Things to do at night in Paris to experience the city like a local
The Paris nightlife scene is as good as any, but there is so much more to the city than glamorous cocktail bars or late-night dinners. You can always take a Paris night tour organized by any one of the hundreds of companies catering to tourists. Or, you can do a bit of research and put together your own itinerary because a Saturday night out in the French capital can even involve visits to its top attractions!
The fairly efficient public transportation system in Paris runs well into the night, so you’ll be able to rely on the metro and RER trains along with night buses if you don’t want to spring for an Uber or taxi. In terms of the weather when visiting Paris, summer nights are absolutely perfect and it will be comfortable out during most of the year except for the coldest winter evenings. The streets will be packed with locals and other tourists enjoying an evening at dinner or the bar, so it’s generally quite safe in most areas.
If you want to explore Paris at night, you won’t want to be dragging your bags around. That’s where a Bounce Paris luggage storage location can really come in handy.
What to do in Paris at night if you’re looking for…
A wholesome night out
What are the best things about Paris? It might be that many of its top attractions and landmarks can be appreciated any time of day. There are a few of the “greatest hits” you can check out once the sun goes down. Here are a few ideas:
Seine River cruise
Taking cruises certainly smacks of tourism. But if you’re able to get past it, these can be very fun, especially at night when the hordes of tourists are elsewhere. You’ll enjoy views of the riverfront and catch glimpses of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, and Musee d’Orsay lit up in all their glory. Boats launch throughout the riverfront, but you should be able to drop any bags off with Bounce before heading to the pier.
Pro tip: If you’ve spent the entire day walking around, it’s a great way to sightsee while giving your feet a rest.
Notre Dame Cathedral
One of the world's most famous Catholic churches is illuminated at night, showcasing the handsome French Gothic facade. Even at night, visitors will gather at Notre Dame to snap pics of this cherished cathedral.
Pro tip: The crowds will be much more manageable after the sun sets, and you can get in your steps after an indulgent dinner of French classics by taking in the church from all sides.
The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower dominates the Paris skyline at any time of day, but you can visit this French treasure at night as it’s illuminated. Catch the Eiffel Tower light show before popping out for dinner.
Pro tip: Do like the Parisians and assemble a picnic at the local markets and dine under the tower instead of splurging for a fancy dinner.
Attend a Sainte Chapelle night concert
This Gothic masterpiece is beautiful to behold at any time of day, but it frequently hosts classical concerts in its gorgeous chambers. The music is hauntingly beautiful as the stone walls and ceilings create a wonderful cacophony. There are strict bag policies, making it advisable to stop by a nearby Bounce location before heading inside.
Get spooked at the Paris Catacombs
Under this gorgeous city lies one of the more fascinating and sinister corners of French history. The vast catacombs (built to bury the remains of ancient Parisians) are a top attraction at any time of day, visiting them at night at a certain eeriness that lends itself to the experience. There are (understandably) cramped conditions in the catacombs so dropping your bags off will make your visit more convenient and enjoyable.
A trendy night out
It shouldn’t be surprising that Paris is one of the most popular travel destinations for twenty-somethings and creatives looking for cutting-edge culture and unique experiences. The City of Light has always drawn in stylish and artistic travelers. Here are a few ideas:
Explore the Le Marais neighborhood
Want to hit a few hipster hangouts? Head to the 3rd and 4th arrondissements to find the top Paris neighborhoods like Le Marais. What was once Paris’s Jewish quarter, Le Marais is where you'll find the city’s best boutiques and cafés. If you’re interested in Paris’s LGBTQ+ culture, hit Rue Saint-Croix de Bretonnerie.
Pro tip: Passage de l’Ancre, Rue des Rosiers, and Rue de Bretagne are where you’ll find the best action for shopping.
Take a stroll along the Canal Saint Martin
This lovely stretch is where you’ll find stylish Parisians sipping on iced coffees (and nursing hangovers) in the morning. But the canal comes alive at night as a meeting place for young locals from the 10th and 11th arrondissements starting their night out at restaurants and bars like Le Verre Volé, Chez Prune, and Hotel du Nord. Regardless of the time of day, you can rely on Bounce luggage storage spots (we have expanded opening hours and some are even 24/7), near Canal Saint Martin.
Get a late-night bite
Parisians like to stretch their dinners out late into the evening, and there is no shortage of restaurants that will accommodate a group ordering that second (or third, or fourth…) bottle of wine or heading for a post-show meal. Paris favorites like La Taverne de Maître Kanter, Le Tambour, Le Grand Café on Boulevard des Capucines, and Le Pachamama (steps from the Bastille) are all open late, but you should be able to find a spot open late just about anywhere.
A thrifty night out
Paris can cost a lot of money. If that’s your prerogative, you came to the right place. But there’s a reason thousands of students and backpackers can manage a trip here. You'll definitely need to sacrifice a Michelin-star meal, but these are some free (or affordable) ideas for a night out:
Start the evening with sunset views from Montmartre
If you find the right vantage point, taking in the sunset over Paris doesn't have to cost a dime. There’s a plaza in front of the Sacré-Coeur that provides famously lovely vistas over the city center, but you’ll have to contend with plenty of other tourists. Instead, head away from the plaza to Rue Norvins for views of the Eiffel Tower as the sun sets.
Pro tip: Plan to bring along a picnic and set it up somewhere a little ways away from the action.
Head to Belleville for inexpensive nightlife
A haven for students and budget-minded creatives, Belleville is the artsy Left Bank district ideal for a night out that won't blow your entire travel budget. Most of the bars and restaurants are affordable. Also, like-minded locals or travelers will be hanging out on the sidewalks along Rue de Belleville. There is a certain edge to the neighborhood that you won't find in the touristy areas, despite it being very safe.
People-watch at the Place de la Concorde
Even if the setting is as glamorous and stately as it gets, this public Square is completely free to hang out in, and the 8th arrondissement is absolutely gorgeous at night when the lamp posts are lit along the Champs-Élysées. You won’t have as many (other) tourists to contend with, and there will be a Bounce luggage storage location nearby to hold the bags while you poke around.
When you’re visiting, you’ll want to pack your best outfits for your after-dark Paris adventures. You can hit a wine tasting in the Latin Quarter, go for a late-night swim at Piscine Pontoise, or lounge over the city at a rooftop bar. Regardless of what you're up to, if you need luggage storage in Paris at night, Bounce is by far your best bet because of our locations and premium features that will make your evening more convenient and enjoyable! Now, start checking off all these great things to do at night in Paris while we look after all your extra items!