Paris Nightlife Guide 2025: Best Bars, Clubs & Guys’ Night Out Spots

Paris after dark can go classy, rowdy, or weird-in a good way. If you’re planning a guys’ night, you want a route that fits the crew, doesn’t waste time in lines, and lands you in the right vibe by midnight. This guide gives you the spots that actually deliver in 2025, plus smart itineraries, budgets, and no-drama entry tips.

• Best neighborhoods for a guys’ night: Le Marais, Bastille/Oberkampf, Pigalle/SoPi, Canal Saint-Martin, and Saint-Germain for a classier spin.
• Reserve cocktail bars and club entry when you can; Thursday to Saturday fills fast. Bouncers expect smart-casual (no shorts, sports caps, or dirty sneakers).
• Typical costs: craft beer €7-10, cocktails €13-18, club entry €15-25 with a drink, cabaret tickets €90-150, bottle service €180-350.
• Transport: Metro runs until ~1:15 a.m. Sun-Thu, ~2:15 a.m. Fri-Sat (RATP 2025). Night buses run all night; rideshares are easy.
• Build your night by vibe: cocktails + rooftop warm-up → late bar hop → one big club; or casual beer crawl → live music → afters.

How to Pick Your Night: Crew, Vibe, Budget, and Timing

Start with the crew. Are you in a mood for precision cocktails or pints and live guitars? Are you trying to dance until 5 a.m., or hang out and talk? Answer that, and Paris becomes simple.

• Vibe match: If your group is mixed on energy, begin at a rooftop at sunset, shift to a cocktail bar, and decide at 11:30 p.m. whether you commit to a club or keep it mellow.
• Budget reality: Expect €60-90 per person for a solid night without bottle service. Add a club and late-night ride, and you’re closer to €100-130.
• Lines and entry: Popular bars take reservations in short slots (usually 90 minutes). Clubs prefer even-gender or balanced groups and tidy fits. Arrive before midnight to avoid tough doors.
• Best days: Thursday is locals’ night; Friday and Saturday are busiest. Sunday-Monday are quieter-aim for live music (Supersonic, New Morning) or a cocktail crawl with reservations.
• Neighborhood quick map:

• Le Marais: Cocktail bars, speakeasies, stylish crowds.
• Bastille/Oberkampf: Bar-hop central, late and loud, easy for groups.
• Pigalle/SoPi: Gritty-glam, tiki, big clubs, cabaret nearby.
• Canal Saint-Martin: Chill beers, mixed music, open-air vibes when warm.
• Saint-Germain: Classic wine bars, jazz, smarter dress, older crowd.

Rules of thumb:

• Two bars + one anchor (club or live music) beats five rushed stops.
• 11:45 p.m. is your decision point: stay bar-hopping or commit to a club before the queue peaks.
• Bring one valid ID. Large groups? Split to pairs for the door, then regroup inside.

The Best Spots by Vibe (With Who It’s For-and Not For)

You don’t need a hundred names. You need the right ones. Here’s a tight, field-tested list across the main vibes men usually want on a guys’ night.

Cocktail excellence (book ahead)

• Little Red Door (Marais): Playful seasonal menus; regularly on The World’s 50 Best Bars list as of 2024. Best for small groups who appreciate craft. Not for big, rowdy crews.
• Candelaria (Marais): Hidden taqueria door to a lively back bar. Best for early warm-up. Not for late-night shouting.
• Danico (near Palais Royal): Style-forward cocktails inside a chic arcade. Best for impressing. Not for backpacks and sportswear.
• Moonshiner (Bastille): Pizza shop front, speakeasy back. Best for fun reveals. Not for massive groups.
• Lavomatic (République): Laundromat door gimmick with solid drinks. Best for first-timers. Not for purists who hate gimmicks.

Craft beer and easy pints

• La Fine Mousse (Oberkampf): Big tap selection, beer geek heaven. Best for beer flights. Not for dancing.
• Paname Brewing Company (Canal): Waterside pints and sharing plates. Best when the weather is decent. Not for winter lineups.
• Hoppy Corner (Sentier): Rotating taps, zero fuss. Best for quick meetups. Not for late-night (close earlier than clubs).

Wine bars that don’t feel stiff

• Frenchie Bar à Vins (Sentier): Big flavor small plates, natural-leaning list. Best early-evening. Not for walk-ins after 8 p.m.
• Le Barav (Haut Marais): Choose a bottle from the shop; great value. Best for sharing. Not for standing-only haters.

Rooftops with a view (seasonal)

• Le Perchoir (Marais or Ménilmontant): Sunset magnet. Best for first hour. Not for last-minute on peak nights.
• Laho Rooftop (Gare de Lyon): Broad skyline views. Best for larger groups with a booking. Not for deep winter.
• Sequoia Rooftop (Opera): Hotel rooftop polish. Best for dressier starts. Not for sportswear.

Live music and late bars

• New Morning (10th): Renowned jazz/funk venue since the 80s. Best for seated shows. Not for bar-hopping mid-set.
• Supersonic (Bastille): Indie/rock with free entry many nights; DJ sets after. Best for budget nights. Not for cocktail snobs.
• La Bellevilloise (20th): Eclectic concerts and club nights. Best for themed events. Not for last-minute arrivals.

