Paris is a great city for the compulsively social. You can go out every night of the week and find a bar that is open until 1am. But with so many options, it can be difficult to make a choice.
Sam Davies, an Australian in Paris, has created Great Place To, which offers the best tips and recommendations of bars – according to bartenders across the world.
Here are his Paris tips, with everything from places to get fancy to places to bring your mates. There’s something for everyone here. (Note: The picture above is from Palette in the 6th arrondissement, which we will add to the list for when you’re looking for a classic old-time nostalgic Paris bar).
The Earful Tower podcast episode
This week’s episode also includes Sam’s thoughts on the Paris bar scene and how it is evolving. Listen below or wherever you get your podcasts.
Best Paris bar for a date night: Bar Nouveau
Lean into the nostalgia at this art nouveau-styled bar. The gorgeous 1920s-styled interior is a feast for the eyes and the horseshoe-shaped bar is the best place to find someone to chat with (especially if your date hasn’t gone to plan). Bonus: This bar was on Lina’s 2024 Bucket List.
Address 5 Rue des Haudriettes, 75003
More to find in the 3rd arrondissement
Best Paris bar to take your parents: Willi’s Wine Bar
Natural wines bars have opened up across the city over the past few years. For those who have yet to be converted, make your way to Willi’s wine bar, which opened over 40 years ago. To this day, it continues to appeal to a clientele looking for a traditional wine list, full of classics, all in a calm and understated setting.
Address: 13 Rue des Petits Champs, 75001
More to find in the 1st arrondissement.
Best bar for an authentic Paris evening: Le Baron Rouge
Excellent place for a glass of wine, to be enjoyed either standing around tables inside or on the outdoor terrace. Oysters at the weekend. Very authentic, charming, and the radish plate was a surprise hit!
Address: 1 Rue Théophile Roussel, 75012
More to find in the 12th arrondissement.
Best bar to celebrate a Paris icon: The Gainsbarre
The Maison Gainsbourg opened in 2023, allowing fans of singer Serge Gainsbourg a chance to explore his home. In tribute to the iconic Parisian chanteur, at the centre of the museum sits a luxurious cocktail-piano bar, serving drinks worthy of such a famed reveller.
Address: 14 Rue de Verneuil, 75007
More to find in the 7th arrondissement.
Best Paris bar to watch sports: The Green Goose
Let’s face it, when you’re looking for a great spot to watch sports, nobody wants anything too complicated. The Green Goose is a fun Irish bar, which keeps it simple – big screens, friendly service and excellent beers. It’s a match made in heaven.
Address: 19 Rue des Boulets, 75011
More to find in the 11th arrondissement.
Best Paris bar to dress up: Hotel National des Arts et Métiers
Every once in a while it’s nice to put on your glad rags and have a night out somewhere special. This recently refurbished luxury hotel in the heart of the third arrondissement is the place to go for those of you looking to push the boat out. The rooftop terrace and delicious food and drink will guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Address: 243 Rue Saint Martin, 75003
More to find in the 3rd arrondissement
Best casual bar in Paris: Bar Ourcq
Located in the underrated 19th arrondissement, this laid-back bar is a fuss-free zone thanks to its affordable drinks and friendly service. Sit next to the canal and enjoy plenty of people-watching, not to mention some super competitive games of pétanque. Leave a deposit at the bar and you can participate in your own game of this cherished national pastime.
Address: 68 Quai de la Loire, 75019
More to find in the 19th arrondissement
Best place for a summer drink in Paris: Le Pavillon Puebla
On the southern side of the famous Buttes Chaumont park sits this picturesque converted cottage, which is the ideal spot to head to on a warm summer evening. Its large terrace is spacious, and comfortable, enough to welcome plenty of visitors, young and old.
Address: Avenue Darcel, 75019
More to find in the 19th arrondissement
Best place for a winter drink in Paris: The Cambridge Public House
The Cambridge Public House has landed on the Top 50 Bars in the World list and that’s no surprise, it really is an excellent spot for a cocktail. Extra friendly staff members and a wonderful ambience. @thecambridge_paris Address: 8 Rue de Poitou, 75003
More to find in the 3rd arrondissement
The Paris bartender’s choice: Abricot
What’s not to like about this place? Quality ingredients, relaxed atmosphere, attentive service and supportive of local female artists (including our very own Lina!) You’ll find an inventive range of cocktails on the (beautifully-designed) menu. Don’t skip this place for a charming evening with friends and some seriously great cocktails.
Address 189 Rue Saint Maur 75010
More to find in the 10th arrondissement.
Best Paris bar to meet your mates: Billard M8
This pool hall, located in the popular neighbourhood of Belleville, offers a lively backdrop to socialise with pals. With dim sum and a generous range of affordable drinks on the menu, it’s almost impossible to resist heading up the Belleville hill to this place.
Address: 7 Rue Jules Romains, 75019
More to find in the 19th arrondissement
Thanks to Sam Davies for his dedicated research, all in the name of a fantastic night on the town in Paris. For more recommendations like these, check out his Instagram account Great Place To.
If you’re looking for a bar in every single Paris arrondissement, take a look at our personalised guide.
If you liked this blog post, or if you’re planning a Paris trip, you should check out our 2024 PDF guide to the city, which features hundreds of tips just like these ones. You can buy it via the icon below, or you get it free on signup to The Earful Tower’s Patreon member page.
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The Earful Tower’s 2024 Guide to Paris [PDF]
It’s here and updated for 2024! After 14 seasons of making The Earful Tower podcast, featuring hundreds of expert guests, I’ve thoroughly updated my ultimate guide to Paris. There are 150 tips spread over 100 pages, arranged by arrondissement. You’ll find our choices for best restaurants, cafes, hidden treats, parks and museums. All of them…
What is PNU mean? Mentioned at the begging of show.
It’s a PMU and it’s like a betting operator where people go to bet on horses etc, but they typically have cheap drinks and sometimes young people use them as hangouts too, at least in Paris