Nice, France Travel Guide

Discover the timeless beauty and vibrant culture of Nice, where the French Riviera's azure waters meet historic charm and modern elegance.

Nice, nestled on the stunning French Riviera, offers a delightful blend of old-world charm and contemporary elegance. The city's iconic Promenade des Anglais, a sweeping seaside walkway, invites visitors to take leisurely strolls while savoring the panoramic views of the azure Mediterranean Sea. The vibrant flower market at Cours Saleya and the winding streets of the Old Town, or Vieux Nice, provide a feast for the senses with their bustling atmosphere, colorful facades, and delightful aromas of Provençal cuisine. Art lovers will revel in Nice's rich cultural heritage. The city is home to the Matisse Museum and the Marc Chagall National Museum, both of which offer a deep dive into the works of these famed artists. The city's numerous galleries and art spaces further enrich the cultural tapestry, making Nice a haven for art enthusiasts. For those seeking relaxation, the beaches of Nice offer the perfect escape. Whether you choose to lounge on the pebbly shores or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, the beach experience in Nice is unparalleled. Additionally, the city's vibrant nightlife, with its array of bars, clubs, and waterfront restaurants, ensures that the fun continues long after the sun sets.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Nice.

Visit the Promenade des Anglais early in the morning for a peaceful walk before the crowds arrive.
Explore the Old Town on foot to fully appreciate its narrow, winding streets and hidden gems.
Take a day trip to nearby towns like Èze and Monaco for more Riviera charm.
Try local dishes like Socca and Salade Niçoise at traditional eateries for an authentic taste of Nice.
Use public transport or rent a bike to navigate the city easily and enjoy scenic routes.

Neighbourhoods in Nice

Vieux Nice

Port of Nice

Promenade des Anglais

Cimiez

Mont Boron

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Nice

Explore Nice: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Nice

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Best Attractions

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Casino de Monte-Carlo

Experience the glamour and excitement of Casino de Monte-Carlo, a timeless jewel in the heart of Monaco's luxurious landscape.

4.6

Musée océanographique de Monaco

Discover the breathtaking marine life and oceanographic wonders at the Musée Océanographique de Monaco, a treasure of marine education and conservation.

4.5

Colline du Château

Discover the breathtaking views and rich history of Colline du Château, a must-visit park in Nice that offers a unique blend of nature and heritage.

4.7

Prince's Palace of Monaco

Explore the luxurious Prince's Palace of Monaco, a historic castle that offers stunning views and rich cultural experiences in the heart of the principality.

4.6

Best landmarks in Nice

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Colline du Château

Experience the breathtaking views and rich history of Colline du Château, a beautiful park and historical landmark in the heart of Nice.

4.7

Place Masséna

Discover Place Masséna, a vibrant historical landmark in Nice, where stunning architecture meets lively culture in the heart of the French Riviera.

4.6

Parc Phœnix

Discover the enchanting Parc Phœnix in Nice, where exotic wildlife and stunning botanical gardens create a perfect urban oasis for relaxation and exploration.

4.2

Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice

Explore the stunning Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice, a magnificent Russian Orthodox church showcasing vibrant architecture and rich cultural heritage.

4.6

Best restaurants in Nice

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La maison de Marie

Experience authentic French and Mediterranean cuisine at La Maison de Marie in Nice - a culinary delight not to be missed!

4.3

Chez Acchiardo

Experience the best of Mediterranean cuisine at Chez Acchiardo in Nice - where every dish tells a story.

4.7

Le Plongeoir

Experience exquisite Mediterranean cuisine with breathtaking views at Le Plongeoir in Nice—a true gem of the French Riviera.

4.3

Le Frog

Discover the essence of French cuisine at Le Frog in Nice - where every dish tells a story and every meal is an experience.

4.4

Best bars in Nice

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Wayne's Bar

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Nice at Wayne's Bar, a lively pub offering delectable drinks and a warm atmosphere for all visitors.

4.4

Waka Bar

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Waka Bar in Nice - where exquisite cocktails, delightful tapas, and stunning Mediterranean views await.

4.0

La Shounga

Discover La Shounga in Nice, where exquisite tapas, delicious pizzas, and a vibrant atmosphere await to delight your taste buds.

4.4

Les Distilleries Idéales

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Les Distilleries Idéales, where expertly crafted cocktails meet the heart of Nice's social scene.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Nice

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High Club

Experience the vibrant nightlife at High Club in Nice, where world-class DJs and stunning views create unforgettable memories.

4.1

OPERA CLUB NICE

Dance the night away at Opera Club Nice, a vibrant stand bar in the heart of the city's bustling nightlife scene, perfect for an unforgettable evening.

2.9

NOTORIOUS CLUB

Notorious Club in Nice: Your ultimate destination for unforgettable nightlife and electrifying disco experiences.

4.2

L’Oméga Club - Nice

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Nice at L’Oméga Club, the premier gay nightclub where music, dance, and community unite.

4.4

Best shops in Nice

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CAP3000 - Shopping Mall

Explore CAP3000 in Saint-Laurent-du-Var for an unforgettable shopping and dining adventure in the heart of the French Riviera.

4.4

Polygone Riviera

Explore the ultimate shopping experience at Polygone Riviera, where luxury meets leisure in the heart of Cagnes-sur-Mer on the stunning French Riviera.

4.3

Centre Commercial NICETOILE

Explore Centre Commercial NICETOILE, a vibrant shopping mall in Nice offering diverse retail, dining, and services for an unforgettable experience.

