Nice

Nice, the crown jewel of the French Riviera, is France’s second most visited city after Paris. With its stunning Mediterranean coastline, vibrant culture, and temperate climate, Nice provides travelers with an authentic slice of life on the Côte d’Azur. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate this enchanting coastal city like a seasoned traveler, uncovering hidden gems and experiencing its most iconic attractions.

When to Visit

Nice enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year, making it a year-round destination. The peak tourist season runs from June to August, bringing crowded beaches and higher prices. For a more authentic experience with fewer tourists and more affordable accommodations, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October). During these months, temperatures remain pleasant (around 20-25°C), and the Mediterranean is still warm enough for swimming.

Winter visits (November-March) offer significantly reduced prices and a chance for a more local experience. While temperatures rarely drop below 10°C, many establishments may operate on reduced hours or close temporarily. February brings the spectacular Nice Carnival (Carnaval de Nice), one of France’s largest festivals, featuring colorful parades, elaborate floats, and the famous “Battle of Flowers.”

Getting Around

Nice is remarkably pedestrian-friendly, with many attractions within walking distance. The local transport system is efficient and well-connected.

From Nice Airport (NCE), tram line 2 offers the most economical option to reach the city center (€1.50), taking approximately 25 minutes. Remember to validate your ticket upon boarding by tapping it on the electronic readers—an essential step that many tourists overlook.

For ride-sharing, while Uber operates throughout Nice, the Bolt app typically offers rides 20-30% cheaper with the same quality of service. Download both apps before your trip to compare prices.

The city’s tram network consists of three lines that cover major attractions and neighborhoods. For extended stays, consider purchasing a multi-day pass (€15 for 7 days), which allows for unlimited travel on trams and buses.

For a unique perspective, the electric tourist train departs from near Jardin Albert Premier along the Promenade des Anglais, offering a comprehensive 45-minute tour, including Castle Hill, for €8 for adults and €4 for children.

Where to Stay

Nice offers diverse neighborhoods that cater to different preferences and budgets:

• Liberté/Jean Médecin Area: Centrally located near high-end shopping and restaurants, this upscale district provides easy beach access and proximity to main attractions. You can expect to pay around €150-250 per night for standard accommodations, with luxury options exceeding €400. This area is ideal for first-time visitors seeking convenience.
• Old Port (Port Lympia): Less touristy than the central areas, the Old Port district provides a more authentic atmosphere. It offers reasonable accommodations (€100-180 per night) and excellent access to the coastal path. Its slightly removed location results in fewer crowds while still being within a 15-20 minute walk to major attractions.
• Musicians Quarter (Quartier des Musiciens): Named for its composer-themed streets, this residential area strikes an ideal balance, located about 10 minutes on foot from both the beaches and the main train station. With mid-range pricing (€120-200 per night), it is perfect for travelers planning day trips to nearby towns.
• Liberation District: Situated north of the main train station, this budget-friendly area (€70-120 per night) offers an authentic glimpse into local life, featuring excellent street markets and fewer tourists. Although it is a bit farther from the beach areas (25-30 minute walk), it is well-connected by public transport.
• Mont Boron: This exclusive hillside neighborhood boasts stunning cliff-side properties with panoramic sea views. Accommodations start at €250 per night, while luxury villas can exceed €1,000. A car is recommended for stays here, as the area is positioned between Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Must-See Attractions

The Promenade des Anglais

This iconic 7 km seafront promenade defines Nice’s coastline. Originally built in the 19th century for English aristocrats wintering in Nice (hence its name), the palm-lined walkway offers stunning Mediterranean views. For the best experience, grab one of the famous blue chairs, relax, and watch the world go by. The promenade is particularly magical during sunrise or sunset when the light casts a golden glow over the Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges).

