About the author
Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.
Let’s explore Nice
When the summer months hit, you can bet I’ll be booking a flight to the French Riviera! You’ll probably find me on the beach with a glass of rosé in hand.
I think Nice is such an excellent base for exploring all the wonders that the Côte d’Azur has to offer. Aside from the nearby day trips, I’d recommend ensuring you make the most of Nice itself, with its charming old town, bougie beach clubs and gorgeous views.
About the author
Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.
Where charm meets luxury and beaches meet culture, Nice is a city with a dynamic personality and that sunny ‘French Riviera’ feel. Fascinating museums, beautiful architecture and various events make Nice a surprising cultural hotspot.
The nooks and crannies of the old town reveal the charming soul of the city, underneath a layer of infectious hustle and bustle.
Picturesque beach clubs line the promenade, where the inviting blue waters of the Mediterranean entice sunbathers in to cool off.
When the sun sets, the city’s lively nightlife begins to unfold as bars come alive with the sounds of chitter chatter and glasses clinking.
Whether you’re after a relaxing retreat of beach lazing, a cultural getaway or rosé-fulled party antics, the choice is yours in Nice.
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Getting to Nice shouldn’t be too much trouble, no matter where you are coming from. The city is well-connected by air, rail and roads. Here are some of the best ways to get to Nice:
By plane: One of the busiest airports in France, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is well-connected and served by many international airlines. Located just eight kilometres from the city centre, travelling to Nice by air is an easy and convenient option for travellers.
By train: Nice is well connected by train to other cities in France and Europe. The main train station in Nice is Gare de Nice-Ville, which is located in the city centre. You can take a train to Nice from Paris, Marseille, Cannes, and other major cities in France.
By car: If you prefer to drive, Nice is well connected to the rest of France by a network of highways. The A8 motorway connects Nice to Marseille, Cannes, and other popular cities in the region.
Parking can be difficult in the city centre, so I’d recommend parking outside of the city and taking public transport into the centre.
There are several car rental companies at Nice station, as well as in the city centre. Renting a car is only really necessary if you plan to explore outside of the city, as it can give you the freedom to explore on your own terms.
By Bus: There are many bus companies that operate services to Nice from other cities in France and Europe. The main bus station in Nice is located in the city centre, making it easy to get around once you arrive.
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When it comes to getting around Nice and seeing the sights, you have several options available to you.
On foot: Nice is a very walkable city, and I think walking is a great way to explore the city’s many sights and attractions. The city centre is relatively compact, and many of the main attractions are within easy walking distance of each other.
Walking is also a great way to soak up the Niçois atmosphere and discover some hidden gems you might have missed.
Public transport: Nice has an extensive public transport network, which includes buses and trams. The buses are operated by Lignes d’Azur, and the trams are operated by Nice Côte d’Azur.
Both services are reliable and affordable, and they cover most parts of the city. You can buy tickets from ticket machines at tram and bus stops, or from ticket offices at major transport hubs.
By taxi: Taxis are widely available in Nice, and they are a convenient way to get around the city if you don’t want to walk or take public transport. Taxis are metered, and the fares are regulated by the city authorities.
You can hail a taxi on the street, or you can find them at taxi ranks located throughout the city. Uber is also available in Nice and this is mode of transport I personally used a lot.
By bike: If you prefer to cycle, you can rent a bicycle from one of the many bike rental companies in Nice. There are also several bike-sharing schemes in the city, which have stations located throughout the city.
Cycling is a great way to explore the city, and many of the main roads have dedicated cycle lanes.
By car: If you want to explore the wider region and take a day trip from Nice, you might want to consider hiring a car.
There are several car rental companies located in the city, and you can choose from a range of vehicles to suit your needs.
However, keep in mind that traffic in the city can be heavy, and parking can be difficult to find in some areas. Find car rental options here.
Summer is the obvious time to visit Nice, but it is in fact a year round destination. The best time to visit Nice will ultimately depend on your preferences and what you want to do during your trip.
Spring
I’d say spring is a great time to visit Nice if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy milder weather. The temperature in Nice during spring is usually between 11°C and 18°C.
The city is in full bloom during this time, making it ideal for exploring the surrounding countryside and quaint villages, as well as soaking up the culture in the Old Town.
SUMMER
Summer is the peak tourist season in Nice, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The beaches are crowded, and the city is bustling with tourists.
