The Eiffel Tower is amazing, but you don’t come to Paris just to see what everyone else sees. If you want to really shake up your nights, you need to check out the city’s themed bars. Paris takes fun seriously—there’s a pirate ship in Bastille, a speakeasy that’s only reachable through a washing machine, and bars that look like vintage movie sets. You’ll find everything from tiki jungle lounges to cozy libraries where cocktails come with a side of mystery.
The coolest part? These spots aren’t just gimmicks. Parisians love their bars, and each themed joint puts real thought into the drinks, music, and vibes. You won’t just grab a beer and stare at the wall—here, you’re in for hidden doors, bartenders who love their craft, and decor that seriously goes the extra mile. Wondering which ones are worth your time or how to get in? Stick around, and you’ll get the lowdown so your next Paris night is anything but boring.
- Key Facts About Themed Bars in Paris
- Why Themed Bars Make Nights Out Memorable
- Top Types of Themed Bars Across Paris
- Finding and Booking Your Themed Adventure
- Dos, Don’ts, and Local Tips for Themed Bar Hopping
Key Facts About Themed Bars in Paris
If you’re looking for a nightlife scene that’s, well, pretty far from ordinary, Paris themed bars deliver in a big way. These aren’t just spots for a quick drink—they’re whole experiences built around wacky ideas, movie sets, and crazy good cocktails. Let’s break down what makes them special:
- Paris has over 60 well-known themed bars across the city, covering all sorts of styles—from ’80s discos in the Marais to hidden speakeasies tucked behind pizza shops.
- You’ll find original bars that have been around since the 1990s, like Le Comptoir Général (jungle vibes, right by Canal Saint-Martin) and Le Lavomatic (literally disguised as a laundromat near République).
- Some of the best bars in Paris require a reservation, while others welcome spontaneous walk-ins—though on weekends, things fill up fast. Always check each bar’s booking policy online before you show up.
- Don’t expect overpriced drinks just because the place looks cool: most themed bars keep cocktail prices in the €10–16 range. Some offer happy hours or special deals early in the week.
- The staff at themed bars are usually friendly with tourists, but locals pack these spots too—especially after work or late at night.
| Bar Type | Neighborhood | Signature Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Tiki Bar | Latin Quarter | Retro island, fruity rum drinks |
| Speakeasy | Le Marais, République | Hidden doors, old-school décor |
| Pirate Bar | Bastille | Wooden ship interior, nautical snacks |
| Cinema Bar | 10th Arrondissement | Movie props, vintage film nights |
One last fact: themed bars in Paris are popular with both locals and adventurous visitors, so they’re an easy way to meet new people if you just want to chat in a laid-back setting. Trust me, you won’t run out of cool stories to share from these places.
Why Themed Bars Make Nights Out Memorable
There’s a reason Paris themed bars keep popping up everywhere—people want their nights out to be more than just drinks and chatter. You could sip a cocktail at the neighborhood pub, but when you step into a bar that looks like a 1920s jazz club or a pirate ship, the whole night changes.
It’s about breaking the routine. When you walk through a fake laundromat into a hidden speakeasy, it instantly sparks conversations, even if you only came in for a beer. These spots aren’t just decorated—they’re full-blown experiences built for groups, dates, and even solo adventurers who want something memorable for their Instagram feed. Ever notice how your friends remember the bar with the neon jungle or tiki mugs way longer than the regular place?
Here’s the kicker—these concepts aren’t just about fun props. Parisians put real effort into their bars. According to an interview with Paris nightlife guide Le Bonbon, themed bars are “about creating a place where people feel like they’ve left Paris without boarding a plane.”
“In Paris, themed bars are not just spaces—they’re immersive stories you step inside, and that’s what makes people come back for more.” – Le Bonbon, Paris nightlife guide
If you’re looking to meet locals, these unique bars Paris options are gold. The shared experience of solving the ‘secret’ entrance or laughing at crazy cocktail names breaks the ice fast. Plus, themed bars often throw special events, quizzes, and live music, so there’s always something going on beyond just drinking.
And don’t underestimate the power of the theme when it comes to drinks. Many spots match their menus to their look. For example, tiki bars serve rum-heavy classics in wild mugs, while retro bars pour old-school cocktails that fit their antique decor. That focus makes Paris’s best bars stand out from the crowd. If you want something worth telling stories about when you get home, a themed bar night in Paris easily delivers.
Top Types of Themed Bars Across Paris
If you’re looking for unique bars in Paris, you’ve got options—maybe more than you’d expect. The city is a total playground for nightlife, and themed bars pop up everywhere, from tourist hotspots to quiet backstreets. Here’s the real deal on what sort of vibes you can dive into.
- Speakeasy Bars: These hidden gems are all about secret entrances and Prohibition-era cocktails. Try Lavomatic—it looks like a laundromat on the outside, but push the right washing machine door and bam, you’re inside a super chill bar. Another classic, Moonshiner, is behind a pizza joint. These spots are perfect when you want that “in-the-know” feeling and some killer drinks.
- Tiki & Jungle Bars: Craving island vibes in the middle of Paris? Check out Dirty Dick in Pigalle—a real legend on the Paris themed bars scene. The place is loaded with tropical plants, bamboo décor, and a rum menu that could stop traffic. If you want fruity cocktails and laid-back fun, this is your spot.
- Retro & Pop Culture Bars: Always wanted to party in an 80s arcade or a Harry Potter-inspired world? Head for Le Dernier Bar Avant la Fin du Monde, steps away from Châtelet. Think comic books, games, and board games—basically nerd heaven. Or try Le Syndicat, which brings back the old-school French spirits in a super-modern way.
