Nice, France: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

Nice, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, is a coastal gem known for its stunning seafront and relaxed elegance. The famous Promenade des Anglais stretches along the sparkling Mediterranean, perfect for a leisurely walk, bike ride, or sunset view. The city’s blend of beachside charm and refined urban life makes it a favorite for both short getaways and extended stays.

Beyond the sea, Nice offers colorful markets, quaint old town alleys, and a lively food scene influenced by both French and Italian flavors. From hilltop gardens to seaside cafés, there's something for every pace of travel. Whether you're here to relax, explore, or simply soak up the Riviera atmosphere, Nice delivers a memorable and effortlessly stylish experience.

History of Nice
20 Best places to See in Nice
10 Best Day Trips from Nice
Where to Stay in Nice
Best Time to Visit Nice
How to get to Nice

History of Nice

Nice in Ancient Times (4th Century BC – 5th Century AD)

Nice traces its origins back to the 4th century BC when it was founded by Greek settlers who named it Nikaia in honor of a victory. Under Roman rule, the area became part of a network of coastal settlements, with nearby Cemenelum (modern Cimiez) serving as a regional center. Archaeological remains from this period, including baths and amphitheaters, reflect the area’s early urban development.

Nice in the Early Middle Ages (5th – 10th Century)

During the early medieval period, Nice experienced waves of invasions and shifting control, including Visigothic and Lombard influence. It developed a defensive character as coastal raids became more common, prompting fortifications. While the population remained modest, the foundations of the city’s identity began to take shape.

Nice in the High Middle Ages (11th – 14th Century)

In the high medieval era, Nice emerged as a small but strategically significant port. It began to align with larger powers, including the Counts of Provence and later the House of Savoy. Maritime trade and local governance became more organized, laying the groundwork for future economic and political growth.

Nice in the Renaissance and Early Modern Period (15th – 18th Century)

Nice’s relationship with the House of Savoy deepened in this period, influencing its architecture, defenses, and political standing. The city faced several attacks and sieges, including those from French and Turkish forces. Despite conflict, it developed a distinct cultural blend influenced by both Italian and French traditions.

Nice in the 19th Century

The 19th century brought major change when Nice was officially annexed to France in 1860 following a plebiscite. This transition marked a period of growth and modernization, attracting European aristocracy and travelers. The construction of the Promenade des Anglais and expansion of the railway boosted its reputation as a fashionable resort.

Nice in the 20th Century to Present

Throughout the 20th century, Nice evolved into a thriving urban center while maintaining its appeal as a Mediterranean destination. It weathered the challenges of both World Wars and underwent periods of expansion, tourism development, and cultural investment. Today, Nice balances its historical roots with modern life, welcoming visitors year-round to experience its rich heritage and coastal charm.

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Visiting Nice for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Nice on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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20 Best places to See in Nice

This complete guide to Nice not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Nice and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

1. Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Miguel Mendez

Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas in Nice, France is a Russian Orthodox cathedral—part of the Moscow Patriarchate—yet also protected as a French national monument, and often described as the largest Eastern Orthodox church in Western Europe. Consecrated in 1912 in memory of Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich, it was funded by Tsar Nicholas II, and a 2013 ruling confirmed the site belongs to the Russian state. Visitors remember the bright, onion-domed exterior that feels more like Moscow than the Riviera, and an interior dense with glittering icons. Entry is free, but photography is banned, phones should be off, and modest dress is required (no shorts for men; women cover shoulders and head).

Location: Av. Nicolas II, 06000 Nice, France | Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00–13:00 & 14:00–18:00. Saturday: 10:00–18:00. Sunday: 12:00–18:00. | Price: Free; donations appreciated. | Website | Distance: 1.1km

Visiting Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas

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We recommend to rent a car in France through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

2. Promenade du Paillon

Public Domain / Tangopaso

Promenade du Paillon is a 1.2 km landscaped park corridor in central Nice, built over the covered Paillon river to stitch the city together on foot. Designed by landscape architect Michel Pena, it’s planted like a living catalogue—about 1,600 trees, 6,000 shrubs, and 50,000 perennials—so the scenery shifts as you walk. The most memorable stop is the 3,000 m² water mirror, where 128 jets pulse and sparkle, especially in warm weather. Nearby, a 1,400 m² mist plateau creates a cool, foggy “cloud” you can wander through, giving the promenade its playful, modern character.

