Paris doesn’t sleep-it just gets fancier after dark.
You’ve seen the photos: a glowing cocktail in a velvet-lit lounge, a mirrored ceiling reflecting city lights, a group laughing under a string of fairy lights that look like they were dipped in gold. These aren’t just pictures-they’re invitations. And Paris, with its mix of old-world charm and modern edge, has turned nightlife into an art form designed for the camera.
If you’re looking for spots where the vibe matches the lighting and the drinks are as photogenic as the decor, you’re not just chasing trends-you’re chasing experiences. The most Instagrammable nightlife spots in Paris aren’t just popular. They’re built to be remembered, captured, and shared.
Le Perchoir Rue des Martyrs: The Rooftop That Owns the Skyline
Perched above the 18th arrondissement, Le Perchoir Rue des Martyrs isn’t just a rooftop bar-it’s a living postcard. The terrace wraps around three sides, giving you 360-degree views of Paris rooftops, church spires, and distant Eiffel Tower glimmers. By night, warm Edison bulbs glow above wooden tables, and the backdrop is a sea of brick and slate that looks like it was painted for Instagram.
The drinks? Craft cocktails with names like "Parisian Noir" and "Lune de Miel," served in hand-blown glassware that catches the light just right. The bartenders know how to arrange a garnish for the camera-a sprig of rosemary, a citrus twist, a dusting of edible glitter. And the best part? You can sit on the edge of the terrace with your drink, legs dangling slightly over the street below, and capture the city lights stretching out like a living neon map.
Pro tip: Go just before sunset. The golden hour turns the entire scene into a warm, hazy dream. The light lasts about 20 minutes, and that’s when the real magic happens.
Bar Hemingway at Ritz Paris: Where Elegance Meets Exclusivity
If Le Perchoir is the rebellious artist, Bar Hemingway is the aristocrat who never had to raise their voice to be heard. Nestled inside the legendary Ritz Paris, this bar feels like stepping into a 1920s novel written by Fitzgerald himself. Dark mahogany walls, leather banquettes, and crystal chandeliers cast a soft, amber glow over every table.
The menu is simple: classic cocktails, made perfectly. The signature "Hemingway Daiquiri"-a blend of rum, grapefruit, and maraschino-is served in a coupe glass that looks like it belongs in a museum. The ice is hand-chipped. The garnish is precise. The silence is respectful.
Why is it Instagrammable? Because it doesn’t try to be. The beauty is in the restraint. A single photo of you sitting there, sipping your drink under that chandelier, says everything without needing filters. No neon signs. No loud music. Just timeless class. And that’s what makes it stand out.
Book ahead. It’s not just for show-it’s a rule. And wear something that doesn’t look like you just rolled out of bed. The dress code isn’t written, but everyone knows it.
Le Comptoir Général: The Hidden Jungle Bar
Don’t let the unmarked door fool you. Behind a faded blue facade in the 10th arrondissement lies Le Comptoir Général-a surreal blend of African artifacts, vintage furniture, hanging plants, and flickering lanterns. It feels less like a bar and more like a secret society’s clubhouse, hidden in the heart of the city.
The lighting is low, the air is thick with the scent of incense and old books, and every corner holds a new visual surprise: a monkey statue holding a cocktail glass, a ceiling covered in old maps, a wall lined with vinyl records and vintage cameras. The cocktails are named after African cities-"Lagos Mule," "Dakar Sour"-and served in hand-thrown ceramic mugs or carved wooden cups.
This isn’t a place you go to be seen. It’s a place you go to feel like you’ve discovered something no one else knows. And that’s exactly why it’s perfect for Instagram. The photos here don’t look like typical bar pics. They look like stills from a Wes Anderson film.
Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Weekends get crowded, and the magic fades when the crowd swells. Bring a friend who appreciates the weird.
La Perle: The Cabaret That Feels Like a Dream
La Perle isn’t just a show-it’s an immersive experience. Located in the heart of the 16th arrondissement, this is the only permanent cabaret in Paris designed specifically for Instagrammable moments. The stage is a giant, water-filled basin surrounded by gold-trimmed balconies. Performers swing from aerial silks, dance on water, and leap through fire-all under a ceiling that shifts colors like a living aurora.
The seating is intimate. You’re close enough to see the sweat on a performer’s brow, the glint of sequins catching the light, the way the water ripples when someone dives in. The lighting changes with every act: deep purples, electric blues, molten gold. There’s no stage separation. You’re part of the spectacle.
Bring your phone. The show is built for photos and videos. The finale-a slow-motion leap into the water as fireworks burst overhead-is the kind of moment people screenshot and save forever. Tickets sell out weeks in advance. But if you can get in, you’ll leave with more than just a memory. You’ll leave with content that turns heads.
