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18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nice

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

When you first catch a glimpse of the seaside splendor and palm-fringed cityscape, you'll understand why painters such as Matisse and Chagall found inspiration in Nice. It's hard to compare with this setting: an expansive stretch of sunny Mediterranean coastline sheltered by rolling hills.

The historic center of town, with its cluster of brightly-painted red tile-roofed stucco buildings, Belle Epoque palaces, and Art Deco monuments, nestles along the Baie des Anges. The bay's cerulean blue waters skirt an expanse of pebbly shoreline. During summertime, the seafront is converted into small beaches with rows of parasols and lounge chairs.

Prized for its bustling waterfront promenade, beaches, and charming historic center, Nice epitomizes the French Riviera . You might be fooled into thinking it's just a resort town. Think again. Nice is a real working city, albeit a beautiful bay-front metropolis where the residents really know how to live.

Nice is one of the best places to visit in France to experience la belle vie (the good life). From wandering the quaint pedestrian streets of the Old Town to strolling the famous Promenade des Anglais, the delights of spending time in this cultured seaside city are endless. Plan your sightseeing itineraries with our list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Nice.

1. Vieille Ville (Old Town)

2. promenade des anglais, 3. place massena & fontaine du soleil, 4. parc de la colline du château (castle hill park), 5. musée matisse, 6. monastère notre-dame-de-cimiez, 7. musée d'art moderne et d'art contemporain, 8. promenade du paillon, 9. musée national marc chagall, 10. outdoor markets at the cours saleya, 11. musée masséna, 12. carnival de nice, 13. cathédrale orthodoxe russe saint-nicolas, 14. musée des beaux-arts, 15. place garibaldi & le petit marais, 16. coastal sightseeing cruises, 17. jardin des arènes de cimiez, 18. parc phoenix, where to stay in nice for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to nice, nice, france - climate chart.

You will not be able to resist the old-world charm of the Vieille Ville. Packed within the maze of narrow medieval streets and alleyways are apartment buildings strewn with drying laundry, locally owned cafés, tiny restaurants, épicerie s (grocers), boulangeries , pâtisseries, artisan ice cream shops, and a cathedral that still celebrates Mass regularly. This little tangle of urban life is popularly known as "Babazouk."

The Vieille Ville begins at the western end of the Colline du Château (Castle Hill) and is bounded by two busy streets: the Boulevard Jean Jaures and the Quai des États-Unis.

A good place to start a walking tour is at the Cours Saleya (the southern end of the Vieille Ville), which hosts an outdoor farmers' market every day except Mondays. The market is well known for its selection of colorful fresh flowers.

Next walk to the cathedral, the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate , a marvel of 17th-century Baroque architecture that stands on a compact square. Be sure to go inside. The sanctuary is larger and more opulent than you would expect. Take time to admire the gilded Corinthian columns and the sculpted cherubs surrounding grand masterpieces of painting.

Just a few steps away is the Eglise Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur , prized for its delicate frescoes and impressive sculpture collection.

From the cathedral, go for a stroll around the neighborhood. If you head toward the Rue Sainte-Réparate or the Ruelle de la Halle aux Herbes , you will come across a few enticing restaurants. Continue north to the Ruelle de la Boucherie , an alleyway that runs into the Rue de la Boucherie , where you will see gourmet food shops and other boutiques frequented by locals.

If you stumble upon the Rue de la Poissonnerie (a narrow street between the Cours Saleya and the cathedral), you will find two noteworthy places to stop. Look for the Eglise Notre-Dame de l'Annonciation (Chapelle Sainte-Rita), an ornately decorated 17th-century church, and for a tiny macaron shop & tea salon (located at number 6) called Angea .

Continuing farther north is the Palais Lascaris (15 Rue Droite), a sumptuous Baroque palace listed as a Monument Historique . The palace houses the Musée du Palais Lascaris , a collection of 17th- and 18th-century furniture, paintings, sculptures, Flemish tapestries, and musical instruments. The second floor of the palace reveals mythological-themed ceiling frescoes of the Italian school.

The first vacation-goers to discover Nice were British aristocrats, who arrived here in the 1820s. The Brits traded in grey drizzly English winters for la vie en rose under the sunny French Riviera skies. This gorgeous seaside promenade takes its name from those original visitors.

The Promenade des Anglais follows the curve of the Baie des Anges and its shoreline. This broad waterfront esplanade is reserved for walking, roller skating, rollerblading, and skateboarding . Everyone seems to come out to enjoy the sunshine and outdoor activity at the same time! A bike lane parallels the pedestrian promenade and next to that is a grassy median lined with palm trees.

You'll find plenty of locals here, walking their dogs, chatting with friends, or just taking in the unique slice of urban/seaside life in Nice. Everyone loves this promenade, from teenagers and college students who hang out on the beach, to older residents who come here to relax by the sea.

Why not join in the scene? Find one of the iconic blue-painted metal chairs (nailed in place so that they are more like a bench) or the slightly shaded benches beneath a few pergolas. If you prefer to be right on the beach, take one of the staircases down to the seafront.

Just behind the Promenade des Anglais, on the Quai des Etats Unis, is the Statue de la Liberté . This statue is a scaled-down version of the Statue of Liberty in New York.

Architectural highlights of the Promenade des Anglais include the Art Deco Palais de la Méditerranée (at number 13), now a five-star Hyatt Regency Hotel with a gourmet restaurant overlooking the sea, and the legendary Le Negresco (at number 37), which is listed as a Monument Historique . Le Negresco is a lavish five-star luxury hotel with a world-class art collection and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

The Place Massena is the centerpiece of Nice both physically and figuratively. It borders the Vieille Ville (Old Town) and is a short walk from the Promenade des Anglais. You must visit, ideally as soon as you arrive in Nice, to soak up the spirit of the city.

The square makes quite an impression with its enormous fountain. You can really feel the Italian influence here. The Fontaine du Soleil (Fountain of the Sun God) has an obvious Roman-inspired theme, and the Place Massena is full of life just like a piazza in Italy. Foca , a small shop that sells focaccia (an Italian specialty) sandwiches is found in the row of curved buildings across from the fountain.

Take a moment to admire the fountain. Notice the enormous size of the Apollo statue, at 7 meters in height. This is no ordinary Neoclassical statue. The artist really had a sense of humor! Look at Apollo's head, he's sporting a miniature chariot as a crown. And since he's so close to the beach, he's holding a towel but otherwise presents himself au naturel.

Of course, tourists head here to take selfies and travel pics, but locals also meet at the fountain and then walk to nearby eateries or cafés. At the northern end of the square on either side of the tram stop, there are two outdoor cafés. The tables spill out onto the square so that you may enjoy your coffee and conversation in the afternoon sunshine.

The section of Place Massena next to the tram stop (at Avenue Félix Jaure) is a hub of social and commercial life in Nice. You'll find it's almost always busy, day and night. This intersection leads to Avenue Jean Médecin , a modern street lined with shops like Sephora, Zara, and Mango. You could head in the opposite direction (south) towards the Avenue de Verdun to browse designer boutiques such as Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Hermès.

On a sunny afternoon, you will love the pleasant breezes and shade of this wooded hillside park. Even on a cloudy day, the Parc de la Colline du Château boasts some of the best views in Nice. The expanse of red-tile rooftops, church towers, and the sparkling Mediterranean coastline stretches out for miles before your eyes.

Note: Despite its name, Colline du Château does not have a castle. Unfortunately, the medieval château was destroyed by Louis XIV in 1706.

You can reach the Colline du Château by foot from the Old Town: Either head to the Quai des États-Unis and then take the Mont Lesage staircase or get there from the other side of town, by walking from Rue Catherine Segurane to the Mont Eberlé footpath . The first option will take you right to the Tour Bellanda observation deck. The second option is a better choice if you're coming from the direction of Place Garibaldi.

Either way, it's a delightful walk/hike through shady oak woodlands to reach the top of the Colline du Château park. The Tour Bellanda observation deck affords breathtaking views of the coastline.

For the most spectacular panoramic vistas, head to the Point de Vue terrace (where you'll find a Touring Club de France compass). Here you can see the Vieille Ville, the Promenade des Anglais, and the Baie des Anges. You'll want to spend some time soaking up the amazing scenery. If you're lucky, someone might be playing accordion music while you're there.

Below the terrace is a small café with tables on an outdoor patio that overlooks the Nice harbor and hillsides.

Author's Tips : The short uphill hike to the top of the Colline du Château park is somewhat strenuous. It's best not to attempt this on a hot summer day. In the summer, you might go early in the morning or take the elevator from the Rue des Ponchettes.

One of the highlights of the park is the cascade (waterfall) as well as the viewing platform above it. There's also a children's playground, scenic train rides (for a fee) for tourists, and an archaeological site.

The park is open every day from 8:30am until 6:00pm year-round (until 8:00pm in spring and summertime).

Address: Rue des Ponchettes, Rue de Foresta, Montée Montfort, Nice

Sitting on the hill of Cimiez, the Musée Matisse is a must-see attraction for anyone who appreciates modern art. This delightful museum occupies a 17th-century Italianate villa surrounded by gorgeous Mediterranean gardens and olive groves. The permanent collection represents an extensive and diverse assortment of Matisse's works.

There are 31 paintings, over 400 drawings, and 57 sculptures (almost all the sculptures Matisse ever created), along with interesting sketches for the decorations of the Chapel in Vence. The entire ensemble of works provides an overview of the artist's creative method and genius.

You will have a chance to admire some of the artist's masterpieces such as the Portrait de Madame Matisse from his Fauve period and Tahiti I and La Verdure from the 1930s. Matisse's signature "cut-outs" style of art is well represented, including the Nu Bleu and the enormous Fleurs et Fruits.

The museum is open every day year-round except Tuesdays. Guided tours are available in English and French.

Address: 164 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, Nice

Near the Matisse Museum, the Monastère Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez is nestled in the hilltop Cimiez neighborhood, directly above the ancient ruins of Cemenelum . Below the monastery are vestiges of the Roman baths and amphitheater.

Originally a Benedictine foundation, the monastery was taken over by the Franciscans in the 16th century and extended in the 17th century. Its present appearance is characterized by the restoration carried out according to neo-Gothic models in 1850.

Today the Cimiez Monastery is listed as a Monument Historique and houses a museum about the history of local Franciscan monks since the 13th century. The museum also contains a collection of frescoes and religious art.

The monastery's 15th-century church is adorned with three masterpieces of painting by Louis Bréa, the renowned Italian painter.

You will enjoy wandering the monastery's luxuriant grounds, landscaped with Mediterranean trees and a rose garden. Vantage points from the garden offer sweeping views of the town all the way to the sea.

Address: Place du Monastère, Nice

The Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain was opened in 1990. Housed in a sleek building created by architects Yves Bayard and Henri Vidal, the building has four towers faced in Carrara marble from quarries in Carrara, Italy.

The museum's collection represents a cross-section of fine arts from the 1950s through the 1970s, including Pop Art and American abstract art. Particularly noteworthy are works on display by Yves Klein, of the Nouveaux Réalistes (New Realism) movement, who was born in Nice in 1928.

Be sure to check out the rooftop, which offers 360-degree panoramas of the Nice cityscape. You can walk around the circular rooftop walking path, to check out the vistas from four different vantage points. Each viewing platform features an interesting perspective on the city, such as an outlook onto the Old Town and the sea or a view of the hilltop Cimiez neighborhood.

Address: Place Yves Klein, Nice

The Promenade du Paillon provides a breath of fresh air and calming green space, right in the heart of Nice next to the Place Massena. The garden is sandwiched between the Avenue de Verdun and the Boulevard Jean Jaures.

It's more of a locals' hang-out spot than a tourist destination. Still, you should stop by on your way back from visiting the nearby Fontaine du Soleil or on the way to the Promenade des Anglais. You will get a taste of what life is like for Nice residents, who come here to chat with friends, go for a stroll, or bring their kids to the playground.

The centerpiece of the Promenade du Paillon is the Miroir d'Eau water fountain. This modern installation features dozens of water jets that spray a cool mist. The fountains spout water in a synchronized fashion, and sometimes music accompanies the show. In the evenings, the Miroir d'Eau is illuminated.

The southern end of the Promenade du Paillon incorporates the Jardin Albert 1er (although signs indicating the name of this garden are hard to find). You'll know you're there when you see the shady trees, manicured shrubs, central fountain, and old-fashioned carousel. The Promenade des Anglais is just steps away from the Jardin Albert 1er.

The Jardin Albert 1er has a pleasant open-air theater, the Théâtre de Verdure surrounded by pine and palm trees. In the spring and summer, this outdoor venue offers music concerts, including rock festivals and performances by popular rock bands.

Admirers of Marc Chagall will be delighted by this museum, which houses a remarkable assortment of Chagall's biblical-themed works. The collection contains 12 large paintings depicting Old Testament illustrations, as well as a wide selection of paintings created by Chagall throughout his lifetime.

Pleasant green space surrounds the museum. The natural landscaping of olive trees, cypresses, oaks, and Mediterranean flora gives the impression of a Garden of Eden. Agapanthus flowers were planted in the garden because they bloom in early July, around the time of Chagall's birthday.

The Musée National Marc Chagall also has a lovely garden café and a gift shop.

Address: Avenue Docteur Ménard, Nice

Nice is famous for its Flower Market (Marché aux Fleurs) in the Old Town. Local vendors sell a wide selection of colorful flowers from stalls with striped awnings. This vibrant scene looks like an image from a painting.

The flower market is part of a traditional open-air Provençal market held at the Cours Saleya. Besides flowers, the Marchés aux Fruits et aux Légumes (Fruit and Vegetable Markets) sells farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and other food products.

You will be wowed by the variety and array of products. Just the choice of vegetables is astounding, from the perfect eggplant to ten kinds of tomatoes and three types of artichokes. Plus, you might see products rarely found outside of France such as white asparagus, endive, fresh beets, and tiny wild strawberries.

The Marché aux Fleurs (Flower Market) and Marchés aux Fruits et aux Légumes are held every day, from 6:00am until 1:00pm, except Mondays.

The Villa Masséna exemplifies a Belle Epoque mansion of the late 19th century. Set within a lush Mediterranean garden, this opulent building is registered as a Monument Historique and the first floor is a gem of interior design.

The Villa Masséna houses the Musée Masséna art collection. Exhibits display military-themed paintings that depict the victorious battles of Napoleon I, as well as 19th-century landscape paintings featuring the coastal scenery of Nice.

Other highlights include the antiques, graphic arts, hand-painted porcelain vases, a portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte, and the tiara of Empress Josephine (the first wife of Napoleon).

The museum is open every day year-round except Tuesdays. Hours are 10:00am until 5:00pm (until 6:00pm in summertime).

Address: 65 Rue de France or 35 Promenade des Anglais, Nice

The Carnival de Nice has its origins in the Catholic tradition of merrymaking prior to Lent. Every year for two weeks in February, the city of Nice hosts a wild and crazy festival that draws huge crowds numbering in the hundreds of thousands.

Spectators marvel over the fabulous parades of eye-catching floats and dazzling entertainment, such as Brazilian dancers and regional folk groups from the County of Nice. Other parades showcase giant puppets called " grosses têtes " and decorations made of fresh flowers.

The Nice Carnival is one of the most well-attended and popular events on the French Riviera.

The Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas is considered one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches outside Russia. This exquisite cathedral was built in 1912 and is classified as a Monument Historique .

Designed in the Muscovite style, the cathedral's richly decorated interior has the appearance of a jewel box with its ornamental icons, murals, and gilded iconostasis. The cathedral's crypt houses a museum .

The cathedral is still used as a place of worship. Religious services take place on Sunday mornings. Visitors are admitted but must respect certain rules: For men, wearing a shirt is required. For women, mini skirts and shorts are not allowed, shoulders should be covered, and a head covering is preferred.

You may visit the cathedral Monday through Saturday (9:00am until 1:00pm and 2:00pm until 6:00pm) and on Sundays (2:00pm until 6:00pm). Guided tours of the cathedral are available (in English, French, or Japanese) daily.

Address: Avenue Nicolas II and Boulevard Tzarévitch, Nice

In the university district of Les Baumettes, the Musée des Beaux-Arts offers an extensive collection of works spanning the 16th to 20th centuries. The collection includes French paintings, as well as Italian and Flemish works.

Highlights are the 17th- and 18th-century French paintings, and 19th-century paintings and sculptures. Artists represented include Jules Chéret, Fragonard, Jan Brueghel de Velours, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, Pierre Bonnard, and Raoul Dufy.

Address: 33 Avenue des Baumettes, Nice

A short walk away from the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain, the Place Garibaldi is one of the largest squares in Nice. Designed in the late 18th century and bordered by stately Baroque buildings, the square now has a modern urban feel as it is at the junction of four high-traffic thoroughfares and is crossed by a tramline.

Gracing the square is a statue of a famous Nice resident, the Italian freedom fighter Garibaldi. Place Garibaldi also has an old-fashioned carousel, an outdoor café, a pâtisserie boutique, and a few restaurants with al fresco dining patios. Take a coffee or meal break, to soak up the afternoon sunshine and people-watch at one of the outdoor terraces.

One of the trendiest neighborhoods in Nice, Le Petit Marais is found between Place Garibaldi and the port. This charming quarter is known for its restaurants and nightlife.

At the heart of the restaurant scene in Le Petit Marais, you will find the charming pedestrian-only Place du Pin . This hub of social activity attracts a young crowd. Many of the restaurants have outdoor terraces for al fresco dining during the warmer months. During wintertime, the restaurants cover their terraces for a cozy atmosphere.

Nearby, the Rue Bonaparte is packed with casual eateries, cafés, pastry shops, specialty grocers, and gourmet food purveyors.

If you want to check out another place where locals hang out, head to the Port de Nice (Vieux Port). This historic port serves as a fishing harbor and also features a selection of trendy waterfront restaurants and cafés.

A sightseeing cruise is one of the best ways to appreciate the gorgeous Mediterranean landscape of Nice. The area around Nice abounds with stunning scenery, from the cerulean waters of the Baie des Anges to the picturesque coastline of Villefranche-sur-Mer.

An excellent choice for first-time visitors, the one-hour Coastal Cruise from Nice departs from the Port of Nice and travels around the Baie des Anges and down the coastline. Along the way, tourists can admire the distinctive landscape of mountains, hilltop villages, and seaside villas. Commentary about the sights and the region's history adds to the experience.

Set in a grove of hundred-year-old olive trees, this lovely garden across from the Cimiez Monastery is a wonderful place of relaxation. On sunny days, locals enjoy going for leisurely strolls in the garden. Tourists will appreciate this space for its refreshing greenery, as well as the amazing sea views from the terraces.

Not just for nature lovers, the Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez also appeals to history buffs. Besides shady trees and welcome green space, the park boasts archaeological remains (an amphitheater and baths) from the ancient Roman city of Cemenelum. The garden is open to the public free of charge.

Address: 184 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, Nice

Families with young kids will want to visit the Parc Phoenix, at the very end of the Promenade des Anglais near the airport. This seven-hectare park includes a botanical garden plus a playground and a zoo. The zoo is home to otters, porcupines, turtles, wallabies, parrots, and flamingoes, among other animals.

Address: 405 Promenade des Anglais, Nice

The best place to stay in Nice is close to the waterfront and the Promenade des Anglais, where you can enjoy the beach and soak up the seaside ambiance. The Old Town, or Vieille Ville, is just a short distance to the east at the base of the Colline du Château (Castle Hill). Below are some highly-rated hotels in great locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• Right on the Promenade des Anglais and in the center of all the action is the Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée . This five-star hotel features a spectacular pool area overlooking the sea and a chic restaurant that serves Mediterranean cuisine.
• Clinging to the cliffs below Colline du Château and just steps away from the Vieille Ville, the four-star Hôtel La Pérouse offers elegant guest rooms and memorable gourmet dining. The hotel's garden-patio restaurant is set in a grove of lemon trees. Guests are also enchanted by the views of the city and bay from the rooftop sundeck.
• A converted Belle Epoque mansion, the four-star Hôtel Petit Palais provides spacious guest rooms and delightful terrace gardens. The hotel is within walking distance of the Musée Matisse and the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• A short walk from the Promenade des Anglais, La Villa Nice Victor Hugo offers bright, cheerful contemporary-style rooms in an elegant building of the Belle Epoque era.
• A few blocks away from the Nice train station, the three-star ibis Styles Nice Centre Gare features whimsical decor and a sunny outdoor patio where breakfast is served.
• The Hôtel Florence Nice is tucked away on a pleasant pedestrian-only street, close to the Vieille Ville and just a five-minute walk to the Promenade des Anglais. This three-star hotel has a variety of rooms; some feature terraces with city views.

Budget Hotels:

• Built on terraces of a lush hillside overlooking the sea, Le Panoramic is a two-star boutique hotel with stylish accommodations and fabulous views for the price. Most rooms have a private balcony or terrace. The hotel is a bit out of the way from most tourist attractions.
• Conveniently located in the center of Nice, the Hôtel Star is just a 10-minute walk from the Vieille Ville. This two-star hotel has basic but comfortable rooms.

An organized tour is a great way to make sure you see all the highlights of this Côte d'Azur capital, without having to navigate your way around. You will also have a chance to see more sights in a short time, since most tour companies create day-trip itineraries that include the area's top places to visit. Below are some recommended tour options:

• See the Top Sights : The Nice City Tour covers the top cultural attractions of Nice: the Promenade des Anglais, the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain, the Russian Orthodox Church, Castle Hill, the Cimiez quarter, and Place Garibaldi. The tour also includes a drive along the Middle Corniche road with its sweeping coastal views.
• Bike around the City : Enjoy the idyllic scenery of tree-lined boulevards, sun-soaked beaches, and the fishing harbor on the Nice City Cycle Tour . The three-hour cycling itinerary also takes you past the Promenade des Anglais and Castle Hill. This is a small-group tour with a maximum of 14 people. Bikes and helmets are included.
• Visit Monaco and Eze : The Monaco and Eze Small-Group Day Trip includes visits to two favorite French Riviera destinations. The medieval hilltop town of Eze delights, with its narrow cobblestone streets and breathtaking sea views. In glamorous Monaco, a fascinating Old Town, the magnificent Prince's Palace, and luxuriant gardens await visitors.
• Tour Stunning Seaside Towns : Another guided tour that includes Monaco and Eze, the French Riviera Small Group Day Trip also stops in Cannes, Monte-Carlo, and the beautiful beach town of Juan-les-Pins. This itinerary allows you to visit several of the most famous places on the French Riviera.

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Highlights of the French Riviera : Overlooking the serene, azure waters of the Baie des Anges, Nice is located near other gorgeous and glamorous French Riviera destinations like Monaco (20 kilometers away) and Cannes (33 kilometers away). Many smaller seaside towns and charming villages are also within easy reach from Nice on the Côte d'Azur coastline.

The Charm of Provence : For those who want to explore the pastoral region of Provence , it's worth driving outside Nice to the picturesque countryside, where the hilltops are dotted with enchanting medieval perched villages. Noteworthy Provençal towns close to Nice include Saint-Paul de Vence and Grasse. About a two-hour drive from Nice are the quintessential Provençal town of Aix-en-Provence and the bustling seaport of Marseilles .

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Nice Travel Guide

Nice offers a perfect blend of a thrilling seaside resort and the richness of a cosmopolitan European city. And if you are looking to experience the distinct blissfulness of the French Riviera, a vacation to its biggest city, Nice is primed for it all.

Boasting of a mild Mediterranean climate, a colorful culture, a vivacious Old Town district, and a flawless shoreline strip of terrific hotels. This Southeastern French city has been a popular travel destination since the 18th century. And though soft, Nice’s intense light, captivating architectural structures, and fanciful market centers have long been appealing to artists from all over the world. Artists like Matisse and Chagall have witnessed Nice’s artistic glory. As an art and history buff, the city will spoil you for choices as no other French city have more museums.

Nice is a big air transportation hub in Europe. Many low-cost airlines offer flights to the Côte d’Azur (the French part of Riviera) airport from London, Paris, and other places. Fast rail service also operates from Paris to Nice. The city’s public transportation is a tram system, transit service, and ferry service. From budget hotels to deluxe-class seaside resorts, there is a vast range of hotel accommodation available in and around Nice. 

Despite its strong historical profile that dates back to the 4th century BC, modernism is apparently not lost on it at all. There have been efforts to modernize the city’s infrastructure.

Here is a Detailed Travel Guide in this Blog for your Stay in Nice:

Best time to visit nice.

Nice, like most cities in the Mediterranean, experiences warm weather almost year-round with average temperature reaching 80s°F (around 26°C )  in the summer and as low as 40s°F (around 5°C )  in the winter. As such, spring is an excellent time to visit Nice and the Côte d’Azur. The best time to visit will be in late spring and early summer to enjoy Nice. 

Getting Around

You will find many shuttle buses and local bus services to Nice and other Riviera cities, and expensive cabs, to convey you to into the city when you arrive. Traveling by rail, be informed that Nice has three stations, but you will probably arrive in the main terminal at Nice Ville. It is expected that you will be only a few blocks north of the coastline.

In addition, are there many connections from Nice Railway station to other cities in France and to neighboring Italy too. The city’s bus system is called the  Lignes d’Azur , which works, in the city and also to and from the airport and other close towns. The system controls about 130 bus routes in the 49 municipalities that consist of the entire Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur area. 

You can buy a single ticket for a journey, which allows changes within 74 minutes for 1.50 euros. There are many other great value tickets for various lengths of stay. Nothing beats seeing the beautiful landscape of Nice while strolling the city on foot or in a car. As such, you can rent a car to cruise. However, it is good to check with your hotel if they have parking plans for guests and the costs too. 

Parking in Nice can be a challenging task. In the case that you are in Nice from another part of the country by far, consider leaving the car at one of the 5’Parc relais’ or stopover car parks outside the center. It is free to use. 

>> How To Get From Paris To Nice

Tourist Attractions

Cours saleya flower market ( marché aux fleurs cours saleya ).

Take a trip to the Cours Selaya for some fantastic culinary experience. This center is one of the major areas for dining, with restaurants, cafes, and bars all spread throughout the market. The open-air market center that used to be a park for the city’s richest people is shaded by trees and surrounded by 18th-century buildings. Many of these structures now house pubs and restaurants serving Niçois cuisine. At the end of Cours Selaya on Mondays, you will see antiques and collectibles been sold. For seafood lovers, here would particularly be an exciting spot to take on for the brilliant cuisines they would find. 

Place Massena

This is the cultural hub of Nice, and it is the city’s largest square and the primary gathering place for events and seasonal festivals. 17th-century architecture is ubiquitous in Place Massena, and it connects with Lyon’s commercial district. Also, you will find an art installation whose pieces are made up of sculptures on top of tall pillars scattered around the plaza. There is also a grand fountain that bears an Apollo statue- the square’s centerpiece. 

Promenade des Anglais

This is a seaside boardwalk that spans along the Baie des Anges was established by the British tourists who first popularized Nice as a vacation destination in the early 18th century. Lined with beach cabanas, cafes, and premium hotels, and palm trees, this area is one of the most well-known seaside promenades you will find on the Mediterranean. Though pricey, the seaside private restaurants/beach is a wonder you must not miss. You can also rent a chaise lounge a few feet from the shore, and let waiters serve you lunch and drinks. Your Riviera experience would not be whole until you completely take a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais.

>> Hotels Near Promenade des Anglais in Nice >> Is Nice Worth Visiting?

Vieux Nice (Nice’s Old Town)

Also known as Old Nice, Vieux Nice is next to the Cours Selaya Flower market. It has narrow streets to can walk while you discover gratifying shopping, dining, and some of Nice’s hippest bars. It spans from the foot of Castle Hill to the Place Massena, which is the city’s main square. Vieux Nice is very much marked with wide promenades, while the medieval quarter reminds of the time when the city was allied with Italian states. It is still one of the best places to taste Nice’s Niçois-style pizzas and pastries. As attractive as this destination is, be careful not to go alone, especially late in the day. Vieux Nice has dark alleys that can be covered for thieves and questionable characters.

Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain

Established in 1990, the museum of modern and contemporary art was built by architects Yves Bayard and Henri Vidal. It has four towers faced in Carrara marble from quarries in Carrara, an Italian town. The museum’s vast collection consists of a sample of the 60s and 70s fine arts that include minimalists, American abstracts, pop art, and new realism. More imposing works on display are by Nice native, Yves Klein, of the Nouveaux Réalistes movement. The museum shows his work in a room and on the roof terrace; a point that gives captivating views of the beautiful city. 

Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas

Built during the reign of Russia’s Tsar Nicholas, the Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas is said to be one of the most stunning Orthodox churches outside of Russia. The style is inspired by the Moscow’s own and has an incredibly decorated interior that comes in murals, carved woodwork, and ornamental icons. It is a virtual jewel box that has historical and religious objects. These were brought to France from Russia during a previous period of crisis. 

Tourists are allowed to see the structure and worship but are expected to abide by some rules. For example, men are not permitted in bare-chested or in shorts. And for women, miniskirts and shorts are not allowed, and shoulders are expected to be covered. A head covering is also preferred. So be prepared before you set out to visit the cathedral.

Parc de la Colline du Château (Castle Hill Park)

High above the Nice coastline, where the Castle Hill Park rests today was the first place to be inhabited by the Greeks about two thousand years ago. It used to be seen as unconquerable until King Louis XIV destroyed it in 1706. The city designed into a modern park today, and a charmingly simple site. It is a place you should visit for its shady trees, a pleasant oasis of greenery, and rushing waterfalls. 

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll and take in the magnificent park views at the Castle Hill. And while having a great time at the park, you can always visit some great restaurants around where you can grab some bite. Other places worth checking out are boutiques and the ruins of two old churches. The Castle Hill Park is lit up with special lighting effects every night. Tourists and other visitors can arrive at the park by foot from the Old Town of Nice or take an Art-Deco lift or escalator from Place Garibaldi. 

>> Is Nice Safe?

