Discover the many things to do in Paris at night

Discover the City of Lights in a whole new way as we delve into the enchanting nighttime activities that Paris, with its illuminated landmarks and vibrant nightlife, has to offer.

The NH Concierge’s Tips

Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it is no wonder that one of its nicknames is the "city of lights". During the day, you have countless places to visit, but during the night, what once seemed ordinary becomes extraordinary. If you are planning a trip to this fantastic city, pay attention to the following things to do in Paris at night.

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Louvre

One of the Paris night activities you can do is a visit to the wonderful Louvre. When the night falls, this emblematic monument shines with its own light and is undoubtedly one of the most visited points of interest in the city. 

You may be wondering if the museum can be accessed at night and the answer is yes. On Wednesdays and Fridays it remains open until 21:45, giving you the opportunity to visit its galleries during the mystery of the night. 

You should know that the Louvre is full of visitors almost every day of the year. However, they usually get itineraries that take as protagonists the most popular works. As a recommendation, we encourage you to create a less popular itinerary so you can enjoy the magic of the museum from another perspective. The Louvre contains an infinite number of magnificent works that you may not know existed and find them spectacular. In addition, strolling through the less crowded areas at night is a special experience that you cannot miss. 

The tour of the museum can be done individually, but it is very important that you reserve your place to avoid queuing at the entrance.

Enjoy an evening concert at the Sainte Chapelle

One of the things to do in Paris at night is to wander the streets listening to the crowds and plan a surprise visit to the Sainte Chapelle in order to enjoy a concert. This chapel is amazing during the day, but at nightfall, it fills with a solemn atmosphere that will definitely take your breath away. 

Our recommendation is to go to one of the evening concerts they perform because the impressive experience is multiplied by four. Throughout the year, there are more than 100 performances in which you can enjoy classical music. Of course, we advise you to go an hour before the event so you can stroll around this iconic building and admire its stained-glass windows. 

On the way out, after the excitement of the performance, you can take a stroll on the Île de la Cité, one of the most famous sites of medieval Paris.

Attend the light show at the Eiffel Tower

The majestic Eiffel Tower, a 300-meter iron masterpiece, was born from the genius of Gustave Eiffel for the Paris Universal Exposition in 1889. This iconic structure stands as the most representative symbol of Paris and is undoubtedly the most captivating monument in the world, attracting more than 7 million visitors each year. 

Although it was a monument built to be temporary, the tower has stood the test of time and has found utility at crucial moments, serving as a broadcasting antenna during the World Wars. 

Nowadays, it is one of the reasons why Paris is known as the "city of lights", since it has an incredible light show. If you are planning a romantic trip with your partner, you should definitely plan this activity. It is a very nice way to show your feelings and it is a memory that will last for a lifetime. 

In addition, if you want to make the experience even more magical, you can book a dinner at the Madame Brasserie restaurant, against the backdrop of the illuminated Paris at night.

Cycling, one of the best things to do in Paris at night

We are used to visiting cities, always walking or by public transport. However, have you ever thought about how nice it would be to see them by bike? Primarily, it is a mode of transportation that will allow you to move more fluidly throughout the city and, secondarily, it is a much more exciting adventure! 

Nowadays, you have an infinite number of bike routes in case you decide to do one of the most original Paris night activities. Discover the hidden charms and iconic places of the city while pedaling, making stops at important and curious points. 

And if you're feeling insecure, you can take a guided tour: you'll hear fascinating stories and anecdotes that only Parisians themselves know! Isn't that an unimaginable experience? You'll take home a handful of great memories.

Delight yourself with Parisian gastronomy

Start a magical evening in Paris by indulging in internationally recognized culinary delights. This city has more than a hundred Michelin-starred restaurants, making it a gastronomic paradise for lovers of good food. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the charming Parisian bistros are a perfect option.

In Montmartre, a corner full of nocturnal charm, you can discover a variety of bars, traditional restaurants and cozy terraces for all tastes. In addition, we have some restaurant recommendations so you can go with the assurance of having an excellent experience.

At Comme Chez Maman, you can enjoy a charming atmosphere and pleasant décor. Delight yourself with extraordinary gastronomic options, ranging from fish and meat to vegetarian alternatives. The dishes to taste are a unique experience and all accompanied by an exquisite wine selection.

At Fric Frac Montmartre you can enjoy authenticity at an affordable price. It has innovative options of croques-monsieur and vegan dishes, accompanied by draft beer from the leading Parisian microbrewery BAPBAP.

