Can You Visit Underground Bars in Paris?

Paris, the renowned city of romance and culture, is an absolute delight to experience. Many of its quaint sights, attractions, and activities leave tourists marveling at all it has to offer. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, there are many amazing things to do and see in Paris. But one often overlooked and little known activity in Paris that has been gaining traction in recent years is the exciting opportunity to visit underground bars.

But, is it really possible for a tourist to experience the nitty-gritty vibes of the Parisian nightlife from a hidden underground bar? We’re here to answer that question and tell you all you need to know about Paris underground bars. Keep reading to learn more!

What is a Speakeasy?

Speakeasies, also known as blind pigs or blind tigers, rose to popularity during the Prohibition era in the U.S., when the sale, transportation, and consumption of liquors was deemed illegal. These establishments were dubbed “speakeasies” because patrons had to whisper the password to gain entry. And while U.S.-style speakeasies have become popular around the world, there is a unique twist to their presence in Paris.

Undoubtedly, Paris has a long and rich history of art, culture, literature and cuisine. But beneath this veneer of refinement lies a brooding mindset. Certainly, France’s strict regulations on alcohol would be familiar to those of us living in the U.S., yet it has been wrangled so as to make it still an integral part of the culture. This is where the concept of underground bars comes into play — Parisian barbershops, ticket offices and bookstores have been clandestinely used as fronts for these underground bars.

Patrons must find their way in not only by being directed towards a certain shop but also by being in the know of certain passwords or symbols used to designate that spot as an underground bar. It is quite amazing how Paris has managed to combine elegance with clandestine goings on — creating a unique atmosphere that invites exploration of every cosmopolitan area this city holds!

Where Can You Go To Explore Underground Bars?

If you’re looking to explore Paris’ nightlife, then exploring underground bars is definitely the way to go. The vastness of this type of bar allows establishments to make themselves virtually invisible to the untrained eye by using entrance codes, secret passwords and more.

So if you’re tired of looping around the same tourist attractions in Paris and want to tackle something a little less predictable and a bit more exciting, then view below for some of our top picks for underground bars located around the city.

Lily Wood

Lily Wood is placed almost hidden at the end of a deserted arcade in the heart of Pigalle (the area nicknamed “the most wicked block in Paris’). Once the door code is given, visitors can get ready for a wild ride full of electro music and brightly coloured decorations that will surely set the mood for drinks. Just make sure to get there early though — Lily Wood can become quite crowded by midnight.

La Guillotine

Tucked away in an alley off Boulevard Clichy, La Guillotine lives up its Parisian speakeasy vibes with an interior soaked in true historical relics. The entrance is well-disguised — you enter through what looks like a small grocery shop before slinking down an unassuming staircase into the actual bar. La Guillotine crafts specialty cocktails eerily served in porcelain pig beer mugs that compliment the decor, which gives off dim and smoky charm that you cannot find anywhere else.

Off Key

Off Key mixes its vintage looks with chic details to ensure that guests experience historic Paris from the inside out – but only if you can spot it! Conveniently located near Scies and Gare du Nord, this hotel speakeasy will feel like both a home away from home and a place where you can explore without compromising your security. Once going in, you can enjoy various cocktails spiced up with homemade syrups and spirits, served by attentive staff while also perusing through pieces of art created by local artists hanging around the space.

An Organized Tour

Visiting underground bars can be exciting, but it’s very easy to miss out on all the fun if you don’t know where to look or what you could be missing out on! Fortunately, if you don’t want to take the risk or are new to exploring such bars then we suggest taking a tour with GetYourGuide, a popular online supplier of guided experiences. They provide an Underground Bars and Speakeasy Guided Tour With Drink, which takes place every day from 6pm – 10 pm. The tour reveals seven hidden bars around Pigalle and Montmartre and each stop features an incredible signature drink designed by master bartenders who serve and educate guests about each cocktail’s history. Guests will be able to dig into the heart and soul of Parisian nightlife as they investigate each speakeasy – it’s like taking a tour deep into the undergrounds of Paris! You can book the tour here.

Underground Bar Etiquette

It’s important to remember all speakeasies are uniquely designed with their own quirks and nuances; this means even if one speakeasy seems welcoming it does not mean every other one will be that way. Therefore, it would be wise for first-time visitors to review basic speakeasy etiquette before expecting full assistance from staff or patrons when they walk into one of these establishments:

1. Do not be too loud.

A certain level of decibels is expected when entering any underground bar — speaking loudly will set off warning bells amongst those who are aware that drinks are being served illegally.

2. Mind your drink.

Depending on the location, some guests may bring their own liquor whereas others may purchase drinks from the bar so make sure you don’t accidentally grab someone else’s drink!

3. Be respectful.

As mentioned previously, some speakeasies are designed for those who are “in the know’; this means even though you may have heard about a speakeasy through word of mouth or on the internet make sure not to pry into conversations or behave disrespectfully in any other way as this could be met with some resistance.

Final Thoughts

At first glance, having access to illegal drinks in Paris does not sound plausible – but thankfully as we have learned today, it actually is! From La Guillotine to Off Key, there are countless tunnel bars that offer an authentic glimpse at the deeper side of France’s nightlife. So if you’re ever in Paris looking for something a bit more off-beat than your standard night out then checking out one or two of these underground bars is absolutely worth it! To experience this absolute delight of French culture first-hand consider booking GetYourGuide’s Underground Bars and Speakeasy Guided Tour With Drink here.