insouciance

I know the solo question has been asked before, but I didn't find answers to what to do at night. This will be my 4th trip to Paris, and this time I'll have an entire Saturday available before I meet my SO to bring him around Paris for the next few days. He has never been to Paris, so I'll be doing the traditional touristy sights with him.

I will be in Paris from 9am (coming in from Brussels). I was thinking of doing some shopping in Lafayette to occupy my time, but beyond that, I'm out of ideas. Besides lounging at a cafe and people watching, is there anything else that I could do? Sadly, I think I'm one of the few who haven't been very enthralled by what Paris has to offer; but I would like to change it this time around.

More importantly, I was thinking of occupying my saturday night - I know many restaurants are closed on Saturday nights and I was thinking of dining in, but I would like to explore Paris at night - how safe is it? I don't speak any French, and most people mistake me for a 18-year old. I'll be staying in the 11th arrondissement.

Would appreciate any help, thanks!

cls2paris

I'm not sure that your information about most restaurants being closed on Saturday night is very accurate. Most areas where tourists will be are safe in the evenings. I've never stayed in the 11th arr. but you could ask at the hotel for a recommendation of a nearby restaurant to have dinner that night.

Going to the department store would be fun for me also! But you might also just want to wander. Like the Ile St. Louis or the Marais. Or wander the small streets between the metro St. Michel and St. Germain, lots of fun window shopping there. I hope you get enthralled this time!

FrenchMystiqueTours

The previous poster is right. I don't know where you heard that rumor that restaurants are closed on Saturday nights. Quite the contrary. If you are in the 11th and want nightlife you don't need to leave your neighborhood. Right near you on Rue de la Roquette and Rue Oberkampf there are quite a few bars and much nightlife. You wouldn't think so if you were there during the day but it is a different scene at night. Here's a link to a photo journal that one of my fellow posters did showing the nightlife on Rue Oberkampf.

http://www.anyportinastorm.proboards...ad=3921&page=1

Now obviously the 11th is not in central Paris so if you want to be in downtown Paris there are 2 districts I would recommend. Either The Marais of The Latin Quarter. In both these areas you are likely to encounter other English speakers. I don't think you should be concerned with safety in either the 11th or the areas I recommended. There are loads of bars and restaurants in both areas so maybe just wander around until you see something you like. Maybe one where you hear some English being spoken and you might strike up a conversation.

I don't know what you've done your last 4 times here so I don't know what you've seen and haven't seen. Maybe get one of the rental bikes and ride around. I just don't know.

danon

if it is your "thing', see an opera at the Bastille.

insouciance

thanks all for the comments!

Christina

What would you do at home on a Saturday night? I tend to do the same kinds of things when on vacation that I like doing normally. Sometimes I go to a movie, also. Or I may go to a cafe for coffee or a glass of wine after dinner elsewhere, and while away some time in a cafe, perhaps reading the newspaper or whatever, or just experiencing the situation and enjoying my wine. I don't eat early, so am not often done with dinner until 9:30 at least.

It sounds like you never do anything on your own that you cannot think of a single thing to do.

I go to cafes on place de la Bastille at night a lot if I'm staying in that area. I like Cafe des Phares, which sometimes even has live music like a small trio.