Sun-bleached belle epoque facades, the bluest stretch of the Mediterranean, and a food scene rooted in Nicoise tradition. Here is how to do Nice right.
Pedestrians and scooters on bustling Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France, with palm trees and coastal buildings. ·
Azizi CoNice is the unofficial capital of the French Riviera, a city where Italian and French sensibilities collide in the best way. For centuries it belonged to the House of Savoy, and you taste that history in the food and read it in the ochre and terracotta facades of the old town. Then came the English aristocrats and Russian nobility who wintered here, leaving behind grand hotels, an Orthodox cathedral, and the wide seaside boulevard that bears their name.
What sets Nice apart from its glossier neighbors is that it actually works as a city: it has a metro, an airport ten minutes from downtown, a real student population, and markets where locals still do their shopping. You can swim off the pebble beach in the morning, eat socca standing up at a market stall at noon, and be in Monaco or a medieval hill village by mid-afternoon.
The light here is famous for good reason. Matisse and Chagall both chose to live and work in Nice, and the city honors them with two of the most rewarding small museums in France. Add a near-perfect climate and a coastline of impossible blue, and you have a place that rewards both the lazy and the curious.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October) are the sweet spots: warm enough to swim, sunny, and without the crushing July-August crowds and prices. Summer is hot, packed, and expensive, though the energy is undeniable and the sea is warmest. Winter is mild and quiet, with bright clear days perfect for museums and long lunches. Time a February trip around the Carnaval de Nice, one of the world's oldest and largest, with its flower battles along the Promenade.
Getting There & Around
Nice Cote d'Azur Airport is the third busiest in France and sits just west of the city; tram line 2 runs from both terminals to the city center and port in around 20 minutes for a few euros, far cheaper than a taxi. Once in town, Nice is very walkable, and the modern tram network plus buses cover everywhere else efficiently with the cheap Lignes d'Azur tickets. The coastal train line is your best friend for day trips, linking Nice to Monaco, Villefranche, Antibes, and Cannes for a few euros each way. Skip renting a car unless you plan to explore the back-country hill villages.
Where to Stay
Vieux Nice (Old Town)The atmospheric maze of narrow lanes, baroque churches, and market squares. Best for first-timers who want to be in the thick of it, steps from restaurants and the sea, though some streets get noisy at night.
Carre d'Or and the PromenadeThe elegant district just behind the Promenade des Anglais, full of belle epoque buildings, designer shops, and grand hotels. Suits those who want polish, sea views, and an easy walk to the beach.
Le Port (Port Lympia)The colorful working harbor area, less touristy and increasingly full of good restaurants and wine bars. Great for repeat visitors and food lovers who want a more local base with character.
Libération and the Train Station areaNorth of the center around the excellent Liberation market, this is where locals live. The best value for your money, well connected by tram, and authentically Nicoise.
Hotel Amaryllismidrange Google
3.8 · 360 reviews
A well-reviewed, friendly mid-range hotel a short walk from the Promenade and Vieux Nice, with comfortable updated rooms and a central location that keeps you close to the action. A reliable, good-value base for exploring on foot.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Nicemidrange Google
4.1 · 3,239 reviews
A modern, dependable choice right on the Promenade des Anglais with a rooftop pool and bar overlooking the Baie des Anges. Ideal if you want sea views, a pool, and brand consistency at a sensible price point.
Hotel Negrescoluxury Google
4.6 · 6,521 reviews
The pink-domed icon of the Promenade, a living museum of art and belle epoque grandeur where the staff still wear period costume. A genuine splurge and a Riviera landmark in its own right, home to the Michelin-starred Le Chantecler.
Nice vacation rentalfamily friendly
For families or longer stays, a self-catering apartment near the Liberation market or in Vieux Nice gives you space, a kitchen for market hauls, and better value than multiple hotel rooms.
Best Coffee Shops
Nice has shaken off its reputation for mediocre cafe coffee with a wave of genuine specialty roasters.
Cafe de Turin Google
4.1 · 5,250 reviews · Place Garibaldi
More an institution than a third-wave specialist, this 1908 cafe on Place Garibaldi is where locals have always come for an espresso at the zinc bar (and famously, for oysters). Come for the atmosphere and a strong morning coffee under the arcades. Order at the counter for the cheapest price.