If you are looking for a lively atmosphere and want to enjoy the epic nightlife, summer is the best time to visit. But be prepared for higher prices and longer queues for the top Nice attractions.
AUTUMN
Autumn is a great time to visit Nice if you want to enjoy the city’s cultural events and festivals.
The temperature during autumn is usually between 15°C and 22°C, making it another ideal time for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking. The crowds are smaller than during summer, and the prices are more reasonable.
WINTER
Nice is known for its year-round sunshine and Nice winters are relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C. The city is less crowded, so if you’re not bothered about beaches and sunbathing, winter is the time to enjoy some peace and quiet.
The Christmas markets and festivals add to the charm of the city, although note that some attractions may be closed at this time.
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To explore the city itself, I’d say you won’t need more than a few days. But Nice is a great base for reaching many nearby towns and beaches.
So you could easily spend two weeks in Nice, embarking on various day trips to explore all that the Cote d’Azur has to offer.
Some of my personal favourites are Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint Paul de Vence.
Absolutely! I think Nice is a great destination for solo travellers as there are many activities to do alone, such as visiting museums, relaxing at one of the beach clubs, or taking a day trip to a nearby town.
It’s a very safe city and there are plenty of accommodation options – from luxury hotels to more budget-friendly hostels, depending on your vibe.
It’s no secret that the French Riviera and Nice in particular can be expensive, especially if you love a touch of luxury. Hotels and restaurants can be pricey, especially in the high season.
However, there are some budget-friendly options available, and be sure to try the street food if you’re trying to avoid expensive restaurants. Note that many museums and attractions offer discounts for students and seniors.
As of 2023, there are a staggering 30 Michelin-starred restaurants in the Nice area. These restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, from traditional French to fusion with an added flare.
If you’re hoping to dine at one of these restaurants, I recommend making a reservation in advance, especially during the high season.
Nice is known for its delicious cuisine, with many dishes featuring fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavours. Some of the most popular dishes include socca (a chickpea pancake), salade niçoise (a salad with tuna, eggs, and vegetables), and ratatouille (a vegetable stew).
Local wines, such as Bellet and Côtes de Provence, are also worth trying to fully embrace the flavours of this French city.
A historic neighbourhood where colourful buildings line narrow cobbled streets, Nice’s old town (Vieux Nice) is a real gem of the city. Meander through the picturesque alleys and vibrant squares, uncovering the quaint nooks and crannies of the city.
Stop by one of the locally owned cafés for a coffee and a croissant with a side of people watching. The old town is a place to take your time exploring, so you can soak up the inviting atmosphere.
Don’t miss the bustling Cours Saleya market where you can browse an eclectic selection of fresh produce, flowers, exotic plants and local crafts. With its vibrant blooms and fragrant herbs, the market is a feast for the senses.
Book a guided cultural walking tour of Nice Old Town and Castle Hill.
An icon of Nice, the Promenade des Anglais is the buzzy seaside promenade that stretches for several kilometres along the coast of Nice. Take a leisurely stroll or cycle along the promenade while admiring the unspoilt views of the Mediterranean Sea and Bay of Angels.
The Promenade des Anglais is also home to a number of the best beach clubs in Nice. One of the best ways to while away an afternoon in Nice, sink into a sun lounger with a good book and a cocktail against a backdrop of waves lapping at the shore.
Lining the promenade, you’ll find plenty of cafés, eateries and restaurants. However, these can be tourist traps, so I’d recommend heading into the old town for a more authentic dining experience.
For the best panoramic views of Nice, the surrounding area, and the water, I’d suggest heading to La Colline du Château. This hilltop park is home to the ruins of a castle and military citadel that was destroyed in the 18th century, as well as a beautiful waterfall and gardens.
It’s a bit of a climb to reach the top, but I think the views are well worth the effort – and what better way to justify the excessive amounts of rosé you may or may not be consuming during your stay!
If you’d rather not get your heart rate up – or you require a more accessible route – there’s an elevator too. Time your visit right and you could be lucky enough to catch the golden glow of the sunset lighting up the city of Nice.
Want to save up to 25% on hotels?
Subscribe to the Pocket Wanderings newsletter and get immediate access to my guide on how to save money on flights and hotels. Our weekly emails are filled with adventure inspiration, insider travel tips and exclusive discounts.
Want up to 25% off hotels?
Subscribe to my newsletter and get immediate access to my guide on how to save money on flights and hotels. Our weekly emails are filled with adventure inspiration, insider travel tips and exclusive discounts.