How to Maximize your Stay in Nice

While it is about preference, an organized tour is a way to make the most of your stay in the city as you immerse yourself in its culture; without worrying about finding your way around. Indulging in tour agencies has many other benefits too. You get to save time because some of these tourist outfits include convenient pickup and drop-off at your hotel. Here are some tips for enjoying Nice at affordable prices:

Navigate the popular sites

As earlier mentioned, tours are great ways to see scintillating places in Nice. Tours would stop at top cultural attractions like Promenade des Anglais, the Musee d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain, the Russian Orthodox Church, and the Place Garibaldi. Tours also allow experiencing areas of the city that are usually difficult for tourists to add to their itinerary. 

Cycle around the city

You will hardly miss the great scenery on Nice’s streets when you go biking to take on the town. A three-hour trip around would be great as you see locals go hustling and bustling and of course, see the magnificence of the city. Even if you go solo, other tourist cyclists you will meet on the road will also be having an exciting time. 

Medieval hilltop towns and the glitzes of Cannes and Monaco are only a short trip from Nice, and a day trip tour is a perfect way to see them all. In the mountainous town of Eze, you can check out the excellent local perfumery and relish the breathtaking view of French Riviera. In enticing Monte Carlo, you can navigate the old town and see the palace as well as other top sites.

>> Day Trips From Nice >>

Where To Stay In Nice

Hotels are plenty in Nice for the comfort and luxury of visitors and locals alike. Nothing beats the feeling of having a proper rest after a long day of adventure. Indeed, a good Nice hotel will have comfort, tranquility, and the gratifyingly luscious cuisine to go with the calm. 

Hotel Windsor is a short walk to the beach. Walled with distinct murals, its rooms are gorgeously decorated by brilliant artists. Try to request a room with a balcony. The hotel Negresco is another excellent hotel, and it is probably the city’s most famous one. Magisterial around the Promenade des Anglais and the curving beach of La Baie des Anges, the ambiance of this impressive hotel is what every tourist should experience. And the great thing is, you won’t have to spend a fortune to book a room there. 

Its well-known cocktail bar allures the young people with DJ sets, live jazz and Latino bands performance at night. Even the bar staff make lovely cocktails, like the royal Negresco, with champagne, kirsch and raspberry juice. With a swelling number of hotels in Nice, you have lots to choose from.

>> Best Hostels in Nice , Hotels Near Promenade des Anglais in Nice

Is there anything you would add to this Nice Travel Guide? Leave your comments below.

>>Read: Things To Do In Nice

Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France.

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25 Amazing Things to Do in Nice, France: Nice Bucket List and What Not To Miss

Wondering the best things to do in Nice? Here are 25 things to do in Nice France to add to your Nice itinerary!

Nice is the capital of the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) and it is one of the most popular destinations on the French Riviera. Nestled between the ocean and mountains, Nice really has the perfect location.

It is not hard to see why Nice is so popular for domestic and international tourists, especially those from northern Europe during the cold winter season. Nice has the perfect weather, beautiful scenery, incredible food and proximity to other great places to visit along the French Riviera.

It doesn’t matter if you are visiting Nice for just one day, three days or one week, Nice offers enough things to entertain you no matter what you like.

Do you like museums and art? Check! Nice has world class art museums and galleries. Do you like the beach or water activities? Check! Nice has amazing private beaches and boat tours are frequent. Do you like hiking? Check! Nice has great (and not too difficult) hiking trails. Do you like food? Check! There are some great restaurants and Italian gelato shops in Nice. Do you like adventures? Check! There are many surrounding towns near Nice that you has so many options for adventure.

Regardless of what you like to do, Nice can offer you something! This blog will show you 25 things to do in Nice and help you plan your perfect Nice holiday.

This blog contains occasional affiliate links, where I receive a small commission on sales of the products/hotels that are linked at no additional cost to you. In addition, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases .

Quick Nice Travel Guide

Here is a brief summary of things you should know about Nice before going there.

Currency : Euros Plug Adaptor : You need the European travel plug (Type C and E). If you are from outside of the EU (including if you are from the UK), you will need an adapter for Nice. Best Tours for Nice : While you can explore Nice on your own, there are certain activities that you need a tour for. Below are my top picks: 1. Perfume making class : One of the most popular activities in Nice is to make your own perfume. Book here . 2. French Riviera Day tour : This tour combines some of the best day trips into one, including Monaco, Eze, Saint Paul de Venice, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cannes. If you are short on time, this is the best tour to take. Book here . 3. Cruise from Nice : If you rather enjoy the French Riviera from the Mediterranean sea, be sure to book this 1 hour sightseeing cruise from Nice. Book here . 4. Gorges of Verdon & Lavender Tour : Southern France is known for its lavender fields and the beautiful gorges of Verdon. While these are not in Nice, you can still visit with this day trip from Nice. Book here . Best Places to Stay in Nice: Nice Old Town, Place Massena and the Port area are all good areas to stay in Nice. Some of the hotels you can consider include: – Hotel Le Negresco : the most famous luxury hotel in Nice on the promenade – Hotel Du Centre : located near the main shopping strets of NIce, it is central and within walking distance to the beach – Share Inn : very close to the beach. andfancy shopping area

25 best things to do in Nice, France

Below is a list of amazing things to do in Nice that you can consider when planning that perfect Nice vacation.

1. Explore Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Vieux Nice (Old Town) is one of the most popular and vibrant places to visit in Nice.

Get lost on the cobble stone streets and the narrow alleyways, admire the colorful Baroque style buildings, wander into local shops and people watch at cozy squares are the best ways to explore Nice Old Town .

You will see some of the most famous and historical buildings while wandering around Vieux Nice, such as the Nice Cathedral, Palais de Justice, Cours Saleya, Henri Matisse’s former home, Place Rossetti, etc. So be prepared to read upon the history and the significance of Nice Old Town before your visit.

The Old Town completely changes at night however, tourists and shoppers are replaced by party goers. you will find packed bars and night clubs. But be warned that night clubs in Nice can be quite small and crowded!

2. Walk the Promenade des Anglais

You cannot say you have been to Nice France without walking the Promenade des Anglais. This 5 mile (7km) stretch of promenade is literally the best and most relaxing thing you can do in Nice .

Promenade des Anglais dates back to the 19th Century. Its name actually came from the fact that European aristocrats, especially the ones from England, used to come to Nice in the winter time. In Nice, the locals call it “Prom”.

Starting at Nice Airport, the promenade goes all the way east to Castle Hill. Along the promenade you will see people walking, jogging, rollerskating or biking.

When you are strolling along the Promenade des Anglais, be sure to pay attention to the luxury hotel buildings next to it, especially Hotel Le Negresco , the most renowned luxury hotel in Nice.

3. Explore Castle Hill (Parc de la Colline du Château)

Interested in some views and maybe a little bit of hiking? Maybe no hiking? Castle Hill is on the eastern end of Promenade des Anglais and it is one of the most amazing things to do in Nice .

As the name implies, there is a “castle” ruin on top of the hill, overlooking the city, the Mediterranean coast, and the Nice Port.

You can walk up the hill or you can take a lift up (hence no hiking). The view on top of Castle Hill is quite incredible on a nice day. Be sure to also check out the famous man made waterfall while you are exploring Castle Hill.

4. Visit Musée du Palais Lascaris

Musée du Palais Lascaris is a museum with collections of ancient musical instruments and other rare works. It is the second largest musical museum in France (only after Musée de la Musique in Paris).

The Baroque style building where Palais Lascaris is now located was built in the 1600s and it used to be the private residence of the Lascaris Vintimille family. It remained this family’s private property until the Revolution and it was eventually classified as a historical monument in 1926.The museum is open to the public. Besides its collection of musical instruments, visitors will also be impressed by the beautiful interior of the building, including its famous staircase and period salons decorated with beautiful frescoes and tapestries. You will also find paintings, tapestries, ancient furniture and sculptures inside Musée du Palais Lascaris.

5. Shop at Cours Saleya Market

While you are exploring the Old Town of Nice, you inevitably will come across Cours Saleya Market, the most famous market in Nice .

At Cours Saleya Market, you will actually find 4 different markets with the most well-known one as the Flower Market. There you will find beautiful fresh seasonal flowers together with fresh produces.

Another important stall you will find at Cours Saleya Market is called Chez Thérésa , a socca (Nice specialty) stall that has been around since the 1920s.

Cours Saleya Market is open Tuesday to Sunday. On Mondays instead of flower and produces, you will find a cool flea market selling antiques, jewelry, books, etc. And in the evening in the summer, you will find a vibrant summer night market at Cours Saleya.

6. Take a Photo at the #ILOVENICE Sign

As you visit Nice Port and stroll along the Promenade de Anglais, be sure to find the #ILOVENICE sign and grab a photo. You will usually find others trying to take the same photo, so patience is key here.

7. Marvel at Nice Cathedral (Sainte Reparate Cathedral)

Nice Cathedral is a Baroque style Cathedral in the heart of the Nice Old Town. This cathedral was modeled after Santa Susanna in Rome (see the strong Italian influence here). It is dedicated to Sainte Reparate and was built in the 1650s.

The cathedral is very elaborate in design and beautifully decorated on the inside. Go inside to admire at the beautiful ornamentation and enjoy the cool and calmness away from the busy streets of Vieux Nice.

8. See Fontaine du Soleil

At the center of Place Massena in Nice, you will find the famous fountain called Fontaine du Soleil (Sun Fountain). This is often the meeting place for visitors and you can also chill here to people watch. Apollo is at the center of the Fountain, symbolizing the sun with the bronze statues around him symbolizing planets.

There is an interesting story behind this fountain and it is not as glamorous as you think. Essentially when the fountain was first built featuring the marble Apollo, he was ridiculed (there was no horses and chariots, and people mocked the size of his penis). The statue of Apollo was even banished for a period of time even tho he eventually made it back and is now the center of the Fountain.

If you are spending a few days in Nice, inevitably you probably will walk by this fountain multiple times.

9. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church (Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice)

If you are in Nice and can only visit one church, then you have to see St. Nicolas Cathedral, the Byzantine style Russian Orthodox Church. It is one of the largest Russian Orthodox church outside of Russia .

This church stands in great contrast with the rest of Baroque style buildings and cathedrals in Nice. It is so unique that I had to go out of my way to visit this church.

Back in the 19th century, rich Russian nobility would spend time in Nice similar to the British nobles. After the death of Nicholas Alexandrovich due to meningitis, the Russian Tsar (his father) decided to build this cathedral in Nicholas’s memory.

This Russian orthodox church receives at least 200,000 visitors per year and you can visit the inside for free but donations are encouraged. If you are into photography, be sure to have a wide angle lens to capture photos inside.

10. Grab Italian Gelato in the Old Down

Due to its strong Italian influence, Nice actually has some pretty good gelato. If you are visiting in the summer, be sure to try a couple of the famous gelato spots (called glaciers in French) such as Azzurro , Oui jelato , Arlequin Gelati and Fenocchio in the old town.

11. Chill at the Beach in Nice

The beautiful beaches of Nice is one of the main attractions of the French Riviera. The Mediterranean sea offers pebble beaches, intense blue sea and days of sunshine. You will see most of the beaches in Nice along the Promenade des Anglais along the Baie des Anges.

The beaches in Nice can be either public or private. How do you determine whether a beach is public or private in Nice? Private beaches are those that offer lounge chairs, umbrellas, food and cocktail services whereas public beaches don’t offer these amenities.

As you walk along the Prom, you will find patches of beaches that are not private, those are the public beaches.

12. Shop on Av. Jean Médecin

If you are looking to shop in Nice then Av. Jean Médecin is the street for you. You can find all the large chain stores such as Zara, Mango, H&M, Pandora, etc on this street. There are also super markets, department stores and some chain restaurants on this street.

If you visit at night, you will see all the lights and feel the liveliness of the city. If you want something modern after exploring the Old Town, Av. Jean Médecin is the place for you.

13. Enjoy Art at Marc Chagall National Museum

If you are a fan of art, especially the works of Marc Chagall, then you cannot miss the Marc Chagall National Museum in Nice.

The museum was actually designed when Marc Chagall was still alive and it was inaugurated in 1973.

As the name implies, Marc Chagall National Museum is dedicated to the paintings, sketches, stained glass window and sculptures by Marc Chagall. The museum is the largest public collection of his work and most of his religious works.

At the museum you can also see the small garden as well as stained glass windows. Keep in mind that this museum closes on Tuesdays and also between 1-2pm on the days they are open.

14. Explore Cimiez Area

Cimiez is a hill just above Nice and it houses many museums and gardens.

You can visit Jardin des Arenes de Cimiez , which is a historical ruin of a Roman amphitheater, the Cimiez Monastery and its garden, Musee d’Archeologie (an Archaeological museum), Musée Matisse , and the tomb stone of Henri Matisse in Cimiez.

The Archeology museum is a fascinating museum dedicated to the history of the ancient city of Cemenelum and it has artifacts from the Neolithic period, Antiquity and the Middle Ages.

Musée Matisse is an art museum dedicated to the work of Henri Matisse, where you can see a large collection of his paintings, drawings, sculptures and other works.

The museum usually closes in January to March for climate control work, and they move the collections to Tokyo from mid Feb to end of May, 2024. During this time the museum will host exhibition by painter Djamel Tatah instead. So keep this in mind if you are trying to visit in the winter and spring months.

15. Go to Phoenix Park

Located near the Nice Airport, Phoenix Park (Parc Phœnix) is a large 7 hectare park with more than 2500 plant species and 2000 animals (70 animal species). It has the largest tropical greenhouse in Europe and 20 themed zones.

The Park was opened in 1990 by the City of Nice and it costed over 400 million Euros and 26 months to construct on a former swamp. The park serves as a zoo, botanic garden, museums, and a playground all in one place. One of the highlights of Phoenix Park is Ile des Temps Revolus, an island featuring a bamboo forest.

Phoenix Park requires a ticket for admission. Kids under 12 can go in for free so it is a fantastic place to visit for families.

16. Hike on Mont Boron

On the east side of Nice stands Mont Boron, a hill in which Fort du Mont Alban is located. Mont Boron is about 200m high and it separates Villefranche-sur-Mer from Nice. Apparently the British singer Elton John also has a villa on Mont Boron.

You should visit Mont Boron if you like nature and wants beautiful view of both Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer. There are many different hiking trails on Mont Boron in the forest park Parc du Mont Boron.

It is easy to get to Mont Boron from Nice; you can take a bus, get a Uber or walk up Mont Boron on a nice day.

17. Enjoy Water Activities in Nice

Since Nice is by the water, by nature there are a lot of great water activities you can do.

Some of the best water activities you can do in Nice include canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding if you want something chill and low key. Or you can go on a diving or snorkeling tour (there are many dive operators by the Port).

For the more adventurous, you can do flyboarding or jet-skiing as well as parasailing.

Lastly, you can always do a boat tour from Nice to see the city from the water, to sail to Cap Ferrat , Monaco , St. Tropez or even go on a fishing trip . Another fantastic place to visit by boat from Nice is Sainte Marguerite Island .

18. Stroll on the coastal path to Villefranche Sur Mer

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a coastal town on the French Riviera east of Mont Boron. There are many ways to visit Villefranche-sur-Mer but the most interesting and beautiful way is to walk from Nice.

The “trail” from Nice Port to Villefranche-sur-Mer is about 4 miles one way, taking around 2 hours. The trail is beautiful as it goes along the coast and you will get amazing views the entire time.

However this walk is not for those with mobility issues as there are some steep stairs to climb. The effort is well worth the reward though. If you visit Nice in the summer, you should try to do this walk early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

19. Be Part of the Nice Carnival

If you happen to be in Nice in February, then you cannot miss the largest event of the year in Nice – the Nice Carnival.

The Nice Carnival is one of the 3 largest and most important carnivals in the world (the other two are Rio and Venice). The carnival dates back to the middle ages, but it was “officially” created as a carnival celebration in 1294. Since then every year Nice has organized this event.

There are about a million attendees every year that celebrate this 2 week Nice Carnival event. The Carnival takes place day and night and there is a different theme every year. You will see colorful floats and flower floats throughout the event. At night there are parades of Lights plus music bands and visual entertainments.

Tickets to the Nice Carnival needs to be purchased in advance.

20. Create Your Own Perfume in Nice

French Riviera is the land of Perfume and it became very popular in France in the 18th century. The small town Grasse in the French Riviera is the capital of perfume in France and even the world.

Now you can create your own perfume and scent in the French Riviera through a perfume making workshop in Nice or Grasse. During the class you can create your personalized fragrance from a handful of raw materials and learn how to make perfume. This unique activity is one of the best things to do in Nice; it also makes a personalized and unique souvenir from Nice and the French Riveria.

21. Try Nice Local Cuisine

The French Riviera is known for its own signature dishes and it is different from the typical French food you would get in Paris . Some of the most well known Nice specialty include Socca, Pissaladière, Niçoise salad and Pan Bagnat.

Socca is a pancake made from chickpea flour and it is usually eaten hot and lightly toasted.

Pissaladière is a “pizza” topped with caramelized onion and anchovy.

Niçoise salad is a classic Salad made from tomato, lettuce, tuna, anchovy, onion and hard boiled eggs.

Pan Bagnat is the sandwich version of Niçoise salad.

You can take a gourmet walking tour and try some of the best local food in Nice.

22. Rent a Sports Car and Drive to Monaco

Monaco is known for the rich and famous and since Nice is pretty much next door to Monaco, why not experience what it’s like to drive a nice sports car along the French Riviera coast?

Now you can rent a Ferrari or a Lamborghini from Nice and cruise along the Promenade des Anglais and drive up to the medieval village of Eze. The experience is about an hour and you get a guide that sits next to you to help guide you and take photos for you.

If you are already in Monaco, you can also rent the luxury cars from Monaco instead.

23. Watch a Performance at Nice Opera

Nice has a beautiful opera house and it is one of the main performance hall in Nice. There are 3 types of performances at Nice Opera House: operas, classical music concerts and ballets. There are also experiences like Escape Room.

You can take a tour of the Opéra de Nice but a better way to see and experience the Nice Opera House is to attend a performance there.

You can find the calendar of performances on the official website of Nice Opera House and book your tickets ahead of time.

24. Do Amazing Day Trips From Nice

Being the capital of French Riviera, Nice has access to amazing places nearby. Taking a day trip or two is a fantastic thing to do in Nice.

Some of the close by towns and cities that are accessible by bus from Nice include Èze , Monaco , Menton , Villefranche-sur-Mer and St. Paul de Vence .

You can also take tours to places a little further away and I recommend checking out these day trip ideas:

• Gorges of Verdon & Lavender Fields
• Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud

Check my blog on a full list of amazing day trips from Nice .

25. Take a Cooking Class in Nice

Cooking classes are always fun and a favorite activity for many visitors in Nice. Now you can learn to cook local food from a local during this Mediterranean cooking class . You will learn how to use local and seasonal ingredients to cook a three course meal then sit with others to enjoy the food you just made.

Is Nice Worth Visiting?

Nice is a family friendly holiday destination that is beautiful all year round. It has comfortable climate, beautiful beaches, incredible view points, delicious food and wine, world class museums and galleries, and easy access to nearby French Riviera towns, Monaco and even Italy. Yes Nice is worth visiting and perhaps one of the best places to visit in Southern France.

If you are planning to spend some time in Nice, be sure to check out my 3 Days in Nice itinerary .

Have a question about Nice? This section should answer all your questions about Nice if you are interested in spending a few days there.

How do I get to Nice?

Being one of the largest cities in the French Riviera, Nice has its own international airport as well as railway station.

It is very easy to fly into Nice and the Nice airport is very close to the city center by Tram. If you are traveling within Europe, you can take almost any airlines such as British Airways , Easy Jet , Vueling , Lufthansa , etc to fly into Nice (Nice Côte d’Azur).

You can also take the train to Nice-Ville Station . The train station is very close to the popular shopping street Av. Jean Medecin and is only a short walk to the Nice Old Town. If you do travel to other parts of France, you can take the TGV train from Nice-Ville Station and book your train tickets via Rail Europe .

How to get around Nice?

Nice is really easy to get around using public transportation, which includes buses and trams.

Buses in nice costs about 1.5 Euro per ticket, and you can buy the tickets from either the bus driver or a ticket vending machine. With the bus ticket, you can transfer to other buses within 74 minutes.

Nice has 3 tram lines, you can actually take the Tram from the airport to Nice city center. Again, it costs the same as a bus ticket with the same transfer privileges.

You can take buses and trains from Nice to other areas of the French Riviera and Monaco.

Read Next : How to get to Monaco from Nice .

When to Visit Nice (and When Not to Visit Nice)

Nice is one of those destinations that you can visit all year round. But the best months to visit Nice is spring (April and May) and early fall (October) to get the most pleasant weather.

If you are interested to see the famous Nice carnival, that takes place in February for 2 weeks starting mid February.

Summer is the worst time to visit Nice because of hot and humid weather and thunderstorms. November is also not that great to visit due to rainier and cloudy skies (and you can’t really go to the beach)!

How Many Days in Nice is Enough

As you can see, there are a ton of fun things to do in Nice, as well as the large numbers of day trips you can take from Nice.

You need a minimum of 3 days to visit Nice and do one day trip (perhaps to Monaco). If you want to explore Nice and its surroundings a little more in depth, then 5 to 7 days is a good amount of time to stay in Nice.

Do I need to Speak French to Visit Nice?

It’s always helpful to know some French when visiting Nice, but if you don’t, don’t sweat it. I don’t speak French and I got around Nice just find.

Without speaking French, you should definitely download Google Translate (make sure to download the language package) and you will need to do more research and get a sim card (or esim card ).

Do I need a car in Nice?

You don’t need a car in Nice, since public transportation can pretty much get you everywhere in and around Nice. It’s actually inconvenient to have a car in Nice if you plan on exploring the Old Town.

Conclusion: The Best Things to do in Nice

• Explore Nice Old Town
• Walk the Promenade des Anglais in Nice
• Explore Castle Hill
• Visit Musée du Palais Lascaris
• Shop at Cours Saleya Market
• Take a photo at the #ILoveNice sign
• Marvel at Nice Cathedral
• See Fountain Du Soleil
• Visit the Russian Orthodox Church
• Grab Italian Gelato
• Chill at the Beach
• Shop on Av. Jean Médecin
• Enjoy Art at Marc Chagall NAtional Museum
• Explore Cimiez Area
• Go to Phoenix Park
• Hike on Mont Boron
• Enjoy Water Activities
• Stroll to Villefranche sur Mer
• Be Part of the Nice Carnival
• Create Your Own Perfume in Nice
• Try Nice Local Food
• Rent a Ferrari and Drive to Monaco
• Watch a Performance at Nice Opera
• Do Amazing Day Trips From Nice
• Take a Cooking Class in Nice

Read My French Riviera Blogs!

If you are planning a trip to the French Riviera, be sure to check out some of my resources to help you plan the perfect trip.

• 3 Days in Nice Itinerary
• How to Go To Monaco From Nice
• Monaco Day Trip Itinerary
• Amazing Day Trips From Nice

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Explore the Riviera

27 best things to do in nice, france.

Looking for the best things to do in Nice? Well, you are definitely at the right place. (:

I have been living in Nice for over a year and during my time here, I have had the pleasure to explore the city and its surroundings quite well.

In this guide, you will find a comprehensive list of activities in the beautiful city of Nice.

Planning a trip to the South of France? Then make sure to join my Facebook group for the best tips, places, and hotels on the French Riviera.

35 Best things to do in Nice, France

1- walk along promenade des anglais.

The iconic Promenade des Anglais should be the first stop on any visit to Nice. Go for a walk, take in the beautiful sea views, and then stop for a glass of wine at one of my favorite beach clubs in Nice.

✈️ Need help planning your trip to the French Riviera?

2- visit monaco.

The Principality of Monaco, located only a short train journey from Nice on the French Riviera, is definitely worth visiting on a day trip from Nice.

Despite its status as the world’s second-smallest country, Monaco has a lot to offer, from amazing restaurants to interesting cultural activities.

3- Enjoy some delicious Niçoise food

Niçoise cuisine is one of the most famous regional cuisines in France, and it’s a must-try when visiting Nice. From socca, ratatouille, pissaladiere, and other specialties, you can find some of the best dishes here.

For an authentic experience, head to one of the city’s many traditional restaurants like Chez Pipo, La Merenda, and Le Bistrot.

You can also visit the local markets to sample some of the freshest ingredients used in Niçoise cooking or go on a food walking tour (which we highly recommend!).

4- Visit Gordes du Verdon and the lavender fields

Exploring the Provence region, one cannot overlook the enchanting experience of visiting the Gorges du Verdon and the surrounding lavender fields.

Gorges du Verdon, often referred to as Europe’s answer to the Grand Canyon, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, the area offers activities ranging from kayaking and hiking to simply soaking in the serene beauty of nature.

A short distance from the gorges, the lavender fields of Provence are also a sight to behold. Blooming from June to August, these vibrant fields paint the countryside in shades of purple.

5- Enjoy a day out on a boat

Enjoying a day out on a boat is another activity you should really prioritize on a trip to the French Riviera. You can read about my favorite boat tours from Nice here , or book one of my favorites:

• Private Boat Tour on a Luxury Day Cruiser
• Private Boat Tour on the Côte d’Azur (Nice – Monaco or Nice – Cannes)
• Boat tour from Nice to Villefranche

6- Explore the region’s wineries

Nice is surrounded by some of France’s best wineries. Take a day trip to explore one of the vineyards and learn about the local wine-making process.

You can read about my favorite wine tours from Nice here.

7- Contemplate art and enjoy the garden at Musée Chagall

Although the Musée Chagal is undoubtedly incredible (it contains an impressive collection of works of art by famous artist Marc Chagall), it’s not just the permanent collection that makes this museum worth a visit.

The grounds themselves are quite beautiful, with a tranquil garden space and a wonderful cafe (which is one of our absolute favorites in Nice !).

8- Visit Castle Hill for panoramic views of Nice

For one of the best views over Nice and its surroundings, head up to Castle Hill (Colline du Château).

This hilltop landmark offers breathtaking views of the city port, Vieux Nice, and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s also a great place to exercise or have a scenic picnic.

9- Explore the Cote d’Azur on a day trip

The French Riviera (also known as the Cote d’Azur) is one of the most beautiful regions in France. and thankfully the city of Nice is heaven when it comes to day trips.

There are plenty of places to explore nearby, including the charming cities of Cannes , Éze , Monaco , Antibes and Saint-Tropez .

10- Train Experience Through The Alps and Baroque Route

Looking for an epic day trip?

Then go on a unique train journey through the breathtaking Alps and Baroque Route.

During this experience, you will stop in the most picturesque villages, and discover very surprising hidden treasures, being astonished as well by the landscapes, medieval villages & baroque treasures of the Baroque Route.

11- Visit Place Massena, the city’s main square

Place Massena is the main square of Nice, located in the center of town. It’s a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike, with Fountain du Soleil at its center.

Surrounding the square are some of the most famous landmarks in Nice, including the Palais de la Prefecture, the Opera de Nice, and the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate.

The square is also full of restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops for visitors to explore.

12- See Cathedrale Orthodoxe Russe St Nicolas

The Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas is an impressive example of religious architecture in Nice.

This stunning church, located in the neighborhood of Cimiez, was built in 1903.

13- Have lunch at one of the beach clubs

One of my favorite things to do in Nice on a sunny day is to have lunch at one of the many amazing beach clubs in the city.

Negresco Plage, Bocca Mar, and Le Galet are usually my go-to.

14- Spend a day at Sainte Marguerite Island

Take a tranquil journey across the Gulf of Cannes and visit Sainte Marguerite Island. The island is home to a stunning national park, as well as some fascinating historical attractions.

Some of the most popular activities on this beautiful island are exploring the remains of the 17th-century Fort Royal, enjoying the beach, visiting Musée du Masque de Fer et du Fort Royal, or going scuba-diving and seeing the underwater sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor.

15- Make your own perfume at Molinard

Molinard is one of Nice’s oldest and most famous perfume makers.

The Molinard store offers visitors the chance to create their own unique fragrance with the help of a professional perfumer.

During the experience, guests learn about the history of perfumes and how they are made. In the end, they can take home a bottle of their personalized scent!

16- Buy fresh produce from Marché aux Fleurs in Cours Saleya

Cours Saleya is a large open-air market in Nice’s Old Town. Every morning, vendors set up stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, and other local goods.

Wander through the market to take in the vibrant sights and smells of fresh fruits and vegetables.

17- Explore Musée Matisse

Pay a visit to the Musée Matisse, located in Nice’s Cimiez district.

Inside the museum, you’ll find an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures by Matisse as well as other artworks from his contemporaries.

18- See the Nice Cathedral

Nice Cathedral, located in the heart of Nice’s Old Town, is an impressive example of Gothic architecture.

The building was constructed in the 13th century and features a large rose window and an intricately carved facade.

19- Have a drink at the Negresco

The Negresco is an iconic hotel located on the seafront promenade in Nice. The building has been a landmark since 1913 and is known for its grand Renaissance-style architecture.

Head to Negresco’s bar for a unique experience – you can enjoy creative cocktails surrounded by luxurious decor without breaking the bank.

20- Get lost in Vieux Nice

Vieux Nice, or Old Nice, is a quaint neighborhood located in the heart of the city. It’s filled with colorful pastel buildings, winding alleyways, and small boutiques to explore.

For a taste of local history, take some time to wander through Vieux Nice and you’re sure to stumble upon a hidden gem or two.

21- Shop at Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette is a sophisticated shopping center located within Place Massena. It has several options of stores offering high-end fashion, beauty, and home items.

It is a great place to explore on a lazy afternoon or even a rainy day.

22- Take the ferry to St Tropez

Take a day trip to the glamorous seaside resort of St Tropez.

Hop on a ferry from Nice ‘s port and cruise around the coast, admiring views of the French Riviera as you go.

Once you arrive in St Tropez, explore its charming harbor, visit pristine beaches, or shop for unique souvenirs at one of its many boutiques.