- Pirate & Nautical Bars: Feeling adventurous? La Piraterie in Bastille makes you feel like you’ve boarded a pirate ship—ropes, wood, pirate flags, the whole package. They nail the theme, right down to their rum punch served in skull mugs.
- Library & Vintage Bars: For something chill, check out Le Comptoir Général by Canal Saint-Martin. The décor is a mashup of African antiques, vintage books, and oddball treasures. It feels like an explorer’s club from another era, but with modern drinks and a laid-back crowd.
Been wondering how much these best bars in Paris actually cost? Here’s a quick look at what you’ll spend for a classic cocktail (average per bar type):
| Bar Type | Average Cocktail Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Speakeasy | 12–16 |
| Tiki/Jungle | 11–15 |
| Retro/Pop Culture | 10–13 |
| Pirate/Nautical | 10–14 |
| Library/Vintage | 9–13 |
What sets unique bars Paris apart is creativity—they don’t just decorate and call it done. Most have themed menus, cool events (think quiz nights or costume parties), and bartenders who love explaining their latest experiments. It’s not just a drink; it’s a story every time you pull up a chair.
Finding and Booking Your Themed Adventure
Getting into Paris themed bars isn’t always as simple as just walking up and grabbing a seat. Many of the coolest spots, especially the hidden ones, fill up fast or ask for reservations. If you’re set on checking out a place, it’s smart to plan ahead. Most bars now have updated Instagram pages or official websites, and you can message them directly—sometimes that’s faster than calling.
Several unique bars Paris work on a reservation-only basis, especially on weekends. This is pretty common with speakeasies like Lavomatic (hidden via a laundromat door), or Little Red Door (one of the world’s top 50 bars, nestled near République). Some bars accept online bookings—just look for a big "Réservation" button on their website. No French? No problem. The booking forms are usually available in English too.
- If you’re going as a group (four or more), always book ahead. Smaller parties may get lucky with walk-ins, but locals know the best spots fill up, especially from Thursday to Saturday night.
- Check social media for any pop-up events, guest bartenders, or themed nights. Sometimes you’ll find limited-time drinks or wild costumes planned, so you don’t want to miss out.
- Google Maps can help you spot highly rated bars—search for "best bars in Paris" or "bars with a theme" and check reviews for recent photos. This gives you a feel for crowds and what to expect.
How much will you spend? Expect to pay €12-€16 for a specialty cocktail at most unique bars Paris. If that sounds pricey, remember you’re paying for the full experience, not just the drink. Sometimes, you’ll even score free nibbles or quirky presentations (like smoke-filled glasses or hidden messages on your receipt).
| Bar Name | Bookable? | Average Drink Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lavomatic | Yes (Online) | €13 |
| Le Comptoir Général | Walk-in | €12 |
| Moonshiner | Recommended (Phone) | €14 |
| Little Red Door | Yes (Online/Phone) | €16 |
Another tip: Some Paris themed bars are tucked away in back alleys or behind unmarked doors. Don’t let this scare you—it’s all part of the experience. Give yourself a few extra minutes to find the entrance. If you’re lost, look for a small crowd hanging around a random door or try asking someone nearby—locals are usually friendly about helping you find these hidden gems.
Dos, Don’ts, and Local Tips for Themed Bar Hopping
Let’s talk about how to make the most out of your night in Paris themed bars without looking lost or feeling like a clueless tourist. You want stories to bring home, not just a hangover.
- Do check if you need a reservation. Popular spots, especially hidden speakeasies, fill up fast. Some, like Lavomatic or Moonshiner, work on a reservation-only basis after 8 PM.
- Don’t show up in shorts and sneakers if you’re aiming for a fancy vibe. Parisians keep it casual but clean. You won't be turned away often, but a smart shirt never hurts.
- Do start your night early. Many unique bars fill up by 10 PM, especially on weekends. If you want the seat with the best view or more attention from bartenders, arrive around opening time—which is often 6 or 7 PM.
- Don’t rely only on Google Maps. Some of the best bars in Paris hide behind fake storefronts, like laundromats or pizzerias. Check the bar’s Instagram, where locals usually spill the latest entrance tricks.
- Do try the signature cocktail. It’s always crafted to match the theme, whether it’s served in a skull mug, vintage teacup, or hollowed pineapple. The bartender probably put a lot of pride into that drink.
- Don’t expect fast service at full bars. Many themed places have a tight bar crew focused on quality, not speed. Settle in, enjoy the decor, and let the experience unfold.
- Do split up your night. Instead of sticking to just one location, combine two or three (unique bars Paris are all over neighborhoods like Le Marais, Bastille, Pigalle, and Oberkampf). The metro runs late on weekends, so you can keep hopping until well past midnight.
If you’re worried about costs, most themed cocktails range from €12–16. Pints and mocktails are cheaper. Here’s a quick pricing snapshot to keep your wallet in check:
| Bar Type | Average Cocktail Price (€) | Cover Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Speakeasy | 14–18 | None |
| Tiki/Exotic | 12–16 | None* |
| Retro/Gamer | 10–14 | None |
*Some weekend nights, a cover of €5–10 may apply at clubs after midnight. Always check the bar's socials before you go.
- Tip: Bartenders in unique bars Paris often speak English, but dropping a “Salut!” or “Merci” always goes a long way. If you want to get nerdy about cocktails, these folks love sharing recipes and stories—just ask.
Last thing: keep an eye on your belongings. Paris is safe, but bars can get crowded. Bag hooks under the bar are common but not always obvious—ask if you can't find one.
