Rooftop Bars in Paris: 10 Places to Drink with a View
There's lots to like about Paris. The food. The wine. The history. The culture. But nothing says Paris quite so immediately and recognizably as its architecture.
The Paris skyline is one of the most iconic and recognizable in the world. And the city has gone to great lengths to keep it that way. Skyscrapers and office towers aren't allowed in the center of the French capital. This allows famous monuments like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe to stand out over the rounded gray rooftops of the city.
There's no better way to enjoy the unique Paris skyline than from a rooftop bar. And Paris has plenty of them to offer. The rooftop bars of Paris allow you to get away from the chaos and traffic of this big and busy city and enjoy a more serene and refined atmosphere. Rooftop bars in Paris are the perfect place to recuperate after experiencing the best shopping in Paris, and they are ideal places to enjoy a leisurely lunch or spend a glamorous evening.
Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Paris, and check out some of the best Paris rooftop bars.
Le Rooftop at the Peninsula Hotel
What's it like:
Paris isn't short of grand old hotels. And the Peninsula is certainly among them. Known for incredible service and excellent food, the hotel has a Michelin-starred restaurant and a location that's to die for, close to the Arc de Triomphe in one of Paris' most upscale neighborhoods.
As if it didn't have enough going for it, the hotel also has one of the best rooftop bars in the city. The views from the bar are excellent, and it's a great place to watch the sun set over the city. The cocktails are creative and delicious, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a pre-dinner drink or spend a leisurely evening.
It's hard to pass up the opportunity to sip signature cocktails in one of Paris' most gorgeous rooftop bars while overlooking the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower among the iconic Paris rooftops. But be warned, drinking here isn't cheap, and a full meal is even more outlandishly expensive. Still, for a truly memorable Paris rooftop bar experience, this one is hard to beat.
Our recommendation:
This is one of the more exclusive rooftop bars in Paris, so making a reservation is probably a good idea. And it's also probably worth the effort to dress up a bit. You don't need to show up in full evening wear, but you'll feel out of place in shorts and sandals.
Location:
19 Ave Kleber, Paris
Terrass Hotel Montmartre
What's it like:
The Boutique Hotel Terrass is one of the best hotels in Paris, thanks to its great location and incredible views. But even if you're not staying at the hotel, it's worth a visit to the rooftop bar.
The terrace has an amazing view of Sacré-Coeur and the rest of Paris, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset cocktail. The bar also has a heated pool, which is open to hotel guests only.
But even if you're not swimming, the views from the bar are well worth the trip. And the signature cocktails are excellent, too.
Our recommendation:
This is another rooftop bar that's on the expensive side, so be prepared to spend a bit of money if you want to drink here. But it's definitely worth it for the views.
Location:
12-14 Rue Joseph du Maistre, Paris
Le Rooftop Molitor
What's it like:
The Molitor is one of Paris' most iconic hotels, thanks to its art deco design and storied history. The hotel was built in the 1920s and was a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing in the early days of the city's pool culture.
The pool is still there, and it's now open to the public. But even if you're not planning on taking a dip, the rooftop bar is well worth a visit. The rooftop terrace here is huge, surrounding the historic pool in the middle of the hotel. Dripping with old-world charm, this is the perfect place to indulge in classic cocktails and bar snacks. And it's this old-world charm, along with an exceptional view of the city, that makes it one of the best rooftop bars in Paris.
Our recommendation:
If you decide to eat here, you'll find some incredible French and Mediterranean cuisine on offer. And unusually for France, you'll find some good vegetarian and even vegan options. So while the prices here may not be cheap, it could be worth it if you're trying to follow a vegetarian diet in the French capital.
Location:
13 Rue Nungesser et Coli, Paris
Wanderlust at Cité de la Mode
What's it like:
Wanderlust is one of the newer hotels in Paris, and it's quickly made a name for itself as one of the best. The hotel has an incredible view of the city, thanks to its location on the banks of the Seine.
And while the views from the rooms are great, they're even better from the hotel's rooftop bar. The bar here is huge, with plenty of seating and a large pool in the middle. It's the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two while taking in the incredible views of Paris.
Unlike many other rooftop bars in Paris, this one has a more casual atmosphere that's great if you don't feel like dressing up (or feeling bad for not dressing up). At night, Wanderlust turns into a nightclub where DJs play music and customers dance under the stars, so if you're looking to enjoy great Paris nightlife, this is a good place to do it.
Our recommendation:
This unpretentious rooftop bar is a great place to get away from the chaos of the city during the day. But at night, things liven up here, so if you're looking to relax, you may want to leave early. Alternatively, stay and enjoy a party above the Paris rooftops.
