There are a lot of bars and places to hang out in Paris , and since you only have a limited amount of time, you shouldn't fall for mediocre, boring bars. And that's exactly why I created this article, which is based on my favorite places in the City of Lights and tips I received from insiders. Here you will find quite a few secret places to hang out that only Parisians like me know about. So whether it's your first time in Paris or your tenth time, I promise you that you will find quite a few interesting places here that you didn't know about.
So let's get going!
The Rooftops of Paris
This is undoubtedly the latest trend in all the major cities in the world and Paris, with its incredible view, is definitely part of it. The charm of rooftops in Paris comes from the combination of history , contemporary chic and the incredible view of the City of Lights that they reveal. That's why you'll find that most of the best rooftop bars in Paris have been created in historic buildings. And by the way, it's not just mansions or hotels but also department stores, swimming pools, mythological museums , theaters, cinemas: in short, who doesn't have their own rooftop?
Most of the guests at these places are Parisians who go out for drinks with friends or even arrange business meetings there. Also, don’t be surprised if a fashion shoot or a new movie happens while you’re there… after all, the buildings there are amazing, the sunsets are breathtaking and the view is inspiring!
Important tip : It is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance for some of the trendiest bars, if you don't want to stand in line for nearly an hour or, in some cases, even be refused entry.
So after I've explained a little about the rooftop bars of Paris, let's move on to the really interesting part where I'll share with you information about the bars I love the most in Paris.
Terrace Hotel
The Hôtel Terrace was built in 1911 on Montmartre Hill and quickly became a fashionable place where artists, writers and other celebrities of the time would sit on the terrace, which is now a bar and restaurant. Here are some of the names of celebrities who drank wine while watching the Parisian landscape from above: Edith Piaf , Jean Renoir, Henri Matisse , Jacques Farber, Colette and many others. It is no wonder that the place has been nicknamed “the artists’ hotel.”
The hotel has been owned by a large French family for several generations, and underwent a complete renovation in 2015, making it one of the most stylish and cozy hotels in Paris. The hotel's seventh-floor bar has simply stunning views, from Montmartre below to the Eiffel Tower shimmering on the horizon (and I haven't even mentioned the stunning sunsets). It's no surprise, then, that many Parisians use the space for romantic get-togethers.
Useful information about the hotel and bar
Hotel website : Terrass Hotel
Address : 12-14 Rue Joseph de Maistre
Bar and Restaurant Opening Hours : The rooftop bar and restaurant are open daily. The bar, on the rooftop outdoor terrace, is open daily from 3:30 to 01:00. Free access without reservation and within the limits of available seats.
Price : €
Why should you visit there? Because of the amazing view, the special atmosphere, and the very beautiful interior design of the restaurant.
Brasserie Barbes
The La Goutte d'Or neighborhood in the 18th arrondissement may not be considered the most pleasant neighborhood in Paris, but this brasserie in particular manages to attract quite a few Parisians who like to go there for a drink. You'll find Parisians of all kinds there: young, old, nerds and hipsters who fill the place every evening. The place also attracts quite a few writers thanks to the literary prize awarded there since 2018.
About Brasserie Barbès
Address : 2 Boulevard Barbès
Opening hours : Open 7/7 from 08:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Price : €€
Why should you visit there? Unexpected location and surprising atmosphere. Eclectic and interesting crowd.
The rooftop pool bar at the Molitor Hotel
In 1929, Olympic swimmers Johnny Weissmuller (the first Tarzan) and Eileen Riggin-Soul decided to build a swimming pool in the 16th arrondissement, not far from the Parc des Princes and Roland Garros stadiums. Over the years, the pool was closed and its art deco structure was in danger of demolition. Fortunately, the place eventually underwent extensive renovations and reopened as a 5-star hotel. The design and chic of both the hotel and the bar made it one of the trendiest places in Paris.
You will find here not only late Art Deco architecture but also a bar overlooking the pool, a brasserie with excellent food and of course quite a few wealthy Parisians who come to see and be seen. If you wish, you are welcome to stay in one of the hotel's 124 luxuriously designed rooms and then you will have access to the pool and bar of course.
Information about the Molitor Hotel and its roof top
Hotel information and room reservations
Address : 13 Rue Nungesser et Coli.
Opening days and hours : Open every day from May to September. The rest of the time, only the brasserie bordering the pool remains open.
Price : €€
Why should you visit? Because of the charming Art Deco design (inside and out) and of course the special pool. You won't find many like it in Paris!
Rooftop Café Oz
The rooftop for young people, Pr Excellence (average age 18-30 years maximum)! Aussies is an international nickname for Australian residents and here you can find a little piece of Australia thanks to the drinks served here, the design and the Anglo-Saxon atmosphere. So what do you do here? Mostly drink beer and watch rugby and cricket games shown on giant screens. But beyond that, there are also special evenings here, so it's definitely worth checking out.
This bar is located in this strange green building on the banks of the Seine that looks like a crocodile and is located near the Austerlitz station in the 13th arrondissement . This rooftop offers exotic views, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and is a kind of combination of a yacht club and a nightclub (during the summer).
Information about Cafe Oz Rooftop
Address : 34 Quai d'Austerlitz
Opening days and hours : Open every night except Monday.
Price : €
Why you should visit there? If you are young people looking for an inexpensive drink and a great view of Paris, this is definitely the place for you.
