Did you know that there are so many fun things to do in Paris that don’t cost a lot of money? Find out what these activities are from our Paris Night Guide and INSIDR Entertainment Passport 2019!
Best shows in Paris
Watch one of Paris top performances
Paris is a stage, and one of the less-frequented circuits is the vast number of shows and liver performances in the French capital. From operas and ballets, to live theatrical productions, there are over a hundred shows in Paris to choose from at any given moment. A secret many Paris visitors rarely discover is that just like New York and London, Paris has a diverse and thriving theatre scene and boasts hundreds of historical theatres. True Parisians start lining up all over the city for the latest plays and musicals every night of the week. Until now very few non-francophones have been able to take advantage of the thriving Parisian theatre scene, but we found the answer for you to see the best shows in Paris.
To be updated on all the shows playing in Paris right now check our partner Theatre in Paris’ page.
Watch a French classic – Cyrano de Bergerac at Theatre du Ranelagh
For those that appreciate classic theatre in a historic, ornate playhouse, this is the show for you.
Cyrano de Bergerac is showing at the Theatre du Ranelagh (5 rue de Vignes, 16th, metro La Muette (Line 9), Boulainvilliers (RER C)) through May 2018. Ticket prices start at €30 per person, and guests are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes before the show to benefit from a pre-show welcome and even grab a drink in the theatre’s onsite bar. Book tickets here.
Have a good laugh with a truly Parisian comedy – Oh my God, she’s Parisian at Theatre BO Saint Martin
The only hilarious one-woman show in Paris, 100% in English! She takes the audience through a hectic day in the life of a true Parisian woman, silly French accent and all.
Oh my God, she’s Parisian is playing at the Theatre BO Saint Martin on Friday and Saturday evenings through April 2018. Ticket prices start at 19€ per person, and Theatre in Paris guests are encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes before the show to benefit from the pre-show welcome. Book tickets here.
Live musical performances with the Opéra de Paris
For shows in Paris of the musical nature, look no further than the celebrated Opéra de Paris. Their 2017/2018 season schedule features a variety of different French and international productions, from classic operas and to modern ballets. Let yourself be carried away by the lofty tones of Italian opera, and dream alongside the leaping ballet dancers. The musical productions of the Opera de Paris have been appreciated by global audiences in their 2 luxurious Parisian Opera houses; the ornate Opera Garnier built in the 1800s, and the more modern and equally spectacular Opera Bastille.
Best live music in Paris
Attend a concert in Paris’ best venues
Paris has a numerous great venues for live music – you can attend a Chopin recital in the oldest church in Paris as well as hear indie music in a boat on the Seine river.
You can discover in details where to listen to the best live music in Paris in our guide of all Paris concert venues. The biggest venues are Accor arena and U arena where most of the biggest international bands play. The historical music venues district in Paris is Pigalle district where most of Paris former “music-hall” have been established since the 18th century.
Listen to live jazz in Paris
There are many great jazz bars in Paris where incredible artists are playing every nights. The famous Duc des Lombards is the go-to place in the center of Paris for all jazz lovers. Duc des Lombards puts on 2 shows every night with a rotating roster of jazz musicians from all over the world. The first show starts at 7:30pm and the second one at 9:45pm. They also have jam sessions from 11:30pm on Friday and Saturday nights that don’t require pre-booking of tickets! You can book your tickets through their website.
Enjoy the finest classical music in Paris
Almost every evening it is possible to enjoy classical music recital in some of the nicest churches in Paris. The stunning Sainte Chapelle hosts regularly concerts mostly during the tourism high season from spring to fall. One of the most fabulous venue for classical music in Paris is the oldest church in Paris – Saint Julien Le Pauvre located in Saint Michel (event calendar here). In 2015, Paris city has inaugurated a brand new philharmonic concert hall in the North of Paris, from classical music to new modern creation, the Philarmonie aims to attract music lovers of all kind!
BEST NIGHTLIFE IN PARIS
Dance in the best clubs in Paris
Paris’ nightlife has evolved a lot for the past 10 years and it is now as crazy, qualitative and various as Berlin and London. You can dance under Paris’ most beautiful bridge, on top of the Fashion and Design center or in the underground of the Museum of Contemporary Art! To make sure you find the perfect scene for your night-out in Paris check our guide of the best nightclubs in Paris.
Explore Paris’ cocktail bars
Credit photo @syndicatcocktailclub
With every region of France producing local liquor, the cocktail scene in Paris is a very creative and interesting one! Get ready to push secret doors to drink the best cocktails – read our selection of Paris’ best secret cocktail bars. The best cocktail masters can be found in many beautiful hotel’s bar such as the Hemingway Bar of the Ritz hotel. The INSIDR team favorite spots for cocktails are Little Red Door located in Le Marais district and Le Syndicat which only serve French liquors located near Republique square.
Enjoy a full dinner in Paris late night restaurants
Finding food after 11pm can be difficult when traveling in Europe. Usually kitchen closes early. In Paris there are several places which have been feeding the early workers and the night owls for years. These places are institutions with their own specialties and are really worth trying! In Paris most of the bars close at 2am, these late night restaurants are a good alternative option if you don’t feel like going to a clubs but still want to take advantage of your night in Paris! Check our guide of the best 24 hour restaurants in Paris.