travelling nice

The 12 best things to do in Nice: from perfect promenades to divine dining

Apr 29, 2022 • 7 min read

You can't visit Nice without indulging in a leisurely stroll along the stunning Promenade des Anglais © Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images

Famous for its sunny climes, gorgeous beaches and colorful architecture, the newly Unesco-listed French city of Nice is also packed with art, culture and world-class things to see and do.

From strolling along its legendary Promenade des Anglais and exploring every corner of its picturesque old town to delving into its rich art history or sampling top Niçoise cuisine, here are the best experiences in Nice.

Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais

The vast, palm tree-lined Promenade des Anglais is the most iconic stretch of seafront in Nice. It stretches from the airport in the west to the castle headland in the east – 7km (4.3mi) of uninterrupted views of the Baie des Anges – and gets its name from the English expat patrons who funded it in 1822. “La Prom”, as it is known to locals, has a dedicated lane for cyclists and skaters. If you fancy joining them, you can rent skates, scooters and bikes from Roller Station .

Spot the promenade's iconic landmarks along the way, including the pink-domed Hôtel Negresco (built in 1913), the art-deco Palais de la Méditerranée (1929) and Niçoise sculptor Sabine Géraudie’s iron sculpture La Chaise de SAB (2014), which pays homage to the famous blue chairs dotted along the seafront.

Explore the narrow streets of Vieux Nice

“Nissart” culture is rooted in a long history, much like its gastronomy, halfway between France and Italy. Immerse yourself in it with a leisurely wander through Nice’s old town . It is in this district you can really see the traces of the city’s Italian past.

Lose yourself in the winding, narrow streets and alleyways and don’t forget to look up to appreciate the colorful facades which are so typical of the area. Admire the architectural gems, including Cathédrale Ste-Réparate and 17th-century Palais Lascaris , before making your way to the lively markets and café terraces of the Cours Saleya .

Climb up the Colline du Château for glorious views

For magnificent views over the rooftops of Nice and the azure blue waters of the Baie des Anges, climb the steps (or get the free lift) leading up to the Colline du Château .

This leafy, wooded park on the eastern edge of the old town used to be the site of a medieval castle and military fortifications that were destroyed by Louis XIV in 1706. Archaeological digs have since revealed Celtic and Roman remains. Today, the Tour Bellanda remains, alongside a lovely garden with play areas, an impressive artificial waterfall and sweeping vistas best enjoyed at sunset.

Browse the stalls at Cours Saleya market

Dating back to 1861, the rightly popular Cours Saleya marke t is made up of a beautiful flower market and a much-loved fruit and vegetable market . On Mondays, a flea market takes the place of the food and floral displays. There’s also a night market featuring local crafts that runs from May to September.

Surrounded by colorful buildings and a buzzing business district, the food market overflows with seasonal Mediterranean produce from small local producers. Collect picnic supplies like organic tomatoes, zucchini flowers, spices, olives or lemons that come from the neighboring town of Menton. Saturdays and Sundays are the best days to buy cheese from Alpine producers. There are also plenty of street snacks and pastries you can munch on as you browse the stalls.

Taste Niçoise street food specialties

Tuck into socca (chickpea-flour pancakes), pissaladière (caramelized onion and anchovy tart), tourte de blettes (chard, raisin and pine nut pie) and other delicious Niçoise street snacks at local institution Chez Pipo near Port Lympia, or from the Chez Thérésa cart at the Cours Saleya market in Vieux Nice.

Another emblematic local treat is pan bagnat , a round-shaped sandwich filled with tuna, hard-boiled eggs, anchovies, black olives and raw vegetables, and soaked in olive oil. Essentially, a salade niçoise in a bun! Try some of the best in town at Lou Balico in front of the MAMAC museum, Kiosque Chez Tintin next to the Libération market or La Gratta by Port Lympia.

Get a modern art fix at the MAMAC

The Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain ( MAMAC ) exhibits a large collection of works from the influential avant-garde École de Nice. Immerse yourself in the powerful blue works of Yves Klein and the worlds of Niki de Saint Phalle, Ben Vautier and Martial Raysse.

This multilevel museum also houses pop art classics from Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, as well as contemporary art exhibitions, all within an impressive modernist building. Head to the rooftop exhibition space for panoramic views of the city.

Delve into the city’s history at Musée Masséna

Originally built between 1898 and 1901 as a second home for Prince Victor d’Essling, the grandson of one of Napoléon's favorite generals, Maréchal André Massena, this sumptuous belle-époque villa now houses a engrossing museum dedicated to the history of Nice and the Riviera.

Musée Masséna is one of the many architectural gems lining the city’s famous Promenade des Anglais and is well worth a visit to delve into Nice’s origins, the history and impact of tourism on the Riviera and the enduring importance of the Carnaval de Nice, which has been delighting locals and visitors alike since 1876.

See some of Matisse's greatest artworks

One of France’s most famous artists, Henri Matisse (1869-1954) lived in Nice for nearly 40 years. See one of the world’s largest collections of his work, including paintings, drawings, sculptures and paper cut-outs, at the Musée Matisse in Cimiez.

The museum is housed in a striking red-ochre Genoese villa surrounded by olive trees, a stone’s throw from the Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez , where Matisse is buried.

People-watch on the Promenade du Paillon

After hitting the stores along Avenue Jean-Médecin and taking in the scenic surrounds of Place Masséna, with its hypnotic tilework, stunning baroque-style fountain and 19th-century red-ochre buildings, enjoy a well-earned break with a spot of people-watching on the Promenade du Paillon .

This 1.2km-long (three-quarters of a mile), beautifully landscaped park spans from Place Masséna to the Théâtre National de Nice, with green spaces, wooden benches, water features and children’s play areas aplenty. 

Go bar-hopping in Vieux Nice

If you have to choose one place in Nice for an evening out, make it the Vieux Nice, with its bountiful selection of bars, pubs and restaurants . Start off at Le Bateleur or Café des Amis on the Cours Saleya for a beer or a glass of wine in good company. Watch the sunset – cocktail in hand – from La Movida’s first-floor balcony overlooking the Mediterranean. If an old-school pint is more your thing, head to Les Distilleries Idéale s, a long-running locals’ favorite.

Round off your evening with dinner at Bar des Oiseaux , Olive et Artichaut , Peixes or Le Comptoir du Marché , featuring the best local produce cooked to perfection.

Discover the leafy Cimiez quarter

Perched on a hill, the leafy district of Cimiez is home to elegant villas, two important art museums devoted to the works of Matisse and Chagall , Roman remains and the Musée Archéologique de Nice .

Originally a Roman bastion, Cimiez has transformed over time into an elegant residential area. In the 1890s, Queen Victoria regularly wintered at Le Régina , a monumental palace later converted into apartments, where Matisse lived in the 1940s. Today, visitors can admire the stunning facade while strolling through the neighborhood.

Go hiking in the Parc du Mont Boron

With 11km (6.8mi) of hiking trails, picnic areas and spectacular views, the Parc du Mont Boron offers an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of Nice. The hilltop forest is spread across 57 hectares (141 acres) of Aleppo pines, olive trees and holm oaks.

History buffs can visit the 16th-century military Fort du Mont Alban at the top of the hill, which affords sweeping panoramic views of Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, the Cap-Ferrat peninsula and the Esterel mountains.

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France Travel Blog

Nice Travel Guide

Nice offers a perfect blend of a thrilling seaside resort and the richness of a cosmopolitan European city. And if you are looking to experience the distinct blissfulness of the French Riviera, a vacation to its biggest city, Nice is primed for it all.

Boasting of a mild Mediterranean climate, a colorful culture, a vivacious Old Town district, and a flawless shoreline strip of terrific hotels. This Southeastern French city has been a popular travel destination since the 18th century. And though soft, Nice’s intense light, captivating architectural structures, and fanciful market centers have long been appealing to artists from all over the world. Artists like Matisse and Chagall have witnessed Nice’s artistic glory. As an art and history buff, the city will spoil you for choices as no other French city have more museums.

Nice is a big air transportation hub in Europe. Many low-cost airlines offer flights to the Côte d’Azur (the French part of Riviera) airport from London, Paris, and other places. Fast rail service also operates from Paris to Nice. The city’s public transportation is a tram system, transit service, and ferry service. From budget hotels to deluxe-class seaside resorts, there is a vast range of hotel accommodation available in and around Nice. 

Despite its strong historical profile that dates back to the 4th century BC, modernism is apparently not lost on it at all. There have been efforts to modernize the city’s infrastructure.

Here is a Detailed Travel Guide in this Blog for your Stay in Nice:

Best time to visit nice.

Nice, like most cities in the Mediterranean, experiences warm weather almost year-round with average temperature reaching 80s°F (around 26°C )  in the summer and as low as 40s°F (around 5°C )  in the winter. As such, spring is an excellent time to visit Nice and the Côte d’Azur. The best time to visit will be in late spring and early summer to enjoy Nice. 

Getting Around

You will find many shuttle buses and local bus services to Nice and other Riviera cities, and expensive cabs, to convey you to into the city when you arrive. Traveling by rail, be informed that Nice has three stations, but you will probably arrive in the main terminal at Nice Ville. It is expected that you will be only a few blocks north of the coastline.

In addition, are there many connections from Nice Railway station to other cities in France and to neighboring Italy too. The city’s bus system is called the  Lignes d’Azur , which works, in the city and also to and from the airport and other close towns. The system controls about 130 bus routes in the 49 municipalities that consist of the entire Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur area. 

You can buy a single ticket for a journey, which allows changes within 74 minutes for 1.50 euros. There are many other great value tickets for various lengths of stay. Nothing beats seeing the beautiful landscape of Nice while strolling the city on foot or in a car. As such, you can rent a car to cruise. However, it is good to check with your hotel if they have parking plans for guests and the costs too. 

Parking in Nice can be a challenging task. In the case that you are in Nice from another part of the country by far, consider leaving the car at one of the 5’Parc relais’ or stopover car parks outside the center. It is free to use. 

>> How To Get From Paris To Nice

Tourist Attractions

Cours saleya flower market ( marché aux fleurs cours saleya ).

Take a trip to the Cours Selaya for some fantastic culinary experience. This center is one of the major areas for dining, with restaurants, cafes, and bars all spread throughout the market. The open-air market center that used to be a park for the city’s richest people is shaded by trees and surrounded by 18th-century buildings. Many of these structures now house pubs and restaurants serving Niçois cuisine. At the end of Cours Selaya on Mondays, you will see antiques and collectibles been sold. For seafood lovers, here would particularly be an exciting spot to take on for the brilliant cuisines they would find. 

Place Massena

This is the cultural hub of Nice, and it is the city’s largest square and the primary gathering place for events and seasonal festivals. 17th-century architecture is ubiquitous in Place Massena, and it connects with Lyon’s commercial district. Also, you will find an art installation whose pieces are made up of sculptures on top of tall pillars scattered around the plaza. There is also a grand fountain that bears an Apollo statue- the square’s centerpiece. 

Promenade des Anglais

This is a seaside boardwalk that spans along the Baie des Anges was established by the British tourists who first popularized Nice as a vacation destination in the early 18th century. Lined with beach cabanas, cafes, and premium hotels, and palm trees, this area is one of the most well-known seaside promenades you will find on the Mediterranean. Though pricey, the seaside private restaurants/beach is a wonder you must not miss. You can also rent a chaise lounge a few feet from the shore, and let waiters serve you lunch and drinks. Your Riviera experience would not be whole until you completely take a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais.

>> Hotels Near Promenade des Anglais in Nice >> Is Nice Worth Visiting?

Vieux Nice (Nice’s Old Town)

Also known as Old Nice, Vieux Nice is next to the Cours Selaya Flower market. It has narrow streets to can walk while you discover gratifying shopping, dining, and some of Nice’s hippest bars. It spans from the foot of Castle Hill to the Place Massena, which is the city’s main square. Vieux Nice is very much marked with wide promenades, while the medieval quarter reminds of the time when the city was allied with Italian states. It is still one of the best places to taste Nice’s Niçois-style pizzas and pastries. As attractive as this destination is, be careful not to go alone, especially late in the day. Vieux Nice has dark alleys that can be covered for thieves and questionable characters.

Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain

Established in 1990, the museum of modern and contemporary art was built by architects Yves Bayard and Henri Vidal. It has four towers faced in Carrara marble from quarries in Carrara, an Italian town. The museum’s vast collection consists of a sample of the 60s and 70s fine arts that include minimalists, American abstracts, pop art, and new realism. More imposing works on display are by Nice native, Yves Klein, of the Nouveaux Réalistes movement. The museum shows his work in a room and on the roof terrace; a point that gives captivating views of the beautiful city. 

Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas

Built during the reign of Russia’s Tsar Nicholas, the Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas is said to be one of the most stunning Orthodox churches outside of Russia. The style is inspired by the Moscow’s own and has an incredibly decorated interior that comes in murals, carved woodwork, and ornamental icons. It is a virtual jewel box that has historical and religious objects. These were brought to France from Russia during a previous period of crisis. 

Tourists are allowed to see the structure and worship but are expected to abide by some rules. For example, men are not permitted in bare-chested or in shorts. And for women, miniskirts and shorts are not allowed, and shoulders are expected to be covered. A head covering is also preferred. So be prepared before you set out to visit the cathedral.

Parc de la Colline du Château (Castle Hill Park)

High above the Nice coastline, where the Castle Hill Park rests today was the first place to be inhabited by the Greeks about two thousand years ago. It used to be seen as unconquerable until King Louis XIV destroyed it in 1706. The city designed into a modern park today, and a charmingly simple site. It is a place you should visit for its shady trees, a pleasant oasis of greenery, and rushing waterfalls. 

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll and take in the magnificent park views at the Castle Hill. And while having a great time at the park, you can always visit some great restaurants around where you can grab some bite. Other places worth checking out are boutiques and the ruins of two old churches. The Castle Hill Park is lit up with special lighting effects every night. Tourists and other visitors can arrive at the park by foot from the Old Town of Nice or take an Art-Deco lift or escalator from Place Garibaldi. 

>> Is Nice Safe?

How to Maximize your Stay in Nice

While it is about preference, an organized tour is a way to make the most of your stay in the city as you immerse yourself in its culture; without worrying about finding your way around. Indulging in tour agencies has many other benefits too. You get to save time because some of these tourist outfits include convenient pickup and drop-off at your hotel. Here are some tips for enjoying Nice at affordable prices:

Navigate the popular sites

As earlier mentioned, tours are great ways to see scintillating places in Nice. Tours would stop at top cultural attractions like Promenade des Anglais, the Musee d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain, the Russian Orthodox Church, and the Place Garibaldi. Tours also allow experiencing areas of the city that are usually difficult for tourists to add to their itinerary. 

Cycle around the city

You will hardly miss the great scenery on Nice’s streets when you go biking to take on the town. A three-hour trip around would be great as you see locals go hustling and bustling and of course, see the magnificence of the city. Even if you go solo, other tourist cyclists you will meet on the road will also be having an exciting time. 

Medieval hilltop towns and the glitzes of Cannes and Monaco are only a short trip from Nice, and a day trip tour is a perfect way to see them all. In the mountainous town of Eze, you can check out the excellent local perfumery and relish the breathtaking view of French Riviera. In enticing Monte Carlo, you can navigate the old town and see the palace as well as other top sites.

>> Day Trips From Nice >>

Where To Stay In Nice

Hotels are plenty in Nice for the comfort and luxury of visitors and locals alike. Nothing beats the feeling of having a proper rest after a long day of adventure. Indeed, a good Nice hotel will have comfort, tranquility, and the gratifyingly luscious cuisine to go with the calm. 

Hotel Windsor is a short walk to the beach. Walled with distinct murals, its rooms are gorgeously decorated by brilliant artists. Try to request a room with a balcony. The hotel Negresco is another excellent hotel, and it is probably the city’s most famous one. Magisterial around the Promenade des Anglais and the curving beach of La Baie des Anges, the ambiance of this impressive hotel is what every tourist should experience. And the great thing is, you won’t have to spend a fortune to book a room there. 

Its well-known cocktail bar allures the young people with DJ sets, live jazz and Latino bands performance at night. Even the bar staff make lovely cocktails, like the royal Negresco, with champagne, kirsch and raspberry juice. With a swelling number of hotels in Nice, you have lots to choose from.

>> Best Hostels in Nice , Hotels Near Promenade des Anglais in Nice

Is there anything you would add to this Nice Travel Guide? Leave your comments below.

>>Read: Things To Do In Nice

Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France.

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Nice   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Guillaume CHANSON | Getty Images

Why Go To Nice

As the largest city on the French Riviera, Nice attracts beachgoers, history buffs and high culture seekers who come to vacation on its Mediterranean shores. There's definitely more to this attractive city than a pebbly waterfront, pastel-colored buildings and palm trees waving in the breeze. Baroque churches surprise you in the maze of the Old Town 's twisted streets; modern sculptures dominate the gardens as you stroll in the Place Masséna ; ancient Roman ruins provide the backdrop for grand art in Cimiez and the candy-colored onion-shaped domes of the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral  are seen from angles across the city. But Nice's cultural charms are often interwoven (and sometimes overshadowed) by its reputation for partying in the summer months. Be sure to leave a little energy for the vibrant nightlife along the Riviera.

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• # 3 in Best Places to Visit in France
• # 4 in Best Beaches in France

Best of Nice

Best hotels in nice.

• # 1 in Hotel Le Negresco
• # 2 in La Villa Calvi
• # 3 in Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Mediterranee

Best Things to Do in Nice

• # 1 in Place Masséna
• # 2 in Old Town (Vieille Ville)
• # 3 in Promenade des Anglais (English Walk)

Popular Tours

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from $ 185.26

Exclusive Private Boat Tour on a Luxury Day Cruiser-Nice / Monaco

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Nice Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Nice is in the shoulder season of September to October, or from mid-March to April when you can capitalize on sunny weather, fewer crowds and low room rates. In July and August, the city is extremely busy, especially on its beaches, public transport network and the main tourist streets of Place Masséna  and Old Town . You can take advantage of the Mediterranean weather year-round, but average high temperatures range from the mid-50s in the winter to the low 80s in the summer, and the city sees sunny days roughly 300 days of the year.

