NICE.

Nice captivates visitors from all over the world with its versatile character and artsy vibe. It’s a city that has a lot going for it – with the Mediterranean climate and the beautiful beaches being the obvious assets – but then offers plenty of depth. While the majority of tourists choose Nice as their destination for the weather, those who put the effort into getting to know the city better discover a whole world of opportunities. The culture of Nice, being a mixture of Italian and French culture, make it a unique entity, unlike any other in the world. The art buffs will be delighted by what Nice has to offer, being the city in which the greats – Chagall, Picasso and Renoir – fell in love with. The famous art museums of Musées Matisse, Chagall and d’Art Moderne will satisfy even the most seasoned museum-goers with their vast collections and rich exhibitions. Finally, Nice is a wonderful experience for anyone eager to explore foreign cuisines, with the stunning socca, tourte de blettes and salade nicoise being reason enough to visit this city!

Nice Money Saving Tips

Money Saving Tips

Best Period to Visit Nice

Best Period to Visit Nice

Accomodation Tips for Nice

Accomodation Tips

Getting Around Nice

Getting Around Nice

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Nice

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Nice

Other Things to See and Do

Other Things to See and Do

Money Saving Tips

Visit off-season

If you plan on visiting Nice, make sure you book the trip outside the peak season. The peak season in Nice is usually May through August, as is with the rest of southern France. Especially avoid visiting in August, as most of Europe is on vacation then, and the prices often skyrocket, and room is sparse.

Book accommodation in the centre

Not only is it handy to find accommodation in the city centre, as you will be much closer to any potential attractions and monuments, but it is also considerably cheaper to do so in Nice. There is a couple of hotels and motels in the centre which are cheap, and you won’t need to use public transport to get anywhere.

Take advantage of free breakfast

It is a common practice in Nice to provide free breakfast for guests in hotels, so make sure you take the offer when you are presented with one. Not only can you fuel up for a whole day of sightseeing, but you can also make some sandwiches to take with you on the journey in case you feel hungry.

Participate in free walking tours

As is customary in most of the tourist cities in Europe, there is also a couple of free walking tours in Nice, provided by the locals. You can join such a tour to get a good start on sightseeing, as the local guide will show you some of the highlights of the city, providing some insider tips and hints.

Avoid restaurants

Similarly to most parts of France, the restaurants in Nice are quite expensive when compared to making your own meals. A good way to save some money on food and have an enjoyable time while at it is to visit a local market, buy some fresh food and take a blanket to a park and have a pleasant picnic.

Try the street food

While restaurants in Nice sure are expensive, street food is usually considerably cheaper and is a good way to satisfy hunger and not strain your budget. The two most popular street dishes are the pissaladière, which is a pizza topped with anchovies, olives, and onions, and socca, which is a chickpea flour pancake.

Get a museum pass

Museums in southern France often get quite expensive, with as much as €10 entrance fee per museum. By getting a Nice Museum Pass, you are sure to save a lot of money on tickets, as the pass is viable for seven days and provides you with access to thirteen different museums across the city.

Visit public beaches

There are plenty of private beaches in and near Nice, which are widely and aggressively advertised around the city. Such a beach is often more secluded, but it can cost you up to €20 per day to visit one. Instead, visit the public beaches, which are completely free, but often filled with pebbles and crowds of people.

Use the public transport

If you happen to find accommodation in a remote place, far from some of the attractions the city provides, make sure to use the public transport to explore Nice. Bus fares and regional trains are really cheap in and around Nice, making longer day trips affordable for no more than €10.

Walk the streets

While surely most of the more famous attractions in Nice require a paid ticket to experience, you can always take a walk through the streets of the city to enjoy some of its beauty for free. Not only are the streets themselves nice to look at, but there are often street performers, skaters, and artists displaying their craft.

Best Period to Visit Nice

Tourism

In Nice, the crowds are the thickest in the summer, from June to August. If you’d rather explore the city in a bit more intimate atmosphere, then shoulder seasons, from September to October and from mid-March to April, are the way to go – Nice sees far fewer tourists during that time.

