Thirteen of the best cheap bars in Paris
Paris - beautiful, cool, endlessly exciting but also eye-wateringly expensive. For anyone who has ever found themselves blinking in disbelief at bar prices, Paris student Francesca Halliwell has put together a list of the best budget bars in the city.
“It is a good thing to go to Paris for a few days if you have had a lot of trouble, and that is my advice to everyone.” Everyone but students or those attempting to live on a budget, Scottish writer Muriel Spark neglected to add.
Paris is expensive. Average rent for a studio apartment is over €1,000 a month, and a monthly travel pass will set you back €75. Even supermarket shopping drains your wallet; a litre of milk at my local Franprix costs almost €2.
So for people on a budget - students in particular - things can be tough. The decision of where to go for drinks, therefore, is an important one when merely breathing seems to cost you €5 in some of the city's more snooty bars.
Many a disgruntled conversation and disappointing drink later, I have compiled a list of the best bars for students in Paris. Some make the cut for their surprisingly inexpensive prices, others for their stand-out décor and lively ambience. Either way, an evening at any of them is guaranteed to leave you satisfied with every centime you spent.
READ ALSO
-
From sushi to satay: Where to find the best Asian food in Paris
-
REVEALED: The hot French dining trend that's traditional, delicious and cheap
-
QUIZ: How well do you know your French pâtisseries?
There are some extremely expensive bars in Paris, but also plenty that offer cheap drinks and good deals. Photo: AFP
Chez Georges - 11 rue des Canettes, 75006
If you are looking for an old-fashioned Parisian bar, where drinks are dirt cheap and the clientele laid-back, Chez Georges is the place for you.
The décor may be shabby, and you may be approached by someone from the quartier in search of a “profound” conversation (my friend was called a “flower in the desert” by one charming local), but the vibe is wholesome and good-natured. And what with the mismatched 1950s décor and ‘80s tunes in the background, it’s all too easy to lose your sense of time dancing in the vaulted wine cellar after midnight.
The BRKLYN - 58 rue Quincampoix, 75004
If you're in search of an old-school American bar, with generous Happy Hour deals, friendly barmen and a cool aesthetic, The BRKLYN is the bar for you.
Tucked away down an unassuming street in Paris’ most arty neighbourhood, this intimate hideout attracts students after a low-key drink with friends. Its Happy Hour deals are pretty decent too - what’s not to love about two glasses of wine and a cheese board for €14?
Au Bureau - 66 rue Pierre Charron, 75008
Au Bureau on rue Pierre Charron is, in a nutshell, an upmarket Wetherspoons. Beer and wine are relatively cheap, especially during Happy Hour, and what with its half a dozen TVs screening football matches in the background, this bar is most commonly found teeming with Paris’ most laid-back, undemanding residents.
It all feels a bit British inside, with walls replete with posters of English sportsmen and walking boots in cabinets, making it the perfect homesickness cure for British folk missing their home turf.
Café Noir - 65 rue Montmartre, 75002
Escape the hustle and bustle of rue Montorgueil in this hidden gem of a bar, where the high ceilings and vintage Parisian decor make a charming backdrop.
The menu offers an extensive selection of wines and cocktails, all pretty reasonably priced given the central location. Boasting an extensive outdoor terrace and plentiful indoor space, Café Noir is a popular hotspot for locals all year round.
Maison Sauvage - 5 rue de Buci, 75006
With flowers and foliage blooming from the second terrace, Maison Sauvage captures the magic of famed Parisian cafés to a T.
In the heart of the Odéon district, it is one of the city’s most popular student haunts for brunch as well as drinks, and given their great reputation and charming aesthetic, the menu is pretty reasonably priced.
Although this may not be your go-to on nights out, what with the long waiting times and usual plethora of tourists, Maison Sauvage is without doubt a must before you leave. Their signature cocktail, Le Mojito Sauvage, is pretty good too.
Look out for Happy Hour deals that also include nibbles. Photo: Depositphotos
The Long Hop - 25 rue Frédéric Sauton, 75005
When it comes to getting your student fix, The Long Hop has you covered.
Offering outrageous Happy Hour deals from 5pm til 9pm and to-die-for mozzarella sticks, the bar is brimming with students on a regular basis. Dying to lose yourself on the dancefloor without being judged by critical Parisians? Then The Long Hop is the place for you.
La Rotonde Saint Honoré - 10 rue des Pyramides, 75001
This ostentatious bar is one for the city’s more cosmopolitan students prepared to splash the cash on a tasteful soirée.
Stylish yet welcoming, with an impressive cocktail selection, La Rotonde Saint Honoré is the place to go when your Erasmus grant comes in. That said, its Happy Hour deals aren’t actually too bad - if you can justify spending €5.50 on a glass of wine, that is.
Le Petit Gaston - 3 Place de la Contrescarpe, 75005
Place de la Contrescarpe is one of the city’s most well-known drinking spots, popular for its buzzing atmosphere and plethora of bars.
