Paris at Night: Best Things to Do in 2025
With the rate that we keep going back again and again, I think it’s safe to say that we are Paris experts now!
We can’t help it; the City of Light continues to live up to its name, especially when the sun sets and the city comes alive with dazzling displays of illumination.
Our guide to the best things to do in Paris at night can make people turn their nose up quite often, but they don’t realise what they are missing out on.
From iconic landmarks glowing under the night sky, to the bustling streets filled with nightlife, Paris at night is an unforgettable adventure waiting to be explored…and we are going to tell you how to do it right!
Exploring Paris Landmarks By Night
Paris is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks, and they become even more magical under the cover of night.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly the star of Paris’s night-time skyline. Every hour on the hour, the tower sparkles with thousands of lights for five minutes, creating a sight not to be missed. The best viewpoints for capturing this glittering marvel include Trocadéro Gardens, the Champs de Mars, and the Seine River banks.

Notre-Dame Cathedral
Though currently under renovation following the 2019 fire, Notre-Dame Cathedral remains a sight to behold at night. Its Gothic architecture is beautifully highlighted by soft yellow lighting, making it a great spot for evening strolls. Here’s to hoping it re-opens in December 2024 as planned!
Louvre Museum
The Louvre Pyramid wows its millions of visitors by glowing up at night. The Cour Napoléon in particular offers a perfect backdrop for night-time photography.
Visiting the Louvre on Friday nights will give you a chance to enjoy the collections it holds without crowds, due to its extended opening times.
Paris Nightlife: Best Bars, Clubs, and Cabarets
Paris has a well-known vibrant nightlife that caters to all tastes. Lively bars, chic clubs and cabaret shows are just a few things it has to offer.
Best Bars In Paris
- Le Comptoir Général: This bar offers a unique mix of tropical and vintage décor, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
- Harry’s New York Bar: Famous for inventing classic cocktails like the Bloody Mary, this historic bar is the perfect place for a relaxed night out.
Best Clubs In Paris
- La Machine du Moulin Rouge: Located in the heart of Montmartre, this club offers a mix of live music and DJ sets across its three floors.
- Silencio: Designed by filmmaker David Lynch, this exclusive club features a cinema, art gallery, and live performances, attracting a trendy crowd.
Best Cabarets In Paris
- Moulin Rouge: Experience the iconic can-can dance and a spectacular show at this world-renowned cabaret.
You Can Book Moulin Rouge Tickets HERE - The Paris La Nouvelle Eve Cabaret Show presents an evening that fills its historic building with dazzling performances, vibrant costumes, and choreography to be remembered; an amazing welcome to Parisian nightlife.
Book Your Paris La Nouvelle Eve Cabaret Tickets Here!
Cultural Experiences in Paris After Dark
Paris’s cultural scene is just as lively at night, with a variety of evening activities that cater to all interests.
Sainte-Chapelle
Evening concerts at Sainte-Chapelle are a magical experience. Classical music is performed against the backdrop of stunning stained glass windows. This is the perfect excuse to get dressed up, and have a classy evening out.
Opéra Garnier
Attending a performance at the Opéra Garnier is sure to be a highlight of your trip. Whether it’s an opera or a ballet, this 19th-century architectural masterpiece enhances the experience. If you are feeling lucky, you can get reduced ticket prices by approaching the box office 30 minutes before curtain up. You can see all the information on the Ticket Deals section of their site.
Luminescence Immersive Sound and Light Show
The Paris Luminescence Immersive Sound and Light Show provides an experience where visitors are enveloped in displays of lights and the 8000 pipes of the great organ, bringing the city’s history and culture to life in a unique and engaging way.
Romantic Evening Activities in Paris
For those looking to enjoy a romantic evening, there are tons of things for couples to do in Paris. Here are just a few:
Seine River Dinner Cruise
A Seine River dinner cruise provides you with a gourmet meal while floating past Paris’s most famous landmarks, all illuminated. It’s a classic Parisian experience that combines sightseeing with fine dining, and romance.
Rooftop Delights
Paris’s rooftop restaurants, such as Le Georges at the Centre Pompidou and the Terrass Hotel, allow you to wine and dine with romantic panoramic views of the city’s twinkling skyline.
Palace Of Versailles Night Show
The Château de Versailles Night Fountains Show is an evening treat where visitors can witness the palace gardens come alive with illuminated fountains, classical music, and an amazing firework display. This is guaranteed to book out quick, so be sure to secure your tickets.