Location: Prom. du Paillon, 06000 Nice, France | Hours: (Summer) April 1 – September 30; Daily: 07:00–23:00. (Winter) October 1 – March 31; Daily: 07:00–21:00. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 1.6km

Visiting Promenade du Paillon

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Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Nice. Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

3. Place Massena

CC BY-SA 3.0 / trolvag

Place Massena is Nice’s central civic square, a broad plaza that acts as the city’s everyday meeting point and event stage. Laid out in 1844 by Joseph Vernier and named for Marshal André Masséna, it’s framed by warm ochre, Italianate façades, palms, and stone pines. Visitors notice the Open Sky Museum: seven Buddhist figures balanced on tall stilts, glowing in shifting colors after dark, alongside blue‑green “fairy” lights arranged like poetic Morse code. Near the Sun Fountain, Apollo stands over the checkerboard paving, while festivals and parades often fill the open space with music and crowds.

Location: Pl. Massena, Nice, France | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 1.6km

Visiting Place Massena

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4. Palais de la Mediterranee

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Florent Abel

Palais de la Mediterranee in Nice is a former 1929 casino-hotel complex on the Promenade des Anglais, built by architects Charles and Marcel Dalmas and shaped by 1930s Riviera glamour. Visitors notice the monumental Art Deco frontage, with its pale stonework and strong symmetry facing the sea, which still defines the site even though the original hotel shut in 1978 and was later replaced. Two key facades—one on the Promenade and one on Rue du Congrès—were protected as historic monuments in 1989 and kept when the rest was demolished in 1990. Today it functions as a modern Hyatt Regency with a lively casino, and many travelers remember the attentive service and seafront setting.

Location: 13 Prom. des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France | Hours: Monday – Thursday: 09:00–03:00. Friday – Saturday: 09:00–04:00. Sunday: 09:00–03:00. | Price: Check official website. | Website | Distance: 1.7km

Visiting Palais de la Mediterranee

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Explore Nice at your own pace with our self-guided walking tour! Follow our curated route to discover must-see sights and local secrets that makes Nice one of the best places to visit in France.

5. Fontaine du Soleil

CC BY-SA 3.0 / M.Strīķis

Fontaine du Soleil is the centerpiece fountain of Place Masséna in Nice, a visual anchor where the city’s grand square seems to revolve around a single sculpture group. At the top stands a towering nude Apollo, installed with the fountain’s 1956 inauguration, removed in 1970, and later restored to full view. Around the base, five bronze figures by French sculptor Alfred Janniot represent the planets—Earth, Mars, Mercury, Venus, and Saturn—arranged like a small solar system in motion. What visitors remember is the contrast of splashing water, the bold mythology, and the square’s red façades and café terraces framing the scene as people stream past.

Location: 3 Pl. Massena, 06300 Nice, France | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 1.7km

Visiting Fontaine du Soleil

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6. Le Jardin Albert 1er

CC BY-SA 3.0 / M.Strīķis

Le Jardin Albert 1er is a three-hectare public garden in central Nice, forming a green corridor between Place Masséna and the Promenade des Anglais. Created in 1852, it’s one of the city’s oldest parks and still functions as a daily crossroads for locals and visitors. You’ll notice broad lawns and fountains, plus an open-air gallery feel: a winged Victory statue (installed in 1896) marks the County of Nice’s accession to France, and modern works like Bernar Venet’s Arc 115°5 add contrast. The Bandstand and the Greek-inspired Théâtre de Verdure (1946) anchor concerts and festivals, including the Nice Jazz Festival, and the park can feel especially lively during seasonal markets.

