Nice

Travel Guide

Nice featuring a coastal town and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Nice Cathedral showing a city and outdoor eating
Nice featuring rocky coastline and a coastal town
L\'Arenas showing signage
Nice which includes a garden

Nice Travel Guide Video

Unofficial capital of the French Riviera, this glamorous seaside city has been one of France’s most popular tourist destinations since the 18th century.

With its elegant old town, chic shops, lively markets and beautiful coastal setting, Nice combines the sophistication of a big city with the laid-back charms of a beach resort. Bike, jog or walk along the city’s scenic seafront promenade, spend an afternoon exploring the atmospheric old town and dine in restaurants with ocean views.

Go for a stroll along Nice’s iconic Promenade des Anglais, which spans for 4 miles (7 kilometers) along the blue waters of the Baie des Anges. Look for some of the city’s most recognizable buildings along this strip, including the art deco Palais de la Méditerranée and the Hôtel Negresco with its bright pink dome. Rent a sun lounge on the beach and admire the view and dine at a picturesque seaside restaurant.

Enjoy the energy of the Cours Saleya Market, a flower and food market set along a square overlooked by 18th-century houses. Browse displays of orange blossoms and roses and shop for fresh produce and spices. Sip a hot drink at one of the delightful cafés lining the square. Visit in the evening when the neighborhood offers some of the city’s best dining and nightlife.

The market sits at the center of Vieux Nice (Old Nice), a collection of narrow streets that has hardly changed over the centuries. Wander through these charming streets, browsing cute boutiques and stopping at a restaurant to try Niçois-style onion pizza(pissaladière). See some of the architectural highlights found in this neighborhood, including Palais Lascaris, a striking 17th-century mansion.

View a wonderful collection of works by Henri Matisse, who often spent his summers in Nice, at the Matisse Museum. Check out modern art exhibits, including works by César and Arman, at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC).

Fly to Nice via Nice-Cote d'Azur airport, which is located 4 miles (7 kilometers) west of the city. Although Nice’s attractions are fairly spread out, it’s quite pedestrian-friendly so many visitors get around comfortably on foot. Alternatively, take advantage of Nice’s bus and tram system and find out why Nice has been a favorite destination of artists, beach-lovers and honeymooners for centuries.

Where to stay in Nice

Basilique Notre Dame which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Nice City Centre

4.5/5(284 area reviews)

Known for its stunning beaches and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Nice City Centre. Check out top attractions like Promenade des Anglais and Hôtel Negresco, and jump on the metro at Alsace - Lorraine Tram Station or Massena Tramway Station to see more of the city.

Nice City Centre
Nice Cathedral showing a city and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Old Town Nice

5/5(130 area reviews)

Known for its beaches and abundant dining options, there's plenty to explore in Old Town Nice. Top attractions like Promenade des Anglais and Cours Saleya are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Opera - Vieille Ville Tram Station or Cathedral - Vieille Ville Tram Station to see more of the city.

Old Town Nice
Albert 1st Gardens featuring a garden

Carre d'Or

While you're in Carre d'Or, take in top sights like Promenade des Anglais and jump on the metro at Massena Tramway Station to see more of the city.

Carre d'Or
Nice which includes markets, interior views and food

Jean-Médecin

If you're spending time in Jean-Médecin, check out sights like Promenade des Anglais or Nice Étoile Shopping Center and hop on the metro to see more the city at Massena Tramway Station or Jean Medecin Tramway Station.

Jean-Médecin
Castle Park showing general coastal views and views as well as a couple

Mont Boron

If you're spending some time in Mont Boron, Nice Ferry Terminal and Port of Nice are top sights worth seeing.

Mont Boron
Place Garibaldi which includes a fountain and a square or plaza

Quartier du Port

While you're in Quartier du Port, take in top sights like Place Garibaldi and jump on the metro at Garibaldi Tram Station to see more of the city.

Quartier du Port
Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
3 out of 5
4 avenue Max Gallo, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is $151 per night from Apr 28 to Apr 29
$151
per night
Apr 28 - Apr 29
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay here! The room design was modern with a very French touch—stylish and cozy. We booked a sea view room, and it was absolutely worth it. The view was stunning, and for the price, it’s one of the best values in town for that kind of view. The front desk staff were friendly ..."

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2025

Albert 1'er Hotel Nice, France
Hôtel Vacances Bleues Le Royal
Hôtel Vacances Bleues Le Royal
3 out of 5
23 Promenade des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is $198 per night from Apr 29 to Apr 30
$198
per night
Apr 29 - Apr 30
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (378 reviews)
"This hotel has a lot of charm in the prime of Nice. The rooms were very comfortable, and it was surprisingly big to be in Europe and the age of the building. The view was excellent. The only challenge was the parking. You must park in a public parking lot in the casino next door; there is no street ..."

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2025

Hôtel Vacances Bleues Le Royal
Le Meridien Nice
Le Meridien Nice
4 out of 5
1 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $376 per night from Apr 30 to May 1
$376
per night
Apr 30 - May 1
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (556 reviews)
"The hotel is in a fabulous location the views are amazing."

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2025

Le Meridien Nice
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel Adagio Nice Promenade des Anglais
Aparthotel Adagio Nice Promenade des Anglais
4 out of 5
179 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (665 reviews)
"Amazing location. Great view. Apartment has everything you need."

Reviewed on Dec 22, 2024

Aparthotel Adagio Nice Promenade des Anglais
Residhome Nice Promenade
Residhome Nice Promenade
3 out of 5
3-5 Boulevard Francois Grosso, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly residence in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (987 reviews)
"Like the friendlyness"

Reviewed on Apr 4, 2025

Residhome Nice Promenade
The Jay Hotel by HappyCulture
The Jay Hotel by HappyCulture
4 out of 5
21 Rue Meyerbeer, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Stay at this 4-star residence in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (653 reviews)
"I could not find fault in the property. It is centrally located and customer service was excellent and this will set them apart from the rest. The moment we checked-in we were taken care of right away by Liliana even if we arrived early for our check-in. We stayed for seven nights. Allan at the reception ..."

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2025

The Jay Hotel by HappyCulture
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Nice

The center of Nice is easy to traverse on foot, and the famous Promenade des Anglais makes for a pleasant beachfront walk. The main public transit in Nice is the bus network, which connects the city and surrounding area, while a trolley line connects the center and the suburbs. Taxis are expensive and best avoided, while driving yourself can be stressful because there’s a confusing one-way system. Visit the Autonomous Parisian Transportation AdministrationOpens in a new window website.Browse Nice rental cars.

Best time to visit

The Côte d’Azur is blessed with some of France’s finest weather, and Nice is no exception. Winters are mild, although too cold for the beach, with highs around 55 F (12 C). Spring and fall both see beautiful weather, with highs around 75 F (23 C) in September. These are the best times to visit, as prices are lower and beaches are less crowded than at the height of summer, which you might also find too hot.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Nice

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
459
5 - Excellent 62%
4 - Good
233
4 - Good 31%
3 - Okay
48
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We took a train to Eze. The train takes you to Eze by the sea where we hiked up to the Village. The hike was a little strenuous, but done in under an hour. It rises up 2000 ft. You can bypass the hike and take a bus to the village.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Love Nice! My favorite place in South of France!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Loved everything

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Nice is a beautiful ,classy and friendly city with use of multiple languages.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Many important sights, Chagall museum, Matisse museum, lovely parks, restaurants, shops

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Amazing city. I was extremely satisfied with how walkable the city is. Get out and just walk. Turn into alleys and just walk. You'll find amazing food, people and structures.

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