Weather in Nice

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

The Niçois are friendly France's stereotypically icy attitude regarding tourists seems to thaw in the ever-present sunshine. The Niçois are usually very accommodating to foreigners, especially if you make an attempt to speak French.

The Niçois are fashionable The Niçois dress more formally than Americans, so wearing baseball caps, flip-flops and sneakers will immediately label you as a tourist. Walking around in a swimsuit off the beach is also considered a fashion faux pas.

The Niçois keep 'em covered While topless beaches are common in France, it's a dying practice among the younger generations. Although you most likely won't get into trouble, you can expect to be the object of ogling.

How to Save Money in Nice

Be wary of private beaches Some sections of the beach are cordoned off as private beaches. These spots ban outside food and drink, expecting you to purchase refreshments from their nearby restaurants, as well as charge you upward of 20 euros (around $21.30) for a lounge chair. The public beaches might not come with chairs, but at least they're free.

Book smart Hotel  rates become more affordable from both mid-March to April and September to October. Smaller hotels in the Masséna neighborhood and towards the top end of avenue Jean Médecin tend to be more affordable as well.

Skip the cab Taxis in Nice are expensive. Plus, drivers in Nice are infamous for swindling both tourists and locals alike. Save yourself the hassle and take an Uber, a bus or a tram. Or, rely on your own two feet.

Culture & Customs

It is polite to greet everyone you encounter with a friendly bonjour ("hello") upon arrival, and an au revoir (goodbye) when leaving. Shaking hands is a common way to greet an acquaintance, while it is common amongst friends to double-kiss ( faire la bise ) when saying hello and goodbye. You will find that the French interact physically with close friends in the same way Americans do. If you are directly addressing someone you do not know well, do so formally by referring to them as monsieur or madame until told otherwise.

If you're dining out in Nice, you should note the French eat with both hands on the table and always with utensils. The only time you should use your hands is when you are eating bread (which is generally used to push food onto your fork). Never bite directly from a whole piece of bread, rip off bite-sized pieces instead. You can also use your bread to mop up sauce and wipe your plate clean.

Gratuity is generally included in the bill, but it is customary to round the total up or add an extra 5% for extraordinary service. A 5% tip is also acceptable for taxi drivers. For maid service, a few of euros per night is a sign of appreciation. The official currency in France is the euro, and one euro is equal to approximately $1.06. The euro to U.S. dollar rate often fluctuates, so check the latest exchange rate before you go. If you find yourself short on euros, almost all restaurants and hotels also accept major credit cards.

What to Eat

The food you find in Nice is lighter than in other French cities. Niçois cuisine is a mixture of traditional French ingredients, particularly vegetables – such as peppers, eggplants and zucchinis – and fish and meat but with a twist of Mediterranean flavor. Its location on the coast means that seafood is a staple as seen in the renowned salade niçoise , which combines fresh tomatoes, mixed greens, tuna, anchovies and green beans in a light olive oil dressing. Other local favorites include Italian-inspired pissaladières , small pizzas covered in anchovies and caramelized onions, and socca , a savory pancake made from chickpea flour and olive oil.

You can find the largest number of traditional Niçois restaurants clustered on the small streets of Vieux-Nice ( Old Town ). Some travelers recommend eating at one of the smaller, less expensive pubs or restaurants around the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate near Place Rossetti in Vieux-Nice.

When you're looking for a restaurant, be sure to explore. There are casual gems hidden in seemingly uninhabited alleyways, while fancier establishments sit along the Promenade des Anglais (Walk of the English).

Similar to many European hot spots, Nice is generally safe but also deals with its fair share of pickpockets. Experts suggest that you not carry anything valuable or difficult to replace in your pockets. Keep an extra watchful eye on your valuables in commonly targeted areas like buses and restaurants.

In recent years, terrorist attacks have become increasingly more common in Western Europe and Nice was the target of an attack in 2016 that took the lives of 86 people. According to the U.S. Department of State, terrorist groups continue to plot attacks, so increased vigilance is required in France. There is also increased risk due to civil unrest. Travelers should stay aware of their surroundings. Consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive security messages and following local media to stay informed.

Getting Around Nice

The best way to get around Nice is on foot, especially if you plan on sticking close to the city's center. Like many other French cities, Nice is equipped with a reliable and convenient public transportation system. Buses and trams serve all major tourist attractions as well as the Nice-Ville train station and the Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport (NCE). Ride-hailing services, such as Uber, are also a popular option now because they are much cheaper and more convenient than traditional taxis. If you decide to take a taxi from the airport to the center of Nice, expect to pay a flat rate of 32 euros (around $34). Driving is not recommended as traffic can be frustrating and parking is limited.

Entry & Exit Requirements

A United States passport with at least three months remaining validity beyond your departure from France is required for you to leave the mainland and to re-enter the country. Travelers can enter France for up to 90 days without a visa. If you plan to stay longer, you must obtain the proper visa from one of the French consulates in America prior to departure. For more information concerning entry and exit requirements for France, visit the U.S. State Department's  website .

In 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System , the European Commission's electronic vetting system, comes into operation. United States nationals will have to fill in a pre-arrival online form before traveling to France. Once approved, travelers will be able to stay up to 90 days in any of the 27 Schengen-zone countries. It costs 7 euros (about $7.50).

You'll spot the exterior of the monastery as you stroll its garden .

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An Essential Guide to Nice, Europe’s Original Resort Town 

By Kelsy Chauvin

Nice’s standing as the ultimate getaway became official last summer, when it earned UNESCO World Heritage status as the “ winter resort town of the Riviera .” Citing the “exceptional universal value of the architectural, landscape, and urban heritage of Nice,” the designation memorializes the city’s international flair and air of opulence.

For seasoned travelers, the city’s alluring serenity and scenery has been an open secret since the 18th century. Back then, English aristocrats were drawn to the mild winter weather along this French-Mediterranean stretch, building lavish mansions with exotic gardens to suit their annual sojourns. By 1860, those early snowbirds even constructed the seaside walkway known as La Promenade des Anglais—the English Promenade—now an iconic global attraction.

But the real secret of Nice is its accessibility to modern travelers. From Vieux Nice (the old town) up to Cimiez Hill (Queen Victoria’s old neighborhood), visitors can make their way in luxury or on budget, and enjoy the same mesmerizing beauty of the French Riviera .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Chateau le Cagnard

What to do in Nice—and where to stay

Enthusiasm for Nice begins with a panoramic descent into Nice Cote d’Azur Airport, which juts out into the crystal-blue Ligurian Sea. From there, a 15-minute taxi or swift tram ride puts you directly into central Nice. On and just off the commercial strip that is Avenue Jean Medecin, you’ll find a range of lodging options, including Hotel Boscolo Nice , which welcomes guests into its artful lobby illuminated by a giant skylight. Rooms are spacious and chic, as are its subterranean spa and two Italian-inspired restaurants. Reserve time for the hotel’s breezy rooftop lounge, where you can dip into the plunge pool by day, and sip cocktails during mellow DJ’ed evenings.

Hotel Boscolo is along Boulevard Victor Hugo, from which much of Nice’s main attractions are a pleasant walk or Vélo Bleu bikeshare ride away. Head down Avenue Medecin toward the Fontaine du Soleil and the giant statue of Apollo, then into Vieux Nice to soak up the city’s history. The 1885 neoclassical Nice Opera House marks the west end of the famous Cours Saleya daily market , with fresh flowers and seasonal produce. Visit the Theresa Socca stand to try the simply divine local snack that is socca, a savory crepe made from chickpea flour.

With so many historic sights in the old town, it’s an interesting turn to visit the decidedly modern Charles Nègre Photography Museum , located beside the market in Place Pierre Gautier. Expect to find a range of temporary photo exhibits housed in neighboring buildings. Better still, €15 buys admission here and at 10 more museums across town, including the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Matisse Museum, and Archaeology Museum of Nice/Cimiez, located on an ancient Roman archaeological site. The museum pass doesn’t include Nice’s splendid Marc Chagall Museum, though it’s well worth a visit.

Pass through the arches to walk along the Quai des États-Unis—the United States Wharf, so named to honor America’s World War I alliance with France. This café-lined boulevard parallels the famous Promenade, where you can hit the beach, or gaze upon it from waterside-terrace restaurants like Plage Beau Rivage . Stroll eastward towards the giant #ILoveNICE selfie spot, and on to the compact Port Lympia to check out the colorful wooden fishing boats docked beside million-dollar mega yachts.

Sardines on the beach 

Tanning under the stripped umbrellas

Local Nissarde cuisine

Fans of the Niçoise salad will enjoy diving deeper into unique local Cuisine Nissarde , a notably different style of gastronomy that reflects the region’s Ligurian (Northern Italian) influence. Based on seasonal ingredients that bring fresh salads and fruits in summer, and root vegetables and stews in winter, Nissarde cooking often involves eggs, olives, mushrooms, and deep-sea fish like tuna and sardines.

The Nice Cote d’Azur tourism board lists about two dozen restaurants as traditional “Cuisine Nissarde” establishments, eight of them in or near Vieux Nice. Family-run Chez Acchiardo is one of the oldest, open since 1927 in its stone-walled corner location on Rue Droite. Here’s you’ll be able to sample some of the city’s best traditional dishes, such as daube , beef stew made with red wine and Mediterranean herbs; and trouchia , a tasty frittata layered with baby Swiss chard.

On every Nissarde menu you’ll find merda de can, green gnocchi topped with pistou—pesto made without pine nuts, the Ligurian way. Lou Balico serves one of the best versions, in shareable portions, along with a superb Niçoise salad, made traditionally with anchovies, pickled vegetables, and artichokes, served over greens with fresh tuna, tomato, olives, and boiled egg. On any Nissarde menu you’ll also find pissaladière , a filling, focaccia-like flatbread topped with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives.

Parfumerie Galimard

Along the Cote d’Azur

The 120-mile-long French Riviera stretches from shore to Alps, so it’s well worth a regional tour to explore small towns like Vence, a historic Roman-turned-medieval village about 45 minutes’ drive northwest from Nice. In the town square, dine al fresco at CheZ’elles, serving delicious Armenian food that’s pleasantly mistaken for classic Greek cuisine. Don’t miss a visit to Vence’s Rosary Chapel, commonly called the Matisse Chapel since Henri Matisse personally designed and decorated the bright, modest space during his later years. 

By Mary Holland

By Juliet Izon

By Kyler Alvord

By Matt Meltzer

Take a quick jaunt from Vence to Cagnes-sur-Mer to lodge at Chateau le Cagnard , once a hilltop castle that’s now a luxury hotel with 29 unique guestrooms, many with picture-perfect balconies. Nearby, the serenity of the Renoir House and Museum reveals why many artists were drawn to this lovely, temperate corner of France.

Drive or take a train eastward from Nice to Eze to visit the spectacular Exotic Garden of Eze , a botanical garden perched high on a hill within a medieval fortress, planted with foliage from around the world. Stroll through the fortress’ winding pathways to find unique shops and cafés, and stop into ultra-grand Hotel Chateau de La Chèvre d’Or for an Aperol spritz overlooking the sea. For a delightfully different souvenir, join a fragrance-making class at Eze’s Galimard Maison de Parfums , where you can customize your own scent to bring home, while the studio keeps your recipe on file for future orders.

You can dine or lodge overnight at panoramic (and decidedly modern) Les Terasses d’Eze , or head back to Nice, perhaps via the maritime town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. This former fishing village is prime territory for fresh-caught, French-inspired seafood dishes at open-air spots like Le Cosmo .

That restaurant is located on a plaza that faces the 16th-century Chapel St. Pierre, a modest structure with an eye-catching Romanesque façade. Its interior is even more fascinating, every inch decorated with the original mid-century work of Jean Cocteau, who lived occasionally in the Welcome Hotel in Villefranche. There, Cocteau found both solace and inspiration in the everyday milieu of the Cote d’Azur. It seems the atmospheric nature of the French Riviera was as beguiling to him as it was for centuries of vacationers before him, and for today’s travelers eager to find their own time in the Nice sun.

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20 Things to Know Before you Travel to Nice, France

02/05/2024 By Traveling Canucks Leave a Comment Categories: Beach Europe France Nice Sightseeing Top Lists Travel Tips Trip Ideas World Heritage Site

Things to know before you travel to Nice, France

Are you planning to travel to Nice and looking for some quick travel tips? Great! We wrote this post with you in mind. Rather than write another post about the top things to do in Nice, we thought we’d share a few of the things we learned instead.

The purpose of our trip to Nice was to attend the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France . We decided to make Nice our home base for one week, to avoid a lot of packing and unpacking.

During our visit to the French Riviera, we made a day trip from Nice to Monaco and an overnight in Marseille to watch a game. Because of this, we really only had a few full days to explore Nice. 

We hope these Nice travel tips will help you plan your Nice vacation. 

The beach is rocky. Bring water shoes. 

As you can see in the photo above, the beach along the famous Promenade des Anglais is rocky. This iconic beach stretches close to 7 km in length, so you’ll be able to find a spot.  

Bring water shoes, sandals, flip flops or thongs. Preferably shoes you can wear directly in the water without them easily falling off.

There is a slope from the beach to the water that makes it challenging to get out of the water . It’s actually pretty comical to watch people try to get back to beach from the water. Envision a wabbly dance with flapping arms – the opposite of graceful. 

The rocks are not sharp, they’re smooth. Some people call it a pebble beach. Regardless, these stones are not easy to walk on. Avoid using bare feet. 

Many shops near the beach sell inexpensive beach matts to sit on. Get one. You’ll be glad you did.

There is a small patch of sandy beach. 

While most of the beaches in Nice are rocky, there is a small sandy section at Ponchettes Public Beach (Plage des Ponchettes). It’s located at the eastern end of the promenade, near Vieux Nice and Castel Hill.

If you crave the sand, head to this beach. But be warned, this beach is one of the most popular public beaches in Nice, France .

You do NOT need to rent a vehicle

Most Nice tourist attractions are located near the old town, Vieux Nice . It’s a very walkable city, with several pedestrian only streets. 

Parking in the city is challenging. There are limited parking lots and finding available street parking is like winning the lottery. Renting a vehicle will create unnecessary headaches. And, you’ll likely spend most of your time walking around the city anyways.

Use the public transit system to explore the city. Grab an Uber if you have a specific place in mind (like the impressive St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral ). Take the train if you want to visit nearby cities and towns, like Monaco and/or Menton . 

Take advantage of public transit when you travel to Nice.

Consider the French Riviera Pass

If you like to visit museums and tourist attractions, you might want to consider the French Riviera Pass . With your French Riviera Pass, you get free access to most of the essential sites of the Côte d’Azur. 

It’s a cost-effective way to explore the top Nice attractions. Choose between 24, 48 and 72 hours. 

Some of the attractions included with the pass are Massena Museum, National Museum of Natural History, Marc Chagall National Museum, Musée de la Photographie, Saint-Nicolas Cathedral, free guided tour of Le Vieux-Nice, and Nice Grand Tour open-deck bus, to name a few.

Click here to see the price of the French Riviera Pass

Take the Nice Tramway from the Airport to your HOTEL

If you’re staying at a hotel , the Nice tram is convenient and inexpensive. You can catch the tram at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.

Depending on when you arrive, the traffic in Nice can be quite congested. And there are lots of stop lights and one way streets, making it a slow drive for taxis and ride-shares.

View the Nice tramway stops here . 

You will need to purchase a ticket at vending machines located on the tram platforms. Click the British Flag for English and follow the prompts.

If you plan to use the tram multiple times on your Nice vacation, it might make sense to get the Multi ticket. It’s 10 Euros for 10 tickets (on one card). You can use these ‘tickets’ for multiple people, just make sure you validate the ticket for each person when you get on the tram. 

View an interactive Nice tramway map here .

Organize a Private Transfer if staying at an apartment rental

Yes, I am somewhat contradicting the above statement. The main difference is HOTEL vs APARTMENT .

There is a difference. Let me explain. 

Hotels are much easier to find because there is a big sign on the building. While the tramway is convenient and easy to navigate, the streets of Nice are not.

There are many apartment rentals in Nice , and most are in old buildings on one way streets.

Even if you are able to find the correct street intersection, you still have to the find the correct building and apartment number. It can be confusing (and frustrating) for a first time visitor.

We stayed at an apartment using Booking.com . The apartment is a 15 minute walk west of the Old Town. After making the reservation, we received contact info from the property manager. He gave us his Whatsapp to communicate with him via text.

He also gave us the Whatsapp number to a taxi driver that he recommends. We contact the driver and give him our flight info. He was waiting at the airport gate with our name on a sign. Then, once in the taxi, the driver texts the apartment manager and lets him know we are on the way.

I cannot imagine trying to find this building and apartment number without the assistance of this friendly driver.

Fortunately, the property manager was available to greet us. Even when we were buzzed into the building, we had trouble finding the room number. It’s an old building that did not have floor or door numbers. 

After a long travel day, it’s nice to not have to think. We paid about 50 euros for this private transfer; which is not cheap. But we think it’s worth it, especially with two tired kids.

Make sure you visit Vieux Nice (Nice Old Town)

Okay, so this is a no-brainer. If you travel to Nice, you must explore the cobblestone streets of the Old Town.

Did you know that Nice recently became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021? 

If you’re just starting to research the many things to do in Nice , put Vieux Nice at the top of your list. The charming Old Town is a maze of narrow streets with incredible architecture. Embrace the labyrinth and discover its many shops and cafes, but be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Stay close to Nice’s Old Town (and beach)

The Old Town is the place to be. It’s home to hundreds of restaurants, cafes, bars, shops and tourist attractions. It’s the heart of the city. 

When researching where to stay in Nice, look for properties within walking distance to the Old Town . And the beach, if possible. After all, you didn’t travel to Nice to stay at a budget hotel near the airport, did you?

I’m all for saving money. Except, if it means staying far away from the action. The last thing you want to do is take public transit to and from dinner. 

If you have to choose between Old Town vs Beach, I would lean towards the beach. But that depends on what you like doing and how much you like the beach. 

Use the Promenade de Anglais as your compass

Nice is a very walkable city and the famous Promenade de Anglais is the easiest and most enjoyable way to get around the city. Use it as a marker to navigate the city. 

Interesting fact – this celebrated promenade was originally financed by the British in the 1820s. Promenade des Anglais means ‘Walkway of the English’ .

