Best Bars in Paris

When you think of best bars Paris, the most authentic drinking spots in Paris that locals swear by, not just the ones with Instagram backdrops. Also known as hidden Parisian pubs, these places are where the city’s real rhythm lives—after the museums close and the tour groups head home. This isn’t about champagne flutes at the Eiffel Tower. It’s about sipping natural wine in a basement near Canal Saint-Martin, talking to a bartender who’s been there since 1998, or finding a jazz club where the music doesn’t drown out conversation.

The Paris nightlife, the collection of underground venues, intimate wine bars, and late-night hangouts that define how Parisians actually spend their evenings runs on rhythm, not rules. You won’t find cover charges or dress codes that feel like a test. Instead, you’ll find people who know which bar opens at 11 PM on a Tuesday and still has a seat by the window. The local bars Paris, the unmarked doors, the family-run establishments, the spots that don’t advertise but always have a crowd are where you’ll hear real French, see people laughing over a bottle of Beaujolais, or catch a musician playing accordion after midnight.

What makes the Paris after dark, the true experience of the city once the sun sets and the lights come up in unexpected places so special is how quiet it can be—even in the middle of a party. There’s no shouting over music. No flashing lights. Just good drinks, good company, and a pace that lets you breathe. You’ll find places where the barkeep remembers your name after one visit, where the wine list is written on a chalkboard, and where the playlist shifts from French chanson to electronic beats without anyone blinking.

And if you’re looking for something more? The Paris party spots, the secret clubs, rooftop lounges, and speakeasies that only locals know about are scattered across arrondissements like hidden treasure. Some are tucked under train tracks. Others are behind unmarked doors in 19th-century buildings. A few require a password you get from a friend. These aren’t just places to drink—they’re experiences that feel like being let in on a secret the city keeps from everyone else.

You won’t find all of these in a guidebook. But you’ll find them here. Below are real stories, real spots, and real advice from people who’ve spent years wandering Paris after dark—no filters, no fluff, just the places that matter. Whether you want to sip wine with artists in Le Marais, dance till sunrise in Belleville, or find a quiet corner to talk with strangers who feel like friends, this collection has what you need. No tourist traps. No overpriced cocktails. Just the real Paris night, one bar at a time.