In the last decade, Paris has evolved far beyond its wine bar roots. Today, the city boasts a thriving cocktail culture shaped by talented mixologists, French and foreign, whose bars regularly land on international best-of lists. The hunt for a great drink might lead you to a cocktail den masquerading as a taqueria, a queer bar with cowgirl trappings, a Jazz Kissa-inspired listening bar on a quiet corner, or an opulent hotel bar set within a centuries-old palace and some of the rarest bottles in town. Spanning from the ultra-polished on the left bank to the dives and edginess of eastern Paris neighborhoods, these are some of the French capital’s essential bars.
Read our full Paris travel guide here, which includes:
How we choose the best bars in Paris
Every bar on this list has been selected independently by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has visited that restaurant. Our editors consider both high-end and affordable eateries, and weigh stand-out dishes, location, and service—as well as inclusivity and sustainability credentials. We update this list as new bars open and existing ones evolve.












