Looking for the best cocktail bars in Paris? After a long day of highlights and museums, you might want to take a break and enjoy a delicious cocktail in Paris. Paris has some of the coolest cocktail bars in the world, and for good reason. The city is mentioned in the same breath as Tokyo, New York and London. The Parisian bar scene is, of course, dominated by wine. But in recent years, the craft cocktail movement has taken the city by storm. There are countless bars and terraces in the City of Light to enjoy, but it is always a challenge to find a hip, cozy speakeasy bar in Paris. This guide can be useful, especially if you don’t know your city very well yet.
Could it be a bit more exclusive and expensive? Then have a drink at The Hemingway Bar at the Ritz Hotel or Bar 228 at Hotel Le Meurice. Enjoy a cocktail with a view of the Eiffel Tower? Many hotels in Paris also have cool rooftop bars where you can enjoy a cocktail with a beautiful view. In this article we share our favorite (hidden) cocktail bars in Paris to discover during your next city trip. From the famous Little Red Door to Candelaria or the Experimental Cocktail Club. Ready for a glamorous and cool party in Paris?
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1. Little Red Door: in the top 50 best cocktail bars in the world (3rd)
Located in the hip Le Marais district, Little Red Door is a sleek and stylish cocktail bar that first appeared on the list of the 50 best bars in the world a few years ago. Strangely enough, the little red door doesn’t actually open because you enter through the blue one on the left. This speakeasy is a must-visit for cocktail lovers with delicious cocktails such as ‘Buttered Popcorn Old Fashioned’, the ‘Pirate’s Treasure’ and the ‘Lady Marmalade’, which contains a mix of gin, citrus, raspberries and rosewater.
60 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris | Lrdparis.com →
2. Cravan: Paris cocktail bar, bookstore and more… (6th)
The cocktail bar Cravan in Paris has just opened a 2nd bar in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. The 17th century building, renovated by Ramy Fischler, houses three cocktail bars, a bookstore opened in collaboration with the American publisher Rizzoli and a lounge that a secret door behind a bookcase and a staircase gives access to a bandstand on the roof, intended as an open-air cinema. Cravan is an expert in cocktails and small dishes to share. The menu includes 22 cocktails, four of which with champagne, such as the Royal Immortelle with extra Veuve Cliquot brut and immortelle flower for a subtle hint of curry.
165 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris | cravanparis.com →
3. Cambridge Public House: enjoy in English style (3rd)
This atmospheric and lively cocktail bar in Paris provides a refreshing change with an English-style interior and wonderfully appropriate music. The menu is in English and each drink comes with three simple adjectives to describe the cocktail, such as “velvety, earthy, fresh” for their famous Cigarette After Sex, which has been on the menu since the bar opened in 2019. Don’t worry about the contents of your cocktail. Cambridge Public House only works with sustainable spirits brands.
8 Rue de Poitou, 75003 Paris | Thecambridge.paris →
4. Candelaria: a touch of Mexico in the heart of the Le Marais district (3rd)
Want to escape Paris for a while? Then head to Candelaria in Le Marais, where you can enjoy Mexican cocktails with Central American influences. Dance to the beats of Latin music and mingle with the locals at this hidden cocktail bar behind a taco restaurant. The house specialty, Guêpe Verte, will certainly appeal.
52 Rue de Saintonge, 75003 Paris | Candelaria-paris.com →
5. Prescription Cocktail Club: cool quirky bar in Paris (6th)
This cool quirky cocktail bar in Paris has a 1930s setting with a thoughtful range of creative cocktails. With cornices, low tables and velvet curtains, this recently renovated lounge is a wonderful place to enjoy yourself. Take a seat in the various charming corners and enjoy drinks such as Mezcal Vida del Maguey with special liqueur Fenouillette Denoix. And if it gets too busy, you can head to the small lounge at the top of the stairs, with the bar hidden behind a bookshelf.