Weather

Summer is the warmest season. From June to August, temperatures can peak around 27 °C and even higher. Spring and fall are still pretty warm, with around 18 °C to 20 °C on average – but keep in mind that the winds sweeping north off the sea can be quite chilly, so bring an extra layer of clothing. Winters are mild, with around 5 °C lows.

Money

Summer is the most expensive period for visiting Nice, due to the thickest crowds of tourists. For some discounts, aim for fall and spring. Winter allows you to strike the best deals on accommodation and entertainment but isn’t as fun as the warmer seasons.

Events

Prom Classic (January)
Carnival (February-March)
Nice International Film Festival (May)
Festival du Livre (June)
Pink Parade (July)
Nice Jazz Festival (July)
Bastille Day (July)
Crossover Festival (August)
Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes (November)
Christmas Fair (December)

Accomodation Tips

Apartments

Apartments in Nice are a great solution for your every accommodation need. Spacious and well-equipped, they can prove to be even more comfortable than hotels. Depending on the location and equipment, rental fees vary between $50 and $200 on average.

Budget (1-2 star) hotels

Cheap hotels in Nice are perfect for students, backpackers and those who would like to save money on accommodation, while still being able to enjoy everything Nice has to offer. Nightly rates for 1- and 2-star hotels in Nice start as low as $15.

Standard (3-4 star) hotels

Standard hotels in Nice cost around $70 per night. These hotels offer a substantially higher standard of service and equipment than their cheaper counterparts. It is also the norm for them to boast better location, close to tourist attractions and points of interest in Nice.

Luxury hotels in Nice

Luxury hotels in Nice are the finest form of accommodation available. These impressive hotels guarantee extraordinary quality of stay through diverse, sophisticated facilities and state-of-the-art amenities. Of course, such comfort comes at an additional cost – prices start around $200.

Getting Around Nice

Bicycle

Nice sports a quite well-developed bike sharing programme, providing cheap bicycles to tourists and locals alike. The town is also filled with cycling routes and parks, providing a lot of places to ride around. Riding down the Promenade des Anglais will surely save you a lot of time and money on getting to attractions and monuments.
A one-day subscription for the bike-sharing programme costs €1.50, and €5 for the whole week. The first thirty minutes of use are free, the next thirty are €1, and then it’s €2 per hour. While some stations are fitted with terminals to accommodate for credit cards, you will be required to download a phone app for most of the others.

Bus

Buses are a good way of getting around Nice, since it is rather fast and cheap. The tickets for the buses cost only €1.50 for a single connection, but you might consider getting an all-day or multi-day pass if you plan on travelling a lot. Most of the buses run every ten or fifteen minutes, starting at 6 a.m. and going all the way to 9 p.m. There are also a few night buses with an N in front of their number, and these cruise every half an hour to hour in various directions.
Every bus stop in the city has a sign which will surely help you with finding your way around the city. There are also ticket machines present at most of the stops, as well as on board the buses. Make sure you validate your ticket when entering the bus, or else you will be fined.

Car and motorcycle

While traffic in Nice is not as bad as in other major European cities, it still is a hassle. Most of the streets of Nice are one-way, creating a confusing web, and expensive parking lots further discourage tourists from driving their own vehicles. Renting a scooter might not be a bad idea to traverse the city, as it is much easier to move around on such a vehicle than it is in a car, and there are plenty of rental spots all around the city.

Taxi

Taxis are rather expensive in Nice, but are good last resort alternatives if you can’t find a night bus for example. They are not as expensive as in some places in Europe, but make sure to look if your driver is using the meter correctly and that it is set to the correct rate. Also, make sure to avoid getting a taxi from the airport to Nice, as there is a flat fee of €32, which is way more expensive than a bus would be.

Train

If you are going to visit the suburbs of Nice or some of the towns located outside the city, such as Villefranche-sur-Mer, make sure to use the local train services. The trains can often take you to your destination in less than ten minutes, which would otherwise take an hour to get to by bus. The trains are a little bit more expensive than a bus would be, but it is definitely worth considering their efficiency.

