Welcome to our comprehensive Nice (pronounced as NEES) travel guide, your essential companion for exploring the city of Nice, France. Situated where the Mediterranean Sea meets the French Alps, Nice is the perfect mix of city life, quaint old-world charm, and scenic beauty, making it a premier destination on the French Riviera. As the region's capital, Nice is not only perfect for soaking up the sun on its extensive beaches but also serves as an ideal starting point for trips to nearby Monaco, Italy, and other Riviera gems like Cannes and Antibes.
In Nice, you’ll get to discover a wealth of attractions, from the historic Vieux Nice and the panoramic Cimiez Hill. to a plethora of museums and a lively seaside promenade. Foodies will instantly fall in love with the local flavors, with numerous restaurants to choose from. This guide will assist you in planning your visit, providing insights into the must-see places, navigating the efficient public transport system, and uncovering the best local eats. Whether you're here for a quick visit or a lengthy one, our guide is packed with itineraries and tips to ensure a memorable experience in Nice la Belle!
5 reasons you should visit Nice
How to prepare for your trip to Nice?
Visa requirements
When planning a trip to Nice, France, it's crucial to understand the visa rules. If you're from a European Union country, you can usually visit without a visa for short periods. Others may need a Schengen visa to enter France and the surrounding Schengen Area. Check the specific visa requirements based on your nationality and travel purpose.
Health insurance
Before visiting Nice, France, securing health insurance is key. European visitors with an EHIC card can get emergency healthcare across Europe, yet extra coverage is recommended. Travelers from outside Europe must obtain travel insurance that covers medical costs and emergencies to ensure a safe and protected stay.
Best time to visit
Nice is fabulous throughout the year, bathed in sunshine. February stands out with the colorful Nice Carnival, a tradition since the 19th century, filling the city with joy and festivity. July is another highlight, hosting the historic Nice Jazz Festival, a celebrated event since 1948, adding a melodious touch to the city's atmosphere.
LanguageFrench
Apr to OctGMT +1
Nov to MarGMT +2
Country Code+33
Socket Type C, E
CurrencyEuro (€)
Top things to do in Nice
Discover the top things to do in Nice, a city renowned for its coastlines, culture, and historic charm. Famous for landmarks like the Promenade des Anglais and the picturesque Old Town (Vieux Nice), the city doesn’t fall short of things to do, even if you’re here for a long vacation. Dive into Nice's history through its museums, including the Matisse Museum and the Marc Chagall National Museum, showcasing impressive art collections. Day trips from Nice open up a world of exploration, with nearby attractions like the glamorous Monaco and the charming village of Eze. Experience the city's lively atmosphere at the Cours Saleya market, try out local food, or simply enjoy the stunning seaside views. Let’s take a look at the top things to do in Nice!
Unmissable landmarks in Nice
Museums in Nice
Nice's museums offer a cultural journey through art, history, and nature. From the works at Musée Matisse to the historical insights of Musée de la Résistance Azuréenne, each museum, including the contemporary MAMAC and the unique Musée International d'Art Naif, tells a part of Nice's rich story.
Unmissable city experiences in Nice
Transportation in Nice
Nice offers a solid public transport system with buses and trams. A single ticket costs 1.50 euros, purchasable from the driver (in some cases) or vending machines. Lignes d’Azur operates this network, reaching not just the city's corners but also places like Cannes and Monaco, with mountain-bound and airport express buses too.
- Buses in Nice: The bus network is extensive, with some lanes dedicated to speeding up travel. To catch a bus, wave to signal the driver, board at the front, validate your ticket, and press the stop button as needed. Major stops include Parc Phoenix and Vauban.
- Trams in Nice: Tram lines T1, T2, and T3 connect various city parts, including the Old Port and airport. Purchase and validate tickets at tram stops using the machines provided.
- Taxis and app based cabs: Options like Uber and Bolt offer alternatives to traditional taxis, often at lower costs. Taxi fares are regulated, with set prices for common routes like airport to city center, and Nice to Cannes or Monaco. BlaBlaCar offers a budget-friendly ride-sharing option.
- Bike rental in Nice: For cycling enthusiasts, Lime and Pony provide self-service e-bikes, available city-wide. Traditional bike rentals from local shops cater to longer-term needs, offering a range of options.
- Pedicab Bike-Taxis: You can explore Nice in a relaxing way with pedicab bike-taxis, known as Cyclos. They are an eco-friendly way to tour the city while resting your feet, powered by both pedal and electric assistance.
