Paris has a second nightlife, right under it. This tour strings together invitation-only speakeasies with secret entrances and the kind of cocktail service you normally only stumble into by luck. You start in the area of Place de la République, then head through the streets to the next door.

Two things I especially like: the small-group format (up to 7 people) means you actually get attention instead of being herded. And the host is not just walking you inside; they also share where you can go next, so your night keeps going after the tour ends.

One thing to consider: drinks and food cost extra, so your final spend depends on what you order once you’re in.

Key things to know before you go

• Up to 7 people keeps the vibe relaxed and easy to talk with your group
• Free entry to 2–3 speakeasies means you’re paying for access and guidance, not bar tabs
• Secret entrances are part of the fun, so come ready to follow directions closely
• English-speaking hosts make this feel comfortable if your French is limited
• About one hour at the first stop in the 11th arrondissement, then a short walk (around 6 minutes) to the next bar
• You can stay longer than the stated ~2 hours, if the night has momentum

What you’re really buying with a speakeasy tour

This is not a big sightseeing show. You’re paying for an organized route into places that can be hard to find on your own. In Paris, that matters. Some bars rely on doorways that look like nothing from the street, and a wrong turn can mean a dead end—or standing outside while everyone else gets in.

What makes the experience feel worth it is the combination of free entry plus navigation. The tour also takes the guesswork out of what to order. Even if you’re not a cocktail person, you’ll usually find beers and non-alcoholic drinks on offer, and the bars tend to have good music and atmosphere.

If you’re the type who hates wasting time hunting for an address at 10:30pm, this tour is designed for that exact problem. You get a simple path, a small group, and a host who knows where the doors are.

The small-group setup near République

You meet in the area of Place de la République, with the official start listed as V987+XF Paris, France. The nice practical detail here is that it’s near public transportation, so you’re not stuck with a complicated “first/last mile” problem.

The group size is capped at 7. That changes the entire feel. You can hear instructions. You’re not squeezed in a crowd. And the host can keep track of the group when you’re moving through tight streets to doorways that may not be obvious.

Expect a walk between stops rather than a long transfer. The itinerary includes about a one-hour start at the first bar, then roughly a 6-minute walk to the next one. That short hop is great for jet lag nights, too. You’re moving just enough to keep the energy up.

11th arrondissement start: how the host sets the tone

Your first stop is a favorite secret bar in the 11th arrondissement. Plan on about one hour there. This is where the tour usually “clicks” for people: you step into the bar, you realize the entrance was truly concealed, and the mood already feels like you’re part of something.

From what you can expect, these spaces tend to be built for conversation. The lighting and sound levels usually encourage you to talk, not just shout over music. Drinks are the main event, and the cocktail menu often has twists you won’t see on every Paris menu.

There’s also a practical reason the first stop lasts longer. The host can help the group settle in, show the flow of ordering, and keep things smooth while you’re all getting comfortable. One hour gives you enough time to try one drink without feeling rushed.

The 6-minute walk to the next secret bar

After the first bar, you move on to the next speakeasy, about a 6-minute walk away. This is where you get the “true speakeasy” feeling. Some spots are basically invisible from the street. Others can involve trickier entry routes—like finding an unmarked way through a restaurant-type setting—so having a guide matters more than you’d think.

The host isn’t just taking you from A to B. They’re timing the group so the second location is ready for you. That’s why you’ll often feel like you’re stepping into reserved space rather than arriving in the middle of a random crush.

Also, don’t assume the tour is locked to exactly two stops. The experience is described as visiting 2/3 speakeasy bars, and in practice some nights include a bonus third stop when the schedule allows.

Free entry, paid drinks: how to budget without stress

Admission and entry are part of the price, but alcoholic beverages are not included (and food is not included either). That’s standard for this style of tour, but it changes how you should budget.

Here’s a simple way to plan:

• Think of the $33.79 per person as paying for access + hosting + “finding the doors”
• Then budget your bar spending separately, based on how many drinks you want

If you stick to one cocktail and one drink total, your night stays easy on the wallet. If you like to sample, you’ll pay more, but you’ll also get more value from the route because you’re not wasting time trying to locate the right places once you’re already out.

One extra tip: if you’re not drinking alcohol, you still have options. The bars in this route are described as having beers and non-alcoholic drinks, and that’s a big deal if you want the full atmosphere without feeling like you’re compromising.

How secret entrances work (and what to do when you spot one)

Secret entrances are the main “wow” factor, but they can also be stressful if you arrive expecting a normal doorway. The best move is to follow the group and the host cues closely.

