Timeline
19:41
Arrive at the Centre Georges Pompidou before the crowds. Wander the exterior plazas and take in the colorful exterior pipes against the fading sky. The building is closed for renovation, but the view of the structure itself is striking as the light shifts.
21:11
Walk four minutes to Café des Phares. It is a standard Parisian café by day, but by evening it becomes a hub for lively philosophical and political debates. Grab a table outside or by the window to watch the street life as the city lights come on.
21:56
Head nine minutes away to La Robe et le Palais. This small, owner-operated bistro serves tasty Basque food in a nearly rustic setting. It is an intimate spot for dinner when the city is fully awake. The choice of wines is fantastic.
22:41
End the night ten minutes away at La Perle. This small corner café-bar is a favorite for trendy locals. Dozens of people gather here in the evenings, especially on weekends. It is the perfect place to unwind with a drink after dinner.
Local tip
The Pompidou is closed for renovation until 2030, so you cannot enter the museum, but the exterior architecture is a major landmark. The nearby Shakespeare and Co. bookshop is open late if you want to browse after your meal.
Check before you go
- Centre Georges Pompidou is closed until 2030.
- La Robe et le Palais is open Mon-Sat noon-14:40 & 19:30-23:00.
- La Perle is open Mo-Fr 06:00-02:00, Sa-Su 08:00-02:00.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Paris (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).