Nice

🌃

Nightlife

Sections

Nightlife in Nice, France: Shopping and Entertainment Guide

Nice, located on the French Riviera, is a vibrant city that offers a mix of sophisticated nightlife, entertainment, and shopping opportunities. Whether you're a visitor or a resident, the city has something for everyone, from chic cocktail bars and nightclubs to late-night shopping and cultural events. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate Nice’s nightlife scene, with a focus on shopping and entertainment.

1. Popular Venues for Nightlife Entertainment

Bars and Lounges

  • Wayne’s Bar

    • Type: Lively English pub with live music and dancing.
    • Location: 15 Rue de la Préfecture, Old Town (Vieux Nice).
    • What to Expect: A mix of locals, expats, and tourists enjoying live bands and a party atmosphere.
    • Cost: €6–€10 for a pint of beer, €10–€15 for cocktails.
    • Dress Code: Casual, but neat.
    • Tip: Arrive early to secure a table, as it gets crowded after 9 PM.

  • Le Shapko

    • Type: Jazz and blues bar.
    • Location: 5 Rue Rossetti, Old Town.
    • What to Expect: Intimate live music performances with a relaxed vibe.
    • Cost: €8–€12 for drinks.
    • Dress Code: Smart casual.
    • Tip: Perfect for music lovers looking for a more laid-back evening.

  • Movida

    • Type: Trendy cocktail bar with sea views.
    • Location: 37 Promenade des Anglais.
    • What to Expect: A chic atmosphere with creative cocktails and a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.
    • Cost: €12–€18 for cocktails.
    • Dress Code: Smart casual to semi-formal.
    • Tip: Ideal for a pre-dinner drink or a romantic evening.

Nightclubs

  • High Club

    • Type: Modern nightclub with international DJs.
    • Location: 45 Promenade des Anglais.
    • What to Expect: A high-energy dance floor with electronic, house, and pop music.
    • Cost: Entry €20–€30 (includes one drink); cocktails €12–€15.
    • Dress Code: Dress to impress (no sneakers or casual attire).
    • Tip: Check their website for themed nights and guest DJ schedules.

  • Le Glam

    • Type: LGBTQ+ friendly nightclub.
    • Location: 6 Rue Eugène Emmanuel.
    • What to Expect: A welcoming atmosphere with drag shows, themed parties, and a diverse crowd.
    • Cost: Entry €10–€15; drinks €8–€12.
    • Dress Code: Casual to smart casual.
    • Tip: Popular on weekends, so arrive early to avoid long lines.

2. Shopping Options Related to Nightlife

Fashion Boutiques for Nightlife Attire

  • Galeries Lafayette Nice Masséna

    • Location: 6 Avenue Jean Médecin.
    • What to Expect: A high-end department store offering designer clothing, shoes, and accessories perfect for a night out.
    • Cost: Dresses and suits start at €100; accessories from €30.
    • Tip: Look for seasonal sales (soldes) in January and July for discounts up to 50%.

  • Rue Paradis

    • What to Expect: A luxury shopping street featuring brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès. Ideal for those looking to splurge on high-end fashion.
    • Cost: Designer items start at €500.
    • Tip: Even if you’re not shopping, the street is worth a stroll for its glamorous ambiance.

Late-Night Shopping

  • Nice Etoile Shopping Center
    • Location: 30 Avenue Jean Médecin.
    • What to Expect: A modern mall with extended hours during the summer season. Offers clothing, cosmetics, and accessories for last-minute nightlife prep.
    • Cost: Mid-range prices; Zara, H&M, and Sephora are popular options.
    • Tip: Check the mall’s website for special evening events or promotions.

Local Markets

  • Cours Saleya Market (Evening Edition)
    • Location: Old Town (Vieux Nice).
    • What to Expect: A vibrant market offering artisanal jewelry, handmade accessories, and unique souvenirs.
    • Cost: Jewelry from €20; accessories from €10.
    • Tip: Bargaining is not common in France, so expect to pay the listed price.

3. Types of Entertainment Available

Live Music and Performances

  • Opéra de Nice

    • Location: 4–6 Rue Saint-François de Paule.
    • What to Expect: Classical music, opera, and ballet performances in a stunning historic venue.
    • Cost: Tickets range from €20 to €100, depending on the performance and seating.
    • Dress Code: Formal or semi-formal.
    • Tip: Book tickets in advance, especially during the summer season.

  • Théâtre National de Nice

    • Location: Promenade des Arts.
    • What to Expect: Contemporary plays, dance performances, and cultural events.
    • Cost: Tickets range from €15 to €50.
    • Dress Code: Smart casual.
    • Tip: Check their schedule for English-language performances.

Casinos

  • Casino Barrière Le Ruhl
    • Location: 1 Promenade des Anglais.
    • What to Expect: A glamorous casino offering slot machines, poker, and roulette.
    • Cost: Entry is free, but you’ll need a valid ID. Minimum bets start at €5.
    • Dress Code: Smart casual (no shorts or flip-flops).
    • Tip: Gambling is strictly for those aged 18 and above; bring your passport for ID verification.

4. Typical Costs

  • Drinks: €6–€18, depending on the venue and type of drink.
  • Entry Fees: €10–€30 for nightclubs; free for most bars.
  • Shopping: Mid-range clothing starts at €30; high-end fashion starts at €500.
  • Entertainment: Live music and theater tickets range from €15 to €100.

5. Dress Codes and Local Customs

  • Dress Codes:

    • Bars and casual venues: Smart casual (jeans and a nice top are acceptable).
    • Nightclubs and upscale venues: Dress to impress (no sneakers, flip-flops, or overly casual attire).
    • Cultural venues: Semi-formal or formal attire is recommended.

  • Local Customs:

    • The French value style and presentation, so dressing well is appreciated.
    • Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated (round up to the nearest euro or leave 5–10% for excellent service).
    • Smoking is common in outdoor areas of bars and cafes, so don’t be surprised to see people lighting up.

6. Safety Tips

  • Stick to well-lit and busy areas, especially in Old Town and along the Promenade des Anglais.
  • Keep an eye on your belongings, as pickpocketing can occur in crowded nightlife spots.
  • Avoid accepting drinks from strangers, and always watch your drink to prevent spiking.
  • Use licensed taxis or rideshare apps like Uber to get home safely after a night out.
  • Be mindful of noise levels when leaving venues, as locals value quiet residential areas.

7. Other Considerations

  • Transportation: The tram and buses stop running around midnight, so plan for a taxi or rideshare if you’re staying out late.
  • Language: While many people in Nice speak English, learning a few basic French phrases (e.g., “Bonsoir” for good evening) will go a long way in making a good impression.
  • Seasonal Events: During the summer, Nice hosts outdoor concerts, beach parties, and festivals like the Nice Jazz Festival, which are great alternatives to traditional nightlife.

With its mix of chic venues, cultural experiences, and shopping opportunities, Nice offers a well-rounded nightlife experience that caters to all tastes. Whether you’re sipping cocktails by the sea, dancing the night away, or enjoying a live performance, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time in this glamorous city.