Due to its mild climate and location between the Mediterranean sea and the Alps, Nice became the winter destination for British aristocrats and upper-class families. In an effort to make Nice a more attractive winter destination for foreigners, the promenade was built. 

Nice is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed as Winter Resort Town of the Riviera . The Promenade des Anglais is a big reason for this recognition. 

History lesson aside, this promenade is a must-visit. We walked up and down this path multiple times, every day. Have a seat in one of the iconic blue chairs and enjoy the beach views. 

English is spoken, but French is preferred (and appreciated)

French is the official language, obviously. And, while many locals speak English, it’s always appreciated if you try a few basic phrases. A simple “Bonjour” (hello) and “Merci” (thank you) will do. 

Our boys speak French, sort of. Being in France gave them the perfect opportunity to practice their French. When locals heard them try to speak French, they instantly smiled and helped them with certain words. 

Generally speaking, it’s always a good idea to practice the local language. 

Get the best views of Nice at Castle Hill

The promenade starts/ends at Castle Hill, so you will inevitably find yourself here at some point. The Castle of Nice (Château de Nice) was a military citadel built in the 11th century. It offers the best views in the city. 

There are several viewpoints at Castle Hill, so let your curiosity guide you. Check out the waterfalls and continue to Colline du Château Viewpoint of Port Lympia. 

The view from Castle Hill is the most photographed landscape in Nice. 

The main lookout point is at Bellanda Tower, picture above (on the left). The umbrellas in front of the beach are a part of Castel Plage, a popular restaurant and beach club. 

There is an elevator at Castle Hill 

We did not know this, so we walked up the stairs. The stairs are fine, but it was a hot and sweaty afternoon. And we didn’t have water with us, which was a mistake. 

If you have mobility issues, or you just hate walking up lots of stairs, use the elevator instead. 

Dinner happens after 8:00 PM

Admittedly, we are early eaters. Since having kids, our dinner time is typically between 5:30-6:30PM. Naturally, our stomachs start to rumble at this time. 

As we wandered the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, we noticed many of the restaurants looked empty. Our first instinct is that the food or service is not great. Why else would this perfectly located French restaurant be empty at 5:30PM? 

Don’t let this lack of guests fool you. Many of these same restaurants hit capacity by 8:00 PM. In some cases, you have to wait for over an hour to get a table.

Keep this in mind when planning dinner. If you have kids and you want to dine early, some restaurants might not be open for dinner yet. And, if you wait until later, you might not get a table at popular restaurants. 

If there’s one thing we can all learn from the French, it’s how to enjoy eating and drinking. Sit back, relax, and soak up the evening atmosphere. 

Only cheer for the home team in France!

The French are fanatics for football (soccer). Our boy is a mild fan of Paris Saint-German (PSG). He likes Mbappé and Messi, so he knows the name of the team. But he isn’t a real fan and I doubt he’s watched a full game from start to finish. 

One evening, we visited the Old Town to watch the France Rugby World Cup game. 

To our surprise, the rugby game was not televised. Instead, the Ligue 1 match between OGC Nice and PSG was on the outdoor big screens. That’s fine we us. We like to watch sports with the locals. So we found a chair and decided to watch the soccer game instead. 

Sitting directly behind us was a group of five PSG fans. I’d guess they were 20 years old. Young men.

When PSG scored a goal, the out-of-town fans cheered. Within seconds, about 30 fans of the home team (pictured above) turned around and started shouting. They rushed the PSG fans and things almost got out of hand. Some of the guys almost knocked over our youngest boy as they confronted the PSG fans. 

Things cooled down, briefly. But we noticed many of these young men strategically changed tables in order to surround these unwelcomed PSG fans.

We were right in the middle of it. At that point, we decided it was time to leave. Fortunately, our boy did not cheer when PSG scored! 

The lesson – if you watch a soccer match in France, make sure you cheer for the home team. 

Splurge and eat a French Macaron

When you travel to Nice, you must indulge in its culinary delights. And what better indulgence then the simple and elegant macaron. 

There are not a cheap treat, but they are oh-so-good and worth the splurge. 

Do it! You know you want to. 

How cute is this little shop in Vieux Nice? I might travel to Nice just for the macarons. 

Watch your step!

Some of the old streets in Nice are in poor condition. In fact, most of the streets and sidewalks are in need of repair. We expect this in the old town, but it’s common throughout the city.

Watch for uneven surfaces that can trip you. It happened to us multiple times. 

Also – watch out for dog poop!

It’s everywhere. I’m sure that most people are responsible dog owners (right?!), so I’ll try not to point the finger. But beware – the streets of Nice (and Marseille) are covered with dog poop. 

And there’s a lot of human urine puddles, too. Most public washrooms have a fee (1-2 euros), which pushes people to pee outside on the street (especially drunk or homeless people). Watch your step!

Take a day trip to Monaco (or Cannes, Antibes, Èze, Menton)

No trip to the French Riviera is complete without visiting the glamorous microstate of  Monaco . After spending the day in Monaco, we can confirm that a day trip to Monaco is enough time to see the sites and get a feel for the city.

It’s not very big, geographically speaking, so you can see a lot in a short period of time. 

If you have time, visit some of the smaller villages and towns near Nice. Antibes, Villefranches, Èze and Menton are nearby cities worth a day trip.

Italy is also a short train ride away. We ate breakfast in France, lunch in Monaco, and dinner in Italy, which is three countries in one day. The train system is efficient and convient. 

Related post – Things to do in Monaco for first time visitors

Book your train tickets on the app

The above photo shows you the most hated machines in France. The train ticket vending machines. These old machines are confusing and frustrating. And there is typically only one person, if that, available to help. 

To avoid waiting in the painfully slow lines, download the app and book your tickets ahead of time. 

Train tickets won’t work until 30 minutes before departure time

We arrived at Gare de Nice-Ville an hour early. The gates require QR codes on your phone or tickets from the vending machine. We attempted to walk through the gates but the QR code would not work.

We were confused. And there is no human to speak with. 

A friendly person could see our frustration. She informed us that we should speak into a small yellow box located beside the gates. A small camera and microphone allows you to speak with a customer service person. It’s very impersonal and, in my opinion, poorly advertised/communicated.

This is a train station, after all! Hundreds of thousands of uniformed foreigners will travel to Nice and may need assistance. And we were visiting during the rugby world cup .

We were informed that the QR codes and tickets only become active 30 minutes before departure time. That’s why it didn’t work. Sure enough, the codes did work when used at the appropriate time. Duh!

However, this was not communicated when we purchased the train tickets.

The lesson – don’t arrive at the train station too early. There is limited seating and you can’t access the passenger area until 30 minutes before departure. 

Avoid the peak season, if possible.

The summer months are considered peak season for tourists (June to August). France is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and the French Riviera is its most popular beach vacation region.

Avoid visiting during public holidays in France because that’s when locals also visit the region. 

In general, travel to Nice during the shoulder seasons in the spring (April & May) and fall (September & October) should bring less tourists and milder temperatures. However, even in slower tourist seasons, it’s still a bustling city. 

Hopefully you found these Nice travel tips helpful.

We enjoyed out time in Nice and can see why it gets its reputation as a top European travel destination. If you choose to travel to Nice, we hope these simple tips help with your trip planning. 

Bon voyage!

Read more blog posts from Europe:

• You can’t go to Ireland and not see these top 10 Ireland attractions
• 30 Photos of Porto Portugal that we can’t stop looking at
• Things to do in Stockholm, Sweden in the summer (with Kids)
• 12 days in Norway: A Perfect Norway Road Trip Itinerary   
• Thinking about a European River Cruise? Here’s what you need to know
• Things to do in Monaco for first time visitors

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The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Nice Itinerary

Last Updated on February 5, 2024

by Neota Langley

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning a 2 or 3 days in Nice itinerary is a wonderful experience when you consider all there is do in this beautiful city. The gem of the French Riviera , Nice is a vibrant beachfront city with bags of culture around every corner. Just a few kilometres away from Italy and Monaco , Nice is infused with its very own distinctive Mediterranean atmosphere.

France’s 5th largest city is packed full of charm, with a warren of narrow streets and bustling markets to explore. The beating heart of the Cotes d’Azur, Nice is a year-round destination, so grab your sunglasses and unwind to the sound of the lapping waves whilst sampling some of the finest regional Niçoise cuisine.

Table of Contents

How Many Days In Nice?

Known for its gorgeous beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural history, you may be wondering how many days to spend in Nice to make the most of this Mediterranean city.

You will need to spend a minimum of 2 days in Nice which will allow plenty of time to visit the city’s main attractions as well as discovering some hidden gems along the way.

However, why not enjoy Nice in 3 days? If you are lucky enough to have a full 3 days to spend in Nice, you could also take a day trip to visit some of the unique neighbouring towns and villages along the French Riviera .

You may even want to take a day trip to nearby Cannes , famous for the annual Cannes Film Festival. 

Getting To & Around Nice

Getting to Nice is relatively straightforward, thanks to its excellent transport links. The Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is located just a few kilometres from the city centre.

This airport offers a wide range of domestic and international flights all over the world. From the Nice airport, you can take either a taxi, bus, train or private transfer directly into the heart of the city. 

For those arriving by train, Nice is well connected to other parts of France and Europe. Gare de Nice-Ville is the city’s main train station, located in the heart of the city with regular services to cities such as Paris and Marseille .

There are also high-speed trains that can take you to a variety of major cities across Europe. You can view train schedules here.

Nice has an extensive bus and tram network that makes it easy to get around the city and covers all of the main attractions. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines or directly from the driver as you board. If public transport isn’t your thing, you will also find several taxi companies including Uber, operating in and around the city.

Nice is a fairly compact city so you can walk from one corner to the other without much trouble. For example, the Old Town to the train station is only a 20-minute walk.

There is no need to hire a car to make the most out of your time in Nice. If you are travelling with a vehicle, there are several park-and-ride car parks along the tram route where you can leave your car for free whilst you explore.

2 to 3-Day Nice Itinerary

Nice is a vibrant and colourful city in the South of France that offers a perfect blend of French and Mediterranean culture. With its stunning seafront location, charming Old Town, and beautiful parks and gardens, Nice is a city that is full of surprises.

Whether you have 2 or 3 days in Nice, you’ll be able to soak in the must see sights as well as discovering some of the city’s hidden gems.

Day 1 – Promenade des Anglais & Vieux Nice

Promenade des anglais.

Start your first day by taking a leisurely stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais.

One of the most famous seafronts in the world, this iconic 7km-long promenade runs along the stunning Mediterranean coastline and the Nice Port and is lined with towering palm trees, grand hotels, and blossoming gardens. Take in the breathtaking views of the glistening azure sea, whilst you soak up the city’s history and architecture.

Walking not your thing? Nice offers a cheap bike hire called Velo Bleu — simply take a bike from one of the many stations throughout the city and return it when you are finished.

Whether you’re looking to go for a walk, a morning jog, enjoy a bike ride, or simply sit and enjoy the views, visiting and strolling along the Promenade des Anglais is one of the most essential things to do in Nice.

Cours Saleya

After your morning stroll, head into the Old Town of Nice (Vieux Nice), a charming and picturesque district with narrow streets and colourful buildings. Explore the Cours Saleya Market, a vibrant hub of activity, with an array of market stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted souvenirs and antiques. You can also organise a walking tour or food tour here.

For lunch, why not sample a Socca, a pancake made from chickpea flour that is a popular local specialty –  the best Socca stall at the market is Chez Theresa, they use traditional recipes passed down through the generations since 1925 to make delicious Socca.

Cours Saleya is also home to the famous Nice Flower Market, which is open every day except Monday. Here, you can find a dazzling display of flowers and plants, including local blooms such as mimosa, lavender, and sunflowers.

The market is a sensory feast, with the aroma of fresh produce and flowers filling the air. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir, a taste of local produce, or simply an opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of this lively square, Cours Saleya is an essential part of your itinerary for Nice and a lovely place to visit. 

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art 

A must-visit destination for art lovers, The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (or MAMAC for short) showcases a diverse range of modern and contemporary art. The museum includes works by artists such as Yves Klein, Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol.

A work of art in itself, the museum is a striking modernist design that includes a glass and steel façade. Take in the stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape alongside the world-class art exhibitions inside.

Russian Orthodox Cathedral

Perhaps one of Nice’s best-kept secrets, hidden off the beaten path, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral is the largest Orthodox cathedral in Europe.

As you round the corner this spectacular cathedral will stop you in your tracks, with six golden cupolas topped by golden crosses, this stunning ecclesiastical building stands out among the traditional Hausmmannian architecture you typically find in and around Nice.

Don’t miss the exquisite iconostasis surrounding the choir, made in Russia by the famous Khlebnikoff workshops. You can enter the cathedral free of charge and the detour from the city centre is well worth doing. If you don’t want to walk, the nearest bus stop is Parc Impérial / Gambetta.

Place Rossetti

Weave your way back through the old town to spend your evening in the Place Rossetti. An evening here is a magical experience, with its beautiful architecture, lively atmosphere, and charming restaurants and cafes.

The bustling square is particularly enchanting when illuminated at night, with street performers and other entertainers putting on shows throughout the evening and the Nice Cathedral overlooking it. Why not try some traditional regional Niçoise cuisine?

The Rossettisserie is an excellent restaurant if you want to try homely regional delights. Try the daube, a rich beef stew, or the salade Niçoise, a classic dish of fresh vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and tuna. Nice’s cuisine pairs simplicity with excellent local ingredients. 

Day 2 – Musée Matisse, Cimiez & Castle Hill

Musée matisse.

Start your second day in Nice with a visit to the Musée Matisse, dedicated to the life and work of the famous French painter, Henri Matisse.

The museum is home to an impressive collection of Matisse’s original paintings, drawings, and sculptures as well as documents that give you a closer look into his life and inspiration.

Perched on Cimiez Hill, the museum is located in a beautiful 17th-century villa that was also once Matisse’s home.

Cimiez 

As you leave the museum, take a moment to explore the rest of Cimiez Hill. The Cimiez Monastery, Gardens and Museum of Archaeology are located a stone’s throw from the Musée Matisse.

Built in 1989, The Museum of Archaeology was inaugurated on the site of the remains of the ancient Roman city of Cemenelum. You can find a wide range of artefacts, archaeological evidence of the ancient history of Nice as well as ancient collections from other sites. 

The gardens are the real highlight, a former vegetable garden and orchard with its central well and pergolas completely covered with climbing roses. The paths are dotted with a variety of citrus fruit trees but don’t forget to wander through the vast olives groves that face the monastery.

Made up of thousands of olive trees more than 100 years old. Below lies a small, cosy terrace with a traditional fountain and pools. Enjoy a breathtaking view of Nice and the Paillon valley all the way down to the Mediterranean Sea. 

You could also opt to visit the Marc Chagall National Museum, which is filled with artwork by the eponymous Russian-born French painter.

Castle Hill

Despite the absence of the castle, the hilltop it once occupied remains one of Nice’s most popular destinations.

There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, with the grandest panoramic views over the city, its bay and the coast beyond. On a clear day you can even see whispers of the French Alps in the distance.

Castle Hill is best experienced at sunset when the scenery is at its most spectacular. For a romantic evening, pack a picnic and spend time atop the hill as day turns to night. 

Hotel Negresco 

As you come to the end of your 2nd day in Nice, it’s time to walk in the footsteps of celebrities and even royalty and head to the Hotel Negresco . This magnificent belle-époque building, standing proud on the Promenade des Anglais is instantly recognisable by its pink domed roof. 

Over a century ago, Le Negresco first welcomed guests through its grand doors and it soon became renowned for its unmistakably French art de vivre – and it is certainly one of the more upmarket places to stay in Nice.

Established in 1912 by Henri Negresco, the hotel changed ownership in 1957, when it was acquired by Madame Jeanne Augier. It was under her ownership that the hotel underwent a lavish transformation, with opulent decor and furnishings that continue to enchant guests to this day.

Now classified as a historical monument, you can indulge in a drink indoors or on the terrace and bask in the sophisticated atmosphere. The prices may be high but it’s definitely worth the splurge to embrace yourself in some of the glamour of the 60s Riviera.

If you only have 2 days or a weekend in Nice, this is the perfect way to round off your trip.

Day 3 – Antibes

If you have a full 3 days, why not take a day trip from Nice to the nearby town of Antibes, located just 20 kilometres west of the city?

Antibes is a charming town, typical of the French Riviera. Known for its beautiful beaches and culture, taking 1 day out of your Nice itinerary gives you the perfect amount of time to explore this beautiful town.

Antibes is easily accessible from Nice by either train or bus. Trains depart regularly from Nice’s main train station, Gare de Nice-Ville, and take just 20 minutes.

The bus to Antibes will take a little longer, between 30-40 minutes in total. You can also book a full-day tour that includes Antibes and some other spots on the French Riveria.

Marché Provençal

Start your morning in Antibes with a visit to the Marché Provençal, a bustling market perfectly representing the region of Provence , full of exotic sights and smells. Fresh meats, cheeses and vegetables alongside handmade crafts. The perfect place to pick up a souvenir to take home.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast of croissants and coffee at one of the cafes in the market square.

Musée Picasso

One of the must-see attractions in Antibes is the Musée Picasso, a museum housed in a breathtaking chateau overlooking the sea. In 1946, the iconic artist Pablo Picasso spent a delightful year in Antibes, where he utilised the second floor of this magnificent chateau as his workshop.

At the end of his stay, he gifted several significant works to the city, including 44 drawings and 23 paintings, some of which are now among his most celebrated pieces. During his time in Antibes, Picasso experimented with a limited palette of only 12 colours, using the same paint that the local fishermen employed on their boats!

Visitors can admire the masterpieces he created during his stay and gain a deeper understanding of the artist’s creative process and the inspiration he found in the stunning surroundings of Antibes.

La Gravette

For lunch, head to La Gravette, a small beach just a short walk from the museum. Discreetly tucked away behind the mediaeval ramparts at the end of the port, this beach is perhaps the most beautiful beach in Antibes.

With its wide open sandy shores, La Gravette is the perfect spot to relax and take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Feeling peckish? Grab a table at one of the many seafood restaurants that line the shorefront and enjoy a delicious meal of locally caught grilled fish and crisp white wine. 