Tram

Nice has a great tram system, perfect for travelling across the town. The system was opened in 2007 and has been expanded since. Most of the trams run from 4 a.m. to about 1:30 a.m., departing every five minutes. The second tram line of Nice is not finished yet, and it is scheduled to open in 2019, adding about twenty new stations.
A single ticket for a tram costs the same as the bus ticket (€1.50) and can be bought from machines and every tram stop. Since the tickets are interchangeable with the bus tickets, day passes are also valid aboard trams.

Tickets and Passes

There is a couple of options for tourists who plan on using the public transport system a lot. One of the choices is a ten-journey pass, which costs €10 and saves you €5, were you to use regular single tickets. There is also a day pass for €5, which allows you to use buses and trams without limits for 24 hours since you validate the ticket. Finally, there is a week pass, which allows unlimited rides over 168 hours since the validation, and is the most money-efficient option if you are going to travel a lot.

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Nice

French Riviera Day Trip from Nice

This day-trip will allow you to see one of the most popular destinations of the Cote d'Azur in just one day. The trip includes crossing the border into Monaco, as well as a short drive through the route of the Formula 1 race, along with an optional visit to the renowned Fragonard perfume factory.

French Riviera Sightseeing Cruise from Nice

Lasting only one hour, this tour will show you along the coastline of Nice. As you traverse the coastal waters of southern France, you will pass the Baie des Ange and the Rade de Villefranche-sur-Mer. Later on, you will be able to discover some of the ancient villages resting along the coast.

Nice City Bike Tour

Providing a comfortable pace for you to discover the city, this tour last three hours and provides you with a good quality bike on a small-group trip across Nice. A local guide will take you along the Promenade des Anglais, visiting such places as Hotel Negresco, the Old Town, Place Garibaldi, and more.

Nice Segway Tour

This two-hour tour will show you the colourful city on the French Riviera while speeding through the city on a Segway, allowing you to relax and not strain your muscles while walking. The tour covers most of the city’s top attractions in a single ride, and you can opt-in for a tour of the Castle Hill as well.

Monaco and Eze Small-Group Day Trip from Nice

Taking only small groups of tourists to make the experience more personal and intimate, this tour will show you some of the beauty of the places located outside of Nice. You will explore the medieval village of Eze, located on a hilltop, and the world’s second smallest country of Monaco with its museums.

Half-Day E-Bike Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting

Starting from the centre of Nice, this tour will last half a day and show you some of the gems located outside the city. With electric bikes provided to make the journey more enjoyable, the tour will take you to some of the vineyards in and around Nice with tasting in each of the sites.

Small-Group Nice Food Tour

With a group size limited to ten people, the local guide of this tour will be able to give you a lot of attention and answer all of your questions about the French cuisine. You will be taken to a few different eateries where you will be able to taste up to twenty delicious treats, along with tips and insider hints on how to prepare them.

Small-Group Half-Day Tour to Eze and Monte Carlo

Departing from the port of Nice, this half-day tour will show you along the Mediterranean coastline as you admire the gorgeous landscapes and wonders of nature. You will be taken to the historic village of Eze, and then you will be able to discover the Monte Carlo district of Monaco, famous for its Formula 1 track.

Ferry to Saint Tropez from Nice

Take a seat aboard a comfortable ferry and visit Saint Tropez. The cruise along the French Riviera takes about two and a half hour, allowing you to enjoy the gorgeous views. When in Saint Tropez, you will be able to discover the Old Port on your own, along with a visit to the Saint Tropez Citadel and the picturesque beach of the city.

Snorkelling Trip from Nice

As you depart from the centre of Nice with transportation included in the price of the ticket, you will be able to discover the marine life of the Mediterranean Sea as you dive deep into the waters of the Villefranche Bay. A ferry cruise will take you from the Nice Port to Villefranche, where you will be able to enjoy the clear waters with custom-fitted snorkelling gear.

