Paris Nightlife
Considering how stylish Parisians look just walking down the street in broad daylight, the prospect of going out at night when everyone is decked out and in full-glam mode can be daunting. But not to worry — there are plenty of unpretentious options for those who just want to kick back with a nice drink and some people watching. And, of course, for those who want to see how Paris’ beautiful people play, there are plenty of elegant nightspots as well.
Delightful Dives: Paris may seem like one huge glittering hub of glamour, but there are plenty of laid-back bars with a relaxed crowd and affordable drinks. One popular option is Au Petit Garage in the Oberkampf District. The area has been filled with nighttime crowds for over a decade now, and it’s almost as much fun to watch the crowds going from spot to spot as it is to park in a bar for the night. Au Petit Garage doesn’t worry too much about super trendy décor but makes up for it in reasonably priced drinks and friendly staff.
Another active spot once the sun sets is Belleville, a historically working-class neighborhood that in recent years has begun to sprout small bars and clubs with a lot of character. One of the first spots you’ll see if taking the metro to Belleville is Aux Folies. This bar, also, doesn’t take too much time in primping its interior. The focus is on its rowdy crowds, most of which is comprised of the colorful locals of the area. The drinks are appropriately cheap, and the bar’s vibe may very well lead you to make some interesting new friends at the next table. It’s just that kind of place.
Mid-Priced Fun: When a dive bar is not quite on the itinerary but there’s no desire to break the bank with a couple of drinks, there are many beautiful bars and clubs in Paris to visit with no hassle.
Le Batofar is one of the city’s most popular spots to let loose and dance the night away. Best of all, it’s a boat! Batofar is a renovated tugboat on the Seine with plenty of dance space and reasonably priced drinks. On weekends the DJs focus primarily on electronic music, Paris’s club music of choice. During the week, dancers can enjoy jazz and other types of dance soundtracks. There’s also more than one bar, as dancers tend to work up quite a thirst by the end of the night.
For larger dance floors and a more focused musical track, try the Barrio Latino. The space is a combination restaurant, bar and dance floor with four levels so there’s plenty of space for patrons to do all three. The theme is strongly Latin, with Argentine and Brazilian food on the menu and a lively Latin soundtrack for some heavy salsa dancing as the night goes on.
Big Budget Booze: Sometimes, sipping champagne in the hottest of Paris’ hot spots truly creates memories. To go where the most glamorous Parisians go, it’s smart to start in the city’s most high-end neighborhoods. Although that used to mean going by the Champs-Elysées, the area is now more suited to curious tourists and chain store shoppers. For a true taste of sleek Paris, go to the bar at the Hotel Costes on the rue St. Honorè. The DJs there are so renowned for creating the perfect hip lounge tunes that the hotel offers a CD soundtrack to recreate the feel at home. The bar offers a scenic outdoor courtyard for warm nights or a cozier lounge area, and the décor and crowd are always fashionably on-point.