Cap d’Antibes

Finish off your day trip with a visit to the Cap d’Antibes, a picturesque peninsula complete with hidden coves and a lighthouse. You can walk the entire peninsula in 1.5 hours but make sure you are wearing suitable footwear as the path can be rocky in places.

Cap d’Antibes is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset before you head back into Nice.

Where to Stay in Nice

Nice Garden Hotel – A comfortable mid-range hotel located in the centre of Nice, this is a great option. They offer single, double and triple rooms along with a lovely garden so its great for everyone from single travellers to families.

Palais Saleya Boutique hôtel – A modern hotel at the entrance to the old town, this is an excellent luxe option in Nice. There are several chic rooms along with some apartments and an airport shuttle available to guests.

Aparthotel AMMI Vieux Nice – With a great location in the centre of Nice, this aparthotel offers several pet-friendly studios along with daily breakfast and other amenities.

Hostel Meyerbeer Beach – With plenty of dorm and private, this highly-rated hostel is a good choice for those on a tight budget in France . There are also excellent common areas, a cafe and a fantastic location.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Nice hotels!

Whether you discover the delights of Nice in 2 days or spend an extra day exploring more of the Cotes d’Azur, we hope you use this itinerary to make the most of this magnificent Mediterranean city. 

Are you planning a trip to Nice? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Neota Langley

Neota is a writer for The World Was Here First. Born and bred in Cornwall, she can usually be found with hiking boots on, ready to embark on an adventure. For the last 6 years, she has travelled throughout Europe in her self-built campervan with her trusty canine companion, Ivy. She loves exploring France, the Nordics and spending time in Alpine destinations.

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Nice Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 9, 2023

Visiting Nice is, to use the old joke, nice. Located on the French Riviera, it’s the second-biggest tourist destination in the country. I’ve found the city a lovely place to stop on the way to smaller, even quainter Riviera towns. Nice has wonderful hilltop lookouts, restaurants, glamor, tons of scenery, and beautiful beaches.

While not known for its history, settlements here stretch back a whopping 400,000 years (Homo Erectus artifacts have been found here). The city as we know it today was likely established around 350 BCE by the Greeks. That settlement evolved into a large trading hub, which expanded through the Middle Ages into the city we know today.

These days, Nice is known for its upscale atmosphere. The city’s glitz means that there are very few budget options, but it’s worth a night or two to take in the sights and admire the fleet of yachts that usually dot the harbor. After a couple of days, head down to the nearby beach towns of the Cote d’Azur.

This travel guide to Nice can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this gorgeous city!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Nice

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Nice

1. Walk the Promenade des Anglais

This seaside promenade is one of the main hubs of the city. Vendors sell fresh-made crepes and, best of all, there are nice (get it?) restaurants on the beach. Try Le Koudou for seafood or Les Jardins du Capitole for French classics like tartare.

2. Visit the Matisse Museum

Artist Henri Matisse moved to Nice at 48 and remained in the city until his death in 1954. It was during this time that Matisse painted some of his most famous works, including The Sheaf, Nu bleu, Sorrow of the King , and others. Admission is 10 EUR.

3. Relax at the beach

The beaches of Nice aren’t great when compared to the surrounding area but there are still some noteworthy ones to visit. La Réserve is known as one of the best beaches in Nice. Plage Beau Rivage and Coco Beach are both quite nice as well.

4. Wander Vieux Nice

Below the hill of the main city, the old town is a maze of streets and tight alleyways. There are numerous boutiques, markets, crêperies, and cafés. Nice was Italian until the signing of the Treaty of Turin in 1860, so Vieux Nice has a very Italian feel to it.

5. See the Nice Port

Port Lympia is a great spot to watch boats coming and going. In the summer, you can even take a free ferry, called Lou Passagin, across the harbor. Some of the hippest bars are located here as well. Boston Bar and Ma Nolan’s are both excellent choices.

Other Things to See and Do in Nice

1. visit the cours saleya flower market.

Nice is known for its flowers. In 1897, it was the first city in the world to open a wholesale cut flower market. This tradition runs strong to this day, and the market is lined with cafes, shops, and aisles upon aisles of fresh flowers. While the market is known for its flowers, there are also many local produce stands as well. It’s open six days a week from 6am-5:30pm except for Monday and Sunday afternoons when there’s a flea and antique market instead (also cool to visit). Mornings are the best time to visit as the flowers are the freshest and the crowds the smallest.

2. Head to La Colline du Château (Castle Hill)

The Castle of Nice (Château de Nice) was built in the 11th century, remaining an active citadel until the early 18th-century when King Louis XIV commanded that it be destroyed. Today, the area where the Chateau once stood is a popular green space and look-out, with one of the best panoramic views of Nice and the sea. You can take an elevator or hike up the stairs, but it’s a long, long walk. I usually take the elevator up and hike down. You can walk up from the promenade or via the town. (I prefer walking up via the old town as it’s more scenic.)

4. Tour the Museum of Asian Art

Located beside a man-made lake in Phoenix Park, Japanese architect Kenzo Tange designed the museum to be a meeting point between Asian and Western cultures. One of Nice’s newer museums, it opened its doors in 1998 and has a brilliant collection of Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian art. The India exhibit is exceptionally good. Entrance is free. There are also paid (10 EUR) weekend workshops on Asian art forms such as Japanese and Chinese calligraphy and origami. A traditional tea ceremony takes place every Sunday at 3pm (10 EUR).

5. Visit the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Opening its doors in 1990, the MAMAC focuses on postwar pieces, with more than 1,300 works of art in its collection. The museum has four connected wings, each featuring modern and contemporary art. There is a great collection of sculptures, conceptual installations, and paintings, as well as temporary rotating exhibitions. Admission is 10 EUR.

6. Take a day trip to Monaco

Monaco is a small city-state known for its luxe atmosphere. Even if you can’t afford to stay in this luxurious city, you can still visit for the day. You can spend the day exploring the casinos, yachts, and chic restaurants lining the water. While you’re here, visit the Palace of Monaco, a castle built in 1191. As it’s the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco, tourists can only visit seasonally. You can visit the prince’s staterooms (8 EUR), see the royal collection of cars (8 EUR), or meander Monaco’s zoological gardens (6 EUR). The bus takes 45 minutes and costs 1.50 EUR. The train takes 20 minutes with tickets starting as low as 3.50 EUR. The Monaco F1 Grand Prix is held here annually in May or June, attracting thousands of visitors.

7. See St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral

This cathedral is the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe. When one of Tsar Aleksandr II’s sons died in Nice at the beginning of the 20th century after coming down with meningitis, this cathedral was later dedicated to him. Built in the Russian Revival style, the cathedral has teal and green-tiled domes topped with silver crosses. Inside there’s a golden altar and vibrantly painted walls. A dress code is strictly enforced so don’t wear shorts if you want to enter. Cameras are not allowed inside either.

8. Tour the Musée National Marc Chagall

A Russian-French artist of Belarusian Jewish descent, Chagall is known for his cubism and expressionism pieces. Located north of Vieux-Nice in the neighborhood of Cimiez, Musée National Marc Chagall features the artist’s religious works, particularly pieces depicting the resurrection, the sacrifice of Isaac, Adam, and Eve. The Fiddler and Bella with White Collar are among his more popular pieces. Built in 1973, Chagall was active in the museum up until his death in 1985. Admission is 8 EUR, with free admission on the first Sunday of the month.

9. Visit the Cimiez Hill district

If you visit the Matisse Museum, you’ll find yourself in Cimiez Hill district, located about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from Nice’s Old Town. But there’s even more to explore in this area, including the tranquil Cimiez Monastery Gardens, the Archaeological Museum (5 EUR), and the ruins of a Roman amphitheater.

10. Take the Wonder Train

The Train des Merveilles is a two-hour train journey from Nice to the picturesque mountain village of Tende. On this scenic ride, the train makes its way through the mountains, offering breathtaking views of gorges, valleys, and the sea. Take the 9:15am train so you can arrive by late morning, explore the town, have lunch, see the free museum, and then catch a train back to Nice in the evening. A round-trip ticket is 27 EUR, though there are often special discounted offers in the summer.

For more information on other cities in France, check out these guides:

Nice Travel Costs

Hostel prices – There are several hostels in Nice within walking distance to the beach, starting at 22-26 EUR for a 4-6-bed dorm. A bed in a dorm with 8-12 beds costs around 14-18 EUR per night. Private rooms start at 60 EUR per night. Expect standard amenities like free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities.

Budget hotel prices – You can find budget hotels located in the city center with free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning starting at 50-65 EUR per night.

On Airbnb, you can find private rooms starting at 40 EUR per night and entire apartments starting at 65 EUR per night (though double or even triple that is more likely if you don’t book in advance).

Food – Food in France has a long history and is intricately intertwined with the culture. Fresh bread (especially baguettes), tasty local cheeses, and plentiful wine may be stereotypical staples of the cuisine, but they really are some of the must-eat foods in the country. Be sure to also try croque monsieur (a hot ham and cheese sandwich), pot-au-feu (beef stew), steak frites (steak and fries), and if you’re really adventurous you can sample traditional delicacies like frog legs, escargot (snails), or foie gras (a fattened duck or goose liver).

If you go out to eat, expect to spend 9-13 EUR for starters, 15-30 EUR for a main dish, 5-10 EUR for desserts, and 4-9 EUR for wine.

To save money eating out, try doing a prix-fixe meal. It’s a set menu that offers you a deal on a 2-3 course meal. It’s the cheapest at lunch at about 15 EUR.

La Rossettisserie in Vieux-Nice is a carnivore’s dream with a menu filled with red meat and poultry dishes, for around 17 EUR. Illia Pasta on rue Droite in Old Nice is also a delicious choice, with dishes under 15 EUR. In the neighborhood of Jean-Médecin, Le Vingt4 is a vibrant Mediterranean and French restaurant with tapas for 9-16 EUR.

Fast food or ready-made sandwiches cost about 6 EUR. A combo meal at McDonald’s costs around 9 EUR.

Beer costs 6-7 EUR while a cappuccino/latte is around 3 EUR. Bottled water is 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own food you can buy a week’s worth of groceries for 50 EUR. This gets you basic staples like pasta, bread, seasonal produce, and some meat or seafood.

Backpacking Nice Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Nice, my suggested budget is 70 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transit and walking to get around, and doing most free or cheap activities like enjoying the beach and wandering Vieux Nice.

A mid-range budget of about 140 EUR per day covers staying in a private Airbnb, eating out for a few meals, enjoying a few drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid activities like visiting museums and day-tripping outside the city.

For a “luxury” budget of 285 EUR per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, take more taxis or rent a car, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Nice Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Nice is built for the luxury traveler. Being on the French Riviera and so close to many expensive destinations, it’s a city people visit to spend money. But if you want to lower your costs, here are some ways to save money in Nice:

• Do free stuff – Take advantage of all of the free sights including the beach, Vieux Nice, Jardin Albert I (the city’s central park), and the Promenade des Anglais, which fills up at night with music and street performers. You can see a lot here without spending a cent!
• Get a French Riviera Pass – Available at the Nice Tourism offices, the Congress Centre, and various hotels around the city, the French Riviera Pass gives you free access to many of the main museums in Nice and the Côte d’Azur, as well as unlimited travel (including to the airport) during your chosen time frame. Passes are 26-56 EUR for 24, 48, or 72-hour periods. The pass also includes an Old Nice guided tour and Lascaris Palace.
• Get the set lunch menu – If you eat out, do so at lunch and get the prix-fixe menu. Restaurants throughout town offer this set menu during lunch, and with prices between 10-20 EUR, it’s a way better deal than the regular dinner menu!
• Take the free walking tours – Free Walking Tour Nice has a free walking that’s a great introduction to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – If you want to save money and get some local insight into the city, use Couchsurfing. Staying with a local is the best way to get a feel for the city and learn some insider tips.
• Bring a water bottle – Since the tap water here is safe to drink you should bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Nice

There is a handful of hostels in Nice to choose from, most of which are quite close to the city center. Here are my recommended places to stay in Nice:

• Hostel Meyerbeer
• Hostel Ozz & Bar By HappyCulture
• Villa Saint Exupery Beach
• Antares Hostel

How to Get Around Nice

Public transportation – A single-fare ticket costs 1.50 EUR and allows for unlimited travel on both bus and travel for 74 minutes. You can also purchase a 10-trip pass for 10 EUR, a day pass for 5 EUR, and 7-day pass for 15 EUR.

There is also a free shuttle bus that goes down Victor Hugo Boulevard and loops around to the promenade and Old Town, before returning to the start. It’s a red electric bus that you just hop on and off.

Nice has several night-time bus routes which run from 9:10 pm to 10:10 am each day, making it easier to get around if you’re out late at night.

Bicycle – Vélobleu is a public bike-sharing system that lets you use bicycles around the city. There are 175 stations in the region and over 1,700 bikes. It is 1.50 EUR for a day pass (3 EUR for an e-bike), with the first 30 minutes free. If you have a bike out for more than 30 minutes, it’s 1 EUR for the second half-hour and 2 EUR for each additional hour.

You can also rent bikes for the entire day from local bike shops, such as Bike Trip or Booking Bikes. Day rentals are 10-20 EUR.

Taxi – Taxis are expensive in Nice, with a base rate of 3.50 EUR plus another 2.08 EUR per kilometer. This rate may increase in the evenings so skip the taxis if you can — they add up fast!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Nice and is generally cheaper than taxis. For getting around the area (and the country) you can also use the ride-sharing app BlaBlaCar. It is a great way to travel around Europe on a budget.

When to Go to Nice

June-August are the hottest and most popular months to visit Nice. Temperatures average 30°C (86°F) and this is when the south of France is packed with locals and tourists who want to soak up the sun. Prices are also the highest and you’ll need to book well in advance.

The crowds in summer can be quite large at times, especially close to the beaches and in Old Nice. Prices in restaurants and hotels increase as well. To avoid crowds, venture into some of the local neighborhoods, such as Jean-Médecin or Carabacel.

In September and October, the average high temperature is 24°C (75°F). This is an ideal time to visit Nice. The crowds are considerably smaller, making it an ideal time to relax on the beach and wander through the streets of Old Nice and other popular areas.

December to April is considered the winter season and temperatures average around 12°C (55°F). Prices during this time are lower, and the streets are quieter. The exception to lower prices is during the Nice Carnival, which takes place for 14 days each February/March. A tradition since 1873, this is one of the best carnivals in Europe, known for its over-the-top colorful float parades during the day, a parade of lights at night, and beautiful flower parade.

The Nice International Film Festival occurs every May when the city is flooded with celebrities and more glitz and glamor than one can handle. Book in advance if you’re visiting during this time.

How to Stay Safe in Nice

Nice is very safe — even if you’re traveling solo and even as a solo female traveler. The risk of violent crime here is very low.

As in any destination, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Avoid walking through unfamiliar areas alone at night and beware of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Pickpocketing is common in markets, on buses and trains, and other crowded areas. Always keep your valuables secure and out of reach just to be safe.

Avoid bringing valuables to the beach, as theft while you’re in the water can occur. Keep your valuables secure when eating out as bag snatching can occur.

The petition scam is quite popular, where someone asks you to sign a paper and while you’re distracted with the clipboard, they’ll pick your pockets or demand a “donation.” Politely decline anyone approaching with a clipboard or papers.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Nice Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Nice Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling France and continue planning your trip:

The Best Walking Tours in Bordeaux

The 8 Best Hotels in Paris

How to Spend 5 Days in Paris

13 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to See and Do in Paris

The Best Walking Tours in Paris

Life in Paris, Part 3: Nothing Lasts Forever

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• Where To Stay
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Nice, France Travel Guide

Get All the Basic Info on a Riviera Vacation

Nice is a wonderful French Riviera city, and a popular destination for couples, honeymooners, and sun-worshipers. It is a large city, though, and it can be tough mastering it. Find out all the basics of a Nice vacation, including what to do , what to see, where to stay, great day-trips and how to get around.

Getting There 

Nice is well-served by the Nice-Cote d'Azur airport just west of the city. It's an international airport, so there are flights from over 100 destinations, including New York.

Check out my information guide on how to get from London, the UK, Paris, and the U.S.A.

Read my guide to traveling from London to Nice  by train in detail; it is a delightful journey and makes a great start to a holiday on the Cote d'Azur.

Getting Around

There are numerous shuttle buses and local bus services to Nice and other Riviera cities, as well as overpriced taxis, to take you into the city when you arrive. If you are traveling by rail, Nice has three rail stations but you will probably arrive in the main terminal at Nice Ville. This will put you a few blocks north of the coastline.

Train Station and Travel

There are many connections from Nice Railway Station to other cities in France, and also to Italy which is a very short distance away.

The major bus system in NIce is Lignes d'Azur which operates in the city and also to and from the airport and other nearby towns. They also operate over 130 bus routes in the 49 towns that make up the whole Métropole Nice Côte d'Azur area.

There are other regional buses to nearby cities, and most stop at the Gare Routiere just north of Place Massena. There are rail connections to most neighboring cities as well, with the most frequent stops at the Nice Ville station. 

In Nice there is also the Noctambus which operates 5 night time bus routes from 9.10pm to 10.10 am, but they are not very frequent.

There is also the tram. No 1, a 9.2 km line that goes from north to east and passes through the city centre along avenue Jean Medecin and through Place Massena daily from 4.25am to 1.35am. 

Cost of buses

Buy a single ticket for on journey which also allows changes within 74 minutes for 1.50 euros and various other very good value tickets for different lengths of stay. 

More Information

You can obtain a system map and a brochure listing timetables at the tourism office on the Promenade des Anglais , or at the main bus station in the Place Massena.

Nice by Car

You can rent a car, but check first to see if your hotel has parking and what the cost is. It can be quite difficult, if not impossible, to park a car in Nice. If you are in Nice from another part of France by car, then consider leaving the car at one of the 5 'Parc relais' or stop-over car parks outside the centre. It's free to use and you can then take the tram into the city centre. 

Top Nice Attractions

There are countless things to see and do in this city, whether in the heart of town (Nice Centre), beaches , or in the hills that stretch behind the main city ( les collines ). 

