The City of Light is, naturally, quite beautiful at night. But cheap spots to enjoy it can be difficult to find – unless you stick to the scene around the Seine.
9pm
LE BAISER SALE
58 RUE DES LOMBARDS
$26 A SHOW
This Paris institution bills itself as “Le temple de fusion” and it’s exactly that – mixed music, a mixed crowd and mixed drinks in a laid-back atmosphere. Drinks are $6 to $9.
10pm
POLITBURO
25 RUE DE ROI DE SICILE
$8 A PINT
It may be a few blocks from the uber-trendy Marais district, but this communist-kitsch hangout sports images of Soviet writers and military parades on the walls – painted red, of course – and draws sincere old lefties (Paris still has plenty). As for the music: The speakers blare The Clash and PJ Harvey. A pint of beer is around $8.
11pm
LA PERLE
78 RUE VIEILLE DU TEMPLE
$4 A GLASS
It’s undeniable: Parisians are beautiful. And as the bloggers who rave (and rant) about this place can attest, this is the place to look at them. Or maybe meet one. This small bar is known as a hook-up spot, but thankfully it doesn’t feel like one. Glasses of wine start at $4.
12am
CAVEAU DE LA HUCHETTE
5 RUE DE LA HUCHETTE
$20 ENTRY
Although this is one of the oldest jazz clubs in Paris (you name an icon, they’ve played here), it draws lots of young clubbers into its cavernous deeps. Drinks are $9.