Old Town (Vieux Nice)

The heart of Nice’s cultural identity lies in its labyrinthine Old Town, characterized by narrow streets, colorful ochre buildings, and Italian influence. The area is most vibrant in the morning until 1:00 PM (except Mondays) when the Cours Saleya transforms into a spectacular flower and food market. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample socca (chickpea pancake) from local vendors—Chez Thérésa is particularly renowned. After 6:30 PM, the district comes alive again as restaurants and bars open. Be sure to explore Place Rossetti, where Fenocchio’s gelato shop offers over 90 flavors, including lavender and tomato-basil.

Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

Despite its name, no castle remains today; however, Castle Hill offers unparalleled 360° panoramic views of Nice, the Mediterranean, and the surrounding Alps. Access is available via a free elevator from the eastern end of the Promenade (operating from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM) or by climbing approximately 300 steps from Old Town. Visit between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to witness the daily cannon firing, a tradition that dates back centuries. The hilltop park features artificial waterfalls, archaeological sites, and well-maintained gardens, making it a perfect picnic spot away from the crowds.

The Pebble Beaches

Nice’s famous beaches stretch along the coastline with their distinctive smooth pebbles (galets). While visitors expecting sand may initially be surprised, these stones create a uniquely beautiful seascape, with waves retreating across them and producing a melodic sound. Public beaches are free and accessible year-round, while private beaches (charging €25-35 for lounger rental) offer amenities such as comfortable sunbeds, showers, and restaurant service. Water shoes are highly recommended for swimming comfort. Opera Plage and Castel Plage provide premium beachfront dining experiences, where a typical meal costs between €25 and €40 per person.

Russian Orthodox Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas)

Located a short walk from the main train station, this stunning cathedral reflects the historic Russian influence on the French Riviera. Built in 1912, it is the second-largest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe. Its distinctive onion domes and intricate interior iconography make it an unexpected architectural gem. The cathedral is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with free admission (modest dress required). Photography is allowed only in designated areas.

Culinary Experiences

Nice’s cuisine showcases its unique position between France and Italy, resulting in distinctive flavor profiles not found elsewhere in the country.

Local Specialties Worth Trying:

• Socca – A savory chickpea pancake cooked in wood-fired ovens, best enjoyed piping hot as street food in Old Town (€3-4).
• Pan Bagnat – The sandwich version of Niçoise salad, filled with tuna, vegetables, eggs, and olive oil on round bread. Perfect for a beach picnic (€5-7).
• Pissaladière – A flatbread topped with caramelized onions, olives, and anchovies (€3-5).
• Petits Farcis Niçois – Vegetables stuffed with seasoned meat and herbs (€8-12 as a starter).

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Must-Visit Food Destinations:

• Cours Saleya Market – Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM, this market showcases the region’s best produce, flowers, and specialty foods. On Mondays, it transforms into an antique market.
• La Cuisina – A tiny family-run Italian restaurant near the port, known for its friendly staff and exceptional pasta. Arrive by 6:00 PM to secure a spot in line before opening at 6:30 PM.

Café Indian: This husband-and-wife operation in Old Town is a must-visit for specialty coffee lovers, serving expertly crafted coffee in a welcoming atmosphere.

Full Bloom Cafe: Located near the port, this pet-friendly café offers excellent coffee and light meals in a relaxed setting.

For regional wines, try a glass of Bellet—Nice’s local appellation produced from vineyards in the hills behind the city. Though limited in production, these wines pair perfectly with Mediterranean cuisine.

Day Trips from Nice

Nice’s strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring the French Riviera. All destinations are easily accessible by train from Nice Ville station (the main station) or Nice Riquier (closer to the port area).

Pro tip: When traveling west, sit on the left side of the train; when heading east, choose the right side for the best sea views.