23 Rue Mazarine, 75006 Paris | Prescriptioncocktailclub.com →
6. Fréquence: delicious cocktails in a vinyl setting (11th)
This rather hidden and inconspicuous Parisian bar is run by the two bartenders Sherry Butt and Andy Wahloo, who once worked at two of the first serious cocktail bars in the City of Light. In addition to their own cocktail creations, the English menu also offers sake, natural sparkling wines and canned craft beer from Japan to Denmark. The wall full of vinyl evokes a cozy vintage atmosphere.
20 Rue Keller, 75011 Paris | Instagram.com/frequenceparis/ →
7. Experimental Cocktail Club: experimental, craft drinks (2nd)
As the name suggests, the Experimental Cocktail Club became famous for introducing experimental craft cocktails. Standard cocktails are mixed with unusual ingredients such as tomato liqueur, elderberry vinegar and even eucalyptus syrup. The bartenders are certainly happy to help you navigate the experimental options and make suggestions.
37 Rue Saint-Sauveur, 75002 Paris | Experimentalcocktailclub.com →
8. Grouvie: from colorful signatures to surprising twists on classics (6th)
In the atmospheric Cour du Commerce Saint-André, one of Paris’s most beautiful thoroughfares, you’ll discover Grouvie, a cocktail bar tucked away on the second floor of Brasserie du Pré. Inside, you’ll be immediately captivated by the retro-cool decor and relaxed vibe. The menu is brimming with creative cocktails, from colorful signatures to surprising twists on classics, often featuring homemade syrups or seasonal fruit.
6 Cour du Commerce Saint-André, 75006 Paris | Lanouvellegarde.com →
These were the best cocktail bars to try during your next city trip to Paris. Time to enjoy a fun night out in a cool speakeasy with a delicious drink. Maybe also something for you: 7x Best coffee shops in Paris: top famous hotspots or 6x Best terraces in Paris for a cool summer drink.
FAQ about the best cocktail bars in Paris
• Does Paris really have a good cocktail scene?
Oui, absolument! While Paris is famous for wine, its cocktail scene is thriving, from hidden speakeasies to elegant rooftop bars. The city mixes old-school charm with modern mixology.
• What are some of the top cocktail bars in Paris?
Some must-visits include:
– Little Red Door (Marais): creative drinks + cozy vibes
– Le Syndicat (10th): French spirits with a twist
– Candelaria (Marais): hidden behind a taco shop
– Bisou (Oberkampf): no menu – just tell them what you like!
– Bar Hemingway (at the Ritz): classic, classy, legendary
• Do I need a reservation?
For popular spots like Little Red Door or Bar Hemingway, yes, absolutely. For smaller or speakeasy-style bars, arriving early can work, but booking is smart on weekends.
• What’s the price range for a cocktail in Paris?
Expect to pay around €12 – €20 per cocktail in a quality bar. At high-end venues like the Ritz, prices start around €30. You’re paying for the experience, too!
• Are there any hidden or speakeasy-style bars?
Yes! Paris loves its hidden gems. Candelaria is entered through a taqueria, Lavomatic is hidden behind a laundromat door, and Moonshiner is behind a fridge in a pizzeria. Very Instagram-worthy!
• What kind of cocktails can I expect?
Everything from perfectly balanced classics (think Negronis, Old Fashioneds) to experimental creations with herbs, smoke, or even cheese foam. Bartenders in Paris love to surprise you.
• Do Paris cocktail bars serve food too?
Some do! Places like Candelaria or Danico serve small plates or snacks. Others, like rooftop bars, might offer a full menu. Check ahead if you’re planning dinner + drinks.
• What’s the dress code?
It varies. Trendy bars are generally smart casual. Avoid flip-flops or gym wear. At more upscale venues like Bar Hemingway, dressier attire is expected.
• Are there good non-alcoholic options?
Definitely! Most quality cocktail bars offer mocktails or alcohol-free creations that are just as tasty and artfully prepared.
• What’s the best area in Paris for cocktail hopping?
The Marais, Oberkampf, and South Pigalle (SoPi) are packed with cool bars within walking distance. Perfect for a stylish night out!
