Along the French Riviera, Nice welcomes travellers with its Mediterranean charm, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Discover more with Nice tourism with its azure waters, sun-kissed beaches, and picturesque old town. This coastal gem invites travellers to immerse themselves in its timeless beauty. Nice boasts a rich history, evident in its elegant Belle Époque architecture and ancient Roman ruins. Visitors can explore the bustling markets of Cours Saleya, wander through the colourful lanes of Vieux Nice, or indulge in world-class cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurants. With its mild climate and year-round attractions, Nice offers an unforgettable experience for every traveller. Discover more with a Nice travel guide.
How to reach Nice?
- By air: Nice Cote d'Azur Airport is the closest airport, located around 8 km from the city. The airport is serviced by major airlines due to the city’s popularity. The airport has two terminals within walking distance. Shuttle services and car rentals are available from the airport, allowing you to drive to your hotel. Public transportation (bus or train) is also available at the airport.
- By train: As Nice is connected to other parts of the Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français (SNCF) train network, it is one of the best ways to enter the city. The Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV) is the country’s intercity high-speed rail service, which runs directly from Paris to Nice. Gare SNCF is the main train station; all trains stop here. From here, you can catch the local train and tram network to take you to your desired destination. The train network also traverses the Cote d'Azur coast and further inland.
- By road: Like the railway network, the country has good road connectivity. The bus station in Nice is called the Gare Vauban, Gare Routière, or Gare St. Jean d'Angely, and it is located at 16 av des Diables Bleus. The buses mostly handle regional or departmental lines. To travel to international destinations, you can catch Eurolines which operates from the airport or train station.
- Getting around/local transport in Nice: The city has great train and bus connectivity. From the airport in Nice, you can catch the Nice Airport Express Bus, which stops outside both terminals. The buses, numbered 98 and 99, will take separate routes to enter the city. If you are heading towards old Nice, you can catch bus 98, which terminates at the Promenade de Arts. It is also possible to take a local bus from the airport. It is located in the parking lot at Terminal 1.
Places to visit
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Vieille Ville (Old Town)
This beautiful old town called Vieille Ville offers a charming labyrinth of narrow streets, historic buildings, and vibrant markets.
Exploration time: 2 - 4 hours
Promenade des Anglais
Exploration time: 2 - 4 hour
Parc de la Colline du Château
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
Place Garibaldi
Exploration time: 2-4 hoursPlaces to eat
Savour fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, indulge in traditional Niçoise cuisine and enjoy alfresco dining in charming squares.
Le Lavomatique
This easy-going eatery in Old Town is one of the best places to savour delicious dishes of French cuisine. The restaurant has an open kitchen and a trendy vibe.
Popular dishes: Tartare, duck confit, chocolate fondant dessert.
Le Chantecler
To get the ultimate ‘Nice’ experience, visit Le Chantecler which is run by Jean-Denis Rieubland, their in-house local chef. This fine dining restaurant is located at the Hotel Negresco, across the beachfront promenade.
Popular dishes: Lobster ravioli, lamb rack, soufflé.
La Roustide
Add this restaurant to your list as it offers diverse, yet traditional French food. La Roustide features earthy tones that make it feel warm, with beautiful wood and stone furnishings, chandeliers, and lighting that can be dimmed to create an intimate setting.
Popular dishes: Salade niçoise, daube, tarte au citron.
Oliviera
One of the finest restaurants that serves Mediterranean cuisine is Oliviera. The restaurant prepares food with hand-picked olive, which enhances the flavours.
Popular dishes: Olive oil tasting, bruschetta, and tapenade.
Things To Do
There are many things to do in Nice and most of which include the following:
Nature walks
Cultural tours
Historical sites
Shopping trips
Vibrant nightlife
Museum exploration
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Nice is from April to June and September to October, when the weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner.
Most commonly spoken languages
The most commonly spoken languages in Nice are French and English, with Italian also being commonly understood due to the city's proximity to Italy.
Shopping
Nice's shopping scene is diverse from bustling markets to designer boutiques. Each offers a different array of fashion, souvenirs, and local specialities.
- Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya: What can be more pretty than the city itself? Flowers. This open-air market with shops covered in awnings is one of the prettiest sights to sigh at in Nice. It has a fresh atmosphere with many varieties of flowers and fragrances. We all know that markets are the heart of a city, so make sure to explore Marché aux Fleurs and Cours Saleya to buy some flowers. The market is closed on Monday and Sunday afternoons.
- Trésors Publics: To buy souvenirs for your loved ones, head to Trésors Publics. This shop is not only a gift and souvenir shop, but it is also a tourist attraction. It has several French goodies for sale, woollen berets, handmade gift cards, soaps, and more.
- Carrefour Nice Lingostiere: Visit Carrefour Nice Lingostiere if you want everything in one place. It is the biggest supermarket in Nice and one of the largest chains in France. You can find everything here, from grocery stores to gift shops, medical stores, clothing shops, and more. This market is where you get to experience local life since many people come here for their daily shopping.
- La Maison Auer: One of the best places to shop for candied fruits and chocolate almonds is at La Maison Auer. This shop off the Cours Saleya is famed for its mouth-watering chocolates. If you have a sweet tooth, this is a must-visit place. La Maison Auer has been selling chocolates for over 200 years, and it also charmed Queen Victoria.
Festivals
Discover the vibrant cultural scene of Nice Travel Guide. Be a part of these festivals of music, art, cuisine, and tradition, each offering memorable experiences for all.
Carnaval de Nice
Held annually in February, this vibrant carnival features elaborate floats, colourful parades, and lively street performances, drawing visitors from around the world to celebrate the city's rich cultural heritage.
Fête de la Musique
Celebrated on June 21st, this music festival fills the streets of Nice with live performances ranging from classical to contemporary, showcasing the city's diverse music scene and fostering a sense of community through music.
Feast of Sainte Réparate
Honouring the patron saint of Nice, this religious festival held in July features processions, traditional ceremonies, and street decorations, bringing locals together to celebrate their faith and heritage.
Nice Jazz Festival
Dating back to 1948, this iconic jazz festival held in July features world-renowned artists performing in stunning venues across the city, offering unforgettable performances and showcasing Nice's passion for music and culture.
More reasons to visit
Discover more of Nice's allure with its charming markets, stunning gardens, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to the breathtaking French Riviera.
- Nice Carnival: Every year, for two weeks in February, the city is decorated with flowers and lights. This festival has its origins in the Catholic tradition of merrymaking before Lent. This event is very popular and draws crowds from all over the world. During the carnival, people can rejoice and watch the fabulous parades that showcase different kinds of giant puppets called "grosses têtes."
- Sightseeing Cruise: One of the reasons to visit Nice is to appreciate the Mediterranean landscape by taking a sightseeing cruise. The area around Nice is surrounded by picturesque scenery, from the stunning coastline of Villefranche-sur-Mer to the cerulean waters of the Baie des Anges. The Coastal Cruise is for an hour and departs from the Port of Nice, travels to Baie des Anges, and sails through the coastline. It is an experience you need to have.
Visa and Immigration