The best of the bunch is without doubt Le Petit Gaston, located slap bang in the square’s centre. Coming from someone who lived in Italy for five months last year, their Aperol Spritzes are truly sublime. Soak up the sun on their outdoor terrace before heading around the corner to the sensational creperie Au P’tit Grec for din
Nouvel Institut - 1 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75005
This is arguably the most popular student bar in Paris, and with 1€ cocktails and 3€ pints during Happy Hour, it’s not hard to see why. Students flock here in droves on weeknights and weekends, whether for a laid-back game of pool or pre-drink before a night out. It can get quite overcrowded indoors during the summer, so be sure to get there early if you’re hoping to bag a seat outside.
Washington Poste - 3 rue Washington, 75008
A stone’s throw away from the Champs-Elysées, this bar is a favourite among the most stylish of Parisians.
The mirror-lined walls, exposed brick and projections of high-end fashion shows attract students who prioritise aesthetics over ambience. Part of the appeal is that it all feels very French, with its large concentration of pontificators and sophisticated smokers gazing wondrously into the distance.
It does, however, welcome a spendthrift clientele too, for it famously offers the cheapest Happy Hour prices in the neighbourhood.
Bistro 27 - 27 rue de Bruxelles, 75009
This unassuming Parisian brasserie isn’t for the faint hearted. It may be shabby and inundated with students, but with pints as cheap as 2,50€ and cocktails from 5€, it would be rude not to show your face. Plus bar staff are smiley, and in an area as gloomy and uninspiring as Clichy, this doesn’t go unappreciated. Be sure to order one of their delicious pizzas to help stomach the drink, those mojitos are definitely more rum than soda.
Some of Paris' smaller bars have the best atmosphere. Photo: AFP
Paris Beaubourg - 23 rue Saint Merri, Place Igor Stravinsky, 75004
Paris Beaubourg, situated right in the heart of one of Paris’ most expensive districts for drinks, is an affordable find for all those keen to soak up the Parisian culture before their time in the city is up.
Not only is it located directly opposite the Centre Pompidou, but also just next door to the famous Café Beaubourg, long-time hotspot for renowned art critics and writers alike. Happy Hour prices are generous too, with a large array of cocktails priced at just €6 each.
Le Comptoir Général - 80 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010
Tucked away behind a street-art mural along the Canal Saint-Martin, this Franco-African bar is not an easy find.
It is, however, one of the most popular student haunts the city has to offer. Spanning the entirety of three large rooms, the bar boasts ample space for dancing and meeting people, and meet people you will. Their cocktails are spectacular - be sure to try La Secousse - and their reggae DJ sets never fail to disappoint.
Palm trees, chandeliers and upside-down sharks (yes, really) provide an eclectic backdrop.
Comments (1)
See Also
“It is a good thing to go to Paris for a few days if you have had a lot of trouble, and that is my advice to everyone.” Everyone but students or those attempting to live on a budget, Scottish writer Muriel Spark neglected to add.
Paris is expensive. Average rent for a studio apartment is over €1,000 a month, and a monthly travel pass will set you back €75. Even supermarket shopping drains your wallet; a litre of milk at my local Franprix costs almost €2.
So for people on a budget - students in particular - things can be tough. The decision of where to go for drinks, therefore, is an important one when merely breathing seems to cost you €5 in some of the city's more snooty bars.
Many a disgruntled conversation and disappointing drink later, I have compiled a list of the best bars for students in Paris. Some make the cut for their surprisingly inexpensive prices, others for their stand-out décor and lively ambience. Either way, an evening at any of them is guaranteed to leave you satisfied with every centime you spent.
READ ALSO
- From sushi to satay: Where to find the best Asian food in Paris
- REVEALED: The hot French dining trend that's traditional, delicious and cheap
- QUIZ: How well do you know your French pâtisseries?
There are some extremely expensive bars in Paris, but also plenty that offer cheap drinks and good deals. Photo: AFP
Chez Georges - 11 rue des Canettes, 75006
If you are looking for an old-fashioned Parisian bar, where drinks are dirt cheap and the clientele laid-back, Chez Georges is the place for you.
The décor may be shabby, and you may be approached by someone from the quartier in search of a “profound” conversation (my friend was called a “flower in the desert” by one charming local), but the vibe is wholesome and good-natured. And what with the mismatched 1950s décor and ‘80s tunes in the background, it’s all too easy to lose your sense of time dancing in the vaulted wine cellar after midnight.
The BRKLYN - 58 rue Quincampoix, 75004
If you're in search of an old-school American bar, with generous Happy Hour deals, friendly barmen and a cool aesthetic, The BRKLYN is the bar for you.
Tucked away down an unassuming street in Paris’ most arty neighbourhood, this intimate hideout attracts students after a low-key drink with friends. Its Happy Hour deals are pretty decent too - what’s not to love about two glasses of wine and a cheese board for €14?
Au Bureau - 66 rue Pierre Charron, 75008
Au Bureau on rue Pierre Charron is, in a nutshell, an upmarket Wetherspoons. Beer and wine are relatively cheap, especially during Happy Hour, and what with its half a dozen TVs screening football matches in the background, this bar is most commonly found teeming with Paris’ most laid-back, undemanding residents.
