The Most Instagrammable Nightlife Spots in Paris
Paris doesn’t just sleep when the sun goes down-it lights up in colors, neon, and curated corners made for photos. If you’re looking for nightlife that doesn’t just taste good but looks even better on your feed, you’re not alone. Thousands of travelers come to Paris every year not just to drink or dance, but to capture that perfect moment: a cocktail glowing under a vintage chandelier, a mirrored ceiling reflecting city lights, or a quiet alley lit by a single string of fairy lights.
Le Perchoir - The Rooftop That Feels Like a Secret
Perched on the 6th floor of a building in the 11th arrondissement, Le Perchoir isn’t just a rooftop bar-it’s a hidden garden that somehow survived the city’s concrete sprawl. The space is split into three levels, each with its own vibe: one with hanging plants and rattan chairs, another with a long wooden bar and low lighting, and a third with a panoramic view of Montmartre. The cocktails are named after French films, and the lighting? Soft, golden, and perfectly diffused. It’s the kind of place where your photo doesn’t need a filter. Just show up before 9 p.m. to snag a seat by the edge. The view of the Eiffel Tower twinkling in the distance? That’s the postcard you didn’t know you were waiting to take.
Bar Hemingway - Where Classic Meets Cinematic
If you want your Instagram to look like a black-and-white film shot in 1950s Paris, head to Bar Hemingway inside the Ritz Paris. This isn’t a trendy new spot-it’s been serving martinis since 1925. The room is all deep green velvet, brass accents, and shelves lined with first editions. The bartenders wear tailcoats. The ice is hand-chipped. And the lighting? Low, warm, and exactly how your camera wants it. Order the signature Hemingway Daiquiri (gin, grapefruit, maraschino), and let the reflection in the mirrored wall behind you do the rest. This isn’t about being seen-it’s about looking like you belong in a novel. And yes, people do come just to take photos. They’re not wrong.
Le Baron - The Glittering Playground
Le Baron isn’t just a bar. It’s an experience designed for the camera. Located in the 8th arrondissement, this place is a mix of art gallery, nightclub, and fantasy set. The walls change color depending on the night’s theme-sometimes electric blue, sometimes gold leaf, sometimes covered in floating balloons. The DJ plays everything from French house to experimental pop, and the crowd? Fashion editors, influencers, and locals who know where the real magic happens. The bar itself is shaped like a giant disco ball. The cocktails come in glass vessels that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie. The best photo? Standing under the mirrored ceiling with your drink in hand, surrounded by reflections of strangers dancing. It’s chaotic, dazzling, and impossible to ignore. Book a table ahead-or just show up at 11 p.m. and hope you get in. No dress code, but if you’re wearing jeans and a hoodie, you’ll stand out. In a good way.
La Belle Hortense - The Underground Speakeasy with a Soul
Tucked beneath a bookstore in the 6th arrondissement, La Belle Hortense feels like stepping into someone’s secret living room. The entrance is unmarked. You need to know the password-or at least look like you belong. Inside, it’s all mismatched armchairs, dim lamps, and shelves full of vinyl records. The bartender might ask you what mood you’re in, then mix you something based on your answer. One night it’s a smoky mezcal drink with rosemary; the next, a gin fizz with elderflower and black pepper. The walls are covered in vintage posters and handwritten poetry. The lighting is so soft, your phone’s night mode will thank you. This spot doesn’t scream for attention-it whispers. And that’s why it’s perfect for photos that feel real, not staged. Come after 10 p.m. when the crowd thins and the music turns to jazz. Bring someone you trust. You’ll want to remember this moment, not just post it.
Le Comptoir Général - The Jungle-Themed Oasis
This place looks like a forgotten colonial explorer’s clubhouse that got swallowed by vines. Le Comptoir Général sits on the edge of the Canal Saint-Martin, surrounded by greenery, hanging lanterns, and a collection of African artifacts that feel more curated than collected. The bar is made from reclaimed wood. The tables are old suitcases. The drinks come in mason jars with edible flowers. At night, the space turns into a live music venue-think Afrobeat, soul, and French indie. The lighting is warm and flickering, like candlelight through a canopy. The best shot? Sitting on the outdoor terrace with the canal behind you, a cocktail in hand, and the glow of lanterns reflecting on the water. It’s not fancy. It’s not polished. But it’s unforgettable. And your feed will thank you.
