Explore Hidden bars and Speakeasies in Paris

REVIEW · PARIS

Explore Hidden bars and Speakeasies in Paris

  • 5.079 reviews
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • From $33.79
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Operated by Paris Speakeasy Tours · Bookable on Viator

Hidden bars in Paris sound like a movie trick. This tour turns that into a real plan, with reserved access and a smooth walk between stops.

I especially like the small group size (max 7), because it feels personal instead of crowded. I also like that you get both bar-to-bar pacing and real guidance on what to order, then you can keep exploring on your own afterward. The only drawback is drinks and food cost extra, so you’ll want a budget for cocktails if you’re doing more than one round.

Key highlights at a glance

Explore Hidden bars and Speakeasies in Paris - Key highlights at a glance

  • Invitation-style access to 2/3 speakeasy-style bars with free entry
  • Max 7 guests for more attention and easier check-ins at secret entrances
  • Near Place de la République with a short walk between stops in the same evening flow
  • Secret doorways and restaurant-to-speakeasy moments that make the night feel like a quest
  • English-speaking hosts who also share useful local pointers beyond the bars

What this Paris speakeasy tour is really like

Explore Hidden bars and Speakeasies in Paris - What this Paris speakeasy tour is really like
This isn’t a giant pub crawl with strangers shouting over music. It’s a tight 2-hour guided night designed to get you into a couple of Paris speakeasy-style venues without spending your evening hunting for clues. Even the pricing reflects that logic: you’re paying for the guided entry and the right connections, not for drinks.

The vibe is social, but not chaotic. Reviews repeatedly point to smooth transitions, groups being ready for you, and a host who keeps things moving without rushing the fun part. Think: one good start bar, then a short hop to the next, with time to order drinks and soak up each room’s atmosphere.

You can also read our reviews of more nightlife experiences in Paris

Price and what you actually get for $33.79

At $33.79 per person, the value is in what’s included. You get free entry to each venue and visits to 2 or 3 speakeasy bars during the tour window. That matters because these are not open-access “walk in anytime” places in the typical sense—some entrances are secret, and a guided group helps you avoid dead ends.

What’s not included is what most people spend on anyway: alcoholic drinks (and food). So if you’re the type who enjoys one cocktail and calls it a night, you’ll spend less than someone who turns it into a multi-round birthday. Either way, go in knowing the ticket covers admission and the pacing, not your tab.

Meeting point near Place de la République: easy to start, easy to end

Explore Hidden bars and Speakeasies in Paris - Meeting point near Place de la République: easy to start, easy to end
The tour begins at V987+XF Paris, France and ends back at the same meeting point. That “return to start” detail is underrated: after two hours of walking and bar time, you don’t have to navigate your way back while you’re already in night-out mode.

It’s also described as near public transportation, which is helpful because Paris has great options, but hidden bars can be a little tricky if you arrive far off. If you want a low-stress start, arrive a few minutes early and be ready to follow your host’s direction when it’s time to move.

The 2-hour plan: how the pacing works without feeling rushed

Explore Hidden bars and Speakeasies in Paris - The 2-hour plan: how the pacing works without feeling rushed
Your tour runs about 2 hours. The timing is based on spending time at the first bar, then walking to the next spot, but there’s flexibility: the stated duration is an estimate, and you’re welcome to stay longer at the bars after the tour ends.

Here’s the typical flow:

  • Start around Place de la République area
  • Spend about one hour at the first speakeasy-style bar
  • Walk about six minutes to the next venue

That walk is short on purpose. It keeps you focused on the drinking-and-talking part instead of turning the evening into a long trek between doors. And since the group stays small, you usually don’t lose time waiting around while everyone sorts out where to stand.

Stop 1 near Place de la République: the “first door” moment

Explore Hidden bars and Speakeasies in Paris - Stop 1 near Place de la République: the “first door” moment
Your first stop is described as a favorite speakeasy-style spot in the 11th arrondissement. The pitch is straightforward: secret entrances, strong cocktails, good music, and a room that feels like it’s meant for late-night conversations.

This first bar often sets the tone for the whole night. One review mentions something cinematic: finding a speakeasy through a restaurant kitchen. That’s exactly the kind of Paris detail that turns the experience from just drinking somewhere into doing a bit of detective work—under safe, guided conditions.

Practical takeaway: use this first stop to get settled. Order something you’re curious about, not only something familiar, because each bar tends to have its own style of drink and atmosphere. If you’re the kind of person who hates making decisions in public, this is where you can take a breath and start slow.