Clubs-dance floors that deliver

• Rex Club (Grands Boulevards): Historic techno/house institution. Best for electronic heads. Not for Top 40 requests.
• La Machine du Moulin Rouge (Pigalle): Multi-room, varied programming. Best for bigger groups. Not for strict dress code fans.
• Badaboum (Bastille): Club + bar + live space. Best for mixed vibes. Not for bottle-only baller nights.
• Bridge (Invalides): Slick, mainstream-leaning under the bridge. Best for bottle service. Not for sneakers/shorts.
• Le Duplex (Arc de Triomphe area): Big-room hits, mixed crowd. Best for bachelor energy. Not for music purists.

Cabaret and show options (classy, not grimy)

• Crazy Horse Paris: Artistic, choreographed cabaret, not cheap. Best for polished stag plans. Not for bargain hunters.
• Moulin Rouge: Iconic, spectacle-heavy. Best for first-timers. Not for late starts-book the early show plus dinner after.

Tiki and theme bars

• Dirty Dick (SoPi): Loud, fun, strong tiki classics. Best for groups pre-club. Not for quiet nights.

Sports-first pubs (for game nights)

• Belushi’s (Canal or Gare du Nord): Big screens, burgers. Best for watching matches. Not for cocktails.
• The Moose (Saint-Germain): North American sports vibe. Best for late NFL/NBA. Not for a fancy crowd.

Quick reality checks:

• Bottle service is worth it only if you’re a large group hitting a door with a line and a dress code. It buys you entry, space, and time.
• In Paris, tipping is modest-service is included by law. Round up or add 5-10% for standout service.
• Bars generally close around 2 a.m.; clubs can run to 5-6 a.m.

Build-Your-Night Itineraries (With Trade-Offs)

Pick one route and stick to it. You’ll spend less on transport and more time actually hanging out.

Marais Cocktail Crawl → Late DJ Bar

• 6:30 p.m. Rooftop at Le Perchoir (sunset slot) for first drinks.
• 8:00 p.m. Candelaria for tacos + speakeasy cocktails, then hop to Little Red Door.
• 11:30 p.m. Decide: walk to a DJ-led late bar or taxi to Rex Club if you want to dance.

Trade-off: More reservations, better drinks, higher spend. Great for groups of 4-6 who like conversation before dancing.

Bastille-Oberkampf Bar Hop → Badaboum

• 7:00 p.m. Moonshiner for the fun entry and first round.
• 9:00 p.m. La Fine Mousse or a neighboring taproom for beers.
• 11:45 p.m. Badaboum for the club portion (buy tickets ahead on big weekends).

Trade-off: Less polished than Marais, more energy, easier for larger groups (6-10) if you’re respectful at the door.

Pigalle High-Energy: Tiki → Cabaret or Club

• 7:30 p.m. Dirty Dick for tiki rounds and loud catch-ups.
• 9:30 p.m. Optional splurge: cabaret show (Crazy Horse or Moulin Rouge), or skip right to La Machine du Moulin Rouge.
• 12:30 a.m. Club until dawn; rideshare home.

Trade-off: Tourist hotspots raise prices, but you get that “only in Paris” neon chaos and big rooms.

Canal Saint-Martin Chill → Supersonic

• 6:30 p.m. Paname Brewing for waterside beers and shared plates.
• 9:30 p.m. Shift toward Bastille by foot or short ride.
• 10:30 p.m. Supersonic: live band, then DJ; sometimes free entry-check the program.

Trade-off: Affordable and social, not fancy. Good when the weather’s mild.

Saint-Germain Class Act: Wine → Jazz

• 7:00 p.m. Start with a bottle at a quality wine bar.
• 9:00 p.m. Grab bistro mains nearby; keep it unhurried.
• 10:30 p.m. Jazz at New Morning or a Left Bank jazz cellar (tickets when possible).

Trade-off: Lower decibels, higher polish. Better for smaller groups (2-4) in smart-casual fits.

Game Night → Late Club

• 7:30 p.m. Sports pub with screens (Belushi’s, The Moose) to actually watch the match.
• 10:30 p.m. Quick reset at a cocktail spot nearby.
• 12:00 a.m. Club with mainstream playlists (Le Duplex or Bridge) for a cathartic finish.

Trade-off: Easy to run late; mind the door if you show up as a big, loud post-game crew.

Weather plan: If it pours, swap rooftops for speakeasies and go for venues within a 10-minute walk of each other. Cold night? Aim for Bastille/Oberkampf; everything’s dense and warm inside.

Logistics, Budgets, Dress Codes, and Entry Tactics

You’re not here to get bounced at midnight. A quick checklist saves the night.