Malongo Cafe Google
4.0 · 1,582 reviews · Vieux Nice
The flagship of the Nice-based ethical roaster Malongo, just off Place Rossetti in the old town. Beautifully made coffee from a respected local company, plus light bites in a relaxed setting. A dependable specialty stop in the heart of Vieux Nice.
Emma Cafe Google
4.5 · 32 reviews · City Center
A cozy specialty coffee spot pouring carefully sourced beans and serving proper flat whites and homemade cakes. Popular with the laptop-and-brunch crowd and a welcome antidote to soulless tourist cafes. Good for a mid-morning break.
Where to Eat Breakfast & Brunch
From flaky bakery viennoiserie to long weekend brunches, mornings are taken seriously here.
Maison Auer Google
4.3 · 439 reviews · Vieux Nice
A jewel-box confiserie and patisserie running since 1820, all gilt mirrors and crystallized fruit. Stop in for a pastry and coffee or pick up the famous candied citrus and chocolate. As much a sight as a snack.
Chez Pipo Google
4.5 · 5,864 reviews · Le Port
The legendary spot for socca, the chickpea-flour pancake that is Nice's signature street food, blistered in a wood oven and served piping hot. Locals have argued about who does it best for a century; Chez Pipo near the port is a top contender. Cash-friendly, no fuss, gloriously simple.
Le Pain Quotidien (Nice) Google
3.4 · 1,999 reviews · City Center
A reliable, airy spot for a proper sit-down breakfast of tartines, eggs, granola, and good bread, with communal tables. Handy when you want something heartier and slower than a counter pastry. Decent coffee and plenty of vegetarian options.
La Tarte Tropezienne Google
3.8 · 2,115 reviews · City Center
Birthplace brand of the cream-filled brioche from nearby Saint-Tropez, with a Nice outpost for a sweet morning indulgence. Grab the signature tarte tropezienne with a coffee. A treat worth the calories.
Best Restaurants in Nice
Nicoise cuisine is its own thing, Mediterranean and Italian-influenced: think daube, pissaladiere, stuffed vegetables, and lots of olive oil.
La Merenda Google
4.3 · 950 reviews · Vieux Nice
A tiny, cash-only Nicoise temple run by a former Negresco chef, serving the classics with reverence: stuffed sardines, tripe, pasta with pistou. No phone, no cards, just a handwritten menu and stools at communal tables. Walk by in person to book a seat; it is one of the best meals in the city.
Chez Acchiardo Google
4.7 · 3,248 reviews · Vieux Nice
A family-run trattoria in the old town that has been feeding locals authentic Nicoise and Provencal dishes since 1927. Generous portions, fair prices, and a warm, lived-in dining room. Book ahead and try the daube or the grilled fish.
Peixes Google
4.5 · 2,733 reviews · Vieux Nice
A buzzy modern seafood and ceviche bar with two locations, beloved for fresh fish, tartare, and a great natural wine list. Stylish without being stuffy, and perfect for sharing plates. Go early or reserve, as it fills fast.
Le Bistrot d'Antoine Google
4.5 · 1,486 reviews · Vieux Nice
A consistently excellent French bistro from chef Armand Crespo, doing seasonal classics, charcuterie, and daily blackboard specials at honest prices. The kind of place locals return to again and again. Reserve in advance.
Olive et Artichaut Google
4.6 · 1,080 reviews · Vieux Nice
A small modern bistro showcasing market-driven cooking with a light Mediterranean touch and a focus on local produce. Refined plates without pretense, ideal for a thoughtful dinner. Booking strongly recommended.
Bars & Evening Drinks
Aperitif hour is sacred here, best taken with rose and a sea view.
Les Distilleries Ideales
Vieux Nice
A characterful, always-packed corner bar in the old town with a great wine and beer selection and free aperitif nibbles. The perfect spot to start an evening at golden hour. Squeeze in at the bar or grab an outside table.
Movida Cafe
Le Port
A relaxed natural wine bar with a knowledgeable owner and a strong by-the-glass list. Low-key and local, great for an unhurried glass and good conversation. A favorite among in-the-know residents.
