Paris by Night: Where to Go out and Avoid Tourists?

When we talk about Paris, what comes first to mind are its famous landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Sacré Coeur… and also the masses of tourists wandering through the capital’s wide avenues. In Summer especially, tourists go out to enjoy the summer heat and the streets end up busier than ever.

However, it is absolutely possible to discover Paris from another perspective, far away from the tourist masses. This will ensure you have a unique visit that will cause you to discover the authentic charm of the city of Paris.

going out at night in paris
At night, in which districts (far from tourists) can you go out to ? Here, you’ll find all of our advices

 

Visit the Butte Bergeyre

butte bergeyre
Photo Credits: Guilhem Vellut under Creative Commons 2.0

The Butte Bergeyre is a secret that is well-kept by Parisians. This hill, located in the 19th arrondissement and close to the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, shelters a calm and peaceful town. Here, you won’t find any shops, only the surrounding tranquility of the district!

To access this place, you will find a road and two staircases. After climbing for 5 minutes, you will be rewarded by a spectacular view of the capital which will make you forget this small effort.

The ideal moment to visit the Butte Bergeyre is at sunset, to enjoy an even more beautiful view. At night, from the summit of this hill, you will be able to confirm by yourself the reason why Paris is nicknamed the “City of Lights”.

Access:
– Metro line 7 bis, Buttes-Chaumont station

 

Our restaurant recommendation: La Forge

26 Avenue Mathurin Moreau, 75019 Paris

3 minutes away from the Butte Bergeyre is the La Forge restaurant.

This typical Parisian restaurant is located in a calm area, far away from the crowds of tourists.

At La Forge, you can enjoy a rich dish and the excellent quality of the meat! Here, everything is homemade and the warm atmosphere will remind you of your own home’s comfort.

  • TripAdvisor’s Rating: 4.5/5
  • LaFourchette’s Rating: 9.1/10
  • Google’s Rating: 4.6/5

Average menu price of €23.

Opening hours:
– Monday to Saturday: from 12:00pm to 3:00pm and from 7:00pm to 11:00pm.

Website (in French)

 

Our bar recommendation: Sunny

84 Avenue Secrétan, 75019 Paris

sunny bar
Photo Credits: Sunny

The Sunny bar is a 7-minute walk from the Butte Bergeyre. In a French-Californian style, this bar’s menu is fresh and original!

The relaxed atmosphere and the cosy decor make it a very nice place to get a drink during a cool summer night. It’s the ideal bar to refresh yourself after a walk.

  • TripAdvisor’s Rating: 4/5
  • Yelp’s Rating: 4.5/5
  • Google’s Rating: 4.2/5

Average menu price of €25.

Opening hours: All week from 8:00am to 2:00am

Facebook Page

 

 

Sip a drink along the banks of the Seine, close to the Bibliothèque François Mitterrand (BnF)

quais de seine malaquais
Photo Credits: Jean-François Gornet under Creative Commons 2.0

The banks of the Seine around the Bibliothèque François Mitterrand make a festive and lively place in the evening. Here, you will be able to enjoy a pleasant time away from tourists. Between barges and floating bars, let yourself be guided by this environment to discover a new aspect of the 13th arrondissement of Paris.

During the day, you can walk along the banks of the Seine but they are frequented much more by tourists. You would probably prefer a walk at the Canal Saint-Martin, which is quieter at this time.

Access:
– Metro line 6, Quai de la Gare station
– Metro line 14, Bibliothèque François Mitterrand station
– RER C, Bibliothèque François Mitterrand station

 

Our restaurant recommendation: Zaytoon

2 Rue Duchefdelaville, 75013 Paris

zaytoon restaurant
Photo Credits: Zaytoon

Zaytoon is a modern Lebanese restaurant, its cuisine combining both tradition and creativity. Come taste Lebanese dishes revisited with a hint of freshness by the restaurant’s chef.

The modern and clean decor goes hand in hand with Zaytoon’s menu. If you are a lover of Lebanese cuisine, don’t hesitate!

  • TripAdvisor’s Rating: 5/5
  • LaFourchette’s Rating: 9.2/10
  • Google’s Rating: 4.8/5

Average menu price of €20.

Opening hours:
– Monday: from 12:00pm to 2:30pm
– Tuesday to Friday: from 12:00pm to 2:30pm and from 7:30pm to 10:30pm
– Saturday: from 7:30pm to 10:30pm

Facebook Page (in French)

 

Our bar recommendation: the EL ALAMEIN boat

Quai François Mauriac, 75013 Paris

With its unusual location, its ethnic interior and a terrace surrounded by plants, this purple barge welcomes you in the evening, which is perfect after a short walk on the banks of the Seine.

Seize the opportunity of this surprising place to order an original cocktail and enjoy a beautiful view of the Seine.

The EL ALAMEIN boat has a concert hall where numerous artists perform all week.

