Curated by Clara

Planning a trip to Nice? This guide has you covered! Nestled on the French Riviera, Nice combines the best of French and Italian influences, making it a perfect destination for those craving culture, history, and a touch of luxury. From iconic landmarks and charming neighborhoods to local dining tips and hidden gems, this travel guide will help you experience Nice like a seasoned visitor. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a longer stay, let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the most of your time in this beautiful city.

How to get to Nice, France

1. By plane: the closest airport is the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE). The airport is only about a 15 minute drive from downtown Nice!
2. By train: the main station in town is the Nice-Ville station- it is very large and can connect you to many other destinations in Europe.

Where to stay?

My favorite area in town is Old Nice! Old Nice, or Vieux Nice, is the most charming part of the city, full of history and character. Its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and bustling markets make it the perfect spot to soak up local life. Here, you’ll find authentic restaurants, unique shops, and lively nightlife. For a true taste of Nice, there’s no better place to explore than Old Nice.

Hotels in or near Old Nice:

1. Hotel Villa Rivoli (budget friendly): such a charming stay! Within walking distance of the beaches and Old Nice! The staff is incredibly helpful and friendly. My tip, however, is to avoid booking the cheapest rooms—these are in the basement and don’t have the beautiful balcony and view that the other floors offer!

2. Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée: 5-star hotel but you can catch it at a reasonable price depending on the time of year! Located on the Pomenade and just steps away from Old Nice.

3. Hôtel du Couvent: This hotel offers a more authentic and relaxed French experience with a beautiful stone pool and vast gardens to explore.

3. Airbnb! If you are travelling on a budget, I would opt for an Airbnb in Old Nice. This puts you in the heart of the best restaurants and bars and close to the beach. You can score a great Airbnb for really low prices here.

Where to eat?

1. Le Plongeoir: Le Plongeoir is a unique seaside restaurant in Nice, set dramatically on a rock overlooking the Mediterranean. Known for its fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dishes and breathtaking views, it’s a memorable spot to enjoy a meal by the sea. Very expensive so just getting drinks and apps could be a good option too! Make a reservation early – if booking for the summer make sure to keep an eye on it a few months out.
2. Mayssa Beach: Mayssa Beach is a stylish rooftop restaurant in Nice offering panoramic views of the harbor and Mediterranean. Ideal for sunset drink & meal. Located in Villefranche-sur-Mer which is just a quick train or Uber away.
3. Le Vieille Crepe: delicious and well-priced crepe!
4. Bocca Nissa: Restaurant – Tapas – Rooftop Bar, what else do I have to say?

Where to drink?

1. Wayne’s Bar: Wayne’s is a popular spot in Nice known for its lively atmosphere, live music, and international crowd. After arounf 10:00pm, the back room fills up and people start dancing on the tables to the live band- super fun but can get crowded and sweaty.
2. Waka Bar: Fun and lively two-story bar! Right on the promenade so there are waterfront views! There can be a line outside on busy weekends so try to get there early if you are visiting in the summer.

What to do?

1. Visit the Marché aux Fleurs– an outdoor farmers market selling flowers and fresh produce Tuesday – Sundays from 9:00am-1:00pm. On Mondays only, it’s a flea and antique market!

2. Take a hike to Colline du Château: It is quite a lot of stairs but won’t take you longer than 30 minutes! Beautiful views at the top:

3. Go to the beach! There are plenty of free beach areas where you can lay down a towel. However, the beaches in Nice are made of large stones, which makes it uncomfortable to lie on, so I recommend spending the money for a chair at a beach club. My favorite is…

• Castel Plage: It’s $30 for a sun lounger for the whole day. The beach clubs all have restaurants, so you can choose to eat and drink at a table or from your sun lounger. So relaxing—I’m always one of the last to leave!

Day Trips!

• Villefranche-sur-Mer, France (15 minute train)
• Cannes, France (30 minute train)
• Antibes, France (20 minute train)
• Monaco (30 minute train)
• Eze, France (25 minute train)
• Menton, France (35 minute train)