4.1

Galeries Lafayette Nice Masséna

Explore the luxurious Galeries Lafayette Nice Masséna, a premier shopping haven in the heart of Nice, featuring top fashion and beauty brands.

4.2

Explore Nice on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Nice, mapped for you.

Nice Essentials

Nice is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is the main international gateway, located approximately 7 kilometers from the city center. It offers flights to and from numerous destinations worldwide. From the airport, you can reach the city center by taxi, bus, or the Tram Line 2. Nice is also accessible by train, with the Nice-Ville Train Station serving as a major hub for regional and international routes. High-speed TGV trains connect Nice to Paris in about 5.5 hours. Additionally, Nice is easily reachable by car via the A8 motorway, which runs along the French Riviera.
Nice has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams operated by Lignes d'Azur. The tram network consists of three lines (L1, L2, and L3) that cover key areas of the city. Buses are also available and connect Nice with neighboring towns and villages. For shorter distances, consider using the Vélobleu bike-sharing system. Taxis are available throughout the city, and ride-sharing services like Uber operate in Nice. Renting a car can be convenient for exploring the surrounding region, but parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive.
The official currency in Nice is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, and most accept international cards. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in case you visit places that do not accept cards. Tipping is customary in Nice; rounding up the bill or leaving a small percentage (5-10%) is appreciated in restaurants and for other services.
Nice is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is always wise to take standard precautions. Be vigilant in crowded areas like the Promenade des Anglais, especially during events and festivals, as pickpocketing can occur. Avoid isolated areas late at night. The neighborhoods of Les Moulins and L'Ariane have higher crime rates, so exercise caution if you visit these areas. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the European emergency number. The local police station and hospitals are well-equipped to handle emergencies. The main hospital in Nice is the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Nice. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues, and many are open 24/7. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress stylishly but comfortably. Nice is known for its casual chic style. Avoid overly casual attire like flip-flops and beachwear when not at the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs if you visit religious sites. Dress modestly and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding buses and trams. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Bonjour' (Good day) when entering shops or restaurants. A handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Socca and Salade Niçoise. Don't rush your meal; dining is considered a leisurely activity in France.
To experience Nice like a local, visit the Cours Saleya Market, especially on Mondays for the antique market. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Promenade des Anglais or take a hike up Castle Hill for stunning views of the city and coastline. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Old Town (Vieux Nice) with its narrow streets, vibrant shops, and authentic eateries. For a unique experience, take a day trip to the nearby villages of Èze or Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Engage with locals; they are friendly and often willing to share tips about the best places to eat and visit.

When is the best time to visit Nice?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Nice

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Nice. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
- YesOui
  [wee]
- NoNon
  [noh]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/dee ryehn]
- Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah/dey-zoh-lay]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byehn/ey voo]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [pahr-lay voo ahn-glay]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnzh pah duh vee-ahnd]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]
- Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
- Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uhn mayd-sahn]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pehr-doo]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-sheh]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd zhewst]
- How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bey-say luh pree]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kehl uhr eh-teel]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh tun uhr]
- Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dees ay duh-mee]
- MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
- EveningSoir
  [swahr]
- YesterdayHier
  [ee-ehr]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
- 1Un
  [uhn]
- 2Deux
  [duh]
- 3Trois
  [trwah]
- 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
- 5Cinq
  [sank]
- 6Six
  [sees]
- 7Sept
  [sept]
- 8Huit
  [weet]
- 9Neuf
  [nurf]
- 10Dix
  [dees]
- Where's a/the...?Où est le/la...?
  [oo eh luh/lah]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kehl eh lah-dress]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn eh luh proh-shahn (buhs)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of Nice

Nice, originally known as Nikaia, was founded around 350 BC by Greek mariners from the colony of Phocaea in Asia Minor. They named it after Nike, the goddess of victory, commemorating a successful battle. The settlement quickly became a prominent trading and maritime hub in the Mediterranean.
In the 1st century BC, Nice came under Roman control. It became part of the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis. The Romans built extensive roads, aqueducts, and other infrastructure, transforming Nikaia into a bustling urban center. The remains of the ancient Roman city can still be seen in the Cimiez neighborhood.
During the Middle Ages, Nice was a strategic maritime city often contested by various European powers. It came under the control of the Counts of Provence, the Kingdom of Sardinia, and even the Duchy of Savoy. The medieval city walls and the Castle Hill (Colline du Château) fortifications are remnants of this tumultuous period.
In 1860, Nice was officially ceded to France from the Kingdom of Sardinia as part of the Treaty of Turin. This event marked a significant transition in the city's history, leading to substantial urban development and modernization. Promenade des Anglais, a famous seaside walkway, was developed around this time, funded by the English colony residing in Nice.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries were marked by the Belle Époque era, bringing unprecedented prosperity and growth to Nice. Grand hotels, luxurious villas, and opulent casinos were constructed, attracting European aristocracy and wealthy American tourists. The architecture from this period, such as the Hotel Negresco, still defines much of the city’s charm.
Nice, like much of France, suffered during World War II. Initially occupied by Italian forces in 1942, it later fell under German control after Italy's armistice in 1943. The city endured bombings and resistance activities until it was liberated by the Allied forces in August 1944. Memorials and plaques throughout the city commemorate this period and the contributions of the local resistance.
Post-World War II, Nice experienced rapid population growth and economic development. The city has become a major tourist destination and a cultural hub within the French Riviera. Its annual events, such as the Nice Carnival and the Nice Jazz Festival, attract visitors from around the world. The city continues to blend its rich history with vibrant contemporary culture.