Location: 2-16 Av. de Verdun, 06000 Nice, France | Hours: (Summer) April 1 – October 31; Daily: 08:30–20:00. (Winter) November 1 – March 31; Daily: 08:30–18:00. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 1.7km

Visiting Le Jardin Albert 1er

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7. Marche Saint-Francois

Public Domain / Patrice Semeria

Marche Saint-Francois is a neighborhood market on Place Saint-François in Nice’s Old Town, where daily shopping still feels local and purposeful. In the early hours it’s busiest as a fish market—vendors set up at 6 a.m. and, by afternoon, the action is mostly over, leaving only the square and the seagulls. The compact plaza, ringed by buildings that can look like an opera set, spills into narrow lanes with small shops and restaurants, and the boucherie is known for regulars who request very specific cuts. Beyond seafood and meat, you’ll notice good-value produce and Niçois bites like socca, salade niçoise, and pissaladière. It runs Tuesday–Sunday until about 1 p.m. and stays quieter than the bigger markets.

Location: Cr Saleya, 06300 Nice, France | Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 06:00–13:00. Closed on Monday. | Price: Free. | Distance: 1.8km

Visiting Marche Saint-Francois

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8. Musée Masséna

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Zairon

Musée Masséna (Villa Masséna) is an art-and-history museum housed in Victor Masséna’s former Belle Époque residence on the Promenade des Anglais, a direct window into how Nice styled itself around 1900. Built between 1898 and 1901 to designs by Hans Tersling, the mansion’s grand staircase and period-furnished ground-floor salons feel closer to a preserved house than a conventional gallery. Upstairs, about twenty rooms trace “old Nice” through furniture, fashion, portraits, and everyday objects, including curiosities like Napoleon’s death mask and a coronation robe among some 15,000 items. Outside, Édouard André’s landscaped gardens are free to enter, with shaded benches that make a calm pause from the seafront.

Location: 65 Rue de France, 06000 Nice, France | Hours: (Summer) May 2 – October 31; Monday: 10:00–18:00; Tuesday: Closed; Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00–18:00. (Winter) November 1 – April 30; Monday: 11:00–18:00; Tuesday: Closed; Wednesday – Sunday: 11:00–18:00. | Price: Adults: €10; Reduced: €8; Under 18: free. | Website | Distance: 1.8km

Visiting Musée Masséna

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9. Place Saint Francois

Public Domain / Patrice Semeria

Place Saint Francois is a compact Old Town square in Nice where everyday life still centers on the market and a few café terraces. It matters as a former civic and religious hub: the town hall once stood here in the 16th century, and the square takes its name from Franciscan monks whose convent once occupied the area. In the middle, a 1930s fountain gifted by François Aragon features playful dolphin figures that catch the light in photos. Look up for the surviving bell tower and traces of the old cloister, then linger as vendors set out the morning fish market (closed Mondays), when the air feels distinctly Mediterranean.

Location: Pl. Saint-François, 06300 Nice, France | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 1.8km

Visiting Place Saint Francois

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10. Place Garibaldi

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Irina Korch

Place Garibaldi is an 18th-century civic square in Nice, completed in 1773 under Sardinian rule as a formal gateway on the route toward Turin. Visitors remember its balanced, classical layout and the ring of three-storey Baroque buildings painted in ochre and terracotta, with shaded arcades and illusionistic frescoes that read as distinctly Italian in spirit. At the center stands the 1891 monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi—born in Nice—posed above a pedestal decorated with coats of arms and lions. The square also rewards closer looking: near its southern end, an archaeological crypt reveals fragments of 16th-century fortifications, including parts of the Pairoliere Tower and Saint Sebastian Bastion.

Location: Pl. Garibaldi, 06300 Nice, France | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 1.8km

Visiting Place Garibaldi

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11. Place Rossetti

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Fred Romero

Place Rossetti is a compact public square tucked into Nice’s Old Town, where winding lanes suddenly open into a lively pocket of cafés and conversation. At its center sits a Baroque fountain, and the scene is framed by timeworn, slightly leaning façades that make the space feel intimate and lived-in. Look up to spot laundry lines stretched across balconies, a small detail that gives the square its everyday pulse. One side is dominated by the ornate Baroque frontage and dome of Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, anchoring the square’s sense of place. Many visitors linger here with a coffee or a scoop from Fenocchio, watching the crowd ebb and flow.

Location: Pl. Rossetti, 06300 Nice, France | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 1.8km

Visiting Place Rossetti

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12. Promenade des Anglais

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Martino C.

