Most bars in Nice, and especially the ones that appeal to foreigners, are located in the Old Town. The normal closing time is 2.30am, although some bars (and all nightclubs) can stay open until 4.30am. Happy hour is common, which generally runs until 9pm. Weeknight drinks promotions are frequent. Nightclubs in Nice differ from their counterparts in the UK and Ireland. Firstly, there are not a lot of them: French culture is more of a cafe culture, not very pub/club orientated. Secondly, late bars are far more popular than UK-style nightclubs.
English-speaking bars
Ma Nolans Irish Bar
2, Rue Saint Francois De Paule – telephone 04 93 80 23 87
The only “real” Irish bar in Nice, located just off the promenade on the Cours Saleya, this bar is one of the most popular in town. Everything about this bar is Irish: the owners, the staff, the food, the drinks and the customers. Opened since summer 2005, Ma Nolans is perfect for those who want to have a relaxing pint and socialise with fellow English speakers. Food is served until 10pm, WiFi internet is free and there is a large outside terrace. It is also the only pub to show all the football.
Wayne’s Bar
15 Rue de la Prefecture – telephone 04 93 13 46 99
If you are looking for young, single people, Waynes is the place to be. Every visitor to Nice under 30 inevitably ends up here. Wayne’s serves pub meals and (usually) has internet access.
Paddy’s Bar
40 rue Droite
Gaze at the large portrait of Michael Collins as you sip your Guinness in Nice’s Irish-themed bar. No more free wifi and the constant change in staff means this tends to be a quiet spot, except for weekends. However the lack of people and the secluded location make for a cool escape during the hot summer months.
Thor
Cours Saleya
This Scandinavian style bar attracts a hugely diverse crowd, with live music and a large sitting area outside.
Local French Bars
Bar des Oiseaux
5 rue Saint Vincent – telephone +33 (0)4 93 80 27 33
Tucked the other side of Waynes, this bar has established itself as one of the best jazz bars in Nice (the other being Shapko on rue Rossetti). There is a 5 euro cover charge which is added to your first drink. Food is also served.
Bar de la Degustation
7 rue Prefecture – telephone +33 (0)4 93 80 57 57
Overlooking the large square and the fountain in front of the Palais de Justice, this bar is perfect to sip on a pastis and watch the world go by and listen to the live jazz bands that often play in just in front.
Chic French Bars
Vox
Rue Alexander Mari
This is a chic French bar, located close to the Palais de Justice. During the college year, this bar is frequented by stylish French students. If not smartly dressed you will be sent downstairs to their grunge bar, in which case explore other options.
Pure
2Bis rue Raoul Bosio – telephone +33 (0)4 93 62 50 53
This off-the-beaten-track trendy bar has been designed with a very Zen feel, and is popular with young professionals. Rude staff on the door and behind the bar only keep making the locals come back for more.
Salsa Bars
La Havane
32 rue de France – telephone +33 (0)4 93 16 36 16
Though small, the food and the dance instructors have a very good reputation. A good place to take those first steps or brush up before taking to the dance floor on one of the other clubs on the Cote d’Azur.
Other Bars
Bar Le Relais
Negresco Hotel
Located in the plush Negresco Hotel, this English-style bar decorated with walnut wood panelling, velvet armchairs, famous portraits and tapestries has a piano player/singer every evening.
Clubs
High Club
45 Promenade des Anglais – telephone +33 (0)4 93 96 68 00
This is the main nightclub in Nice. Ok the only real nightclub in Nice. It caters for mostly students and young professionals.
Le Klub
6 rue Halevy – telephone +33 (0)4 93 16 27 56
This gay club is just off the Zone Pietonne is well known for great music and very friendly staff. The extremely potent coctails are amusingly served in a McDonald-style cup-and-straw to prevent spillage on the dance floor.