The nice city of Nice is located on the Mediterranean coast, between Marseille and Genoa. While the jet-setting heydays of the 1960s and ‘70s may have gone by, Nice is still a major tourist center and a leading resort on the French Riviera. If you come here for the beaches though, you’re in for a stony surprise!
What it is: A glamorous coastal city on the French Riviera, known for its Mediterranean beaches, elegant promenades, and artistic heritage.
Affordability: Mid-to-high range, with expensive hotels and dining but budget-friendly public transport and casual eateries.
Safety: Very safe, though petty theft can occur in crowded tourist areas and public transport.
Popularity: One of France’s top destinations, drawing travelers for its beaches, old town charm, and cultural festivals.
Tourist Infrastructure: Well-developed, with efficient transport, plenty of accommodations, and easy access to nearby Riviera towns.
Accommodation Options: Budget hostels, boutique hotels, seaside resorts, and luxury five-star stays.
Dining Scene: A mix of Provençal cuisine, fresh seafood, Italian influences, and bustling local markets.
Nightlife: Elegant and relaxed, with wine bars, beachside lounges, live music venues, and late-night casinos.
Weather: Mediterranean climate with hot summers, mild winters, and abundant sunshine year-round.
Best Time to Go: May to September, when the weather is warm and the beaches are at their best.
Known For: Promenade des Anglais, Mediterranean beaches, old town, art museums, seafood, luxury lifestyle, hilltop views.
Top Attractions: Promenade des Anglais • Castle Hill (Colline du Château) • Old Town (Vieux Nice) • Marc Chagall National Museum • Matisse Museum • Cours Saleya Market • Port of Nice • Parc Phoenix.
- Population: Approximately 345,000 in the city; around 940,000 in the metropolitan area.
- Emergency Numbers: 112 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC +1; Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC +2 (March to October).
- Currency: Euro (€ EUR); ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places.
- Language: French is the official language; English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Electricity: Standard voltage is 230V; plugs are type C and E (European two-pin plugs).
- Internet: Widely available; free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes, and many public areas.
- Convenience stores: Found throughout the city, Spar, Carrefour City, and small minimarkets are common.
- Nearest International Airport: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (about 4 miles / 7 km southwest of the city center).
- Trivia: Nice is the capital of the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) and was a favorite retreat of Queen Victoria and other European aristocrats.
- Iconic Local Foods: Must-try dishes include salade niçoise, socca (chickpea pancake), ratatouille, and pissaladière (onion tart).
- Fun Fact: The Promenade des Anglais, Nice’s famous seaside walkway, was named for the wealthy English tourists who funded its construction in the 19th century.
Nice, set on the stunning French Riviera, is famous for its Mediterranean beaches, Promenade des Anglais, and elegant old-world charm. Most tourists come to soak up the sun along the pebble beaches, wander the pastel-hued streets of Vieux Nice, and admire the views from Castle Hill. Beyond its beauty, Nice offers vibrant markets, rich art history, and easy access to nearby coastal gems.
What distinguishes Nice is its blend of French and Italian influences, seen in its architecture, cuisine, and laid-back lifestyle. The city’s climate, sea views, and cultural offerings make it a perennial favorite for both quick getaways and longer stays.
Top attractions include the Promenade des Anglais, Vieux Nice, Castle Hill (Colline du Château), Marc Chagall National Museum, and Cours Saleya Market. Day trips to Monaco, Antibes, and Eze are easily arranged, making Nice a perfect base for exploring the Riviera.
Those who decide to forgo the pebbly pleasures of the beach will find some of the most esteemed museums in the south of France. The Old Town begins at the foot of ‘the Rock’ and stretches out from Massena. It is a maze of narrow streets, heaving with local life and packed with the city’s best value restaurants.
The shoreline is dominated by the Promenade des Anglais, a long promenade lining the beach and the main focus for leisure activities and people watching. Skateboarders and inline skaters compete for space with families on outings, while the lazy can rent blue chairs or cabanas to contemplate the azure waters of the Mediterranean.
For lodging, Vieux Nice and the city center offer charm and convenience, while the Promenade area is best for beachfront stays. The Carre d’Or and Liberation districts are also great choices. Nice’s accommodations range from luxury seaside resorts and boutique hotels to budget-friendly pensions and apartments.
Getting around is easy with trams, buses, and plenty of walkable areas. The city is compact, and strolling the seafront or winding through Old Town’s alleys is part of the experience. The regional train and bus network makes exploring the Côte d’Azur simple.
Dining highlights include Niçoise specialties like salade niçoise, socca (chickpea pancake), and fresh seafood. Nightlife is relaxed, with beach bars, wine cafés, and a few late-night clubs. Shopping ranges from designer boutiques to local markets selling lavender, soaps, and Provençal goods.
Nice is generally very safe, though as with any tourist destination, keep an eye on valuables, especially in busy areas and on public transport. The Mediterranean climate means hot summers and mild winters, ideal for year-round visits.