Promenade des Anglais is Nice’s long seafront boulevard curving around the Baie des Anges, created after English winter visitors funded a shoreline walkway in the early 1800s and later expanded by the city. Today “La Prom” runs about four miles, with a wide, palm-lined path where walkers, families, cyclists, and skateboarders share the flow. On the water side, public and private pebble beaches sit shoulder to shoulder and can feel tightly packed in summer. The most memorable pauses are in the blue chairs facing the Mediterranean, especially at sunrise when runners pass in the soft light. Above the road, former aristocratic villas now read as grand hotels and museums.

Location: Prom. des Anglais, Nice, France | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 1.8km

Visiting Promenade des Anglais

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13. Opera de Nice

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Taktoperz77

Opéra de Nice (Opéra Nice Côte d’Azur) is the city’s late-19th-century opera house, a working theatre that anchors Nice’s evening culture at the edge of Vieux Nice, with the Mediterranean just outside. The site began as a wooden theatre opened in 1776, but today’s building rose after an 1881 fire, rebuilt by François Aune, a pupil of Charles Garnier. Inside, the Belle Époque/Baroque Revival décor and Italian-style horseshoe hall create a grand look with an unexpectedly close, intimate feel, helped by stacked tiers of boxes and galleries. Visitors remember the hush before the curtain, occasional projection-heavy productions, and the charming—but sometimes crowded—historic facilities.

Location: 4-6 Rue Saint-François de Paule, 06300 Nice, France | Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00–17:00. Closed on Sunday, Monday. | Price: Prices vary by show. | Website | Distance: 1.8km

Visiting Opera de Nice

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14. Place du Palais de Justice

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Victor Grigas

Place du Palais de Justice is a small, sunlit square in Vieux Nice, anchored by the city’s courthouse and edged by café terraces that make it a natural pause in the Old Town’s bustle. The Palais de Justice, built between 1890 and 1892, brings a formal neoclassical façade and broad staircase that give the space its stage-like feel. Underfoot, the colorful paving and a central fountain add texture and a sense of ceremony without being grand. On the first and third Saturdays of each month, the square hosts a market specializing in vintage books, rare editions, prints, and postcards—an unexpectedly quiet, collectible-focused scene amid the surrounding lanes.

Location: Pl. du Palais de Justice, 06300 Nice, France | Hours: 24 Hours. | Price: Free. | Distance: 1.8km

Visiting Place du Palais de Justice

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15. Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mister No

Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate is Nice’s principal Baroque cathedral, anchoring Place Rossetti in the middle of Vieux-Nice and shifting from café buzz outside to a hushed, gilded interior within. Built on the site of an earlier church dating to around 1049, the current structure rose in the mid-17th century and was dedicated in 1699, later elevated to a minor basilica in 1949. Inside, visitors notice a Latin-cross layout, barrel-vaulted ceilings, and lavish marble-and-gold decoration, plus 10 family-maintained chapels and three organs. Look up for the cupola clad in colored tiles—partly obscured since a Baroque façade was added in the early 1800s.

Location: 3 Pl. Rossetti, 06300 Nice, France | Hours: Monday – Friday: 09:00–12:00 & 14:00–18:00. Saturday: 09:00–12:00 & 14:00–19:30. Sunday: 09:00–13:00 & 15:00–18:00. | Price: Free; donations appreciated. | Website | Distance: 1.8km

Visiting Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate

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16. Cours Saleya Markets

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Emanuela Meme Giudic…

Cours Saleya Markets is a pedestrian market street at the edge of Vieux Nice, where daily shopping and café life spill into the open air. From Tuesday to Sunday, stalls pile up flowers and seasonal Mediterranean produce—fruit, cheese, olives, bread, and, if you’re self-catering, very fresh fish—while the striped awnings and pastel façades make the whole scene feel made for photographs. Monday mornings switch gears into an antiques market, good for browsing Art Deco pieces and oddball souvenirs, and in summer evenings the cours turns into a craft market with handmade jewelry and art. Come for the sensory bustle—color, scent, chatter—and stay for a hot wedge of socca and terrace people-watching.