Location:
32 Quai d'Austerlitz, Paris
Hôtel National des Arts
What's it like:
The Hôtel National des Arts is a small but stylish hotel located in the 3rd arrondissement. The hotel doesn't have the best views in Paris, but it's still worth a visit for the hotel rooftop bar.
The bar here has a great selection of cocktails and an excellent wine list. But what makes it really special is the setting. The terrace is small and intimate, making it the perfect place to enjoy a romantic evening drink with your partner. In fact, this rooftop terrace only accommodates up to 10 people. With its comfortable sofas, this feels almost like a living room above the city. But you probably don't get tasty cocktails like this in your living room at home.
If you're looking for a more low-key option than some of the other bars on this list, then this is definitely the place for you.
Our recommendation:
This is one of the best places for a sunset drink in Paris. But given how small this rooftop bar is, you'll probably want to arrive early to get a seat.
Location:
243 Rue Saint-Martin, Paris
Le Perchoir Marais
What's it like:
Le Perchoir Marais is one of the most popular rooftop bars in Paris, and it's easy to see why. This bar has an incredible view of the city, thanks to its location on the top of a building in the Marais district.
The terrace here is large and open, making it the perfect place to enjoy a drink and take in the views. But if you're looking for something more than just a view, Le Perchoir Marais also has a great selection of cocktails and bar snacks.
Our recommendation:
If you want to enjoy a sunset drink with a view, then this is definitely the place for you. But if you're looking to party, then you should probably head elsewhere.
Location:
33 Rue de la Verrerie, Paris
Creatures at Galeries Lafayette
What's it like:
Galeries Lafayette is one of the most famous department stores in Paris, and it's also home to one of the best rooftop bars in the city. Creatures is located on the store's roof, and it has an incredible view of the Opera House and Sacre Coeur.
The terrace here is small, but it's still a great place to enjoy a drink or two. And thanks to its location, this is one of the best places for people-watching in Paris. If you're looking for something to eat, Creatures also has a great selection of snacks and light meals.
Our recommendation:
If you're in Paris to do some shopping, you can combine a visit to this pleasant rooftop bar with some shopping in the city's most famous department store.
Location:
25 Rue de la Chau. d'Antin, Paris
Le Bar a Bulles
What's it like:
This rooftop bar is something of a hidden gem. It's located on the top of the Moulin Rouge in the 18th arrondissement, and it has an incredible view of Sacre Coeur. Lounge on a deck chair in the rooftop garden or swing in a hammock, and you'll feel like you've traveled a long way from the city.
This bar is also a little off the tourist trail, so you'll have a better chance of mixing with local Parisians here. Still, it's hardly an undiscovered secret, so it may be difficult to get in during busy periods.
Our recommendation:
As well as delicious cocktails, this bar offers a weekend brunch for €24 that makes it one of the most popular rooftop bars in the city. If you can get in, it's a great way to enjoy this unique rooftop bar.
Location:
4 Cite Veron, Paris
Skybar Paris
What's it like:
Skybar Paris is one of the most exclusive rooftop bars in the city. Located on top of the Pullman Hotel, this bar has a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower. But it's not just the view that makes this bar special. The cocktails here are some of the best in Paris, and they come with a hefty price tag to match.
This bar is definitely not for everyone. But if you're looking for a luxurious experience, then you'll love Skybar Paris. Just be prepared to spend a lot of money. Then again, if money is no object, you can reserve the VIP section for up to six people to enjoy an unparalleled view over the city or even book out the entire bar for an event if your budget stretches that far.
Our recommendation:
If you want to enjoy an amazing cocktail with a view of the Eiffel Tower, then this is definitely the place for you. But be prepared to spend a lot for the privilege.
Location:
19 Rue du Commandant Rene Mouchotte, Paris
Balconcito Paris
What's it like:
This Latin American-themed rooftop bar is located in the heart of the Marais district. Balconcito Paris has a lovely terrace with views over the rooftops of the city, and it's a great place to enjoy a cocktail or two. The cocktails here are all made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and there's also a good selection of beer and wine.
If you're feeling hungry, you can also order some snacks from the bar. And if you want to make a night of it, Balconcito Paris also has a DJ who plays a mix of Latin music and current chart hits.
Perhaps best of all, for those who appreciate an exclusive experience, this place is hidden. The only way to get there is to message them through their Instagram account and book a table.
Our recommendation:
This is a great place to enjoy an evening drink, thanks to its excellent cocktails and fun atmosphere. But because it's so small and exclusive, you may need to book more than a month in advance.
Location:
Unknown
Conclusion
As you can tell from this list, it's not hard to find a great rooftop bar in Paris. If your dream trip to the City of Light involves spending some time in a cocktail bar with a view of the Eiffel Tower, these Paris rooftop bars can provide you with an unforgettable experience. Just don't forget to drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Paris before you head out to enjoy that iconic Eiffel Tower view with a glass of French champagne.
