TRAVEL GUIDE
Nice
Welcome to Nice
Where charm meets luxury and beaches meet culture, Nice is a city with a dynamic personality and that sunny ‘French Riviera’ feel. Fascinating museums, beautiful architecture and various events make Nice a surprising cultural hotspot.
The nooks and crannies of the old town reveal the charming soul of the city, underneath a layer of infectious hustle and bustle. Picturesque beach clubs line the promenade, where the inviting blue waters of the Mediterranean entice sunbathers in to cool off.
When the sun sets, the city’s lively nightlife begins to unfold as bars come alive with the sounds of chitter chatter and glasses clinking. When the summer months hit, you can bet I’ll be booking a flight to the French Riviera! You’ll probably find me on the beach with a glass of rosé in hand.
Whether you’re after a relaxing retreat of beach lazing, a cultural getaway or rosé-fulled party antics, the choice is yours in Nice.
Contents
Top things to do in Nice
Popular activities
🏖️ Beach clubs
🏛️ Cimiez Hill museums
🛞 Segway tour
🌸 Perfume making workshop
⛵ Boat cruise
Places to visit
🚶♀️ Old Town
🌴 La Colline du Château
☀️ Promenade des Anglais
🖼️ Modern and Contemporary Art Museum
Beach clubs
🍹 Castel Plage
🏖️ Plage Beau Rivage
🥂 La Plage du Negresco
👙 Le Galet
⛱️ Ruhl Plage
Day trips
🛥️ Antibes
🏖️ Villefranche-Sur-Mer
🍃 Saint Paul de Vence
🇲🇨 Monaco
🚤 Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
Popular activities
🏖️ Beach clubs
🏛️ Cimiez Hill museums
🛞 Segway tour
🌸 Perfume workshop
⛵ Boat cruise
Places to visit
🚶♀️ Old Town
🌴 La Colline du Château
☀️ Promenade des Anglais
🖼️ Modern and Contemporary Art Museum
Beach clubs
🍹 Castel Plage
🏖️ Plage Beau Rivage
🥂 La Plage du Negresco
👙 Le Galet
⛱️ Ruhl Plage
Day trips
🛥️ Antibes
🏖️ Villefranche-Sur-Mer
🍃 Saint Paul de Vence
🇲🇨 Monaco
🚤 Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
Where to eat and drink in Nice
My top picks
⭐ Michelin star
🥦 Vegan friendly
🌾 Gluten free options
Restaurants
Chantecler ⭐🌾
Olive & Artichaut
La Merenda
Bars
Le Plongeoir
Tipsy Nice Bar
Les Distilleries Idéales
My top picks
⭐ Michelin star
🥦 Vegan friendly
🌾 Gluten free options
Restaurants
Chantecler ⭐🌾
Olive & Artichaut
La Merenda
Bars
Le Plongeoir
Tipsy Nice Bar
Les Distilleries Idéales
Where to stay in Nice
My top picks
💧 Swimming pool
🧖♀️ Spa facilities
My top picks
💧 Swimming pool
🧖♀️ Spa facilities
Best time to visit Nice
Spring: March – May
I’d say spring is a great time to visit Nice if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy milder weather. The temperature in Nice during spring is usually between 11°C and 18°C.
The city is in full bloom during this time, making it ideal for exploring the surrounding countryside and quaint villages, as well as soaking up the culture in the Old Town.
Summer: June – August
Summer is the peak tourist season in Nice, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The beaches are crowded, and the city is bustling with tourists.
If you are looking for a lively atmosphere and want to enjoy the epic nightlife, summer is the best time to visit. But be prepared for higher prices and longer queues for the top Nice attractions.
Autumn: September – November
Autumn is a great time to visit Nice if you want to enjoy the city’s cultural events and festivals.
The temperature during autumn is usually between 15°C and 22°C, making it another ideal time for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking. The crowds are smaller than during summer, and the prices are more reasonable.
Winter: December – February
Nice is known for its year-round sunshine and Nice winters are relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C. The city is less crowded, so if you’re not bothered about beaches and sunbathing, winter is the time to enjoy some peace and quiet.
The Christmas markets and festivals add to the charm of the city, although note that some attractions may be closed at this time.
Nice map
Know before you go
Get access to my 12 UK weekend itineraries
Sign up to receive my weekly email newsletter dedicated to UK travel inspiration and get access to my ultimate UK weekend trip guide, with 12 UK itineraries for each month of the year.
Frequently asked questions
How long to spend in Nice?
To explore the city itself, I’d say you won’t need more than a few days. But Nice is a great base for reaching many nearby towns and beaches.
So you could easily spend two weeks in Nice, embarking on various day trips to explore all that the Cote d’Azur has to offer. Some of my personal favourites are Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint Paul de Vence.
Is Nice a good destination for solo travellers?
Absolutely! I think Nice is a great destination for solo travellers as there are many activities to do alone, such as visiting museums, relaxing at one of the beach clubs, or taking a day trip to a nearby town.
It’s a very safe city and there are plenty of accommodation options – from luxury hotels to more budget-friendly hostels, depending on your vibe.
Is Nice expensive?
It’s no secret that the French Riviera and Nice in particular can be expensive, especially if you love a touch of luxury. Hotels and restaurants can be pricey, especially in the high season.
However, there are some budget-friendly options available, and be sure to try the street food if you’re trying to avoid expensive restaurants. Note that many museums and attractions offer discounts for students and seniors.
What are the food and drink specialities in Nice?
Nice is known for its delicious cuisine, with many dishes featuring fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavours. Some of the most popular dishes include socca (a chickpea pancake), salade niçoise (a salad with tuna, eggs, and vegetables), and ratatouille (a vegetable stew).
Local wines, such as Bellet and Côtes de Provence, are also worth trying to fully embrace the flavours of this French city.