Here is a small selection of some favorite places to see and things to do:

• The Cours Selaya Flower Market is a must-see. This is also one of the main neighborhoods for dining, with restaurants, cafés and bars lining the outdoor market. If you want seafood, this is the spot to hit. There are also several souvenir shops, gourmet shops and other boutiques here.
• Vieux Nice (or Old Nice) is right next to the market. Wander these narrow streets and discover great shopping, dining and some of the city's most happening bars. This is also a great destination after-hours, but go with a group. Old Nice is filled with dark alleys, and lone wanderers can become a target.
• Nice Cimiez, about a 15-minute bus ride from Nice Centre up into the hills, has a small concentration of museums and attractions. The Musée Matisse contains a wonderful collection of the great local artist's work. The archeology museum next door is interesting, but what is more fascinating is the ruins of the Roman amphitheatre, public baths and paved streets.
• The Promenade des Anglais is something anyone visiting Nice is sure to see. Even though they are outrageously overpriced, hit one of the seaside private beach/restaurants at least once during your visit. Rent a chaise lounge a few feet from the shore, and let waiters (usually unbearably slow and inattentive) bring you lunch and drinks.
• The Pedestrian Zone ( zone pietonne ) is a bit of a tourist trap, but there's a good reason. This is a lovely area for a stroll, as cars are forbidden except for the early morning hours (and the rogues who scoot through here anyway during other times). The shops here are on the tacky-tee-shirt scale in most cases, although there are several great clothing store chains and nice shops like the gourmet boutique Ducs de Gascony. This is the ideal spot to sip a café au lait and watch the world go by.
• Check out the Top 10 Attractions in Nice  in details

Booking options

• There are countless hotels in Nice, and an unusually high number of four-star accomodations. But for a treat try the Hotel Windsor, a short walk to the beach and the pedestrian zone, and a slightly longer walk to the Cours Selaya and old town. The rooms are reasonably-priced, and the staff is the most helpful around. The rooms also have their own personality, most decorated by artists and unique murals. Be sure to request a room with a balcony. 
• The Hotel Negresco is probably Nice's most famous hotel. Almost any photo of the Nice shoreline will be punctuated by the hotel's Art Deco facade. A National Historic Monument, this seafront hotel is the epitome of Nicois elegance.​

There are several great towns and cities near Nice, usually just a few minutes away. Check out the guide to the best day trips from Nice , a fabulous centre for the area. 

Here is a guide to a 3-day itinerary in and around Nice . 

More for Food Lovers

 Nice for Food Lovers

Good Cheap Restaurants in Nice

Try a Cooking Class in Nice

Edited by Mary Anne Evans

One Week in France: The Ultimate Itinerary

3-Day tour in and around fabulous Nice

Top 15 Destinations in the French Riviera

How to Travel from Barcelona to Nice by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

The Perfect Mediterranean Coast Itinerary

How to Travel From Paris to Nice by Plane, Train, Car, and Bus

France Guide: Planning Your Trip

How to Travel from London to Nice by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Getting Around the French Riviera: Guide to Transportation

Positano, Italy Travel Guide

France Travel Planner for Every Vacation

Toronto Guide: Planning Your Trip

The Best Places to Shop in the French Riviera, From Nice to Marseille

Getting Around Paris: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Frankfurt: Guide to Public Transportation

Nightlife in the French Riviera: Best Bars, Clubs, & More

How to Spend 5 Days in Nice, France

Are you headed to the French Riviera for a few days and looking for ideas of what to see and do? I did this a few years ago and had a great time soaking up the sun and exploring coastal towns while using Nice as my base. With easy access to nearby towns, plenty of beaches, and an awesome farmer’s market, Nice makes a great place to relax and explore from for a few days. I spent 5 days in Nice, France so here are my suggestions on where to stay, the best things to do in Nice, and some ideas for day trips. 

psst: Looking for a travel credit card with lots of perks (like lounge access) that will also allow you to earn points for travel? This is what I use and recommend. 

How to get to Nice, France

Nice is home to the third most important airport in France, the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is located just outside of the city. There are frequent shuttle busses from both terminals that lead to and from city centre with numerous stops along the Promenade Des Anglais along the way. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth just outside the airport entrance, or on the bus itself. Nice also has a train station, as well as a large Port.

Getting Around Nice, France

For the most part, the city is pretty walkable. Especially if you plan on spending 5 days in Nice, that’s plenty of time to wander and look around.

The city does also have a tram system, as well as bus routes throughout the city. Tickets can be purchased on board. For those looking for a more touristy way to see the sites, there is a little tourist train that starts along the Promenade Des Anglais.

If you plan on doing day trips, you can use the bus system, the trains, or you can rent a car.

Where To Stay in Nice, France 

There are a few areas that I would recommend staying in Nice. For me, being a water-lover, I wanted to be as close as possible to a beach. There are plenty of beaches along the Promenade Des Anglais so it’s not difficult to find a spot within easy walking distance from the sea. Other popular areas are Place Masséna, Old Town, and the Port.

Looking for some suggestions? Take a look at the following accommodation options:

Hostels:   Hotel Ozz by HappyCulture 

Midrange hotels: The Deck Hotel  or Hotel le Royal Promenade des Anglais 

Luxury hotels: Hotel Negresco or Hotel Aston La Scala 

The Best Things to do in Nice

Wondering what to see and do? Here are my top suggestions on how to make the most of your 5 days in Nice. 

Explore Old Town

Made up of narrow cobblestone alleys and winding streets, Old Town Nice is a great place to wander. Full of shops, cafes, and restaurants, it’s also one of the most popular places to grab a bite to eat. The Old Town is also home to the famous flower market, as well as important landmark buildings including the Palais Lascaris, and Cathédrale de Sainte Réparate. And if it’s hot and you need something to cool down, Old Town is also the home to the city’s best gelato shop: Fennocchio which boasts to have over 100 flavours ranging from classic chocolate to the questionable flavour of cactus. Prepare to wait in line though, this place is popular!

Castle Hill

A little misleading in its name due to the fact that there was never actually  a castle here, Castle Hill offers the best views of Nice. Located between Old Town and the Nice Port, this hill is a hot-spot for tourists and locals alike. Its steep trails are popular with runners and the park up top is a popular place for locals and their families to spend an afternoon relaxing and playing. The man-made waterfall is also a popular attraction. Castle hill makes for a great place to have a picnic and relax with a book and get stunning photos of Nice and the Mediterranean Sea from above. There are numerous paths leading to the top of Castle Hill as well as an elevator. 

Place Masséna

Promenade Des Anglais

Promenade Des Anglais is a giant sea-side road that leads from the airport all the way to the Nice Port. On the land side it is lined with hotels and restaurants while numerous beaches line the sea-side. There is a wide area for pedestrians and cyclists as it is the perfect place to enjoy an evening walk. It’s also common to find locals playing sports along its path: when I visited there was some sort of soccer tournament going on.

The Beaches

Promenade Des Anglais is lined with numerous beaches stretching out down the coast line. It is important to note however, that these are stone beaches and not sand beaches, so if you plan on spending a day here it’s best to bring a beach matt or something thicker to sit/lie on. Showers and toilets are available for a fee, and some beaches do have restaurants/bars.

The Russian Cathedral

Probably the furthest attraction of the city, the Russian Church is about a 25 minute walk from Place Masséna. It’s a stunning building in the centre of Nice, and the largest Russian Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe. The Cathedral is open to viewers during certain times, so make sure to check the schedule first, or you will likely end up like me trying to take photos through the closed gate.

Place Garibaldi

Another important square, Place Garibaldi is located between Old Town and New Town and is a short walk from the Nice Port. Like Place Masséna, Place Garibaldi is also home to some stunning architecture, though rather than numerous shops it is lined with a variety of restaurants. This is also the area where you catch the bus to Èze and Monaco.

The Flower Market

Probably my favourite place to visit in Nice, the Flower Market is the perfect place to grab some homemade food, shop for souvenirs, or just wander and look at what the vendors have to offer. Though there are quite a few vendors selling flowers, the Flower Market is home to all kinds of items. Some stalls offer fresh cuts of meat and sea food while others deal in fruits and vegetables. A few have mouth-watering displays of fresh made bread, croissants, and other baked goods and a couple offer a variety of fresh cheeses.

This is the best place to come and buy your food for the day, whether you needed something pre-made or something to cook later for dinner, you can find almost everything here. During my my 5 days in Nice I only went out to dinner once. Instead, I preferred to pick up baguettes, cheeses, berries, and other treats from this market for my daily meals.

The market is open every day except for Mondays, (which is antique day) from morning til early afternoon. Go as early as possible though because things disappear quickly.

What to Buy in Nice

The main shopping street in Nice is avenue Jean Medecin, upon which you can find all kinds of boutiques, European chain stores, and the Nice Etoile mall. As mentioned above, another popular spot is the Galleries Lafyette, which offeres a variety of products of European design. Aside from the European fashions, Nice also offers some more budget friendly and unique products that make great souvenirs and gifts for friends and family back home. Some of my favourite finds were olive oil soaps that came in numerous different scents, bags of herbs de Provence for cooking, chocolates, and lavender. The flower market is great for these types of items- just be sure to shop around the different vendors before buying!

Day Trips from Nice

Nice is a gateway to all kinds of easy and close day trips throughout the area. Some are very easy to do on your own (I have posts for how to spend 1 day in Monaco and a guide to Eze ) but other spots such as St. Tropez or Provence are a bit trickier and require a lot of time on public transit. For this reason, I suggest doing a bit of research as you may be better off taking a guided tour for some day trip destinations .

Some tours that may be of interest include:

• Gorges of Verdon and Lavender Tour
• Saint Tropez Day Trip
• Cannes, Antibes, and Saint-Paul de Vence  
• Monaco, Monte Carlo, and Eze 

Nice really surprised me. I liked it more than I expected, especially because it’s so central and easy to explore the area from. I definitely recommend spending 3-5 days in Nice if you are looking to kick back, relax, and enjoy the French Riviera.

Ready to Book Your Trip?

Don’t forget travel insurance!

Please do not travel without travel insurance! I’ve had to use it multiple times throughout my travels and it has saved me thousands of dollars. You can learn more about travel insurance  here . If you are looking for a provider I love and recommend  SafetyWing . For Canadian readers, take a look at  SoNomad.

Book your accommodation

I love and recommend  booking.com  for accommodation. They have a range of hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. Plus, the platform has a great loyalty program that means the more you book, the more you can save. 

Book your tours

My go-to tour provider that I love to recommend is  GetYourGuide . They have options all over the world and partner with local companies for everything from day trips to food experiences and even airport transfers. 

Get connected

If you want to have data while travelling for online maps or any other needs, an esim is one of the easiest solutions. I’m a big fan of Airalo and have used their sim cards around the world from Brazil to Uzbekistan, Greece to the USA. It’s really easy- you download the app, pick what country you want an esim for, and after you purchase it follow the installation instructions. You can use promo code HANNAH3326 to save $3USD on your next esim purchase. 

Not sure what to pack?

I have destination-specific guides for some countries but you can also check my  travel essentials  and  camera gear  if you are looking for some ideas. 

Looking for a travel buddy?

Check out my group trips!

39 Comments

I’ve always wanted to visit, but the nearest I came was driving through when on my way to Italy for work once (more glamorous than it sounds!). Great tips for when I finally make it though…

I hope you do one day! It’s a great place to relax for a few days 🙂

It’s interesting that there’s a Russian Church nearby, Nice looks somewhat similar to Odessa or Sochi, at least in its maritime classical architecture.

I’ve been to Cannes twice but never to Nice. After seeing your photo of Old Town Nice, I need to rectify this situation!

Yes you do! I didn’t make it to Cannes during my stay (rained and stormed on my last full day which is of course when I planned to go) but would love to check it out one day as well

The first thing I noticed on your website was your cover photo – that is the Kylemore Abbey if I’m not mistaken isn’t it? One of the prettiest places I’ve seen in my life (and that is saying quite something if you’ve just returned from Ireland isn’t it?) Yet to visit Nice – I’m pretty sure this post will be very useful when I finally get the chance 🙂

Haha yes Kylemore Abbey it is! One of the first places I visited while travelling and still one my personal favs as well. Thanks for stopping by Sanket 🙂

I’m not sure how I haven’t made it to Nice yet, I’ve been quite close several times!! You mentioned the “low key vibes”, I always imagined it as a very touristy town, but is it relatively quiet? This definitely made me want to get there one day… 🙂

When I was there (April) it wasn’t very touristy at all…although I had also just come from Venice so I’m sure a lot of places seem more low key after a few days there 😉 I found it pretty quiet and relaxing for sure

Nice post on Nice… boom tish! Seriously, I am planning to go there early 2015 so this was a good read for me to get in-the-know.

Haha good one 😛

What a great and thorough overview. Thanks for the tips to navigate this destination. It sounds like my kind of place to kick back and chill. Cheers!

Thanks for your kind words John 🙂

This is going on mybookmark!! Great tips, very detailed. I am going end of week so I will be using these 🙂

Hope they help! Have an awesome time 🙂

So pretty! I’ve been itching to get to the south of France and Riviera and I might just have to add Nice to the list of places to see there. Thanks for the tips!

I think you should absolutely add it to the list! 🙂

Views from Castle Hill are gorgeous! Brings back lovely memories, all though I didnt spend much time there 🙁 Next time I will for sure and keep these tips in mind!

Glad to re-inspire you 😉

Brings back good memories of the week I spent in Nice about 10 years ago – it’s such a good location to explore the South of France and there’s so much to see around there.

Right? One of my favourite things about Nice is there’s so much nearby to explore!

I’d definitely love to get gelato in the old town! How weird that it’s called Castle Hill even though there’s no castle – is it because it’s like a castle in some way?

Love the random Russian church too. It’s not what I would have expected in Nice, but it’s very cool.

Totally misleading isn’t it. There’s a waterfall, and some super old ruins but no castle 🙁 views are stunning though so that makes up for it a bit!

That Russian church reminds me of St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow! Love the photo of the port from Castle Hill – I love this style of roof in towns on the med coast with the beautifully coloured orange tiles. Great article Hannah, extremely informative!

Thanks Paul 🙂 Can’t compare it to the Moscow Cathedral myself as I have never been but hope to go soon!

Oh that Russian church is so cool looking!

It was gorgeous! I’m bummed I didn’t get to go in (visited during closed hours) but still worth the walk

Love love love Nice! It’s such a cool place with beautiful beaches and stunning architecture. I didn’t know about the Russian Cathedral, which I’m disappointed about but I suppose that’s just a good excuse to go back. I’d love to be lazing on one of the sun lounges by the water right now, no matter the cost!

I think that’s a perfect excuse to go back- and then after you see it laze by the water 😉

Great guide if I ever make it to Nice. Lots of information in there and nice pictures as well.

Old Town looks fantastic!! Well, all of it looks quite amazing, actually. 🙂 I almost went to Nice once on a backpacking trip, but it was getting so much rain that we opted to go elsewhere. I’m sure I’ll visit someday, though. Thanks for the tips!

Hope you get the chance to go back on a sunny day!

I love your break down of trips at the bottom there. I have to add this to my list of short getaways for next year. Cool post!

Thanks Bianca! Hope they come in handy 🙂

I just got back from Menton – it’s a great day trip from Nice. I loved the area, the Med Sea is just amazing.

I’ll have to add it to the list for next time!

[…] de Pignes, from Nice to Digne. For more day trips from Nice and things to do in Nice, check out the best of Nice from Hannah at Eat Sleep Breath […]

[…] to see it. So, when I spent some time in the south of France I decided to do a day trip from Nice and spend 1 day in Monaco. It was a busy day, but it was a lot of fun and I definitely recommend […]

[…] to visit. There’s no shortage of charming coastal towns here and after spending a week based in Nice, I enjoyed exploring a few of them. However, without a doubt, my favourite was the cliff-side […]

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A Complete Travel Guide to Nice, France

Nestled between the glittering turquoise blue waters of the Mediterranean and the foot of the French Alps, Nice is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations on the French Riviera. Nice is a great base to explore not just the rest of the French Riviera but also other countries, like Monaco which is only 8 miles away and Italy which is 19 miles away. This Nice travel guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Nice, including what to do in Nice, how to get around and where to eat.

Nice Travel Guide

Getting to nice.

Let’s start this Nice travel guide with how to get to Nice. If you are flying in, the airport is only a few miles away. The best way to get to and from the city to the airport in my opinion is to Uber. It cost me around 15 euros one way, which to me was worth it with luggage. Your other options are regular taxis (which are more expensive) or the T-2 tram. There is also a bus called Bus Aeroporto which comes to terminal 1.

If you are arriving by train, Nice-Ville is the main station. The station is located a few blocks from the beach.

If you are arriving by car, you may really not need the car when you are in Nice. Unless of course you are going to town hop along the Riviera by car. You may want to check out parking options before you get to Nice.

Luggage Storage

If you are arriving in Nice early and your accommodation is not ready, you can store your bag at the train station or at hotel Belle Meuniere. I stored mine at the hotel because it was a little closer to where my accommodation was than the train station. It was a pretty simple and painless process. I just showed up at the front door and they stored my bags for me. I don’t recall exactly how much it was but it was very reasonable and there is no time limit as long as you pick up by night.

How to Get Around Nice

Nice is pretty walkable in my opinion, but then again I do like to walk! If this is not your thing, Nice also has trams, buses and Uber as well. Buses and trams are covered by the same ticket. You can either get a single ticket, a day pass or a 10-ride multi-ticket.

How to Get Around the Riviera

While Nice is amazing, there’s so much to see along the Riviera that you may want to explore other places. Especially if you are staying in Nice a few days. There are lots of ways to get around the Riviera but the most popular options are trains and buses. Using the train is probably the most quickest and easiest but buses may be convenient when trains don’t go to certain places. That being said, not all buses run on Sundays so you may need to plan ahead of time if you are going to explore the Riviera on a Sunday.

Where I Ate

This Nice travel guide would not be complete without recommending some places to eat! Here are all the places I ate at.

This is one of Nice’s best resturants! In fact, it is! It has 5 star ratings across all platforms (TripAdvisor, Goggle, Facebook etc.). Peppino serves amazing Italian food with a menu that changes daily. The food was absolutely delicious and the service was amazing! The two guys who run the place are so friendly and nice. An advance booking is a must! I was able to book via their Instagram account. I simply messaged them the night before and got a table.

