Apartments and Villas for sale in Nice

Nice has many evening activities to offer throughout the year. From Michelin-guide restaurants to Irish bars, Nice has something for everyone. A diverse expatriate population and a large volume of tourists ensure that all tastes are catered for. The great thing about Nice is that everything you need is in walking distance. An evening stroll through this historic city will open your eyes to all the entertainment it has to offer. The two main areas centre on the Old Town, buzzing with bars and terraces every day, and the more refined Zone Pietonne.

Bars

Most bars in Nice, and especially the ones that appeal to foreigners, are located in 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

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.

Johnny's Wine Bar

A cosy Canadian-run bar, Johnny's has open-mic every night which brings flocks of local amateurs looking to entertain. Located a few metres from Place Rossetti, why not sit outside and watch the streams of tourists go by. Apart from the friendly atmosphere and nightly music, Johnny's drinks are exceptionally good value.

Wayne's Bar

If you are looking for young, single people, Wayne's is the place to be. Every visitor to Nice under 30 inevitably ends up here. Wayne's serves pub meals and has internet access.

Paddy's Bar

Gaze at the large portrait of Michael Collins as you sip your Guinness in Nice's second Irish bar. Free internet access and friendly staff make this bar a popular one for expatriates and French alike. It is great for watching sports, with the most extensive list of satellite channels to ensure you don't miss that important match whilst abroad.

McMahon's Bar

Situated on the edge of the Old Town, McMahon's is the only English speaking bar with a pool table. Definitely one of the biggest bars in the city, students flock here during the college year. Every Tuesday from 9pm, Vodka, Gin and Whiskey - plus a free mixer - is €2. Happy hour all day Sunday.

Thor

This Scandinavian style bar attracts a hugely diverse crowd, with live music and a large sitting area outside.

Local French Bars

Bar des Oiseaux

Tucked the other side of Waynes, this bar has established itself as one of the best jazz bars in Nice. There is a €5 cover charge which is added to your first drink. Food is also served.

Bar de la Degustation

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

Liquid

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.

Pure

This new off-the-beaten-track trendy bar has been designed with a very Zen feel, and offers a la carte sushi.

Salsa Bars

Barrio's Salsa Bar

For something different, why not try some Latin-style cocktails as you watch experienced and not-so-experienced salsa dancers show their magic. Drinks are pricey, as they are in all the Nice salsa bars, and the large dining area serves mexican-style food. The music is at its latin best outside of the weekend.

La Havane

Though smaller, 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 two clubs.

Other Bars

Bar Le Relais

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

Evenement

This is the main nightclub in Nice. Recently opened, it caters for mostly students and young professionals.

Le Klub

This gay club is just off the Zone Pietonne, and is straight-friendly at week-ends. 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.

Restaurants

France is famous for its fine food, and it's a well-deserved reputation. Nice is home to hundreds of top-quality restaurants from some of the best chefs. The local cuisine, as with all of Nice's culture, is a combination of influences from Provence and Italy. Local specialities include Socca, a pancake made from chick-pea flour and olive oil, and the classic Nicoise salad, which comprises lettuce, tuna, olives, onions, tomatoes and eggs. Unlike bars, good restaurants are widely dispersed in Nice, so be prepared to walk a little. All of these restaurants are less then 10 minutes from Old Nice. Here are our recommendations:

For Nicois: Le Fran-Calin

One of the best kept secrets in Nice, this family-run restaurant specialises in traditional Nicois cuisine. The "assiette degustation" gives you a tapas-style assortiment of local specialities, and for the main meal try the hand-made fresh ravioli, gnochi or gratins.

For Pizza: Bar de Coin

The huge thin-crust pizza must have some magical ingredient, as the locals are always coming back for more. So popular in fact that the Bar de Coin does not even accept reservations.

For Italian: Le Voglia

This new Italian restaurant near the Cours Saleya is always busy and does not accept reservations and so it is best to turn up early. Expect generous portions of pizza and pasta to follow your anti-pasta.

For Romance: Le Tire Bouchon

A romantic candle-lit French restaurant, this is the perfect place to take your partner.

For Traditional French: Maison de la Marie

This classy restaurant is tucked away under an arch on the Zone Piettone. Surprisingly good value for such fine dining.

For Seafood: Boccaccio

Reputedly the best seafood restaurant in Nice. Located on the Zone Piettone, you can see the menu by looking at the seafood shelved outside the restaurant.

For Haut Cuisine: Chantecler

The prestigious reputation of the Chantecler is well deserved, and it is the only restaurant in Nice to have two Michelin stars. The chef Alain Llorca serves exquisite French cuisine and offers seasonal menus. The decor follows the palatial hotel it resides in, and the service impeccable.

For Art-lovers: Le Grand Cafe des Arts

If you know who Yves Klein is, then you must visit this exceptionally stylish restaurant. Located in the grounds of the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, you can dine outside with views of the marble-cladded museum and theatre whilst surrounded by the sculptures by artists such as Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle.

For Sushi: Kamogawa

The best sushi bar in town, where the chef prepares the food in front of the diners sitting around.

For Indian: Nooris

The best Indian restaurant in Nice, located just off the Zone Pietonne. Hot buffet every Sunday lunch and dinner outside of summer.