• Villefranche-sur-Mer: Just 10-15 minutes by train, this picturesque fishing village features sandy beaches (a rarity in the region), crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling, and charming streets that are significantly less crowded than those in Nice. The coastal walk from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer takes about 90 minutes and offers spectacular scenery.
• Èze: This medieval hilltop village, dramatically perched above the sea, provides breathtaking Mediterranean views and the exquisite Jardin Exotique. Important: The train station (Èze-sur-Mer) is located at the foot of the mountain, requiring a challenging one-hour uphill hike. Instead, take bus #82 from Nice directly to Èze village, and consider hiking down the scenic path afterward to return to Nice via train.
• Ventimiglia, Italy: Just 40 minutes by train across the Italian border, this authentic Italian town hosts massive Friday markets selling everything from leather goods to fresh produce at lower prices than in France. While most tourists flock to the markets, venture into the nearly deserted Old Town for a genuine Italian experience. Don’t forget to bring your passport for border crossing.
• Monaco: The entire principality can be explored in a single day. The Prince’s Palace guard-changing ceremony takes place daily at 11:55 AM. The Oceanographic Museum (€16 entry) boasts impressive aquariums and marine exhibits. Note that entry to the famous Monte Carlo Casino requires passport verification and a €17 entrance fee.
• Antibes: Home to Europe’s largest yacht harbor, a well-preserved Old Town, and the Picasso Museum housed in Château Grimaldi, where the artist once worked, Antibes offers a delightful experience. The Cap d’Antibes coastal walk provides stunning views away from the crowds.

Money-Saving Tips

Visit during the shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) for significantly reduced accommodation rates (30-40% less than in peak season) while still enjoying excellent weather.

The “Pass TER Côte d’Azur” provides unlimited train travel between Cannes and Ventimiglia for just €15 per day, making it an excellent option for day-trippers looking to explore various destinations.

Many museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month, while the Museum of Modern Art (MAMAC) is free year-round on Sundays.

For budget-friendly dining, consider restaurants that serve a “menu du jour” (daily set menu) at lunch, typically priced between €15 and €20 for three courses, compared to over €30 for dinner.

Grocery stores like Monoprix and Carrefour City close early on Sundays (around 1:00 PM) or may be closed entirely. It’s advisable to shop on Saturday for any necessities needed on Sunday.

Cultural Insights

Nice operates at a leisurely Mediterranean pace. Many shops and restaurants close for several hours in the midday period (usually from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM) before reopening for the evening service. Embrace this rhythm rather than resisting it.

Dinner is generally served later than in Anglo-Saxon countries, with many locals not dining until 8:00 PM or later, especially during the summer months.

When greeting shopkeepers or restaurant staff, start with “Bonjour” (or “Bonsoir” in the evening). This simple gesture is greatly appreciated and will enhance your interactions.

Tipping is not necessary in restaurants, as service is included in the price (service compris). However, leaving small change or rounding up the bill for exceptional service is appreciated.

Practical Information

The coastal bus #100 from Nice to Monaco offers a scenic route similar to that of expensive tour buses, for only €1.50 each way. For the best views, sit on the right side when heading east.

The coastal pathway (Sentier du Littoral), extending from Nice’s port, provides stunning views and unique swimming spots away from crowded beaches. This lesser-known path features some of the region’s most photogenic vistas.

For beach comfort, consider purchasing foldable beach mats (priced around €8-10 at local shops); they provide much more comfort than lounging directly on the pebbles.

Nice’s tap water is safe to drink. Be sure to refill your bottles at the public fountains located throughout the city to stay hydrated without needing to buy plastic bottles.

Wi-Fi is widely accessible in cafés, restaurants, and public spaces throughout Nice. The city also offers free public Wi-Fi hotspots in major squares and along the Promenade.

Emergency medical care for tourists is available at Hospital Saint-Roch in central Nice. European Union citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card for covered treatment.

Nice captivates visitors with its unique blend of French sophistication and Mediterranean charm. By venturing beyond the typical tourist attractions and immersing yourself in the local rhythm of life, you can uncover a city that reveals itself in layers—from its stunning azure coastline to its vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re sipping rosé at a beachfront restaurant or strolling through the atmospheric streets of Old Town, Nice provides an authentic French Riviera experience that lingers in your memory long after your tan has faded.

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