Rooftop bar at Hotel Aston La Scala
City Center
A panoramic rooftop terrace with cocktails and sweeping city and sea views, especially good at sunset. A more polished option for a special evening drink. Check seasonal opening hours before heading up.
Top Things to Do & See
Beyond the beach, Nice packs in world-class museums, baroque churches, and the best urban viewpoint on the coast.
Promenade des Anglais Google
4.7 · 78 reviews · Seafront
The grand seafront boulevard, built with funds from the English winter colony, curving along the Baie des Anges. Walk, cycle, or just claim one of the iconic blue chairs and watch the Mediterranean. Free and essential, day or night.
Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill) Google
4.7 · 25,143 reviews · Vieux Nice
The green hilltop park where Nice began, with a waterfall, ruins, and the single best panorama over the terracotta rooftops of the old town and the sweep of the bay. Climb the stairs from Vieux Nice or take the free lift near the Tour Bellanda. Go in the morning light for photos.
Musee Matisse Google
4.0 · 6,624 reviews · Cimiez
Set in a red-ochre villa in the olive groves of Cimiez, this museum holds one of the world's most important Matisse collections, the artist having spent his last decades in Nice. Pair it with the nearby Roman ruins and Franciscan monastery gardens. A short bus ride from the center.
Musee National Marc Chagall Google
4.4 · 7,817 reviews · Cimiez
A purpose-built museum housing Chagall's luminous Biblical Message cycle, the largest collection of his work, in a calm garden setting. Intimate, manageable, and deeply moving. Easily combined with the Matisse museum in Cimiez.
Old Nice Walking Tour with Castle Hill
Vieux Nice
The top-rated guided walk through the lanes of Vieux Nice, Cours Saleya market, and up to Castle Hill, with a local guide unpacking the city's Savoyard and baroque history. A great orientation on your first day. Small groups and excellent storytelling.
Mediterranean Coastal Sightseeing Cruise
Le Port
A one-hour cruise out of the Port of Nice into the Baie des Anges for the views of the coast and Castle Hill you cannot get from land. A relaxed, inexpensive way to see the city from the water. Great on a calm, clear day.
Molinard Perfume Workshop
City Center
Create your own scent in a hands-on workshop with the historic Molinard perfume house, choosing among dozens of essences to take home a personalized bottle. A fun, distinctly Riviera souvenir given the region's perfume heritage. Sessions run in French and English.
Food Tours & Tastings
The fastest way to understand Nicoise food is to eat your way through it with a local.
NO DIET CLUB Food Tour
Vieux Nice
A wildly popular, indulgent walking food tour led by passionate hosts who steer you to the best socca, pan bagnat, cheese, and sweets in Nice. Come hungry; this is a full meal's worth of tastings and laughter. Consistently rated among the city's best experiences.
Nice Food Tour by Do Eat Better
Vieux Nice
A walking tour of the old town that adds up to a full meal across several handpicked spots, with a local expert explaining each Nicoise specialty along the way. A thoughtful, well-paced introduction to the city's culinary identity. Great value for the amount of food and context.
Provence Wine Tour
Departs City Center
A small-group day in the vineyards of Provence focused on rose, the wine that defines the region's lifestyle, with tastings and a relaxed, social atmosphere. Ideal for wine lovers wanting to get beyond the city. A full day out of Nice.
Markets & Shopping
Nice's markets are the soul of the city; come hungry and bring a tote.
Cours Saleya Market Google
4.7 · 449 reviews · Vieux Nice
The famous open-air market in the old town, bursting with flowers, produce, olives, spices, and socca stalls most mornings (and an antiques market on Mondays). Browse, graze, and pick up Provencal goods. Arrive before noon for the best of it.
Marche de la Liberation Google
4.4 · 2,824 reviews · Liberation
The larger, more local market north of the center where Nicois actually shop for fish, produce, and cheese. Less touristy and more authentic than Cours Saleya, easily reached by tram. A great window into everyday Nice.
Rue de France and Avenue Jean Medecin
City Center
For shopping, the pedestrian Rue de France handles souvenirs and casual browsing, while Avenue Jean Medecin and the Nice Etoile mall cover high-street brands. Convenient and central. Good for a rainy afternoon or last-minute needs.