- Hop-on-hop-off Buses: For an easy tour of Nice’s highlights, the Hop On Hop Off buses are ideal. They offer a flexible, budget-friendly way to see the city, letting you get on and off at various attractions according to your schedule. The bus route covers key spots like the Promenade des Anglais, Old Town (Vieux Nice), Castle Hill (Colline du Château), Place Masséna, Cimiez, and Nice Harbor, ensuring you don’t miss out on the city’s best sights.
Day trips from Nice
Just a short journey from Nice, Monaco offers glamour with its luxury yachts, Monte Carlo's casinos, and the iconic Grand Prix circuit. Don't miss the royal palace and the scenic old town, perfect for those epic pictures.
Perched above Monaco, Eze is a picturesque village with stunning views and ancient streets. Explore its historic sites and enjoy a gourmet lunch. Combine this with your Monaco visit for a full day of exploration.
Cannes, famous for its film festival, is an easy train ride from Nice. Discover its sandy beaches, boutique shops, quaint old town, and a variety of dining options, all conveniently located near the train station.
Antibes features a beautiful morning market, the unique Absynthe museum, the prestigious Picasso Museum, and its impressive port housing some of the world's largest yachts.
Known as the perfume capital, Grasse is accessible by train or bus from Nice, offering a scenic journey or a direct town drop-off. Explore its fragrant heritage and interactive perfume making experiences.
Saint Tropez, a famed yet tiny coastal town, is known for its luxurious yachts and exclusive cafes. It's a bit of a trek but offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle and hidden beaches, accessible with a short taxi ride.
For a natural retreat, visit the Iles des Lerins off Cannes. Sainte-Marguerite island offers eucalyptus forests and historical sites like the ‘Man in the Iron Mask’ cell. Nearby, Isle Saint-Honorat is home to an ancient monastery where monks produce wine. Both islands promise serene getaways from the Riviera's hustle and bustle.
Best neighborhoods to stay in Nice
-
For beach lovers
-
For families
-
For Nightlife
-
first-timers
-
For shopping
Gambetta
Gambetta offers affordability without compromising on safety and is located west of the Old Town. It boasts a mix of culture, fashion, and cuisine, with landmarks like the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Musée des Beaux-Arts. Its proximity to the train station adds convenience and accommodation costs are generally lower.
Hotels in Nice
What to eat in Nice:
1. Salade Niçoise
A quintessential dish, salade niçoise, has many forms, but traditionally combines tomatoes, anchovies, and olive oil. Each restaurant in Nice might offer its unique take on this classic.
2. Pan Bagnat
Essentially a salade niçoise in a bun, the pan bagnat consists of a round loaf filled with ingredients like hard-boiled eggs, tuna, anchovies, and vegetables, generously soaked in olive oil.
3. Ratatouille
Native to Nice, ratatouille niçoise is a hearty vegetable stew, usually featuring tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, onions, and garlic, each version offering a slight twist.
4. Pissaladière
A pizza-like snack with a twist, pissaladière is made with a thick, square crust topped with caramelized onions, black olives, and anchovies, minus the cheese and tomato sauce.
5. Socca
Socca is a chickpea flour pancake, crispy outside and soft inside, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt, a must-try street food in Nice.
6. Bouillabaisse
For seafood lovers, bouillabaisse is a delightful soup made with various fish and shellfish, traditionally served with crusty bread on the side.
7. Daube niçoise (doba nissarda)
Daube niçoise is a robust beef stew marinated with red wine and tomatoes, enriched with carrots, celery, onions, and distinctive porcini mushrooms, setting it apart from its Provençal cousin.
BONUS: How to save money in Nice
1. Avoiding peak season
Avoid peak season in August and the carnival in February to dodge high prices and crowds. Opt for May, June, or September for better deals and pleasant weather.
2. Accommodation
Instead of expensive hotels, consider hostel and guesthouses like La Maïoun Guesthouse, or self-catering apartments via Airbnb for budget-friendly rates.
3. Transportation and Sightseeing Passes
Choose the right pass for your needs. The French Riviera Pass offers free access to major attractions and optional transport inclusion. For less cultural exploration, the Lignes d’Azur transport ticket or a 7-day pass provides good value for city-wide travel.
4. Food markets
Utilize local markets like Marché du Cours Saleya for affordable and fresh picnic supplies or Niçois street food, offering a budget-friendly way to enjoy local flavors.
5. Happy hour
Take advantage of discounted drinks during happy hour in pubs and bars, particularly in areas like the old town and near place Garibaldi.
6. Beach choices
Skip the pricey private beaches for the public ones like La plage des Marinières, La plage des Fosses and, La plage du grand Large. Bring your own beach mat or mattress to comfortably enjoy the pebble beaches without the high cost.
7. Free Attractions
Explore Nice’s free sights like the Promenade des Anglais, Colline du Château, and various parks and gardens, enjoying the city’s beauty without spending a dime.