Le Perchoir Marais - The Hidden Gem With a View
Don’t confuse it with the original Le Perchoir. This one, in the heart of Le Marais, is smaller, quieter, and even more photogenic. The terrace wraps around the building, giving you views of the Notre-Dame spire and the rooftops of Paris in one frame. The cocktails are named after French poets. The music? Lo-fi beats and French chanson. The lighting? Just enough to highlight your face without washing out the background. People come here after dinner, after the museum, after the walk along the Seine. It’s not loud. It’s not crowded. But it’s the kind of place that makes you pause. And that pause? That’s when you take the photo that gets the most likes.
Why These Spots Work for Instagram
These aren’t just bars with good lighting. They’re spaces designed with composition in mind. Each one has: a focal point (a mirror, a view, a sculpture), layered textures (velvet, wood, greenery), and controlled lighting (warm tones, no harsh fluorescents). They avoid the clichés-no Eiffel Tower selfies on the rooftop unless it’s an accidental backdrop. Instead, they focus on mood. The best Instagram photos from Paris nightlife aren’t about the landmark. They’re about the feeling. The quiet moment between drinks. The way the light hits your glass. The laughter you didn’t know you’d remember.
Pro Tips for Shooting Nightlife in Paris
- Use manual mode on your phone-lower the ISO to avoid grain, and slow the shutter speed slightly. A tripod isn’t needed if you steady your elbow on a table.
- Wait for the golden hour-even at night, the 15 minutes after sunset give the best natural light on outdoor terraces.
- Avoid flash. It kills the ambiance. Use ambient light. It’s why these spots look so good.
- Shoot vertically. Most feeds are mobile-first. Vertical shots take up more space and feel more immersive.
- Don’t over-edit. A slight warmth boost and a 5% increase in shadows is enough. Over-filtered photos look fake. Paris is already beautiful.
What to Skip
Not every bar with a neon sign is worth your time. Avoid places like Le Baron’s clones in Montmartre-overpriced, packed with tourists, and lit by harsh LED strips. Skip the tourist traps on the Champs-Élysées. They’re loud, overpriced, and the lighting is flat. If it feels like a theme park, it’s not worth the photo.
When to Go
The best time to capture these spots? Between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. That’s when the lights are on, the crowd is just starting to fill in, and the energy is high but not chaotic. After midnight, it gets noisy. Before 9, it’s too quiet. Timing matters. Arrive early enough to get a good seat. Stay late enough to see the city change around you.
Are these spots expensive?
Some are, some aren’t. Le Perchoir and Bar Hemingway charge €18-25 for cocktails, but you’re paying for the experience, not just the drink. La Belle Hortense and Le Comptoir Général are more casual-€12-16 for drinks. Le Baron can be pricey if you order bottles, but you can also just sip a beer at the bar for €10. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great photo.
Do I need to book ahead?
Yes, for Le Perchoir, Bar Hemingway, and Le Baron-especially on weekends. For La Belle Hortense and Le Comptoir Général, walk-ins are fine, but arrive before 10 p.m. to get a good spot. Reservations can be made via their websites or apps like TheFork.
Is it safe to go out at night in Paris?
Yes, in these areas. Le Marais, Saint-Germain, and the 8th and 11th arrondissements are well-lit, patrolled, and popular with locals. Stick to the main streets after midnight. Avoid isolated alleys, even if they look pretty. Most of these spots are in safe, walkable neighborhoods.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes, unless a sign says otherwise. Most of these places encourage it-they want you to post. But don’t use a flash, and don’t block the bar or other guests. A quick snap is fine. A full photo shoot with a tripod? That’s rude. Be respectful.
What’s the best time of year to visit?
April to June and September to October. The weather is mild, the terraces are open, and the crowds aren’t as thick as in summer. Winter nights are magical too-frost on the lanterns, warm lights glowing through fog. Just dress in layers. Paris in winter is beautiful, but cold.
Next Steps
If you’re planning your trip, start with one of these spots. Pick the one that matches your vibe-glamorous, quiet, wild, or mysterious. Then build your night around it. Walk from Le Comptoir Général to La Belle Hortense. Have a drink at Le Perchoir Marais, then head to Bar Hemingway for a final nightcap. Paris doesn’t just have nightlife-it has storytelling. And every corner has a frame waiting for you.