Location: Cr Saleya, 06300 Nice, France | Hours: Monday: 07:00–18:00. Tuesday: 06:00–17:30. Wednesday: 06:30–18:30. Thursday: 06:00–17:30. Friday: 06:00–17:30. Saturday: 06:30–18:30. Sunday: 06:30–13:30. | Price: Free. | Distance: 1.9km

Visiting Cours Saleya Markets

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17. Palais Lascaris

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Lascaris

Palais Lascaris is a 17th-century aristocratic residence in Nice’s Old Town, restored in the 1940s and reopened as a museum that reveals how the city’s elite once lived. Inside, visitors remember the theatrical Baroque staircase and the “noble floor,” where frescoed ceilings, murals, and tapestries recreate the palace’s former grandeur. The museum’s defining thread is music: an extensive loaned collection of period instruments sits alongside paintings of instruments, and you may even hear some played during events. Don’t miss the ground-floor apothecary, stocked with original 18th-century pieces and striking Delftware. It’s a compact visit, with some labels only partially translated into English.

Location: 15 Rue Droite, 06300 Nice, France | Hours: Monday: 10:00–18:00. Tuesday: Closed. Wednesday: 10:00–18:00. Thursday: 10:00–18:00. Friday: 10:00–18:00. Saturday: 10:00–18:00. Sunday: 10:00–18:00. | Price: Adults: €5; Reduced (groups 10+): €4; Under 18: free. | Website | Distance: 1.9km

Visiting Palais Lascaris

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18. Cimetiere du Chateau

CC BY-SA 1.0 / A.-K. D.

Cimetiere du Chateau is a late-18th-century hillside cemetery above Nice, where terraced lanes and long stairways lead past ornate white-marble chapels and sculpted angels. Founded in 1783 on a site that once served as the city’s citadel, it holds around 2,800–3,000 graves and feels more like an open-air gallery than a gloomy stop. Many visitors come to find the graves of painters Henri Matisse and Raoul Dufy—the latter surprisingly modest and tucked near the monastery garden gate. You’ll also spot names like Gaston Leroux and Emil Jellinek-Mercedes, and between levels the viewpoints open over Old Town rooftops and the Bay of Angels.

Location: All. François Aragon, 06300 Nice, France | Hours: (Summer) March 1 – October 31; Daily: 08:30–18:00. (Winter) November 1 – February 28; Daily: 08:30–17:00. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 2km

Visiting Cimetiere du Chateau

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19. Colline du Chateau

CC BY-SA 3.0 / kajikawa

Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill) is the high park above Nice where the city began as a Greek-era trading and defensive post, later ringed by walls that were dismantled in the early 1700s. Don’t come expecting a standing castle—only scattered ruins remain—but the payoff is the sweeping look over terracotta Old Town rooftops, the Baie des Anges, and the port from opposite viewpoints. Along the paths you’ll find a man-made waterfall that can be switched off later in the day, plus benches and lawns that invite a picnic break. Look for stepping stones illustrating Homer’s Odyssey, and the atmospheric old cemetery with ornate headstones.

Location: 06300 Nice, France | Hours: (Summer) April 1 – October 31; Daily: 08:30–20:00. (Winter) November 1 – March 31; Daily: 08:30–18:00. | Price: Free. | Website | Distance: 2.2km

Visiting Colline du Chateau

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20. Villefranche-sur-Mer

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a beautiful coastal town on the French Riviera, known for its vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings. The town boasts picturesque narrow streets, colorful houses, and a charming harbor filled with boats. Visitors can enjoy walking along the waterfront promenade, relaxing at the beach, or savoring fresh seafood at one of the many local restaurants, all while…

Visiting Villefranche-sur-Mer

Best Day Trips from Nice

A day trip from Nice offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Nice provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

1. Phare du Cap-Ferrat

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Dennis G. Jarvis

Phare du Cap-Ferrat is the lighthouse at the far end of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, in the Villefranche-sur-Mer area of France. It is best treated as an outdoor sightseeing stop rather than a museum visit, with the approach itself forming much of the experience.Visitors come here for the coastal path, the sea air, and the view at the tip of the…

Location: Phare du cap Ferrat, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France | Hours: External viewing only. Lighthouse tower is closed to visitors. | Website | Distance: 6.5km

