Why You Should Visit Nice, France.
Nice is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever settled for a regular weekend at home. With golden beaches, palm-lined promenades, a sizzling nightlife scene, and easy connections to the rest of the Côte d’Azur, this French Riviera city has all the makings of a perfect escape.
Getting There (Without Selling Your Soul to the Airline Industry)
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport sits conveniently just 7 km from the city center. You could practically roll your suitcase down the Promenade des Anglais if you wanted to, but public buses and trams are far more civilized (and involve fewer strange looks).
Budget airlines love Nice almost as much as tourists do. Carriers like easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air all fly here from multiple European hubs, so you can often score a ticket for less than what you’d spend on Parisian cocktails.
Train Connections (All Aboard the Glamour Express)
Nice is on the main coastal rail line, which makes it ridiculously easy to hop between Riviera hotspots.
- Cannes – about 30 minutes
- Monaco/Monte Carlo – 25 minutes (perfect day trip material)
- Marseille – 2.5 hours
- Milan – 5 hours (for when you need pizza instead of croissants)
Sun, Sea, and the Promenade
Let’s be clear: Nice’s beaches are pebbly. But what they lack in sand, they make up for in sparkling turquoise water and a front-row view of the Promenade des Anglais—the city’s iconic seaside boulevard. Rent a lounge chair, order a cold rosé, and remind yourself that life could be worse.
Must-See Sights
- Old Town (Vieux Nice) – A maze of narrow alleys filled with gelato shops, market stalls, and charming chaos.
- Cours Saleya Market – Famous for flowers, produce, and the occasional tourist trinket you’ll regret buying later.
- Castle Hill (Colline du Château) – Hike or take the lift up for panoramic views. Spoiler: it’s worth it.
- Matisse Museum – A colorful tribute to the artist who adored Nice.
- Promenade du Paillon – A leafy green ribbon cutting through the city, perfect for a stroll.
Food & Drink (Yes, There’s More Than Just Rosé)
Nice’s cuisine is as sunny as its weather. Local must-tries include socca (chickpea pancake) and salade niçoise (accept no imitations).
For restaurants:
- Michelin stars to impress your date (or yourself): Flaveur (2 stars), Jan (1 star), Le Chantecler (1 star).
- Mid-range charmers: Cozy French bistros in Old Town where the wine flows generously.
- Budget bites: Grab socca or pizza by the slice from a street vendor—cheap, cheerful, and carb-loaded.
Nightlife (The Riviera After Dark)
From beach bars to nightclubs, Nice has a lively (and occasionally glamorous) after-hours scene. Start with a cocktail along the Promenade, then head to the Old Town for late-night bars, or go big at a club like High Club. Just remember, what happens in Nice…probably ends up on someone’s Instagram.
Day Trips: Monaco in a Flash
Hop on a 25-minute train ride and you’re in Monaco, playground of the rich and famous. Marvel at the yachts, lose a few euros in the Monte Carlo Casino, and then escape back to Nice before your bank account starts crying.
Where to Stay (From Champagne to Change)
Nice caters to every budget:
- Luxury: Hotel Negresco – a Belle Époque icon with chandeliers that probably cost more than your car.
- Mid-range: Boutique hotels near the Old Town that balance charm and price.
- Budget: Hostels and B&Bs that let you save money for wine, not Wi-Fi.
- My personal favorite: Hotel Nice Riviera – PERFECT location to walk around, clean and quiet, moderately priced and staff is excellent HOTEL NICE RIVIERA – Updated 2025 Prices & Reviews (France)
Pro Tip
If you plan on sightseeing, grab the French Riviera Pass—it includes access to museums, attractions, and even some public transport.
Final Word
Between the food, beaches, nightlife, and its enviable location on the Riviera, Nice delivers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re splurging on Michelin-star dining or munching on street-side socca, you’ll find plenty of reasons to fall in love with this seaside gem.