  • TripAdvisor’s Rating: 4/5
  • TimeOut’s Rating: 4/5
  • Google’s Rating: 4.3/5

Price: around €7 for a cocktail

Opening hours: All week from 6:00pm to 2:00am

Website (in French)

 

 

Go around the Passage Brady for a total escape

passage brady
Photo Credits: Ratozamanana Andriankoto under Creative Commons 2.0

The Passage Brady is covered passage situated in the 10th arrondissement.

Nicknamed “Little India”, this place is full of Indian, Pakistani, Mauritian and Reunionese shops.

You will be able to enjoy a sweet-flavored break in one of the many traditional restaurants that are in the Passage Brady.

It is composed of two parts: one is covered by a glass roof and the other is open, which is nice for bathing in the summer sun.

Not very known by tourists, this spot is perfect in the evening.

You will have the possibility to eat a spicy dish at a very comfortable price, which can be followed by a shopping session in the many shops at the Passage Brady.

Access:
– Metro lines 4, 8 and 7, Strasbourg Saint-Denis station
– Metro 4, Château d’eau station

 

Our restaurant recommendation: Pooja Namo

91 Passage Brady, 75010 Paris

Come discover India’s many flavours in this specialized restaurant at the Passage Brady. Authentic and traditional, this restaurant is a guaranteed culinary trip where all dishes are homemade, all the way to the spices!

  • TripAdvisor’s Rating: 4/5
  • LaFourchette’s Rating: 8.3/10
  • Google’s Rating: 4.1/5

Price: between €10 and €30.

Opening hours: All week from 12:00pm to 3:00pm and from 7:00pm to 11:00pm

Website

 

Our bar recommendation: Le Syndicat

51 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75010 Paris

A few steps away from the Passage Brady, between two narrow alleyways, you will find the Le Syndicat bar. This bar is just like hidden treasure, and it offers new experiences by changing its menu every 6 months.

Le Syndicat will suit people seeking a bit of privacy, away from the racket of the street bars. The dimmed lights and the contemporary-style sleek interior will make it easy for you to relax and take a break.

  • TripAdvisor’s Rating: 4.5/5
  • TimeOut’s Rating: 4.2/5
  • Google’s Rating: 4.5/5

Price: around €13 for a cocktail.

Opening hours: All week from 6:00pm to 2:00am

Website (in French)

 

 

Visit the Bastille and Oberkampf districts

bastille oberkampf
Photo Credits: Alyssa BLACK under Creative Commons 2.0

Bastille and Oberkampf are peaceful during the day and not populated by many tourists, which will allow you to enjoy the pure Parisian experience.

When night falls, these districts become very lively and festive: with bars and cafés representing different countries, you can discover world cuisine through this trendy district!

We recommend that you eat in one of the numerous restaurants that specialize in national cuisine, like Patchanka (TripAdvisor Page) for South-American specialities or Les Artistes Gourmands (Facebook Page, in French) for a mix of Italian and French cuisine, inspired by the Mediterranean Sea.

You can also take this opportunity to shop around in the small shops of these Parisian districts that still have a small town atmosphere in the middle of Paris.

To enjoy these districts’ lively atmosphere by night and their calmness during the day, there are a lot of hotels nearby. Don’t hesitate to book a room, as you don’t want to miss out on these districts!

Access:
– Metro lines 5 and 9, Oberkampf station
– Metro line 8, Filles du Calvaire station

 

Our restaurant recommendation: Patchanka

33-35 Rue Saint-Sébastien, 75011 Paris

This Argentinian restaurant will make you travel far away from the capital. The decor, heavily inspired by South America, will make you feel just like you’re in Argentina.

Freshness and quality guaranteed, it’s a culinary experience not to miss in the district of Bastille – Oberkampf!

  • TripAdvisor’s Rating: 5/5
  • LaFourchette’s Rating: 9.6/10
  • Google’s Rating: 4.9/5

Price: between €15 and €50.

Opening hours:
– Tuesday to Friday: from 12:00pm to 2:00pm and from 7:30pm to 11:00pm
– Saturday: from 7:00pm to 11:00pm

TripAdvisor Page

 

Our bar recommendation: L’Autobus

1 Rue Oberkampf, 75011 Paris

Here’s a little bar that is very frequented by the local Parisians. L’Autobus is a simple bar, without any fuss!

Very friendly, this place is perfect to meet new people in the most natural way. Also, you’re sure that your glass will never be empty here.

This bar’s charm resides in its very relaxed atmosphere.

  • Yelp’s Rating: 4/5
  • Google’s Rating: 4.1/5

Price: around €5 for a drink.

Horaires d’ouverture:
– Monday to Saturday: from 9:00am to 2:00am

Yelp Page

 

 

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    Go for a walk at the Butte aux Cailles

    butte aux cailles
    Photo Credits: Mbzt / Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA

    This area that looks like it doesn’t belong in Paris has kept its town-like charm.

    When you come around the Butte aux Cailles, it’s not to visit historical monuments or to shop.

    You can relax amongst the reigning serenity, the greenery and the peaceful atmosphere of this haven of peace, all this while escaping tourists.

