Paris: Pub Crawl with Shots and Nightclub Entry

Paris has plenty of places to drink, but finding them with a ready-made group is the real trick. This four-hour pub crawl starts at McBrides Pub on Rue Saint Denis, moves through three or four nearby bars, and ends at a nightclub with entry already arranged.

I like two things here: the social setup makes it easy to talk to people, and the $20 price includes a shot after your first drink at each bar, happy-hour deals, and club entry. Guides Omar and Amine are repeatedly praised for pulling shy guests into the group and keeping the mood light.

The catch is that the advertised free shots are not simply handed out. You must buy your first drink at each bar, and all additional drinks are extra. Deals also need watching: one person reported that a bar charged full price instead of the promised discount.

Key points at a glance

• Four stops before the club: Expect three or four bars, followed by one nightclub, with the exact venues and route subject to change.
• Shots tied to drink purchases: At each bar, your free shot comes after you buy your first drink.
• Omar is a major part of the experience: His humor, friendliness, and knack for bringing people together receive the strongest praise.
• Good for solo visitors: The format gives you an instant group and works especially well if you want company on your first night in Paris.
• Short walks between venues: Several people liked that the bars were close together, so the night stays focused on conversation and drinks.
• Club entry is included: You do not need to face the normal line at the final nightclub, though drinks inside still cost extra.

Starting at McBrides Pub on Rue Saint Denis

Your night begins at McBrides Pub, 54 Rue Saint Denis, 75001 Paris. This puts you in a central part of the city, near an active evening district and within easy reach of the first bar on foot.

The meeting point matters more than it might seem. Pub crawls work best when everyone gathers in one clear place before the first drink, rather than trying to find a moving group later. Arrive ready to introduce yourself. The evening depends less on sightseeing and more on your willingness to talk, laugh, and join in.

The guide leads the group in English. Omar is the name most often associated with the experience, while Amine also guides some departures. Both are described as friendly and welcoming, with Omar receiving especially strong praise for his humor and personal attention.

Group size can change from one night to the next. Some evenings have a large crowd, while quieter nights may bring a small group. That difference affects the mood. A larger group gives you more people to meet and a louder party feel. A smaller group gives you more time for proper conversations. One Monday departure was particularly appreciated for its relaxed pace and chance to speak with everyone.

The first bar: an easy way to break the ice

At the first bar, you meet the rest of the group and buy your first drink. Once that purchase is made, you receive a free shot. The same pattern applies at each bar, so read the offer accurately: the shot is included with the first drink purchase, not offered as a stand-alone free drink.

This opening stop is designed to remove the awkwardness of meeting strangers. You can join a drinking game, chat at the table, or simply start with a quick introduction. You do not need to be the loudest person in the room. The guide’s role is to help connect people who might otherwise stay with their own friends.

That is useful for solo visitors. Arriving alone in a Paris bar can feel flat if you do not know anyone, while arriving with a group gives you an immediate reason to speak. Several people came alone and found the night much easier because the guide kept the group connected.

The first drink also sets your budget for the evening. The $20 booking price covers the organized crawl, guide, shots after qualifying drink purchases, happy-hour access, and nightclub entry. You still pay for every drink you buy, so keep a little extra money available.

Three or four bars around central Paris

The group then walks to three or four other bars. The route explores trendy central areas, but the exact bar names are not provided and venues may vary. You should think of this as a guided night out, not a fixed bar-by-bar cultural tour.

The short walks are one of the practical strengths. You are not spending much of the four hours in taxis or on public transport. One person specifically liked how close the pubs were, and that makes sense: a compact route keeps the group together and gives you more time inside each place.

Each bar has its own mood. One may be better for conversation, another for games, and another for music or a livelier crowd. The changing settings help prevent the evening from feeling repetitive. You get several chances to find the kind of atmosphere you prefer before reaching the club.

At each stop, you receive one happy-hour period and a free shot after buying your first drink. These savings can make the $20 price worthwhile, especially if you plan to have a drink at several venues anyway. Still, check the price before ordering. One reported problem involved a second bar that did not honor the expected discount, so it is sensible to confirm the deal with the guide or bartender.

The crawl is not a food tour, and no meal is included. If you need dinner, eat before meeting the group or plan food separately. Four hours of walking, drinking, and dancing is easier when you are not starting hungry.

Games, conversation, and the role of the guide

Drinking games are available, but they are not the whole point. You can play along, or focus on conversation. That choice gives the evening some flexibility, particularly for people who want to meet others but do not want nonstop drinking.

The guide makes a large difference here. Omar is repeatedly praised for being funny, easy to approach, and attentive to the group. People also credit him with making newcomers feel included, which is important when the group contains different ages and nationalities.

