Where to have a drink in Paris?
Are you looking for a friendly place to have a drink in Paris, day or night? The City of Light is full of must-visit spots, and it is not always easy to choose. With family or friends, for a special occasion or simply to enjoy yourself, discover without further delay the best places in Paris.
What are the best neighborhoods to have a drink in Paris?
Paris is full of bars where you can spend unforgettable evenings. However, between spots that are already packed by 6 PM and places that lack atmosphere, finding the perfect place for a drink can quickly become a challenge. To make things easier, we have selected the best addresses in the top neighborhoods of Paris for you. Whether you are looking for a pleasant terrace, a well-crafted cocktail, or tapas to share with friends, you will find something to suit your mood in this article.
Pigalle & Montmartre: partying in the heart of the 18th arrondissement
Just steps from the Moulin Rouge, Pigalle sets the tone as soon as night falls. Soft lights, lively terraces, and buzzing sidewalks create a naturally festive atmosphere. Between cocktail bars, hidden speakeasies, and friendly local spots, Pigalle ticks all the boxes for a great night out.
As you head up to Montmartre, the setting becomes more intimate, with wine bars tucked away in narrow streets, breathtaking views over the rooftops of Paris, and a calmer atmosphere perfect for extending a walk or ending the evening gently after a show in one of the Paris cabarets.
Le Marais: chic and relaxed atmosphere
Still a safe bet for having a drink in Paris. In Le Marais, the vibe blends laid-back energy with refinement: creative cocktails, iconic venues, lively terraces, and spots where you can share tapas with a good glass of wine. It is also one of the most Instagrammable neighborhoods, perfect to start the evening or end it in style.
Canal Saint Martin & République: chill by the water
The Canal Saint Martin is the perfect place for relaxed moments with friends. Long shared tables, local beers, original menus, and small neighborhood bars make it an easygoing and welcoming experience. When the weather is nice, it is also one of the best areas to sit outside and unwind.
Just nearby, République and Oberkampf turn up the energy: DJ sets, live concerts, well crafted cocktails, and nights that last until late.
Bastille & Saint Germain: two styles, same pleasure
Want to move around? Bastille brings together plenty of bars with a wide variety of options and affordable prices, especially around Rue de la Roquette. It is a great starting point to try different atmospheres or continue the night with other evening activities in Paris.
On the other side of the Seine, Saint-Germain goes for a more refined vibe: a glass of wine, elegant interiors, iconic addresses, everything is there for a more relaxed but equally enjoyable moment together. Whether you are into cocktails, beer, or simply looking for a good spot with friends, each district has its own style. And if you feel like stepping off the beaten path, why not try a more unusual activity in Paris?
Where to have a drink with a beautiful view?
What if you took things a little higher? Located above Bar à Bulles with a direct view over the Moulin Rouge rooftop, this hidden spot feels like a place out of time, reserved for those in the know. Le Toit du Bar à Bulles is a discreet rooftop offering a panoramic view over Place Blanche and its famous Art Nouveau metro entrance. You can admire the surroundings while strolling through a small orchard style garden.
After visiting the Eiffel Tower or walking through Saint Germain des Prés, it is the perfect spot for a well deserved break. It is also a great place to share a drink with friends for a successful happy hour.
On summer evenings, when the weather allows, you can even enjoy an open air cinema screening under the Paris sky. A bucolic and romantic setting, perfect for a Parisian evening for two.
Le Bar à Bulles (terrace), 4 Cité Véron, 75018 Paris
What are the most unusual places to have a drink in Paris?
Find the hidden bar entrance
Looking for a slightly secret place to have a drink in Paris? Head to Lavomatic, a hidden bar located in the 10th arrondissement. To get in, you have to walk through a real laundromat… and push a hidden door. A truly speakeasy atmosphere guaranteed.
Inspired by 1920s New York speakeasies, this spot surprises with its quirky and welcoming décor. You can enjoy original cocktails, wines from small producers, and homemade sharing plates prepared with fresh ingredients.
Lavomatic also offers mixology workshops, perfect if you are looking for fun activities to do with friends in Paris. Whether for a discreet aperitif or an original night out, this place is definitely worth the detour.
Lavomatic, 30 rue René Boulanger 75010 Paris.
Sip a cocktail in an immersive setting
Want to travel while staying in Paris? Why not have a drink at Le Comptoir Général? Its unusual setting and original décor instantly transport you out of time.
Located on the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin, this bar-restaurant offers delicious rum-based cocktails. You can also enjoy simple, traditional seafood-inspired dishes.
If you are looking for a place to have brunch on the weekend, Le Comptoir Général offers a generous spread that will please every taste. When the weather is nice, you can sit in the patio or on the terrace. Whether for a family outing or a business meeting, it is the perfect spot. As the venue can get quite busy, it is best to book in advance.
Le Comptoir Général, 84 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris
Enjoy a drink in Paris in a warm and welcoming atmosphere
Make the most of a bucolic outdoor terrace
When the warmer days arrive, what could be more enjoyable than having a drink or a coffee on a terrace? Hidden in the heart of the Cité Véron, just steps from the Moulin Rouge, Bar à Bulles is a must-visit address in the capital. Its beautiful terrace offers a green and peaceful space, far from the noise of the city. It is an unusual spot to unwind and enjoy your free time. The team at Bar à Bulles offers quality products suited to all tastes, with a menu that changes with the seasons.
Le Bar à Bulles (terrasse), 4 Cité Véron, 75018 Paris
Enjoy a glass in a wine cellar
Where to have a drink in Paris if you are a wine lover? At Le Petit Rozey, of course. This warm and welcoming wine bar is open from Tuesday to Sunday, no reservation needed, in the heart of the Batignolles district. This unusual and friendly spot charms visitors with its original décor, where every piece of furniture has been carefully sourced and chosen. The owners go out of their way to make sure you have a great time. They will guide you through their selection and help you discover a wide range of wines, including original biodynamic vintages. You can also enjoy delicious sharing boards made of carefully selected cured meats and cheeses from top producers.
Au Petit Rozey, 43 Rue Lemercier, 75017 Paris
Enjoy a drink and soak up a lively dance atmosphere
Love dancing and wondering where to have a drink in Paris while having fun? Look no further and head to Rosa Bonheur, a guinguette with a charming southern feel. Nestled in the heart of the Buttes-Chaumont park, this lively spot has plenty of surprises in store. With its music and warm Camargue-inspired atmosphere, let yourself be carried away for an evening.
You will also find plenty to eat, including street food, tapas, homemade pizzas, southern-inspired drinks, fresh juices, and carefully selected wines. Every week, the Rosa Bonheur team offers fun and original events. The themes change regularly, and no two nights are ever the same, making it the perfect place for a great night out until the early hours.
Rosa Bonheur Buttes Chaumont, 2 Avenue de la Cascade, 75019 Paris
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