Nice after Dark
Nice is the French Riviera’s glitzy capital, and it really shines at night. Even if you’re not a party person, you’ll be tempted to stay up after bedtime if you take a stroll around the Old Town (Vieux Nice). You’ll find yourself drawn to the glow of restaurants and bars, whether you prefer to sit back with a glass on an inviting terrace or rock out in rowdy pub. Here are some places you may want to seek out (or avoid, depending on your taste).
Les Smarties (10 Rue Défly)
Enter Les Smarties and you’ll definitely get an air of the 1970s (maybe it has something to do with the far-out wallpaper and retro tellies). Cocktail specialities include an excellent Mojito and the Sunbeck , a concoction of elderberry, mint, champagne, and white wine. Music is electro-lounge (think Zurich and Berlin). Clientele is ultra-hip.
High Club / Studio 47 (45 Promenade des Anglais)
The High Club section of this establishment is targeted at the young(ish) and trendy. Loud and fashionable, it’s packed with well-dressed clubbers who know their DJs. Studio 47 is aimed at the over-35s, with a more languorous vibe defined by sleek leather armchairs.
L’Effervescence (10 Rue de la Loge)
If the French Riviera is the embodiment of the champagne lifestyle, then
L’Effervescence should be its HQ. The only bar in Nice dedicated to champagne, L’Effervescence is a sleek venue, all stone and wooden vaults, but even here there are budget options. During Happy Hour (between 6pm and 7pm), you can get your second glass of bubbly half-price. Enjoy your champagne with a choice of sushi, charcuterie, or verrines (snacks in glasses).
Johnny's Wine Bar (1 Rue Rosetti)
For a convivial atmosphere, you can’t beat Johnny’s Wine Bar. If rowdy boisterousness or terrifying trendiness are not your thing, you’ll love it here. Enjoy live music in a laid-back setting, and be pleasantly surprised by the relatively low prices.
Wayne’s (15 Rue de la Préfecture)
Steer clear of
Wayne’s if you liked the sound of the aforementioned Johnny’s. This English bar is incredibly popular with young people from across the world, offering decent pub grub, rowdy live music, and rocking DJs.
Akathor Pub (32 cours Saleya)
Another venue to be avoided if you like subdued elegance,
Akathor is a guidebook staple beloved by backpackers. Loud, messy, and definitely rock ‘n’ roll.
King's Pub (15 Rue de la Préfecture)
Here’s another option for the energetic. Live bands at
King’s Pub actively encourage the crowd to dance along to rock ‘n’ roll numbers, so this is not the place for a leisurely drink before retiring. Student night is Thursday, when drinks prices are cut.
Le Before (18 Rue du Congrès)
If you haven’t already guessed, this is where the trendy Niçois people go before the clubs come to life. Not a place for dressing down, Le Before is a hip creation of chrome and wood where the hip go to see and be seen.
Le Staccato (4 Rue du Pont Vieux)
Nice’s best jazz club, Le Staccato is great even if you aren’t a big fan of the genre. Jazz aficionados will love the jazz cellar downstairs, where live music is performed every Friday and Saturday. You’ll find a more eclectic mix upstairs, with a variety of funk and soul making this club the epitome of cool.
Le Klub (6 Rue Halévy)
Lurking beneath a block of apartments on a residential side street, Le Klub does not look like the place for underground music in Nice - but it is. With a vibe that is gay-friendly (but not exclusively so), Le Klub offers electro, tribal, minimal, tech house, and deep house from 11pm to 5am.
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