Nice Travel Guide

Overview and Things to Consider

Nice faces the Mediterranean with a pebbly beach and a belle époque waterfront, the Promenade des Anglais. The old town has narrow streets and character, and mountains rise behind the city.

Nice is touristy but pleasant. The food is Mediterranean and good. Prices are higher than inland France but reasonable for a beach destination, and it's sunny most of the year.

Nice is less intense than Marseille but more touristy than many French cities. It's walkable, day trips to nearby towns are easy, and the sea is inviting for swimming. Most visitors spend 2-4 days.

Getting There and Around

Nice Airport is very close to the city - buses and trams run directly to the center. Trains connect to Paris (about 6 hours), Marseille (3 hours), and throughout France. Ferries go to Corsica.

The city is very walkable - the beach and old town are connected, and walking is the best way to explore. Trams and buses are cheap. Taxis are metered. Nearby towns are reachable by bus.

What's Changed Since 2016

Nice has become more touristy - the beaches and waterfront are packed in summer. Prices have risen significantly. More restaurants and bars have opened. It's still pleasant, just less quiet than in 2016.

The Promenade and the old town still have their charm. Nice is getting more commercialized, but it hasn't lost what made it worth visiting.

Ideas to Consider for Your Visit

Walk the Promenade des Anglais along the beach. Swim at the pebble beach - the water is pleasant. Explore the old town's narrow streets. Visit the Matisse Museum or other art museums. Have seafood at a waterfront restaurant.

Take a day trip to Antibes or Cannes, or visit nearby villages like Villefranche-sur-Mer. Sit in a cafe watching people. Eat local food and fish.

Realities to Be Aware Of

Nice is touristy and crowded, especially in summer. Pickpocketing occurs on transport and in crowds. Restaurants on the Promenade are touristy and overpriced. The pebble beach can be uncomfortable for swimming.

Winter water is cold for swimming. Some neighborhoods are rough at night. Prices have risen significantly. The city feels less French and more international.

If Nice Is Part of a Longer Trip

Nice is central to the Côte d'Azur. Cannes (1 hour), Antibes (30 minutes), Monaco (1 hour) are all accessible. Provence is inland. Many people do Nice-Provence or Nice-Cannes loops.

Two to three days covers Nice and nearby attractions. Four days lets you take multiple day trips. It's rarely worth more than four days as the destination itself is limited.

Yearly Things to Consider

May through September are best - warm and sunny. October through April are mild but less sunny. July and August are extremely hot and crowded. Winter water is cold but air is pleasant.

Summer is crowded and hot - beaches are packed. Shoulder seasons are best for swimming and fewer tourists. Winter is mild but the water is cold.

Ideas for Itineraries

Day 1 - Beach and Promenade (4 hours)

Walk the Promenade des Anglais. Swim at the pebble beach. Have lunch at a waterfront cafe. Explore the nearby streets. Relax on the beach or explore shops.

Day 2 - Old Town and Museums (4 hours)

Explore the old town's narrow streets. Visit a museum like the Matisse or Art Museum if interested. Have lunch at a local restaurant away from tourists. Afternoon exploring or relaxing.

Day 3 - Relaxation or Day Trip (4 hours)

Take a day trip to Antibes or a nearby village, or stay in Nice and relax on the beach. Spend the afternoon at cafes watching people, and give the final evening to the Riviera atmosphere.

Alternative: Day Trip to Monaco (full day)

Take the train to Monaco (20 minutes). Walk the royal palace and harbor area. Visit the casino. Have lunch with views. Return by train. It's worth the day.