23- Explore Lascaris Palace

The Palais Lascaris is one of Nice’s most impressive historical landmarks and surprisingly, a bit of a hidden gem.

It was built in 1648 by an Italian noble family who had settled in France at the time. Today, it is open to the public and houses an impressive museum, filled with antiques, musical instruments, and paintings from the 17th century.

24- Visit Musée Massena

Musée Masséna Museum is a vast and unique history museum that celebrates the life of the city by showcasing a wealth of artifacts and historical treasures in interactive displays and extensive galleries.

25- Hike Sentier du Litoral to Villefranche-sur-Mer

For some of the best coastal views in Nice, take a hike along Sentier du Litoral. The trail runs from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer and offers spectacular panoramas of the French Riviera.

The hike is easy and well worth it – you’ll end up in Villefranche-sur-Mer, a charming little town with plenty of restaurants and cafes to explore.

26- Watch a spectacle at the Opera de Nice

If you’re looking for an evening of culture, head to the Opera de Nice. This historic building opened in 1888 and has been entertaining audiences ever since with its world-renowned performances.

From ballets to operas, the Opera de Nice offers something for everyone – make sure to check out their lineup before visiting.

27- Visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

This absolutely stunning villa is very easy to reach from Nice and is so worth the visit.

Read: How to get to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild from Nice

Conclusion: Best things to do in Nice

We hope this guide has answered your questions about the best activities in Nice, France.

If you have any additional questions or tips for other travelers about what to do in Nice, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Happy exploring!

Oh! And if you are visiting the South of France soon, join my Facebook group for more hidden gems and travel tips. Happy travels!

Plan the perfect trip to the French Riviera

🗺️ Book guided tours through Get Your Guide and Viator .

🛏️ Find the perfect hotel on Booking.com .

Continue reading:

• 15 Best Hotels in Nice, France for 2024
• 9 Best Walking Tours in Nice, France [2024]
• 24 Best Boutique Hotels in Nice in 2024
• 15 Best Tours in Nice, France
• 10 Reasons Why Nice is Worth Visiting

Camila Neves

Nice to meet you! My name is Cami and I am a full-time traveler and foodie. I live in Nice in the South of France and this blog is where I share my impressions and travel secrets.

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Everything you need to know about Nice before you hit the French Riviera

Jun 6, 2024 • 8 min read

Before you hit the promenade, here are some of the things you need to know about Nice © Shutterstock

The queen of the French Riviera, Nice drips elegance and panache from every belle époque palace, baroque chapel and Mediterranean-blue chair on the prom. The capital of France's celebrity-stalked Côte d’Azur might be modest in size, but the choice of things to see and do in this iconic coastal town stretches well beyond bracing strolls along Promenade des Anglais and lizard-lounging on bum-numbing pebbles on the seashore.

Plan on lingering more than a couple of days to properly get under the sun-kissed skin of this ancient Greek-founded settlement and wildly popular modern seaside hub. Advance planning is the key to getting the most out of your visit to Nice – book too late (or not at all) and you might miss out on live jazz beneath the stars at the open-air Théâtre de Verdure, or a table for the best of modern Niçois gastronomy at Flaveur .

Here’s what you need to know to ensure smooth sailing on a trip to Nice.

Planning your trip to Nice

1. plan ahead to bag tickets for the best events.

Flagship events such as the Nice Jazz Festival in August, and February’s Carnaval de Nice (for those keen to watch the parades from the comfort of a seat in a stand), require planning months in advance. Ditto for world-famous dates such as the Monaco Grand Prix or the Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival) in Menton, which you’ll most likely attend on a day trip from Nice (where accommodation is less hotly contested).

2. Arrange a night at the opera

The show season at Nice’s hallowed Opéra Nice Cote d’Azur runs from September to June, and tickets for operas, classical concerts and ballets at this grandiose 19th-century opera house sell like hotcakes. Buy tickets a few weeks ahead and pack something a little more formal to wear to fit in.

3. Book tables in advance for the city’s foodie hotspots

Nice has plenty of old-town bistros, neighborhood eateries, caves à manger (wine bars) and sea-gazing restaurants that require no table reservations. But you should book tables at least a couple of weeks in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on the perfect plate of petits farcis (stuffed vegetables) or socca (chickpea pancakes) or the creative contemporary gastronomy of such Michelin-starred chefs as Tourteaux brothers at Flaveur , Michaël Gracieux at L’Aromate  or South African chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen at Jan .

4. Consider buying a Pass Musées

If you’re planning on visiting several of Nice's museums, buy a Pass Musées 3 Jours online or at the tourist office. Costing €15 and valid for three days, the pass covers admission to all municipal museums and galleries. A single entry to just one museum costs €5 or €10 depending on the museum, so you only need to visit a couple to justify the cost of the pass.

When plotting your museum itinerary, investigate which temporary exhibitions and events are on – keep tabs on what’s happening via the Musées de la Ville de Nice Facebook page.

…or a French Riviera Pass

If your Nice itinerary includes day trips to neighboring hot spots such as Monaco , Èze, Marineland in Antibes or the belle époque Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, it's well worth investing in a French Riviera Pass . The pass costs from €28 for one day to €59 for three days, and it includes fun activities like a half-hour Segway tour, bicycle and e-scooter rental, champagne at the city casino, a stand-up paddle boarding session, wine-tasting and more, as well as admission to dozens of museums and monuments in Nice and along the Riviera.

5. Cut your carbon footprint using e-bikes, public transport and boats to explore

Don’t even contemplate arriving in Nice by car; downtown traffic and parking are equally tiresome. Get around on foot, and for longer distances, by public transport and the shared, free-floating electric bikes provided by e-Vélobleu .

Nothing compares to seeing the Côte d'Azur's fabled coastline from the water. Trans Côte d’Azur boats sail east from Nice along the picturesque shoreline to Monaco, passing Villefranche-su-Mer, Cap Ferrat and Èze, and to glitzy St-Tropez via Antibes and star-studded Cannes .

Etiquette in Nice

6. keep bikinis and bare chests for the beach.

Don’t walk around the city in skimpy beachwear or bare-chested. Away from the shore, dress as you would in any non-coastal city. In summer, loose-fitting shirts and flowing skirts or baggy shorts are the way to go. Don’t forget a sunhat, sun protection and shades. Once actually on the beach, toplessness is perfectly acceptable and locals aren’t shy!

7. Leave the pebbles where they belong (and the blue chairs too)

It might be tempting to pop a couple of Nice’s signature round galets (pebbles) into your beach bag to paint and craft into a souvenir paperweight back home, but don’t! Each year, some 15,000 cubic meters of gloriously smooth pebbles from the nearby River Paillon are poured onto the beaches along Promenade des Anglais to slow down natural (and human-assisted) erosion. Play your part in preserving Nice’s legendary pebble beach – or risk a fine.

Also, note that Nice’s iconic blue chairs – a permanent fixture on the waterfront since the 1950s – belong on Promenade des Anglais. Do not move them onto the beach or, heaven forbid, attempt to take them home with you.

8. Dress up, not down, when dining out

This is France's glam coast, so bring some posher outfits and dress up for nicer mid-range restaurants, clubs and bars – no jeans and sneakers (though black or "smarter" jeans are usually acceptable).

9. Dress modestly when visiting churches

Leave the ultra-short shorts and mini-skirts at home when visiting Cathédrale Ste-Réparate , Chapelle de la Miséricorde and other old-town churches and chapels. Bring a scarf – make that two – to cover bare shoulders and thighs.

10. Bring your own bag or basket to the market

Browsing market stalls piled high with seasonal fruit and vegetables, shiny olives, rainbows of fresh blooms and exotic spices at Vieux Nice’s open-air market on Cours Saleya or the equally jam-packed Marché de la Libération is a Niçois rite of passage. Remember to bring your own basket or shopping bag to carry your purchases.

11. Shop for sustainably-produced "Made in Nice" souvenirs

Vieux Nice boasts ample souvenir shops selling mass-produced tack aimed squarely at tourists. Hunt down artist-supporting ateliers and independent boutiques instead for environmentally-conscious homewares, culinary products and hand-crafted goods produced by local artisans, craftsmen, farmers, producers and fashion designers. On-trend concept and vinyl store Evrlast on rue du Lycée in Vieux Nice is a good starting point.

Maison Auer has sold Nice’s famous fruits confits (crystallized fruits) to the sweet-toothed since 1820. If wine is your nectar, discover small-batch wines from the Alpes-Maritimes and Var regions at trusted 1940s wine shop Cave de la Tour in Vieux Nice. Or buy direct from a local chateau. Wine curios will be instantly smitten by Château de Bellet , one of France’s teeniest appellations, hidden high in the hills 9km (5.6 miles) northwest of Nice. Call ahead to arrange a vineyard tour, cellar visit and dégustation (tasting) before you buy.

12. Drink pastis and rosé like a Niçois

Pastis is France's most iconic aperitif – drinking it at any time of day is acceptable. When ordering, asking for "un pastis" would be like asking for "a beer" – instead, check the drinks menu and order by brand. Ricard and Pastis 51 are the most common, but there are plenty of artisanal brands spiced with local botanicals. Pastis de Nice blends 26 plants and spices from Nice’s mountainous hinterland.

Alternatively, opt for a glass of chilled rosé crafted in a Provence winery. Bistros and restaurants typically serve Côtes de Provence or Côteaux d’Aix as their highly affordable house wines. To try the grown-up stuff, indulge in a tasting session at Rosé , a wine bar single-mindedly focused on the rosé wines for which southern France is rightly famous.

13. Avoid restaurants touting "menus touristiques"

Nice has its fair share of restaurants targeting a less-discerning tourist crowd. Skip the restaurants touting a "menu touristique" – follow locals instead to authentic eateries, with menus only in French and kitchens fueled by seasonal produce sourced from regional farmers and artisan producers.

14. Never order a cappuccino to end a meal

Cappuccino is an Italian import – in France, un café (a short, sharp espresso) is the only self-respecting choice.

Health & safety in Nice

15. ditch bottled water for tap water.

Tap water is safe to drink in Nice, and ordering une carafe d’eau (a jug of tap water) rather than bottled water in restaurants saves euros and reduces plastic consumption.

Bring your own water bottle to fill up while roving around town. There are free drinking fountains spouting eau potable (drinking water) in both terminals at Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport and in various spots around town. You can also find taps in the public shower-blocks on the beachfront along Promenade des Anglais.

16. Beware of pickpockets and petty thieves

As in any other city, keep your wits about you. Beware of pickpockets in tourist-crowded areas such as Vieux Nice’s Cours Saleya markets, and on trams and buses into town from the airport. Don’t leave personal belongings unattended on the beach – your valuables are safer left back at your hotel.

17. Watch for stinger jellyfish

If you notice a lack of people jumping into the shallows or swimming further out to sea, it's usually for a good reason. Mauve stinger jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca) plague the Med at certain times of year, particularly in August. Ask around before entering the sea, and take the lead of locals – if they’re steering clear of the water, do the same.

Keep planning your trip to France:

These  10 places should be on your France itinerary Hit the road with  France’s 5 most stunning road trips Get outdoorsy with  France’s 10 best natural wonders

This article was first published May 15, 2022 and updated Jun 6, 2024.

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An Essential Guide to Nice, Europe’s Original Resort Town 

Nice’s standing as the ultimate getaway became official last summer, when it earned UNESCO World Heritage status as the “ winter resort town of the Riviera .” Citing the “exceptional universal value of the architectural, landscape, and urban heritage of Nice,” the designation memorializes the city’s international flair and air of opulence.

For seasoned travelers, the city’s alluring serenity and scenery has been an open secret since the 18th century. Back then, English aristocrats were drawn to the mild winter weather along this French-Mediterranean stretch, building lavish mansions with exotic gardens to suit their annual sojourns. By 1860, those early snowbirds even constructed the seaside walkway known as La Promenade des Anglais—the English Promenade—now an iconic global attraction.

But the real secret of Nice is its accessibility to modern travelers. From Vieux Nice (the old town) up to Cimiez Hill (Queen Victoria’s old neighborhood), visitors can make their way in luxury or on budget, and enjoy the same mesmerizing beauty of the French Riviera .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Chateau le Cagnard

What to do in Nice—and where to stay

Enthusiasm for Nice begins with a panoramic descent into Nice Cote d’Azur Airport, which juts out into the crystal-blue Ligurian Sea. From there, a 15-minute taxi or swift tram ride puts you directly into central Nice. On and just off the commercial strip that is Avenue Jean Medecin, you’ll find a range of lodging options, including Hotel Boscolo Nice , which welcomes guests into its artful lobby illuminated by a giant skylight. Rooms are spacious and chic, as are its subterranean spa and two Italian-inspired restaurants. Reserve time for the hotel’s breezy rooftop lounge, where you can dip into the plunge pool by day, and sip cocktails during mellow DJ’ed evenings.

Hotel Boscolo is along Boulevard Victor Hugo, from which much of Nice’s main attractions are a pleasant walk or Vélo Bleu bikeshare ride away. Head down Avenue Medecin toward the Fontaine du Soleil and the giant statue of Apollo, then into Vieux Nice to soak up the city’s history. The 1885 neoclassical Nice Opera House marks the west end of the famous Cours Saleya daily market , with fresh flowers and seasonal produce. Visit the Theresa Socca stand to try the simply divine local snack that is socca, a savory crepe made from chickpea flour.

With so many historic sights in the old town, it’s an interesting turn to visit the decidedly modern Charles Nègre Photography Museum , located beside the market in Place Pierre Gautier. Expect to find a range of temporary photo exhibits housed in neighboring buildings. Better still, €15 buys admission here and at 10 more museums across town, including the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Matisse Museum, and Archaeology Museum of Nice/Cimiez, located on an ancient Roman archaeological site. The museum pass doesn’t include Nice’s splendid Marc Chagall Museum, though it’s well worth a visit.

Pass through the arches to walk along the Quai des États-Unis—the United States Wharf, so named to honor America’s World War I alliance with France. This café-lined boulevard parallels the famous Promenade, where you can hit the beach, or gaze upon it from waterside-terrace restaurants like Plage Beau Rivage . Stroll eastward towards the giant #ILoveNICE selfie spot, and on to the compact Port Lympia to check out the colorful wooden fishing boats docked beside million-dollar mega yachts.

Sardines on the beach 

Tanning under the stripped umbrellas

Local Nissarde cuisine

Fans of the Niçoise salad will enjoy diving deeper into unique local Cuisine Nissarde , a notably different style of gastronomy that reflects the region’s Ligurian (Northern Italian) influence. Based on seasonal ingredients that bring fresh salads and fruits in summer, and root vegetables and stews in winter, Nissarde cooking often involves eggs, olives, mushrooms, and deep-sea fish like tuna and sardines.

The Nice Cote d’Azur tourism board lists about two dozen restaurants as traditional “Cuisine Nissarde” establishments, eight of them in or near Vieux Nice. Family-run Chez Acchiardo is one of the oldest, open since 1927 in its stone-walled corner location on Rue Droite. Here’s you’ll be able to sample some of the city’s best traditional dishes, such as daube , beef stew made with red wine and Mediterranean herbs; and trouchia , a tasty frittata layered with baby Swiss chard.

On every Nissarde menu you’ll find merda de can, green gnocchi topped with pistou—pesto made without pine nuts, the Ligurian way. Lou Balico serves one of the best versions, in shareable portions, along with a superb Niçoise salad, made traditionally with anchovies, pickled vegetables, and artichokes, served over greens with fresh tuna, tomato, olives, and boiled egg. On any Nissarde menu you’ll also find pissaladière , a filling, focaccia-like flatbread topped with caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives.

Parfumerie Galimard

Along the Cote d’Azur

The 120-mile-long French Riviera stretches from shore to Alps, so it’s well worth a regional tour to explore small towns like Vence, a historic Roman-turned-medieval village about 45 minutes’ drive northwest from Nice. In the town square, dine al fresco at CheZ’elles, serving delicious Armenian food that’s pleasantly mistaken for classic Greek cuisine. Don’t miss a visit to Vence’s Rosary Chapel, commonly called the Matisse Chapel since Henri Matisse personally designed and decorated the bright, modest space during his later years. 

Take a quick jaunt from Vence to Cagnes-sur-Mer to lodge at Chateau le Cagnard , once a hilltop castle that’s now a luxury hotel with 29 unique guestrooms, many with picture-perfect balconies. Nearby, the serenity of the Renoir House and Museum reveals why many artists were drawn to this lovely, temperate corner of France.

Drive or take a train eastward from Nice to Eze to visit the spectacular Exotic Garden of Eze , a botanical garden perched high on a hill within a medieval fortress, planted with foliage from around the world. Stroll through the fortress’ winding pathways to find unique shops and cafés, and stop into ultra-grand Hotel Chateau de La Chèvre d’Or for an Aperol spritz overlooking the sea. For a delightfully different souvenir, join a fragrance-making class at Eze’s Galimard Maison de Parfums , where you can customize your own scent to bring home, while the studio keeps your recipe on file for future orders.

You can dine or lodge overnight at panoramic (and decidedly modern) Les Terasses d’Eze , or head back to Nice, perhaps via the maritime town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. This former fishing village is prime territory for fresh-caught, French-inspired seafood dishes at open-air spots like Le Cosmo .

That restaurant is located on a plaza that faces the 16th-century Chapel St. Pierre, a modest structure with an eye-catching Romanesque façade. Its interior is even more fascinating, every inch decorated with the original mid-century work of Jean Cocteau, who lived occasionally in the Welcome Hotel in Villefranche. There, Cocteau found both solace and inspiration in the everyday milieu of the Cote d’Azur. It seems the atmospheric nature of the French Riviera was as beguiling to him as it was for centuries of vacationers before him, and for today’s travelers eager to find their own time in the Nice sun.

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Visit Nice: The 17 Best things to do and see

Things to do in nice: the 17 best places to visit and highlights.

You’re planning to visit Nice during your next trip to France?

Between sea and mountains, Nice , the city where I was born and where I spent more than 20 years of my life is full of tourist attractions and great activities to do.

In order to help you plan your stay, I have created a guide of the best things to do and see in Nice and around.

At the end of the article, you will also find itineraries to visit Nice in 1, 2, 3 days or even a week as well as my list of the best places to stay in Nice depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Nice? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. The Promenade des Anglais

2. discover the old town of nice, 3. enjoy an italian ice cream, 4. have a go at nice local food, 5. nice castle hill, 6. going to the beach in nice, 7. cimiez neighbourhood, 8. nice russian orthodox cathedral,  9. nice carnival, 10. rest in the shades at park vigier, 11. do the nice coastal walk, 12. boat trip from nice, 13. nice walking tour: from the promenade des anglais to coco beach, 14. take a stroll at the mont boron, 15. go to the phoenix park, 16. visit nice museums, things to do in nice when it rains, things to do around nice, what to do in nice for a day, what to do in nice for 2 days, what to do in nice for 3 days, a week in nice, where to stay in nice, renting a boat in nice, nice tourist map, you’re traveling in france these articles will help you, visit nice: the 17 must-see attractions.

It’s impossible to talk about Nice without mentioning the famous Promenade des Anglais (English Promenade). Formerly a favourite resort for English people during winter months, it’s today the most famous tourist attraction of the city.

This world-famous 7km promenade runs from the Castle Hill (La colline du Château in French) to Nice airport.

If you are coming to Nice for the first time, I strongly recommend you to at least walk on the part that goes from the old town of Nice to the Negresco hotel , passing through the Jardin Albert 1er and the Palais de la Méditerranée.

If you want to do the whole Promenade des Anglais , it’s best to rent a bike or rollerblades!

And even better than biking or rollerblading, you can also enjoy a Segway tour on the Promenade des Anglais!

This 2 hours guided tour will allow you to discover the famous Promenade as well as wander through the streets of the old town and go to the top of the Castle Hill.

To book your guided visit of Nice by Segway , you just have to click on the button below:

Another must see in Nice is its old town with its shady alleyways, colourful facades and typically Mediterranean shutters.

Impossible to talk about Nice Old Town (le Vieux Nice) without mentioning the Cours Saleya , where is held almost every morning (except on Monday) the famous market and flower market .

On Monday morning, the Cours Saleya becomes a big open-air flea market! It’s also the ideal place to have a drink or eat something at one of the many terraces.

When you visit the Old Town of Nice , I also recommend you to see:

The Courthouse Square (Place du Palais de Justice) The Rossetti Square (Place Rossetti), where the magnificent Saint Reparata Cathedral is located. There is also the city’s best ice cream shop, I will tell you more about it below The Saint Francis Square (Place Saint François) and its small fish market.

It’s also possible to go to the Castle Hill through the Old Town. I will tell you more about it a bit further.

While you are in the Old Town of Nice , you should take advantage of it to enjoy a traditional Italian ice cream.

I recommend “Azzurro” , which is located on Rossetti Square, not far from another ice cream shop that is well known by tourists but less good, Fenocchio.

The quality of the products used is much better at Azzurro, and their cones are home made , it has absolutely nothing to do in terms of taste!

Needless to say that eating ice cream is one of my favorite activities when I come back to Nice 😋.

Visiting Nice also means discovering the local food specialities , the “cuisine Niçoise”, during your stay, which is the pride of the niçois (inhabitants of Nice)

• Socca: It’s one of the most famous culinary specialities of Nice and one of the most representative of the city.  Made from chickpea flour, you will find very good ones in the old town of Nice. Ideally, a good socca should’nt be dry, but slightly creamy inside.
• Panisse: Another speciality made from chickpea flour, most often fried. A delight!
• Pissaladière: A “pie with onions and anchovies”, that’s how we could sum up the pissaladière! Try it during your stay in Nice! (Available also in an anchovy-free version)
• Salade niçoise: The great classic of Nice: Tuna, tomatoes, salad and other raw vegetables, anchovies, hard-boiled eggs, olives niçoises and of course olive oil vinaigrette (from Nice too, otherwise it’s sinful).
• Pan Bagnat: This is a sandwich version of the niçoise salad: tuna and/or anchovies, raw vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, niçoise olives and olive oil, all in a round bread.
• Farcis niçois (Stuffed vegetables) , daube niçoise (Beef stew) etc. : In Nice, we like everything that is “Niçois”, so we have a Niçoise version of many dishes. It’s the same as the classics, but better. (Surely thanks to the “niçoise” olive oil ……. well, except for the stew, probably, or some people have been hiding things from me!)

You’re going to Nice?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Nice on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Nice.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Nice, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Nice!

The Castle Hill park (le parc de la Colline du Château) is located on the hill overlooking Nice Old Town. It owes its name to the military fortress that overlooked the bay of Nice from the 11th to the 18th century.

You should go to this park for the stunning viewpoints it offers over the city, the Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges), the harbour and the mountains.

Here are the 5 best viewpoints of Nice Castle Hill:

• At the top , with a view of the airport and mountains
• Close to the children’s playground area , view of the harbour and the hill of Mont Boron,
• Bellanda Tower : View over the Bay of Angels
• Belvedere near the exit of the elevator
• Cascade du Château , an artificial waterfall, but still very pretty!

You can walk up and down the castle on foot or use the elevator. I recommend you to take the stairs for at least one of the way as this allows you to pass by the Bellanda Tower lookout I mentioned earlier.

If you go down on the other side of the castle, you should take a walk through the castle cemetery , which also offers a beautiful view of the city. It’s even better if you can do it at the end of the day to enjoy the sunset!

You understood it, the Castle Hill is really one of the best places to visit in Nice (and my favourite in the town center for its amazing view!).

Ohh, and one more thing: It’s also possible to go to the Castle by taking the Nice mini-train tour! The departure point is on the Promenade des Anglais , in front of the centenary monument of the Jardin Albert 1er.

Due to the Castle hill opening hours, it’s not possible to watch the sunset from there all year round.

Opening hours:

From 01/10 to 31/03: 8h30-18h From 01/04 to 31/09: 8h30-20h

So you will be able to watch the sunset from the Castle hill only the following months

– September, November, December, January and up to around 15th of February.

If Nice beach looks good in photo, with its big pebbles, it’s not necessarily the most comfortable beach in the world!

As far as swimming is concerned, it’s the same thing. In Nice, the water gets very deep very quickly, so it’s not really an ideal spot for snorkeling or playing in the water for example.

For this reason, I recommend you go to Villefranche sur Mer or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. I will tell you more about theses cities later in this article.

And if you like to get a tan for hours on the beach, you can go to one of  Nice private beaches, like Castel beach (Castel Plage), located at the foot of the Castle Hill. Other beaches allow you to do nautical activities like parasailing, stand up paddle or tubing!

And speaking of nautical activities, here are the best water sports to enjoy during your trip to Nice.

Simply click on the links below to book them at the best price:

• Parasailing in the Bay of Angels, near Nice Old Town
• First dive , with 2 dives of 20 minutes or opt for a freediving class!
• 3-hour Snorkeling tour to go fish-watching
• Stand up Paddle
• Kayaking down the Var river
• Canyoning – Here are the best canyons to explore around Nice Cramassouri Canyon – Riolan Canyon – Canyon of the Riou de la Bollène – Gorges du Loup Canyon – Imberguet Canyon .

Cimiez neighbourhood is at first a residential place, so you will not find many shops or restaurants. Nevertheless, you have some nice points of interest to visit:

• Cimiez Arena Park (parc des arènes de Cimiez)
• The Cimiez arenas (les arènes de Cimiez), located at the entrance to the park
• Cimiez monastery gardens (jardins du monastère de Cimiez), from which you will have a panoramic view of Nice and the Bay of Angels.
• Cimiez archaeological museum and it’s Roman ruins.
• The Henri Matisse museum , which is located in the arenas park.
• Marc Chagall National Museum

To go to Cimiez, you can take the bus number 5, 33 or 70.

Nice Russian Orthodox Cathedral , listed historical monument, is the most important Orthodox worship religious building outside Russia. It thus clearly deserves its place in this list of the best places to visit in Nice!

Even if quite far from what you were expecting to do in Nice, it’s worth a look, even just to appreciate the contrast between the architecture and the Mediterranean vegetation, or even the palm trees just around the corner!

It’s also possible to visit the inside of the cathedral.

You can get there on foot or with bus number 8.

Nice Carnival , largest carnival in France and one of the world’s most famous, takes place every year in February for 2 weeks.

Every year, the festivities attract several hundred thousand of spectators, coming to enjoy the monumental floats and t he famous flower parade (also called flower “battle”) on the Promenade des Anglais.

Totally unknown by other tourists, the park Vigier , close to La Réserve and the “Coco Beach” restaurant is the ideal place to take a nap or read a book in the shade of palm trees, during the hottest hours of the day.

The right part of the park is always very quiet, as the children are mostly playing in the left part of the park.

This walk, that most tourists don’t know about is in 2 parts and allows you to walk from Nice to Villefranche sur Mer , while following the sea for 90% of the time.

• The first part starts from Coco Beach and takes you up to the Cap de Nice by a series of stairs, to bypass the cliffs of the Materlinck Palace (Palais Materlink).
• The second part of the coastal path begins with a descent down the stairs in the big turn after the Materlinck Palace . It allows you to reach the port of Villefranche Darse.

The walk isn’t very long, if you want to do it all the way from Nice, count about 1h30-2h depending on where you start from. It’s also possible to make only one of the 2 parts. If you only want to do the second (30-45 minutes), you can take bus number 100 from Nice harbor to the “English hospital” stop. The beginning of the coastal walk is about 200m further on, in the big turn.

To get back to Nice , take bus 15 or 100 in Villefranche sur Mer.

A section allowing passage through the cliffs was being studied, which would allow to walk from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer entirely by the seaside, but it seems that the project is unfortunately at a standstill.

If you prefer, you can also discover the coast between Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer with a boat trip.

Starting from Nice, you will first sail to Villefranche and then continue to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, where you can admire superb villas from the sea.

The cruise to the bay of Villefranche needs to be booked by clicking on the button below:

And if you prefer to enjoy a small group boat tour (on a Zodiac) at sunset , you should rather book this excursion (click here).

In addition to the cruise to Villefranche bay I told you about, there are a few other great boat trips to do from Nice . (Simply click on the links to book them):

• An evening sea trip on a solar boat
• Boat trip from Nice to St Tropez , with free time in St Tropez to visit the town
• Boat tour to the Lerins Islands , with a visit to Sainte-Marguerite island (walking tour of the island, swimming, picnic)
• A round trip transfer Nice-Monaco by boat
• A 4-hour fishing trip.

For more details about these boat trips, you can read my detailed article: The 8 best boat trip from Nice

In addition to these boat tours, you have 2 other options that will allow you to discover Nice surroundings by boat, away from the other tourists.

To enjoy a VIP experience , you can:

1) Book a private boat trip from Nice

In my opinion, this is the best way to make the most of your day at sea in Nice!

You will rent a boat with an experienced skipper that will take care of showing you the most beautiful places of the French Riviera .

Motorboat, sailboat, catamaran or even yacht: choose the boat you want to spend a dream day!

As you can imagine, this type of VIP day at sea is extremely popular, so you should rent your boat with skipper as soon as possible. It would be a shame to miss this day because all boats are already rented!

You can find all boats with skipper in Nice by clicking on the button below:

2) Rent a boat to discover Nice’s surroundings

If you have a boat license, your second option for a great day at sea is simply to rent a boat!

To do so, it’s very simple: you just have to click on the button below:

For those who wish to discover the city on foot, here is an itinerary that will allow you to pass by the must-see places in Nice.

Start your Nice walking tour in Nice Old Town and the Cours Saleya , then continue on the Promenade des Anglais to the Negresco Hotel and Villa Massena (which houses the excellent Massena Museum ). Go back for about 300m and take the Congrès street (rue du Congrès). Then, take the first street on the right, and you will arrive in the pedestrian zone , a good place to shop, have a drink, or eat in one of the many restaurants.

At the end of the street, you will reach Place Massena , with the Sun fountain (fontaine du soleil) located at its south, in the centre of which is a 7m high statue of Apollo. On your right is the Jardin Albert 1er with its monumental arch of 115.5 degrees.

Continue along the Promenade du Paillon , where the Nice water mirror is located. This park leads you directly to Garibaldi Square.