    Very calm during the day, it become more lively by night thanks to the local people.

    The many bars and terraces offer the possibility to enjoy a pleasant moment!

    The Butte aux Cailles is also full of Street Art works, as it is chosen as a playground by many artists.

    Access:
    – Metro line 6, Corvisart station
    – Metro line 7, Tolbiac station

     

    Our restaurant recommendation: Chez Mamane

    27 rue des 5 Diamants, 75013 Paris

    Chez Mamane is a Moroccan restaurant close to the Butte aux Cailles. Come taste a traditional couscous here, which is the specialty of the restaurant.

    The simple and warm welcome makes this restaurant very family-driven and friendly, so don’t hesitate!

    • TripAdvisor’s Rating: 4.5/5
    • Timeout’s Rating: 5/5
    • Google’s Rating: 4.5/5

    Price: between €12 and €18 for a meal.

    Opening hours: All week from 7:00pm to 2:00am

    Facebook Page

     

    Our bar recommendation: La Folie en Tête

    33 Rue de la Butte aux Cailles, 75013 Paris

    This bar incarnates the typical atmosphere of the Butte aux Cailles: relaxed, natural and friendly.

    It’s a very lively district that attracts all type of people. The bar’s decor is quite unusual: musical instruments are hung on the wall.

    The music played at the bar goes hand in hand with the musical feel of La Folie en Tête.

    • TimeOut’s Rating: 5/5
    • Yelp’s Rating: 4.5/5
    • Google’s Rating: 4.3/5

    Price: cocktails starting at €6.

    Opening hours:
    – Monday to Saturday: from 5:00pm to 2:00am

    Website (in French)

     

     

    Ménilmontant and Belleville: trendy and cosmopolitan districts

    menilmontant paris
    Photo Credits: Guilhem Vellut under Creative Commons 2.0

    Ménilmontant and Belleville are two popular Parisian districts, but much less frequented by tourists than the capital’s huge tourist districts.

    In Ménilmontant’s district, you will enjoy looking at the scenery in front of you: traditional houses, paved roads… If you are a little bit hungry, you will be pleased by the bars and restaurants this districts has. Also, take this opportunity to take a look at the big fresco signed by the French Street Artist Tarek Benaoum!

    What’s more, these districts also testify to the cosmopolitan nature of Paris. In the streets at the south of Belleville, nicknamed “Babelville”, you will find many restaurants specializing in Asian cuisine, various spices and affordable clothes shops. You’ll be able to enjoy a lot of various shops here after a good meal.

    In the Sainte-Marthe street, far from the bustling flow of people walking in the capital, you will be able to choose between either French cuisine, Moroccan, Brazilian, Rwandan or Chilean food!

    Access:
    – Metro line 2, Ménilmontant, Couronnes or Belleville stations
    – Metro line 11, Belleville station

     

    Our restaurant recommendation: Les Canailles Ménilmontant

    15 Rue des Panoyaux, 75020 Paris

    Les Canailles Ménilmontant offers typical traditional French cuisine. Come for a lunch or a dinner in this Parisian bistrot, featured in the 2019 Michelin Guide. The tender and flavorful food won’t let you down.

    • TripAdvisor’s Rating: 4.5/5
    • LaFourchette’s Rating: 9.4/10
    • Google’s Rating: 4.8/5

    Price: between €17 and €30 for a meal.

    Opening hours:
    – Monday to Friday: from 12:00pm to 2:30pm and from 7:00pm to 10:30pm

    Website (in French)

     

    Our bar recommendation: Le Perchoir

    14 Rue Crespin du Gast, 75011 Paris

    Le Perchoir Ménilmontant
    Photo Credits: Studio cui cui – Le Perchoir Ménilmontant

    This terrace bar is situated high up and has a view on Paris’ rooftops, which gives the opportunity to see a beautiful sunset on the horizon.

    If you’re searching for a place where you can enjoy a drink with your friends, then Le Perchoir is probably the place made for you. The interior and the lightning installed on the terrace will make you forget that you are in Paris.

    • TripAdvisor’s Rating: 3.5/5
    • TimeOut’s Rating: 4/5
    • Google’s Rating: 4/5

    Price: around €30 for a dish and an appetizer.

    Opening hours:
    – Monday to Thursday: from 6:00pm to 1:30am
    – Friday: Closed
    – Saturday: from 4:00pm to 1:30am
    – Sunday: from 2:00pm to 10:00pm

    You can also enjoy the view from the Perchoir’s other locations in Paris:

    • Le Dôme: 54bis Rue des Francs Bourgeois, 75004 Paris
    • Le Pavillon Puebla: 39 Avenue Simon Bolivar, 75019 Paris
    • Le Perchoir de l’Est: Place du 11 Novembre 1918, Rue du 8 Mai 1945, 75010 Paris
    • Le Perchoir Marais: 37 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris
    • Le Perchoir Porte de Versailles: 2 Avenue de la Porte de la Plaine, 75015 Paris

    Find more information on their website and their Facebook Page