A Tourist’s Guide to Nice, France.
Sun, sea, socca, and a suspicious number of yachts
Welcome to Nice, the unofficial capital of the French Riviera. It’s got everything you imagine when someone says “Côte d’Azur”: turquoise waters, stylish promenades, endless rosé, and beaches where people look way cooler in sunglasses than you ever will. Don’t worry—you’ll fit right in after about five minutes.
Quick Facts
Best time to visit: May–June and September–October (sunny, fewer crowds).
Currency: Euro (€).
Language: French (but “bonjour” goes a long way).
Getting around: Trams, buses, and trains. Walking is highly recommended if you want to burn off all the gelato.
Vibe: Relaxed Riviera chic with a touch of Italian flavor.
Getting to Nice
By Plane
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is just 7 km from the city center. You can land and be sipping rosé on the Promenade des Anglais before your checked bag even shows up.
• Tram Line 2 runs from the airport to central Nice in about 20 minutes.
• Buses are available, though slower and often crowded.
• Taxis are fast but pricey—the meter climbs faster than you can say “Riviera.”
By Train
If you’re rolling in on the rails, you’ll arrive at Nice-Ville Station. It’s central, convenient, and well connected to the rest of the Riviera.
Pro Tip
If you’re dragging a giant suitcase, brace yourself—those station stairs weren’t built with modern luggage in mind.
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Where to Stay
Nice has accommodations for every budget:
• Luxury: Hotel Negresco is the Belle Époque icon of the Promenade. Expect chandeliers, art, and possibly a tiny dog in a diamond collar.
• Mid-range: Boutique hotels in the Old Town balance price and charm.
• Budget: Hostels and B&Bs leave you more euros for gelato at Fenocchio (90 flavors, including avocado and beer).
Things to Do
• Promenade des Anglais – The city’s famous seaside boulevard, perfect for strolling, rollerblading, or pretending you’re in a French film.
• Castle Hill (Colline du Château) – No castle, but spectacular views of the city and bay. Take the lift if you’re not in the mood for stairs.
• Old Town (Vieux Nice) – Narrow lanes filled with gelato shops, cafés, and the colorful Cours Saleya market.
• Museums – The Matisse Museum and the Marc Chagall Museum prove artists knew a good thing when they saw it.
• Beaches – Pebbly, yes. Beautiful, absolutely. Bring water shoes unless you enjoy hopping around like you stepped on Lego.
Quick Fact: Beach Basics
• Public beaches: Free, bring your own towel.
• Private beaches: Loungers, umbrellas, table service (and a bill that may sting).
• Pebbles: They hurt. Water shoes are your friend.
Eating & Drinking
Nice’s cuisine is as sunny as its weather:
• Socca – A chickpea pancake, hot and crispy. Eat with your hands, it’s tradition.
• Salade Niçoise – The most argued-over salad in history (locals say no cooked potatoes allowed).
• Pissaladière – An onion tart far tastier than it sounds.
Where to eat:
• Michelin stars: Flaveur (2 stars), Jan (1 star), Le Chantecler (1 star).
• Mid-range: Old Town bistros with local wine flowing generously.
• Budget: Street food stalls selling socca or pizza by the slice.
Nightlife
Nice may not rival Ibiza, but it knows how to party.
• Start with cocktails along the Promenade.
• Drift into the Old Town for lively bars.
• End at High Club, where the music is loud and your dance moves questionable.
Pro Tip
What happens in Nice usually ends up on Instagram. Choose your dance floor wisely.
Easy Day Trips
Nice makes a perfect base for Riviera-hopping:
• Monaco – 25 minutes by train. Yachts, casinos, and Ferraris per square meter.
• Cannes – 30 minutes by train. Red carpets and expensive coffee.
• Èze Village – A medieval hilltop town with postcard-worthy views.
Quick Fact: Getting Around
• Trams and buses are efficient and cheap.
• A 10-trip ticket saves money and time.
• Trains along the coast are frequent and scenic.
• Walking is safe, and some streets are just too pretty to miss.
A 3-Day Itinerary in Nice
Day 1 – Welcome to the Riviera
• Morning: Stroll the Promenade des Anglais, get your first hit of sea breeze, and stop for a coffee with a view.
• Afternoon: Explore the Old Town (Vieux Nice) and Cours Saleya market—grab a socca while you’re at it.
• Evening: Dinner at a local bistro, then watch the sunset from Castle Hill (bonus points for bringing wine).
Day 2 – Art, Culture & Pebbles
• Morning: Visit the Marc Chagall Museum or Matisse Museum. Pretend you know what you’re talking about.
• Afternoon: Hit the beach. Rent a lounger at a private beach if you want to avoid pebble-induced acrobatics.
• Evening: Try a Michelin-starred restaurant, then wander into Old Town for cocktails and people-watching.
Day 3 – Riviera Adventure
• Morning: Hop on the train to Monaco. Pretend you can afford a yacht.
• Afternoon: Return via Èze for a medieval hilltop wander and jaw-dropping views.
• Evening: Back in Nice, reward yourself with gelato at Fenocchio—yes, you earned three scoops.
Final Word
Nice isn’t just nice—it’s irresistible. Between the beaches, the food, and its location on the French Riviera, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to visit again (and again). Come for the sunshine, stay for the socca, and leave with far too many sunset photos.