As it will certainly be lunch time, if you would like to taste a Niçoise speciality like socca , I recommend you to briefly go back to the old town of Nice located 2 steps away to fill your stomach! And why not finish with a good ice cream from Azzurro , on Rossetti Square?

After the meal, go back to Garibaldi Square and head toward the port of Nice by Cassini street .

Go around the harbor by the Quai des Deux Emmanuels and take Boulevard Franck Pilatte , which will lead you to La Réserve (it’s on this beach that Brice de Nice lives, in case you know the movie!), Parc Vigier and Coco Beach , in that order.

From Coco Beach , you can continue along the coastal path , and even reach Villefranche sur Mer . In this case, you will need to take the bus number 100 to go back to Nice.

Finally, at the end of the day, you can go to the Nice Castle Hill , walking up the stairs or using the elevator, in order to enjoy the sunset!

Other itineraries are available on the city of Nice website (in french).

Mount Boron is a Mediterranean forest located on the east of Nice.

It’s also the place where you can find the very photogenic Fort Mount Alban . It offers many walks with beautiful views of the Bay of Angels and the Bay of Villefranche .

You should really go to the Mount Alban Fort , at the top, the view is amazing! For me the best place in Nice. Going there is a great activity with a rewarding view!

To get to Mont Boron, take the city bus number 30 from Nice.

The Phoenix Park (Parc Phoenix), also called “Nice Floral Park” is a botanical and zoological garden located near Nice Airport, in the Arenas district.

On 7 hectares, you will find a very high biodiversity, both fauna and flora, with aviaries, marsupials, porcupines, otters and a pond.

One of the major attractions of the site is the large greenhouse , which has several tropical climates with tropical plants and various bird specimens including pink flamingos.

In the park, you will also find a children playground area. Phoenix park is a great place to spend an afternoon with your family in Nice!

The entrance fee for the Phoenix Park is 5 euros per person. Discounts are available for families and students.

To get there, you will need to take the Tramway line 2 and stop at “Parc Phoenix” station.

I have already talked about a few of Nice museums , especially in the paragraph about the district of Cimiez, but there are many others worth seeing. Here are my 5 favorites!

• Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Nice , called MAMAC, near the Garibaldi Square.
• Asian Arts Museum , located right next to Phoenix Park
• The Museum of Art and History of the Massena Palace, a superb “Belle époque” style mansion on the Promenade des Anglais.
• The Palais Lascaris , in Nice old town, has a very beautiful collection of musical instruments, and some of them are really unusual!
• Jules Chéret Fine Arts Museum , located in the magnificent setting of Villa Thompson, on Baumettes hill.

And as a bonus, if you like photography, I recommend the Charles Nègre photography museum , which is small, but offers high quality exhibitions. Moreover, it’s located in the Nice old town, so you don’t need to need to go far away to find it!

Good to know: In Nice, it’s not possible to pay museum’s admission fees one by one, you have to buy the “Nice Museums Pass” , which gives you access to all the municipal museums:

• 24h pass: 10 euros
• 7 days pass: 20 euros

You can find more information about the museums included in the Nice Museums Pass on the official Nice museum website .

Us, Niçois (inhabitants of Nice), don’t dare to talk too much about it, but sometimes… it’s raining in Nice . Yes, for real! Well, that’s not what you’ll see on postcards.

If, in a pure moment of bad luck, this happens during your vacation on the French Riviera, I have prepared a list of activities to do in Nice if the weather isn’t good:

• Visiting one of the many museums in Nice: When it rains, it’s certainly the first thing that will come to your mind. I’ve made you a list of the best ones a little higher up in the article. Don’t forget to take the Nice Museums Pass.
• Bowling: There is a quite large bowling alley in Nice, which also has a few arcade video games: the Nice Acropolis bowling alley, here is the address: 5 Esplanade Kennedy, 06000 Nice
• Ice skating: head for the Jean Bouin ice rink, close to the Acropolis and bowling for a short gliding session! There is also a swimming pool in the same building. All equipment can be rented, gloves included.
• Play an escape game: it’s a fun experience to do with family or friends. There are several in Nice, including “I Lock U” and “Fox in a Box”, which are in the city centre. A great activity to do in case of bad weather.
• Going to Monaco and visiting the Oceanographic Museum : it’s simply one of the best museums in the region.
• Play laser tag: The only laser tag game of Nice is located in the plain of Var (Plaine du Var), at the Lingostière shopping center
• Cinema: There are 3 cinemas in Nice city center : The Pathé Masséna, the Pathé Paris and the Varieties. The first two are located on Avenue Jean Médecin, and the third on a perpendicular street, the Avenue Victor Hugo.
• Experience video games in virtual reality: It’s raining? Well, this is a great opportunity to try out virtual reality. A VR playground,”Game Over”, opened in Nice. Here is the address: 14 boulevard de Riquier – 06300 Nice
• Go to the fair: If you are in Nice in December, you will have the opportunity to go for a walk in Luna Park, a temporary amusement park. As most of it is located indoor, in the exhibition center (Palais des Expositions), it’s a great activity to do when it’s raining in Nice

If you’re going to Nice, I strongly recommend that you go for a trip around Nice , as the area around the city is full of beautiful places to discover. Here are someone of my favourite places to see around Nice:

• Villefranche-sur-Mer: A very pretty little Mediterranean town. Don’t miss: The Villefranche Old Town, the darse (it’s port) and most important, the citadel St. Elmo (Citadelle Saint-Elme), also simply called “Villefranche citadel”.
• Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: The peninsula of billionaires, with incredible luxury villas like the villa Ephrussi de Rothschild . To do: the coastal walk tour of the Cap Ferrat, which starts from the beach “Passable”. You can also swim in one of the pretty little coves along the way!
• Eze village: This small village perched above the sea is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Also worth a visit: the exotic garden of Eze.
• Menton: A small town on the Italian border, known for its lemon festival and sunshine. The old town of Menton is quite pretty.
• Antibes: Known first and foremost for its Square fortress (Fort Carré), a 16th century military fort by the sea, the old town of Antibes is also worth a visit, with excellent restaurants. Another thing to do in Antibes: the Cap d’Antibes tour and its magnificent residences.
• Cannes: The city where the famous film festival takes place every year. Don’t miss: The walk on the famous “Croisette”! and the visit of Lerins islands
• The Principality of Monaco: Monaco , famous for it’s luxury lifestyle! To see: The palace , located on Le Rocher, the Casino de Monte-Carlo , the Oceanographic Museum and if you like beautiful cars, Prince Rainier III old car collection. You can read my guide about Monaco here: The 25 best things to do in Monaco
• Beautiful villages to visit around Nice: Peille , Saint Agnès (highest perched village on the coast), Coaraze and its sundials, and the ruins of Châteauneuf-Villevieille .
• Enjoy a boat trip to admire Nice and the bay of Villefranche from the sea. You need to book it here!
• The wineries around Nice, where you can taste excellent wines of the PACA region. You will find the list of all the wineries offering visits near Nice by clicking here!

If you want to discover the best of the French Riviera in one day such as Eze, Monaco, Antibes and Cannes , you can opt for an organized day trip.

It needs to be booked my clicking here:

There are of course many other things to do around Nice, this being a non-exhaustive list, which should nonetheless keep you busy for a good week.

If you only have one day to visit Nice , I recommend that you take a walk around the area, with the itinerary I describe at #12 of this top. Nice is not very big, so a walking tour is clearly the best way to discover the city!

And if you don’t want to walk all day, you can in the afternoon:

• Go to the beach
• Visit some museums in the city centre , such as the MAMAC, the Palais Lascaris or the photo museum, very close to each other.
• If you choose to visit museums, don’t miss the Masséna Museum in the morning, as you will pass by!

No matter which itinerary you choose, go to the Castle Hill at the end of the day, you won’t regret it, it’s a must see in Nice.

In 2 days in Nice , you will have the time to visit the surroundings! In addition to the first day described above, here is one of my favorite itinerary, very little known to tourists:

• Start in the morning with the coastal path ( #11 ), which goes from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer . It’s a really beautiful stroll by the water!
• Visit the Villefranche old town , its port, its pretty beach, the magnificent St-Elmo citadel and its free mini-museums.
• As it will certainly be lunchtime, you can eat in one of the seaside restaurants or in the old town.
• Then, I recommend that you climb up the hill of Mont Boron , a very beautiful pine forest with many amazing viewpoints on Nice on one side, and on the bay of Villefranche on the other.
• From Villefranche-sur-Mer , start by going to  l’escalier de verre ( Google map link – Glass stairs, it’s just a name, it’s not made of glass!), about 15 minutes walk.
• Then go to the Fort of Mont Alban , for the great view over the bay of Villefranche, then turn back to the southern part of Mont Boron, which overlooks Nice.
• To return to Nice , you can walk down (30 to 45 minutes) or take bus 30 from the Plateau du Mont Boron.

To easily plan your 2 days in Nice, you should read my dedicated article: The best 2-day itinerary in Nice.

To be done in addition to the 2 previous days. Spending 3 days in Nice is having time to make another unforgettable excursion in the surroundings: a superb itinerary that will take you from Eze village to Monaco , passing by Menton . Make sure you have good shoes, as the paths are quite rocky.

• First, take the bus 82 from Nice to Eze village.
• Visit this magnificent perched village and the exotic garden of Eze
• To go back down to sea level, take the Nietzsche Trail , which offers a magnificent view of the sea and surrounding cities. It will take you to Eze Beach.
• Then take the bus number 100 of the “lignes d’Azur” to Menton.
• Visit the old town , and grab something to eat!
• Then, walk around Cap Martin along the seaside trail.
• Continue with the Promenade Le Corbusier , which will take you from Roquebrune to Monaco
• Visit Monaco , and to finish, take bus number 100 from Monaco bus station to go back to Nice.

Another busy day around Nice!

You have a week in Nice ? You’re really lucky! You will be able to visit a lot of things around Nice , and discover the majority of the places presented in this guide. In addition to the previous days, here is an itinerary:

Day 4: to avoid the impression of running everywhere, make this day a little more tranquil: In the morning, head to the Hill of Cimiez with its park and museums ( #7 ). For the afternoon, you can go to the beach in Nice , stroll again in Nice Old Town, have a drink on the Cours Saleya or shop on Avenue Jean Medecin .

Day 5 : let’s go to Antibes with the bus 200 or by train from Nice, to see the Fort Carré, the old town and the Cap d’ Antibes . To mix once again with swimming for a successful day!

Day 6: a day trip to Cannes (bus 200 or train), coupled with a boat expedition on the Lérins islands.

Day 7: take the 15 bus from Nice to Saint-jean-Cap-Ferrat , do a tour of the Cap (in part or in full) and, most important, relax in one of the small coves, the beach of Passable or the one of Les Fosses.

This itinerary of one week on the French Riviera is the best way to get a good overview of the region!

• Hôtel Ozz by Happyculture : Located about 15 minutes from the beach on foot. Nice place, very friendly staff, great location and comfortable beds. Only 20€ per night in dormitory. Double room at 55€. This is the best hostel for a budget stay in Nice!
• Hôtel Brice Garden : Located in the hear of Nice, 5 minutes walk from the beach and Promenade des Anglais. Very well furnished and clean room from 80€ per night. Excellent value for money. Friendly and welcoming staff. The best value hotel if you want to stay in the city center! Needs to be booked as soon as possible, lots of demand.
• Hôtel le Saint Paul : Located 50 meters from the Nice harbor, in a quiet area, with an amazing sea view. Large bright room from 95€ per night, buffet breakfast for 12€. Plus: free private parking. My favorite in Nice!
• Hôtel Le Royal Promenade des Anglais : Located right on the Promenade des Anglais in a historic building. Prestigious room decorated in a classic style, very bright, from 135€ per night, breakfast at 15€.
• Hôtel Negresco: Located on the Promenade des Anglais, this exceptional hotel is simply the best in Nice. The rooms are magnificent, the view is stunning, the staff is amazing and the restaurant is one of the best in town. It’s the best choice for a luxury stay in Nice!

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your stay in Nice, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Nice? 😊

I have made for you a tourist map of Nice , listing all the must see attractions and activities as well as the 2 itineraries I talked about. You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with a little arrow on it.

You’re going to travel to Nice? What do you plan to visit?

France travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet France guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Rick Steves France guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all our articles about France: All Voyage Tips articles about France are listed here. French Riviera

• French Riviera: Top 25 best places to visit and activities
• Itinerary: 1 Week in French Riviera – the definitive guide for your 7-8 days trip
• Antibes: Top 20 best places to visit
• Cannes: The 20 best things to do and activities
• Monaco: 25 Best places to visit
• Nice: 15 things you must do and see

Other French Cities

• Annecy: 12 things to do and see
• Honfleur: Top 15 things to discover
• La Rochelle: Top 15 things to do and must-see attractions
• Lyon: 21 Best things to do
• Marseille: Top 33 best things to do and see
• Nantes: The 15 best things to do
• Reims: Top 15 things to do and see
• Rennes: The 15 things you must do!
• Strasbourg: The 25 must-see attractions

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Discussion 72 comments.

I am planning to go to France in June and I think I will spend a few days in Nice.

It’s funny how I can really tell you love your hometown when reading this article.

By the way, do you think it’s worth spending a few days in Cannes too?

Ahahahah yes, I love my hometown, Nice is a very beautiful city for sure. For Cannes, honestly it’s not worth it, there is nothing to do except a bit of (expensive) shopping there. There are much more beautiful places to see around Nice. If you would like to visit a “luxury” city, I would rather recommend Monaco, it’s a lot more interesting! When you will be around Nice, I strongly recommand you to visit Villefranche sur Mer, Saint jean Cap Ferrat, Eze village, Menton and Antibes. They are really the Top 5 places you shouldn’t miss on the French Riviera!

My boyfriend and I are going to Nice in May (19-22). We have 4 whole days, but two of them is on public holidays. What would you recommend to do these days? So far we’ve planned the coast walk to Villefrance-sur-mer/Mont Boron and we also want to visit Monaco, but we haven’t decided which days we do what. So what should we plan for the two days 20/21st, where most shops are closed?

Best regards Simone

Hello Simone,

For your trip to Nice, i suggest you the following visit planning: (random days order)

1) the Villefranche/Mont Boron day. Can be done during the public holidays, the shops in Villefranche sur mer aren’t super interesting. 2) the problem is this second day where the shops are closed. You can go to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat for a walk along the see, grab some sandwiches (in Nice before going, there is not much there) and eat the in a cove. Another option is to go to Italy, as the 21st of april is a working day there. There are direct trains to Ventimiglia, it takes less than 1h. you can also go to San Remo, a bit bigger city. you will need to change train, takes around 1h30 total. Just be careful, in Italy, shops are usually closed from 12h30 to 16h (nap time!) 3) if you like hiking, you should go to Eze village by bus, and then from up there you can go down all the way to monaco. It is a superb small hike (going down and flat, easy), and a great way to make the most out of your day. Try to leave Nice not too late (around 9am is fine) 4) 1 day in Nice to visit the city by foot, do some shopping etc…

Let me know if you need more info for your stay in Nice!

Hey.. My fiancé and I are planning our honeymoon in Nice end of November and starting December for 4 days.. and would like to understand if it would be a good time to visit the town and would it be possible to do day trips at that time of the year. We do not mind the cold weather.. 🙂 Btw, your article is very interesting and full of insights.. 🙂

I am glad my article about Nice is helping you to plan your trip!

You can visit Nice and the towns around at any time of the year, the weather in this area is one of the best in France.

End of November/December is still really enjoyable, especially if you get a few sunny days (it’s not too cold like january/february). You can do everything I mentionned in this article without problem! (Just no swimming, unless you are warriors :p)

Enjoy your honeymoon!

Nice article. Im planning to visit Nice next month.

Just a question, walking around old town, is it stroller friendly? My baby is 3months old 🙂

Yes, Nice old town is 100% stroller friendly. There are no mandatory stairs, you can go everywhere by just walking in the alleys. In addition, the ground is flat, (no cobblestones), so it is very easy to navigate with a stroller or a wheelchair.

Enjoy your stay in Nice!

Thanks for the very nice article.

Me and my boyfriend are planning a one week visit to Nice and surrounding areas in December (21st-28th). I want to ask you about the Christmas traditions and also for the days of 24,25 and 26th is everything closed? What do you suggest to do during those days?

In Nice, there is a (quite small) Christmas market that takes place every year on the Place Massena. The illuminations in the street at nights are also quite nice!

The only official holiday is on the 25th of December, the other days, everything should be open, so no problem for this.

On the 25th, you should probably opt for a walk, for example you can take the bus #14 and go to the Mont Boron and Mont Alban fort ( #13 of this guide). You will love the view from there! You can spend around 2 hours up there, and then if you feel like it, go back to Nice on foot. It just goes down so it’s pretty easy.

Hi thinking of visiting Nice and the surrounding area at the very end of March next year. Not expecting beach weather but would it be pleasant enough for walking around?

Hello Carolyn,

At the end of March, you have good chances to have a nice weather in Nice. Not super hot (probably around 15-17°C during the day), but good enough for walking around and enjoying the French Riviera.

If you have any other questions about your stay in Nice, don’t hesitate 🙂

Hi! We are planning to be in Nice in April 16 and after that we going to Monaco for a cruise on April 20 . Will you please give us your recommendations how to spend this time ? rent a car or not?

Renting a car isn’t mandatory in Nice as public transportation is pretty good in the French Riviera. You can easily go to every place I have mentioned in this guide by bus or train.

For your stay in Nice, you should do the activities I mentioned: in the “Visit Nice in 1, 2 or 3 days” part of the article. If you don’t want to walk too much, you can also take the bus. From Nice:

– Bus #82 to go to Eze Village – Bus #100 to go to Villefranche Sur Mer – Bus #14 to go to the Mont Boron – Bus #200 to go to Antibes (or train if you prefer, it’s faster)

In addition to the visit of Nice, these are really the 4 best places to see around.

Hello, I am going to Nice end of May 2019 for 4 days. it will be 4 adults. I red all your recomendations, its very well informative. I prefer to have a private guid with a mini van for 2 days to see some places. Do you know anyone or how and where to find this option.

Hello Jane,

The best way to find a private guide to visit Nice and the French Riviera is to ask your hotel. They usually know drivers and/or guides and can recommend you someone.

Have a great trip!

Hello Vincent,

Hope you’re well!

I’m surprising my boyfriend and taking him to Nice for the weekend this Friday for his birthday (my birthday is also next week, so two birds with one stone!) and just wanted to say what a lovely article with great inspiring ideas and full of information. Love the map as well! Wish I could download it as a PDF on my phone though. I can’t wait to explore the beautiful places! Fingers crossed it doesn’t rain!

Many thanks again!

Hello Irina,

I am great thanks, and you?

I am really glad my Nice city guide is helping you to plan your trip in and around the city.

If you have any specific question, don’t hesitate, I will gladly help you.

Have a great day!

I’m going for 3 days is it best to visit both Cannes and Monaco or just one of them and can you get around without knowing any french.

There isn’t much to do in Cannes except walking on “La Croisette” next to the sea. And you can do the same in Nice on “La promenade des Anglais”.

So it will be better to visit Nice and maybe do a day trip east of Nice, to Monaco and Menton (the old town of Menton is very nice).

Don’t worry if you don’t speak French: the hotels staff always speak English and can help you to organize your day trips, telling you which bus to take and where to take it.

As it’s quite touristic city, you shouldn’t have too much trouble to find an English speaking person in the street neither!

If you have more questions about your trip to Nice and the French Riviera, don’t hesitate to ask me.

this list of things to do in Nice is wonderful and well written from the heart. I’m excited that a few of us are going to be there late May. Your article is Magnifique.

I am glad you like my article about Nice and find it useful!

If you have any specific question, don’t hesitate to ask me. Enjoy your stay in Nice!

Hi Vincent,

Great Page! I will use your weekly guide.

I have a question on buses and trains. I may get a bus or train to visit Cannes and Monaco. How do the tickets work?

Thanks for your help.

Hi Richard,

For the bus tickets, you can buy them directly in the bus. No matter where you go, it’s 1.50 euros one way.

When going to Monaco with the bus, the scenery is really nice, so try to sit on the right side of the bus if you can 🙂

About train tickets, you can get them at the automatic machines at the train station. Else, you can also book them online in advance on Oui Sncf , the official french railways website.

Enjoy your trip in Nice and around the french Riviera!

Thanks Vincent Must say that its pretty good article. Liked the way everything is described. I am sure you love your city. Same as we, so we plan to visit the French Riviera for 4 full days at end of June.

We are family of 4 with 2 adults and 2 young kids (One is 6 yrs and another 10 months baby). Wanted to check some suggestions for family friendly places to see and things to do. and also if will there be problems with stroller ? We are staying at Nice and plan to visit Nice and the nearby places these 4 days. Can you plz suggest a good itinerary?

Many thanks in advance.

I am glad you found this article about Nice useful!

You can really go everywhere in town with your family, even in the old town, there is no stairs, so it’s quite stroller friendly 🙂

For the itinerary with your family, you can do the following (adapted for young kids compared to the one in the article, no walking on non-stroller friendly paths)

– Day 1: Follow the “visit Nice on Foot” itinerary suggested in the article ( here ). You can go up to Garibaldi square, or if you are motivated, also go on the harbor up to Coco beach.

If you decide to go up to Coco beach, you can do it at the kid’s pace, and maybe take bus 38 to come back to city center, if the kids are tired. Visiting Nice on foot is the only way to visit the heart of the city, as it’s quite small!

You can go to the Castle Hill around 3 or 4pm, there is an elevator that will take you up there. It’s located in “Rue des ponchettes”.

– Day 2: Go to Menton with the bus #100 or train (faster). Visit the old town, then take bus #100 to Monaco. Visit Monaco Take Bus #100 or train to get back to Nice. If you still have the time, you can stop by Villefranche sur Mer, but the old town is quite steep and it’s stairs only.

You should take the bus for at least 1 way, as the #100 ride offers a quite nice view over the French riviera coast.

– Day 3: I would do something more relaxing, as “day 2” was a big one. For example, go back in the old town, enjoy an ice cream, take bus #14 to Mont Boron and walk around in the pine forest, up to the “Fort du Mont Alban”. It’s a great viewpoint!

– Day 4: Take the bus #200 or the train (a lot faster – recommended) to Cannes. Visit the “Croisette” and maybe take the boat to Lerins islands! If you don’t take the boat, you can then take the train to Antibes to visit the old town or enjoy a good lunch in one of the numerous restaurants located there. You can also skip Cannes and head directly to Antibes from Nice, as you prefer!

Enjoy your stay in Nice and its surroundings 🙂

Love the site, so much useful information!

We’re a couple travelling to the Provence area in September 2019 and we really want to visit Nice and the Riviera whilst we’re here. We’re hiring a car for around Provence and I wondered if you had any tips for safe parking in Nice please? We’re happy to park at a smaller town and travel in by train or bus but we’re not sure of the options.

Do you have any advice please?

Thanks Jane

I am glad my blog helps you to plan your trip in Nice and the French Riviera!

For safe parking, you have a few underground parkings in Nice city center, they are however a bit expensive (25 euros per day or 90 euros for 5 days). You can find the rates and parking location on this website . It’s unfortunately all in French, but the cheapest and most central are Corvesy and Palais Massena, the 2 firsts of the list.

If you are looking for a relatively cheap option to leave your car for a few days (about 10-12 euros per day), your best bet is to go to the “low cost” parking of the airport. From there, you can take the tram to reach Nice city center easily.

You can click here (website in English) to have a look and book it. It needs to be booked in advance.

Enjoy your trip!

Thanks so much for your helpful suggestions!

Kind regards Jane

Hi, thank you very much for your suggestions. I would just like to point out that Castle Hill closes before the sunset (about an hour or more before) so it is not possible to view the sunset from the top. Just thought I would let you know so you can edit your post 🙂

Yes thank you for this comment! My girlfriend and I were traveling in Nice for 5 days. This was going to be the highlight of our trip and we spent all day awaiting the sunset and the perfect moment to hike up. However, upon arrival, we were told it was closed at 8:00 as it does every night, and the sunset does not occur before 9:00 at least!! What a disappointment!!

Yes, that’s right, the Castle Hill closes too early in summer to be able to enjoy the sunset.

As it’s not possible to watch the sunset from there all year round, I have edited the post to include the opening hours and the months when it can be done. It will be clearer now 🙂

I just wanted to thank you for this fantastic article. I used it consistently through my 4 days holiday in Nice. It was super useful, informative and spot on. Thanks again! 🙂

Hi Umberto,

Thank you for taking the time to post this kind comment. I am glad my article about Nice helped you during your stay in Nice! And I am also very happy you had a good time.

Maybe see you soon on the blog for another destination 🙂

What a lovely article about a beautiful city.

My husband Tony and I fell in love with Nice on our first visit in 2007 and have been very lucky to visit 2-3 times a year since.

We will soon be back in Nice for our 5th of 6 trips this year. I have to say though, I don’t get Monaco, it is far too crowded for us.

We have visited all the places you have mentioned and some you have not. We love to get on a bus and visit the hilltop villages such as Vence, Ste. Jeannet and Biot.

Thank you for a lovely article.

Bonne chance, A bientot Nice

Hello Linda,

Thank you for your kind comment!

I am really glad you enjoy traveling to Nice and the French Riviera, it’s a very nice place for sure, and there is a lot to discover around the city.

The small villages you talk about are very beautiful, and there are many in the region. The bus network is pretty good there, so that’s one more reason to go explore Nice surroundings.

Enjoy your stay and I wish you to discover many hidden places!

Hi my wife and I are going to nice the end of the month, how easy is it to get on the tram from cote d Azur to rue de belgique

Hello Jason,

I am not 100% sure, but I think you are talking about going from Nice Cote d’Azur airport to rue de Belgique?

In that case, as the “rue de Belgique” is located just a few meters away from the SNCF train station, you have 2 solutions:

1 – Take the tram line 2 at the airport, get out at “Jean Médecin” station and go to rue de Belgique on foot (about 10 minutes walk) 2 – Take the tram line 2 at the airport, get out at “Jean Médecin” station and take tram line 2 to “Gare Thiers” (1 stop, will make you save maybe 5 minutes waking). You tram ticket is valid for 74 minutes, so you can take both trams with just 1 ticket.

Hello, first congrats on this amazing blog . I know that writing something like this is not easy every time 🙂 I am going in Nice this month and following your blog and some other things on the internet i made this plan: 26.12.19 Old Town of Nice -cours Saleya -courthouse Square -rossetti square – Saint Reparata Cathedral+ ice ceam at Azzuro  -the saint Francis square Castle Hill (the castle Hill Park) with views from: -at the top – childrens playground area -Bellanda Tower -Belvedere near the exit -Cascare du Chateau – waterfall On the way back – castle cementery Working time 8:30-18 h 27.12.19 Cimiez neigboirhood: -cimiez arena park+cimiez arenas -cimiez monastery gardens -cimiez archaeological museum -Matisse museum 28.12.19 -Modern art musum -Palais Lascaris -Photogpraphy museum -Massena museum -Musee des Beaux – Promnande des Anglais – with rent a bike  + Jardin Albert 1 + promenande du Paillon + Place Massena 29.12.19 Eze Monaco + Monte carlo

30.12.19 Observatory Mont Boron Notre Dame de Nice Ortodox church

D you think it is possible to do this? Or i should change something? Thank you, and again very nice blog 🙂

Hello Veronika,

Yes, your itinerary seems perfect, you can do it!

However I prefer to warn you that it will be quite busy, especially for the 28/12 and also 30/12 if you don’t have a car.

I would just change a small thing: while you will be in the old town on the 26/12, you might want to visit Palais Lascaris on that day, it order to make 28/12 a bit less busy.

In your itinerary, maybe you wanted to put all the museums in a 24h timeframe in order to benefit from the 10 euros 24h Museum Pass? If it’s the case, i am afraid it will unfortunately be a bit too short to do all you mentionned, and you will have to take the 7 days all Nice museum Pass anyway (20 euros).

Enjoy your trip to Nice, and if you have other questions, don’t hesitate!

Yes i was thinking the same about the pass (that it will be better with the weekly one) and it is okey it is not a big difference ! Thank you very much again 🙂 Have a nice Chrtismas Holidays 🙂 Greetings from Bulgaria 🙂

You’re welcome!

Thanks and enjoy your Christmas holidays too 🙂

Thanks for taking the time to write this! Very helpful article. I am going to Nice for a week 29th March – 5th April.

I wanted to ask if you think Saint Tropez is worth a day-trip , since it will be off-season so was thinking that it is better to use the time for places like Menton etc.

Also, is there a weekly bus pass or I would have to buy tickets each time in the bus?

Hope you have a great holidays 🙂

Hello Aleks,

Thanks! I’m glad my blog is helping you to plan your trip to Nice.

Yes, I think it’s better to visit Menton, Eze, Monaco etc… Saint-Tropez is a bit too far for a day trip and there is not so much things to do.

For the bus, you can buy a weekly pass for about 15 euros. You will get unlimited bus and tramways rides for 7 days. You can buy it at any tram station.

Have a great stay in Nice!

My husband and I are visiting in late April. It’s our first trip to Europe and unfortunately we are only going to have a half day in Nice when we arrive and one more half day in Nice right before we leave to go back to the states.

What is the best way for us to maximize our time here?

Thanks in advance for your time!

Hello Michelle,

If you only have 2 times half a day to visit Nice, I would suggest you to do the following:

– First half day: Visit the old town (and try some local specialties!), Massena Square and take a stroll on the Promenade des Anglais. As the castle Hill closes at 8 pm in April, you can also go there for 1 hour or so before closing time, as the view is really great! – For your second half day, it will depend on what you enjoy doing: – Option 1: If you have a car (or check the #14 bus schedule carefully, as there aren’t many), and want to walk a bit in the nature and enjoy great views over Nice and Villefranche sur Mer, you should go to the Mont Boron, up to the “Mount Alban Fort” – Option 2: You can spend more time in the city, doing a bit of shopping and stroll around the port, up to “Coco beach”.

