Nice
Easy jumping-off hub for the Côte d'Azur — cobblestone beaches, Belle Époque elegance & a charming Old Town
Nice
Bathed in the Mediterranean sun more than 300 days a year, Nice is the beating heart of the Côte d'Azur — and the easiest hub from which to explore the entire Riviera. Wander the ochre alleys of Vieux Nice (Old Town), stroll the famous Promenade des Anglais, and sink into the city that gave the world Niçoise-style food: socca, salade niçoise, pissaladière and pan bagnat. Foodies, beach lovers, art seekers and day-trippers all find their rhythm here, where big-city energy meets small-town neighborhoods and the Mediterranean glitters at the end of every street.
The Good
- Warm Mediterranean climate with 300+ days of sunshine each year
- Huge beach easily accessible from most parts of the city
- Big city with small-town neighborhoods
- Excellent dining — regional Niçoise fare plus French and international cuisine
- Tons of tours and easy day trips out of the city
- Easy to reach nearby cities by local train and bus
- Cruise ships and ferries are easily accessible from Nice
- Easy to fly in and out of — a great hub for exploring the region
Worth Knowing
- Lots of tourists and crowds
- Can be pricey during high season
- The beach is cobblestones, not sand — bring water shoes!
- Nice is a big city — be aware of typical big-city issues
Luxury
Luxury hotels are plentiful in Nice — from international brands like Marriott and Hilton to historic European and international luxury houses.
Beach
Nice stretches along a very long beach, so beach hotels are everywhere — pick a stretch of the Promenade that suits your style and budget.
Character
Plenty of small B&B-style hotels around Nice. Pick a neighborhood you like and you'll find something at most budget levels.
Budget
As a large city, Nice has many budget hotels and hostels. Read inclusions carefully — many don't have AC, linens/towels can be an extra fee, and some properties have no elevator (bring your stair-climbing legs).
Le Plongeoir
60 Bd Franck Pilatte, 06300 Nice
Iconic seaside spot — great for social media.
Visit WebsiteBars / Night Clubs
Wayne's Bar
Long-standing Old Town favorite with live music and an international crowd.
15 Rue de la Préfecture, 06300 Nice
Visit WebsiteHigh Club
One of Nice's biggest nightclubs — right on the Promenade.
45 Prom. des Anglais, 06000 Nice
Visit WebsiteOld Nice (Vieux Nice)
A must-visit. Wander the shady alleys and colorful buildings — gorgeous photos and great walking. Skip the map, then stop for a coffee, drink or snack. Shop, or hit one of the weekly markets in the squares.
Stroll the Promenade des Anglais
This famous beach sidewalk got its name from the British tourists who flocked here over a century ago. It runs 7+ km west from Old Nice all the way to the airport — flat, easy walking with cafés and restaurants along the way. Grab one of the iconic blue chairs and watch the waves.
Visit the Port (Quartier du Port)
Love yachts and ferry-watching? Don't miss Nice's port — small, upscale, totally walkable, with touristy shops and cafés.
View on MapColline du Château viewpoints
Between the port and Old Town sits a hilltop park with walking trails, ruins, a cemetery and historical buildings — and the best photo viewpoints over Nice. It's a steep walk up; there's an elevator but it's often out of service.
Colline du ChâteauVisit an open-air market
Nice has many open-air markets in different squares on different days — search 'open air market' in Google Maps to find one. A few of the most famous:
Walk Jardin Albert 1er to Place Masséna
A lovely short park walk. Start at the Nice Centenary Monument and stroll to Place Masséna — be sure to stop for photos at the Fontaine du Soleil along the way.
Musée Matisse
Enjoy the art of Matisse in an elegant 17th-century villa at 164 Ave. des Arènes de Cimiez.
Visit WebsiteMAMAC — Modern & Contemporary Art Museum
If you love modern art, MAMAC is an easy visit from Old Town Nice. Place Yves Klein, 06000 Nice.
Visit WebsiteWatch the sunset
Find a bar or café along the Promenade, order a drink, and just relax — golden-hour Nice is unbeatable.
Nice is a perfect jumping-off city for day trips along the Riviera and into the perched villages above. You can do most of these on your own (car, train or bus), or hire a guide, tour or driver.
Too Far for a Day Trip
While tempting, Saint-Tropez, Provence, Verdon, Luberon, the Calanques, Les Alpilles and Marseille are more than a couple of hours away. If these are must-sees, consider basing yourself closer.