5 “Magnifique” Things to Do on Your First Night in Paris
Searching for fun things to do on your first night in Paris? Look no further, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to visit after dark.
1. The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is sensational at night. Canva/anyaivanova.
The Eiffel Tower is on everyone’s must-visit list, but did you know that Paris’ most famous landmark can be even more sensational at night than it is during the day? The tower offers stunning night views of Paris until 1 a.m.
If you want to avoid long waiting lines, you don’t have to climb to the summit—you can enjoy the amazing views of the tower itself. Starting at sunset, dramatic hourly light shows are put on to illuminate its inner structure.
It’s worth waiting until the very last show, when the golden lighting of the Eiffel Tower gets switched off and only the sparkling lights remain, creating one of the most magical sights you’ll ever witness in Paris.
Where to find it: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, Paris 7
How much does it cost: The ticket price starts at €25 for the 3rd-floor access.
See also: Afternoon Wine and Cheese Tasting in Paris
2. Palais de Tokyo
The restaurant at Palais de Tokyo is open until 2 am. Flickr/Maciej Zgadzaj.
For some late-night culture, head to the Palais de Tokyo, one of the largest centers of contemporary art in Europe. Enjoy its impressive installations and cutting edge exhibitions of modern art by night, thanks to the regular openings until midnight. And if you feel like browsing art books late into the night, you might just do that—the Palais de Tokyo bookshop follows the gallery’s opening hours.
See also: Things to Do in Paris - A Brief Bucket List
After taking in all the art, have a delicious gourmet dinner in Palais de Tokyo's restaurant Monsieur Bleu, open until 2 am. Choose a seat on the terrace for superb views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. And there is more: the beautiful Art Deco basement of Palais de Tokyo houses the popular YoYo club, that regularly features well-known artists from France and abroad.
Where to find it: 13 avenue du Président Wilson, Paris 16
How much does it cost: Museum ticket €12 (free for under 18s). Restaurant menu €30–€50.
3. Opéra Garnier
The splendid interior of Opéra Garnier. Canva/chaikovsky.
Spend your first night in Paris at the exquisite Opéra Garnier, the home of the Ballet de l’Opéra which boasts some of the finest dancers you're likely to witness. There is something for everyone: the theater offers both first-class classic and contemporary ballet productions.
See also: Private Paris Night Tour - With Magic City Lights And Local Vibes
We recommend arriving early to admire the splendid architecture and rich decorations of the building: the grand marble staircase, the gilded statues, the ornate foyers. The highlights are unquestionably the giant crystal chandelier and Chagall-painted ceiling of the auditorium. During the interlude, head to the Grand Foyer for a glass of champagne in the dazzling gallery inspired by the Versailles Palace.
Where to find it: Place de l'Opéra, Paris 9
How much does it cost: Ticket prices range from €50–€120. You need to book in advance.
4. Le Perchoir Rooftop Bar
Le Perchoir offers a °360 view of Paris. Photo: Le Perchoir@Facebook.
On warm summer nights, there are few better ways to enjoy the nightlife in Paris than sipping a cocktail while taking in the night views of the city. Le Perchoir is a hugely popular rooftop bar in the hip 11th arrondissement, featuring trendy decor and lush greenery. Its major asset? The bar offers breathtaking 360° views of Paris' roofs and landmarks.
The menu includes both classic and innovative cocktails, as well as extensive wine and beer choices. Their famous New York-style lobster sandwich is a perfect accompaniment to your drink.
Where to find it: 14 Rue Crespin de Gast, Paris 11
How much does it cost: Cocktail of the day €12.
5. Piscine Pontoise
Piscine Pontoise is open in the evening. Unsplash/Marcus Ng.
What can be more refreshing than swimming in Paris at midnight? Don’t miss the one-of-a-kind Piscine Pontoise in the heart of the Latin Quarter. Located in a listed Art Deco building, this 25-meter indoor swimming pool is the locals’ favorite. With its authentic vintage changing cabins, wooden benches and the old hooks, it will transport you right back into the world of the 30s.
Every day from 8:15 pm until midnight, the pool transforms into a magical place: the lights are turned off and blue spotlights create an enchanting atmosphere, complete with an after-dark soundtrack. Magnifique, n’est pas?
Where to find it: 19 Rue de Pontoise, Paris 5
How much does it cost: Nightly entrance fee is €11.10. Access to the gym, a sauna and a squash court are included in the price.
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