Scenic Views Of Paris At Night
Paris at night offers some of the most breath-taking views, making it a must-see for visitors. Here are some of the best spots to capture the enchanting beauty of the City of Lights after dark:
- Eiffel Tower: The Summit provides amazing panoramic views of Paris at night. The tower’s hourly light show adds to the magic, making it the ideal place to be once the sun sets.
Be sure to secure a ticket HERE!
- Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur: Montmartre, with its elevated position, offers great views over Paris. The steps of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica are particularly popular (though tiring!) with a sweeping view of the city’s twinkling lights greeting you at the top. This spot is perfect for a romantic evening or a peaceful night out.
- Arc de Triomphe: Climbing to the top of the Arc de Triomphe gives you a 360-degree view of Paris, including the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower. The view from here is mesmerising at night when the city is glowing.
This is popular, so get your tickets in advance here!
- Trocadéro Gardens: For a classic view of the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadéro Gardens across the Seine River is the place to be. The open space offers an unobstructed view of the tower, making it a favourite spot for photographers.
- Montparnasse Tower: The Montparnasse Tower Roof Terrace offers all-round views of Paris at night, making it an ideal vantage point to admire the city’s illuminated landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, from a picturesque perspective.
Buy Tickets For Montparnasse Tower Now.
- Pont Alexandre III: This ornate bridge is not only beautiful to walk across but also offers great views of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River. The bridge’s own illumination, combined with the city lights, makes it a perfect spot for evening photography.
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Gourmet Dining and Culinary Delights in Paris at Night
Paris’s culinary scene is world-renowned, and the city offers a huge variety of late-night dining options.
Eiffel Tower Dinner
A dining experience with French cuisine and panoramic views of the City of Lights, all from within the iconic Eiffel Tower, making it a perfect romantic evening in Paris.
Hard Rock Café
Skip the line and enjoy a rock ‘n’ roll dining experience at the Hard Rock Cafe Paris, where you can eat your weight in American classics surrounded by rock memorabilia, all without the wait.
Cozy Wine & Cheese Tasting
Montmartre provides an intimate experience where you can savour a selection of fine French wines paired with artisanal cheeses, alongside enjoying the ambiance of the historic Montmartre district.
Safety Tips for Exploring Paris at Night
Exploring Paris at night is an experience that everyone should do once in their life, but it’s important to stay safe and know your transportation options.
Stick to well-lit and populated areas. Areas like the surrounding park of the Eiffel Tower can be filled with sellers, but we have never had an issue with them by politely declining. Just give a firm “Non, Merci” if they persist.
Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings. Don’t be fooled into stopping to speak to those with clipboards, as it is likely a distraction technique.
Read More On
How To Stay Safe In Paris and
How To Get Around Paris
In Our Handy Guides
Paris Night Transportation Options
- Paris Panoramic Tour: Have an expert driver take you round all the sights of Paris in a comfortable premium van. This tour allows you to experience all that Paris has to offer without lifting a finger!
Be sure to use code “FSE” in the additional notes section for a FREE upgrade from economy, to business class!

- Night Buses and Taxis: Paris has a reliable night bus service, and taxis are readily available throughout the city. An even safer option is to download the Bolt app– we have always used this and never had any issues.
- Metro: This is a hard one for us to recommend. We personally have always been fine getting on the last train home at night, but not everyone is so lucky. Be very aware of your surroundings, and try not to get onto isolated carriages.
We do not recommend travelling alone on the Paris metro at night.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a budding photographer, looking for a night on the town, or running off for a romantic weekend in Paris, this guide should set you up with some ideas of just how to make the most of every minute of your trip.
Paris at night can worry some people, but by following our tips and keeping yourself safe, you will not regret it.
We continue to return, with one of our favourite things to do being running around Paris at night!

At time of writing, there are currently no Coronavirus measures limiting tourists to enter France. This is in accordance with the information provided on gov.uk.