Explore Hidden bars and Speakeasies in Paris

If you’re looking to experience Paris beyond the usual tourist spots, this hidden bars and speakeasies tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s underground nightlife scene. Designed for those who love discovering secret spots and enjoy a good cocktail or glass of wine, this tour promises an intimate, manageable way to explore some of the city’s best-kept secrets.

What really makes this experience stand out are the personalized attention from knowledgeable guides and access to invitation-only venues. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that drinks aren’t included, so you’ll want to budget for that. This tour is perfect for travelers who are curious about local culture, enjoy lively atmospheres, and don’t mind a small-group setting that keeps things cozy and authentic.

However, if you’re expecting a high-energy pub crawl or want to explore many venues in one night, this may not be the right fit. The tour’s focus is on quality over quantity, offering a more curated, relaxed experience. It’s best suited for those who want a taste of Paris’s secret bar culture with a friendly guide to navigate the details.

Key Points

• Small-group experience ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed vibe.
• Access to invitation-only bars makes this a unique opportunity to go beyond the usual tourist spots.
• Two-hour duration is perfect for a quick, fun introduction to Paris nightlife.
• Drinks are extra, so budget accordingly.
• Ideal for curious travelers who want an insider’s view of Paris’s secret bar scene.
• Highly rated with an average of 5.0 from 53 reviews, and 96% recommend it.

What You Can Expect from This Tour

This tour is all about uncovering some of Paris’s lesser-known nightlife gems. Starting at Place De La Republique, the tour kicks off in the 11th arrondissement, a lively neighborhood known for its eclectic bar scene. Your guide will take you into a favorite hidden spot, where you’ll spend about an hour soaking up the atmosphere, enjoying music, and sampling craft cocktails, beers, or non-alcoholic drinks.

From there, it’s just a short six-minute walk to your next stop, where the adventure continues. The bars visited are often secret entrances, adding a fun element of surprise. You might find yourself stepping through a nondescript door or down a narrow alley into a cozy, dimly lit space packed with character. Many of these venues have a vibe that feels like stumbling upon a secret society, with good music, killer cocktails, and a warm ambiance.

The tour emphasizes personalized attention, with a maximum of 7 travelers, which keeps the experience intimate and engaging. Plus, your guide will share local tips and secret locations, so even if you don’t explore every hidden spot in Paris, you’ll leave with plenty of ideas for future solo adventures or a more extended night out.

The Stops: What Makes Each Special

Stop 1: Place De La Republique

This is the starting point and a hub for Paris’s speakeasy culture. Your guide, often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, will lead you into a favorite hidden gem. Visitors often describe the vibe here as cozy, with good music and excellent drinks. The fact that some bars have secret entrances makes the experience feel like a true adventure.

One reviewer highlights, “Very friendly and knowledgeable. Started on time and was so easy to follow directions. Nice bunch of people to enjoy the experience with.” This ease of start makes for a relaxed evening, ideal for those new to Paris or to secret bars.

The Next Venue

After an hour here, you’ll walk just six minutes to your second stop. These venues are carefully chosen for their ambiance, quality drinks, and interesting histories. While drinks are not included in the ticket price, the reviews rave about the cocktails and beers offered, with many guests noting the bars’ unique character.

Secret Entrances and Hidden Charm

A common thread in reviews is the appeal of secret entrances. Some bars are tucked behind unassuming doors, requiring a little local knowledge or the guidance of your host. It’s part of the thrill—finding these spaces feels like uncovering a piece of Paris’s underground culture.

The Practical Details

The tour lasts about two hours, making it a manageable way to kick off or end an evening. It’s perfect for a quick adventure if you’re short on time or want a fun highlight without committing to a longer night of bar hopping.

The cost of $32.10 per person might seem modest considering the exclusive access and guided experience, but keep in mind alcoholic drinks cost extra. That said, many reviews mention the excellent quality of the cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic options, so it’s worth budgeting a bit more for drinks.

The tour is hosted by Paris Speakeasy Tours, with a small group maximum of 7 travelers. This small size is part of what keeps the experience enjoyable and personalized. The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to join from various parts of Paris.

What the Reviews Say

The overwhelming sentiment from reviews is enthusiasm—“Very friendly and knowledgeable,” “Great experience,” and “Highly recommended,” are common themes. Many reviewers mention how the guides made the experience fun and relaxed, sharing interesting stories and tips along the way.

One reviewer called it “a fun, interesting experience,” and others appreciated the great atmosphere and fabulous cocktails. Several mention that they’re planning to repeat the experience, which speaks volumes about its value and enjoyment.

A few reviewers highlight the appeal for those interested in exploring secret, off-the-beaten-path bars: “It felt like a secret society,” one said, emphasizing the exclusive feeling of visiting these hidden venues.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for night owls, cocktail lovers, and curious explorers. If you enjoy discovering places that not everyone knows about and like the idea of secret entrances and underground scenes, you’ll find this fascinating. It’s also well-suited for small groups of friends or couples who want an authentic Parisian night out with a guide to keep things easy and fun.

If your main goal is to visit many bars in one night or get a detailed history lesson, this may not be the right fit. Instead, it offers a curated, lively, and intimate taste of Paris’s underground culture.

Frequent Questions

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
This tour involves visiting bars and sampling alcohol, so it’s not recommended for children or minors.

How long does the tour last?
The experience takes approximately 2 hours, perfect for a quick night adventure.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, drinks are not included. Expect to pay separately for cocktails, beers, or non-alcoholic drinks at each venue.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at V987+XF Paris and ends back at the same meeting point, conveniently located near public transportation.

Is this tour private or can I join a larger group?
It’s a small-group experience, with a maximum of 7 travelers, which helps keep things relaxed and personalized.

What should I wear?
Smart casual is a safe bet—think neat but comfortable clothes suitable for walking around and inside bars.

Can I do this tour as a standalone activity?
Yes, it’s designed to be a fun, self-contained experience—perfect for kicking off an evening out or a solo adventure.

Is it suitable for people who don’t drink alcohol?
While drinks are extra and mainly alcoholic, non-alcoholic options are often available at venues, but the focus is on enjoying the bar scene, so it might be better suited for those who partake.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book around 29 days ahead to secure a spot, especially during peak travel seasons.

Final Thoughts

This hidden bars and speakeasies tour in Paris offers an engaging way to see a different side of the City of Light. With expert guides, secret entrances, and a cozy small-group setting, it’s a fantastic choice for travelers wanting an authentic, memorable night out. The focus on quality venues and personalized experience means you won’t just hit a bunch of spots—you’ll savor a handful of thoughtfully curated locations, each with its own story and vibe.

While drinks aren’t included, the positive reviews highlight how much fun guests had discovering these secret locations and enjoying the cocktails. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, intimate experience rather than a fast-paced pub crawl. If you’re curious about Paris’s underground scene and love the idea of stepping into hidden spaces, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

Overall, it’s a highly-rated, well-loved activity that balances discovery, atmosphere, and a touch of adventure. Just remember to plan for drinks and bring your sense of curiosity—this is a night you’ll likely remember fondly.

Happy exploring, and I hope your night in Paris is filled with wonderful surprises!