WHERE TO HAVE A GREAT NIGHT OUT IN NOUMÉA?

Whether freshly landed in New Caledonia or as a Caledonian resident, are you wondering where to have a great night out in Nouméa? The nightlife is rich and diverse, just like New Caledonia itself. Restaurants, wine bars, waterside terraces, nightclubs where you can dance until the morning hours… There’s always a festive address and cultural event to discover! You thought you’d done the rounds of the Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons bars? You’ll be amazed at the choice you have for a great night out in Nouméa!

Where to have a drink at sunset

If there’s one tradition you shouldn’t miss in Nouméa, it’s watching the sun go down over the sea! What’s better than the bars at the “BD” (Baie des Citrons) to grab a drink after work? Here are our top 5 places to sip a cocktail at dusk:

The MV Lounge:the perfect spot to enjoy the last rays with your feet in the sand!
L’Endroit: right above the MV, relaxed atmosphere, with pool and darts games.
L’Étrave: breathtaking sea views, at Anse Vata.
Le Bout du Monde: a friendly atmosphere right next to the boats, at port Moselle.

We love crafting our own cocktails and getting tips from a mixology pro at the Rooftop!

Looking for a change of pace?

Head to the tapas evenings at l’Îlot Canard! Or, for an unforgettable souvenir, try the sunset aperitif experience on a catamaran…

A night out with friends in Nouméa

Want to have a fun evening with your friends? You’ll be spoilt for choice among the city’s bars! Here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of places to meet up:

– The neighbourhood of Baie des Citrons: la Barca, les 3 Brasseurs (3B), le Bohème. Each has its own vibe, with live concerts on some evenings. It’s not unusual to do the rounds of the BD.

– Latin Quarter:looking for a change of scene? Try the Art Café in the Latin Quarter! It’s a true locals’ bar, with a cosy atmosphere that’s reminiscent of a small neighbourhood pub.

– The neighbourhood of Motor Pool: A true institution for many Nouméans, the Fronton is a gathering place for friends and families in search of a welcoming atmosphere. The place is on fire during the Ferias held several times a year!

We love: The Fronton’s spacious outdoor area: perfect for kids to play while parents enjoy a wide selection of beers and pizzas.

Restaurants and dégustation menus in Nouméa

The region’s foodies in are in for a real treat! Among the city’s delicious restaurants, there’s something for everyone… or should we say, a table to suit every taste!

Prime locations: the restaurants of Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons are perfect for a treat right by the sea: the Edzen, La Terrasse (in the La Promenade complex) or the Cacao Sampaka are among the best options!
Incredible culinary experiences: Au P’tit Café located in Artillery or L’Alinéa in Motor Pool, for their excellent local fusion cuisine.
Perfect food and wine pairings: at Chai de l’Hippodrome or L’Inédit. Each offers a fine wine list, paired with high-quality tapas.

Nouméa is also known for its themed nights, such as the wine and cheese evenings at the Hôtel du Méridien, the traditional mussels and French fries evening at the Fronton, or the “special shrimp Thursdays” at the restaurant La Terrasse.

All night long: bars and nightclubs

Is tonight a party night in Nouméa? Head to Anse Vata to groove to the beat of the DJs until the early morning hours! The night often starts at La Bodega, tthe bar on stilts where you can warm up on the dance floor. Open from late afternoon until 2 a.m., the atmosphere gradually comes to life with live concerts and DJs to dance the night away with friends. Next, head to the XO Club, on the same pontoon, for a clubbing atmosphere, or at the MV Lounge. Each of these nightclubs lets you party in Nouméa all night long!

We love :When the Îlot Canard hosts wild parties like the Tropical Full Moon or the Retro Parties.

Where to go for a dance in Nouméa?

You like to dance, but not necessarily to the sound of DJs? No worries, some bars in Nouméa offer themed nights! Here are some of the dances you can learn or practice in Nouméa:

Tango: at Code Bar or at Chai de l’hippodrome
Latino-bachata: at Code Bar and at XO Club
Swing and lindy-hop: at Code Bar and at la Bodega
Salsa and kizomba: at XO Club, at Code Bar

There are also festivals, like burlesque or kizomba dance festivals, held in Nouméa every year.

Enjoy a cultural show

Fancy a cultural outing? You’re in luck: the city has a rich programme! The historic Theatre de l’Île has hosted many theatre, dance, and music greats, such as Alexis Michalik and his “Cercle des Illusionnistes”, François Morel, Dominique A and the duo Brigitte.

The Théâtre de Poche, nestled in the Centre d’Art, also offers excellent plays created in New Caledonia. Ask for the programme! Other places of expression are also part of the Nouméan landscape:

The Château Hagen: concerts, cinema and open-air shows.
The Rex: many dance-oriented nights
Tjibaou Cultural Center: high-quality cultural shows.
Le Chapitô de Nouvelle-Calédonie: a variety of free performances.

“Theatre, music, dance, and one-woman shows, and beyond the categories, the joy of being together in the dark of the auditorium and breathing in living art.

Dominique-Clément Larosière, Director, Théâtre de l'Île

Not to be missed: year-round cultural festivals such as Francofolies, the European Film Fortnight, the Waan Danse festival, the Conservatoire’s Île de Lumière program, etc.

Fun and games in Nouméa

Nouméa has two casinos, the Casino Royal, located at Anse-Vata and the Grand Casino du Méridien located near the hotel of the same name. Open late into the night, it offers a quality restaurant where you can enjoy a meal. But the real institution in Nouméa and throughout New Caledonia is, of course, Bingo! Grab your membership card and enter the huge hall opposite the Quai Ferry. Get one, two, or three cards and focus because the numbers are called out at high speed and the winners follow one another quickly with cries of “Quiiine” and “Binngo”!

If you’d like to combine a fun night out with friends and bingo, head to the “Bal de la Bodega”. Every third Thursday of the month, Janice invites you to a wild night. A friendly, free bingo where winners compete in an Air guitar contest! The dance floor then comes alive to the sound of hits past and present. Do you love board games? Head for the Fronton! Every Tuesday night, the establishment hosts a special evening in partnership with the Ludik store. A goldmine for discovering the best games of the moment.

Catch a live concert

Many bars in Anse Vata and Baie des Citrons offer free live concerts by Caledonian and international artists. These include La Barca, Les 3B and La Bodega. But there are many others! During music festivals or major concerts at Kuendu Beach or the Païta Arena, it’s not uncommon for artists to pop up in the town’s bars.

A word of advice

To stay up to date with events and outings in Nouméa, check out our dedicated cultural and festive calendar page!