Where to find the best sports bar in Nice, France: a guide for live sports fans
Want to catch the match in Nice? The safest bet is the cluster of Irish pubs in the Old Town. They show football and rugby with English commentary, they get loud in the best way, and you are never more than a few minutes’ walk from the next one. Here are the three that actually deliver on a match night, plus how to plan your evening around kick-off.
| Bar | Area | Best for | Open |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ma Nolan’s Vieux Nice | Old Town | Premier League, rugby, big crowd | Daily 11:00-02:00 |
| Ma Nolan’s Port | Port de Nice | Harbour terrace, many screens | Daily |
| Wayne’s Bar | Old Town | Rugby, rowdy nights, live bands | Daily 10:00-02:00 |
1. Ma Nolan’s Irish Pub, Vieux Nice
The Old Town all-rounder. The most reliable place in Nice for a big football or rugby night. Wide-screen TVs in every corner, English commentary, a proper Guinness, hearty pub food served all day, and live music most nights once the final whistle goes. It fills up fast for Premier League and Six Nations, so it has the loudest, most contagious atmosphere of the lot.
Come here first if you just want to be sure the game is on and the room is buzzing.
🕒 Daily 11:00-02:00
📺 Premier League, rugby, Champions League, live music nightly
📞 04 93 80 23 87
2. Ma Nolan’s Irish Pub, Nice Port
Same sport, better view. The Port sibling of Ma Nolan’s trades the tight Old Town buzz for a harbour-side terrace looking out over the boats and castle hill. Plenty of screens inside for the match, then a drink outside with a sea view once it wraps. A good shout when you want the game plus a bit of air and space.
🕒 Open daily, evenings for match nights
📺 Football, rugby, live music, harbour terrace
3. Wayne’s Bar
The rowdy one. A Nice institution just off Cours Saleya, Wayne’s is loud, packed and famous for live bands and dancing on the tables after the game. It shows sport all season with a soft spot for rugby, and the happy hour runs 5 to 8 pm with pints around €5.50. Go here when you want the match to roll straight into a proper night out.
🕒 Daily 10:00-02:00 · Happy hour 17:00-20:00
📺 Rugby and football, live concerts every night
One more worth knowing: The Snug and Cellar is a smaller, more relaxed expat bar that shows the big football matches. Seating is limited, so it is one for arriving early rather than turning up at kick-off with a group.
Which bar for which night
- Premier League with the loudest crowd: Ma Nolan’s Vieux Nice.
- The game plus a sea view: Ma Nolan’s Port.
- Rugby, then dancing on the tables: Wayne’s Bar.
- A quieter pint and the match: The Snug and Cellar (get there early).
Match-day tips
- Arrive 30 minutes early for anything big (derbies, Champions League, Six Nations). Seats with a clear screen view go first.
- Ask about English commentary when you sit down. Most screens have it, but not all at the same time.
- Use the happy hours. Wayne’s runs 5 to 8 pm, and the Irish pubs usually have early-evening deals before kick-off.
- They are all a short walk apart in and around the Old Town, so if one is full, the next is minutes away.
- Book ahead for finals if you are a group of six or more.
Frequently asked questions
Which sports bars in Nice show the Premier League?
The Old Town Irish pubs are your best bet: Ma Nolan’s (Vieux Nice and the Port), Wayne’s Bar and The Snug all show Premier League football with English commentary and multiple screens.
Where can I watch rugby in Nice?
Wayne’s Bar leans hard into rugby all season, and both Ma Nolan’s pubs show the Six Nations and Champions Cup. Arrive early for the big matches.
Do I need to book a table for a big match?
For finals, derbies and Champions League knockouts, yes. Otherwise arrive about 30 minutes before kick-off to get a seat with a clear view of a screen.
Related guides
- Best nightclubs in Nice: keep the night going after the game.
- Best burgers in Nice: food spots near the bars.
- The complete Nice nightlife guide: bars, clubs and more.
- Board game bars in Nice: a different kind of games night.
Thomas
I’m Thomas, founder of Nice Party Life. We share the best tips, from hidden gems to must-sees, to make your stay in Nice unforgettable. Whether you’re seeking nightlife or city adventures, we’re here to guide you! 🌴✨
