Top Rated Nightlife in Marseille

Le Marengo is a hip, inviting cafe-bar in the city's busy 1st arrondissement. The laid-back setting is great to relish some chilled brews and appetizing bites, while the sprawling terrace offers an idyllic milieu to unwind or simply gaze at the Old Port's daily chores. For pub grub, the place serves up toothsome burgers, salads and sandwiches and appetizers.

An atmosphere of frenzied excitement fills this tiny little bar that looks more like a student's bed-sit with a mezzanine! Lots of people crowd in here to enjoy the festivities and the delightful cocktails. The customers are mainly girls and students, who meet here to organize the rest of their evening's entertainment. Lively atmosphere guaranteed.

Just like Paris's renowned Café de Flore, La Samaritaine - situated on the corner of the Vieux-Port at the lower end of Rue de la République - has managed to hold onto its old-fashioned charm. And it's easy to see why, with its 1930s-style décor, deliciously light, traditional cuisine, piano bar and fabulous terrace looking out over the boats moored in the harbor making it the perfect rendezvous, no matter what time of day. The bar closes at 8:30 pm generally, but is open until midnight during the summer months.

This café is devoted to Olympique Marseille's legion of devoted fans. It is situated in the Vieux-Port, opposite the sea. You can follow live matches while munching on delicious snack platters and swigging beers from an international selection. La Brasserie OM has a great atmosphere, and appears to be permanently bathed in sunshine.

This very pleasant pub is in the town centre. Dominique, the landlady, has no prejudices and from behind her bar under the pink neon lights she serves all her customers, whether they are rockers, artists, sailors or regulars, in the same friendly manner. The photos adorning the pub walls tell the tale of many a festive night spent here in the past and promise unforgettable hours yet to be spent in festivities among future friends.

Perched on the first floor of l'Hôtel Bellevue is La Caravelle. Vieux-Port is beautiful, and the balcony seating at La Caravelle makes it all the more charming. Get here around noon and a vast choice of aïoli, anchoïade and daube Provençale will be awaiting you. It's also worth doubling back to La Caravelle in the evening for the live jazz performances(October to May). With the sunset vista of Vieux-Port and the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, fine whiskey in hand and complimentary tapas as amuse-bouche, nothing hits the spot better. The good things in life can be free.