| Airport | NCE |
| Currency | EURO |
| Language | French |
| Flights: Kayak | Expedia | Lodging: Hotels | AirBnB |
| Get Around: Car | Train | Tour: Expedia | Viator |
Introduction: Nice is the largest city and major tourist hub on the French Riviera with close proximity to popular destinations like Monaco, Cannes and Antibes.
Key Facts: Nice, capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French Riviera, is easily accessible via train within few hours from major southern European cities like Milan, Marseilles, Lyon and Florence. Nice is also a major port for cruise ships. The famous winding highway from Nice connects scenic routes to Monaco and the Italian Riviera through San Remo, Portofino all the way to Cinque Terre.
Summary: Nice sits on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges. Founded by the Greeks and later a retreat for 19th-century European elite, the city has also long attracted artists. Former resident Henri Matisse is honored with a career-spanning collection of paintings at Musée Matisse. Musée Marc Chagall features some of its namesake’s major religious works.
Get Around
Trams & Buses: Nice has an efficient public transportation system. The trams, in particular, are a convenient way to travel between major attractions, and the buses connect to broader areas including other towns on the French Riviera.
Bicycles: The city offers the “Vélo Bleu” service, which allows you to rent bikes from numerous stations around the city.
Walking: Given its compact nature and scenic streets, much of Nice is best explored on foot. Whether you’re wandering around the Old Town or taking a sunset stroll on the Promenade des Anglais, it’s a walker’s delight.
Cars: While having a car might be useful for trips along the Côte d’Azur, it’s often more convenient to rely on public transport when within Nice due to traffic and limited parking.
Trains: The Nice-Ville train station connects the city to other destinations along the French Riviera and larger cities in France, making it easy for day trips or onward travels.
Boats in Nice:
- Boat Tours: Several operators offer boat tours that provide a unique vantage point of Nice and the surrounding coastline. These tours often cruise by the stunning landscapes of the French Riviera, showcasing its beaches, celebrity homes, and hidden coves.
- Ferries to Corsica: From the Port of Nice, you can catch a ferry to the island of Corsica. It’s a great way to add another beautiful Mediterranean destination to your itinerary.
- Private Yacht Charters: For those looking for a more luxurious experience, there are options to charter private yachts. These can be for short trips along the coast or for longer journeys to nearby destinations like Monaco or Saint-Tropez.
- Water Taxis: Some services offer water taxis, especially during the peak tourist season. These can be a quick way to travel between different parts of the coast.
- Excursions to Nearby Islands: While not as close as the islands off of Cannes, there are operators who might offer trips to islands or other secluded spots along the Côte d’Azur from Nice.
Speak
| Hello | Bonjour (bon-jor) |
| Good Morning | Bonjour |
| Good Evening | bonne soirée (bon-so-ah) |
| Yes | Oui (wee) |
| No | Non (noo) |
| Goodbye | au revoir (arevo-ah) |
| Thanks | merci (mersee) |
| Thank you very much | merci beaucoup (mersee bo-coo) |
| You are welcome | je vous en prie (je-voo-ahn-pree) |
| How are you? | comment vas-tu ? (komme-va-too) |
| I’m ok and you? | je vais bien et toi (je-va-bian-eh-too?) |
| Please | s’il te plaît (say-voo-play) |
| Excuse me | excusez-moi (exkuze-moah) |
| Cheers | acclamations |
| I would like a coffee | je voudrais un café |
| to airport | à l’aéroport |
| to train station | à la gare |
| I need a taxi | j’ai besoin d’un taxi |
| I need a doctor | j’ai besoin d’un docteur |
| how much? | combien? |
Stay
Old Town (Vieux Nice) – Best for first timers visiting to Nice. Access to everything central.
Promenade des Anglais – where to stay for beaches.
Gambetta – best part of Nice to stay in for budget travelers.
Le Port – most trendy neighborhood.
Mont Boron – neighberhood between Nice and Villefranche with a grand view of the city and the Mediterranean. Also easy access to the highway to Monaco.
Taste
Vieux Nice (Old Town): A labyrinth of narrow alleyways brimming with eateries, bistros, and cafes. From traditional Niçoise cuisine to contemporary fusion, there’s a wide variety of options here. The Cours Saleya Market area, in particular, is bustling with restaurants and terraces where you can savor local dishes.
Port Lympia (Nice Port): The area around the port has experienced a revival in recent years. Here, you’ll find a mix of traditional eateries and trendy spots serving everything from seafood to international cuisine. The ambiance here, especially in the evening, is lively yet a bit more laid-back than the central parts of the city.
Rue Bonaparte & Place du Pin: Sometimes referred to as “Petit Marais Niçois,” this area is packed with trendy bistros, cocktail bars, and chic cafes. It’s a favorite spot for locals, especially during the aperitif hours.
Promenade des Anglais: While primarily known for its iconic seafront walk, there are also numerous beach clubs, restaurants, and cafes dotted along this stretch. It’s an ideal spot for a meal with a sea view, especially during sunset.
Masséna District: Around Place Masséna and the adjacent pedestrian zones, you’ll find a multitude of dining options ranging from international chains to unique local establishments. The atmosphere here is vibrant, especially in the evenings when the streets come alive with both diners and shoppers.
Visit
Promenade des Anglais: This iconic seafront avenue is lined with palm trees and historic hotels. It’s the perfect place to take a leisurely walk, roller-skate, or simply relax and enjoy the views of the Baie des Anges.
Vieux Nice (Old Town): A maze of narrow alleyways filled with vibrant markets, restaurants, and shops. Key spots include Cours Saleya Market, Place Rossetti, and Nice Cathedral.
Castle Hill (Colline du Château): Once a fortified site, it’s now a park offering panoramic views of Nice and the Mediterranean Sea. You can ascend by a lift, stairs, or a small tourist train.
Matisse Museum: Dedicated to the works of the famous artist Henri Matisse, it provides insights into his artistic evolution and his connection to Nice.
Marc Chagall National Museum: This museum houses the largest public collection of outstanding works by Marc Chagall, mainly focused on the biblical message.
Russian Orthodox Cathedral: A testament to Nice’s Russian community, this cathedral stands out with its colorful domes and intricate interiors.
Place Masséna: Nice’s main square, characterized by its checkerboard flooring, statues, and a mix of Italian and Belle Époque architecture.