Visiting Phare du Cap-Ferrat

2. Eze

Visiting Eze offers an unforgettable experience, with its stunning perched location overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. This charming village, located along the French Riviera, boasts narrow cobblestone streets, picturesque stone houses, and panoramic views of the coastline. As you wander through its labyrinth of alleyways, you’ll find plenty of quaint boutiques, art galleries, and cafés to explore, making it a perfect…

Visiting Eze

3. St. Paul de Vence

CC BY-SA 2.0 / G CHP

St. Paul de Vence is a picturesque medieval village renowned for its charming cobblestone streets, art galleries, and inviting cafés. Visitors are drawn to its beautifully preserved architecture and tranquil atmosphere, ideal for leisurely strolls, browsing boutiques, or relaxing in shaded squares. Art enthusiasts appreciate the village’s numerous galleries and artisan shops showcasing local painters, sculptors, and craftsmen. Perched atop…

Visiting St. Paul de Vence

4. Antibes

Visiting Antibes feels like slipping into a slower, sun-soaked rhythm. The old town is a joy to explore—narrow, winding streets lined with pastel houses, independent boutiques, and cafés that spill out onto the pavement. Strolling along the sea walls, with the turquoise Mediterranean on one side and the Alps in the distance, is pure bliss. It’s the kind of place…

Visiting Antibes

5. Menton

Menton, located on the French Riviera, offers a stunning blend of Mediterranean beauty and relaxed coastal charm. Known for its vibrant flower gardens, crystal-clear waters, and colorful buildings, the town provides a serene escape with a gentle climate year-round. Menton is one of the most underrated cities in France. Strolling along its picturesque streets, visitors are treated to beautiful views…

Visiting Menton

6. Cannes

Cannes is a glamorous destination that seamlessly combines coastal beauty with cultural sophistication. The city is known for its stunning beaches along the French Riviera, where you can relax in the Mediterranean sun or enjoy water sports. Walking along the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette, lined with luxury hotels, designer boutiques, and restaurants, visitors are treated to a world-class experience.…

Visiting Cannes

7. Bordighera

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Al*from*Lig

Bordighera presents itself as the perfect destination, whether you're seeking a brief weekend escape or an extended stay of two weeks or more. Each day in this vibrant city can offer new and invigorating experiences, guided by the right information. From Bordighera, you have convenient access to explore the medieval villages of the hinterland and even venture into the enchanting Côte…

Visiting Bordighera

8. Bagnols-en-Foret

Public Domain / Patricia.fidi

Bagnols-en-Forêt is a peaceful escape tucked into the hills above the Côte d’Azur, offering a slower, more scenic pace compared to the coastal buzz. Wandering its quiet stone streets, shaded squares, and terraced cafés, you feel like you're stepping into a secret corner of Provence. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an afternoon sipping rosé under the…

Visiting Bagnols-en-Foret

9. Savona

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Roberta Salamone

Savona is a relaxed Ligurian port city on Italy’s Riviera di Ponente, where everyday seaside life mixes with grand waterfront views and a compact, walkable center. It’s an easy place to slow down: you can start with a coffee in a piazza, wander through arcaded streets, then end the day with a sunset stroll along the promenade as ferries and…

Visiting Savona

10. Toulon

Toulon is a lively port city known for its mix of maritime heritage, sunny Mediterranean ambiance, and relaxed coastal vibe. Visitors can enjoy the bustling harbor, stroll along the waterfront promenade, and explore local markets filled with Provençal flavors. The city also offers a great balance of culture and leisure, with museums, theaters, and charming old town streets waiting to…

Visiting Toulon

Where to Stay in Nice

In the winding alleys of Vieux-Nice, where pastel-painted façades and lively markets set the scene, charming city-centre inns place you steps from the Cours Saleya and the cathedral. Palais Saleya Boutique Hôtel occupies a restored 18th-century townhouse with antique furnishings and a quiet internal garden, while Hôtel Wilson blends classic Belle Époque style with modern comforts, its rooftop bar offering glimpses of the hills above. Nearby, Villa Saint Exupéry Beach Hostel provides a more social vibe, with dorms and private rooms clustered around a cooled courtyard and regular live events.

