Nice

Travel Guide
Nice Cathedral showing a city and outdoor eating
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.

Nice Travel Guide Video

Where to stay in Nice

Westminster Hotel & Spa Nice
Westminster Hotel & Spa Nice
4 out of 5
27 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, 6000
The price is $153 per night from Apr 17 to Apr 18
$153
per night
Apr 17 - Apr 18
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the comfy rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (993 reviews)
"Beautiful location. Rooms are clean but have no air conditioning so had to open windows to get cool air. Could hear traffic even with windows shut. Sound proofing very bad. Could hear next door and outside conversations. Staff were friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2023

Westminster Hotel & Spa Nice
Hotel West End
Hotel West End
4 out of 5
31 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, 6000
The price is $194 per night from Apr 16 to Apr 17
$194
per night
Apr 16 - Apr 17
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (998 reviews)
"Classy, Old World, built in 1842, with old salons, wonderful buffet breakfast and dining restaurant overlooking the sea and comfortable rooms with modern amenities with views of the sea and Promenade des Anglais. Superb!!!"

Reviewed on Feb 20, 2023

Hotel West End
Le Meridien Nice
Le Meridien Nice
4 out of 5
1 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, 06046
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $244 per night from Mar 26 to Mar 27
$244
per night
Mar 26 - Mar 27
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (314 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2023

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.
Residhome Nice Promenade
Residhome Nice Promenade
3 out of 5
3-5 Boulevard Francois Grosso, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, 6000
Stay at this 3-star residence in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the comfy rooms and the overall value in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (872 reviews)
"every thing was good, very clean, confortable, quite and good location."

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2023

Residhome Nice Promenade
The Jay Hotel by HappyCulture
The Jay Hotel by HappyCulture
4 out of 5
21 Rue Meyerbeer, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, 6000
Stay at this 4-star residence in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (538 reviews)
RECOMMENDED
"Brilliant service. Great atmosphere, unlimited refreshments & comfortable mattresses with both firm & fluffy pillows to please everyone’s preference."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2023

The Jay Hotel by HappyCulture
Goldstar Suites Nice
Goldstar Suites Nice
4 out of 5
45 rue Maréchal Joffre, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, 6000
Stay at this 4-star boutique residence in Nice. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (976 reviews)
"Great location, would definitely recommend!"

Reviewed on Dec 9, 2022

Goldstar Suites 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.

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 Administration 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.

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