ILLIA PASTA

Being so close to Italy, there’s a lot of Italian food in Nice. After spending a lot of time in East France and West Germany, I was happy about all the Italian food in Nice. I ate at Illia Pasta the first night when I couldn’t get a table at Peppino (because I tried to walk-in without an appointment) and this restaurant didn’t disappoint. The menu is relatively small but the food was delicious and the service was great. I picked a table that looked out to the street and enjoyed my dinner while people watching.

I’ll admit I ate here because it was late night and this was one of the few places open. Chez Moi serves French cuisine and the food was decent. The liver pate was exceptionally good!

Pâtisserie Le Vanillier

Every morning, I would be woken up by the most heavenly smell from this bakery that was below my Airbnb. Definitely check it out if you are nearby. I tried a tart and an éclair and they were both amazing!

WOW! I was trying to remember if I had seem this many gelato flavors even in Italy and I couldn’t remember a single place in all the places I have visited in Italy (been to 9 cities!), with this much of a choice in gelato flavors. From fruits to florals, from alcohols to chocolates, Fenocchio has every flavor you can think of and more! They have 2 shops close by to each other in the Old Town and both are crowded any time of the day or night but the line moves fast!

Oui, jelato

Like Fenocchio, Oui Jelato also has a big line out the door. Personally I preferred Fenocchio because they had a lot more flavors. But, people seem to love this shop as well.

A lovely bar right in the heart of Old Town. The bartender made me a drink to order and even gave me samples of food. It’s open until very late so you can drop in any time after dark.

Accommodation

I have 3 recommendations for a place to stay in Nice. Pick a central place so that you can walk to most places, pick a place that has air conditioning and book in advance. Places fill up, especially during summer months and can be expensive if not planned ahead.

What to See and Do in Nice

Next up on this Nice travel guide is what to see and do there. This list is in no particular order..

Walk up or down Promenade de Anglais

Nice’s one mile sea front promenade is enjoyable to stroll along any time of day. But, my favorite time was right after dinner. Sit and people watch or walk from one end to the other with gelato in hand!

Hotel Negresco

This hotel, built in 1913 is one of the most famous landmark’s in Nice. Its pink dome is easy to spot for miles. Hotel Negresco is one of Nice’s finest hotels and is a little hard to get into if you are not staying there. Unless you drop in for a drink, provided you are dressed up to the mark.

Villa Messena

This villa was built for Jean-Andre Massena, a military commander of the Napoleonic area. You can tour the house to see the lavish décor. The gardens has a monument to the 86 people who died in the 2016 attack on Promenade des Anglais.

Cours Saleya Market

This location has been Nice’s main market square since the middle ages. Today, the market is a mix of colors, smells and sounds. The flower market has been in operation since the 19th century.

Castle Hill

You can find some of the best views of Nice up on Castle Hill. There used to be a fort here back in the day but all you will see now are stunning views of the port, the sea and the city of Nice.

Explore Vieux Nice (Old Town)

With it’s narrow streets and colorful facades, the Old Town of Nice was probably one of my favorite places to walk around in Nice, day or night.

Chagall Museum

The Chagall museum houses the world’s largest collection of Marc Chagall’s work. It’s said you may enjoy this museum even if you are not a fan of modern art in general.

Other Museums

There are a few other museums in Nice that may be worth checking out if you love museums. They are:

• Matisse Museum – houses works from artist Henri Matisse
• Modern and Contemporary Art Museum
• Fine Arts Museum
• Archaeological Museum

Take a Boat Ride

One of the best ways to see Nice and the other surrounding towns is from the water. Trans Côte d’Azur offers a 1 hour boat tour that goes all the way to the coast of Cap-Ferrat. You can book online, call or book in-person. Which ever method you choose, do it ahead of time as they fill up fast!

Check out the website HERE .

Russian Cathedral

Nice’s Russian Orthodox church is claimed by some to be the finest outside Russia! It’s a little away from the rest of the attractions so you may need to plan it in. I went early one morning and it wasn’t opened yet but the outside looked very grand!

Fontaine du Soleil

Fontaine du Soleil is one of the most popular landmarks in the city of Nice. This fountain features a statue of Apollo, who symbolizes the sun, along with bronze statues that represent planets. The road leading from this fountain is full of shops and is more on the modern side of the city.

Relax on the Beach

The calm blue waters of the French Riviera is unbelievably inviting any time of the day or night! But, the beach itself is VERY rocky. Water shoes are an essential if you are planning on taking a dip. July and August are supposed to be jelly fish season so ask around before you take a dip.

Visit the Other Towns

As I mentioned before, the Riviera has a lot to offer and Nice is only a fraction of this. You can easily visit the following places along the Riviera from Nice. You could even town hop and cover a few places a day.

• Villefrance-Sur-Mer
• Eze-le-Village

Click HERE or below to read a detailed post about the best 8 towns to visit on the French Riviera!

8 Must Visit Towns on the French Riviera

Here are some options if you like the idea of taking a walking tour of Nice.

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Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, I get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Read my post about visiting Monaco HERE or below!

How to Visit Monaco from Nice + What to See and Do

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My mouth is watering from all that delicious looking food. And what nice views from the top of Castle Hill!

I would go back tomorrow if I could just for the food 🙂

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Welcome to my blog and thank you for visiting! Believe it or not this blog is not my full time job! I work 8-5 in Supply Chain and run this blog after work!  I’ve dreamed of traveling the world since I was a child and at 48 countries and counting, I am so grateful to get to live that dream.

To say travel is my passion is truly an understatement! What I love most about travel is that I get to connect with locals and meet with fellow travelers from around the world. In addition, travel also enables all my other interests like photography, architecture, art, music and food!  Please feel free to share any posts or leave me feedback on how I can improve. Thank you and happy travels!

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Nice france travel blog — the fullest nice travel guide for first-timers.

Nice is a beautiful coastal city located in the South of France and is the second largest tourist city in France after only Paris with many interesting tourist attractions. It is known as the Queen of Côte d’Azur (The French Riviera). Nice attracts visitors by its perfect blend of tradition and modernity with its beautiful mountains, amazing hills, charming landscapes, stunning beaches, unique local culture, unique cuisine, etc. Are you planning a long-awaited trip to Nice but don’t know where to start? We are here to help. So, what to do in Nice France? Let’s check out our Nice France travel blog (Nice France blog, Nice blog, Nice travel blog) with the ultimate Nice France travel guide (Nice city guide, Nice France guide, Nice travel guide, Nice guide, Nice tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and things to do in Nice France to find out the answer!

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Not only crowded, vibrant, bustling, beyond the beautiful appearance, Nice also owns hidden ancient beauty, romance, a wonderful mixed culture. Any visitor also want to come here once to experience walking barefoot on the long pebble beaches, enjoy the beautiful hilltop views, soak in the cool waters of the Mediterranean sea or explore the vibrant flower market color.

Nice France travel blog: Overview of Nice

The city of Nice is located in the coastal province of Alpes-Maritimes, in the Provence–Alpes–Cote d’Azur administrative region of the Southeastern France. Nice is the 5th most populous city in France after Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Toulouse. Favored by nature with a mild and fresh climate, a long stretch of beach with bright golden sunshine, every year Nice attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world.

Nice was once part of Italy’s Savoia and then the Kingdom of Sardinia until Nice was ceded to France in 1860 by a huge vote, against the will of the population. Therefore, in Nice, there are many scenes that still retain the colors of poetic Italy. Incorporated into France in 1860, Nice at that time, with a population of 500,000 people, was still imbued with Italian architecture along the Riviera, especially the old town. Nice has the river Var flowing to the west, overlooking the beautiful Bay of Baie des Anges to the south and leaning against the Alps to the north.

This French Riviera destination always makes a special impression in the hearts of tourists. Therefore, this place always welcomes a large number of tourists to explore annually. For those who have a great passion of travel, the attractiveness of Nice is second only to Paris. Thus, the city of Nice is always the French most attractive tourist destination today. This place has fresh air and pleasant weather, so traveling will be very comfortable and pleasant. The beach here is very beautiful with clear blue water and long pebble beach.

This city is divided into 2 different areas: The old town and the new town. In addition, this old town is also called Vieille Ville. This is the most beautiful place in the city of Nice. When visiting this place, you will always feel the closeness and familiarity of this place. Today, Nice has become the world’s leading resort town.

Many tourists visiting Nice have the same feeling that this place has the beauty of a charming and gentle girl in her twenties. Here lies mystery and infatuation. Therefore, anyone who comes here does not want to return.

Nice France travel blog: When should you visit Nice?

The city of Nice is located in the Mediterranean climate zone, so the weather is mild and warm all year round, the atmosphere is extremely pleasant, suitable for sightseeing and travel leisure.

Spring (March to June): Spring is the best time to visit Nice. The weather in this season is pleasant and mild. Temperatures range from 8°C to 20°C.

Summer (June to August): With 300 days of sunshine, nice climate and mild sunshine. Temperatures range from 17°C – 27°C. This is a very ideal time for a beach trip in Nice, which attracts a lot of tourists from all over Europe every year. Therefore, the summer in Nice is very crowded, and the price of the service is also higher. One thing to note is that the weather can be a bit hot, it will be a bit tiring if you visit and walk around the city.

Autumn (September to November): Autumn is the best season to visit Nice. Temperatures range from 17°C – 24°C in September and drop to 8°C – 16°C in November, with an average rainfall of about 50 mm. The streets are also sparser with tourists at this time. In the autumn, visitors can easily book good hotels and resorts at affordable room rates.

Winter (December to February): Although it is winter, the climate is still warmer and more comfortable than other French cities. Coming to Nice at this time, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in the Nice Carnival, one of the biggest events in the city held in February every year. As well as enjoy the exciting Christmas atmosphere here.

Nice France travel guide: Getting to Nice

Visitors can reach Nice by plane, train, bus or self-drive.

The airport in Nice is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) airport, located in the southwest of the city, about 6km from the city center. If flying from European cities, you can fly with Air France, Luxair, Finair, Easy Jet,… To find the suitable routes as well as good airfares from your departure point, you can access Google Flights or SkyScanner .

From Nice airport, you can take bus (No. 98, 99), taxi/uber, airport shuttle service to getting to the city center.

From many French or European tourist cities, visitors can reach Nice by train such as TGV, EuroStar, etc. There are direct train lines but there are also train routes that have to transfer trains. You can use online multimodal transport search engines such as Rome2rio , Google Maps, etc. to find the train route you need.

Bus routes from European cities to Nice also operate daily, making it easy for visitors to find and book a bus to Nice. Famous and popular bus companies are Flixbus, Eurolines, Lignes d’Azur,…

Rome2rio or Google maps are convenient tools to search for buses for your journey.

Self-driving

Self-driving car services are very popular in Europe, you can rent a self-drive car to get to Nice from European cities if you meet the European driving requirements. Self-driving car rental companies in Europe can be mentioned such as Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar, and Sixt.

Nice France guide: Getting around Nice

To explore Nice or travel between attractions visitors can choose to walk both saving money while see many interesting things along the way. The tourist attractions in the central area of ​​Nice are basically close to each other, so walking is also convenient.

The public bus system called Lignes d’Azur which operates routes in the city, airport and surrounding areas. The bus operates from 7am to 9pm.

I think to admire the beautiful scenery of Nice is to take a bus up on some high roads in the mountains, when looking down at Nice, you can see the sea and the city. This is the most beautiful scene that I like in Nice, coming to Nice without seeing the scenery from above is really a pity, so you definitely try at least once.

There is Bus 82 (towards Eze Village) going from Palais des Exposition Tram Station (this is the starting point of bus routes to Eze, Monaco…). Every hour and a half with a trip, so the first day we waited for the bus, but on the next day of travel, we took odd trips. That means on the route of Bus 82, there will be Bus 14 and 84 passing by.

We took Bus 14 first because it’s a regular bus, runs every 15 minutes, so we can take advantage of the time when we wait for the bus to stop on the side of the road to admire the scenery, which is more convenient than just standing in one place and waiting for the bus, which is very time consuming.

Bicycle/Scooter

In Nice, there are also many bicycle or scooter rental services for visitors to use for travelling and sightseeing. The rental price is also quite reasonable, but you need to ask carefully about the deposit policy by credit card, cash, etc. Currently in Nice there is also a shared bike service called Vélo Bleu – visitors can easily rent one for themselves and return bike at the stops of Vélo Bleu.

Mainly used when tourists want to go to Corsica. There are two companies serving this ferry route.

Taxis in Nice are not chosen by many tourists to travel because of the expensive price and basically it is not necessary to take a taxi to travel in Nice. In case you need to go, you can call Uber instead of taxi because the price is cheaper.

Nice’s tram system passes through many areas of the city and its vicinity. The tram in Nice has been open since 2007, operating every day from 4:25 a.m. to 1:35 a.m. the next morning. Visit http://tramway.nice.fr for more details on tram routes.

Nice France travel blog: Where to go & what to do in Nice France?

The city of Nice can be divided into four main areas: The old town (Vieux Nice), the city center, the beach area and the port area (there are a few more but the four above are popular with tourists).

Promenade des Anglais Coastal Road

The Promenade des Anglais is a coastal road for walking along the sea about 7km long in Nice, it is a great place to stroll, watch the sea, cool off, relax for locals and tourists. The place attracts a lot of domestic and foreign tourists to visit. You will be immersed in the fresh, pleasant natural space, enjoy the sea breeze, watch the waves from afar, …

Along this road are restaurants, cafes, shops, hotels, etc. From the Promenade des Anglais, visitors can also easily navigate the direction of attractions. The locals call this street is Promenade or La Prom.

Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Vieux Nice is a small old quarter loved by both tourists and residents in Nice. The old town captivates visitors with its cobblestone streets, typical Mediterranean houses, unique local markets, etc. They bring with historical values as well as distinctive cultural features.

Like Italy and Spain, Nice has narrow Mediterranean-style streets surrounded by tall houses painted in warm colors like red, yellow, pastel and ocher. These Mediterranean-style poetic old streets will remind you of the streets of Hanoi built in the French era.

Place Massena

It is the Nice’s main square, located between the Old Town and New Town. The fountain in the middle of the square depicts stories from Greek mythology, with a 7-meter-tall statue of Apollo in the center. Around the square are old buildings painted red with blue windows typical for the Mediterranean region.

Massena Square (Place de Massena) is a place that visitors can go back and forth many times when visiting Nice because the location of the square is almost in the center compared to the sightseeing areas, this is also the main square. Place Massena is the site of many major events in Nice such as the Christmas market and the French Independence Day parade.

Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

Inhabited by the Greeks two millennia ago, Castle Hill has now become a park with beautiful natural scenery and extremely romantic. When coming here, in addition to admiring the natural beauty of Castle Hill, you can also discover many other interesting and attractive landscapes such as: Baie des Anges, Vieille Ville and the harbour.

Castle Hill (Colline du Château) is a hill facing the sea. Most of Castle Hill’s original structures have been largely destroyed, and now it’s a park with trees, waterfalls, and some remains. However, it is a very interesting spot to visit.

Matisse Museum (Musée Matisse)

Address: Palais Fénelon, Pl. du Commandant Edouard Richez, 59360 Le Cateau-Cambrésis, France Hours: 10AM–6PM/Tuesday: Closed Established: 1952

The Matisse Museum is located in the Cimiez neighborhood of ​​Nice, close to the Regina hotel, where the painter Henri Matisse once lived. Matisse lived in Nice from 1918 to 1954. The building where the museum is housed is the Villa des Arenes, a 17th-century building in the Genoese style. This residence is also known as Gubernatis Palace after its owners and is set in a peaceful olive grove in Cimiez Gardens. This collection is one of Matisse’s largest in the world and shows the evolution of his art over time.

Henri Matisse draws inspiration from the vibrant colors and lines of the city of Nice to create masterpieces of art. Just look at a sketch of his balcony window, and you will surely see the Mediterranean coastline. The Musée Matisse is an art museum that houses many valuable collections. Currently, this museum has about 70 paintings, 56 sculptures, 236 designs and many very interesting sketches.

This large museum displays Matisse’s works from the early days to the end of his career. It can be said that this place bears the imprint of Henri Matisse. Art-loving visitors to Henri Matisse can get their hands on some of the artist’s masterpieces, as the museum’s souvenir shop sells numerous photographs of Matisse’s artwork.

Pathé Masséna Cinema

Address: 31 Av. Jean Médecin, 06000 Nice, France

The cinema is a house displaying photographic artworks, a separate building from the busy Avenue Jean Medecin. The museum specializes in global works, such as a portrait exhibition of famous Hollywood artists over the decades or a photo exhibition of American Indians. Free admission.

Archaeological Museum of Cimiez

Address: 160 Av. des Arènes de Cimiez, 06000 Nice, France

The Russians are not the first to devote themselves to the alluring beauty of Nice. The ancient Romans also considered this place as their homeland. Visitors to the museum can admire the ruins of the Colosseum, pedestrian streets and even very old public baths of the Roman period. The Archaeological Museum is a blend of the history and archeology of the region. The museum is located in the Nice Cimiez area (right next to the Matisse museum).

Rue De France Pedestrian Zone

Nice’s pedestrian zone is considered a “trap” to tourists. Because the shops here have many attractive forms, from the unique store layout, music, discounts, fashion products, to the cute service of the sales staff. Therefore, visitors who miss coming here cannot help but buy things for themselves or souvenirs for their loved ones.

This is a center of leisure and entertainment activities. Street performances are always take place in this area. For locals and tourists, this is an area for walking, skateboarding, rollerblading because there is no traffic. And of course eateries, cafes, clothing stores, book stores are indispensable. Enjoy a latte or munch on crêpes and watch the people pass by, or stop by the Rue de France for a hearty Italian meal. This is truly an ideal place for tourists.

Port of Nice

Nice’s port is an interesting place to visit. Just standing at a corner of Nice’s old town, near the Quai des Etát Unis street, visitors can watch the Corsian ferries leave. Although it is always busy with ships coming in and out, the boats anchored here are very orderly, neatly. Around the port are very crowded night clubs, busy shops and traffic.

The St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral

Address: Av. Nicolas II, 06000 Nice, France Hours: 10AM–6PM/Sunday: 12–6PM Architectural style: Russian Revival architecture

In the mid-19th century, the Russians came to Nice to travel, trade and live. They needed a place to pray and that’s why the St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral was built in Nice (French name: Cathédrale Orthodoxe Saint-Nicolas de Nice). It is the largest Russian Orthodox church in Western Europe.