Enjoy your trip to Nice!

My family are booked to go to nice 19/7/20 for 1 week, staying air band b in old town. We are wondering whether to come or not given COVID-19. Is much open? Do you have to wear mask everywhere? Is public transport running as normal? thank you Andreas

Hello Andreas,

All the museums and tourist sites have reopened in Nice. Most of the bars, restaurants and shops have also reopened.

You will need to wear a mask in public transport, shops and museums.

Public transports will be using their normal summer schedule from the first of July.

That’s the plan for now, however, no one knows how it will evolve in a few weeks time.

What a great post. I’m going to use it to enjoy my visit to Nice. Thank you for your effort!

Hello! Thanks for such an informative article! I am coming on 02.06.21 and have not really understood whether it is possible to go to Monaco now and, if so, under what conditions. Do travel restrictions in France also apply to tourists? Is there anything important I could definitely know when traveling to Nice?

Hello Diana,

Thanks! I am glad my article is helping you to plan your visit to Nice!

If you want to go to Monaco during your stay, here are the COVID related things you should know (at the moment): – For all travel to Monaco from France, it’s mandatory to present a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old. – Non-residents are not allowed to enter restaurants in Monaco.

In Nice and in Monaco: – A 9pm to 6am curfew is in place – Wearing a mask is mandatory in public spaces, both indoors and outdoors, on public transport and in shops.

Hope you are doing very well.

I am planning for 4.5 days trip to Nice during the second week of July. I have planned out like below. Could you please suggest if this is possible to cover.

Also, Could you please provide your guidance regarding the recent travel restrictions to Nice, Cannes, Monaco etc.

Do you think taking a trip to Monaco is possible if I am completely vaccinated.?

– Nice Castle Hill – The Promenade des Anglais – Discover the Old Town of Nice – Nice Russian Orthodox Cathedral

– Start in the morning with the coastal path , which goes from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer. Take bus number 100 from Nice harbor to the “English hospital” stop. Do the coastal walk To get back to Nice, take bus 15 or 100 in Villefranche sur Mer.

– Visit the Villefranche old town – Visit the hill of Mont Boron, – From Villefranche-sur-Mer, start by going to l’escalier de verre – Then go to the Fort of Mont Alban, for the great view over the bay of Villefranche, – To return to Nice, take bus 30 from the Plateau du Mont Boron

– First, take the bus 82 from Nice to Eze village. – Visit this magnificent perched village and the exotic garden of Eze – To go back down to sea level, take the Nietzsche Trail, which offers a magnificent view of the sea and surrounding cities. It will take you to Eze Beach. – Then take the bus number 100 of the “lignes d’Azur” to Menton. – Visit the old town – Then, walk around Cap Martin along the seaside trail. – Continue with the Promenade Le Corbusier, which will take you from Roquebrune to Monaco. We can also take bus #100 to Monaco – Visit Monaco, take bus number 100 from Monaco bus station to go back to Nice.

Day 4: – a day trip to Cannes (bus 200 or train), coupled with a boat expedition on the Lérins islands.Visit the “Croisette” and maybe take the boat to Lerins islands! – take the train to Antibes to visit the old town – take the 15 bus from Nice to Saint-jean-Cap-Ferrat,

Awaiting your response.

Warm regards, Raj

Hope you’re doing well too!

For your 4-5 days trip to Nice, it’s possible to do day 1, 2 and 3.

For Day 3, keep in mind that it’s a long day: you will need to take the bus to Eze around 8h30-9h in the morning. The full day as detailed in this guide is about 20km walking in total. As you mentioned, if you want to walk less (8-10km in the day I would say), you can take the bus #100 from Menton to Monaco instead of walking around Cap Martin and taking the Promenade Le Corbusier.

For Day 4, it’s not really possible to do all this in a day, because Cannes and Antibes are located West of Nice while Saint-jean-Cap-Ferrat is on located East of the city.

In my opinion, you should go to Cannes, visit the city and do the boat trip to the Lérins island. If you are not too tired, you can stop by Antibes in the evening and maybe have diner there before returning to Nice (by train probably).

For Saint-jean-Cap-Ferrat, you should plan another day!

About the Covid restrictions, to go to France (Nice has the same as the rest of France at the moment), it will depend on the country you come from. For Monaco, even if you are vaccinated, I think you will need a PCR test unfortunately, so that’s not very convenient.

In That case, you might want to do Eze and Saint Jean Cap Ferrat on day 3!

Enjoy your trip to Nice and the surroundings,

Thank you for your quick response and all your valuable suggestion. Just to mention, I am a french resident living in Paris and my starting point is Paris itself. Also, I am vaccinated in France and have also completed 15 days after the second shot of the vaccine.

So, for Monaco, Do I still need a RT PCR before travelling. Please suggest.

Warm Regards, Raj

If you’re a French resident, that’s perfect then, no problem to come to Nice (at least for the moment!)

For Monaco, I have checked again and 2 websites are saying contradictory things:

The French government website stipulates that you need a PCR test and doesn’t mention vaccination: French Government website Monaco government website says that you don’t need a PCR test if you are fully vaccinated: Monaco Government website

I believe the French gov website isn’t up to date!

Enjoy your trip 🙂

Thank you so much for providing all the details. It was indeed very helpful. 🙂

Regards, Raj

Hello Vincent, Thank you for your article, it is super helpful. I will be going to nice and I know that it is not very famous for sandy beaches, but if I am going to chose a beach for laying down and swimming a bit in nice or its outskirts, what would be your recommendations ( not in Cannes please, because this will be another trip following Nice’s). Thank youuuuu, Mariam

Hello Mariam,

I am glad my article about Nice is helping you to plan your stay!

If you want to go to the beach, the closest to Nice that is relatively nice is “Marinières beach”, located in Villefranche sur Mer.

You can take bus #100 to get there and stop at Villefranch sur Mer main bus stop. You will then need to cross Villefranche old town on foot, it’s pretty nice even if quite steep when going back up.

Another option is to take the train, that stops just above the beach.

Enjoy your beach day!

Hi Vincent, I’m so glad to find your website and it’s full of info. I’m planning to travel to Nice in early October this year and I have the following questions. I will be grateful if you could give me a bit of advice.

1). Is it safe for a woman to go around in Nice especially in the evening? 2). Where will be the best area to stay for convenience , like buses , walking distance for major places? 3). Is it recommended to take a French Riviera one day trip?

Many thanks and bonne journée .

Thanks, I am really glad my website is helping you to plan your stay in Nice!

1) Yes, it’s safe, especially in the touristy areas. Just like in all big cities, be careful for pickpockets and don’t leave your stuff unattended (Yes, even on the beach if you have something valuable). Also, if possible, avoid the district around the train station at night. 2) Around Place Massena is the best for sure. If you give me your budget per night and the dates of your stay, I can try to find you an hotel that will suit your needs. 3) If it’s your first time on the French Riviera and have a tight schedule, that trip ( click here to see it and book it ) is a great option to see a maximum of places!

Have a great day too and let me know if you need more help!

Morning Vincent,

Thanks for the reply and info. I am planning to be in Nice between 11/10-15/10/2021. So, I have at least full three days in Nice. Do you think I will have enough time to do the full day boat trip? I would really like to though. My budget is up to 60euros per night. I will be taking a train from Beziers to Nice. So, would like to know is it just one train station in Nice?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Regards Jennifer Wong

Hello Jennifer,

1) I am not sure about which boat trip you are talking about, because the French Riviera day trip I mentioned is not by boat. You can plan 2 days in Nice and 1 day for the French Riviera excursion yep!

2) I have found a few hotels that might fit your budget. They are located near the city center, so you can visit on foot or to get around by tram/bus. You can click on the links for details and prices, and see if it’s what you want: – Hotel Ozz by Happyculture – It’s a hostel with dorm beds but it’s cheap and it’s the best hostel in Nice – EasyHotel Nice Palais des Congrès – Old Town – Trocadero – Hotel 66 Nice – Hotel Esprit d’Azur

3) From Béziers, the train stops at Nice-Ville Gare Thiers which is the main train station.

Enjoy your stay!

I’m visiting Cote D’Azur the next 4 days. I’ll stay 3 night in Nice and 1 night in Marselhe. I’m going with my husband and 2 couples more. Could you recomend me some nice restaurants in Nice, to have dinner? Our budget is around 40/45 eur p/person.

Hello Maria,

Please excuse me for my late reply, your comment was in the spam folder and I just saw it today.

I know it’s too late but I hope you had a great stay in Nice and found good restaurants.

Salut Vincent, Thank you for this really interesting and clear article! We’re looking to visit Nice for a week in late November for my birthday and wondered if you could recommend any romantic restaurants in the area? Thank you! Kathryn

Hi Kathryn,

You’re welcome, I am glad my article is helping you to plan your stay in Nice! For romantic restaurants, I would suggest:

– Having a drink at “Le Plongeoir” and then dining at “La Réserve”, the restaurant just next to Le Plongeoir. – La Chèvre d’Or, in Eze – 2 Michelin stars, one of the best gastronomic restaurant of the French Riviera – Le Mayssa Beach, in Villefranche sur Mer – Le Boudoir (Nice) if you like truffles – Jan (Nice) – 1 Michelin star restaurant located on the port of Nice

Enjoy your stay and have a nice birthday!

Thanks again Vincent, we will definitely be looking at these!

Hi there, love how much thought that has been put into this article! I am coming for the first time to France on 19th april, Was wondering if you have any recommendations are on where to get the best local dishes? I see that only Azzurro was mentioned for the ice cream but do you have recommendations for the best places to try socca, etc ? Thank you ♡

Thank you! To taste the best specialities of Nice, I recommend you: – For the Socca: “Chez Theresa” in the old town – Address: 28 rue droite. – For the pissaladière: “Lou Pelandroun” – Address: 4 Boulevard Joseph Garnier. The best pissaladière ever, with the real “Nissart” dough. I hope it will be open when you go to Nice because for the moment they are closed for renovation. – For the dishes (panisses, daube niçoise…): “L’Acchiardo” in the old town. Address: 38 rue droite. You really need to book in advance for this one.

Thank u so much!! I have a couple more questions if you have the time!

I plan to do the eze, menton, monaco day trip. And for monaco i definitely want to take our time there. (Oceanographic museum, monte carlo casino, palace, f1, etc) So do you have any idea to roughly how much time to spend in Eze and how much time to spend in Menton ? We will take buses in between to save time. Also is there anything in particular in both towns that is A MUST SEE before we go to Monaco? Just so I can make sure we dont miss it!

I also would like to ask if you have any knowledge on if we will need anything extra to enter Monaco. We are fully vaccinated with booster shots too. It’s okay if you dont know, I just wanted to ask just in case for some reason you knew 😅😂

Also is it worth visiting the notre dame cathedral? 🙂

Haha sorry for all the questions!

Hello Vasha,

You can spend about 1 hour in Eze village: walking through the tiny historical centre and visiting the exotic garden. If you want to visit the Fragornard perfume factory, allow another half hour.

In Menton, you can walk around the old town to see the Basilica of Saint-Michel, the Halles market and the Herbin jam factory. It’s quite small too so an hour is enough, maybe 2 hours if you plan to eat there.

To enter Monaco, no need for anything special if you’re vaccinated. And for the cathedral: the entrance is free and it the visit just takes 5 minutes so you can go and see it quickly.

Enjoy your stay on the French Riviera!

Thank you so much Vincent! Take care ♡!

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22 Top Tourist Attractions in Nice, France

By Spencer Leasca · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Striking the perfect balance between a seaside resort and a cosmopolitan city, Nice serves as an ideal base for a holiday on the French Riviera.

A popular travel destination since the late 18th century, the city boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, a rich culture, a lively Old Town district and a picture-perfect shoreline bordered with grand hotels.

Set in a stupendous spot by the Mediterranean Sea, the city was founded in the fourth century BC at the foot of the French Alps. As it was once a retreat for the European elite, plenty of grand mansions line its boulevards. The city’s soft but intense light, charming architecture and colorful marketplaces have long attracted artists, including Matisse and Chagall, and there are more museums in Nice than in any French city save Paris.

Very pedestrian-friendly, ‘Nice La Belle; strikes the perfect balance between a cosmopolitan city and a seaside resort. As it is blessed with warm sunny weather, wonderful food and, of course, a winning location, it is no wonder you’ll find plenty of things to do in Nice. Its Promenade des Anglais also offers up one of the most iconic images of the French Riviera .

Map of Nice

22. Musee Massena

Offering a fascinating look at the history and art of the Riviera over the centuries is the marvelous Musée Massena. Set along the Promenade des Anglais amidst lovely lush gardens, the Belle Epoque mansion is packed with all kinds of amazing old artifacts and artworks.

Once the winter residence of Prince Essling, the sumptuous Neo-Classical-style seaside villa was first opened as a museum in 1921. Its pretty painted ceilings, sparkling chandeliers and sweeping marble staircases all highlight how the aristocracy once lived in Nice. Lots of antique furniture and umpteen statues also decorate its grand rooms.

On display are not just fabulous paintings and photos but exhibits examining various aspects of the city’s past. Personal effects from Napoleon are also on show, including the emperor’s death mask.

21. Basilique Notre-Dame

Another architectural gem is the Neo-Gothic Basilique Notre Dame. Known for both its imposing twin towers and twinkling stained-glass windows, it overlooks Avenue Jean Medecin in the center of Nice.

Completed in 1868, the design of the big bright white basilica was inspired by Angers Cathedral. The idea was to add more French architecture to the port city following its acquisition by France from the Kingdom of Sardinia only a few years earlier.

Towering 65 meters in height, its two towers lie on either side of a wonderful rose window. The church’s interior is just as majestic as soaring columns prop up its vast vaulted ceiling far above. Aside from admiring its striking stained-glass scenes, an elaborate altar and huge organ also adorn its walls.

20. Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

If you want to see yet more incredible artworks and architecture – this time abstract and avant-garde – then the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is a great place to go. Located just a short walk from Vieux Nice, its rooftop also boasts some of the best views over the city.

Almost impossible to miss, its modern building looks quite castle-like as four massive marble towers surround its otherwise glass and metal tetrapod arch. Although its dramatic design and panoramas already make it well worth visiting, the imaginative installations within are just as impressive.

Now home to around 1,400 thought-provoking sculptures, paintings and photos, its collection covers the 1950s up to the present. As well as American Pop Art and European New Realism, the MAMAC displays works by the School of Nice. Particularly big names exhibited include Yves Klein and Andy Warhol with interesting and unique artworks appearing almost wherever you look.

19. Parc du Mont Boron

Just east of Old Nice is the peaceful and picturesque Parc du Mont Boron. Other than hiking along all its shady trails, there is a fantastic fort and some phenomenal viewpoints to check out.

Coated in gorgeous woodlands, the 190-metre-high hill looms above the Cap du Nice and port far, far below. Amidst all the oaks, pines and olive trees, you can wander along its eleven kilometers of paths or enjoy a relaxing picnic. While the sixteenth-century Fort du Mont Alban is unfortunately closed to the public, its sturdy stone walls and turrets still make for some brilliant photos.

The highlight though has to be the park’s astonishing views over the city’s scenic coastline. Besides gazing down at the Old Town and port on one side, the other looks out over the Cap Ferrat peninsula, Villefranche-sur-Mer and even the Esterel Mountains in the distance.

18. Nice Carnival

One of the best times of year to visit the seaside city is in February when the colourful Nice Carnival takes place. During two fun-filled weeks, more than a million visitors flock here to see its monumental floats and famous flower parade.

Actually one of the largest carnivals in the world, the origins of its lively celebrations remarkably date back to 1294. Taking over the Promenade des Anglais, its countless concerts, parades and firework shows are held each year in the run-up to Lent.

Wheeling about in elaborate costumes, thousands of ecstatic dancers and musicians accompany its sumptuously-decorated floats. A stupendous light show parade also takes place each evening. The carnival finally comes to a close when the giant figure of a king is set on fire. Certainly up there with those of Rio, Venice and Mardi Gras, Nice Carnival really is an unforgettable experience!

17. Palais Lascaris

In contrast to all the frenzied festivities and flower throwing, visiting Palais Lascaris is a rather more regal and refined affair. Lying right in the heart of Old Nice, its fine artworks and frescoed ceilings are a treat to peruse. It also houses an astounding collection of antique musical instruments.

Built in the first half of the seventeenth century, the aristocratic palace is delightfully decorated with sculptures, paintings and tapestries. Magnificent staircases and hallways lead to both period salons and stately apartments, many of which feature fabulous painted ceilings.

Over 500 ancient musical instruments are also displayed here with some even dating to the sixteenth century. Easily overlooked due to its rather unremarkable facade, the ornate palace, its extraordinary instruments and artworks are definitely worth a quick stop.

16. Day Trip to Eze

Not all too far from Nice is the romantic medieval village of Èze . Perched high up on a steep hillside overlooking the Mediterranean, its charming cobbled streets are lovely to stroll around with stunning views guaranteed wherever you go.

One of the French Riviera’s most magical towns, its winding walkways are bordered by beautiful old stone buildings home to little art galleries, boutiques and cafes. Looking out over all its red rooftops and the sparkling sea below is a breathtaking botanical garden. Full of succulents and cacti, it really is a must for its plants and panoramas.

Aside from ambling about taking in its ambience and views, you can also enter the village’s cute little church. Only half an hour east by car, Èze is often listed among the loveliest towns in France thanks to its spectacular setting and sweeping views over the Cote d’Azur.

15. Avenue Jean Medecin

One of Nice’s main shopping streets, Avenue Jean Medecin runs north to south from the train station to Place Massena. Lined by hundreds of shops, restaurants and cafes, it hums with life at almost any time of day.

Referred to simply as ‘the avenue’ by residents, the almost endless street is named after the former mayor who helped transform the city’s fortunes after the Second World War. Other than the tram line running down its center, the boulevard is now entirely pedestrianized. Some important old buildings and attractive facades also overlook much of it.

While the northern end near the train station acts more as a neighborhood artery, the southern part is of more interest to tourists. Atmospherically illuminated at night, it has tons of clothing shops and restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines to stop by.

14. Place Garibaldi

Connecting the Old Town to the ‘new’ is the expansive Place Garibaldi and all its pretty old buildings. Rightfully known for its history and architecture, the square has some great restaurants and bars for you to grab a drink at.

Laid out in the late eighteenth century, the plaza is named after Giuseppe Garibaldi – the Italian hero who was born in Nice and helped unify Italy in 1861. An eye-catching statue of the general occupies its centre while stately Baroque buildings border it on all sides.

After taking some pics of the famous figure and surrounding facades, its cafes and restaurants have some nice outdoor terraces to sit at. A wonderful old-fashioned carousel also lies in one corner with cultural events sometimes taking place here.

13. Cathedrale Sainte-Reparate

Also showcasing some exquisite Baroque architecture is the colossal Cathedrale Sainte-Reparate in the heart of Vieux Nice. The city’s most important place of worship, its soaring facade and sparkling belltower overlook the rather small, cluttered Place Rossetti.

Deceptively large and opulent inside, the current cathedral was constructed between 1650 and 1865 atop the site of an even older church. As well as three ornate organs and a magnificent main altar, it contains the relics of Saint Reparata.

Once you’ve admired its incredible art-filled chapels, you can gaze up at its towering campanile from one of the cafes outside. Always lively, the picturesque Place Rossetti hosts numerous markets and music concerts with the cathedral and square magically lit up at night.

12. Visit Villefranche-sur-Mer

Set in a very scenic spot between the Mediterranean Sea and mountains is the little resort town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Located along a deep natural bay immediately east of Nice, it is a very pleasant place to wander about and take photos of all its brightly-colored facades down by the waterfront.

Due to its spellbinding setting and scenery, the seaside town has regularly featured in films over the decades. You may recognise its gorgeous coast and yacht-filled waters from The Bourne Identity and The Jewel of the Nile among others.

Besides lounging on its beaches and going deep sea diving or sailing, you can stroll about its historic harbour and watch boats come and go. Right next to it is the sixteenth-century St. Peter’s Chapel and a crumbling fortress to see. In addition to the town hall, the latter houses some cool art collections with its gardens and ramparts offering awe-inspiring views over the coastline.

11. Cimiez Monastery

Founded in the ninth century by Benedictine monks, Cimiez Monastery still overlooks all of Nice from atop its prominent hillside spot. Right next to all its glorious Neo-Gothic buildings and gardens, you’ll also find the Musee Matisse and some Roman-era ruins.

Run by Franciscan friars since the sixteenth century, the monastery’s atmospheric old church boasts a beautiful facade and contains three masterpieces by the renowned Italian painter Ludovico Brea. It also has a charming courtyard and phenomenal frescoes emblazoned across its ceiling to inspect.

After seeing centuries-old artworks and interesting exhibits on life at the monastery in its museum, make sure to amble about its gardens and cemetery. Next to all its monumental tombs, you’ll see the graves of famed figures such as Henri Matisse and Raoul Dufy. Captivating views over Nice and the Cote d’Azur can also be enjoyed from its grounds.

10. Promenade du Paillon

One of the most relaxing things to do in Nice is to slowly make your way along the Promenade du Paillon. Stretching just over a kilometer in total, its gardens and green spaces contain children’s playgrounds and a fun water fountain to cool off on hot days.

Since its inauguration back in 2013, the pretty promenade has been a firm favorite with both locals and tourists alike. Following the former path of the Paillon River, it takes you from the Promenade des Anglais and Jardin Albert 1er right up to the MAMAC and Theater National de Nice.

Along the way, you can explore its lovely landscaped gardens, see cool statues and stop off at Place Massena. There is always a nice vibe about the promenade with its architecture, nature and views all lying just a short walk from either the Old Town or the more modern city center.

9. Musee Marc Chagall

Back up in the hilly suburb of Cimiez is the excellent Musee Marc Chagall. Housing one of the world’s largest collections of his works, its galleries exhibit everything from paintings and prints to ceramics, sculptures and stained glass.

Set amidst quiet, leafy grounds, the museum was opened in 1973 with the famous Russian-French artist himself having played a large role in its design. Mostly dedicated to his biblical-themed works, the collection highlights both his technical virtuosity and universal message of peace.

Throughout the museum, you can examine his colourful, creative paintings and amazing, illuminated stained-glass windows. It also displays seventeen of Chagall’s Old and New Testament illustrations which count among the finest works he ever created. Afterwards, you can relax for a while in its garden before continuing up the hill to the Musee Matisse.

8. Russian Orthodox Cathedral

Somewhat surprising to see in Nice, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral’s soaring spires and giant green onion domes make for quite the sight. Located just to the west of the main train station, it really is a must for architecture lovers. Its resplendent interior is also painted in brilliantly bright blue and gold.

Actually the largest cathedral of its kind in Western Europe, it was built in 1912 to accommodate the growing number of Russian aristocrats who wintered in Nice. The cathedral’s construction was funded by Czar Nicholas II in memoriam of his heir, Nicholas Alexandrovitch, who died in Nice in 1865.

After ogling at its ornate facade, head inside to see all its glittering icons and golden murals. Thanks to its majestic altar, architecture and exquisite paintings, it is considered one of the most beautiful Orthodox cathedrals outside of Russia.

7. Musee Matisse

Long one of the seaside city’s most important cultural institutes, the Musée Matisse explores the life and works of the revered artist. Again perched up amidst the hills of Cimiez, its extensive collection occupies an elegant seventeenth-century villa.

Founded in 1963, it offers up a fascinating look into the artistic beginnings, evolution and influences of Henri Matisse who lived in Nice for much of his life. On show are hundreds of his paintings, prints, drawings and sculptures. Many of his personal belongings also feature.

While you unfortunately won’t see all that many of his main masterpieces, both his Fauve period and his later gouache cut-out creations are well presented. Before carrying on to the nearby Roman ruins or monastery, it’s nice to spend some time in its Mediterranean gardens.

6. Take the Train to Monaco

If you want to tick another country off your list and see how the rich and famous live, then Monaco is only a short train trip east of Nice. Known for its glitzy casinos, yachts and Grand Prix, the glamorous principality makes for a fun, fancy day trip .

The second-smallest country in the world, the densely-populated city is nestled between lush green mountains and the glimmering Mediterranean Sea. Fabulously wealthy, its picture-perfect harbor is full of luxurious yachts while sleek supercars cruise about its scenic streets.

Other than taking in its delightful views over the French Riviera, there are exotic gardens and opulent palaces to visit dotted along its dramatic coastline. You can also always try your luck at the iconic Monte Carlo Casino or watch an incredible show at the Monaco Opera House.

5. Place Massena

Nice’s main square, the massive Place Massena is surrounded by loads of important and impressive Neo-Classical-style buildings. Just a short walk from both the Old Town and Promenade des Anglais, it hosts countless concerts, cultural events and festivals during the year.

Laid out in 1844, it was originally divided into two parts until the Paillon River was covered over. As its bridge was the only convenient way to get from the Old Town to the new, the vast square has always served as an important meeting point. Both the Nice Carnival and Bastille Day celebrations normally pass by here as do other parades and processions.

Very Mediterranean in terms of its look and feel, the plaza’s checkerboard flagstones are bordered by tons of cafe terraces and restaurant patios. At the center of all its colourful red and yellow buildings is its stunning Fountain of the Sun God. Once you’ve snapped some photos of the enormous figure of Apollo, you can branch off and explore Vieux Nice.

4. Colline du Chateau

Rising steeply above all the city’s red rooftops is the lofty Colline du Château. Boasting absolutely spectacular panoramas over the Old Town and Cote d’Azur, it is by far the most popular park in Nice.

Towering ninety meters in total, the rocky hill is named after the medieval fortress that protected the bay from the eleventh to eighteenth century. As it was eventually destroyed by Louis XIV, only a few ruins remain. Amidst its woods, you’ll instead find several shady cafes, a children’s playground and a mesmerizing waterfall cascading down a cliff.

You can either pant your way up to the top of Castle Hill or take an elevator from next to Hotel Suisse. Up high, you’re rewarded with unbelievable views of the city and sea before you. An absolute must when in Nice, the large landmark is particularly special to visit at sunrise or sunset.

3. Cours Saleya Flower Market

Another unmissable Nice experience is exploring all the fragrant outdoor flower markets found along Cours Saleya. Super picturesque due to all the brightly-colored flowers, facades and food products on show, the broad boulevard runs parallel to the Quai des Etats-Unis in the Old Town.

As it was formerly a park for the city’s upper classes, the long, tree-lined street is overlooked by lots of eighteenth-century mansions, now home to little local cafes and restaurants. Almost every day of the week, vendors sell artisanal food products and freshly cut flowers here from beneath the striped awnings of their stalls. On Mondays, a flea market instead sets up along the entire street.

Buzzing with life, the famous flower market is always fun to amble about. It is also the perfect place to pick up some tasty snacks, souvenirs or stop for a coffee break.

2. Vieux Nice

A mess of narrow medieval streets and pastel-colored houses, Vieux Nice is undoubtedly the most atmospheric part of the city to explore. Located just off the Promenade des Anglais, the vibrant area looks and feels much more like Italy than France. This is because Nice was ruled by both the Duchy of Savoy and the Kingdom of Sardinia for centuries.

Popularly known as ‘Babazouk’, its warren of cobblestone alleys are sandwiched between the Colline du Château, Quai des Etats-Unis and Promenade du Paillon. Lining its shady streets and squares are loads of tiny local cafes, boulangeries and patisseries. Its old Italianate-style buildings are also home to traditional restaurants and artisanal ice cream parlors serving some tantalizing Nice specialities.

Aside from getting lost and enjoying the ambience, you just have to check out its cathedral and the very lively Place Rossetti. The heart of the Old Town, they make for some fantastic photos with something always going on.

1. Promenade des Anglais

The city’s most iconic symbol and site is, of course, the Promenade des Anglais which runs its way alongside the Baie des Anges. One of the Mediterranean’s most famous seaside walks, it takes you past lots of chic cafes and luxury hotels. With gently waving palms backing it and sweeping sea views before you, slowly sauntering along it is a must when visiting the French Riviera.

Stretching seven kilometers in length, it owes its name and existence to the English holidaymakers who flocked to Nice in the early eighteenth century. Enchanted by its warm weather and phenomenal vistas, a group of wealthy aristocrats funded the waterfront walkway’s construction.

A firm favorite with locals and tourists, the picture-perfect promenade is lovely to walk, run or cycle along. With the Old Town, Musee Massena and nineteenth-century palaces bordering its eastern end, there are also plenty of spots to stop along it. Humming with energy at all times of day, the relaxed seaside walkway is what everyone instantly imagines when they think of Nice.

Where to Stay in Nice

As the city isn’t massive and many of the main tourist attractions in Nice aren’t located too far from one another, the area in between the main station and promenade is a convenient place to stay. From here, you can easily walk to most museums, explore the Old Town or hop on a train along the coast if you feel like it.

Along Avenue Jean Medecin right by the gare for instance is the cozy, comfortable Hotel 64 Nice . As well as its excellent location and transport links, its well-equipped rooms and public spaces are very stylish and modern. Despite lying near tons of restaurants, bars and shops, the family-friendly hotel’s quiet rooms guarantee guests a relaxing stay.

A great budget option is the Hotel Villa Rivoli which lies just a stone’s throw from Musee Massena and the Promenade des Anglais. A very pretty property, the tastefully-decorated Belle Epoque mansion’s rooms are full of old-school French charm. The boutique hotel also has a delightful garden to relax in and is highly recommended for its friendly, welcoming staff.

How to get There

Very well connected to the outside world, the seaside city is served by Nice Cote d’Azur Airport; one of the busiest in France. Many companies also run seasonal flights here in summer from all around Europe.

The country’s well-developed rail system can also whisk you to Nice from either Paris or Marseille in about 5.5 and 2.5 hours respectively. Countless regional trains and buses also make their way along the French Riviera to cities such as Cannes and Monaco.

Besides driving to the city, several ferries call in at its port from various stops in Corsica.

Once you arrive, most tourist sites should be within walking distance of the main train station or city center. If not, just hop on a bus or tram and you’ll be there in no time at all.

