Nice is the main city of the French Riviera, with a long pebble beach, a pastel-coloured old town and mountains rising behind the coast. It feels relaxed and Mediterranean, with a strong Italian influence.
It works as a destination on its own and as a base for the rest of the coast. Trains and buses reach nearby towns quickly.
How many days: 3
Three days covers the old town, the seafront, a museum or two and a nearby village or town. Two is enough for a quick trip.
Day trips to Monaco, Antibes, Èze and Menton are easy by train or bus. Pick one or two and keep time for the beach.
What to do in Nice
- Walk the Promenade des Anglais
- A long seafront walk with the blue sea on one side and grand buildings on the other. Locals cycle, skate and stroll along it.
- Explore Vieux Nice
- The old town has narrow lanes, painted houses, small squares and a daily market. It is best wandered without a plan.
- Climb Castle Hill
- A park on a rocky hill at the end of the bay with a waterfall and a view over the city. Take the steps or the lift.
- Visit the Cours Saleya market
- A flower, fruit and vegetable market in the old town. A good place for breakfast and photographs.
- Spend time on the beach
- Nice's beach is made of pebbles, so bring sandals. Private beach clubs rent loungers, and public sections are free.
- Take a day trip
- The coast has beautiful villages and towns, such as Èze, Villefranche and Antibes. All are quick to reach from Nice.
- See a museum
- Nice has museums devoted to Matisse and Chagall, who both worked here. Check the official sites before you plan a visit.
- Visit the Russian Cathedral
- An unexpected onion-domed church in the middle of the city, built for the Russian community in the early twentieth century. Check visiting arrangements first.
- Take the coastal train to Menton
- A scenic journey along the Riviera to a lemon-scented town near the Italian border. It is a good day out in any season.
What to eat and drink
- Salade niçoise
- The local salad with tuna, eggs, olives, tomatoes and anchovies. Traditionally made without cooked vegetables.
- Socca
- A thin chickpea pancake cooked in a hot oven and eaten with pepper. A cheap and typical local snack.
- Pissaladière
- A bread base topped with caramelised onions, anchovies and olives. Often sold in slices by bakeries.
- Ratatouille and stuffed vegetables
- Dishes built on summer vegetables, olive oil and herbs. Typical of the region.
- Rosé wine
- Provence rosé is a local favourite. It is served chilled with lunch or in the evening.
- Local olive oil and olives
- Nice olives and oil are famous across France. Shops in the old town sell them in small sealed bottles, which make good gifts.
Getting around
The centre of Nice is compact and easy to walk. Trams and buses cover the rest, and one ticket works on both.
Regional trains run along the coast and reach Monaco, Cannes and the Italian border. They are quick, scenic and cheap.
Bikes and e-scooters can be rented for the waterfront.
Good to know
- The Riviera is expensive in summer, particularly around July and August. Spring and early autumn are warm, calmer and cheaper.
- Pebble beaches can be hard on bare feet. Water shoes help.
- Pickpockets work around the station and busy areas. Keep valuables secure.
- Restaurants close at different times, and some close in the afternoon and one day a week. Check in advance.
- Nice is a good place to be a little slow. Lunch can easily last two hours, and the best light for walking is in the early morning and late afternoon.
- The pace is relaxed, but the city gets very busy during the carnival in February. Book accommodation early if you plan to go.