Paris is regarded as one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolises in Europe and with good reason. If you are planning a stay in cheap Paris hotels and are keen to sample the city’s nightlife, here are five of the best districts to visit.
Latin QuarterFavoured by students who attend the nearby Sorbonne University, this part of Paris offers an eclectic mix of bars, cafes and bistros. Le Piano Vache is a relaxed piano bar on rue Laplace, where you can kick back and listen to the music while enjoying a beer. If jazz music is more to your taste, why not visit Caveau des Oubliettes on rue Galande? Set in a series of vaulted cellars with a distinctly medieval feel, this unusual venue is a great place to listen to some of Paris’s top jazz musicians. Stroll along rue de Thouin, meanwhile, and you will come across Le Teddy’s Bar, a fantastic place for a bit of fun. Board games are available for patrons to play, and darts tournaments are a regular feature in this establishment.
St. GermainIf you want to combine your evening out with some fine food, head to St. Germain, where you will find an array of bistros and brasseries serving up delicious cuisine in often beautiful surroundings. One of the best places to be seen is Alcazar on rue Mazarine. You can tuck into some of the food under its large glass roof, or, if you visit between Thursday and Sunday, you can party the night away with one of the guest DJs on the mezzanine level. Meanwhile, if you want to watch the world go by while sampling a selection of Mediterranean dishes, head to La Bastide Odeon. This establishment on rue Corneille is near the French Senate, so you may find politicians among the other diners here.
Montmartre and PigalleOften described as the French capital’s red light district, Montmartre and Pigalle have a life of their own once the sun goes down. In fact, these are some of the best areas to visit if you want to enjoy some cabaret, with numerous clubs offering this form of entertainment. Le Moulin Rouge is perhaps the best known, with its variety show Féerie bound to enthral. Step off the boulevard de Clichy and enter this world of sequins, can-can and feathers for an unforgettable night. There are numerous other venues offering this kind of entertainment, so wander around Montmartre’s colourful streets and choose a show that appeals to you.
MaraisThe Marais district is home to several wine bars, where you can sample some of the top vintages produced in France and elsewhere in the world. L’Ecluse Saint Honoré on place du Marché Saint Honore is just one such establishment and it specializes in wines from Bordeaux with over 50 tipples from the region on the menu. The district has also become the heart of the gay and lesbian scene in Paris, so for a livelier night out, head to one of the many night clubs. Amnesia on rue Vieille du Temple is our recommendation for soul, funk and disco tunes.
Bastille
One of Paris’s most vibrant nightlife destinations, Bastille is renowned for its bustling bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants. Stroll down rue de Lappe and you will come across La Balajo, where Edith Piaf once performed. You can join one of the salsa evenings if you want to show off your moves on the dance floor or enjoy the sounds of one of the guest DJs that plays here on club nights.