The beach is one of the main attractions in Nice. Currently in Nice there are about 15 private beaches and 20 public beaches. There is a fee to enter the private beaches, guests are not allowed to bring in food or drinks. Public beaches are free but have no amenities.

Nice’s mild weather with clear blue skies and clear sea are what captivate and keep visitors. Nice has a coastline stretching 7km and in particular this coast is not made of sand but by pebbles and pebbles from the Var and Paillon rivers. With its emerald-green waters, Cote d’Azur beach looks like a landscape from a fairy tale.

Cours Saleya Flower Market

Address: Cr Saleya, 06300 Nice, France Hours: 6AM–5:30PM/Sunday: 6:30AM–1:30PM/Monday: Closed

Saleya Square is located parallel to the US harbor (Quai des Etats Unis). In the past, this was the residence of the rich in the city of Nice. The Palace of the Kings of Sardinia is also located in this square. When visiting the Saleya flower market, you can admire the colorful flowers and freely to choose, interspersed between the rows of flowers are stalls selling fresh vegetables and tubers with colorful trays of chili, fresh squash trays, not only that, here visitors can also enjoy the specialties of the region. This place is rated by visitors as a paradise of macarons and lavender.

Eze Village

This is the scene on my way to Eze Village, stopped at Bus 14 to play and wait for Bus 82 to continue to go, so I took this photo. But in my opinion, you should take Bus 84, get off at La Leopolda station, the scenery is very beautiful. You can stand here and wait for Bus 82 to continue.

Eze Village is an ancient village, up here you will see ancient French architecture, houses close together, like a castle with many families living together. Here, locals sell lavender flowers and perfumes, food and all kinds of things. Actually, I still prefer the scene by the roadside than the old village.

La Leopolda Station

That day, we took Bus 14 from Galibadi station to Col de Villefranche station, then got off to admire the scenery for a while and then took Bus 84 to continue to La Leopolda stop and waited for Bus 82 to go to Eze Village (this station is far from Eze Village only 3 stops, but the distance between 3 stops are long so it’s impossible to walk).

Especially the scene at La Leopolda station is very, very beautiful. I see a lot of cars stop at this station to take pictures and admire the scenery. Unfortunately, we didn’t notice that day, we went more than 1 station because we couldn’t find the stop button on Bus 84 (This bus has the same form as auto). So the two of us got lost on the highway and still had decided to walk back, because it took 30 minutes to wait for Bus 84 to return to the old place, so we risked going. Fortunately, going about 200m, me and my friend were transported to Eze Village by a local.

Nice France travel blog: What to eat?

Nice is quite close to Italy, so the dishes are also a fusion and influence between French and Italian cuisine.

Some popular dishes:

Salade Nicoise: Almost you go into any restaurant, any eatery, on their menu will have this wonderful dish. Salad with tomatoes, radishes, onions, black olives, hard-boiled eggs, tuna and anchovies mixed with olive oil. The recipe is quite simple, using this dish with a little wine will be much more attractive.

Coq au vin (French chicken stew): Coq au vin means “rooster in wine”. This is a delicacy in Nice that is loved by both locals and visitors. The dish is prepared quite elaborately, using delicious pieces of chicken marinated with spices and wine, so that the meat infuses the rich flavor. Then stewed with ingredients such as: Onion, garlic, butter, mushrooms, … to make the dish more attractive. This dish should be served with a special sauce to increase its attractive.

Steak Tartare: This is minced raw beef, mixed with onions, pepper, sauce and egg yolk, then served with rye bread. This is a rather picky dish, because if you are not used to it, it will be difficult to eat, but there are many people who eat it once and want to come back to enjoy it again.

Crepe: Referring to French cuisine in general and Nice in particular, it must be mentioned Crepe cake. Although it is just a simple cake made from flour, barley mixed with eggs, milk, butter, then thinly coated black, golden brown and served with cold cream, chocolate sauce, caramel,… but the taste of this cake will easily conquer the taste of diners.

Socca: A type of thin, unleavened pancake made from chickpea flour – a fairly popular dish in Nice.

Le Pan Bagnat: A sandwich filled with garlic, tuna, anchovies, sliced.

Pissaladière: A pizza-like pie but with onions, anchovies and olives on the ingredients.

La daube niçoise: Beef stew in red wine with onions, carrots and herbs.

Ratatouille: A vegetables stew dish, originally from Nice.

Soupe au pistou: A famous bean soup of Provençal.

The cost of dining in Nice is quite expensive, the average price for a regular meal will range from 9-13 EUR, dessert on the menu is 5-10 EUR, wine around 4-9 EUR/glass.

Nice France blog: Shopping

The shops in Nice are many: From small shops to large shopping malls, from souvenirs to high-end and luxury fashion brands. What to buy as a gift in Nice? Handicrafts, extra virgin olive oil and handmade soaps… are items often chosen by tourists. You can “get” them from anywhere: markets, souvenir shops in the old town… Or if you want to buy famous high-end appliances, you can go to the shopping places below.

Popular shopping places:

• Market: Selling many things from crafts, postcards, books, etc. The old town is full of shops.
• Cours Saleya Flower Market as mentioned above.
• Centre Commercial NICETOILE (Address: 30 Av. Jean Médecin, 06000 Nice, France)
• Galeries Lafayette Nice Masséna (Address: 6 Av. Jean Médecin, 06000 Nice, France)
• Polygone Riviera Shopping Center (Address: 119 Av. des Alpes, 06800 Cagnes-sur-Mer, France)
• Carrefour Nice Lingostière Shopping Center (Address: 202 Rte de Grenoble, 06200 Nice, France)
• Nice TNL shopping center (Address: 15 Bd Général Louis Delfino, 06300 Nice, France)

Nice France travel blog: Where to stay?

Traveling to Nice, visitors can stay at hostels, motels, budget or high-class hotels. Depending on the type of accommodation, the price will vary, for example, if staying in a hostel, the cost for a dorm bed is about 14 EUR/night, in a guesthouse or budget hotel, the price ranges from 35-40 EUR/room/night.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Hotel Monsigny ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Hotel Le Negresco ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Mediterranee ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• easyHotel Nice Palais des Congres Vieux Nice ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Hotel La Perouse ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Hotel Aston La Scala ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )

Check out more top and best hotels in Nice on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Nice France travel guide: Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Nice you can refer to

• French Riviera Full Day Tour from Nice
• The Best of the French Riviera Day Tour From Nice or Cannes
• Nice Segway Tour
• French Riviera Countryside Full Day Tour from Nice
• The Historical Nice City Half Day Tour from Nice, Cannes, or Monaco
• French Riviera Art de vivre 4-Hour Tour from Nice

Read more Paris travel guide here and France here .

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7 Things to Know Before You Travel to Nice

• December 5, 2019 January 31, 2021

Nice is on fire! With the second largest capacity of hotels in France, Nice attracts around 4 million visitors every year! Busy beach life, wild parties and the charming old town are the triggers which make travellers pin Nice onto their European bucket list. To make the best out of your Côte d’Azur travels, get to know some surprising facts you can’t find in any ‘neat and lovely’ travel journals. What one should know before travelling to Nice?

I travelled to Nice with my boyfriend as a part of our annual summer holidays . When you’re in a relationship you should, (actually you really have to), find some time for couple travels too. So exactly one month after my San Sebastian solo trip me and my boyfriend went on a voyage to France!

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Why Did we Travel to Nice

This won’t be very poetic, no story about lifelong dreams coming true. Actually, Nice had never been one of our dream destinations, in fact, neither was France. We’d planned visiting turtles in Seychelles or seeing the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco but we had some passport issues (of course, it wasn’t a problem with mine!) and we had to stay in Europe (again).

I spent days and days hunting for any European destination which would fit the chosen dates, would offer some nice beaches, tasty food; ideally a country where we hadn’t been yet. After horrendous weeks of exchanging our travel opinions I just decided to google the cheapest flights matching the strict days we had (try to guess if it was me) and the ones to Nice were the biggest bargain!

In the height of travel fever and in need of having ‘couple holidays’ to spend some quality time together, I booked the flights without thinking any further and felt a big weight fall from my shoulders.

Things to Know Before Travelling to Nice

So there we were, travelling to the Côte d’Azur , the fancy French Riviera with cyan waters studded with the white sails of luxurious yachts , delicate Moules-frites and mouth-watering French wine…

Halt! I’d have to be an idiot to think you came here to read a story about our romantic couple holidays in the French Riviera (however, it really was romantic, apart from that day when my boyfriend got burnt and dehydrated!).

Let’s get back to business, Nice travel cats! I wrote you this ultimate list of the most important things you should know about Nice (yes, just Nice, not all of the Côte d’Azur!) before you fly to the very south of France yourself and get shocked! (OK, I am exaggerating again).

Nice is sexy

What to be prepared for when travelling to Nice?

1. Nice is Pretty, as well as Pretty Expensive

There really have to be many reasons why is Nice one of the most visited cities in France . Yes, it’s got the sparkle, a perfect combination of all the factors which a travel city destination could ever have. A wonderful cosy and charming old town which smells like fresh fruits, pastry (think of crunchy pan d’ chocolate, croissants and a million other tender treats!), scents of fresh French herbs and delicious Niçoise food.  

And there is the long beach with sky-blue waters , beautiful city views from the Castle park , an even more stunning panorama visible from Mont Boron , the cute port, relaxing parks, museums & galleries free of charge, uncounted bars and restaurants, wild parties… All this is on offer in one city!

And this my dears, this has its price and the price is the price: Nice is expensive! Get ready for the fact that if you want to enjoy the delicate Mussels & Fries and the divine French wine you will have to pay for it. Twenty euros per drink is a regular price and if you’re two for dinner, you can easily spend more than 80 bucks in an average quality restaurant. And it’s not just dining which costs you money.

On the other hand, it’s worth it to be able to enjoy this ‘La vie bohème’ because dining in Nice is spectacular. You feel like a queen or king being constantly pampered by the waiting stuff pouring you drinks and bringing you fresh bread with butter. French dining is slow, it’s an experience!

Note that even in Nice you can find less expensive places, those are mostly kebab shops or food stalls with dishes other than Niçoise cuisine. The places which say (basically lie) that they offer Niçoise dishes and have suspiciously low prices are low in quality.

2. When it Gets Hot There, it Burns Like Hell

Heat waves in cities are nothing other than a pure excruciating hell. Me and my boyfriend were unlucky enough to catch one of these heatwaves smack bang in the middle of our holidays in Nice, a city where the shadows wake up only at night. It was 40 degrees during the day and the temperatures started rising pretty early in the morning and didn’t calm down before 9pm.

Exploring the city was more a form of punishment rather than a joy. But the city has the famous beaches and cyan water, doesn’t it? You’re right! We tried to spend most of our time by refreshing ourselves in the lovely Niçoise sea but the water wasn’t cooling enough . It had been just too hot for too long a time, so the sea got warmed up really quickly during the heatwave of June 2019.

If I ever come to Nice again I will definitely choose a different month for my visit. The place has to be lovely in May and September, but there is no chance in the world that I’d travel there during the height of summer again.

French classic: Moules Frites. Nope this is not the dish which is influenced by Italian cuisine.

3. Niçoise Cuisine is Pretty Much Like Italian

This was one of the things neither of us expected. We were excited at the thought of wonderful French food, craving mussels and delicate pieces of tender meat, but what grabbed our attention was the huge similarity between Italian and Niçoise cuisine. The restaurants’ menus were filled with seafood and meat dishes, as well as lots of tortellini and other pasta plates.

I know, we are probably a pair of history ignoramuses. After we both realized how extremely close we were to the Italian border and after we finally got the fact that Nice was ruled by Italy until 1861 , it all made sense! (Embarrassing).

Can you imagine what happens to French cuisine which is heavy influenced by the Italian one? Yes, it’s ‘nebicko v papulke’ , as we say in Slovakia, which translates to something like ‘a divine taste sensation’ (or close enough) in English.

4. It Can Get Crazy at Nights

This might be one of the reasons you chose Nice as your next travel destination. We’d known in advance that the night life was probably very busy in Nice! It was, and even more than we expected .

We visited Nice at the end of June and the night we arrived there was some kind of freaky music festival on all around the city. Oh man, that was really crazy. All the streets and corners of the city were packed with partying people. All the sandy beaches of Nice got swamped with colourful crowds of youngsters having fun.

And it really didn’t change afterwards. There are hundreds of possibilities of what to do with your night in Nice, but we mostly headed to the beach area . There you can find many nice bars with cool balconies facing the relaxing sea (though you have to come pretty early to take one of those seats). Although the beach itself changed with the falling sunset to a pretty cool unlimited party space too ! This was the ‘bar’ we enjoyed the most.

The beach will be packed soon!

There are a few kiosks nearby when you can buy beer for ‘just’ 7 euros but you’re very welcome to bring your own bottles of wine to watch the pink-purple sky disappearing into the dark of the night.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that most people actually cleaned their mess from the pebble beaches and nobody got extremely crazy-lazy. It was that nice way of having night beach fun, filled with music, people dancing and singing, or sitting on the beach stones and talking and laughing.

5. The Beach in Nice is Stony and it Hurts

They say there are just two types of beach people . Those who love sand and those ones who can’t even stand the idea of being covered in those tiny golden crystals. Yes, sand is like lifeless bacteria spreading around without being invited and it can take weeks and months to fully get rid of the very last grain.

If you’re in the second group, let’s call it the Sand Haters Club , we’ve got some good news for you: T here is no sand on the beaches of Nice! All the coast around the famous party bubble of the Côte d’Azur is made up of pebbles and medium sized stones.

This colour is the reason the French Riviera is also known as the Côte d’Azur.

The bad news is that it hurts, and the stones get sizzling pretty quickly. Moreover, if you plan to explore the less busy beaches and possibly coasts away from Nice, we really recommend you get some water shoes to avoid any scratches and cuts on your beautiful feet.

6. You Can Get Almost Everywhere by Bus

If you prefer staying in quieter areas or you just prefer saving money on accommodation you can easily stay outside the city centre . Local transport has a really good and frequent infrastructure (at least in my opinion) and you can easily travel within Nice itself, as well as between surrounding towns and villages , by bus. It’s also a convenient way to get to the Airport.

You’ll appreciate the infrastructure and the cheap tickets for €1.50 per journey right after you discover that Uber is not such a bargain in Nice. Be aware that the amounts charged by Uber and Taxi drivers differ from one area to the next. The closer to the city centre, the more expensive the ride is.

Sneaky view to the port of Nice from the Castle park

7. Nice is Safe, even for Solo Travellers

We all experience some amount of fear when on our travels. Especially in busier cities and places where ‘something big’ happened. Nice is still branded by the terrorist attack which happened in July 2016 and many people might be still frightened to visit the place. Unfortunately, the same can be said about other many of the world’s metropolises like New York , London, Berlin, Paris and so on.

There is nothing I can say to you to change your mind, there is no real advice for people avoiding these places and we never know with any certainty when and where this kind of thing is gonna happen, it’s out of our hands.

Despite this, Nice is considered to be a safe city in general , although there are some possibilities of pickpocketing (especially around busy areas like La Promenade des Anglais ). As in all bigger cities, there are always some dodgy areas, so check the place where you plan to stay in advance. For example, I never like staying next to bus or train stations. As we all know, those are the places where all the weird people tend to hang out.

The port area in Nice is considered one of the poshest ones.

Nice is also a lovely place for solo travellers . Even though I travelled to Nice accompanied by my boyfriend, a friend of mine – an experienced female solo traveller Domika – was staying in Nice all by herself. She really enjoyed her stay, met many new wonderful people and felt nice and safe in Nice. I recommend you to read more about safety in Nice, and I especially like the  Safearound website.

Stay brave in your heart and brave on your travels and I’m pretty sure that your lucky star will protect you on your journeys.

These are 7 the most important things you should know before travelling to Nice. Now you’re fully ready for the Nice breeze and busy streets of this most popular city of the luxurious Côte d’Azur.

Bon Voyage!

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Nice Travel Guide: Tips for this French Riviera City

Looking for a nice Nice travel guide? (Get it? I know, I’m clever.) Since I just planned a weekend here, I’m putting all my best advice below!

Back when I was planning my big Asia and Europe trip, I knew my friend, Elissa, and I would want to plan at least one weekend in May for travel. She wanted to go somewhere in southern France, and we, luckily, ended up in Nice!

I say luckily because one of the other places we considered was Cannes, which would’ve coincided with the Cannes Film Festival and been a crowed nightmare. And if we had booked one weekend later, we’d have been competing with the Grand Prix in Monaco , which would’ve also been a crowded nightmare.

Anyway, I really didn’t have many expectations for Nice besides knowing I just wanted to walk around and relax, which is pretty much exactly what I did. It wound up being so lovely! Full of buildings designed to be French but colored to be Italian, there’s quite a bit to do, see, and eat, making it the perfect introduction to the French Riviera. If you’re planning some Nice travel, here’s all you need to know below.

Nice Travel Tips for First Time Visitors

A Brief History of Nice

Nice as we begin to know it first came about around 350 BC. Colonists from Phocaea in Greece began settling here and gave it the name Níkaia after Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. Given its prime location on the Ligurian coast, it became a bustling port city.

Despite being French now, much of Nice’s history during the Middle Ages actually has much more in common with the chaotic formation of Italy. It’s during these times that things like the Castle of Nice (Castle Hill) were built. From 1388 through 1860, Nice was tied to the Duchy of Savoy and even adopted Italian as its official administrative language in 1561 when the Duke abolished Latin.

This mix of Italian and French histories is most evident in the architecture! If you take a look at many of the buildings, you’ll notice the pastel colors are more reminiscent of other Italian Riviera cities. However the designs are still very much French.

This all ended with the Treaty of Turin in 1860, when the area was ceded to Napoleon III. Nice was again a part of France which also caused something called the Niçard exodus, where a many Nice locals left the city for other parts of Italy.

For the early part of the 1900s, Nice was pretty quiet. Two notable events happened when the Tramway de Nice was built and then when the city hosted Formula Libre, Formula One’s predecessor.