Le Perchoir on the roof of the BHV LE MARAIS department store
The BHV department store is one of the first department stores in Paris and was created in 1856 in the 4th arrondissement on Rue Rivoli near Notre-Dame de Ville . It was purchased a few years ago by the prestigious Galeries Lafayette group , renovated and turned into a luxury store that sells housewares, art supplies for artists and more. The store also offers 8 restaurants and cafes and one great rooftop located on the sixth floor and called Le Perchoir.
You will find a warm and comfortable Scandinavian atmosphere that will allow you to relax against the backdrop of the magical Parisian landscape that will unfold before you.
Information about the BHV rooftop
Address : 37 rue de la Verrerie
Opening days and hours : Monday to Saturday from 20:15 PM to 1:30 AM and Sunday from 300:45 PM to 1:19 AM.
Price : €€
Why should you visit there? Because it's a cozy place with a great view. Great for taking selfies.
Note : Le Perchoir Marais has a little sister: Le Perchoir Menilmontant and it is located in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. Its address is 14 rue Crespin du Gast.
Le Georges, the rooftop of the Pompidou Center
https://youtu.be/yyQl3ylZFdo
The rooftop “Le Georges” is named after Georges Pompidou, President of France from 1969 to 1974, and is located on the roof of the famous museum that is also named after him. Here you will find a restaurant and an outdoor terrace where it is recommended to sit on sunny days. You can visit it after a visit to the Pompidou Museum but also without a connection to the museum. It is reached by escalators located inside a transparent tube, which allows you to discover Paris little by little while the stairs bring you to your desired destination.
Information about Le Georges
Menu : Traditional French bistro/gastronomic cuisine
Address : 6th floor of the Pompidou Center
Opening days and hours : Open every day except Tuesday 12:00 to 23:30.
Price : €
Why should you visit there? If you are a lover of modern art or just looking to see a wonderful Parisian view.
National on the Top The rooftop bar of the Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers
This is a chic bar located on the roof of the prestigious Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers, not far from the museum of the same name. The hotel has 66 rooms and, although it is located in a Haussmannian-style building (the second half of the 19th century), it is very modern in its approach, which, among other things, places great emphasis on ecology and sustainability. In the hotel's rooftop restaurant, you will find excellent Italian food and a great view of the rooftops of Paris, the Pompidou Center, and even the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. In addition to the excellent food, you will find a rich drinks menu here, so it is not surprising that the place attracts the best of Parisians.
Information about the rooftop restaurant National on the Top
Hotel information and room reservations
Address : 243 rue saint martin
Opening hours : Open weekdays from 17:00 PM to midnight and weekends from 15:00 PM to midnight.
Price : €
Why should you visit?: Because of the excellent food and the view. It's no wonder this place has quite a few regular customers who return time and time again.
Le Bar du Louxor
This beautiful Art Deco building opened in the 10th arrondissement in 1921 and began its career as a silent movie theater. During the 1980s, it was converted into a gay bar but eventually closed. In 2013, it reopened as a cultural and arts center. Along with the new opening of the Luxor, a rooftop bar was also opened on the third floor, which has become a favorite among Parisians. And by the way, the movie theater has also returned from the dead, and you can combine the experience of watching movies and then drinking a cocktail on the roof afterwards.
Information about the Louxor Cinema Bar
Address : 170 Boulevard de Magenta
Opening hours : Every day from 11:00 PM to 23:00 AM.
Price : €
Why should you visit it? Because of its history and unique design.
The bar at Maison Soquet
One of the biggest secrets of Paris in general and the 9th arrondissement in particular. This is a 19th century brothel that has been transformed into a luxurious boutique hotel with a beautiful design. Here you will find a stylish bar-restaurant located in the room where the local women used to wait for their clients and it is of course open not only to hotel guests. This is why this bar-restaurant has become one of the favorites of Parisians who use it for social and business meetings. You can read more about the hotel and the bar in the article Maison Souquet – When a Parisian brothel becomes a luxurious boutique hotel.
About Maison Souquet
Hotel information and reservations
Address : 10 Rue de Bruxelles (not far from the house where Emile Zola lived ).
Opening hours : Every day from 17:00 PM to 01:00 AM.
Price : €€€
Why should you visit there? Because of the amazing design and the great cocktails prepared by the super professional bartender.
The Hoxton Hotel Bar
The Hoxton Hotel is part of an international hotel chain spread across the trendiest locations in London, Amsterdam, New York and other European cities. The hotel has 2 super stylish bars and a restaurant with excellent Moroccan cuisine, which has also become very trendy in recent years. If you would like to read more about the hotel and the bar, we recommend reading Tamar Mor's article about the hotel.
Hoxton Hotel Bar Information
Hotel information and reservations
Address : 30-32 Rue du Sentier.
Opening hours :
- Planches Bar – open every day from 17:00 PM to 01:00 AM
- Jacques Bar – open every day from 17:00 PM to 01:00 AM and on weekends until 02:00 AM.
- Le Rivier Restaurant – open every day from 07:00 AM to 01:00 AM.
Price : €€€
Why should you visit there? Because of the design and because you can sit on the terrace and enjoy a pleasant and luxurious atmosphere.
More on the subject
Hi Zvi,
Thank you for a lot of useful information about Paris.
A question about the "rop tops", are they still relevant in January, because of the weather?
Are there any recommendations for other clubs? Dancing? Dance bars?
Thanks in advance for the answers.
Hi Shani,
If it's really raining, then roof tops are less recommended, even though there is heating and umbrellas that are supposed to protect from the rain. As for the other clubs, there will be recommendations later 🙂