Paris isn’t just about the Eiffel Tower at sunset. By night, the city transforms into a playground of neon lights, velvet curtains, and hidden courtyards where every corner looks like it was staged for Instagram. But not all nightspots are created equal-some are just dimly lit rooms with a fancy sign. If you want to capture that Parisian magic without looking like a tourist holding a selfie stick, here are the spots that actually get noticed on feeds.
Le Perchoir Marais
Perched on the sixth floor of a 19th-century building in the Marais, Le Perchoir Marais is the kind of place where the view does half the work for you. The rooftop terrace wraps around the building, offering unobstructed views of Parisian rooftops, church spires, and the distant glow of the Eiffel Tower. String lights crisscross overhead, and the mix of low wooden benches and mismatched armchairs creates a cozy, lived-in vibe. At night, the lighting shifts to warm amber, casting soft shadows that make skin tones look golden and drinks look like liquid amber. Order the lavender gin fizz-it’s served in a tall glass with a sprig of fresh lavender and a tiny edible flower. The background? A patchwork of Parisian architecture that no filter can replicate.
Bar Hemingway at Ritz Paris
If you’re after timeless elegance with a side of exclusivity, Bar Hemingway is your spot. Inside the Ritz, this 1920s-style lounge feels like stepping into a black-and-white film that somehow turned color. Dark wood paneling, leather booths, and a ceiling painted with constellations set the mood. The bar itself is a work of art: brass, marble, and glass, lit from within by hidden LEDs. The cocktails? Crafted with precision. The signature ‘Hemingway Daiquiri’-made with grapefruit, lime, and a touch of maraschino-is served in a chilled coupe glass with a single maraschino cherry. It’s not cheap (€28), but you’re paying for atmosphere, history, and the fact that no one else is taking photos here. The lighting is low, but the contrast between the dark interior and the shimmering drinks makes for stunning, moody shots. Bring a small camera, not your phone-this place rewards detail.
Le Comptoir Général
Tucked away down a narrow alley in the 10th arrondissement, Le Comptoir Général isn’t a bar-it’s a whole world. Once a colonial warehouse, it’s now a surreal mix of vintage African artifacts, hanging plants, mismatched furniture, and flickering lanterns. The space feels like a secret club your eccentric uncle built in his backyard. There’s no menu, just a chalkboard with handwritten drink names like ‘Sahara Sunset’ or ‘Congo Coffee’. The lighting? Candlelit tables, Edison bulbs strung from the ceiling, and colored glass lamps that cast pools of blue and red on the walls. People come here to linger, to talk, to disappear. The best photo? Sitting at the long wooden bar with a cocktail in hand, the wall behind you covered in old maps and brass compasses. It’s not polished. It’s not perfect. That’s why it’s unforgettable.
Le Perchoir Rue de la Roquette
Just a short walk from the Bastille, this second Le Perchoir outpost is grittier, louder, and even more photogenic. The terrace overlooks a quiet street lined with old apartment buildings, and the bar itself is built into a repurposed shipping container. The vibe? Industrial-chic meets boho garden. Plants spill over wooden crates, fairy lights glow above communal tables, and the bar counter is made from reclaimed oak. The drinks are simple but bold-think mezcal margaritas, sparkling elderflower tonics, and local craft beers on tap. At night, the lights dim, the music shifts from jazz to electronic, and the crowd becomes a sea of jackets, scarves, and glowing phone screens. The real trick? Shoot just before midnight. The streetlights below flicker on, and the contrast between the warm bar glow and the cool blue city lights creates a cinematic effect.
La Perle
Hidden inside the Grand Rex cinema in the 2nd arrondissement, La Perle is a speakeasy disguised as a movie theater lobby. You’ll need to find the unmarked door behind a velvet curtain. Inside, the space is a 1930s dream: gilded mirrors, plush red seats, and a ceiling painted with constellations that slowly rotate. The bar is shaped like a giant pearl, glowing softly from within. Drinks are served in hand-blown glassware, each one a miniature sculpture. The ‘Midnight Orchid’-a mix of violet liqueur, gin, and absinthe-comes with a sugar cube dusted with edible gold. The lighting here is intentional: low, directional, and layered. Shadows fall across faces, and the reflections in the mirrors multiply the glow. This isn’t a place to snap a quick selfie. It’s a place to sit, sip, and let the room tell the story. The best shots? Close-ups of the glassware, or a wide-angle of the ceiling with the rotating stars.
