Where to go out in Paris based on your scene

Paris is quite known for its nightlife which has something for everyone, every season. European culture mixed with international visitors make Paris a diverse city. There is something for everyone on any given night. Because of the amount of variety and the overwhelming amount of different bars alone, I am breaking this post up into different “scenes”. Maybe you came for the techno parties or clubs open until 6am. Maybe you are into the speakeasy vibe with fancy crafted cocktails and hidden entrances. Or perhaps you only go out to be seen so you like to dress to the nines and dance in style with bottle service. Maybe you’re all about the dives or you search high and low for live music. Whatever your scene, I’ve got the perfect recommendations for you, complete with Google Maps lists that you can save and access in a pinch.

The Dance ‘Till Morning Nightclub Scene:

Looking for a place to dance the night away until 5 or 6 in the morning? I’ve got just the places for you. A range of different DJs perform nightly at these venues, offering up something for everyone, whether its electronic, top hits, rock/pop, or throwbacks. There are a lot of clubs in Paris open until the wee hours of the morning, but these are my favorites and guaranteed to be the most fun on any given night.

Badaboum-

A fun and mostly local club in the 11th with separate rooms and DJs to dance to. Check their events for details as the parties change constantly. 11th arrondissement.

Nouveau Casino-

Weekend only nightclub open until 6am. 11th arrondissement.

Rex Club-

Check the DJ playing and hope for a good one like Laurent Garnier or other well known artists. Rex is cool for its large dance floor and reputable lineups. Grands Boulevards, 2ème.

Nuits Fauves-

Literally translated to “wild nights”, this indoor-outdoor club speaks to its name, especially during the summer. Drink and chill outside by the water, or head in for lights and beats until dawn in an industrial-style atmosphere. Quai d’Austerlitz, level Seine, 13ème.

Bus Palladium-

Multi-level club with different DJs lets you choose your scene for the night. Typically fun dancing crowd on the ground level, and lounge style upstairs. I recommend checking their facebook for lineups. 9th arrondissement.

Glazart-

An exceptionally large venue hosting both fun parties and live music concerts. You can consider this place a Parisian paradise. Be sure to check their events for details and tickets. In the summer they have an outdoor “beach” stage (see outdoor party scene). Porte de la Villette, 19ème.

The Outdoor Party Scene:

Paris becomes more alive in the summer months, when many outdoor venues and party organisers open up the doors to outdoor parties. Dance the night away in the forest, on a fake beach, on a boat or rooftop with my personal favourites. Most outdoor parties go from May/June until end of September. Keep your eyes open for opening and closing parties and get tickets in advance if possible.

La Clairière –

Outdoor venue with full blown stage and lights in the middle of the forest. This club only runs during the summer season. Bois de Boulogne.

La Plage (Glazart)-

Next to the indoor club and concert venue is a huge sandy “beach” with a stage for live DJ sets and concerts. Open June – September. Porte de La Villette, 19ème.

Beyond The Doors parties-

A series of events hosted by “Beyond the Doors” group. These parties are usually in cool locations (think abandoned churches, or after hour circus parties), or outdoor spaces and are my personal favourites each summer. Follow their facebook page for events and locations. Location varies.

Wanderlust –

This outdoor club hosts a variation of different parties, including ones from Beyond The Doors and hip-hop themed. Check out their events for details. Quai d’Austerlitz, 13ème.

Café Barge-

Both on a boat and riverside, this bar hosts many different events all year long, though the best time is summer when they have reoccurring parties through the weekend. Check their events page to see whats happening now. Porte de la Rapée, 12ème.

La Javelle-

One of my favorite summer spots for its local vibe and often times live music. You’ll also find food trucks and best of all, it’s on the seine river. They even have a costume room in which people can leave a deposit and borrow funny outfits to wear around the party. Port de la Javel Bas, 15ème.

Rooftop bars-

Rooftop bars are a popular way to have a few cocktails in the warmer months. Check out my blog post on the best rooftop bars in Paris.