Last but not least, we present to you the gastronomic expressiveness of Le Procope, one of the most popular restaurants to enjoy your Paris night activities. It is located in a cozy setting where you can enjoy finger-licking gastronomy with original flavors.

See the stars on a cruise on the Seine River

Cities with a river always have a special charm and you can use it to take a refreshing walk along its banks or, in the case of Paris, take a cruise to see the stars like never before. 

The Seine is a magical river and has a fundamental role in Paris, as it supplies water to the city and also serves as a means of transportation. In total, this French city has 37 bridges and all of them cross the waters of the Seine to offer magical views of the city. 

For an unforgettable trip to Paris, we recommend that you book a trip along the Seine. You will be able to see iconic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum and the Musée d'Orsay. Can you ask for something more special for a trip? Well, the truth is yes, since you have two to three-hour dinner cruises included. Not only will you be able to enjoy an evening stroll, but you will also be able to stargaze while tasting some of France's most exquisite dishes and sipping champagne. 

However, if you already have dinner booked, don't worry because there is a wide variety of drinks, live music and appetizers for a more lively experience.

One of the best Paris night activities: attending a cabaret

If you are looking for original things to do in Paris at night, you can't miss a cabaret. However, to fully immerse yourself in this experience, we recommend you to book your stay in some of the best hotels in Paris, to guarantee a good rest. Why do we tell you this? The truth is that nights in a cabaret make your spirit revive and flow with energy. In a nutshell: Cabarets are pure fun. 

Parisians enjoy cabarets, with shows that include the lively French cancan, singing and juggling. If we had to recommend one, we'd tell you to go to the iconic Moulin Rouge, but there are plenty of other options. In addition, most offer dinner or glasses of champagne to end the night on a good note.

Delve into the catacombs of Paris

If you are a history lover or if you want a supernatural experience, we advise you to visit the catacombs of Paris at night. Just remember to bring a jacket with you because the temperatures drop a lot when you are underground. 

Closing time is at 20:30, so you have time to try to see them at night by purchasing one of the last tours. The night tour is only available on certain days, so be sure to make a reservation. On the other hand, if you are a person that gets scared easily, we recommend that you go with a companion, as it is a place that is somewhat disturbing. 

Getting onto the subject, the catacombs of Paris are located under the city in old quarries, housing about 6 million skeletons of Parisians, moved between the late eighteenth and mid-nineteenth century. Remember to book your tickets at the times you are interested in to avoid missing out on the experience or waiting in endless lines.

Climb the Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is one of the most emblematic monuments of the city. Besides telling you to take a look at it because it is so beautiful, we recommend you go up to the top to be amazed by one of the best night panoramas of the city. You will be able to see the distant twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower, along with the romantic atmosphere of the city.

Enjoy an evening of ballet at the Opera Garnier

An evening at the Opera Garnier is a great way to start a night out in Paris. We recommend you arrive early to admire the architecture and decorations before the show. 

During the interlude, you can head to the grand foyer to savor a glass of champagne and admire its impressive gallery inspired by the Hall of Mirrors of the Palace of Versailles. 

If you are more interested in the artistic part and not so much in the show, you can always go to the Opera Garnier before 17:00 for a self-guided tour. Some tours even allow you to visit the reserved balcony of the Phantom of the Opera.

Opera Garnier focuses on ballet performances. However, if you prefer to go to an opera, then we advise you to go to the Bastille Opera.

Come to the night show of the fountains at the Palace of Versailles

One of the best things to do in Paris at night is to take in the nightly fountain show at the Palace of Versailles. This ancient retreat once belonged to the royal court and is now a museum of great elegance due to the wishes of King Louis XIV. It has more than 60,000 works of art and ornate rooms, such as the iconic Hall of Mirrors. 

The most incredible experience is when you arrive at the castle and witness the dazzling night show in the gardens. For two hours, the fountains are illuminated with lights that dance to the sound of music, creating a fascinating play of light and shadows on the trees. In addition, special effects, sculptures and fireworks are used, while the Forest Ballroom glows with thousands of candles. It is both a romantic and cultural experience, so it fits perfectly into any type of itinerary.

There are endless activities to do at Paris at night under the moonlight. From the mystery of the Louvre to the majestic views of the Eiffel Tower, you just have to let your creativity fly and choose some of the plans we have proposed to give your trip a unique touch.


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