You can also read our reviews of more drinking tours in Paris

Stop 2 (and sometimes a bonus Stop 3): invitation energy, different vibes

Explore Hidden bars and Speakeasies in Paris - Stop 2 (and sometimes a bonus Stop 3): invitation energy, different vibes
After about an hour, you head to the next bar with a short walk. The venues are described as having secret entrances and a “prepared for your group” feel. That reserved setup shows up in reviews as well—people mention that each place was awaiting the group and that the host guided them in without confusion.

Some nights include an extra stop. One guest notes they went to three different speakeasy-style places, and they even had light appetizers available for purchase at the last location. The broader point: the tour gives you a core set of venues, but if timing allows, you may get more than the minimum.

What you’ll notice when you compare stops is how quickly the mood can change. One bar might feel built for conversation and cocktail focus; another might feel louder and more party-minded. Since drinks cost extra, the tour’s value is that you don’t waste your limited energy on the wrong place.

The guides: names you’ll hear and the kind of hosting you want

Explore Hidden bars and Speakeasies in Paris - The guides: names you’ll hear and the kind of hosting you want
The quality of the guide is a huge part of why this tour gets such strong ratings. You’ll likely meet one of the named hosts who have led past groups, including Marc, Natalia, Felix, Dadhet, and Zyad. They’re consistently described as friendly, funny, and good at keeping the group engaged.

You’ll also benefit from guide skills that go beyond pointing at bars:

  • keeping group movement smooth between secret entrances
  • sharing local insights you can reuse later
  • offering suggestions so you order well instead of randomly

One review highlights a guide who shared follow-up information for finding the places again. Another mentions a host switching between English and French during the tour. If you want the night to feel like you have a friend who knows the neighborhood, this is the right kind of tour.

Drinks and food: plan your night like a pro

Explore Hidden bars and Speakeasies in Paris - Drinks and food: plan your night like a pro
Because alcoholic drinks and food are not included, the best move is simple: set a budget before you arrive. If you’re having cocktails at two or three places, add up the cost of at least two drinks per person, then decide if you’re going to do a third stop.

Also, pay attention to how each bar runs. Some speakeasy-style venues lean hard into cocktails; others offer beer and non-alcoholic drinks too. If you’re not drinking, you still get the experience—music, ambiance, and ordering something that fits your vibe.

And if you want something to steady your stomach, keep in mind that at least one stop has been reported to offer light appetizers for purchase. So you might be able to snack without needing a full dinner before the tour.

Is this a fit for you? Who this works best for

This is built for people who want a guided night out without the guesswork. It’s a solid match if:

  • you’re in Paris for the first time and want a different angle than museums and churches
  • you like social evenings but don’t want a large group
  • you’re excited by secret-door fun and don’t want to spend time researching clues

It can work well solo too. One reason: the small group size makes it easier to meet other people and share the experience without feeling lost. And since the tour is in English, you’re not stuck hoping for someone else to translate.

Most people can participate, and the description says the tour requires good weather. If Paris is rainy, you’ll want to plan for backup.

The real value: why the secret-bar hunt feels worth it

A lot of Paris nightlife is great, but hidden bars can be frustrating to track down. This tour solves three problems at once:

  1. You get access and entry without spending your evening searching.
  2. You get pacing so you don’t miss the best window at each venue.
  3. You get guidance so you don’t order blindly or walk into the wrong vibe.

Also, small-group structure matters. With no more than 7 travelers, the host can actually help, and the bars can actually fit you in comfortably. That’s why reviews keep praising the smoothness and the fact that each spot was ready for the group.

Timing tip: start strong, then let the night grow

If you want this to be the start of a longer evening, do it strategically. The tour is great as a first anchor because it gets you into two or three venues quickly, and you’ll likely leave with a better sense of what kind of bars you’ll enjoy next.

Then use your own time to continue. One big plus: the host shares the location of other secret bars you can visit later. That’s the kind of practical follow-through that makes the tour feel like a launchpad rather than a one-and-done event.

Should you book this Paris speakeasy tour?

Yes—if you want a fun Paris night out that’s organized, small-group friendly, and focused on the kind of bars you’d struggle to find on your own. The price is reasonable because entry is included and you’re paying for the guided access and pacing, not just the walking.

I’d think twice only if you hate spending extra on drinks, because you’ll almost certainly want to order something at each stop. Also, if you’re sensitive to a loud bar environment, choose your pace early—some places are more music-forward than others, and you’ll feel that difference quickly.

FAQ

How many speakeasy bars will I visit?

The experience includes visits to 2/3 speakeasy bars, with free entry to all venues.

How long does the tour last?

The experience time is listed as about 2 hours, but you’re welcome to stay at the bars as long as you like.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included, and food is also not included.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

How many people are in the group?

This tour has a maximum of 7 travelers, so it stays small and personal.

What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If you cancel, it’s non-refundable and cannot be changed.

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