Nice is the jewel of the French Riviera—a vibrant coastal city that perfectly blends Italian warmth with French elegance. The moment you step onto the Promenade des Anglais, the azure blue of the Mediterranean hits you, and you realize you’re somewhere truly special. I love the contrast between the bustling, high-end beach life and the medieval charm of Vieux Nice (Old Town), with its narrow, colorful streets and bustling markets. It’s got a relaxed, sun-drenched pace that is instantly calming, yet it’s surrounded by glamorous towns like Cannes and Monaco. If you’re looking for sunshine, culture, and coastal chic, Nice is the quintessential French Riviera experience. Keep reading for my top recommendations to soak up the best of this beautiful Mediterranean capital.

Why Visit Nice?

Nice is the cultural and economic heart of the French Riviera, offering stunning views, fantastic weather, and an intriguing blend of French and Italian influences. Here’s why you need to put Nice on your list:

• The Promenade des Anglais: Stroll or bike along this legendary, seven-kilometer walkway bordering the beautiful Bay of Angels.
• Old Town (*Vieux Nice*): Get lost in the labyrinthine streets, admire the baroque churches, and explore the vibrant daily flower and food market, Cours Saleya.
• Museums of Art: Home to impressive collections dedicated to Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall, reflecting the city’s powerful connection to modern art.
• Mediterranean Cuisine: Indulge in local Niçoise specialties like *socca* (chickpea pancake), *salade niçoise*, and fresh seafood with a strong Provençal flavor.
• Coastal Gateway: Nice serves as the perfect, well-connected base for easy day trips to Cannes, Antibes, and the glamorous Principality of Monaco.

Nice is an intoxicating mix of beach bliss, sophisticated culture, and sun-soaked charm on the Côte d’Azur.

What Are the Best Things to Do in Nice? (For Your First Visit)

Promenade des Anglais

Iconic seaside boulevard lined with palm trees and Belle Époque facades—stroll or people-watch along the turquoise Mediterranean shore. Segway discovery tour via Viator for a breezy adventure.

Vieux Nice

Charming old town with narrow alleys, Baroque churches, and vibrant facades—dive into Provençal culture amid gelato shops and hidden squares. Food tour via GetYourGuide to savor local flavors.

Colline du Château

Hilltop ruins offering panoramic views of the Baie des Anges—climb for waterfalls, playgrounds, and sunset vistas over red-tiled rooftops. Walking tour via TripAdvisor including old town.

Cours Saleya Markets

Bustling daily market bursting with fresh flowers, produce, and socca stalls—browse Provençal specialties in this lively open-air square. Market tour and cooking class via Viator for hands-on fun.

Musée Matisse

Villa-turned-museum in olive groves showcasing Matisse’s bold works—explore sculptures, drawings, and the artist’s Riviera-inspired evolution. Private city tour including museum via GetYourGuide for artistic insights.

Musée National Marc Chagall

Dedicated to Chagall’s biblical masterpieces in a sunlit garden setting—wander luminous paintings and tapestries evoking dreams and folklore. Guided museum visit via Viator in Cimiez district.

Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe St-Nicolas

Onion-domed Russian Orthodox gem with golden icons and mosaics—step inside for a slice of Tsarist elegance amid Niçoise streets. Tours and tickets via Viator for cultural depth.

Place Garibaldi

Baroque square framed by ochre buildings and a Garibaldi statue—hub for cafés and the gateway to Vieux Nice’s winding alleys. Hop-on hop-off bus tour via GetYourGuide stopping here.

Promenade du Paillon

Urban green ribbon through downtown with fountains, mirrors, and playgrounds—relax in this transformed riverbed oasis amid city buzz. Interactive city tour via TripAdvisor featuring the promenade.

Musée Masséna

Belle Époque villa chronicling Nice’s history with lavish rooms and Riviera artifacts—garden strolls enhance the opulent 19th-century vibe. Entry ticket via Viator for a historical escape.

More Popular Tours in Nice

What’s the Best Month to Visit Nice?

As a glamorous Riviera gem, Nice shines year-round, but shoulder seasons provide sunny days with fewer tourists. September and October are prime, with warm seas (around 70°F) and highs of 65–75°F, great for beach lounging and promenades without the peak-season bustle. Mid-March to April offers blooming coastal paths and mild 55–65°F weather for hiking or yacht-spotting. Summer (June–August) sizzles at 75–85°F for beachgoers, while winter stays mild (45–55°F) with lively festivals.

How to Get to Nice

Nice is served by Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), the main gateway to the French Riviera. It is conveniently close to the city center and offers numerous international connections—check WayAway for the best deals. From the airport:

• Tram (Line 2): The most cost-effective and easiest method. It connects both terminals directly to the city center and the Port. ($1.70, 20–30 min).
• Train (SNCF): The train station, Nice Ville, is centrally located and is a major hub for regional TER trains and high-speed TGVs connecting the Riviera to Paris, Lyon, and Italy.
• Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminals, but they are expensive. A fixed rate applies to the city center. ($35–45, 15–20 min).
• Car Rental: Recommended only for day trips along the coast to Monaco, Cannes, or inland villages. Rent via DiscoverCars.

The train is ideal for travel along the coast (e.g., to Monaco, Cannes, Menton).

How to Get Around Nice

Nice’s main attractions—the Promenade des Anglais, Vieux Nice (Old Town), and Place Masséna—are all highly walkable. The city’s public transport is excellent for reaching surrounding neighborhoods and connecting to the airport.

• Walking: The primary mode of transport. The entire coastline and historic center can be explored on foot.
• Tram (Lignes 1, 2, 3): A modern, reliable system that connects the center, the train station, and the airport (L2). A single ticket is $1.70, and a 24-hour pass is $5.50.
• Bus (Lignes d’Azur): The extensive bus network covers areas not reached by the tram, including hillside villas and regional towns.
• TER Regional Train: Not city transport, but essential for quick, cheap day trips to nearby coastal towns.

Tips for Tourists Using Transport:

• A single public transport ticket is valid for 74 minutes and allows unlimited transfers (tram/bus).
• Avoid driving in the Old Town, as it is largely pedestrianized and parking is costly.
• The Train des Pignes is a fun, scenic narrow-gauge line connecting Nice to inland Alpine villages.

Conclusion: Nice is a vibrant, sun-drenched city that encourages walking, especially along its magnificent promenade. The new tram network makes arriving from the airport and reaching the port seamless. Use the regional train for quick, stunning trips along the Riviera, and spend the rest of your time enjoying the sea air on foot. Explore the charm of the Côte d’Azur with our detailed Nice travel guide!

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