The Most Instagrammable Nightlife Spots in Paris
Paris doesn’t sleep when the sun goes down-it lights up. But not just any lights. We’re talking neon signs that glow like candy, velvet booths that feel like a 1920s dream, rooftops that frame the Eiffel Tower like a postcard, and hidden speakeasies where the cocktails are as photogenic as the setting. If you’re looking for nightlife in Paris that doesn’t just taste good but looks unforgettable on your feed, you’ve come to the right place.
Le Perchoir - The Rooftop That Owns the Skyline
Le Perchoir isn’t just one place-it’s a cluster of rooftop bars scattered across the city, but the one in the 11th arrondissement is the most famous for a reason. It’s not fancy. It’s not polished. It’s raw, real, and ridiculously Instagrammable. The space is a maze of wooden decks, string lights, and mismatched furniture. At night, the city glows beneath you. The Eiffel Tower sparkles every hour, and the whole scene feels like a secret only cool people know about.
Pro tip: Go right before sunset. The golden hour turns the rooftops into a warm honey tone. Your photos will look like they were edited in Lightroom-even if they weren’t. The cocktails? Try the Le Perchoir Spritz: pink grapefruit, prosecco, and a splash of elderflower. Served in a tall glass with a sprig of rosemary. It’s a visual masterpiece.
Bar de l’Hôtel - The Neon Jungle
Tucked under a historic archway in the 10th arrondissement, Bar de l’Hôtel is what happens when a 1970s disco meets a Parisian warehouse. The walls are covered in glowing neon signs that say things like "Soyez Beau et Taisez-Vous" (Be Beautiful and Be Quiet). The floor is sticky in the best way. The music? A mix of French house, 90s R&B, and underground techno.
This place is pure photo bait. The lighting is low, the colors are saturated, and the crowd is dressed like they walked out of a Yves Saint Laurent campaign. Bring a friend with good lighting skills. The best shot? Standing under the giant "AMOUR" sign with a cocktail in hand, the glow reflecting off your glass. No filter needed. The bar’s owner, a former fashion photographer, designed the whole space to look like a movie still. It’s not a bar-it’s a set.
Le Comptoir Général - The Jungle Bar That Feels Like a Dream
Forget the typical Parisian bistro. Le Comptoir Général is a surreal escape. It’s a converted warehouse turned into a tropical-themed lounge filled with vintage African artifacts, hanging vines, and lanterns that cast dappled shadows on the walls. The drinks come in hollowed-out pineapples, coconuts, and old teapots. The music is a mix of Afrobeat, jazz, and ambient sounds.
It’s the kind of place where you don’t just take a photo-you get lost in it. The lighting is moody, the textures are rich, and the details are endless. A single shot can include a brass lamp, a monkey statue, a woman in a red dress sipping a cocktail, and the reflection of a neon "BONJOUR" sign in the mirror behind her. It’s chaotic. It’s beautiful. It’s the kind of place you don’t tell your friends about… until they ask for your best Paris photo.
Le Bar à Bulles - The Champagne Cave That Glows
If you think champagne is just for celebrations, you haven’t been to Le Bar à Bulles. Hidden beneath a bookstore in the 6th arrondissement, this underground bar is carved into a former wine cellar. The walls are lined with hundreds of bottles, glowing softly from LED strips embedded in the wood. The ceiling is low, the air is cool, and the sound is muffled-like being inside a cathedral made of bubbles.
The lighting here is the star. Soft amber light bounces off the glass bottles, casting golden halos around every table. Order the Champagne Flight: three different cuvées, each served with a tiny bite of caviar or dark chocolate. The bubbles catch the light like tiny diamonds. Take a photo of your glass against the bottle wall. The reflection makes it look like you’re floating in a sea of bubbles.
La Belle Hortense - The Hidden Jazz Club With a Red Velvet Throne
This isn’t a club. It’s a time machine. La Belle Hortense is a tiny, candlelit jazz bar tucked into a quiet alley in the 11th. The walls are painted deep red. The seats are velvet. The stage is a single spotlight on a wooden floor. And the music? Live jazz every night, from sultry vocals to trumpet solos that echo like they’ve been waiting decades to be heard.
It’s the perfect spot for moody, cinematic shots. The lighting is all warm and low. The smoke from cigarettes curls in the air like brushstrokes. The bartender wears a bowtie and pours drinks like he’s performing a ritual. The best photo? A close-up of your glass on the table, with the silhouette of the saxophonist behind you, bathed in red light. No one takes flash here. And you won’t want to. The atmosphere is too real to break with a flash.