Why Go to Nice?
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Stunning Seafront: Enjoy the beaches and coastal views along the Promenade des Anglais.
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Charming Old Town: Wander Vieux Nice’s narrow streets, colorful buildings, and markets.
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Riviera Access: Use Nice as a hub to explore Monaco, Cannes, and picturesque villages.
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Mediterranean Cuisine: Savor local dishes and fresh seafood by the sea.
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Art & Culture: Visit museums dedicated to Chagall, Matisse, and more.
Who Might Not Enjoy Nice?
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Travelers Seeking Sandy Beaches: Nice’s beaches are mostly pebbled, not sandy.
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Budget Travelers: The French Riviera can be pricey, especially in peak summer.
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Those Avoiding Tourist Crowds: Summers are busy, with many visitors flocking to the coast.
What’s Cool
Promenade des Anglais and pebble beaches, Old Town (Vieux Nice) markets and cafés, Colline du Château views, Mediterranean cuisine and seafood, Matisse and Chagall museums, vibrant flower market (Cours Saleya), day trips to Monaco and Èze, sunny weather, film spots (To Catch a Thief), relaxed Riviera vibe, Nice Carnival and jazz festivals.
What’s Not
Crowded beaches in summer, high hotel and dining prices, rocky beaches (not sandy), limited nightlife variety, expensive parking, occasional petty theft, traffic congestion on coastal roads, early closing hours in off-season, touristy restaurants in Old Town, hot and humid summers.
Nice is located on the southeastern coast of France, along the Mediterranean Sea in the famed French Riviera, about 30 km (19 miles) from the Italian border. It’s the region’s second-largest city and a popular destination for its coastal scenery and mild climate. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is the main gateway, with trains, trams, and buses providing excellent local and regional transport.
Covering around 72 km² (28 mi²), Nice is nestled between sea and hills, with a mix of historic quarters, beaches, and elegant boulevards. Key areas include Vieux Nice, Promenade des Anglais, Jean-Médecin, Cimiez, and the Port district.
Most tourists stay near Vieux Nice or along the Promenade des Anglais for beach access and proximity to major sights.
Vieux Nice (Old Town)
Vieux Nice is the city’s historic heart, with narrow alleyways, colorful facades, and lively markets. It’s the top spot for those seeking charm and culture.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range) – Boutique hotels and guesthouses.
- Nearby Attractions: Cours Saleya Market • Nice Cathedral • Castle Hill
- Dining: (Traditional) – Provençal restaurants and bistros.
- Nightlife: (Lively) – Bars, pubs, and late-night cafés.
- Shopping: (Artisan) – Markets and local crafts.
Promenade des Anglais
The Promenade is Nice’s iconic beachfront boulevard, lined with grand hotels and offering sweeping sea views. It’s ideal for beach lovers.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) – Luxury hotels and resorts.
- Nearby Attractions: Plage Publique de Beau Rivage • Hotel Negresco • Albert I Garden
- Dining: (Upscale) – Seafood restaurants and hotel dining.
- Nightlife: (Moderate) – Lounge bars and beach clubs.
- Shopping: (Touristy) – Beach shops and souvenir stalls.
Jean-Médecin (New Town)
Jean-Médecin is the main commercial district, known for shopping, wide boulevards, and transit links. It’s convenient for city access.
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) – Chain hotels and apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Avenue Jean Médecin • Place Masséna • Notre-Dame de Nice
- Dining: (Mixed) – International chains and casual spots.
- Nightlife: (Quiet) – Hotel bars and cafés.
- Shopping: (Excellent) – Department stores and boutiques.
Cimiez
Cimiez is an elegant, residential district on the hills above Nice, known for Roman ruins and museums. It’s best for a quiet, cultural experience.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range) – Boutique hotels and guesthouses.
- Nearby Attractions: Matisse Museum • Roman Amphitheatre • Monastery of Cimiez
- Dining: (Classic) – French restaurants and cafés.
- Nightlife: (Minimal) – Quiet bars and lounges.
- Shopping: (Limited) – Small shops and artisan stores.
Port of Nice (Le Port)
The Port district is a working harbor area with colorful buildings and a growing dining and nightlife scene. It’s a bit less touristy but increasingly popular.
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) – Hotels and apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Port Lympia • Place Garibaldi
- Dining: (Trendy) – Seafood spots and international cuisine.
- Nightlife: (Lively) – Bars and waterfront lounges.
- Shopping: (Boutique) – Local markets and small shops.
Mont Boron
Mont Boron is a hillside residential area east of the city, offering panoramic views and access to nature trails. It’s suited to travelers seeking peace and outdoor activities.
- Accommodations: (High-End) – Villas and boutique stays.
- Nearby Attractions: Fort du Mont Alban • Mont Boron Park
- Dining: (Limited) – Local restaurants and cafés.
- Nightlife: (None) – Very quiet residential zone.
- Shopping: (Minimal) – Small neighborhood stores.