Approximate travel times:

• Cannes – 30 minutes by car, 15 minutes by train
• Monaco – 30 minutes by car, 25 minutes by train
• Antibes – 20 minutes by car, 10 minutes by train
• St. Tropez – 1.5 hours by car, 2 hours by bus
• Marseille – 2 hours by car, 2 hours 30 minutes by train
• Aix-en-Provence – 1 hour by car, 1 hour 30 minutes by train
• Avignon – 2 hours by car, 2 hours 30 minutes by train
• Paris – 8 hours by car, 5 hours 30 minutes by train

Best Time to Visit Nice

Due to the summer holidays, and its sparkling sunshine and warm sea waters, the most popular times to visit Nice are July and August. This is also the most expensive period, however, with its hotels, beaches and promenade all being quite busy.

Ambling along the picturesque Promenade des Anglais though in summer is a quintessential French Riviera experience with both Fete de la Musique and Bastille Day also falling in July. Temperatures stay around 26°C (79°F) so don’t forget to lather on that sun cream. As many of its hotels still don’t have air conditioning, the heat can get too much at times.

April to June and September to October are also great times to visit Nice. Although still very popular, the prices, temperatures and crowds have all come down a bit. Averages of around 15 to 23°C (59 to 73°F) mean you can sightsee or lounge on the beach and swim in both June and the warmer autumn months.

From November to March, relatively few people visit so there are no queues and prices are at their lowest. While temperatures stay around 11 to 14°C (52 to 57°F), there is less daylight and a higher chance of rain. Nice Carnival in February is another highlight of the year when colourful floats, parades and its famous ‘flower battles’ take over the seafront promenade.

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Best Things to Do in Nice, France

Article written by Elisa This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Visit Nice, French Riviera

Nice is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in France and I am sure you will love it. It is located on the French Riviera in Southern France, bathed by the Mediterranean Sea.

There’s no bad time to visit Nice, and you will enjoy the city all year round. Summer in Nice is beach time, ice cream, and apéritifs in rooftop bars, while winter in Nice comes with mild temperatures, the famous Carnival of Nice, and quirky festivals in the neighboring towns.

Nice is one of the  2024 Summer Olympics cities , so it’s the perfect excuse to discover or re-discover the city. If you are wondering what to do in Nice, go on reading. This article lists the best things to do in Nice, France, and our best tips for your sightseeing in Nice.

Are you planning your Nice trip last minute?

Below are some of the best Nice tours, hotels, and more!

• Book your flight tickets to Nice Airport (NCE) ; Book your train tickets to Nice .
• Book your transfer from Nice Airport to the city with Welcome Pickups .

Looking to travel around Nice independently? Click here for the best rental car rates in Nice .

Top Experiences and Tours in Nice:

• Old Treasures of Nice Walking Tour
• E-bike City Highlights Tour
• Nice Food Tour

Top Places to Stay in Nice:

• Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges (it has the best view of Nice)
• Hotel Négresco  (the most iconic, at the Promenade des Anglais) 
• Hotel de France (a cute mid-range close to the beach) 
• Best hotels in Nice with a pool (for the hottest months in Nice!)

Don’t leave for Nice without travel insurance!

Safety Wing  works well for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days).  SafetyWing  covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and unplanned quarantine is covered, too.

What to Do in Nice, France

There are many things to do in Nice to keep you busy for a while. Nice is also a great base for exploring more of the French Riviera on day trips. Because of its international airport, Nice is also a good starting point for a fun French Riviera road trip .

From glamourous beaches to traditional markets, this Nice things-to-do list has something for every traveler. Stay two days in Nice to visit the main sites and enjoy the beach, and more days if you plan to visit other places nearby on day trips.

1. Enjoy the Views from La Colline du Château

La Colline du Château (Castle Hill) is a rocky hill located on the Eastern side of Promenade des Anglais, overlooking Old Nice and the Port Lympia. This hill is one of the best things to see in Nice, and it offers incredible views of Nice, the  Baie des Anges , and the Alps in the distance.

In the 11th century, a citadel occupied this hill, but King Louis XIV’s soldiers entirely dismantled it in the 18th century. Today, it is a beautiful park great for a stroll and one of the best places to visit in Nice for its impressive views.

The access to La Colline du Chateau is through the stairs. There’s also a free elevator located at the end of the Promenade des Anglais. Don’t miss the archaeological remains and its surprising waterfall!

2. Visit the Cemetery of the Colline du Château

The cemetery of the Colline du Château is certainly the city’s most beautiful. It is also considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in France! Opened by the Italians in 1783, it has kept the style, with a very theatrical staging and beautiful funerary monuments and mausoleums. Today, it houses the graves of former notables or personalities of Nice.

In addition to the pleasant “funerary architecture” walk, you can enjoy a nice view of the city thanks to the cemetery’s terraced layout.

3. Explore the Old Port (Port Lympia)

The Old Port, or Port Lympia , is another of the best places to see in Nice and a wonderful place for a stroll. It is colorful and busy, with about ten quays and various markets selling local products.

Built in the 18th century, Port Lympia is one of the French Riviera’s main infrastructural hubs. It accommodates both ferry companies’ ships and private yachts for tourists. During the high season, regular ferries take tourists to Saint Tropez for a day trip .

The crane located on the west quay of the Port de Commerce is the Grue Applevage n°14 and is listed as a historical monument! It was built in 1937, damaged after the Second World War, and completely restored in 1956.

Here, you can also find Fresh’Ice (8 Quai des Docks, Nice), one of the best ice creams in Nice .

4. Get Lost in Nice’s Old Town

Exploring the Old Town is one of the top things to do in Nice, France. Vieux Nice is the city’s historic district, an ensemble of narrow streets, colorful architecture, and picturesque piazzas.

Vieux Nice also features cultural venues, beautiful Baroque churches, and many shopping opportunities and restaurants.

The list of beautiful places to visit in Nice’s Old Town includes the Cathedral Sainte-Réparate on Place Rossetti, the notable museums of Lascaris Palace and Galleries des Pochettes , and the Opera of Nice.

On Place Rossetti, you will also find Fenocchio, one of the best ice creams in Nice. However, its popularity (and long lines) are pushing locals to other great alternatives, like Azzurro in Rue Sainte-Réparate.

5. Visit Cours Saleya’s Markets

Located in the historic district, Cours Saleya is the largest pedestrian area in Vieux Nice and one of the few places that still keeps its local and traditional charm. The place is great for a stroll and is well known for its colorful flower stalls (my favorite part), but there are also stalls selling local food and antiques.

This market opens from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8 am to 12.30 approx, and is a must-see in Nice, France. Here, you can also get the best socca in town (a local staple similar to Italian farinata) at Chez Theresa, a colorful (and always busy) stand. The socca is made in their bakery at 28 Rue Droite in Old Nice, and a boy brings it to the stand in Cours Saleya on a black bike.

Cours Saleya also has three of the best restaurants in Nice ; check it out!

6. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais

A stroll along the Promenade des Anglais is one of the best things to do in Nice. This seaside Promenade is Nice’s main landmark, famous beyond the French borders.

The name of this promenade honors the English aristocracy, who, in the 19th century, acquired a taste for vacationing in Nice in winter to escape England’s coldest months and had the idea of building this 7-kilometer avenue by the sea.

Along the Promenade des Anglais, you will find Nice’s beaches with their legendary blue lounge chairs, the Museum of Asian Arts , the Palais de la Méditerranée, and the equally iconic Hotel Négresco .

The Promenade des Anglais also hosts popular city events like the Prom Classic or the Carnival of Nice .

7. Lazy Day at the Beach

If you are wondering what to do in Nice, France, for a relaxing day, consider visiting one of the beaches in Nice . The city’s seafront is bordered by pebbled beaches, public and private, and they are a great place for a lazy day sunbathing and a couple of dips.

The public beaches offer limited facilities, while the private beaches have luxurious amenities (changing cabins, towels, sun loungers) and bars and restaurants with seaside service. Some of these private beaches, like Blue Beach and Beau Rivage , are amongst the most glamorous beaches on the French Riviera .

8. Take a Boat Tour from Nice

Explore Nice and the French Riviera from another perspective, from the water!

Do you need to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing? Then, book this sunset boat tour that departs from Nice and explores Villefranche-sur-Mer and the preserved nature of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat under a beautiful orange light. During the boat tour, you can snorkel and taste delicious Nice specialties in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

If you prefer to sail during the day, this guided boat tour explores the French Riviera’s coastline from Nice to Monaco . Admire Villefranche-sur-Mer, Monaco, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Eze, and Cap d’Ail from the water, with some stops for swimming or snorkeling.

During the high season, regular ferries take tourists to Saint Tropez for a day trip (round-trip).

9. Or Rent a Boat in Nice

Why follow other tourists if you can craft your own boat tour with your family or friends? Rent a boat in Nice , with or without a skipper, and plan a day out admiring the city from the water or visiting places like Cap Ferrat and Cap d’Ail. With its azure waters, colorful towns, and natural wonders, the French Riviera is the ideal destination for sailing.

The boating season in the French Riviera runs from April to October. Given that Nice is a very popular holiday destination, there are plenty of boats available to rent. Keep in mind, however, that during the high season in the summer, there are many tourists in the city, so I recommend booking well in advance to find the perfect boat for you. And if you don’t have a boat permit, don’t hesitate to ask for the services of a professional skipper – Click here to rent a boat in Nice

10. Visit the Museums of Cimiez Hill

If you are looking for a cultural day in Nice, what to do? I suggest visiting Cimiez Hill , a calm neighborhood on the hills of Nice with a serene atmosphere far from the Old Town’s hustle and bustle.

Located 2km north of Vieux Nice, Cimiez is a beautiful place for a stroll. It also has some Nice tourist attractions, like the Cimiez Monastery , Nice’s Archaeological Site and Archaeological Museum (160 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez), the Chagall Museum (Avénue Docteur Menard, closed on Tuesdays), and the Matisse Museum (164 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, closed on Tuesdays). The historical monuments of Valrose Castle and the Regina Palace are also located in Cimiez.

Cimiez also hosts popular city events like the Gourd Festival or the Nice Jazz Festival .

11. Take a Food Tour

A food tour is a great way to learn about food in Nice and taste some specialties. During my last trip to Nice, I took this top-rated Nice food tour that explores the market of Cours Saleya and some gourmet shops (olive oil, truffles, candied fruits,…) in Old Nice, with tastings along the way.

Lara, our guide, was great. She told us many things about Nice’s food and culture in general and adapted her explanations to our interests. The tour ended with a picnic on Castle Hill, where we tasted some musts of Nice, like pissaladière, pan bagnat, socca, cheese, and cold cuts washed down with local wines – Click here to book this food tour in Nice

Adrenaline-Packed Things to Do in Nice, France

This list of fun and adrenaline-packed activities in Nice is ideal for those who want to see the city from another perspective.

12. Explore the Underwater World in Nice

Discover the superb seabed of the French Riviera from Nice! Explore appreciated diving sites of the Mediterranean Sea, such as the Grande Baie or the Coral Cave .

If this is your first time, join this diving school in the Port of Nice for an unforgettable first dive. You will leave by boat from the Port for a half-day group session and take turns diving. Being in the company of other trainee divers, you will have time before or after your first dive to snorkel or simply enjoy the sun on board the boat.

The second part of the dive is dedicated to the underwater walk and the exploration of the surrounding sea bed – Click here to book your first dive from Nice

If you want to get your SSI Open Water Diver certification to become an autonomous diver and be able to dive down to 20 meters deep, then book this Scuba Diving SSI Course , which includes theoretical lessons and eight dives in a protected environment.

13. Fly Over the Baie des Anges

Discover the Angels Bay, one of the world’s most beautiful views, from the sky!

Embark on a parasailing flight to take height and admire the beautiful city and its famous Bay as you have never seen it before. You will fly in front of the Old Nice and will be able to admire from above the bays of Villefranche and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a magic moment to live alone, in a duo, or a trio!

The tour of the Bay of the Angels takes off from Beau Rivage Beach and is about 2 km long. It takes around 10 minutes, enough to fill up with sensations! – Click here to book a parasailing flight

Things to Do in Nice for Long Stays

If you decide to stay in Nice for more than two days, consider taking a day trip or a guided tour to explore other beautiful places in the French Riviera .

14. Take a Day Trip from Nice

Nice is an excellent base for exploring other beautiful places on the French Riviera on day trips. The list of beautiful day trips from Nice includes Villefranche-sur-Mer – a picturesque Old Town and beach with pebbles on the small side – Éze-Village , Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat , Menton , and Monaco .

Discover the Côte d’Azur on this guided driving tour of the French Riviera . Visit the village of Èze and explore Monaco, Monte Carlo, and Antibes.

Further on the west, Cannes and Antibes are two beautiful cities on the French Riviera worth exploring, and they are easy to reach by regional train.

If you prefer to explore inland, this Provence Countryside guided tour visits lovely towns like Grasse , Gourdon, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence and has excellent reviews.

15. Take a Wine Tour

The Côtes de Provence wine production area is very extensive. You will, of course, discover in this area producers of rosé wine (90% of the wine production) but also of fruity and quite full-bodied red wines and aromatic and fruity whites.

If you have a car, I recommend exploring the vineyards of Bellet AOC , planted on the steep slopes of the hills around Nice. Bellet has excellent red wines (assemblies from Braquet, Folle Noire, Cinsault, and Grenache Noir grape varieties) and white wines (assemblies from Vermentino, Chardonnay, Clairette, Blanqueiron, and Bourboulenc grape varieties). The Bellet AOC wine production is not big (around 50 Ha only) so it is rare to find these wines out of Nice. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste and buy these great wines!

In Bellet, Château de Bellet and Domaine de la Source offer different visits with tastings in French and English. Book in advance!  

If you don’t have a car, this full-day Côtes de Provence wine tour from Nice visits three award-winning wineries in the Provence Wine Region, where you can taste various fine wines.

And there you have it: what to see in Nice, things to do, and top tips for a wonderful stay in the capital of the French Riviera. So, what are you waiting for?! Book your trip to Nice today!

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Nice Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 9, 2023

Visiting Nice is, to use the old joke, nice. Located on the French Riviera, it’s the second-biggest tourist destination in the country. I’ve found the city a lovely place to stop on the way to smaller, even quainter Riviera towns. Nice has wonderful hilltop lookouts, restaurants, glamor, tons of scenery, and beautiful beaches.

While not known for its history, settlements here stretch back a whopping 400,000 years (Homo Erectus artifacts have been found here). The city as we know it today was likely established around 350 BCE by the Greeks. That settlement evolved into a large trading hub, which expanded through the Middle Ages into the city we know today.

These days, Nice is known for its upscale atmosphere. The city’s glitz means that there are very few budget options, but it’s worth a night or two to take in the sights and admire the fleet of yachts that usually dot the harbor. After a couple of days, head down to the nearby beach towns of the Cote d’Azur.

This travel guide to Nice can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this gorgeous city!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Nice

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Nice

1. Walk the Promenade des Anglais

This seaside promenade is one of the main hubs of the city. Vendors sell fresh-made crepes and, best of all, there are nice (get it?) restaurants on the beach. Try Le Koudou for seafood or Les Jardins du Capitole for French classics like tartare.

2. Visit the Matisse Museum

Artist Henri Matisse moved to Nice at 48 and remained in the city until his death in 1954. It was during this time that Matisse painted some of his most famous works, including The Sheaf, Nu bleu, Sorrow of the King , and others. Admission is 10 EUR.

3. Relax at the beach

The beaches of Nice aren’t great when compared to the surrounding area but there are still some noteworthy ones to visit. La Réserve is known as one of the best beaches in Nice. Plage Beau Rivage and Coco Beach are both quite nice as well.

4. Wander Vieux Nice

Below the hill of the main city, the old town is a maze of streets and tight alleyways. There are numerous boutiques, markets, crêperies, and cafés. Nice was Italian until the signing of the Treaty of Turin in 1860, so Vieux Nice has a very Italian feel to it.

5. See the Nice Port

Port Lympia is a great spot to watch boats coming and going. In the summer, you can even take a free ferry, called Lou Passagin, across the harbor. Some of the hippest bars are located here as well. Boston Bar and Ma Nolan’s are both excellent choices.

Other Things to See and Do in Nice

1. visit the cours saleya flower market.

Nice is known for its flowers. In 1897, it was the first city in the world to open a wholesale cut flower market. This tradition runs strong to this day, and the market is lined with cafes, shops, and aisles upon aisles of fresh flowers. While the market is known for its flowers, there are also many local produce stands as well. It’s open six days a week from 6am-5:30pm except for Monday and Sunday afternoons when there’s a flea and antique market instead (also cool to visit). Mornings are the best time to visit as the flowers are the freshest and the crowds the smallest.

2. Head to La Colline du Château (Castle Hill)

The Castle of Nice (Château de Nice) was built in the 11th century, remaining an active citadel until the early 18th-century when King Louis XIV commanded that it be destroyed. Today, the area where the Chateau once stood is a popular green space and look-out, with one of the best panoramic views of Nice and the sea. You can take an elevator or hike up the stairs, but it’s a long, long walk. I usually take the elevator up and hike down. You can walk up from the promenade or via the town. (I prefer walking up via the old town as it’s more scenic.)

4. Tour the Museum of Asian Art

Located beside a man-made lake in Phoenix Park, Japanese architect Kenzo Tange designed the museum to be a meeting point between Asian and Western cultures. One of Nice’s newer museums, it opened its doors in 1998 and has a brilliant collection of Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian art. The India exhibit is exceptionally good. Entrance is free. There are also paid (10 EUR) weekend workshops on Asian art forms such as Japanese and Chinese calligraphy and origami. A traditional tea ceremony takes place every Sunday at 3pm (10 EUR).

5. Visit the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Opening its doors in 1990, the MAMAC focuses on postwar pieces, with more than 1,300 works of art in its collection. The museum has four connected wings, each featuring modern and contemporary art. There is a great collection of sculptures, conceptual installations, and paintings, as well as temporary rotating exhibitions. Admission is 10 EUR.

6. Take a day trip to Monaco

Monaco is a small city-state known for its luxe atmosphere. Even if you can’t afford to stay in this luxurious city, you can still visit for the day. You can spend the day exploring the casinos, yachts, and chic restaurants lining the water. While you’re here, visit the Palace of Monaco, a castle built in 1191. As it’s the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco, tourists can only visit seasonally. You can visit the prince’s staterooms (8 EUR), see the royal collection of cars (8 EUR), or meander Monaco’s zoological gardens (6 EUR). The bus takes 45 minutes and costs 1.50 EUR. The train takes 20 minutes with tickets starting as low as 3.50 EUR. The Monaco F1 Grand Prix is held here annually in May or June, attracting thousands of visitors.

7. See St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral

This cathedral is the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe. When one of Tsar Aleksandr II’s sons died in Nice at the beginning of the 20th century after coming down with meningitis, this cathedral was later dedicated to him. Built in the Russian Revival style, the cathedral has teal and green-tiled domes topped with silver crosses. Inside there’s a golden altar and vibrantly painted walls. A dress code is strictly enforced so don’t wear shorts if you want to enter. Cameras are not allowed inside either.

8. Tour the Musée National Marc Chagall

A Russian-French artist of Belarusian Jewish descent, Chagall is known for his cubism and expressionism pieces. Located north of Vieux-Nice in the neighborhood of Cimiez, Musée National Marc Chagall features the artist’s religious works, particularly pieces depicting the resurrection, the sacrifice of Isaac, Adam, and Eve. The Fiddler and Bella with White Collar are among his more popular pieces. Built in 1973, Chagall was active in the museum up until his death in 1985. Admission is 8 EUR, with free admission on the first Sunday of the month.

9. Visit the Cimiez Hill district

If you visit the Matisse Museum, you’ll find yourself in Cimiez Hill district, located about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from Nice’s Old Town. But there’s even more to explore in this area, including the tranquil Cimiez Monastery Gardens, the Archaeological Museum (5 EUR), and the ruins of a Roman amphitheater.

10. Take the Wonder Train

The Train des Merveilles is a two-hour train journey from Nice to the picturesque mountain village of Tende. On this scenic ride, the train makes its way through the mountains, offering breathtaking views of gorges, valleys, and the sea. Take the 9:15am train so you can arrive by late morning, explore the town, have lunch, see the free museum, and then catch a train back to Nice in the evening. A round-trip ticket is 27 EUR, though there are often special discounted offers in the summer.

For more information on other cities in France, check out these guides:

Nice Travel Costs

Hostel prices – There are several hostels in Nice within walking distance to the beach, starting at 22-26 EUR for a 4-6-bed dorm. A bed in a dorm with 8-12 beds costs around 14-18 EUR per night. Private rooms start at 60 EUR per night. Expect standard amenities like free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities.

Budget hotel prices – You can find budget hotels located in the city center with free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning starting at 50-65 EUR per night.

On Airbnb, you can find private rooms starting at 40 EUR per night and entire apartments starting at 65 EUR per night (though double or even triple that is more likely if you don’t book in advance).

Food – Food in France has a long history and is intricately intertwined with the culture. Fresh bread (especially baguettes), tasty local cheeses, and plentiful wine may be stereotypical staples of the cuisine, but they really are some of the must-eat foods in the country. Be sure to also try croque monsieur (a hot ham and cheese sandwich), pot-au-feu (beef stew), steak frites (steak and fries), and if you’re really adventurous you can sample traditional delicacies like frog legs, escargot (snails), or foie gras (a fattened duck or goose liver).

If you go out to eat, expect to spend 9-13 EUR for starters, 15-30 EUR for a main dish, 5-10 EUR for desserts, and 4-9 EUR for wine.

To save money eating out, try doing a prix-fixe meal. It’s a set menu that offers you a deal on a 2-3 course meal. It’s the cheapest at lunch at about 15 EUR.

La Rossettisserie in Vieux-Nice is a carnivore’s dream with a menu filled with red meat and poultry dishes, for around 17 EUR. Illia Pasta on rue Droite in Old Nice is also a delicious choice, with dishes under 15 EUR. In the neighborhood of Jean-Médecin, Le Vingt4 is a vibrant Mediterranean and French restaurant with tapas for 9-16 EUR.

Fast food or ready-made sandwiches cost about 6 EUR. A combo meal at McDonald’s costs around 9 EUR.

Beer costs 6-7 EUR while a cappuccino/latte is around 3 EUR. Bottled water is 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own food you can buy a week’s worth of groceries for 50 EUR. This gets you basic staples like pasta, bread, seasonal produce, and some meat or seafood.

Backpacking Nice Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Nice, my suggested budget is 70 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transit and walking to get around, and doing most free or cheap activities like enjoying the beach and wandering Vieux Nice.

A mid-range budget of about 140 EUR per day covers staying in a private Airbnb, eating out for a few meals, enjoying a few drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid activities like visiting museums and day-tripping outside the city.

For a “luxury” budget of 285 EUR per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, take more taxis or rent a car, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Nice Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Nice is built for the luxury traveler. Being on the French Riviera and so close to many expensive destinations, it’s a city people visit to spend money. But if you want to lower your costs, here are some ways to save money in Nice:

• Do free stuff – Take advantage of all of the free sights including the beach, Vieux Nice, Jardin Albert I (the city’s central park), and the Promenade des Anglais, which fills up at night with music and street performers. You can see a lot here without spending a cent!
• Get a French Riviera Pass – Available at the Nice Tourism offices, the Congress Centre, and various hotels around the city, the French Riviera Pass gives you free access to many of the main museums in Nice and the Côte d’Azur, as well as unlimited travel (including to the airport) during your chosen time frame. Passes are 26-56 EUR for 24, 48, or 72-hour periods. The pass also includes an Old Nice guided tour and Lascaris Palace.
• Get the set lunch menu – If you eat out, do so at lunch and get the prix-fixe menu. Restaurants throughout town offer this set menu during lunch, and with prices between 10-20 EUR, it’s a way better deal than the regular dinner menu!
• Take the free walking tours – Free Walking Tour Nice has a free walking that’s a great introduction to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Stay with a local – If you want to save money and get some local insight into the city, use Couchsurfing. Staying with a local is the best way to get a feel for the city and learn some insider tips.
• Bring a water bottle – Since the tap water here is safe to drink you should bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Nice

There is a handful of hostels in Nice to choose from, most of which are quite close to the city center. Here are my recommended places to stay in Nice:

• Hostel Meyerbeer
• Hostel Ozz & Bar By HappyCulture
• Villa Saint Exupery Beach
• Antares Hostel

How to Get Around Nice

Public transportation – A single-fare ticket costs 1.50 EUR and allows for unlimited travel on both bus and travel for 74 minutes. You can also purchase a 10-trip pass for 10 EUR, a day pass for 5 EUR, and 7-day pass for 15 EUR.

There is also a free shuttle bus that goes down Victor Hugo Boulevard and loops around to the promenade and Old Town, before returning to the start. It’s a red electric bus that you just hop on and off.

Nice has several night-time bus routes which run from 9:10 pm to 10:10 am each day, making it easier to get around if you’re out late at night.

Bicycle – Vélobleu is a public bike-sharing system that lets you use bicycles around the city. There are 175 stations in the region and over 1,700 bikes. It is 1.50 EUR for a day pass (3 EUR for an e-bike), with the first 30 minutes free. If you have a bike out for more than 30 minutes, it’s 1 EUR for the second half-hour and 2 EUR for each additional hour.

You can also rent bikes for the entire day from local bike shops, such as Bike Trip or Booking Bikes. Day rentals are 10-20 EUR.

Taxi – Taxis are expensive in Nice, with a base rate of 3.50 EUR plus another 2.08 EUR per kilometer. This rate may increase in the evenings so skip the taxis if you can — they add up fast!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Nice and is generally cheaper than taxis. For getting around the area (and the country) you can also use the ride-sharing app BlaBlaCar. It is a great way to travel around Europe on a budget.

When to Go to Nice

June-August are the hottest and most popular months to visit Nice. Temperatures average 30°C (86°F) and this is when the south of France is packed with locals and tourists who want to soak up the sun. Prices are also the highest and you’ll need to book well in advance.

The crowds in summer can be quite large at times, especially close to the beaches and in Old Nice. Prices in restaurants and hotels increase as well. To avoid crowds, venture into some of the local neighborhoods, such as Jean-Médecin or Carabacel.

In September and October, the average high temperature is 24°C (75°F). This is an ideal time to visit Nice. The crowds are considerably smaller, making it an ideal time to relax on the beach and wander through the streets of Old Nice and other popular areas.

December to April is considered the winter season and temperatures average around 12°C (55°F). Prices during this time are lower, and the streets are quieter. The exception to lower prices is during the Nice Carnival, which takes place for 14 days each February/March. A tradition since 1873, this is one of the best carnivals in Europe, known for its over-the-top colorful float parades during the day, a parade of lights at night, and beautiful flower parade.

The Nice International Film Festival occurs every May when the city is flooded with celebrities and more glitz and glamor than one can handle. Book in advance if you’re visiting during this time.

How to Stay Safe in Nice

Nice is very safe — even if you’re traveling solo and even as a solo female traveler. The risk of violent crime here is very low.

As in any destination, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Avoid walking through unfamiliar areas alone at night and beware of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Pickpocketing is common in markets, on buses and trains, and other crowded areas. Always keep your valuables secure and out of reach just to be safe.

Avoid bringing valuables to the beach, as theft while you’re in the water can occur. Keep your valuables secure when eating out as bag snatching can occur.

The petition scam is quite popular, where someone asks you to sign a paper and while you’re distracted with the clipboard, they’ll pick your pockets or demand a “donation.” Politely decline anyone approaching with a clipboard or papers.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Nice Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Nice Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling France and continue planning your trip:

The Best Walking Tours in Bordeaux

The 8 Best Hotels in Paris

How to Spend 5 Days in Paris

13 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to See and Do in Paris

The Best Walking Tours in Paris

Life in Paris, Part 3: Nothing Lasts Forever

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Nice Travel Guide: Tips for this French Riviera City

Looking for a nice Nice travel guide? (Get it? I know, I’m clever.) Since I just planned a weekend here, I’m putting all my best advice below!

Back when I was planning my big Asia and Europe trip, I knew my friend, Elissa, and I would want to plan at least one weekend in May for travel. She wanted to go somewhere in southern France, and we, luckily, ended up in Nice!

I say luckily because one of the other places we considered was Cannes, which would’ve coincided with the Cannes Film Festival and been a crowed nightmare. And if we had booked one weekend later, we’d have been competing with the Grand Prix in Monaco , which would’ve also been a crowded nightmare.

Anyway, I really didn’t have many expectations for Nice besides knowing I just wanted to walk around and relax, which is pretty much exactly what I did. It wound up being so lovely! Full of buildings designed to be French but colored to be Italian, there’s quite a bit to do, see, and eat, making it the perfect introduction to the French Riviera. If you’re planning some Nice travel, here’s all you need to know below.

Nice Travel Tips for First Time Visitors

A Brief History of Nice

Nice as we begin to know it first came about around 350 BC. Colonists from Phocaea in Greece began settling here and gave it the name Níkaia after Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. Given its prime location on the Ligurian coast, it became a bustling port city.

Despite being French now, much of Nice’s history during the Middle Ages actually has much more in common with the chaotic formation of Italy. It’s during these times that things like the Castle of Nice (Castle Hill) were built. From 1388 through 1860, Nice was tied to the Duchy of Savoy and even adopted Italian as its official administrative language in 1561 when the Duke abolished Latin.

This mix of Italian and French histories is most evident in the architecture! If you take a look at many of the buildings, you’ll notice the pastel colors are more reminiscent of other Italian Riviera cities. However the designs are still very much French.

This all ended with the Treaty of Turin in 1860, when the area was ceded to Napoleon III. Nice was again a part of France which also caused something called the Niçard exodus, where a many Nice locals left the city for other parts of Italy.

For the early part of the 1900s, Nice was pretty quiet. Two notable events happened when the Tramway de Nice was built and then when the city hosted Formula Libre, Formula One’s predecessor.