Les Enfants Terribles - The Pink Palace
Open only on weekends, Les Enfants Terribles is a pop-up bar that turns a former art gallery into a pink wonderland. Think: pink velvet couches, pink neon signs, pink cocktails, and a DJ spinning dreamy synth-pop. The walls are covered in murals by local artists, and the ceiling drips with hanging paper lanterns that change color every few minutes.
This place was made for Instagram. Every corner is a different aesthetic. One wall is covered in glitter. Another has a giant floating heart made of balloons. The cocktail menu is written in cursive on pink paper. The signature drink? The Pink Cloud: gin, lychee, prosecco, and edible glitter. Served in a glass that sparkles under the lights. Bring a white outfit. The contrast against the pink is unreal.
Why These Spots Work for Photos
What makes these places different from other Paris bars? It’s not just the lighting. It’s the intention. Each of these spots was designed with visual storytelling in mind. The owners aren’t just serving drinks-they’re curating experiences. They know people don’t just come for the alcohol. They come for the vibe. The memory. The photo.
Here’s what they all have in common:
- Low, warm lighting that flatters skin tones
- Color palettes that pop on camera (neon, velvet red, pink, gold)
- Textures: wood, velvet, glass, metal, brick
- Backgrounds that tell a story (Eiffel Tower, vintage artifacts, murals)
- Minimal clutter-everything has purpose
Don’t just snap a selfie. Look for angles. Shoot from below to capture ceiling lights. Use reflections in mirrors or glass. Wait for the moment when someone laughs or raises their glass. The best photos aren’t staged-they’re caught.
What to Bring (And What to Leave at Home)
Forget your bulky DSLR. Most of these spots are cramped. A smartphone with a good night mode is all you need. Bring a portable charger. Wear shoes you can dance in-or at least stand in for hours. Skip the heavy perfume. The air is already thick with the scent of smoke, citrus, and old wood.
And please, don’t use a flash. It ruins the mood. And the staff. And the vibe.
When to Go
Weeknights are quieter, but weekends are where the magic happens. Arrive between 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. That’s when the crowd settles in, the lighting hits its peak, and the music starts to pulse. If you show up too early, you’ll just be sitting in an empty room. Too late, and you’ll be fighting for space.
Le Perchoir and Le Comptoir Général fill up fast. Book a table online if you can. The rest? Just show up. The line outside Bar de l’Hôtel is part of the experience. Wait. Smile. Take a photo of the sign. Then walk in.
Final Tip: Don’t Just Shoot-Feel
The most viral photos from Paris aren’t the ones with the best lighting. They’re the ones that make you want to be there. The ones that capture a moment you can’t describe-just feel. So put your phone down sometimes. Drink the cocktail. Listen to the music. Let the neon glow on your skin. The photo will come. But the memory? That’s yours forever.
Are these nightlife spots safe for solo travelers?
Yes, all of these spots are in well-lit, popular neighborhoods and are frequented by locals and tourists alike. Le Perchoir, Bar de l’Hôtel, and La Belle Hortense are especially known for being welcoming to solo visitors. Just keep your belongings close, avoid overly crowded areas late at night, and trust your instincts. Parisian nightlife is generally safe, but common sense still applies.
Do I need to make reservations?
For Le Perchoir and Le Comptoir Général, yes-book ahead, especially on weekends. For Bar de l’Hôtel, Les Enfants Terribles, and La Belle Hortense, reservations aren’t usually taken. Arrive early to get a good spot. Le Bar à Bulles has limited seating, so showing up before 10 p.m. helps. Walk-ins are welcome everywhere, but timing matters.
What’s the dress code?
Parisians dress with intention, even at casual spots. No flip-flops, shorts, or athletic wear. Think: dark jeans, a nice top, a jacket or blazer. Women often wear dresses or tailored pants. Men skip the baseball caps. You don’t need to look like you’re going to the opera-but you should look like you care. These places reward effort. And yes, your outfit will show up in your photos.
Are these places expensive?
Cocktails range from €14 to €22. Champagne flights at Le Bar à Bulles start at €35. It’s not cheap, but you’re paying for the atmosphere, the design, and the experience-not just the drink. If you’re on a budget, order a glass of wine or a beer instead. Most places have a few affordable options. The photo is free.
Can I take photos inside?
Yes, and you’re encouraged to. These spots were made for photography. But be respectful. Don’t block the dance floor or crowd the bar while taking pictures. Ask before photographing other guests. And never use flash. The staff will appreciate it-and so will your photos.
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