh. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask for a glass of vermouth blanc on ice with a twist of orange. It’s a French aperitif tradition that most tourists never try.
What if I get lost?
Don’t panic. Paris is walkable. Most bars are within 15 minutes of each other. Use Google Maps offline-download the map before you go. If you’re stuck, ask a local for the nearest metro. They’ll point you the right way. And if you’re really lost, walk toward a big street. You’ll find a boulangerie or a pharmacy. They’ll help you.