12 Of The Best Bars In Paris (August 2024 Edition)

Paris, how we adore you. Alive with world-class drinking establishments that capture the city’s cosmopolitan flair and rich cultural heritage, the list of must-visit bars is a hard task to narrow down. 

As the thoughtful folk we are, we’ve researched far and wide to bring you the top 12. From enchanting rooftop lounges boasting panoramic views of the iconic skyline to chic cocktail lounges exuding old-world charm, here are the best bars in Paris. 

Maison Proust 

26 Rue de Picardie, 75003 Paris

Image credit: Maison Proust | Instagram

First on our list, the bar at hotel Maison Proust in the fashionable district of the Marais is a sight to behold. Devoted to French novelist Marcel Proust and the Belle Epoque (beautiful era), this bar is prettier than a postcard. You can choose from three sultry salons to raise a glass to Paris and savour a bite to eat. The winter garden with plush armchairs along the window facing the street is the perfect place for a spot of people-watching and the bar itself is draped in giant gilded mirrors, crystal chandeliers and a golden ceiling that twinkles like the night sky. There’s even a room for a private rendezvous behind draped velvet curtains and an excess of fringed decor that will feel like it’s been crafted just for you. The cocktails are creative, using ingredients like absinthe and caviar powder, and all are named after Proust’s memories or famous characters in his books.  

Le Grand Bain

14 Rue Denoyez, 75020 Paris

This hipster hangout in the bustling neighbourhood of Belleville was brought to Paris by British expat Edward Williams. The bar seamlessly pairs the cool style of London with the elegance and prestige of Paris through an industrial chic vibe, seasonal menu and on-trend crowd. Le Grand Bain’s blackboard menu changes on the regular using produce grown from the garden and the glasses of natural wine served up are nothing short of impressive. 

Copper Bay 

5 Rue Bouchardon, 75010 Paris

Image credit: Copper Bay | Instagram

Whether you’re craving classic cocktails crafted with finesse or innovative concoctions that push the boundaries of mixology, marine inspired Copper Bay is sure to deliver. The drinks menu comes in two forms - handwritten on a giant paper scroll behind the bar or on a deck of cards that explain the detail of each cocktail. The crew here can make anything your heart desires, but we’d go for the specialty Petit Artichaut made with nut-butter infused whisky, Guinness, Pedro Ximezes sherry and bitters. The bar stocks a selection of beers from local Parisian brewery Demory, ciders from Appie and natural red or white wines by the glass—just one choice for each. There’s an excellent snack menu with the likes of a charcuterie board, burrata and marinated vegetables. 

Cravan 

165 Bd Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris

A cultural experience like no other, Cravan is the last standing historic building on the  Saint-Germain boulevard, maintaining its original features whilst blending in with the urban surroundings. Spread over four levels, Cravan has three bars with distinct decor inspired by art, fashion, cinema and literature, and each serves up cocktails that are complex and crafted with care. The ground floor honours ‘little Cravan’ and houses the original bar with a traditional counter and woodwork, reflecting the ‘beautiful era’ of France. The first first floor’s two-tone marble bar is supremely stunnin and on the third floor, the fresco room offers an intimate experience with small salons facing a private fireplace. Cravan is a real destination for people who appreciate the art of cocktail crafting and with a focus on apéro cocktails (pre-dinner drinks), you can head here on a date or with a group of friends before heading somewhere else.  

Early June

19 Rue Jean Poulmarch, 75010 Paris

Image credit: Early June | Instagram

This gorgeous little wine bar by the Canal Saint Martin is a home away from home for traveling chefs. During its first year in business, Early June had a permanent chef who worked alongside guests for short, special events. When the head chef decided to pursue another adventure, the owners decided to become a hosting place for traveling chefs that were recommended by the bar’s community. They do everything from transportation and housing to organising suppliers, tours and introducing them to the food of the region. The result is incredible, creating one-off residencies and changing the landscape of cooking in Paris—chefs come from all over the world to serve their food from the small counter-kitchen wine bar. You can choose between a table inside by the open-kitchen, or one of the few seats outside looking out over the canal. The bar gets incredibly busy, however you’ll be pleased to know you can wait in the queue with a glass of wine in hand. 