As with other European cities, Nice felt the effects of World War II in 30s and 40s. During the early, pre-Vichy Regime years, it provided a bit of a safe haven for Jews fleeing Nazi occupation. Later it would deal with both Mussolini’s Italy and Nazi Germany. Even during these takeovers, two men, Angelo Donati and Friar Père Marie-Benoît, helped thousands of Jews escape.

Post-World War II, which happened when American troops liberated the city in 1944, Nice began to grow more into the French Riviera resort town we know it as today. Jean Médecin, followed by his son Jacques, each held mayorship from 1928 to 1990. Although Jacques was later arrested for corruption, for the most part under their leadership the city grew and modernized.

It recently became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021 and sees thousands of visitors yearly.

When to Visit Nice

You know, Elissa and I visited in May when the weather sat around 70-80F and was really pleasant with just a touch of humidity. She learned from her tour that the weather is pretty lovely year round. The coldest months of January – March rarely drop below 50F and sometimes get as warm 70-80F. All that’s to say:

Plan your visit in the off season.

Elissa’s tour guide warned her that the city’s population quadruples in size during the summer months, which I think would make it a pretty unpleasant place to be. You’re not really going to want to relax on the beach here as there isn’t sand but full on rocks, so there’s no need to come in the hottest, most humid, and most crowded months of the year! Save Nice for the off season or even a shoulder season like we did with May, and you’ll have good weather and walk around without feeling claustrophobic.

Where to Stay in Nice

This really depends on which way you come into town and how much you want to lug your luggage around. Luckily Nice has pretty smooth pathways, so even if you have a kilometer to walk, you don’t have to worry about picking up your suitcases or breaking a wheel on cobblestone streets.

To figure out your ideal location, I want you to first imagine Nice on a map with the sea at the bottom and the train station at the top. The stretch along Avenue Jean Médecin is about a 15-minute walk.

If you come by train and want to walk as little as possible, then I’d stay somewhere along close by the station. Thinking we’d both take the train in, we picked the Hotel du Cent r e , which is a really cute little hotel with the most incredible view of the Notre-Dame de Nice. It’s maybe 5 minutes from the Gare de Nice-Ville.

However , we actually both flew in, which means we took the tram in from the airport. In this case, the drop off point is actually closer to the seaside in the south, so you’d be better off finding a hotel around there instead.

How to Get into Nice

If you come in by plane, you’ll arrive at the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport . It’s a pretty small airport and easy to navigate out of. From there, you can take the tram into town, and the whole thing should take around 30-40 minutes.

Pro Tip: Download the Nice Ticket app and just buy a ticket as needed there. Saves time and paper! Wish Paris had adopted something similar.

Like I mentioned above, Nice does have its own train station, the Gare de Nice-Ville , and it sits on the northern side of the main downtown area. It’s easy to walk to wherever you’re staying or need to go from there. You can book on SNCF’s site and if it’s showing sold out, try Omio . My friend found some open seats there when we were looking for another train in France.

How to Get Around Nice

For the most part, the best way to get around Nice is to simply walk. Nearly all of the main things to do and see are within walking distance, and, in fact, a car or the tram/bus would maybe save you 2-3 minutes max.

By tram/bus

For the few things right outside downtown Nice, you may want the tram or pus to get to. Use the same app, Nice Ticket, to buy a ticket and then use Google Maps to figure out your route.

If you want, Nice also has a public bike system known as vélobleu . I’m not familiar with it as we never rented them, but they seem pretty easy to use! Just download the E-vélobleu app .

Notable Sightseeing Places in Nice

If there’s one area that’s the core of what makes Nice charming, it’s the pastel facades of Vieux Nice (or Old Nice). The streets are narrow, the buildings pretty, and the restaurants and cafes abundant. The best way to enjoy it is to just stroll and snap away.

Apollo Fontaine & La Place Massena

If you ever get lost, this is the place you want to look for. Place Massena sits right before you get to the Promenade Anglais and the beaches. Its checkerboard-esque flooring is hard to miss. Though if you do somehow miss them, there’s still the Fountain of the Sun which features a statue of the Greek god, Apollo.

Castle of Nice

When it comes to Nice travel, this is the *main* sightseeing thing to do in Nice. The name, Castle of Nice, is a bit deceiving as it’s not really a castle but more of a park with the best aerial views over the city. Don’t let the stairs scare you – there’s a free elevator that’ll take you right to the top!

The Beaches

While the beaches in Nice aren’t exactly the best for sunbathing, they are still lovely to hang out at. The free beach has nothing in the way of rentals (missed business opportunity if you ask me), but there are two paid beaches that have loungers, umbrellas, and towel rentals. We booked a day pass at Castel Plage , which I’d recommend!

Just a warning, you’ll probably want actual water shoes if you plan on swimming. Getting in and out of the water is no joke.

Cours Saleya Market

Just look for the brightly striped tents of Cours Saleya in Vieux Nice for a fun, outdoor market! Everyday except Monday, you can find a flower and food market and then on Mondays, you can find an antiques market.

Get whatever fruit is in season and enjoy the fresh snack down by the beach! Also most stalls take credit card, which I was pleasantly surprised by.

Port Lympia

Another notable spot in Nice is Port Lympia , the city’s main port. It’s cool to see, though it loses some charm with all the modern looking yachts and boats.

Where to Eat in Nice

I admittedly did not eat very locally in Nice. By the time I got there I’d already spent about a week in France and was craving Asian food as well as quick, easy food (I caved and got a cheeseburger at McDonald’s on my way back to my hotel). French dining is lovely, but sometimes you don’t want to sit and relax for hours while you eat, ya know?

Anyway here’s where I ate and also wanted to eat but didn’t wind up visiting.

TIP: Honestly my favorite meal was when Elissa and I got some picnic supplies and carried them over to where the #ILoveNICE sign is. It’s on a cape, there’s seating all around, and you can’t beat the view. We went to the market to pick up cheese and strawberries, and then we found a boulangerie for a fresh baguette and waters. Absolute perfection!

Restaurants for Lunch or Dinner

Note that I found all the service at these spots friendly! If anyone sucked below, I would’ve probably just left and written a warning about going to the place lol.

• Maido (near Vieux Nice) – Cute spot for Japanese street food-esque dishes like okonomiyaki . Very casual and lively.
• Bistrot d’Antoine (Vieux Nice) – French bistro with really good food. Recommend getting the meat of the day, I’m dreaming about that duck breast. Elissa got the braised pork cheeks casserole and gave it her stamp of approval too – it reminded me a lot of my favorite bo kho in Saigon!
• La Langouste (near Notre Dame) – I went here on my last night when I was alone and after my first pick was full! Very delightful surprise as the seating is in the back patio and the food was delicious. Another spot I got duck breast and am salivating remembering it.

Other Places I Didn’t Go:

• Lavomatique – Really wanted to go here but was just too tired to walk back to Vieux Nice on my last night. It’s set in an old laundromat and the food looks incredible. Two reviews mentioned it would probably be a Michelin star restaurant someday.
• Fournil Zielinska – Sourdough lovers rejoice! We happened to walk by this sourdough bakery when it was closed, but it had to save it because it looked so nice.

Cafes & Dessert Stops

• AZZURRO Aristan Glacier – Busy gelato spot. It was pretty good! Not sure if you’d want to wait in line for it, though.
• Hug Cafe – this cafe was attached to our hotel, so we got breakfast here. The hotel breakfast is okay but the actual food the cafe has looked really good, so next time I’d just get that.
• cafe fino – Trendy cafe on the same street as Maido. I remember breakfast was nice and Elissa liked her egg mcmuffin, though she ordered it with skepticism.
• The Service Course Nice – A bike shop/cafe in Vieux Nice. They offer up milk alternatives, so I got a nice iced almond milk latte and vegan banana bread while sitting outside and relaxing.

Didn’t Go:

• Clay – Cafe near Quartier du Port. Looks like a nice breakfast spot!
• Cafés Indien – Elissa stumbled across this when she was wandering (I was tired and sleeping lol).
• Marinette – Another cute cafe in Vieux Nice that looks like it has some nice breakfast and sweet options.

Day Trips from Nice

If you want to explore more of the French Riviera, there are plenty of cool day and half-day trips you can take from Nice. I wanted to relax, so I didn’t go anywhere, but Elissa did a half-day trip to Monaco, which she said she liked. Monaco itself was kinda bleh, but the tour was cool and she learned a bit more about Grace Kelly on it.

Here are some other tours you could do:

Italian Dolce Vita & Menton

I actually forgot about Menton until it was too late! It’s been on my colorful places bucket list for ever, so I’ll just have to save it for a future riviera trip. Book Here

Gorges du Verdon & Fields of Lavender

This full day tour is for anyone who comes in June and wants to try and see the lavender fields. The Gorges of Verdon are these incredible canyons with aquamarine waters and, of course, the lavender fields of southern France are pretty much photo famous these days. Book Here

French Riviera in One Day

If have limited time and want to see as much of the Côte d’Azur as possible, this tour will go from Nice to Èze, Monaco, Antibes, Saint-Paul de Vence, and then Cannes in one very full day. Book Here

Éze, Monaco, & Monte Carlo

For something a little less intense and only half the day, you can do Éze, Monaco, and Monte Carlo. Book Here

Saint Tropez & Port Grimaud

If you’ve always been curious about the glamorous Saint Tropez, than this should be a cool tour (actually one I’d consider on a future visit if I don’t just go straight there myself). You’ll actually take a boat trip to Port-Grimaud before going to Saint Tropez! Book Here

Shopping in Nice

This is one of those moments where I wished I lived in France and also had an expendable bank account so I could just shop to my heart’s content. There are a ton of cute boutique shops and, of course, the antique market on Monday is every vintage lover’s dream.

I did manage to snag a cute boater hat after Elissa found a nice shop for hers but otherwise didn’t buy anything as I purposely left myself very, very limited space.

There’s also, of course, a ton of regular shopping. Along the main avenue you can find a giant H&M and Sephora; plus all the pharamacies for those of you who want to pick up some iconic French skincare products!

Safety & Health in Nice

I found Nice to feel pretty safe over all, and I walked around at all times of day and all over both with Elissa and totally by myself. Naturally, as it’s more of a city than a town, you’re going to still want to keep an eye on your belongings and not get too cavalier with it all.

One thing that’s that’s really annoying with Nice travel but is endemic in all of France is the casual smoking everywhere outside. I think it’s one of those things that’s slowly improving, but just know that if you eat outside, you also risk being in someone’s smoke path, which is incredibly annoying.

And that’s all my best advice for some nice Nice travel (get it, haha). Let me know if you have any questions below, and I’ll do my best to help!

For more France travel, read these next:

• Visiting Colmar Feels Exactly Like Entering a Storybook
• A Weekend in Paris is ALWAYS a Good Idea if You Follow this Guide
• 16 Splendid Things to Do in Strasbourg
• 13 Magical French Pharmacy Skincare Products You’ve Gotta Try

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Thank you for all your helpful travel tips for Nice. I am traveling 7 May to 14. I have a day trip to Cannes, Monaco, perfumery etc. My question is where can I get cool boater hat there. My hotel is Hotel de Suede, on Avenue de Suede. Kind regards,

Hi Lisa! I wish I could remember the exact store but my friend and I found ours at one of the shops near Cours Saleya Market. When I googled I found La Chapellerie which looks like where we went! Hope that helps!

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The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022

From far-flung destinations to hometown favorites, 2022 is the year to get back out there and turn your dream trips into reality.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Planning new adventures as a new year approaches is always a thrill, but finding the best places to visit in 2022 is unique. After two years of border closures, cruise cancellations, and travel restrictions galore , 2022 is the year we hope to get back out there, uninhibited (albeit vaccinated and COVID tested ), return to our favorite destinations, and cross new ones off our lists.

Though the hospitality industry was hit hard by the pandemic, many properties used the forced downtime to renovate rooms, add new amenities, and expand outdoor spaces to offer even more once guests return. 2022 is when many travelers will venture further from home, and even overseas, for the first time since the start of the pandemic, finally reaping the benefits of these valiant efforts.

Although COVID variants remain, regulations are still evolving, and precautions must still be taken, many of the destinations we chose for 2022 offer what we believe travelers are looking for in a post-pandemic world, from hotels with private accommodations to destinations teeming with fresh-air activities . Others, like Las Vegas, are for those who are ready and raring to make up for all the social time they missed — with a few splashy headliners, including Adele and the Raiders, thrown in for good measure.

As cruising makes its comeback , we included unforgettable places to see by water, from Antarctica to the Nile, and as hard-hit destinations like Italy and Asia recover, we found the buzziest reasons to return. Of course we didn't forget about all the stateside gems we got to know while domestic travel was surging, from Alaska and California to Florida and Michigan.

Our 2022 list, organized alphabetically, doesn't hold back, with aspirational trips as far away as India, Mozambique, Qatar, and even space — but we're also including hometown favorites, like Walt Disney World and its new Star Wars hotel ; the wellness retreats of beautiful Sedona; and the simple pleasures of small-town, farm-to-table living in Franklin, Tennessee. Because no matter what type of trip you've been dreaming of, we want to help you turn 2022 into the year you get back out there and make it a reality.

— Edited by Nina Ruggiero and Scott Bay

1. Abruzzo, Italy

Stretching from the heart of the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea on the peninsula's southeastern side, Abruzzo, Italy has long been one of the country's most overlooked destinations despite its unspoiled villages, picturesque Trabocchi Coast, and stunning natural escapes. Over the past few years, however, it has gone from a sleepy underdog to an ambitious harbinger of slow travel, sustainable gastronomy, and conscious hospitality. Villa Corallo , a 19th-century mansion near Civitella del Tronto was transformed into a five-star hotel in 2019. Dimore Montane , an eco-lodge opened in 2020 in Majella National Park, marries glamping with environmentally-friendly facilities with a zero waste policy. Meanwhile, restaurants like Bottega Culinaria in San Vito Chietino and Materia Prima in Castel di Sangro are redefining the region as one of Italy's most exciting food hotspots for their innovative and sustainable takes on local produce and traditional dishes (in case Niko Romito's three-Michelin-starred Reale wasn't enough). And completing construction this Spring is Via Verde dei Trabocchi: a cycling and pedestrian path along the Adriatic sea that's being built on a disused railway route. — Marianna Cerini

With many international borders closed over the last two years, many eager U.S. travelers' eyes turned to Alaska. The vast state, famous for its towering, snow-capped peaks, pristine wilderness, massive national parks, and colorful locals, made for a dynamic destination with no passport required. But as borders reopen, interest in the 49th state is showing no signs of slowing down. Alaska's tourism board said early forecasts are projecting that more than 1.57 million cruise ship passengers could visit southeast Alaska in summer 2022. That's an 18% jump from 2019, the previous record year. Many perennial favorite cruise lines , like Holland America, will be returning to full strength after a non-existent 2020 and abbreviated 2021. Others, like Windstar Cruises, UnCruise, and Hurtigruten are rolling out fresh itineraries or are launching new ships. On dry land, Alaska is set to see myriad new offerings and events. In Juneau, the Sealaska Heritage Institute will open their Arts Campus (where visitors will be able to learn about Alaska Native art and culture) and will host Celebration , one of the largest gatherings of Indigenous peoples. In Anchorage, Fur Rendezvous , Alaska's oldest and largest winter festival, will be back from Feb. 25 to March 6 (which also happens to be peak aurora season ). The event hosts activities like the Running of the Reindeer and the Outhouse Races, before culminating with the 50th running of the iconic Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race . — Bailey Berg

3. Anguilla

This easy-going Caribbean gem is simpler than ever to get to with American Airlines launching the first-ever nonstop, direct flight from Miami on Dec. 11. Private charter flights by Tradewind Aviation have also resumed service to the island. And the just-opened Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club has a fleet of jets to ferry guests from key U.S. cities. The sprawling luxury resort will include a few restaurants overseen by chef Abram Bissell, formerly of Eleven Madison Park, The NoMad, and The Modern. Quintessence , a boutique luxury resort with perks like butler service and a 4:1 staff-to-guest ratio, is opening a more affordable annex of suites called Quinn that will debut in 2022 (along with a Champagne cellar tasting room and Art Bar). New Restaurant Uchu at Belmond Cap Juluca is taking inspiration from Belmond's collection of properties in Peru. Named after the Quechuan word for spice, the menu will feature contemporary Peruvian cuisine inspired by three of the country's regions: the coast, the jungle, and the highlands. — Scott Bay

4. Antarctica

The pandemic shutdown created a compelling reason to visit Antarctica in 2022: See how the whales, seals, and penguins react after nearly two years without seeing humans. New polar-class expedition ships and new ways to get to the White Continent are reasons to pack your boots too. Viking Expeditions will be in Antarctica for the first time in 2022 with new, twin 378-passenger expedition ships. Ponant's new 270-passenger Le Commandant Charcot introduces eco-friendlier sailing, as the first hybrid-electric ship fueled by liquified natural gas (rather than heavy fuel). Quark Expeditions' long-awaited 199-passenger Ultramarine delivers exciting heli-hiking adventures via two eight-seat twin-engine helicopters. Hit a craps table in between icy exploration on the luxurious new all-suite 200-passenger Crystal Endeavor. Silversea Cruises' posh, 144-passenger, all-suite Silver Explorer returns with a debut travel option: Skip the notorious (for rough water) Drake Passage and catch a private flight directly from Chile to Antarctica to board the ship. — Fran Golden

American travelers have long loved the Bahamas for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and sunshine just about 50 miles off the coast of Florida, but there are even more reasons to visit the island nation in 2022. Baha Mar on the Island of New Providence has a brand new water park equipped with everything from a lazy river to a surf simulator, and day passes are available for purchase to those who aren't resort guests. For more rest and relaxation, journey to the outer islands of the Bahamas. While charter flights will get you exactly where you need to go, Crystal Cruises is offering a Bahamas-centric cruise that brings guests to some of the quieter and more remote islands. On its mid-July cruise, guests will embark and disembark from Nassau and then be whisked away via "6-star" service to the islands of Bimini, Great Exuma, San Salvador, and Long Island. Beyond the beach, don't forget to indulge in some local food and culture. The Island archipelago is famous for its conch, stew fish, and rock lobster. From late April through early May, Carnival is celebrated in Nassau and back after a pandemic hiatus. Keep an eye out for the famous sound and dance of the junkanoo. — Jamie Aranoff

6. Barbados

Whether you want a relaxing all-inclusive stay or a vibrant vacation filled with dining and nightlife, Barbados has you covered. Nowhere is that more evident than the pedestrian-friendly South Coast, which is teeming with new resorts and restaurants. The O2 Beach Club & Spa is an all-inclusive resort set on the white sands of Dover Beach, with three pools, six dining options, seven bars, and the Acqua spa, featuring the only hammam treatment room on the island. It joins other luxurious South Coast hotels, including Sandals and Sea Breeze Beach House . If you can pull yourself away from the resort pools, head along the coast to Worthing Square Food Garden, an outdoor food hall with 20 vendors serving dishes from around the Caribbean. Or stroll down the mile-long boardwalk for easy access to ocean-front food and drinks at local favorites like Champers, Salt Café, Tiki Bar, and Chill Café & Bar. — Kevin Gray

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

A favorite of adventure travelers for its rainforests and divers who explore the Great Blue Hole and expansive barrier reef, Belize offers an abundance of casual spots and a handful of luxe resorts. The latest arrival is Alaia Belize, an Autograph Collection Hotel , in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, opened mid-2021 with plans to add to its already extensive guest room, suite, and oceanfront villa accommodations. Major airlines are also recognizing the destination's potential with nonstop flights and convenient connections from most U.S. cities. In addition to United and Delta's nonstop flights from Houston and Atlanta, respectively, Alaska Airlines added nonstop service from Los Angeles and Seattle to Belize City in November, and Frontier Airlines will start weekly nonstop flights from Denver and Orlando. — Patricia Doherty

8. Budapest, Hungary

Very few places in the world capture both old-world charm and elegant modernity like Hungary's capital city, and Budapest's latest 130-room luxury hotel, Matild Palace , is a shining example. The neo-baroque palace-turned-hotel, which opened last summer in the city's District V, is a UNESCO-protected site that once housed the city's royalty. The hotel is now home to Wolfgang Punk's famed restaurant, Spago , the first of its kind in central Europe. It also hosts the Duchess bar — a rooftop "liquor library" that mixes craft cocktails using local wines and pálinka, Hungarian fruit brandy, which can be enjoyed alongside panoramic views of the Danube river. Surrounded by 22 wine regions, Budapest is a city for oenophiles. Enjoy a glass of Kékfrankos or Kadarka in the Castle District's newly opened wine bar, Takler Borbár Buda , founded by one of the country's renowned winemaking families. Don't leave the city without visiting Marlou , a biodynamic wine bar near the Hungarian State Opera, and Portobello , an unassuming coffee and natural wine bar around the corner from Matild Palace. — Stephanie Andrews

9. Burgundy, France

The region of Burgundy is known for — you guessed it — its Burgundy wine, but French wine isn't the only reason Burgundy is a must-visit in 2022. In the spring, the region's capital city of Dijon will welcome the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin (International City of Gastronomy and Wine), an expansive complex with a cooking school, a new hotel, a handful of restaurants, and a wine cellar with over 250 by-the-glass offerings. The new project is perfectly situated at the starting point of Burgundy's famed wine route — Route des Grands Crus — which runs from Dijon to Santenay and produces some of the country's most well-regarded wines, including pinot noir, chardonnay, and sauvignon blanc. — Evie Carrick

10. British Virgin Islands

Within the Caribbean, the 60 islands that comprise the British Virgin Islands have long held the reputation of luxury draped in relaxation. And now it's doubling down on that brand of island spirit with Richard Branson's second private island, the 125-acre Moskito Island that opened in October and sits right across from his first BVI paradise, Necker Island (which received a serious upgrade when it reopened last year after a two-year closure). The new destination will eventually have 10 private estates that can be rented through Virgin Limited Edition , but among the ones already available are Point Estate, starting at $17,500 a night, and Oasis Estate for $19,000. But Moskito isn't the only shiny new reason to visit BVI. Proving the area's resilience following the devastation after Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Saba Rock , the private island long known for its diving, went through a complete reconstruction before reopening in October; the Bitter End Yacht Club reopened in December with BVI's first over-the-water bungalows; and Oil Nut Bay will expand in early 2022 with new villas, a watersports center, and spa. Also on tap for 2022, the solar-powered White Bay Villas and new hilltop suites at Long Bay Beach Resort . And with the Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival returning in the spring of 2022 after being canceled for two years, BVI is proving it's truly back and stronger than ever. — Rachel Chang

11. Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

You're likely to glimpse Europe's pro athlete and yachting crowds at Marriott's four hotels on the Costa Smeralda, the glitzy Italian destination known for its Caribbean-like beaches and luxury resorts. Its glamorous Hotel Cala di Volpe has gradually been unveiling room renovations alongside new dining options, including its Harrods Suite, with a roof terrace and sea-facing plunge pool, and BeefBar 's first Italian outpost. The entire area is one big " Billionaire Experience ," but Formula One and entertainment mogul Flavio Briatore snagged the term for his new dining and nightlife venue in designer shopping destination Porto Cervo. For more of a low-key, family-friendly escape, the Baglioni Resort Sardinia opened 404 an hour south in San Teodoro in June, overlooking the stunning Tavolara Marine Reserve . — Nina Ruggiero

12. Crete, Greece

The Greek Islands have long been a perennial favorite vacation destination for discerning travelers, and Crete, the largest of the 227 islands in the archipelago, deserves a spot atop your must-see list. Yes, it's a place where you can find the white-washed buildings and blue roofs you've lusted after on Instagram for years, and a spot where you can dive into the cerulean blue waters of the Mediterranean at every turn. And of course you can dig deep into both history and mythology as humans have lived on the island since the 7th millennium B.C ., not to mention the fact that Crete is the birthplace of Zeus . It's little surprise then, with all this beauty and history, that Crete continues to harbor a rich creative community, mostly centered in the neighborhood of Chania. There, visitors can peruse works in museums like the Mediterranean Architecture Center , or seek out unique pieces in galleries like the Municipal Art Gallery or the Redd Gallery . To visit Crete, hop aboard a sailing with Silversea , which takes guests to Crete and several other stellar islands, or book a stay at the Blue Palace Elounda, a Luxury Collection Resort , named one of the Top 10 Greece Resort Hotels in Travel + Leisure 's World's Best Awards, 2021. — Stacey Leasca

13. Walt Disney World

The "World's Most Magical Celebration" — Walt Disney World's 18-month-long 50th anniversary event that kicked off on Oct. 1 — continues through 2022 with enchanting touches and highly anticipated ride and hotel openings. Star Wars : Galactic Starcruiser will begin offering its immersive, two-night adventures in a galaxy far, far away on March 1. The interactive, choose-your-own-adventure experience will have guests wielding lightsabers, sleeping on the ship, brushing shoulders with Star Wars characters, eating intergalactic cuisine, and maybe even going on a secret mission, making this a truly unique experience that you can't find anywhere else in the world. Other 2022 openings include the Guardians of the Galaxy : Cosmic Rewind indoor coaster at Epcot, slated for summer. — Elizabeth Rhodes

14. Doha, Qatar

As we ask ourselves what cities of the future should look like, we naturally look around for examples. Places like Shanghai, Tokyo, and New York City seem to fit the description on paper, but I'd argue that no city better encapsulates that definition than Doha, the capital of Qatar. There is so much to discover — from East-West/West-East , a series of four steel monoliths created by sculptor Richard Serra to the Museum of Islamic Art , the massive 560,000-square-foot gallery. Eat at Syrian comfort food spot Damasca One, Em Sherif a rooftop spot that serves up authentic regional dishes, and the lively corner restaurant Nourlaya Contemporary for Sri Lankan cuisine. Stay at the Mandarin Oriental Doha or Banyan Tree Doha . (Read Robinson's full dispatch on Doha in the July 2021 edition of Travel + Leisure) — Whitney Robinson

15. Edinburgh, Scotland

The Auld Reekie is buzzing with new energy. The highly anticipated Hotel W , designed by Jestico and Whiles in conjunction with Allan Murray Architects, is opening next winter. And several other hotels have recently opened in and around the city — Marine North Berwick , the Market Street hotel , Rusacks St. Andrews , and ship-turned-luxury-hotel Fingal . Gleneagles Townhouse , a first-ever city outpost from the famed Gleneagles estate, is opening in the spring. St James Quarter, a developing area of the city, and where Hotel W is being built, is opening next year with 85 shops, 30 restaurants, and a cinema. New in whisky is the September christening of Johnnie Walker Princes Street . And promising to shake up the scotch scene in the capital city is Leith Distillery , opening in the summer. — Scott Bay

16. Finger Lakes, New York

The Finger Lakes have bolstered their wellness and culinary offerings in recent years, carving out a name for themselves in the luxury travel realm. Inns of Aurora , comprising five historic mansions, debuted a holistic wellness facility in 2021 — set on 350 acres overlooking Cayuga Lake, complete with hydrotherapy pools, meditation areas, and a farm fresh cafe. Forty miles west of Cayuga, The Lakehouse on Canandaigua — situated on, yes, Canandaigua Lake — recently unveiled the Willowbrook Spa, which boasts lakeside barrel sauna sessions among other innovative treatments. Sandwiched between Cayuga and Canandaigua lakes is Seneca Lake, home to the largest of the Finger Lakes wine trails (this might be riesling country, but don't knock the lighter-bodied reds till you try 'em) and foodie draws like the 14-seat F.L.X. Table . Travelers visiting in the coming year will also see the Finger Lakes festival roster return in full force, including Rochester's Lilac Festival in May and International Jazz Festival in July, as well as attractions for the historically inclined road tripper, like Cayuga County's celebration of Harriet Tubman's birth through a number of walking tours and activations rolled out through 2022. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

17. Franklin, Tennessee

Despite its count of more than 80,000 year-round residents, the very walkable Franklin firmly grasps onto its small-town charms , starting with a quintessentially quaint downtown chock-full of shops and restaurants finding shelter in brick storefronts lining the sidewalks. The uninitiated might know this place for its past — Civil War museums, battleground sites, and historical markers telling the stories of a slave market, race riots, and Black soldiers in the U.S. Colored Troop division of the army all offer points of education and reflection. But the southern city has many modern-day draws as well — for starters, an exciting food and drink scene that includes the Tennessee Whiskey Trail and Arrington Vineyards , the largest winery in the region. Musical events and venues abound, too: The Pilgrimage Music Festival is one of the biggest in the state, and the 7,500-seat FirstBank Amphitheater , newly opened inside a former rock quarry, has welcomed the likes of the Jonas Brothers and Santana to its stage. There's also Leiper's Fork , a quirky-cool enclave filled with antique shops and art galleries. Even more brand-new to the scene is Southall , a 325-acre farm and inn with 62 rooms and suites and 16 cottages opening this June. The lush setting amid rolling hills makes active adventures (hiking, biking, kayaking), wellness pursuits (a spa, meditation, yoga, and two outdoor pools), and nourishing food (the restaurant uses ingredients grown, raised, and foraged on the property) easy to find. All of this and more lie just a short, 30-minute drive from bustling Nashville, making it tempting to tack onto a visit to the capital city. — Alisha Prakash

18. Galápagos Islands

The world's largest marine biosphere reserve will expand more than 20,000 square miles next year thanks to a recent presidential decree . The conservation measure seeks to combat illegal fishing by offering increased protection to the thousands of species that populate the archipelago's waters as well as a migration corridor stretching up to Costa Rica used by sharks, whales and other sea life. Come January, travelers can cruise this UNESCO-protected region on new nine-day adventures from Hurtigruten Expeditions and outfitter Metropolitan Touring aboard the 90-guest carbon-neutral MS Santa Cruz II. For a more intimate experience, passengers can book Aqua Expeditions ' seven-suite 164-foot superyacht, Aqua Mare, when it debuts in May. At the end of the year, eco-enthusiasts can sail to lesser-explored islands to spot giant tortoises, sea lions, flightless cormorants, Galápagos penguins, and marine iguanas on Quasar Expeditions ' new sustainable yacht — the 18-passenger M/Y Conservation featuring biodegradable amenities, renewable energy and a carbon-neutral footprint. Those with timid sea legs should check into the locally owned and run Montemar in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. — Nora Walsh

