In the daytime, there are lots of wonderful sights to see, but what
about at night? What else would you expect from the City of Lights?
In Paris there are always lots of places to go no matter what time and
there are just as many different types of places to go as well. There
is something for everyone here. One thing I can recommend as a good
starting point is to buy a copy of Pariscope magazine. It
is a periodical that comes out weekly and lists the entertainment going
on that week. It will list everything from plays to music performances.
This is where I recomend starting if you do not have an idea of what you
want to do. A lot og guide books do not have many, if any, places
to go at night for drinkers, so here are the names of a few places to consider
as well below, first bars, then clubs.
It is too hard to list everything, but below are the names of places that
I have either been to and like or places that I think are worth trying
out.
The Paris Bar Scene
When it comes to the bars, the Bastille has become a popular location lately
and is now a hot spot and the place to be late at night for the
young and hip. The Marais as well has a great concentration of bars.
Students and young tourists find the Latin Quarter a good place to hang
out and of course there are places to be found in Montmartre, mostly around
Place Pigalle. Most bars close around 2am, but there are a few places
that serve food and drink until the wee hours of the morning. Some
of the popular beers to order are Kronenbourg, Pelforth, Carlsberg, and
Heineken. Wine is typically not ordered out at bars unless it is
either a wine bar or a bar at a hotel where the quality is more reliable.
Hard liquor is typically very expensive and be aware that not all bartenders
are going to know drinks like a Long Island Iced Tea. It is also
acceptable to leave a franc or two as a tip when buying a drink at the
bar. When ordering at a table tip is already included, so feel free
to leave whatever extra you like. Tipping is similar to that when
ordering a meal...for more information see the etiquette
section.
Pub St. Germain
17 rue de l'Ancienne-Comedie
A great place for beer lovers because there is a huge beer list here.
The upstairs is a bar and you can even order food while downstairs are
lots of little tables and nooks and cranies where you can hear a live band
play while you drink. This is a great place and very popular with
students...maybe beause it's open 24 hours.
Polly Magoo's
11 rue St Jacques
Another popular student dive, this place is very nostalgic, which is
just a nice way of saying old and smoky. A great place that always
packs them in and is a lot of fun. It is not a big place by any means,
but that adds to the crazy atmosphere.
The Longhop
Place Maubert
You can usually find a fair number of English-speaking people at this
British-style pub. There are two floors here and a large screen that
broadcasts the English Premier League games. (That's football (soccer)
to the unprivaleged.) A good selection of beer and usually a fun-loving
crowd. Also, the bartenders are very friendly.
Lou Pascalou
14 rue des Panoyaux
They pack in the students here at this off the beaten track bar in
an otherwise non-descript place, but one that always attracts a fun crowd.
Drinks are on the cheaper side as well...nice perk.
Le Piano Vache
8 rue Laplace
This is the classic student bar. There are old wooden beams,
smokey walls, and a yound crowd. It has a yester-year feel and tends
to get busy early in the evening.
What's Up Bar
11 rue Daval
This Bastille bar is the place to go if you can handle the attitude
they dish out. Many hip and famous people frequent here. Some
of the best music in the city that's to France's best deejays.
Le Cafe du Passage
12 rue de Charonne
The ultimate late-night wine bar. A laid back, dark place with
jazz music. There is a great selection of wines (of course) and some
good food as well.
Pub 64 WE
64 rue de Charenton
Here is a great Batille bar for those who are looking for good fun
without all the flashiness. Younger locals come here to hang out,
listen to music, and play pool. There are stand-up counters and tables
and a friendly staff.
L'Academie de la Biere
88 bis, boulevard Port-Royal
The place to be for serious beer lovers, there are at least 10 on tap
and 150 bottles to make a very well-rounded selection. If you do
go here, promise to not drink anything you have heard of before...what's
the point?
Le Birdland
20 rue Princesse
A jazz bar that is tucked back away with a great collection of single-malt
wiskeys and a mature crowd.
The Paris Club Scene
The two majors places where you can find clubs is around the Champs-Elysees
and in the Marais and Beaubourg areas. The club scene is certainly
more expensive with cover charges and horribly over-priced drinks.
Dressing up is a must or you may not get in the door. Tight and black
is the standard issue at most places, but decide where you are going beforehand
so you can dress appropriately.
Le Bataclan
50 boulevard Voltaire
Arguably the hottest club in Paris. This expensive club draws
the best crowd when something big is going on and is all about image...but
then again, what club isn't.
Le Palace
8 rue du Faubourg Montmartre
Making a comeback and is becoming ever more and more fashionable and
hip.
Le Privilege
3 cite Bergere
Ultra-hip, ultra-exclusive club that plays disco and is popular with
straight, gay, and lesbians. So whatever your preference, you'll
feel at home.
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