Le Grand Véfour
Wait-this is a restaurant. But stay with me. Le Grand Véfour, in the Palais-Royal, has been serving meals since 1784. At night, the dining room transforms. Candles flicker on white linen, crystal chandeliers cast soft halos, and the walls are lined with 18th-century tapestries. The service is silent, the wine list is legendary, and the desserts? Art. The signature ‘Chocolat Véfour’ is a molten chocolate cake with gold leaf and sea salt, served on a porcelain plate shaped like a lily. The lighting here is old-world magic: warm, diffused, and deeply flattering. It’s the kind of place where even your coffee cup looks like a museum piece. If you’re going for a late-night dessert, this is the only spot where you can capture Parisian history in a single frame. No neon. No gimmicks. Just centuries of elegance.
Why These Spots Work for Instagram
These places don’t rely on trends. They rely on texture. Layered lighting. Unexpected details. A sense of history or mystery. The most photographed bars in Paris aren’t the loudest or the most expensive-they’re the ones that feel real. You don’t need a filter if the space already has soul. Avoid places with overdone neon signs, plastic flowers, or staff asking you to pose. The best shots happen when you’re not trying too hard. Sit back. Order something unusual. Let the environment do the work.
Pro Tips for Better Photos
- Go between 9:30 PM and 11 PM-lights are on, crowds are thin, and the air still feels fresh.
- Use natural light whenever possible. Avoid flash-it kills the mood.
- Shoot in portrait mode for vertical framing. Most Parisian bars are narrow and tall.
- Focus on details: a cocktail glass, a book on the shelf, a hand lighting a cigarette.
- Don’t stand in the middle of the room. Find corners, windows, or ledges where the lighting naturally pools.
What to Skip
Steer clear of tourist traps like the bars around Place Pigalle or the overpriced rooftop lounges near the Champs-Élysées. They’re crowded, poorly lit, and designed for quick snaps, not lasting images. Same goes for any place that charges €15 for a glass of Prosecco with a plastic umbrella. If it looks like a theme park, it won’t photograph well.
Final Thought
Paris at night doesn’t need you to be flashy. It needs you to be present. The best Instagram photos aren’t taken-they’re noticed. Find the quiet corner. Wait for the right moment. Let the city reveal itself. That’s the real Parisian magic.
Are these nightlife spots open every night?
Most of these spots are open 7 days a week, but some, like Le Perchoir Marais and Le Comptoir Général, close on Mondays or have reduced hours in winter. Always check their Instagram or website before heading out. Le Grand Véfour requires reservations, even for drinks, and only opens for evening service.
Do I need to dress up to get in?
Smart casual is the rule. No flip-flops, no athletic wear. At Bar Hemingway and Le Grand Véfour, you’ll stand out if you’re in jeans and a t-shirt. Le Perchoir and Le Comptoir Général are more relaxed-jeans and a nice top are fine. When in doubt, lean toward dark colors and clean lines. Parisians notice details.
Can I take photos inside these bars?
Yes, but be respectful. Avoid using flash, don’t block other guests, and never set up a tripod or ring light. Most staff don’t mind phone photos as long as you’re not turning the bar into a photo studio. If someone asks you to stop, do it. This isn’t a studio-it’s someone’s workplace.
What’s the best time to visit for lighting?
Between 9:30 PM and 11 PM. That’s when the indoor lighting is fully on, the streetlights outside are glowing, and the crowd hasn’t hit peak density. After 11:30 PM, many places dim the lights for the late-night crowd, which makes photos harder. Before 9 PM, it’s still too early-the vibe hasn’t kicked in.
Are these spots safe at night?
Yes, all of these locations are in well-lit, populated areas of central Paris. The Marais, 2nd, and 10th arrondissements are generally safe for tourists. Avoid walking alone through deserted side streets after midnight. Stick to main roads, use Uber or the metro (Line 11 runs late), and keep valuables tucked away. These bars are popular with locals, so you’ll be surrounded by people.