As with other European cities, Nice felt the effects of World War II in 30s and 40s. During the early, pre-Vichy Regime years, it provided a bit of a safe haven for Jews fleeing Nazi occupation. Later it would deal with both Mussolini’s Italy and Nazi Germany. Even during these takeovers, two men, Angelo Donati and Friar Père Marie-Benoît, helped thousands of Jews escape.

Post-World War II, which happened when American troops liberated the city in 1944, Nice began to grow more into the French Riviera resort town we know it as today. Jean Médecin, followed by his son Jacques, each held mayorship from 1928 to 1990. Although Jacques was later arrested for corruption, for the most part under their leadership the city grew and modernized.

It recently became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021 and sees thousands of visitors yearly.

When to Visit Nice

You know, Elissa and I visited in May when the weather sat around 70-80F and was really pleasant with just a touch of humidity. She learned from her tour that the weather is pretty lovely year round. The coldest months of January – March rarely drop below 50F and sometimes get as warm 70-80F. All that’s to say:

Plan your visit in the off season.

Elissa’s tour guide warned her that the city’s population quadruples in size during the summer months, which I think would make it a pretty unpleasant place to be. You’re not really going to want to relax on the beach here as there isn’t sand but full on rocks, so there’s no need to come in the hottest, most humid, and most crowded months of the year! Save Nice for the off season or even a shoulder season like we did with May, and you’ll have good weather and walk around without feeling claustrophobic.

Where to Stay in Nice

This really depends on which way you come into town and how much you want to lug your luggage around. Luckily Nice has pretty smooth pathways, so even if you have a kilometer to walk, you don’t have to worry about picking up your suitcases or breaking a wheel on cobblestone streets.

To figure out your ideal location, I want you to first imagine Nice on a map with the sea at the bottom and the train station at the top. The stretch along Avenue Jean Médecin is about a 15-minute walk.

If you come by train and want to walk as little as possible, then I’d stay somewhere along close by the station. Thinking we’d both take the train in, we picked the Hotel du Cent r e , which is a really cute little hotel with the most incredible view of the Notre-Dame de Nice. It’s maybe 5 minutes from the Gare de Nice-Ville.

However , we actually both flew in, which means we took the tram in from the airport. In this case, the drop off point is actually closer to the seaside in the south, so you’d be better off finding a hotel around there instead.

How to Get into Nice

If you come in by plane, you’ll arrive at the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport . It’s a pretty small airport and easy to navigate out of. From there, you can take the tram into town, and the whole thing should take around 30-40 minutes.

Pro Tip: Download the Nice Ticket app and just buy a ticket as needed there. Saves time and paper! Wish Paris had adopted something similar.

Like I mentioned above, Nice does have its own train station, the Gare de Nice-Ville , and it sits on the northern side of the main downtown area. It’s easy to walk to wherever you’re staying or need to go from there. You can book on SNCF’s site and if it’s showing sold out, try Omio . My friend found some open seats there when we were looking for another train in France.

How to Get Around Nice

For the most part, the best way to get around Nice is to simply walk. Nearly all of the main things to do and see are within walking distance, and, in fact, a car or the tram/bus would maybe save you 2-3 minutes max.

By tram/bus

For the few things right outside downtown Nice, you may want the tram or pus to get to. Use the same app, Nice Ticket, to buy a ticket and then use Google Maps to figure out your route.

If you want, Nice also has a public bike system known as vélobleu . I’m not familiar with it as we never rented them, but they seem pretty easy to use! Just download the E-vélobleu app .

Notable Sightseeing Places in Nice

If there’s one area that’s the core of what makes Nice charming, it’s the pastel facades of Vieux Nice (or Old Nice). The streets are narrow, the buildings pretty, and the restaurants and cafes abundant. The best way to enjoy it is to just stroll and snap away.

Apollo Fontaine & La Place Massena

If you ever get lost, this is the place you want to look for. Place Massena sits right before you get to the Promenade Anglais and the beaches. Its checkerboard-esque flooring is hard to miss. Though if you do somehow miss them, there’s still the Fountain of the Sun which features a statue of the Greek god, Apollo.

Castle of Nice

When it comes to Nice travel, this is the *main* sightseeing thing to do in Nice. The name, Castle of Nice, is a bit deceiving as it’s not really a castle but more of a park with the best aerial views over the city. Don’t let the stairs scare you – there’s a free elevator that’ll take you right to the top!

The Beaches

While the beaches in Nice aren’t exactly the best for sunbathing, they are still lovely to hang out at. The free beach has nothing in the way of rentals (missed business opportunity if you ask me), but there are two paid beaches that have loungers, umbrellas, and towel rentals. We booked a day pass at Castel Plage , which I’d recommend!

Just a warning, you’ll probably want actual water shoes if you plan on swimming. Getting in and out of the water is no joke.

Cours Saleya Market

Just look for the brightly striped tents of Cours Saleya in Vieux Nice for a fun, outdoor market! Everyday except Monday, you can find a flower and food market and then on Mondays, you can find an antiques market.

Get whatever fruit is in season and enjoy the fresh snack down by the beach! Also most stalls take credit card, which I was pleasantly surprised by.

Port Lympia

Another notable spot in Nice is Port Lympia , the city’s main port. It’s cool to see, though it loses some charm with all the modern looking yachts and boats.

Where to Eat in Nice

I admittedly did not eat very locally in Nice. By the time I got there I’d already spent about a week in France and was craving Asian food as well as quick, easy food (I caved and got a cheeseburger at McDonald’s on my way back to my hotel). French dining is lovely, but sometimes you don’t want to sit and relax for hours while you eat, ya know?

Anyway here’s where I ate and also wanted to eat but didn’t wind up visiting.

TIP: Honestly my favorite meal was when Elissa and I got some picnic supplies and carried them over to where the #ILoveNICE sign is. It’s on a cape, there’s seating all around, and you can’t beat the view. We went to the market to pick up cheese and strawberries, and then we found a boulangerie for a fresh baguette and waters. Absolute perfection!

Restaurants for Lunch or Dinner

Note that I found all the service at these spots friendly! If anyone sucked below, I would’ve probably just left and written a warning about going to the place lol.

• Maido (near Vieux Nice) – Cute spot for Japanese street food-esque dishes like okonomiyaki . Very casual and lively.
• Bistrot d’Antoine (Vieux Nice) – French bistro with really good food. Recommend getting the meat of the day, I’m dreaming about that duck breast. Elissa got the braised pork cheeks casserole and gave it her stamp of approval too – it reminded me a lot of my favorite bo kho in Saigon!
• La Langouste (near Notre Dame) – I went here on my last night when I was alone and after my first pick was full! Very delightful surprise as the seating is in the back patio and the food was delicious. Another spot I got duck breast and am salivating remembering it.

Other Places I Didn’t Go:

• Lavomatique – Really wanted to go here but was just too tired to walk back to Vieux Nice on my last night. It’s set in an old laundromat and the food looks incredible. Two reviews mentioned it would probably be a Michelin star restaurant someday.
• Fournil Zielinska – Sourdough lovers rejoice! We happened to walk by this sourdough bakery when it was closed, but it had to save it because it looked so nice.

Cafes & Dessert Stops

• AZZURRO Aristan Glacier – Busy gelato spot. It was pretty good! Not sure if you’d want to wait in line for it, though.
• Hug Cafe – this cafe was attached to our hotel, so we got breakfast here. The hotel breakfast is okay but the actual food the cafe has looked really good, so next time I’d just get that.
• cafe fino – Trendy cafe on the same street as Maido. I remember breakfast was nice and Elissa liked her egg mcmuffin, though she ordered it with skepticism.
• The Service Course Nice – A bike shop/cafe in Vieux Nice. They offer up milk alternatives, so I got a nice iced almond milk latte and vegan banana bread while sitting outside and relaxing.

Didn’t Go:

• Clay – Cafe near Quartier du Port. Looks like a nice breakfast spot!
• Cafés Indien – Elissa stumbled across this when she was wandering (I was tired and sleeping lol).
• Marinette – Another cute cafe in Vieux Nice that looks like it has some nice breakfast and sweet options.

Day Trips from Nice

If you want to explore more of the French Riviera, there are plenty of cool day and half-day trips you can take from Nice. I wanted to relax, so I didn’t go anywhere, but Elissa did a half-day trip to Monaco, which she said she liked. Monaco itself was kinda bleh, but the tour was cool and she learned a bit more about Grace Kelly on it.

Here are some other tours you could do:

Italian Dolce Vita & Menton

I actually forgot about Menton until it was too late! It’s been on my colorful places bucket list for ever, so I’ll just have to save it for a future riviera trip. Book Here

Gorges du Verdon & Fields of Lavender

This full day tour is for anyone who comes in June and wants to try and see the lavender fields. The Gorges of Verdon are these incredible canyons with aquamarine waters and, of course, the lavender fields of southern France are pretty much photo famous these days. Book Here

French Riviera in One Day

If have limited time and want to see as much of the Côte d’Azur as possible, this tour will go from Nice to Èze, Monaco, Antibes, Saint-Paul de Vence, and then Cannes in one very full day. Book Here

Éze, Monaco, & Monte Carlo

For something a little less intense and only half the day, you can do Éze, Monaco, and Monte Carlo. Book Here

Saint Tropez & Port Grimaud

If you’ve always been curious about the glamorous Saint Tropez, than this should be a cool tour (actually one I’d consider on a future visit if I don’t just go straight there myself). You’ll actually take a boat trip to Port-Grimaud before going to Saint Tropez! Book Here

Shopping in Nice

This is one of those moments where I wished I lived in France and also had an expendable bank account so I could just shop to my heart’s content. There are a ton of cute boutique shops and, of course, the antique market on Monday is every vintage lover’s dream.

I did manage to snag a cute boater hat after Elissa found a nice shop for hers but otherwise didn’t buy anything as I purposely left myself very, very limited space.

There’s also, of course, a ton of regular shopping. Along the main avenue you can find a giant H&M and Sephora; plus all the pharamacies for those of you who want to pick up some iconic French skincare products!

Safety & Health in Nice

I found Nice to feel pretty safe over all, and I walked around at all times of day and all over both with Elissa and totally by myself. Naturally, as it’s more of a city than a town, you’re going to still want to keep an eye on your belongings and not get too cavalier with it all.

One thing that’s that’s really annoying with Nice travel but is endemic in all of France is the casual smoking everywhere outside. I think it’s one of those things that’s slowly improving, but just know that if you eat outside, you also risk being in someone’s smoke path, which is incredibly annoying.

And that’s all my best advice for some nice Nice travel (get it, haha). Let me know if you have any questions below, and I’ll do my best to help!

For more France travel, read these next:

• Visiting Colmar Feels Exactly Like Entering a Storybook
• A Weekend in Paris is ALWAYS a Good Idea if You Follow this Guide
• 16 Splendid Things to Do in Strasbourg
• 13 Magical French Pharmacy Skincare Products You’ve Gotta Try

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Thank you for all your helpful travel tips for Nice. I am traveling 7 May to 14. I have a day trip to Cannes, Monaco, perfumery etc. My question is where can I get cool boater hat there. My hotel is Hotel de Suede, on Avenue de Suede. Kind regards,

Hi Lisa! I wish I could remember the exact store but my friend and I found ours at one of the shops near Cours Saleya Market. When I googled I found La Chapellerie which looks like where we went! Hope that helps!

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Cruise credits refer to the number of cruises that a guest has sailed with Princess and/or the number of days cruised with Princess and are used to determine the guest’s Captain’s Circle loyalty level. 

We value your loyalty and thank you for being a loyal Princess Guest.  While you are already at the highest level of Captain’s Circle, your cruise credits continue to be tallied (and celebrated such as being recognized as the most traveled guest at the Captain’s Circle party onboard).  All guests, including Elite-level guests, who meet the promotional criteria will have their cruise credits doubled. 

Yes!  (And smart choice!  Enjoy getting the most out of your cruise!)  Note that an email will be sent in mid-July to guests who already purchased Princess Plus or Princess Premier and who are sailing between August 1, 2024 and December 1, 2024 to advise that they are automatically included in this offer.

Captain’s Circle is Princess’ loyalty program which provides loyal guests with increasingly more benefits and perks the more they sail with Princess.  For more details about the program, please visit: Princess.com/CaptainCircle

Princess Plus and Princess Premier are packages which include beverages, Wi-Fi, crew appreciation and many other benefits.  Both packages provide significant savings.  Click here for details on each .

Terms & Conditions

Loyalty Accelerator Terms:  The Loyalty Accelerator “Offer”  is only available to legal residents of US/DC, Australia, & Canada and allows a guest booking an eligible cruise with the Princess Plus or Princess Premier package to receive double cruise credits for such booking. To be eligible , guest must book on, or upgrade to, Princess Plus or Princess Premier package no later than 2 days prior to embarkation on a Princess Cruise departing between 8/1/2024 and 12/1/2024. Upon completing the eligible cruise, the eligible guest will receive the credits. Doubled credits shall be automatically deposited into guest’s Captain Circle account after completion of eligible cruise sailing. All Captain’s Circle™ and Princess Plus and Princess Premier terms and conditions apply (including that Captain’s Circle tier calculation and doubling only applies to cruise portion of the trip). Offers and their parts (if any) are not substitutable. Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. (“PCL”) is not responsible or liable for any errors, including technological or other errors. PCL may change or revoke Offer at any time.

Updated by business owner 2 months ago

Popular dishes

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Filet Mignon

Green Chili Burger

Butter Chicken Curry

Blackened Salmon

Superchief Yardbird

Kid 's Chicken Alfredo

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221 W 1st St

Clovis, NM 88101

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I wish I could give them extra stars. What a fabulous hidden gem in Clovis, NM. This place is completely unexpected. It's a beautiful historic building right on the railroad tracks, with a lovely covered patio. The wine list is the equivalent of what you would find in any hip restaurant in California. The dishes are tasty, especially the chile seared beef tenderloin. I've been told to try the brunch and curry dishes, but haven't had a chance quite yet. The service is fantastic, everyone is so friendly and attentive. I travel for work A LOT, and I wish every town I visited had The Rails. If you are looking for a foodie experience in Clovis, this is your place. A+++.

Nicest dining in Clovis. Upscale and unique with a small but well rounded menus and the coolest dining space in Clovis! Set inside the historic railway station there are displays throughout the restaurant of historic and model railway items and a friendly wax conductor who welcomes you as you walk up. The food is delicious although expect to pay for the experience $$$$. Most attentive wait staff I've seen in Clovis and very professional service. Used dishes weren't on the table for more than 5 minutes if that. Great place to celebrate a special occasion!

See all photos from Jacob B. for The Rails

Two stars are for the apps and drinks! Those were ok. 48$ filet was more like 6oz and over cooked asked for mid rare. Ordered a pasta dish for 19 plus xtra for chicken totally dry like a well diggers a$$. Waste of 190$ bucks for a wanna be bougie restaurant in good ol dirty Curry. Never again.

Wow Tate is a one of kind dude. He was very nervous serving us at first but once he got out of his shell he was firing off the jokes! The man clearly has 4 kids so he's quite a stress ball but he really tapped in after seeing how much we were drinking. We snubbed him with our tip but beggars can't be choosers! Loved the steak!

Really good food in Clovis, NM. The ambiance and service were good. I got the risotto as an appetizer and it was great- really unique as it is in a fried panko ball. I got the butter chicken curry and it was delicious! Some of the best I've had. For dessert, I got the creme brûlée and it was amazing. I would highly recommend coming here if you are in the area.

Great place consistent food and service. One of our favorites when we are visiting our son!

The Rails is definitely the nicest restaurant in the Clovis area. The cocktails were good. The entrees were the best you'll find within 100 miles. Highly recommended if you are looking for a good steak dinner. The green chili burger was ok and the side salad was basic. The flatbread appetizer was also ok. I would recommend the risotto balls for an appetizer instead. We split two dessert between our group because they all sounds so delicious. They did not disappoint. The desserts are really good and the highly of the meal- don't skip!

See all photos from Gus L. for The Rails

the food is generally good, but expensive. Eggs Benedict with pot roast was not good - the flavors did not go well together. The risotto balls are way overpriced for what they are. Desserts were small and expensive. The staff are generally friendly and informative.

Great food selections, Outstanding service, they did a fabulous job on the remodel. It was at one time ticket office and freight depot.

Lamb Shank at "The Rails"

Enjoyed a nice dinner with family here. Good atmosphere. Pasta was a little bland. Creme brûlée' was excellent! Service was great!

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Chris J. said "Are there this morning for my preflight meal. It was delicious. The service was really good. The girl working today was really nice and made my sub much better than most other subways. I will definitely be using this location as my…" read more

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Best Toiletry Bags

We tried toiletry bags from Away, Bagsmart, Calpak, and other brands to see which is best for your travel needs

When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more .

In my early 20s, I traveled with a Ziploc bag containing a toothbrush and toothpaste as my only toiletries. Yes, I was a maverick who only cared for my oral health back then. But as the years have gone by, my toiletries list has expanded to include other necessities ( sunscreen , for one) and items that may not be essential to others but which I can’t live without ( earplugs and eyedrops).

• The Best Toiletry Bags, According to Us
• TSA Rules About Toiletry Bags
• How We Evaluated These Bags

All of this is to say that I’ve found toiletry bags indispensable to my traveling these days. A good toiletry bag can organize your toiletries and keep them in one place so that they don’t end up topsy-turvy in your luggage. And if the bag’s waterproof, it can also prevent spillage from occurring so you don’t open up your suitcase to see shampoo splattered all over your clothes. 

Is there a difference between a toiletry bag and a Dopp kit, a term that might surface when you’re searching for toiletry bags online? Simply put, Dopp kits are a form of toiletry bag invented by leatherworker Charles Doppelt in 1926. They are typically made of leather or cloth. 

While some people use the two terms interchangeably, there are some small distinctions between the two. Dopp kits are, as stated above, made of materials such as leather or canvas, while toiletry bags utilize materials such as nylon and polyester. Dopp kits also usually consist of a rectangular shape while toiletry bags can come in various shapes. Toiletry bags also typically have more compartments within than Dopp kits.

To look for the best toiletry bags, I tried out six models that are bestsellers or from popular brands. And for those wondering about the TSA’s rules about toiletry bags, I address it later in the article, along with how I evaluated them. Here are the ones I recommend.

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