The hip-hop party scene:

A popular request (and not so easy answer) regarding Paris nightclubs: “what are the best hip-hop clubs in Paris?” Tragically, there aren’t many clubs dedicated to hip-hop. Mostly, you have to find events which offer re-occurring parties, though they don’t remain the same year after year. You may find clubs like VIP room coming up in your google search, but it won’t make the cut for me. Here are some of my favorite clubs that often have hip-hop themed nights.

Le Carmen-

An old brothel turned night club in the 9th arrondissement usually playing hip hop music. Just near Pigalle which has many other notable bars in the area. 9th arrondissement.

Bizz’Art-

My typical go to for hip-hop and soul nights. Check out their events page for parties. Quai de Valmy, 10ème.

Le District-

Often holds old school hip-hop parties, including soul and 90s. 1st arrondissement.

Keur Samba-

African club playing hip-hop variations and African music. 8th arrondissement.

Jangal-

A small nightclub open from midnight to 6am only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Often mixes hip-hop with top hits. 1st arrondissement.

Live music & concert scene:

If your definition of going out involves seeing a live and in-person band or concert, you’re in luck because there are many venues in Paris to turn to. In addition to checking out sites like Ticketmaster, and Bandsintown, which will inform you of major artist concerts, you can also check out local groups that perform jazz, rock, and electronic with free entry or small door entry at these favorits below:

Le Caveau de la Huchette-

Self titled “House of Swing”, this jazz club is great for live music and swing dancing. Check it out if you like a little old school fun. Saint Michele, 5ème.

La Bellevilloise-

Live concerts on Wednesdays-Saturdays in the café, plus special events, and jazz brunches on Sunday afternoons. Definitely check this place out if you’re into live music. 20th arrondissement.

Supersonic-

A two story live music venue with live bands and tributes to groups like Oasis, David Bowie, and more. Every night has a different scene so check their events page for info. Canal Saint Martin, 12ème.

L’Alimentation Générale-

Recommended by a friend, this bar has live music shows almost daily. The genres range across all music types from rock, afro, salsa, pop, disco, jazz, and more. Many shows are free or have a small cover. 9th arrondissement.

Caberet Sauvage-

Venue space hosting concerts for a more “local” euro crowd. Be sure to purchase tickets ahead of time. La Villette, 19ème.

NO.PI-

A new live music venue at Place de Clichy (shoutout to my hood!). It boasts trendy cocktail bar vibe with live cover bands to dance to. Place de Clichy, 8ème.

Espace B-

Your typical dive bar/restaurant with live underground music hidden behind. Check events and dates for concerts. 19th arrondissement.

The Scene “Bourgeoise”:

If you picture the nightlife in Paris in a more classy manor, filled with celebrities, socialites, and models, then the bourgeoise scene is for you. Be aware that most of these clubs are not always easy to get into, unless you are willing to pay for a table. Dress codes are strict (no ripped jeans, sneakers, T-shirts). If you’re in Paris for fashion week, you might end up at some of these clubs post-show. If you like to go out to be seen, check out these clubs.

Matignon-

Both a chic restaurant and nightclub, you can have the best of both worlds at Matignon. The nightclub downstairs is table service only, complete with “bottle boys” instead of girls, and sparklers every time they bring out bottles. 8th arrondissement.

Manko-

This restaurant and club combo is owned by world renown Tony Gomez. The Peruvian restaurant offers elegant cocktails and Peruvian dishes in a stylish setting. Just beyond the restaurant is a nightclub hosting some pretty reputable DJs. Table reservations are recommended. Avenue Montaigne, 8ème.

Raspoutine Paris-

Also found in major cities such as Los Angeles, Raspoutine is known for hosting socialites and major celebrities. You may get lucky and party with Rihanna here. Make a table reservation and be sure to dress to impress. Champs Elysées, 8ème.

Maison Blanche-

Attached to a panoramic view, Michelin rated restaurant, this rooftop club is only open on Fridays and Saturday nights and boasts many international DJs. Avenue Montaigne, 8ème.

