Things to do in Nice

All about Nice

When to visit

Set on the sunny French Riviera, Nice entices vacationers in the balmy summer season. For better deals on room rates, September is a great time to visit, with weather warm enough for beach days or day trips along the coast. Top cultural events include the Nice Jazz Festival in July and (for those traveling during the off-season) the Nice Carnival in February.

Getting around

Nice is fairly compact, making exploring on foot easier than by car. But if you need to reach some further-away locales, the city’s modern tram system—mostly electric and air-conditioned—is a breeze. For fun options, the bike-share scheme, Vélo Bleu, is easy to use, or you can rent bikes, e-bikes, scooters, skateboards, and roller blades from Roller Station on the Promenade des Anglais. The Petit Train is another fun way to see top Nice attractions in less time.

Traveler tips

When in Nice, do as the Niçoise do: Pass on the beer and order pastis or chilled rosé instead. Pastis—a cloudy aniseed spirit—is usually served neat along with a jug of water so you can dilute how you want. Ask for a popular brand like Ricard or seek out the local Pastis de Nice. For rosé, most bars will serve Côtes de Provence, which is a pretty pale pink color and drier than you might expect.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nice most known for?

Occupying a prime spot on the Cote d’Azur, Nice is known for its seaside location and all that comes with it: sunny climate, easy-on-the-eye coastline, and seafood in abundance. The soft sunlight here is also famed, having attracted artists such as Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall over the years.

How do I spend a day in Nice?

Start with breakfast amid the blooms at Cours Saleya Flower Market, then stroll to the Nice Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art—it’s a central alternative to the excellent, more distant, Matisse Museum. Treat yourself to some beach time at glamorous Plage Beau Rivage, before catching the sunset from Castle Hill.

Is Nice worth visiting?

Yes. If you want to mix French seaside vibes with bustle, Nice is a tourist-friendly city that merges culture and sun with convenience. Its international airport and train links make Nice an easy city to visit: Once you’re there, you’re perfectly placed for coastal explorations and trips further inland.

What can you do in Nice for free?

Stroll the Promenade des Anglais to see the iconic face of Nice, and admire the colorful flowers and bustle of Cours Saleya Flower Market. The historic streets of UNESCO-listed Vieux Nice make for a pleasant afternoon amble, while Castle Hill offers a steeper walk that ends with rewarding coastal vistas.

How many days do you need in Nice?

Nice alone can be covered in a couple of days, but a trip of around five days will give you a fuller Cote d’Azur and Provence experience. The must-see cities of Cannes and Monaco are just an hour away, along with inland favorites including Eze and St. Paul de Vence.

Is Nice touristy?

No. Nice depends on tourism, but that hasn’t tainted a visit to the city. In summer, there are throngs of tourists—just as there are in other European cities—but the traditional French culture is alive and kicking here, and the city is unspoiled by mass tourism.

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