Nice City Guide

Nice captivates with its blend of Belle Époque elegance and Mediterranean spirit. The world-famous Promenade des Anglais serves as the city's heart, where locals and visitors alike stroll beside the shimmering turquoise waters of the Baie des Anges. Steps away, the narrow, sun-drenched alleys of Vieux Nice invite exploration, revealing hidden squares, artisanal boutiques, and the fragrant stalls of the Cours Saleya market, which overflows with fresh flowers and Niçoise delicacies.

For the most breathtaking perspective of the coastline, a climb up the Colline du Château offers a panoramic view over the red-tiled roofs and the sea. Cultural enthusiasts will find a wealth of artistic heritage in the leafy Cimiez district, home to the Musée Matisse and the Musée Marc Chagall. As the day winds down, the grand Place Masséna provides a stunning backdrop for an evening walk, with its striking checkerboard pavement and vibrant atmosphere under the soft glow of streetlights.

While the Promenade des Anglais is iconic, Nice reveals its true soul in the quiet corners where locals seek respite. Escape the main thoroughfares for these hidden gems.

The Sentier du Littoral offers a rugged alternative to the paved waterfront. Beginning at the edge of the Port, this coastal trail winds along the limestone cliffs toward Villefranche-sur-Mer. It is where residents go for a salt-sprayed morning run or a quiet sunset dip away from the beach clubs.

For a peaceful retreat among ancient trees, Parc Naturel Départemental d'Estienne d'Orves is a hillside sanctuary. Once a private estate, it now serves as a public olive grove. It provides a sweeping, panoramic view of the Baie des Anges that rivals the more famous viewpoints, yet remains blissfully quiet even in peak season.

At the northern reaches of the city sits the Cascade de Gairaut. This ornate 19th-century waterfall and chalet were built to celebrate the arrival of the canal water to Nice. It is a favorite weekend spot for families to enjoy the mist and overlook the city sprawl from a cooler, elevated perspective.

Nice is an exceptionally walkable city, where the sun-drenched Promenade des Anglais and the winding alleys of the Old Town (Vieux Nice) are best explored on foot. For longer journeys, the Lignes d'Azur public transport network is the primary choice, featuring a modern and efficient tram system. Tram Line 2 is particularly useful, providing a direct link between the airport and the city center for a standard fare of approximately €1.70.

Public transport is remarkably affordable; a single ticket is valid for 74 minutes across both buses and trams. Beyond the city limits, regional TER trains provide quick access to neighboring coastal gems like Cannes or Monaco, with fares typically ranging between €4 and €10. For those traveling from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport to the city center, the tram remains the most budget-friendly option, though a 10-trip pass or daily ticket can offer even better value for frequent travelers.

For those preferring private transport, Uber and traditional taxis are readily available throughout the city. A taxi ride from the airport to the city center generally operates on a fixed-rate system, costing roughly €32 to €35. While the city offers bike-sharing services for scenic rides along the coast, driving is often discouraged due to narrow streets and the high cost of parking in the central districts.

Nice offers a delightful shopping experience that caters to every budget and style. For those seeking high-street favorites and well-known international brands, Avenue Jean M decin serves as the city's commercial heartbeat, anchored by the grand Galeries Lafayette. For a more exclusive spree, head to the 'Carr d’Or' and Rue de la Libert

In Nice, tipping is viewed as a gesture of appreciation rather than a strict requirement, as French law ensures that a service charge is already included in restaurant and café bills. When enjoying a meal or a drink, it is customary to leave a small amount of change or round up the total for pleasant service. For a more formal dining experience where the service has been exceptional, a tip of 5% to 10% is a generous way to show your gratitude.

Transactions are conducted in Euros (€), with a rough exchange rate of 1 Euro to approximately 1.10 US Dollars. Beyond the table, it is polite to offer one or two Euros per bag to hotel porters and to round up the fare for taxi drivers. These small tokens of thanks are well-regarded and align with the sophisticated yet relaxed etiquette of the French Riviera.

The best time to visit Nice is during the shoulder seasons of May to June and September. These months offer a perfect balance of balmy Mediterranean temperatures and plenty of sunshine, ideal for strolling the Promenade des Anglais without the intense summer heat. While crowds are present, they are manageable, and accommodation prices remain more reasonable than during the mid-summer peak.

For those seeking the classic beach experience, July and August are the liveliest months, though visitors should expect high humidity, crowded pebbles, and premium pricing. Conversely, visiting in February provides a unique charm with the vibrant Nice Carnival, while the winter months generally offer mild, crisp days and the best value for travelers looking to explore the city's museums and old town in peace.