Other Things to See and Do

Old Town

Called by the locals Vieille Ville, the Old Town of Nice is an antique neighbourhood loved both by the locals and the tourists. The Old Town is filled with tourist traps, but there are also a lot of hidden gems. Make sure to visit the Old Town during the evening, because there are often free events to attend.

Place Massena

The main square of the city is surely a place worth visiting. Gaze at its marvellous architecture, filled with black and white tiles arranged in a chaotic manner. The centre of the square is adorned with a huge marble statue atop a fountain, and the atmosphere of the place often changes after sunset.

Promenade des Anglais

Called the English Walk by the tourists, the Promenade des Anglais is a two miles long promenade which runs parallel to the shore of the city. The world-famous road is known for being not only a great place for an afternoon stroll, but most of the city’s attractions are placed along the way.

Castle Hill

While the most of the original Chateau de Nice which adorned the Castle Hill has crumbled away to time, the hill still makes for a great place to visit on your trip to southern France. The top of the Castle Hill presents a stellar view, and the park around the area is a great place for a walk.

La Reserve

Located not far from the centre of Nice, this public beach is a preferred place to visit by locals, both old and young. There is an old diving board on the beach next to the water, which is technically forbidden from use, but that does not stop the teenagers to somersault into the water from the top.

Coco Beach

This beach is also favoured among locals, as it has a restaurant along with it and free to use showers. The beach is public and free to visit, but crowds of both locals and tourists often swarm this beach, so make sure to find yourself a nice spot and stretch a towel, preferably on a big rock since those are often free.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

This public beach is located outside the city of Nice, requires a fifteen-minute bus ride to reach, but is certainly worth it. Since the beach is remote and quite small, it is often devoid of tourists who prefer to stay within the premises of the city, offering a more secluded experience with a good choice of restaurants around.

Beau Rivage

While this one is the most popular beach in the city, among locals and tourists alike, it also has the most to offer. The beach hosts a large volleyball court and a plethora of small-time restaurants and ice cream parlors. You might even find a couple of free lounge chairs to relax on.

Cours Saleya Flower Market

Take a walk to this colourful place, filled with exotic aromas and vibrant greenery. The market presents a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and flowers, grown by the locals. The flower market is located in the Old Town, off the Promenade des Anglais, and is open every morning for tourists to discover.

St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church

Commissioned by the Tsar Nicholas II of the Romanov Family, the St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church was built in the early 20th century to fit the needs of the growing Russian minority in Nice. The church is famous for its gorgeous spherical domes, vibrant colours, and sophisticated ornamentation along the walls.

Avenue Jean Medecin

Stroll the Avenue Jean Medecin if you are in for some window shopping. The avenue begins at Place Massena, going upward, and is filled with international retail chains, but there are some small-time local businesses here as well, filling the street with craftsman shops and traditional eateries.

Garden of the Cimiez Monastery

The gardens surrounding the Cimiez monastery were once used by the monks as orchards and farmland, supporting the monastery with fresh fruits and vegetables. The layout of the garden has not changed since that time, and is still filled with beautiful flower beds. It also provides a nice view of the city.

Parc du Mont Boron

Take a walk to this park, located in the eastern part of Nice, if you are looking for a way to escape the bustling city life and have a breath of fresh air. The park is filled with over seven miles of hiking trails, providing quite a bit of exercise. The top of the park has one of the best panorama views of the city available.

Chateau de Nice Cemetery

Even though the Chateau de Nice itself is crumbled and long gone, the cemetery right next to it still stands. The cemetery is filled with family tombs of generations of locals, with graves of some of the famous people born in Nice. The cemetery is also a quiet refuge from the hustle of the city.

The Market

Located just next to the Flower Market of Cours Saleya, the regular market is filled with a wide arrangement of stalls and shops run by the locals. There are small-time eateries where you can eat some of the local cuisine, as well as shops with souvenirs and handcrafted memorabilia.