Le Baron: Where the Crowd Is the Art
Le Baron isn’t about the decor. It’s about the people. Hidden behind an unmarked door in the 8th arrondissement, this members-only club is a magnet for artists, models, musicians, and influencers. The vibe? High fashion meets underground edge. The walls are covered in rotating art installations. The playlist shifts from French house to 90s R&B without warning.
The real draw? The crowd. You never know who you’ll see: a French actress in a sequin jumpsuit, a New York photographer in vintage denim, a DJ from Tokyo who just landed in Paris for the night. The lighting is moody, the music is loud enough to feel, and the energy is electric.
Instagrammable? Absolutely. Not because of the chandeliers or the bar-it’s because the people here look like they stepped out of a fashion editorial. The photos you take here aren’t of a place. They’re of a moment. Of a scene. Of a city that never stops reinventing itself.
Access is tricky. No walk-ins. You either know someone on the list or you get invited. But if you’re staying in Paris for a few days, ask your hotel concierge. Many have a line into Le Baron. And if you’re lucky? You’ll get in. And when you do, you’ll understand why this place has been on every influencer’s list since 2017.
Le Comptoir du Relais: The Cozy Corner That Feels Like Home
Not every Instagrammable spot needs neon or mirrors. Sometimes, it’s the quiet ones that stick with you. Le Comptoir du Relais, tucked into Saint-Germain-des-Prés, is a wine bar that looks like it’s been there for a century. Wooden counters, mismatched chairs, bottles lining the walls, and a chalkboard that changes daily with the wine list.
At night, the lights dim, the candles flicker, and the chatter softens. The staff pour wine into thin-stemmed glasses with care. The cheese plates are arranged like still lifes. The bread is warm. The wine? Often from small, family-run vineyards you’ve never heard of.
This is the kind of place where you don’t take a photo to show off. You take it because you don’t want to forget how it felt. A single shot of your glass beside a plate of aged goat cheese and a napkin with a smudge of red wine-it’s quiet. It’s real. And in a city full of glitter, that’s the most powerful thing you can capture.
How to Make the Most of Your Paris Night Out
Photography isn’t just about the spot-it’s about timing, lighting, and mood. Here’s how to make sure your photos stand out:
- Arrive early-golden hour is your best friend. Sunset turns Paris into a watercolor painting.
- Dress for the vibe-no flip-flops at Bar Hemingway. No hoodie at Le Perchoir. Match the energy.
- Use natural light-avoid flash. Let the bar’s lighting do the work.
- Focus on details-a cocktail rimmed with salt, a reflection in a mirror, the curve of a wine glass. Close-ups often tell the best stories.
- Don’t just take photos-live them-the best shots come when you’re not trying too hard.
Paris at night isn’t just a place. It’s a feeling. And the most Instagrammable spots are the ones that let you feel it-without saying a word.
Are these nightlife spots expensive?
Some are, some aren’t. Bar Hemingway and La Perle are high-end, with cocktails starting at €20-€25. Le Perchoir and Le Baron are mid-to-high range, with drinks around €15-€18. Le Comptoir Général and Le Comptoir du Relais are more affordable, with cocktails under €15 and wine by the glass from €8. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great photo-just pick the right spot for your vibe.
Do I need to book ahead?
Yes, for most of these. Le Perchoir, Bar Hemingway, La Perle, and Le Baron all require reservations. Even Le Comptoir du Relais gets crowded on weekends. Book at least 2-3 days in advance, especially if you’re visiting between April and October. Walk-ins are rare and often turned away.
Can I take photos inside these places?
Absolutely. Most of these spots encourage it. In fact, they’re designed for it. But be respectful. Don’t use a flash at Bar Hemingway. Don’t block the aisle for service at Le Comptoir Général. And never interrupt a performance at La Perle. A good photo shouldn’t ruin someone else’s night.
What’s the best time to visit for photos?
Between 7:30 PM and 9:00 PM. That’s when the lights come on, the crowd is still thin, and the city outside is still glowing. After 10 PM, most places get loud and crowded, and the lighting shifts to harsher tones. Early evening is your sweet spot.
Are these spots safe at night?
Yes. All these locations are in well-lit, central neighborhoods with high foot traffic. Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the 8th, and the 18th are tourist-friendly and patrolled. Stick to main streets after midnight, and avoid unlit alleys. Paris is generally safe for visitors-just use common sense.
What to Do Next
If you’ve got a few days in Paris, start with Le Perchoir at sunset. Then hit Le Comptoir Général for a late-night drink. End with a quiet glass of wine at Le Comptoir du Relais. You’ll cover the full spectrum: views, weirdness, elegance, and calm.
And if you’re planning a trip? Add these to your list. Not because they’re trendy-but because they make you feel something. And that’s what makes a photo worth sharing.
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