Don't reserve all your Parisian sightseeing for the daytime. It is the City of Light, after all, beckoning visitors to take in the architecture and ambiance in all their illuminated glory. Here are our favorite ways to experience Paris at night.
Highlights
- Most Paris night tours include a stop along the Seine for a look at the twinkling cityscape reflected in the water.
- By exploring the city with a guide, you don't have to worry about directions in the dark and will be shown the best viewpoints of lit-up landmarks.
- Night tours in Paris last from two for four hours and can usually be scheduled before or after dinner (unless dinner is included).
Night Walking and Biking Tours
The best way to enjoy Paris after dark is to be outside, with unobstructed views of the lights. On a walking or biking tour, you won't miss any photo ops as a guide leads you to vantage points of the Eiffel Tower and other sights. Plus, you can learn about the city's nightlife and work off some of the French food you ate during the day.
Night Cruises
Cruising along the Seine is one of the most popular nighttime activities in Paris for good reason—as you float down the river, it's easy to gaze upon the city's romantic bridges and elegant architecture with your friends, family, or loved one. Most riverboats are enclosed in glass to provide the best possible views, and some cruises include music, dinner, or a glass of wine.
Unique Night Experiences
Take a typical night tour up a notch by exploring Paris in a Citroën 2CV (a classic French car) or by checking out the city's dark side on a ghost tour. For the royal treatment, head to Versailles for fireworks, or add some culture to your evening with a skip-the-line tour of the Louvre.