Along the Promenade des Anglais, iconic boulevard lodgings overlook the azure sweep of the Baie des Anges. Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée dazzles with Art Deco elegance, a heated seawater pool and panoramic sea-view rooms, while just down the road Le Méridien Nice offers floor-to-ceiling windows, an expansive beachfront terrace and spa facilities. For a boutique take on oceanfront, La Pérouse perches on the cliffs beside the old port, with lush terraces and direct sea access via a hidden staircase.

In the Port district, a renaissance of cafés and galleries has brought new life to waterfront warehouses and sailors’ homes. Hôtel Villa Rivoli occupies a former merchant’s mansion with bold, contemporary interiors and balconies overlooking the Quai Lunel. A stone’s throw away, Hôtel Ozz by HappyCulture offers sleek design, communal hubs and techno-chic bunk rooms, while Hôtel du Pin charms with a relaxed courtyard and minimalist rooms just off the Quai des Deux Emmanuels.

Perched on the hills of Cimiez, villas and spa retreats provide a peaceful counterpoint to the bustle below. Palais Juliana by MGallery occupies a grand Belle Époque villa set in olive-tree gardens, with an outdoor pool and shuttle service to the city centre. Nearby, Hôtel Albert 1er offers refined rooms and an intimate restaurant beside the Roman ruins, while La Réserve de Nice sits amid private grounds with tennis courts and panoramic views over the Baie des Anges.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Nice. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Nice Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Nice

Visiting Nice in Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the best times to visit Nice, with mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds. The city’s coastal paths and hilltop parks are especially beautiful during this season. It’s a great time for outdoor dining, exploring the Old Town, and enjoying the fresh Mediterranean air.

Visiting Nice in Summer (June to August)

Summer in Nice is warm, lively, and full of energy, making it ideal for beach lovers and festival-goers. The city hosts a range of cultural events and the waters of the Baie des Anges are at their most inviting. It’s the busiest season, so booking in advance is a good idea.

Visiting Nice in Autumn (September to November)

Autumn in Nice brings cooler weather, fewer tourists, and a golden glow over the city’s streets and seafront. The sea remains warm enough for swimming well into September. This season is perfect for relaxed exploration, local food markets, and enjoying the cultural scene.

Visiting Nice in Winter (December to February)

Winter in Nice is mild compared to much of Europe, with sunny days and a calm, laid-back feel. It’s a peaceful time to visit museums, walk the Promenade des Anglais, and enjoy seasonal events. The city’s southern light and slower pace make it a pleasant off-season escape.

Annual Weather Overview

January 10°C
February 12°C
March 14°C
April 15°C
May 19°C
June 25°C
July 28°C
August 27°C
September 22°C
October 19°C
November 14°C
December 11°C

How to get to Nice

How to Visit Nice by Air

Nice is served by a major international airport, which offers direct flights from many European cities and beyond. The airport is just a short drive from the city center, with options for buses, taxis, and rideshares. Renting a car at the airport is a convenient way to explore Nice and nearby coastal towns at your own pace.

How to Visit Nice by Train

Nice is well-connected to the national rail network, with regular high-speed and regional trains arriving at Nice-Ville station. Direct routes from Paris, Marseille, and Milan make it an easy destination to reach by rail. The station is centrally located, allowing for quick access to hotels and attractions. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

How to Visit Nice by Car

Driving to Nice is a great option, especially for travelers who want to explore the Riviera beyond the city. Scenic coastal roads and nearby mountain villages are best enjoyed with your own vehicle. The city has several parking garages and access routes, making navigation manageable. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

How to Visit Nice by Bus

Long-distance buses connect Nice to many other cities in France and Europe, offering an affordable travel option. The main bus station is conveniently located, and services run regularly throughout the day. It’s a budget-friendly alternative with decent comfort and flexibility.

Getting Around Nice

Nice has an efficient public transport system with trams, buses, and bike rentals available throughout the city. Many of the main sights are within walking distance, especially in the Old Town and along the coast. Renting a car is highly recommended if you’re planning day trips along the Riviera or into the nearby hills.