The Speakeasy / Craft Cocktail Scene:

If you’re a cocktail connoisseur who takes a good drink very seriously, there are a plethora of craft cocktail bars all around Paris. Check out some of my favorites below. If a secret entrance really gets your attention, check out my list of speakeasy bars on Google Maps here.

La Resistance-

In the heart of le Marais, this bar makes exceptional cocktails and is open until 2am. The cozy atmosphere is great for spending hours chatting away. Its location is perfect if you want to step out and bar hop around the neighborhood on your night out. Le Marais, 4ème.

Lockwood-

A classic through and through, I’ve been going to Lockwood since I arrived in Paris almost 5 years ago. You may have heard about their weekend brunches, but this place makes a pretty great evening hangout for drinks even during the week. Make your way down to the basement or sit and watch the bartender do his work. Sentier, 2ème.

La Commune-

Owned by the same owner of Le Syndicat, La Commune is a craft cocktail bar in the up and coming area, Belleville. The concept is a little different than normal; each cocktail is ordered in number of people drinking and comes out punch bowl style. This way, drinking becomes communal, hence the name. They are also incredibly creative and delicious. Belleville, 20ème.

Serpent A Plume-

A multilevel fashion bar with crafty cocktails and an interesting regular crowd. There is a mini pool on the middle level. DJs and dancers in costume make appearances here some nights. A must go check out in person bar. Place de Vosges, 3ème.

Prescription Cocktail Club-

A crafty cocktail bar that takes its drinks very seriously. Their cocktails are specialty crafted, so don’t expected your ordinary favorites. Plan to try new flavours and variations. Open most nights until 2am and 4am on weekend nights. 6th arrondissement.

The “Dive Bar” Scene:

If cheap drinks, cool art, or games are your scene, check out out these cool spots that offer at least one of these things. These aren’t your typical American style dive bars, giving off a slightly strange smell and crawling with seedy people. In fact it’s quite the contrary. These “dives” in Paris are pretty trendy and cool places to go out with friends for a more social night meeting people, dancing, and getting into mischief.

inside comptoir general Paris — Le Comptoir Général, Paris

Le Comptoir Général-

This Caribbean bar is a fun spot with differently decorated rooms. Dance in the school locker room, or sit on couches in the “jungle”. The entrance gives a somewhat secret vibe. Pass through the outside gate and through an outdoor courtyard to enter this lively joint. Canal Saint Martin, 10ème.

FAT.-

An incredible hip-hop mural, graffiti, and street food make this place the perfect dive in Paris. Even their smoking room is in all black light graffiti. Most dive aspect = beer pong (ayooo!). They occasionally play hip-hop music, and drinks are good. Not too much fuss for a good time at FAT. Le Marais, 3ème.

Point Éphémère-

An indoor-outdoor venue by the canal with a dance floor, games, and some food. Check out their ongoing parties and special events. Quai de Valmy, 10ème.

Panic Room-

A cool mix of electro dance downstairs and chill vibes upstairs with classic arcade games. 11th arrondissement.

Le Dernier Bar Avant la Fin du Monde-

If your idea of a night out with friends is drinking and playing games, then this ultimate geek bar is for you. They have tons of different games you can play, special themed events, and the decor is pretty cool. Open every day until midnight, and 2am on weekends. Chatelet, 1ème.

Hit the Town

playful bar play — Image source: Serpent A Plume Facebook

Parties in Paris change every year, but some places remain “goodies” and typically know what they are doing. If you live here permanently, you know that the best parties don’t stick around forever. Part of being Parisian is knowing what the vibe and scene is on any given night. By now you should have a good chunk of different places to go out in Paris based on your mood and idea of a good night out. For an easily accessible map of these bars (and others not mentioned) click the below links to my personalised lists on Google Maps. Simply “follow” the list to save the location on your map. You’ll be able to easily see hours, busy times, photos, reviews, and even directions from your current location. Follow them all!