Nice Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Nice which includes a sandy beach and a coastal town as well as a large group of people
Nice
Nice featuring a coastal town and rocky coastline
Nice
Nice featuring a park

Nice Travel Guide Video

The Bay of Angels provides a sparkling backdrop for this French Riviera city of artists, sun-seekers and a glamorous seafront promenade.

With a history as a playground for aristocrats and celebrities, Nice conjures images of glitz and glamour. Stroll along the stunning Promenade des Anglais and it’s easy to see why. Then, there’s the Old Town of narrow streets lined with grand buildings and museums filled with modern and ancient treasures.

Balmy weather in summer makes for idyllic beach days when you visit Nice from May to September. However, this seaport city is an exciting destination year round with events including the Nice Carnival in February and Christmas markets in the magically illuminated Place Masséna.

Things to do in Nice

Lined with palm trees and stretching from the castle headland to the airport, the Promenade des Anglais is named for 18th-century aristocrats. Get your camera ready for photos with landmarks including the Hotel Negresco with a pastel-coloured dome and the bright blue chair sculpture, La Chaise de SAB.

Choose a spot under a blue and white striped parasol on Opera Plage, the oldest beach in Nice. This pebbly stretch features a dining terrace and even assistants selling swimsuits. Enjoy parasailing at Blue Beach and rent a private cabin with a shower at Ruhl Plage, located on the public Ruhl Beach. It’s just steps from the beach to Vieux Nice, the lively old town of cobblestone streets and specialty shops.

Discover Place Rossetti, dominated by the majestic Sainte-Répérate Cathedral and filled with lively café terraces. Explore the Old Port of Nice (Port Lympia) with antique stores surrounding Castle Hill, then climb the hill for sweeping views. For shopping, browse international retailers on Avenue Jean Médecin and in the prestigious Galeries Lafayette.

Art and culture in Nice

Be inspired at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Nice, with works from avant-garde artists including Andy Warhol. In the Massena Museum, admire furniture and works of art highlighting the Riviera’s history, along with Napoleon Bonaparte memorabilia. The Palais Lascaris wraps you in the opulence of aristocratic chambers and features a magnificent musical instrument collection.

To see grand palaces and villas, stroll around the hilltop Cimiez neighbourhood, an ancient Roman fortification. Remnants include the ruins of an ancient amphitheatre in the Archaeological Museum of Nice. Visit the Cimiez Monastery, with historical paintings and a lovely rose garden with views across the city to the sea.

Dining and nightlife in Nice

It’s easy to find pan bagnat, scrumptious sandwiches stuffed with eggs, tuna and olives, while visiting Nice. To fill your baskets with picnic treats, take your pick of fresh produce from the Cours Saleya market next to the Marché aux Fleurs flower market. Find the fresh catch of the day at the Fish Market in Saint-Francois square.

Along Promenade des Anglais, there’s no shortage of restaurants and bars with ocean views to enjoy while dining on Niçoise salad and sipping wine from local vineyards. Settle in by the fountain at Place Rossetti for dinner before bar hopping in the surrounding old town streets and at Place Garibaldi. Dress up for a night out at Théâtre National de Nice, one of the most prestigious performance venues of the Côte d'Azur.

Getting around Nice

Fly into Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, which is less than 20 minutes by tram, bus or rental car to the city centre. As a compact city, the best way to get around Nice is on foot or by bike. Ride share services and taxis are readily available. A reliable public transport system, including from the Nice-Ville train station, ensures easy exploration further afield. Take the train to spectacular day trip destinations, including Monaco and Cannes.

Where to stay in Nice

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Nice City Centre

4.5/5(154 area reviews)

Known for its stunning beaches and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Nice City Centre. Check out top attractions like Promenade des Anglais and Hôtel Negresco, and jump on the metro at Alsace - Lorraine Tram Station or Massena Tramway Station to see more of the city.

Nice City Centre
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Old Town Nice

5/5(83 area reviews)

Known for its beaches and abundant dining options, there's plenty to explore in Old Town Nice. Top attractions like Promenade des Anglais and Cours Saleya are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Opera - Vieille Ville Tram Station or Cathedral - Vieille Ville Tram Station to see more of the city.

Old Town Nice
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Carre d'Or

While you're in Carre d'Or, take in top sights like Promenade des Anglais and jump on the metro at Massena Tramway Station to see more of the city.

Carre d'Or
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L'Arenas

4/5(31 area reviews)

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in L'Arenas. If sightseeing is on the list, Baie des Anges is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Airport Terminal 1 Tram Stop or Airport Terminal 2 Tram Stop to see more of the area.

L'Arenas
Nice showing interior views, markets and food

Jean-Médecin

While you're in Jean-Médecin, take in top sights like Promenade des Anglais or Nice Étoile Shopping Center, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Massena Tramway Station or Jean Medecin Tramway Station.

Jean-Médecin

Cap-Ferrat

5/5(2 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and gardens in Cap-Ferrat. You might want to make time for a stop at Cap-Ferrat Lighthouse or Baie des Anges.

Cap-Ferrat
Westminster Hotel & Spa Nice

Westminster Hotel & Spa Nice

4 out of 5
27 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is £231 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
£231
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,013 reviews)
"The hotel is on the main promenade and has a great view of the azure coastline. The staff were very friendly, helpful and accommodating. They have a great terrace bar where you can eat, drink and watch the world go by in relaxed comfort. We loved Nice and will be returning and will stay again at ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Westminster Hotel & Spa Nice
Le Meridien Nice

Le Meridien Nice

4 out of 5
1 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is £473 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£473
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (606 reviews)
"Expensive but nice - except for the pool. Couldn’t sit around it"

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Le Meridien Nice
Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice

Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice

4 out of 5
223 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is £296 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
£296
29 Aug - 30 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Nice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a private beach. Popular attractions Promenade des Anglais and Hôtel Negresco ...
8/10 Very Good! (830 reviews)
"Very friendly staff! Amazing room view! The best pool and rooftop restaurant!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel Adagio Nice Promenade des Anglais

Aparthotel Adagio Nice Promenade des Anglais

4 out of 5
179 Promenade Des Anglais, Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Nice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (679 reviews)
Just perfect
"Great property, great location, clean, and roomy."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Aparthotel Adagio Nice Promenade des Anglais
Zenitude Hôtel-Résidences Nice

Zenitude Hôtel-Résidences Nice

25 avenue de l'Armée des Alpes, Nice
Stay at this aparthotel in Nice. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Promenade des Anglais and Port of Nice are ...
7.4/10 Good! (15 reviews)
"The room and hotel in general were very clean, the reception staff was pleasant and helpful. The hotel is only a 4 minutes walk from the train station which was convenient to get around (and about a 25 min walk to get to downtown Nice). Although it says it in the name, I wasn't aware that the place ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Zenitude Hôtel-Résidences Nice
Pierre & Vacances Residence Heliotel Marine

Pierre & Vacances Residence Heliotel Marine

273, Avenue Saint Hubert, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Alpes-Maritimes
Stay at this beach residence in Saint-Laurent-du-Var. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool and a snack bar/deli. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
7.6/10 Good! (611 reviews)
"Modern, clean, good breakfast"

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2025

Pierre & Vacances Residence Heliotel Marine
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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