Nice Travel Guide, France

If you are searching for things to do in Nice, begin with the sea. The city sits on the French Riviera, on the Mediterranean coast at the foot of the Alps, about 13 km west of Monaco and 30 km from the Italian border. It is the second most populated French city on the Mediterranean after Marseille, and the prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes department.

Nice is well known for the Promenade des Anglais and its waterfront, which, along with a large part of the city, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2021. The city belonged to the Duchy of Savoy and the Kingdom of Sardinia until it was ceded to France in 1860, and you can still see Italian influence in its food and architecture.

Today it works as a base for beaches, markets and museums, and its rail links make it a practical hub for the Riviera. It is busy and costly in peak summer, but spring and autumn can feel relaxed.

Promenade des Anglais

The long seafront promenade runs along the Bay of Angels and is the classic place to walk, cycle or sit by the sea. Allow one to two hours. Tip: go in the early morning or around sunset, and remember the beaches are mostly pebble, so bring sandals.

Old Town (Vieux Nice) and Cours Saleya

The old town is a maze of narrow lanes in warm colours, with churches, shops and small restaurants, and Cours Saleya hosts a daily flower and produce market. Allow half a day. Tip: market days and hours vary, so check them, and compare restaurant prices before you sit down.

Castle Hill

This park on a rock at the east end of the old town has paths, a waterfall and wide views over the bay. Allow one to two hours. Tip: climb by the stairs or take the lift if it is running, and go late in the day for light and cooler air.

Musee Matisse and Cimiez

Cimiez is a hill neighbourhood with Gallo-Roman ruins and a monastery, and it also holds museums connected with the painter Henri Matisse. Allow half a day. Tip: opening days change, so check before you go, and take the bus rather than walking up the hill.

Russian Cathedral and the Belle Epoque districts

Away from the sea, Nice has grand 19th-century architecture and a Russian Orthodox cathedral with onion domes. Allow one to two hours. Tip: check visiting hours and dress rules, since they can change.

Port of Nice

The harbour east of the old town has fishing boats, cafes and ferries. Allow an hour. Tip: it is a quieter area for a meal, and you can combine it with Castle Hill.

Nice beaches

Beaches are largely pebble, and many are divided between free public stretches and paid private clubs with loungers. Allow half a day. Tip: bring water shoes, protect against the sun, and check swimming conditions and flags.

Nice has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. Spring and early autumn combine comfortable temperatures with fewer visitors than the high season.

The Nice Carnival usually takes place in February, so check dates if you want to see it, and book accommodation early.

Nice Cote d’Azur Airport is one of France’s busiest and lies on the coast just west of the centre. A tram line and buses run into the city, and taxis are also available, so check current fares and travel times. Trains arrive at Nice-Ville station from Paris and other French cities, and regional trains run along the coast to Cannes, Antibes, Monaco and Menton, so the city is a practical base for rail trips.

The centre and old town are easy to walk. Trams, buses and bikes help for longer distances, and a day or multi-day pass can be good value if you use them often. Taxis are expensive, especially at night. Make an effort at French, since not everyone speaks English. For day trips, trains are usually faster and cheaper than driving.

The old town and the area around Cours Saleya are atmospheric, within walking distance of restaurants and the sea, and suit visitors who like lively streets. They can be loud at night. The area near the Promenade des Anglais gives you sea views and beach access, with hotels of all sizes, but it is among the most expensive.

The streets around the train station and the area known as the Musicians’ Quarter are more affordable and well connected, which suits travellers using trains for day trips, though some blocks are less appealing at night. Cimiez, on the hill, offers a quieter, residential stay. Prices are highest in summer and during major events, so book early and check recent reviews for noise and air conditioning.

Two days give you time for the old town, the promenade and Castle Hill. Three days let you add a museum and one day trip. Four or five days suit travellers who want to see Monaco, Cannes and the hill villages without rushing.

1. Day 1: Old town and Cours Saleya in the morning, Castle Hill in the afternoon, a walk along the promenade.
2. Day 2: Cimiez and a museum, then beach time or a stroll in the port area.
3. Day 3: Train day trip to Monaco or Eze, returning for dinner in town.

Monaco

The tiny principality lies about 13 km east of Nice and is reachable by a short train ride. It has a palace, a casino district and a harbour. Allow half a day. Tip: check current train times, and dress for the casino if you plan to go in.

Cannes

Known for its film festival, Cannes has a long beachfront and an old quarter above the harbour. It is a short train ride west of Nice. Allow half a day. Tip: prices rise sharply around festival dates.

Eze

This medieval hilltop village sits between Nice and Monaco and has narrow lanes and wide views. Allow a half day. Tip: it is reached by bus or a short train and bus combination, so check current schedules.

Antibes

The walled old town and market of Antibes lie along the coast and are reachable by regional train. Allow half a day. Tip: go in the morning for the market and combine it with a coastal walk.