Hi everyone! I am traveling to London, Paris and Montpellier for work in a couple weeks and looking for things to do in the evenings. Unfortunately, I won’t have time during the day to do any sightseeing, and reading through Rick’s guidebook it seems like most things close early until May. So, my question is, what are your suggestions for evening activities, sights, restaurants, or anything else! I’m really open to just about anything. Thank you!
Posted by
Chicago
8166 posts
If you like the arts go to the movies or a to concert or night club. Ask the concierge what's going on and for recommendations
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8075 posts
I travel for work to Europe, and certainly on work days, your time is limited. Getting off about 5:00, getting a drink and some food occupies the evening most times. My advice would be:
Have some possibilities in the bag so to speak, in case you get off a bit early, you can take advantage of the opportunity. Also if you have days off over the weekend or a free day, maximize those.
Museums have late nights, figure those out based on your interest.
London I know the most about, first, have an Oyster card for buses and the Underground, you can get most places fairly quickly. Big plus in London is that many Museums are free, so getting to the British Museum or the National Gallery and only having an hour is less an issue than if you had to pay $20.00. I find I focus on walks, still get to see many great things otherwise.
As for food in London, just about anything you want. Must haves, Fish and chips (Kerbisher and Malt, Hook in Camden, the Rock and Sole Plaice in Soho, and many others); Pub Grub: Indian, mainly curries; and then some modern London cuisine at a trendier place. You can find examples of the above in nearly any area of London, I do like to wander the SOHO area, just for the activity and the variety of restaurants.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14755 posts
Some of the Paris and London museums are open until 8 or 9 a night or so a week. I'd check for which nights you are where and see if you can fit in a visit.
For example:
London - National Gallery open Friday until 9
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/
Paris - Louvre open Wed & Fri until 945
https://www.louvre.fr/en/hours-admission
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2297 posts
Paris: Concert at St. Chappelle would be one of my recommendations. Evening cruise on the Seine, a drink in the bar atop Montparnasse Tower, an evening food/chocolate tour, a wander through Dehellerin's (open Tues-Fri til 19:00).
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4606 posts
A play in London. Agree with Sainte-Chapelle concert in Paris.
Posted by
Chicago
8561 posts
We always go to the Opera in Paris. There are several shows up during this period. There are lots of other music options from free concerts to tourist offerings like Ste Chapelle concerts in the evenings. There are lots of nice wine bars and of course restaurants for a spectacular evening. And museums have evening hours. Louvre (Weds/Fri), d'Orsay (Thurs) and you can check for others.
There are late night jazz clubs in Paris -- late late late night like till 3 or 4 in the morning. Lots to do.
When we had one evening on a layover in London, we went to a pub for fish and chips and then took in a Gilbert and Sullivan at the Savoy and walked back to the hotel over Westminster bridge. A spectacularly London evening.
Figure out your dream of Paris and London and see what is happening then. I have never been to Montpellier.
Posted by
South Florida
776 posts
For Paris A helpful website in English
https://www.timeout.com/paris/en
This is the website of a weekly booklet that can purchased at news kiosks on Wednesday
https://www.offi.fr/
Montpellier, gorgeous for architecture and setting is a lively, very lively, sometimes too lively university town.
There are many websites. The below will give you an idea.
https://www.momondo.co.uk/inspiration/things-to-do-in-montpellier/