Day Trips Worth Taking
Few cities offer so many superb excursions within an hour. The coastal train makes many of these effortless and cheap.
Eze, Monaco & Monte-Carlo Half-Day Tour
Departs Nice
A compact small-group trip taking in the medieval cliff-top village of Eze, the principality of Monaco, and the casino glamour of Monte-Carlo, with a guide handling the logistics. Perfect if you want to see three Riviera highlights in one efficient outing. Pickup included.
Best of the French Riviera Full-Day Tour
Departs Nice
A full-day small-group loop through six Riviera towns and villages, from coastal viewpoints to perched medieval centers, with an expert local guide. The most comprehensive way to grasp the variety of the coast in a single day. Comfortable vehicle, maximum eight people.
Cannes, Antibes & Saint-Paul-de-Vence Tour
Departs Nice
A full-day small-group excursion to Antibes with its ramparts and harbor, Cannes and its festival boulevard, and the artists' hill village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. A great westward counterpoint to the Monaco-side day trips. Includes plenty of time at each stop.
Ferry from Nice to Monaco
Le Port
A scenic 45-minute boat ride along the coast to Monaco, a more relaxing and memorable alternative to the train for a self-guided day in the principality. Glide past Villefranche and Cap-Ferrat on the way. A lovely option in good weather.
Train through the Alps: Royal Baroque Route
Departs Nice
An off-the-beaten-path mountain train journey from Nice up through Alpine canyons, viaducts, and tunnels to baroque villages on the old salt-trade road. A spectacular full-day escape from the coast for those wanting nature and altitude. Note some uphill walking is involved.
Gorges du Verdon Day Trip
Departs Nice
A shared full-day tour to the dramatic Verdon canyon and the turquoise Lac de Sainte-Croix, deep in Haute-Provence. Stunning scenery for nature lovers willing to spend time on the road. A complete change of pace from the coast.
Things to Know
Getting around The tram and bus network is cheap, clean, and easy; a single Lignes d'Azur ticket covers connections within a time window. The center, old town, and seafront are all walkable. The coastal TER train is the best value for day trips along the Riviera.
Money France uses the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but carry some cash for markets, socca stalls, and a few old-town classics like La Merenda that take cash only.
Language French is the language, though English is widely understood in tourist areas. A simple 'bonjour' when entering shops and 'merci' on leaving goes a long way and is expected politeness.
Tipping Service is included by law (service compris), so tipping is not obligatory. Rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service in restaurants is appreciated but never required.
Safety Nice is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets on the Promenade, around the train station, and in crowded markets. Keep valuables secure and stay aware on the beach when you swim.
Beaches Nice's beaches are pebbles, not sand, so pack water shoes and a padded mat for comfort. Public stretches are free; private beach clubs charge for sun loungers and service.
Power & SIM France uses the European two-pin Type C/E plug at 230V. EU travelers roam freely; others can grab an eSIM (Orange, SFR) for cheap data on arrival.
Before You Go
Reserve top restaurants like Le Bistrot d'Antoine, Peixes, and Olive et Artichaut in advance; La Merenda must be booked in person and only takes cash. book 1-2 weeks ahead
Book popular small-group day tours (Eze and Monaco, Best of the Riviera) and the No Diet Club food tour early, as they sell out in high season. book 2-4 weeks ahead
If visiting in February, plan around Carnaval de Nice and buy tickets for the flower battles ahead of time. book 1-2 months ahead
Summer hotel rates spike and availability vanishes; lock in accommodation well in advance for July and August. book 2-3 months ahead
Check museum opening days; many close on Tuesdays, and the Matisse and Chagall museums are best paired on the same Cimiez trip.
Nice rewards those who slow down: a morning swim, a market lunch eaten standing up, an afternoon in a painter's villa, and a glass of rose as the sun drops behind the bay. Use it as your Riviera base and the whole coast opens up, from Monaco's glitter to medieval hill villages and Alpine canyons. Pack light, come hungry, and let the blue do the rest.
Top-Rated Places to Eat, See & Stay