Hotel Rochechouart 

55 Blvd Marguerite de Rochechouart, 75009 Paris

If you’re looking for a refined, elegant atmosphere in the disco neighbourhood of Pigalle, Hotel Rochechouart is where it’s at. The rooftop Bar Sur Le Toit has 360 degree views over Paris including an epic vantage point of the Sacré-Coeur, Arc de Triomphe and the Notre-Dame. It’s Parisian garden style makes it feel like a country escape and there is no better place to sip a cocktail and admire the never-ending rooftops. Downstairs, it’s all about old-world glamour at the art-deco brasserie showcasing French classics with its velvet lounges, silverware, white tablecloths and more candles than you can count. The menu is a tribute to local produce and flavours with a choice of just 4 dishes for every course—each more excellent than the next. After dinner, the basement dance hall is dimly lit by Japanese lanterns surrounded by plush furniture and features guest DJs with a mix of music that's both eclectic and playful.

Gravity Bar

44 Rue des Vinaigriers, 75010 Paris

Image credit: Gravity Bar | Instagram

This outer space theme bar is anything but cliche. From behind a concrete counter, the mixologists here like to be a little bit playful from fresh takes on the classics like a spritz infused with orange juice to their own creations like the Gravity espresso martini with freshly brewed coffee, coffee liqueur, amaretto, rum and a dash of salt. While we’re all about the cocktails here, there’s also a top-notch selection of artisan beers and natural wines. 

Tiger Bar

13 Rue Princesse, 75006 Paris

The first gin bar in Paris, Tiger Bar houses over 130 varieties of gin in a tropical-paradise inspired oasis with a hanging garden, palm-leaf wallpaper and green mosaic tiles. You can order whatever gin your palette is calling for like a G&T with house-made tonic and a slice of lemon or a more outrageous garnish like fresh raspberries and a basil leaf. There’s a new gin to try every week and if you really can’t get enough of the spirit, get involved in a one hour masterclass where you’ll get to hear all about the history and making of gin, conduct taste-testing and develop your own signature cocktail. 

Le Bar Chaumont

18 Rue Bachaumont, 75002 Paris

Image credit: Hôtel Bachaumont | Instagram

Inside the Hotel Bachaumont off the rue Montorgueil in the 2nd arrondissement, Le Bar Chaumont’s cozy vibes are a seriously good pick for a date night, or if you manage to grab one of the few tables - a group hang. The bar has a selection of small share plates and the usual list of beer, wine or spirits. For cocktails, surprise yourself with their cocktail of the moment or opt for one of their 10 signatures like the Mister Habibi with handmade vodka, elderflower liqueur, lemon mousse and shochu.  

Bar Bisou

15 Bd du Temple, 75003 Paris

Bisou is French for kiss, so you know this bar is gonna be a whole lotta fun. As you stroll along the street, there’s no doubting you’ll recognise this bar with its bright pink awning and pink neon interiors that extend throughout. The bar takes groups of up to six and it’s all about what you like and what the bartender feels like making. That’s right, there’s no menu here—the cocktail makers will craft a concoction suited to your taste and style. You’ll have a chat about liquors and flavours of choice, and in a matter of moments, a unique and personal cocktail will appear at your table. The ingredients are all local and organic and there’s an array of delicious snacks that will pair well with your (or their) choice of drink. 

Harry’s New York 

5 Rue Daunou, 75002 Paris

Image credit: Harry's New York | Instagram

It would be remiss of us not to include this institution on our list. A bar literally dismantled from Manhattan and reassembled in Paris, this notable establishment has hosted all sorts of legends over time. The menu consists of classics like an aviation and dry martini, bloody marys served at all times of the day and Harry’s own creations. 

Le Syndicat

51 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, 75010 Paris

Le Syndicat is a hidden bar behind a graffiti and poster-covered door devoid of any signage. Once you’re inside, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a recording studio from the 70s with exposed walls, gold curtains and soundproofing on the ceiling. The focus here is strictly on French spirits and liqueurs thanks in part to their tagline “where grandpa spirits go gangsta.” Part mixologists, part chemists, the bartenders here craft some mind-blowing cocktails. One look at their Insta and you’ll see what we’re talking about. The menu is small and features a few snacks to accompany your glass of choice.