You should not expect a formal history lesson about Paris. The local knowledge is used to lead you through the nightlife rather than explain monuments, architecture, or French culture. If your goal is to understand Parisian history, choose a daytime walking tour instead. If your goal is to meet people and see several nightlife venues without planning the route yourself, this format fits.

The international mix is another reason to book. The group can include people from France, the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and other countries. That can turn a simple night out into a useful social evening, especially if you are staying in Paris alone.

Finishing at a nightclub with entry included

After the third bar, the group heads to a nightclub. On some departures, the crawl visits four bars first, so the total can vary between three or four bars plus one club.

Your nightclub ticket is included, with VIP skip-the-line access. That removes one of the more annoying parts of Paris nightlife: standing outside while deciding if the cover charge and wait are worth it. The group can move past the regular line, then spend the remaining time dancing.

The club atmosphere depends on the venue and night. Reports describe good music, active DJs, and a crowd that kept dancing until late. One person returned to a hotel at 3 a.m., which gives you a fair idea of how the schedule can stretch into the early morning even though the advertised activity lasts four hours.

The club is not a private space reserved for the crawl. You are entering a working nightclub, so the crowd, music, and mood can change. The group may bring much of the energy, particularly on a quieter night. If you want a calm final drink, this may feel too loud. If you want dancing, the final stop is the right part of the evening.

Club drinks are not included. Budget for them separately, and pace yourself earlier in the night if you plan to stay on the dance floor.

Is the $20 price good value?

At $20 per person, this is a low-cost way to organize a full night out in central Paris. The price includes the guide, three or four bars, a happy-hour period at every bar, a shot after the first drink purchase at each stop, and nightclub entry.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay for club entry and several drinks. The included admission alone removes a separate expense, while the drink offers can help lower the cost of the bar stops. You also save the time and effort of choosing venues, checking club rules, and moving between places on your own.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, dislike group activities, or plan to leave before the nightclub. The free shots are conditional on drink purchases, and the activity does not include food or additional drinks. You should not book it expecting an all-inclusive night.

I would also keep the discount details in mind as you order. Most of the experience is built around good drink prices, but one reported issue involved a bar charging full price. A quick question before ordering can prevent an unpleasant surprise.

Who will enjoy this Paris night out?

This is a strong choice for solo visitors who want company without arranging a night through a hostel, hotel, or social app. The guide gives you a natural opening, and the repeated change of venue helps you meet more than one small circle of people.

It also suits pairs and small groups who want to meet others. If you arrive with friends, make a point of speaking with the wider group rather than staying together all night. The experience works best when you use the structure to make new connections.

The age mix can vary. The activity is not considered suitable for people over 70, and the tone is clearly aimed at a younger, social crowd. If loud music, shots, drinking games, and late-night dancing do not appeal to you, you will likely find the pace tiring.

Comfortable shoes are important. You walk between several bars, and the night ends with dancing. Paris streets can also be less pleasant in uncomfortable footwear after several hours out.

Timing, cancellation, and simple planning tips

The activity lasts four hours, but the night can continue later at the club. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when booking. The tour is conducted in English.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Those terms are useful if your Paris schedule is still shifting.

I would arrive at Mcbrides Pub with comfortable shoes, enough money for drinks beyond the included benefits, and a willingness to speak to people you have just met. Eat beforehand if you need a proper meal, and decide in advance how much you want to drink. The guide can create a fun group, but you still control your own pace.

It is also worth confirming the group meeting details before you leave your hotel. The starting point is specific, and the group will move on to the first bar rather than wait throughout the evening.

My take: a social night with good built-in value

I would choose this pub crawl for a first night in Paris when I wanted an easy social plan rather than a carefully selected cocktail bar. The best parts are the friendly guides, the international group, the close-together venues, and the included nightclub entry.

Omar appears to be especially good at making a large group feel connected, while smaller departures can offer more relaxed conversation. The route gives you variety without requiring much planning, and the $20 starting price is fair when you use the drink deals and go to the club.

I would skip it if you want quiet conversation, high-end drinks, a food-focused evening, or a fixed list of famous Paris bars. I would book it if you are solo, open to meeting people, and happy with a lively night that moves from bar to bar before ending on a dance floor.

FAQ

Where does the Paris pub crawl meet?

Meet your guide at Mcbrides Pub, 54 Rue Saint Denis, 75001 Paris.

How long does the pub crawl last?

The activity lasts four hours.

How many bars are included?

The group visits three to four bars, followed by one nightclub.

Is nightclub entry included?

Yes. The activity includes VIP skip-the-line entry to the nightclub.

Are the shots free?

You receive one free shot after purchasing your first drink at each bar.

Are additional drinks included?

No. Additional drinks are not included in the activity price.

Are drink discounts included?

Yes. One happy-hour period is included at each bar.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide conducts the activity in English.

Who guides the pub crawl?

Omar guides many departures, and Amine also guides some tours.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.