The Carnival

If you happen to visit Nice during the period before Mardi Gras, culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday, make sure to partake in the Carnival. Nice comes alive with events and activities during the evenings, including processions, parades, flower displays, concerts, fireworks, and much more.

Boulevard Cimiez

During the end of the 19th century, Nice was a major place of retreat for people from all over Europe during winters. The Grand Boulevard Cimiez was built in order to accommodate for the crowds of people and hosts a wide number of hotels, including Grand Hotel the Majestic and The Excelsior Regina Palace, which housed Queen Victoria.

La Coulee Verte

While traversing the Promenade des Anglais, you might stumble upon this green area. Placed in between two of the largest avenues of the city (Avenue Felix Faure and Boulevard Jean Jaures), La Coulee Verte is a green corridor which acts as a park, often filled with picnicking people and joggers.

Hotel Negresco

While Hotel Negresco sure is neither cheap nor free to stay at, you can still visit the place to admire its beauty. The hotel is one of the most iconic spots in all of Nice and sports a unique décor, looking like an embassy or a palace. The hotel has also been featured in a lot of movies, so you might immediately recognise it.

Monument aux Morts

Located right below the Castle Hill, the Monument aux Morts is dedicated to local soldiers who died defending their country during the First World War. The monument is over thirty meters high, carved into the hill, and was designed in 1928 by a French architect, Roger Pierre Honoré Séassal.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the best hotels for Nice city break?

    Our list of the best hotels in Nice are: Radisson Blu Hotel Nice, Hotel West End Promenade, Le Meridien Nice, Hotel Aston La Scala and Best Western Plus Hotel Massena Nice. Discover the full list of best hotels in Nice.

  • What are the luxury hotels in Nice?

    The finest examples of luxury hotels in Nice include Mercure Nice Promenade Des Anglais, Hotel Nice Riviera, Goldstar Resort & Suites, Park Inn by Radisson Nice, Novotel Nice Centre Vieux Nice, NH Nice and Hipark by Adagio Nice. Discover the full list of luxury hotels in Nice.

  • What are the cheap hotels in Nice?

    Those trying to visit Nice on a tight budget will find everything they need in hotels such as Mercure Nice Centre Grimaldi, Westminster Hotel & Spa BW Premier Collection, Nice Excelsior, Splendid Hotel & Spa Nice, AC Hotel Nice by Marriott, Hotel Suisse Nice and Hotel Le Grimaldi by HappyCulture. Discover the full list of Cheap hotels in Nice.

  • What is the best period to visit Nice for a city break?

    Taking factors such as weather, crowds and prices, the best months to visit Nice for a city break are March, April, September and October.

  • What are top 5 things to see and do in Nice?

    Nice offers plenty of exciting attractions and things to do. Must-sees in Nice include: French Riviera Day Trip from Nice, Nice City Bike Tour, Nice Segway Tour, Monaco and Eze Small-Group Day Trip from Nice and Small-Group Half-Day Tour to Eze and Monte Carlo.

  • How much does an Nice city pass cost?

    A city pass in Nice costs around €38.

  • How much does public transport in Nice cost?

    24-hour ticket for public transport in Nice costs around €4.

  • What are the best night clubs in Nice?

    The best night clubs in Nice include: Le Relais Negresco, High Club/Studio 47, Pub Akathor, Ghost Pub and Les Trois Diables.

  • What are the best bars in Nice?

    Judging on the reviews and customer opinions, the best bars in Nice are: Head to Master Home, Cave de la Tour, Au Fut et à Mesure, Shapko Bar and Les Distilleries.

  • What are the best places to eat in Nice?

    Your choice of the best restaurants in Nice may vary depending on your taste, however, Restaurant Le Chantecler, Le Vingt4, La Roustide and Keisuke Matsushima are some of the most popular choices.

  • What are the top 5 best restaurants in Nice?

    Top 5 restaurants in Nice include: Le Séjour Restaurant & Café, Les Pêcheurs, La Rossettisserie, Badaboom and La Table d’Etsuko.