It all feels a bit British inside, with walls replete with posters of English sportsmen and walking boots in cabinets, making it the perfect homesickness cure for British folk missing their home turf.
Café Noir - 65 rue Montmartre, 75002
Escape the hustle and bustle of rue Montorgueil in this hidden gem of a bar, where the high ceilings and vintage Parisian decor make a charming backdrop.
The menu offers an extensive selection of wines and cocktails, all pretty reasonably priced given the central location. Boasting an extensive outdoor terrace and plentiful indoor space, Café Noir is a popular hotspot for locals all year round.
Maison Sauvage - 5 rue de Buci, 75006
With flowers and foliage blooming from the second terrace, Maison Sauvage captures the magic of famed Parisian cafés to a T.
In the heart of the Odéon district, it is one of the city’s most popular student haunts for brunch as well as drinks, and given their great reputation and charming aesthetic, the menu is pretty reasonably priced.
Although this may not be your go-to on nights out, what with the long waiting times and usual plethora of tourists, Maison Sauvage is without doubt a must before you leave. Their signature cocktail, Le Mojito Sauvage, is pretty good too.
Look out for Happy Hour deals that also include nibbles. Photo: Depositphotos
The Long Hop - 25 rue Frédéric Sauton, 75005
When it comes to getting your student fix, The Long Hop has you covered.
Offering outrageous Happy Hour deals from 5pm til 9pm and to-die-for mozzarella sticks, the bar is brimming with students on a regular basis. Dying to lose yourself on the dancefloor without being judged by critical Parisians? Then The Long Hop is the place for you.
La Rotonde Saint Honoré - 10 rue des Pyramides, 75001
This ostentatious bar is one for the city’s more cosmopolitan students prepared to splash the cash on a tasteful soirée.
Stylish yet welcoming, with an impressive cocktail selection, La Rotonde Saint Honoré is the place to go when your Erasmus grant comes in. That said, its Happy Hour deals aren’t actually too bad - if you can justify spending €5.50 on a glass of wine, that is.
Le Petit Gaston - 3 Place de la Contrescarpe, 75005
Place de la Contrescarpe is one of the city’s most well-known drinking spots, popular for its buzzing atmosphere and plethora of bars.
The best of the bunch is without doubt Le Petit Gaston, located slap bang in the square’s centre. Coming from someone who lived in Italy for five months last year, their Aperol Spritzes are truly sublime. Soak up the sun on their outdoor terrace before heading around the corner to the sensational creperie Au P’tit Grec for din
Nouvel Institut - 1 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75005
This is arguably the most popular student bar in Paris, and with 1€ cocktails and 3€ pints during Happy Hour, it’s not hard to see why. Students flock here in droves on weeknights and weekends, whether for a laid-back game of pool or pre-drink before a night out. It can get quite overcrowded indoors during the summer, so be sure to get there early if you’re hoping to bag a seat outside.
Washington Poste - 3 rue Washington, 75008
A stone’s throw away from the Champs-Elysées, this bar is a favourite among the most stylish of Parisians.
The mirror-lined walls, exposed brick and projections of high-end fashion shows attract students who prioritise aesthetics over ambience. Part of the appeal is that it all feels very French, with its large concentration of pontificators and sophisticated smokers gazing wondrously into the distance.
It does, however, welcome a spendthrift clientele too, for it famously offers the cheapest Happy Hour prices in the neighbourhood.
Bistro 27 - 27 rue de Bruxelles, 75009
This unassuming Parisian brasserie isn’t for the faint hearted. It may be shabby and inundated with students, but with pints as cheap as 2,50€ and cocktails from 5€, it would be rude not to show your face. Plus bar staff are smiley, and in an area as gloomy and uninspiring as Clichy, this doesn’t go unappreciated. Be sure to order one of their delicious pizzas to help stomach the drink, those mojitos are definitely more rum than soda.
Some of Paris' smaller bars have the best atmosphere. Photo: AFP
Paris Beaubourg - 23 rue Saint Merri, Place Igor Stravinsky, 75004
Paris Beaubourg, situated right in the heart of one of Paris’ most expensive districts for drinks, is an affordable find for all those keen to soak up the Parisian culture before their time in the city is up.
Not only is it located directly opposite the Centre Pompidou, but also just next door to the famous Café Beaubourg, long-time hotspot for renowned art critics and writers alike. Happy Hour prices are generous too, with a large array of cocktails priced at just €6 each.
Le Comptoir Général - 80 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010
Tucked away behind a street-art mural along the Canal Saint-Martin, this Franco-African bar is not an easy find.
It is, however, one of the most popular student haunts the city has to offer. Spanning the entirety of three large rooms, the bar boasts ample space for dancing and meeting people, and meet people you will. Their cocktails are spectacular - be sure to try La Secousse - and their reggae DJ sets never fail to disappoint.
Palm trees, chandeliers and upside-down sharks (yes, really) provide an eclectic backdrop.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.