1. Oberkampf
Popular with a trendy Parisian crowd, the Oberkampf district asserted itself as the city’s coolest new hang-out in the mid-90s. Over a decade on, Oberkampf remains a favorite, but has alienated some of the original frequenters due to overcrowding.Picks:
- Café Charbon (109 rue Oberkampf): Old-style spacious café and reigning hipster favorite, this lively late-night bar can err on the meat market/sleazy side.
- Cithéa (114 rue Oberkampf): Come here when the other joints shut down and add a bit of soul to your evening.
- Nouveau Casino (109 rue Oberkampf): A favorite for concerts, along with the nearby Bataclan.
2. Bastille
Bustling and exciting, but overcrowded and noisy, Bastille (Metro Bastille) is best suited to 20-somethings looking for a lively party. Nightlife here is a mix of traditional cafes, classy nightclubs, dive bars, and music venues. Bar hopping down hectic rue de Lappe or Rue de la Roquette is a good place to start. Salsa or Marenge dancing is also in order.
Picks:
- Sans Sanz (49 rue du Faubourg St. Antoine): A young cosmopolitan crowd fills this club to the hilt at weekends. The decor is bordello-style plush and various DJs mix the sounds. Food is available.
- La Balajo (9 rue de Lappe): Reputed for its salsa nights.
3. Place Vendome and Faubourg St.-Honoré
If you wish to see and be seen and money is no object, check out the legendary Place Vendome/St. Honoré for some quality people-watching. A luxury shopper’s dream by day, fashionistas and celebrities frequent the nearby high-chic establishments to flaunt their wears and discuss fashion shoots.
Picks:
- Hotel Costes: The fashion set's lounge of choice for sumptuous and gawdy before-dinner cocktails.
- The Hemingway Bar (15 Place Vendome): The world-famous Ritz bar frequented by Ernest Hemingway in the 40s provides a chic environment in a literary, British club-type setting. Dress to impress and leave frugality at home.
4. Marais
The historic Marais has become one of Paris’ most dynamic nightspots and is also home to a thriving gay and lesbian scene where everyone is welcome.
Picks:
- Amnesia (42 rue Vielle du Temple): A vibrant gay bar mixing disco, funk, and soul.
- Le Central (33 rue Vielle du Temple): One of Paris’ historic gay bars.
- Au Petit Fer à Cheval (30 rue Vielle du Temple): A tiny horseshoe-shaped bar with a lively atmosphere.
- 3W Café (8 Rue des Ecouffes): A lesbian bar that has stayed popular despite changing hands several times in past years.
- Politburo : A trashy-cool rock and punk bar that seems to belong in London or Berlin.
5. Champs-Elysées
The exclusive Champs-Elysees is best avoided if you're looking for authentic Paris nightlife. Its famed club scene often comprises tourists who haven't made it past the Eiffel Tower and straight-out-of-school suburbanites in search of the big city experience. Dedicated clubbers will find the best choice here, though, so if you're keen, dress Parisian chic to get past the doormen.
Picks:
- Le Queen (102 avenue des Champs-Elysees): A gay club, and one of the better spots for a satisfying dance.
- Man Ray (34 rue Marbeuf): Worth checking out if only in hopes of spotting part-owner Johnny Depp. Only for the beautiful.
6. Montmartre and Pigalle
Branded Paris’ seedy sex center, Pigalle is no match for the high sleaze of counterparts in Amsterdam or Antwerp. With attractions like the Moulin Rouge and several late-night clubs, tourists and Parisians alike flock here.
Picks:
- Moulin Rouge (82 Boulevard de Clichy): The distinctive gaudiness of the Moulin Rouge show remains a big draw card. 145 Euros entitle you to a mediocre champagne dinner and full cancan show.
- Elysees Montmartre (72 Boulevard de Rochechouart)
- Divan du Monde
- La Fourmi (74 Rue des Martyrs): Evoking Berlin more than Paris, La Fourmi is a favorite among Paris’ arty—and pseudo-arty—set.
7. Saint-Germain-des-Près
While the right bank has taken over where authentic Paris nightlife is concerned, the St. Germain-des-Pres district still has an abundance of bars and clubs to tempt the tourist. Students from the nearby Sorbonne gather here, as do transient tourists visiting nearby Notre Dame and the Latin Quarter. Be aware that the privilege of drinking in the city’s prime tourist location is reflected in the prices, though.
Picks:
- The Wagg
- Coolin (15 rue Clement): Irish pub offering atmosphere in an authentic Irish setting.
- Les Etages (5 Rue de Buci): This ambient bar is a refreshing alternative to lackluster nearby brasseries.
8. Belleville
Probably best-known as the legendary Edith Piaf's birthplace, the working-class district of Belleville has seen a surge in bars in the past few years. Belleville provides nightowls a gritty and authentic experience, but check it out while it's still relatively unchartered.
Picks:
- Café chéri/e (44 Blvd de la Villette)
- Ile enchantée (65 Blvd de la Villette)
- La Java (105 rue Faubourg du Temple): Visit the spot where Edith Piaf made her debut and enjoy an eclectic mix of sounds.
- Okubi (219 Rue Saint-Maur): Primarily a lesbian bar, Okubi is one of Belleville's best new spots and attracts a mixed crowd.