A few practical pointers:

• Keep your phone away during the walk. You’ll miss doorways if you’re scrolling.
• When you see a likely-looking entry, don’t wander off. Speakeasies often have very specific approaches.
• If the entrance involves passing through a restaurant or behind-the-scenes corridor, you’ll want to stay quiet and attentive. The fun is in the reveal, not in testing the path.

This is also why the small group matters. In a big tour, the magic can fade because people get separated. Here, your host keeps you together so you don’t lose the moment.

Music, cocktails, and the vibe inside each bar

The bars on this route are described as having amazing cocktails, plus beers and non-alcoholic options. Music and ambiance are part of the pitch, and the vibe tends to match what you’d want on a Paris night out: stylish, dim, and focused on the room’s atmosphere.

What I like about this kind of tour is that you’re not stuck doing “one bar, one drink” and then wandering home. Each speakeasy can feel like a different scene—different order cues, different energy, different mixology style. Even within the same general neighborhood, that variation is what makes a short walking tour feel like a whole night.

Some stops may also offer light food for purchase. One example from the experiences shared here is the idea of light appetizers available at a later stop. Don’t count on it every night, but it’s worth knowing that food can sometimes show up if the bar is set up for it.

How long it lasts and how to turn it into a bigger night

The experience is listed at about 2 hours. But here’s the key practical truth: the tour time is an estimate. You’re welcome to stay at the bars longer after the tour wraps, as long as you’re enjoying yourself and the bars are running normally.

That means this can work in two ways:

• Start your night with the guided route, then continue exploring on your own
• Or use the tour as a warm-up, especially if you’re arriving late or want a low-stress plan that gets you into the right places fast

Because the host shares other secret bar locations, you won’t leave with a blank map. You’ll have ideas for what to chase next, and you can choose based on your energy level.

Picking the right guide for your night: Marc, Natalia, Felix, Dadhet

One of the best parts of this experience is the human energy. Hosts mentioned in this route include Marc, Natalia, Felix, Dadhet (spelled Dadhet in the details you’re given), and others. Different guides bring different personalities, but they share some common skills: keeping the pace easy and making the walk feel like part of the story.

In particular, several host styles show up:

• Making sure each bar is ready for the group
• Explaining what to order and how the drinks are put together
• Keeping conversation going without turning the night into a lecture
• Giving follow-up suggestions so you can continue the route later

If you’re traveling with friends, this still works. The host keeps the group moving, but the rooms feel intimate enough that you’re not just tagging along.

If you’re solo, the small group format helps you feel included. It’s also a good way to meet people without forcing awkward nightlife small talk at a crowded bar entrance.

Practical tips: what to bring and what to ask

You’ll have the best time if you keep things simple.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes for a short-but-real walking route
• A payment method for drinks (since they’re not included)
• A light layer if you’re out later, since Paris nights can change fast

Ask:

• What’s the house cocktail people order first
• If there are good non-alcoholic drinks worth trying
• Whether food is available at that specific stop (since it can vary)

And one small behavior hack: when a secret entrance opens, don’t treat it like a photo spot. Step through, get settled, order what looks good, then take photos after you’re inside if the room allows it.

Also, if your preferred time is fully booked, the experience notes say you can message the team. The bar holds a lot of people, so it’s sometimes possible to find a workable fit.

Should you book Hidden bars and Speakeasies in Paris?

I’d book this if you want a Paris nightlife plan that feels local, not scripted. It’s a smart choice for:

• First-time Paris nights out when you don’t want to spend your evening hunting for doors
• Couples and small groups who like a social vibe without chaos
• Anyone who enjoys cocktails or wants to try speakeasy culture the easy way

I’d hesitate if you hate spending extra money once you arrive. Drinks and food cost extra, and that can raise the final total fast if you order multiple cocktails at multiple stops.

If you’re on a tight schedule, though, this tour is a very efficient way to get into 2–3 secret spaces near République, with time to enjoy them instead of just rushing past.

FAQ

How long is the Hidden bars and Speakeasies in Paris tour?

It lasts about 2 hours. The listed time is an estimate, and you’re welcome to stay at the bars longer if you want to extend your night.

How many speakeasy bars will I visit?

The tour includes visits to 2/3 speakeasy bars.

What’s included in the price?

You get free entry to all venues visited during the experience, along with the guided visits.

Are drinks or food included?

No. Alcoholic beverages and food are not included, and you’ll pay for what you order.

Is this tour in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

How big is the group?

This experience has a maximum of 7 travelers.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at V987+XF Paris, France and ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes. The tour includes a mobile ticket.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If I cancel, will I get my money back?

No. This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If it’s canceled by the provider due to poor weather or the minimum traveler count not being met, you may be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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