• Budgeting: Plan for 3-5 rounds + entry + transport. Cocktails €13-18; pints €7-10; club entry €15-25 (often 1 drink). Cabaret €90-150. Late-night ride inside Paris €15-30.
• Transport: The Metro runs until ~1:15 a.m. Sunday-Thursday and ~2:15 a.m. Friday-Saturday (RATP 2025 schedule). Night buses operate all night; rideshares are plentiful. Trains thin out after 3 a.m., so hedge with a pre-booked ride when clubbing.
• Dress code: Smart-casual covers most doors. Avoid shorts, athletic wear, beach flip-flops, and caps. Clean sneakers are fine at many spots; upscale clubs may still prefer shoes.
• Group strategy: Split a big crew at the door in pairs; keep conversation low at the line. One person speaks; everyone else smiles. No drinks in hand while queuing.
• ID: Bring a government photo ID. Digital copies won’t help. France serves alcohol from age 18; bouncers enforce it.
• Reservations: Cocktail bars and rooftops-book. Clubs-buy tickets in advance on busy weekends to dodge lines.
• Payment: Cards widely accepted; keep a little cash for cloakrooms (€2-3) and quick tips.
• Etiquette: Service is included; tip a little extra for standout care. Ask before filming in smaller bars.
• Safety: Stick to lit streets around Pigalle late; watch for pickpockets in packed clubs. If someone in the group wants to bail, rideshare them home without debate.

Legal and practical notes:

• Indoor smoking has been banned since 2008; many bars have outdoor areas.
• There’s no fixed “last call”; bars serve until close per their license, commonly 2 a.m.
• Public transport hours and night bus lines are published by RATP; check the last train for your specific line around midnight.

Heuristics that work:

• If you hate lines: Go early (before 8 p.m.) to cocktail bars, then aim for clubs by 12:15 a.m.
• If you want spontaneity: Choose Bastille/Oberkampf; you can hop 4-5 bars in one block.
• If it’s a stag night: Book a cabaret or bottle table-structure pays off and relaxes the door.
• If you love music: Buy tickets for Rex Club or a specific live show; don’t “see what happens.”

One SEO tip for your planning: most searches lump everything under Paris nightlife; filter by neighborhood plus the vibe to find the right booking pages faster.

FAQ

What’s the best neighborhood for a guys’ night if we’re first-timers?
Le Marais for a stylish start (cocktails/speakeasies) or Bastille/Oberkampf for easy bar-hopping and late options.

Do clubs in Paris have strict dress codes?
Some do. Smart-casual is safe. Avoid shorts, athletic gear, and caps. Clean sneakers often pass, but shoes are safer at upscale spots.

How late does the Metro run in 2025?
Around 1:15 a.m. on Sunday-Thursday and 2:15 a.m. on Friday-Saturday, depending on the line. Night buses and rideshares cover late hours.

How much should I budget per person?
€60-90 for a bar-focused night; €100-130 if you add club entry and late rides. Add more for cabaret or bottle service.

Is Sunday or Monday worth going out?
Yes, with the right plan: cocktail reservations, live music (Supersonic often has shows), and wine bars. Clubs are thinner but not dead.

Do we need to speak French?
No, but a few phrases help. “On est quatre” (we’re four). “Une table à 20h?” (a table at 8 p.m.?) “S’il vous plaît” and “merci” go a long way.

Any stag party pitfalls?
Yes: costumes and loud lines get you bounced. Keep it sharp, book one anchor experience (cabaret or bottle), and split at the door.

Are tips required?
Service is included; add 5-10% for great service or round up. In clubs, tipping cloakroom and bar staff gets faster service.

Next Steps and Troubleshooting

Pick an itinerary, book two anchors, and leave one flexible slot. That’s the sweet spot between planning and fun.

If your group is on a budget:

• Start with happy-hour rooftops or beer bars (Canal/Belushi’s).
• Choose Supersonic or a free-entry live night; skip bottle service.
• Catch the last Metro or use night buses to save on rideshares.

If you want a baller night:

• Book Danico or Little Red Door, then a bottle table at Bridge or a prime room at La Machine.
• Add Crazy Horse early show for a sharp centerpiece.
• Arrange a car pickup at 3 a.m. to avoid surge pricing.

If someone hates clubs:

• Do a wine bar + rooftop + late cocktail lounge loop (Marais/Saint-Germain).
• Or choose a live jazz set at New Morning-quality without the crush.

If the door rejects you:

• Smile, thank, and move. Backup: Badaboum (Bastille) or La Machine (Pigalle) are more forgiving than tiny cocktail dens.
• Split the group and try a neighboring venue; reconverge in 30 minutes.

If the line is insane:

• Check ticketed entries first (Rex Club, La Machine); tickets often include faster access.
• Prioritize bars with nearby alternates (Bastille/Oberkampf) to pivot fast.

If the weather flips:

• Dump rooftops for speakeasies within a tight radius-Marais and Bastille clusters shine here.
• Grab street umbrellas; many lines are outdoors.

If you miss the last Metro:

• Use night buses (look for “N” routes) or rideshare. Don’t cross the city on foot at 3 a.m. if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Set expectations early with the crew: one person handles bookings, one watches time, one keeps the vibe in line at the door. Paris rewards teams that move smart-and it never runs out of places to keep the night going.