Parisian Nights – What to Do in Paris When the Sun Goes Down
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities by day. But wait till you get to experience the City of Light after dark.
Where should you start exploring Paris in the evening?
That’s a question that will stump most people. After all, it’s common for people to explore this world-famous city while the sun is out. It’s what most people do.
But we beg to differ.
There are so many things you can do in this city that you can only enjoy after sundown.
If you’re wondering what they are, here is a list of the best things to do in Paris at night.
Things to Do After Dark
1. Explore the Louvre
What to do in Paris at night?
It might not be the first thing to come to mind, but you should check out the Louvre museum after dark. Why? Because it’s going to look even more stunning.
One of Europe’s top museums, very few outside of Europe can match the Louvre’s art collection. And if you didn’t know, Leonardo da Vinci’s world-famous painting, the Mona Lisa, is in the Louvre.
Keep in mind that you won’t be able to spend the entire night in the museum. Also, you can get in for free after 6:00 PM if it’s the first Saturday of the month.
You might get tickets to the museum as part of a bigger Paris tour bundle, which is bound to save you some money if you’re also going to other tourist spots in the city. Be sure to check on that.
2. Visit the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is the city’s most recognizable landmark and is one of the marvels of 19th-century architecture. The view from the tower is fantastic in the day and absolutely breathtaking at night.
You simply have to free up some time in the evening to see Paris at night from the highest point in town.
If you get hungry or thirsty, you can relax and grab a bite in one of the restaurants in the tower. There’s a choice of several top-class eateries, a champagne bar, and a pastry shop.
First-time visitors should know that the tower is on the western side of Paris. You can reach it by car or one of the many lines of public transport that pass near the tower.
3. Have Dinner While Cruising the River Seine
If you’re for a pleasant evening with the family, you can take an evening cruise down the Seine River. It can also work as a romantic night out for two. But for that, you’d have to buy a cruise and dinner package.
Many of Paris’s landmarks are near the river and within sight. While beautiful by day, the night lights make them even more stunning. After all, Paris is not called the City of Lights for nothing.
As you cruise down the river, you can see the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, the National Parliament, and many other iconic landmarks. So, get your camera’s low light settings ready and snap away as you pass by them.
4. Watch Cabaret in the Moulin Rouge
If you want to know Paris by night, you have to do it the right way. Start by visiting some of the most renowned places.
Moulin Rouge is at the top of that list. You’ll easily recognize it by its windmill-shaped building in the 18th arrondissement.
The famous cabaret opened in 1889 and is still going strong. It’s the scene of classic cabaret shows where over-the-top costumes, world-class dancers, and mind-blowing stages reign.
That said, remember to book your tickets well in advance – three to four months would be best. Keep in mind that there is a dress code at Moulin Rouge, and a suit and tie would be your best bet.
5. See the City From the Montparnasse Tower
The iconic Eiffel Tower is not the only tall building in the city. If you want to see Paris streets at night from another angle, make sure to drop by the Montparnasse Tower in the 15th arrondissement.
This observation deck stands 690ft above street level, and the view here rivals that of the Eiffel Tower. On a clear evening, you can see as far as 25 miles away.
If you get hungry or thirsty during the visit, there’s a luxurious restaurant near the observation deck. The view will make your dining experience even more enjoyable.
The biggest draw of the Montparnasse Tower? It’s the only place that allows you to see the Eiffel Tower in its full glory.
6. Experience a Vintage Car Tour Around the City
Paris has so many sightseeing tours. The standard options include a river cruise, a tourist bus, and on foot.
But, did you know that you could also take a night tour of the city in a vintage car?
To be precise, you can cruise around the lit city streets in a Citroen 2CV while sipping cold champagne. The tour will take you past the Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur, and other historical landmarks. The drivers are extremely knowledgeable and friendly.
If you’re looking for a new way to explore Paris, this tour is a must.
7. Grab a Meal at the Bouillon Racine
French cuisine is among the most highly regarded in the world, and for good reason. And is there a better place to go and try the cuisine than in Paris?
Your best place to start would be any of the Latin Quarter restaurants.
Among the area’s most prominent establishments is Bouillon Racine, right in the center of the Latin Quarter. Both the exterior and interior of the restaurant look like a dream, and Art Deco is the dominant style.
If it’s your first time at Bouillon Racine, have a look at the slow-cooked beef on the menu or perhaps the fresh cod. Of course, finish it all off with the signature French pastry and a glass of wine.
Take the City of Light by Night
Make your trip to Paris truly memorable by doing what most visitors do, but only at night.
Get a good view of the entire city from either the Eiffel Tower or the Montparnasse Tower. See some of the best pieces of art in the world at the Louvre. Try out the best of what French cuisine has to offer. And for something different and unique, how about a night tour in a Citroen 2CV?
You’ll surely see a different side to this city.