19. Greater Palm Springs, California

Greater Palm Springs is kicking its signature self-care into high gear in the coming year. Taking a cue from its sister property, Sensei Lanai , the new Sensei Porcupine Creek is converting a 230-acre private estate into a luxury wellness experience in Rancho Mirage in 2022. In Palm Springs proper, Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza will celebrate Indigenous art and history alongside the new Spa at Séc-he , where visitors will soak in approximately 12,000-year-old hot springs. Nearby, Fleur Noire Hotel just opened its adults-only casitas and bungalows, with a speakeasy Champagne bar to follow. Unexpectedly, the desert has a budding surf scene — the former Wet 'n Wild waterpark is becoming Palm Springs Surf Club , with a state-of-the-art wave pool, spa, restaurant, and bar; DSRT Surf is set to open a 5.5-acre wave lagoon in Palm Desert; and Kelly Slater himself is bringing a green energy–powered wave basin to Coral Mountain , a proposed new wellness resort with a hotel and residences, set to open in La Quinta by 2023 pending city approvals. And for entertainment outside the splash zone, the $250-million Coachella Valley Arena will host hockey, concerts, and more live events by the end of the year. — Nina Ruggiero

20. Greenville, South Carolina

Once in the shadow of Charleston and Asheville, Greenville has emerged in recent years as a go-to destination in its own right — and it keeps giving travelers more reasons to visit. In 2022, the city of just over 70,000 people will welcome a luxury boutique hotel, unveil a new public gathering place, and build on its well-earned reputation as a culinary and craft beer hotspot. The long-awaited, 187-room Grand Bohemian hotel is expected to open its doors this spring, complete with a two-story restaurant and bar, art gallery, and spa. The 60-acre Unity Park will feature plenty of greenspace, an observation tower, baseball fields, playgrounds, and walking and biking trails. And recently opened restaurants, including French Laundry alum Drew Erickson's Camp , Urban Wren, Coral, and an outpost of Nashville's famous Prince's Hot Chicken located inside Yee-Haw Brewing will ensure you're well-fed while in town. — Kevin Gray

21. Ilha Caldeira, Mozambique

While South Africa and Uganda grab headlines for African wildlife, Mozambique has been quietly making strides protecting 17 percent of its land — including beaches, coral reefs, and islands — showcasing its dedication to its natural beauty both on land and underwater. Ever since the country's 16-year civil war ended in 1992, the southeastern African nation has been aiming to build back in the right ways. Case in point: the private island of Ilha Caldeira, less than seven miles off the coast as part of the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago, located within the marine-protected area with 20 percent of the country's intact living coral. It's here that the eco-luxury Banyan Tree resort chain has developed one of its most ambitious projects yet, a five-star property — accessible by jetty or helicopter — with 40 private pool villas that will be completely solar powered. Add to that a fish market restaurant with a 270-degree ocean view, the brand's trademark Banyan Tree Spa, and world-class diving, all in a too-pristine-to-believe beach setting, and this island escape is sure to draw attention away from its Indian Ocean neighbors when it opens at the end of 2022. — Rachel Chang

22. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Those wary of traveling internationally in 2022 will find solace in Jackson Hole, a mountain town with endless open space (Wyoming is the least populated state in the U.S.) and plenty to do. In the winter, life revolves around Jackson Hole Mountain Resort , home to some of the nation's best skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, plan your trip around the Jackson Hole Food & Wine Summer Festival (June 23-25) or head to the nearby Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. For easy access to the mountain town, travelers can hop on one of Aero's high-end, seasonal flights and stay at The Cloudveil off the Town Square or the Caldera House at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. — Evie Carrick

23. Kafue National Park, Zambia

Straddling three regions of Zambia, Kafue National Park is the largest (and oldest) in the country, measuring 8,648 miles. In the wildlife-rich Busanga plains — located in the secluded northern side of the park — spend the night at newly opened Chisa Busanga Camp in their bird's nest shaped rooms. Enjoy a silent safari, thanks to e-cruisers or an e-bike safari provided by the property. See wildlife from above with a hot air balloon safari from Shumba Camp or Busanga Bush Camp . Other accommodation offerings in the park include riverfront Ila Safari Lodge and Mukambi Safari Lodge . Both properties offer fishing, walking safaris, boat cruises, and have Instagram worthy pools (perfect for a soak and the traditional safari sundowner: a gin and tonic). — Mazuba Kapambwe

24. Kaunas, Lithuania

Kaunas, Lithuania has a lofty New Year's resolution. After a century of wars, Soviet rule, and, since the 1990s, independence, this UNESCO Creative City of Design is ready to cultivate a new identity — and it's doing so as one of two European Capitals of Culture for 2022 (alongside Novi Sad, Serbia). The festivities commence in January, with thousands of concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and events throughout the year to celebrate Kaunas' history while cementing its path forward . Also this year, Kaunas will welcome the highly anticipated $30 million Science Island, Lithuania's first national science and innovation center designed by UK firm Malcolm Reading Consultants (MRC). By May, the city's former Magnus Hotel will reopen with sparkly new digs and a posh rooftop under the ibis Styles umbrella 404 . This lively city is also a main stop on the recently unveiled 1,330-mile Forest Trail across the Baltics. And, a host of just-announced Ryanair flight routes, including Madrid to Kaunas, will make visiting this capital of culture a breeze. — Stephanie Vermillion

25. Kyushu, Japan

Kyushu may be less than two hours from Tokyo by plane, but it feels far from Honshū's well-beaten tourist circuit. The southwesternmost Japanese main island is still largely unexplored, providing those willing to venture off the beaten path with a much different Japan than the one they'll find in its cities. As a warm, subtropical island, Kyushu is home to long, golden beaches and some of Japan's best snorkeling and scuba diving. Inland, the country's most active volcano, Mt. Aso, feeds the island's myriad natural hot springs — many of which offer sea views. And while the island has accommodations that include both hot spring resorts and luxury beachfront villas 404 , nothing tops a stay at Hirado Castle , which was recently restored and renovated to welcome visitors overnight . — Evie Carrick

26. Lanai, Hawaii

Wellness opportunities and cultural awareness are showcased along with luxury at Lanai's two Four Seasons resorts. At Sensei Lāna'i, A Four Seasons Resort , guests can now choose the Discover Sensei Experience , offering the ability to enjoy the retreat's amenities without joining the more comprehensive programs. New "Optimal Wellbeing" programs focus on improving performance in tennis and golf along with overall wellness. Four Seasons Resort Lanai is adding an observatory as part of "Love Lanai," featuring cultural experiences designed to share the island's rich heritage. The observatory program will center around the history of Pacific voyaging, native traditions, and astronomy. — Patricia Doherty

27. Las Vegas, Nevada

Never bet against the house: The pandemic may have put a damper on Las Vegas, but the ever-on-the-move city is back in a big way for 2022. A massive new development on the Strip, Resorts World Las Vegas, opened in June, has three distinct Hilton properties under one enormous roof, not to mention more than 40 restaurants and bars, plus pools (plural), and a handful of $15,000-a-night villas . Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, the Cromwell , and downtown's Circa Resort & Casino are also giving visitors fresh options on where to stay. The city's pro sports teams — also now plural — are drawing in fans. And off-Strip "immersive experiences," like the Omega Mart by Meow Wolf and the Illuminarium, both at Area15 , are lending an additional layer of things to do beyond the expected. Not that there's anything wrong with splashing out on dinner and a show after the past two years. Live acts — like Adele's just-announced residency at The Colosseum — are once again hot tickets, as is a table at chic new supper club Delilah , at the Wynn Las Vegas. Some things, thankfully, never change. — Paul Brady

28. Louisville, Kentucky

Your cowboy boots were made for walking the streets of Louisville. Nicknamed "The Bourbon City," an official gateway to Kentucky's bourbon trail, the city is expanding its bourbon footprint in 2022. In October, the Urban Bourbon Trail welcomed the first and only African American–owned distillery in the state, Brough Brothers . Meanwhile, its trailmate, Angel's Envy , will wrap its $8.2-million expansion project complete with a new event space and five tasting rooms in the spring. The city is most well known for hosting the annual Kentucky Derby every spring at the historic Churchill Downs racetrack, and the Downs will open the first installment of its multi-year expansion plan, the Homestretch Club , just in time for the 2022 Derby. There, attendees will be able to enjoy the race with an all-new trackside lounge experience. — Hannah Streck

29. Malaysia

Malaysia is home to a beautiful medley of cultures (Chinese, Indian, and Malay) and a diverse smattering of terrain: bustling cities with towering buildings, verdant rain forests with incredible wildlife, and idyllic islands with dreamy beaches. But all of this and more has been closed to the world for much of the pandemic. Now that the island of Langkawi is open via a travel bubble, with the rest of the country expected to follow suit in 2022, travelers can once again experience Malaysia's many gifts. Langkawi, a beach lover's paradise, blends unspoiled nature (UNESCO-listed Kilim Karst Geoforest Park ) and unparalleled luxury ( Four Seasons Resort , Datai Langkawi ), while cosmopolitan capital Kuala Lumpur draws visitors with its gleaming Petronas Towers, delicious hawker food stalls, and shopping. Then there's Borneo, complete with wildlife-packed jungles and a rich Indigenous culture, as well as Desaru Coast, a 3,900-acre area that's home to coveted resorts like the One&Only Desaru Coast , a tropical oasis that opened in early September 2020 (the brand's first in Asia). — Alisha Prakash

30. Maldives

The Maldives' 1,000+ islands sit in the Indian Ocean like a string of turquoise pearls. The tropical nirvana has 166 accommodation options, including the new Joali Being nature retreat, which leads guests on a transformative wellness journey. Alila Kothaifaru Maldives debuts in February with 80 beach and overwater villas on the Raa Atoll. Coming to the same atoll in May, also with 80 luxury villas, is Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa on a massive lagoon primed for snorkeling. The ever-innovative Soneva Fushi has a new experience that includes zip-lining to a six-course meal 30 feet about the sand. Along with Soneva Jani, they've debuted Soneva Soul , a new spa complex melding ancient and modern techniques. Other vacation favorites are unveiling new digs like the sleek, contemporary renovation of Naladhu Private Island and the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island , debuting in February. — Katie Lockhart

31. Newport, Rhode Island

Newport is considered one of the sailing capitals of the world. It is home to the largest fleet of America's Cup 12 Meter yachts , most of which are available for charter. In May, the coastal town is welcoming a Sailing Museum that is sure to solidify that title. Over the past few years, a slew of hotel openings have closed a much-needed gap for luxury accommodations, including Hammett's Hotel , Brenton Hotel , and The Wayfinder Hotel . The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection is debuting the property's highly anticipated transformation conceived by Dallas-based design collective Swoon — the lobby, dining room, and shared areas are now complete with guest rooms finishing early next year. Renowned beverage executive Maxwell Britten has joined the team as chief cocktail curator alongside an amazing chef who cooks up a selection of elevated pub-inspired dishes. And don't miss Giusto , at Hammett's Hotel, which serves up excellent Italian with a Rhode Island twist. — Scott Bay

32. Nile Cruise, Egypt

There is no trip that will convert you to a life of river cruising quite like a sail down (well, technically, up) the Nile. In fact, the world's first river cruises sailed in Egypt, a country designed around the central waterway, where it makes sense that the Nile would act as your home base. A typical Egyptian river cruise sets sail from Cairo to Luxor and then Aswan, with the occasional stop to visit an island temple along the way — complete with sights like the Pyramids, Valley of Kings and Queens, Nefertari's tomb, and the Temple of Kom Ombo. In 2022, there's more than one new river cruise to choose from, between Uniworld's newly launched S.S. Sphinx and AmaWaterways' Amadahlia , both of which sailed their inaugural voyages in fall 2021. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

In late 2021, Panama launched a tourism platform along with the coolest tagline in travel: " Live for More ." With a booming coffee scene and a renewed focus on its culture, history, and biodiversity , the Central American nation is ready for its moment in the spotlight. It's an attractive place for those looking to get out of resort mode and into a world open for exploration and adventure. Immersive environmental experiences abound here, including trekking through the rainforest on its suspended hanging bridges and walking to the top of the Volcán Barú, an active volcano with both Pacific and Atlantic Ocean views from the top. There is also abundant opportunity to learn from Panama's seven Indigenous communities, each of whom offer their own personalized experiences and are happy to share their craftsmanship and traditions. Panama offers plenty of luxury, too. In its capital city, check into the American Trade Hotel , centrally located in Panama's Casco Viejo district, a historic neighborhood which happens to also be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. — Stacey Leasca

34. Phuket, Thailand

Before the pandemic, Phuket was beautiful but crowded, full of beach bars and tourists chasing all-nighters. It's still full of energy and surrounded by the same pristine sea glass–colored water, but its luxurious side is finally getting the attention it deserves, from its high-end coffee shops to its cocktail bars. Hide from the world in paradise with a stay in one of the private pool residences at Trisara , featuring kitchens, a private chef, butler service, and breathtaking views over the sea, as well as access to the resort's PRU restaurant , which has earned both a Michelin star and a Michelin green star. Or book a stay at the brand-new V Villas Phuket , which offers a curated selection of 19 private-pool, 1-, 3-, and 4-bedroom villas. Later, party the night away in Phuket Old Town with inventive cocktails at Club No. 43 (think: rum with grilled pineapple juice and espuma), or settle in for a great dinner and a night of daring performances at the Junkyard Theatre , which just launched a weekly Saturday night show. — Alison Fox

35. Pico, Portugal

The islands of the Azores — a Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean some 900 miles west of Lisbon — are more popular than ever, and for 2022, travelers will want to fix their eyes firmly on the second-largest isle: Pico, an alluring, otherworldly locale covered with black, volcanic rocks. Conquering Portugal's highest peak, the cloud-shrouded, 7,713-foot-high Mount Pico, used to be the island's main draw, but a recent uptick in hospitality infrastructure has allowed for more opportunity to partake of Pico's most important agricultural output: wine. Renowned Portuguese winemaker Antonio Maçanita just opened a new winery that comes with bookable design-forward apartments adjacent to the island's unique vineyards. On Pico, grapes are planted on volcanic terroir that are then protected from Atlantic winds with rock walls. Maçanita's ​​ Azores Wine Company 's mineral, sometimes slightly salty wines could be the perfect celebratory drink after a grueling hike.The crashing waves around Pico are beginning to seduce surfers, too. And there are also ample opportunities to watch for marine life thanks to 20 species of dolphins and whales (including humpbacks and orcas) that can be spotted in these waters. But if you'd rather eat what's in the water: Try lapas, a local shellfish delicacy best served grilled with butter and garlic and finished with a squeeze of lemon. Thankfully, getting to experience all of this has never been easier: Starting July 1, United Airlines will for the first time connect Newark to the island of São Miguel (the Azores' largest island), and from there, it's a quick hop over to Pico. Or you could always get there via direct flights from Lisbon or Porto with Tap Air Portugal's stopover program. — Chadner Navarro

36. Quebec, Canada

After over a year of tight pandemic restrictions, Canada reopened to American tourists in 2021, so now might finally be time to plan that trip to the Great White North, starting with the province of Quebec. From the charming, French-influenced cities of Montreal and Quebec City to the region's snow-capped mountains, there's something new to explore every season. In December 2021, the first Club Med mountain resort in Canada, Club Med Quebec Charlevoix , opened, offering all-inclusive ski vacations just a short flight from several major U.S. cities. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is offering a foliage-packed autumn cruise from New York to Montreal in October. No matter what time of year you visit, Le Capitole Hotel in Quebec City and Humaniti Hotel Montreal are top picks for places to stay in the major cities. — Elizabeth Rhodes

37. Queensland, Australia

Australia's highly anticipated international border reopening will be well worth the wait, especially as more travelers seek nuanced cultural experiences and sustainable stays. The northeastern state has long been the gateway for visits to the rightly beloved Great Barrier Reef, and beginning in 2022, visitors can learn about conservation efforts and the ecosystem directly from the area's Traditional Land Owners and Indigenous guides during day trips from Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel . Aboriginal elders and Traditional Land Owners are also working with local operator Gudjuda Tours on a daylong excursion to tag and rescue one of the reef's most beloved creatures: sea turtles. Those who want to take a more extended trip to the Whitsunday Islands can look to Elysian Retreat , recently certified as the area's first fully solar-powered resort, or its carbon-negative sister property Pumpkin Island . Back on the mainland, within the verdant Daintree Rainforest UNESCO World Heritage Site, eco-luxury hideaway Silky Oaks Lodge will finally welcome guests back after its $15-million overhaul. — Sarah Bruning

38. Santa Ynez Valley, California

Two hours from L.A., the Santa Ynez Valley is rural, unassuming, and coming into its own. The region has grown grapes for decades and has even made a Hollywood cameo in the movie Sideways. The arrival of newer tasting rooms, restaurants, and hotels in recent years has firmly put the area on oenophiles' and travelers' radars. Start with a private olive oil tasting at Global Gardens and hard cider at Tin City Cider in Los Olivos. Follow with pizza pies at Full of Life Flatbread and vino at nearby female-owned A Tribute to Grace and Casa Dumetz . Detour to Firestone Walker 's outpost in Buellton for a few limited edition craft brews and finish with dishes such as roasted tomato and fennel risotto at the Ballard Inn's Gathering Table 404 . Though it's technically just beyond the boundaries of the valley in Lompoc, The Hilt Estate , is too good to miss. And once it opens this year as an Auberge property, The Inn at Mattei's Tavern will make for the perfect base from which to explore it all. — Tanvi Chheda

39. São Paulo, Brazil

Known for its dynamic combination of luxury, design, and fashion influence, São Paulo is an international metropolitan hub of arts and culture. It's the largest city in South America, hosting an array of entertainment opportunities such as fabulous hotels, decadent restaurants, high-class museums, and iconic mid-century architecture. With airlines including American adding flights throughout Brazil in 2022 and a flourishing hospitality renaissance throughout the city, São Paulo is well prepared for its anticipated influx of new travelers. A must-visit destination for 2022 is the Rosewood São Paulo , located in the heart of São Paulo's Cidade Matarazzo and housed in a historic landmark building. Here, visitors will encounter 200-plus luxurious guest rooms, suites, and residences, plus six restaurants and bars and two pools. — Molly O'Brien

40. Savannah, Georgia

This coastal Georgia city is rightly famous for its atmospheric, moss-draped streets and squares, not to mention its hundreds of years of history. But lately Savannah has been boosted by creativity and innovation outside the sometimes frozen-in-amber Old Town, which means now is a particularly compelling time to visit. Make home base the brand-new Thompson Savannah 429 , a slick 13-story tower with interiors by Studio 11 Design that anchors the still-developing Eastern Wharf neighborhood. Phase one of the 54-acre development, which aims to turn a once-industrial waterfront into a contemporary mixed-use destination, includes hundreds of apartments, fitness trails, access to the Savannah River, and multiple bars and restaurants, including Fleeting , a seasonally driven spot inside the Thompson. At the same time, Savannah's other major waterfront destination has also come into its own. The Plant Riverside District, a stone's throw from Old Town, marked its official grand opening in November 2021, putting a bow on a bustling JW Marriott hotel , countless restaurants and bars, and multiple live performance venues all along a rebuilt waterfront. Not that all the action is along the river: The ever-evolving Starland District, a short drive from Johnson Square, has its share of hangouts including Starland Yard , a food truck park that's also home to the excellent Pizzeria Vittoria Napoletana ; Two Tides Brewing Company , which pours hazy ales and delicious sours in a super-cool taproom; and Troupial , a Venezuelan cafe. You'll also want to pack Wildsam Savannah , a newly released field guide that helps visitors understand the layers of history (and the contemporary politics) that are fueling the latest renaissance in Savannah. — Paul Brady

41. Seattle, Washington

Few places offer both an urban and a natural escape in one destination — and the Emerald City might be one of the best. The city center is world-class with top hotel accommodations ( Four Seasons Hotel Seattle and Thompson Seattle ), locally focused fine dining, and countless cultural sites. Then, just minutes away from all of that is some of the most stunning outdoor recreation out there. Adding to the city's luster is the newly opened Lotte Hotel Seattle . The 189-room tower is bringing high design and refined service to the area. Charlotte , the hotel's restaurant on the 18th floor, serves up an inventive menu that is sure to become an all-time favorite dining experience. The landmark Fairmont Olympic Hotel recently completed a $25-million historic restoration of its public spaces, quickly becoming one of the most Instagrammable spots in town. Plus, its buzzy new culinary showpiece will debut in the months to come. Before leaving Seattle, don't miss a meal at celebrated pasta specialist Brian Clevenger's new restaurant, Autumn . — Scott Bay

42. Sedona, Arizona

Makito Umekita/Travel + Leisure

With tourism already surging thanks to the Instagram fame of attractions like Devil's Bridge, Sedona garnered even more of a following during the pandemic among cooped-up city dwellers enthralled by the destination's red rocks and energy vortexes. In 2022, set your sights on North America's first landscape hotel, Ambiente , home to 40 standalone accommodations (called "atriums"), most with private rooftop decks perfect for stargazing. Opening in May, the sustainability-focused retreat will offer on-site trailhead access — further immersing guests in the Sedona landscape while combating traffic along the city's main highway — and reactivate an ancient waterway to populate a stream running throughout the hotel. Experience Sedona's culinary clout right on property at Ambiente's restaurant, Forty1, housed in a refurbished airstream, or venture next door to Mariposa , the city's must-visit restaurant by chef Lisa Dahl, who pioneered fine dining in this town. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

43. Singapore

Singapore reopened to vaccinated American travelers in October 2021 with the introduction of the country's Vaccinated Travel Lane . Travelers can fly from the U.S. on Singapore Airlines' vaccine-mandatory flights ; the World's Best airline 26 years running launched Vaccinated Travel Lane flights this fall, and United Airlines plans to follow suit by January 2022. Even in the early stages of reopening to foreign travelers, the city-state is already unveiling new culinary ventures. Recently, chef Julien Royer, behind three-Michelin-star Odette, opened Claudine , and Raffles Singapore unveiled Osteria BBR 404 by Alain Ducasse, while Marina Bay Sands plans to debut chef Tetsuya Wakuda's second restaurant within the hotel in the new year. Of course, there's just as much flavor to be found at Singapore's famed hawker centers, now on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. As tourists return to Singapore, new cultural attractions follow — from the return of Singapore Art Week, beginning Jan. 14, to the recent unveiling of SkyHelix Sentosa , an open-air ride towering 300 feet above sea level, for anyone still in need of thrills after a 17-hour flight over the Pacific. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

44. Southwest Michigan

Beaches with ocean-like views were once the main draw to Michigan's southwest coast, but new high-style accommodations and hyper-local experiences are giving us more reasons to go. Where to stay with so many options? Consider the cool new motel-turned-boutique Lake Shore Resort in Saugatuck; The Fields glamping retreat with new spa tents in South Haven; the revamped, modern Harbor Grand Hotel in New Buffalo; or anywhere along the coast with high-touch Bluefish Vacation Rentals , which has killer lakefront homes now stocked with handmade local goods. Hop on the new pedestrian/bike trail in Union Pier, and definitely shop two new woman-owned standouts: the beautifully curated Haven and Ariane Prewitt's AP Cottage, scheduled to open this spring. Women are showing off the culinary scene, too, with everything from a special saison ale — winner of the 2021 Great American Beer Festival — at woman-owned Waypost Brewing Co. , to new herb-inspired cocktails at James Beard-winning chef Melissa Corey's Penny Royal Café & Provisions , to James Beard nominee Abra Beherns' Granor Farm , where dinners return this year in a new glass-enclosed barn. — Nina Kokotas Hahn

45. St. Moritz, Switzerland

If you're on the hunt for glitz, glamour, and powder for days, look no further than St. Moritz, Switzerland. The Alpine ski town has long been considered the birthplace of winter vacationing. Tourists first flocked to the mountain town in 1864 , when hotelier Johannes Badrutt took a few British travelers to the community, promising them bluebird days all winter. It wasn't long until others learned about this hidden winter oasis. Skiers and winter sports enthusiasts flocked to the mountain, which has now hosted the Winter Olympic Games not once, but twice. It's an ideal place for ski bunnies too, thanks to its luxury shopping, and its numerous Michelin-starred restaurants . This winter, head to St. Moritz for its fantastic events like White Surf (Feb. 6, 13, and 20, 2022), an international horse race that takes place across the frozen Lake St. Moritz, and the Snow Polo World Cup 404 (Jan. 28-30, 2022), which happens to be the world's only high-goal tournament on snow. Book a stay at the Badrutt's Palace Hotel , which officially reopened on Dec. 3 for the 2021/2022 season and offers guests the chance to try their hand at high-octane winter sports like skijöring, snowkiting, tobogganing, and even private helicopter tours to the peaks of Piz Bernina and Piz Palü. — Stacey Leasca

46. St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida

The beaches of St. Petersburg and nearby Clearwater are consistently ranked among the best in the U.S. and even the world , but there's more to this destination than white sand, pristine waters, and 361 days of sunshine per year. St. Pete/Clearwater offers more than 30 museums and galleries featuring world-renowned artists like Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso, as well as the largest collection of Salvador Dalí's work outside of Spain. One could say brewing the perfect beer is also an artform that St. Pete/Clearwater has mastered, with its trail of 35+ locally owned craft breweries. Playfully nicknamed the " Gulp Coast ," complete your experience with a digital passport that tracks your beer-sampling progress. These year-round offerings mean you can visit any time, but head over in June 2022 to revel in the 20th anniversary of St. Pete Pride , the largest Pride event in Florida, hosting events for everyone from friends and families to couples and solo travelers. — Jessica Poitevien

47. Todos Santos, Mexico

Todos Santos is one of Mexico's pueblo mágicos, or "magic towns," and locals are working to retain its history and culture while embracing the steady stream of travelers who have begun venturing an hour north of Cabo San Lucas to discover its charm. The area saw a handful of new boutique resorts pop up in 2021 that provide luxury amenities while keeping the rugged land and local flora the centerpiece. Wellness-focused Paradero describes itself as a "landscaping project" that just so happens to have luxurious suites, and El Perdido , an all-villa resort less than five miles south, provides all-terrain vehicles so visitors can get to Los Cerritos beach, the local surf break of choice. Oceanfront Rancho Pescadero 's multimillion-dollar transformation will be complete in the spring. Bookings for its oceanfront villas and penthouse rooms — some with private rooftops and plunge pools — open in January. Todos Santos has fully embraced farm-to-table dining, with Javier Plascencia's orchard-adjacent Jazamango leading the way, and Santa Terra , a cosmopolitan oyster bar meets arts and entertainment venue concept, is in the process of adding multiple bars and restaurants, plus a glamping site and amphitheater, according to its developer, "without chopping down a single tree." — Nina Ruggiero

48. Udaipur, India

After an extremely challenging 20-month closure, India reopened to vaccinated travelers on Nov. 15, 2021. Those looking toward South Asia in the new year, perhaps to see the Taj Mahal in Agra or hit the Goan beaches, should make sure Udaipur is on the itinerary. The city of lakes in southern Rajasthan is thought of as the most romantic Indian destination (even called the "Venice of the East") — but it's not just for honeymooners. From the vibrance of Hathi Pol bazaar and Shilpgram , an artisanal compound on the outskirts of the city with a festival set to return on Jan. 22, to the serenity of Lake Pichola, the artificial lake made in the 14th century, Udaipur is a city where you can fully immerse in Rajasthani culture. A hub of Indian luxury, Udaipur is now home to the country's first Raffles hotel, which opened in October. This private island hotel on Udai Sagar Lake is accessible only by boat — something of a trademark for the over-the-top hotels of Udaipur. Meant to be a flagship hotel in the Raffles portfolio, complete with brand staples (think: bars, both Long and Writers), 101 lavish suites, Rasoi cooking school, and lakeside open-air restaurant Belvedere Point. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

49. Wales, United Kingdom

The only path in the world to follow the whole of a country's coastline, the Wales Coastal Path celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2022. Walking its 870 miles would take three months, but its most spectacular stretches can be seen in one visit — and in style. St David's in Pembrokeshire, west Wales, is Britain's smallest city with a mere population of 1,600 and is home to a Medieval cathedral , a luxury hotel inside Roch Castle , some excellent pubs, and the upscale St David's Gin & Kitchen . Hiking paths with unbeatable coastal vistas are within easy reach (try the St David's Head loop ) and pass neolithic tombs and hillforts. — Jamie Carter

50. Yucatán, Mexico

Mérida, the capital of the state of Yucatán, has emerged as one of Mexico's most popular cities thanks to its lively restaurant scene, a busy calendar of cultural events, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere. Increasingly, however, travelers are venturing beyond the city to explore the state's unspoiled nature reserves, ancient Maya sites, and sprawling haciendas — a number now converted into hotels. Among the destinations that are drawing travelers to Yucatán are El Cuyo, a quiet beach town that was long a closely guarded secret of windsurfers. Now visitors can also enjoy gourmet Mexican fare at the El Chile Gordo restaurant and boho-chic lodgings at the new Casa Mate . In Espita, a charming colonial town near Valladolid, is the Casona los Cedros hotel which opened in summer 2021. Sisal, a historic port in the western part of the state, has attracted new interest since being named a Pueblo Mágico at the end of 2020. A new highway completed in April now connects Sisal to Hunucmá (and then beyond to Mérida) making it easier for beachcombers to visit, and perhaps spend the night at the cool Club de Patos 404 . — John Newton

51. Bonus: Space

This was a monumental year for human spaceflight — not only did NASA and SpaceX achieve a regular cadence of astronaut launches for the first time since the Space Shuttle was retired in 2011, but space tourism has also lifted off in a major way, making space a top destination to visit in 2022. And it's a realistic trip, too, so long as you have the budget for it. Both Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic succeeded in taking passengers to space on short suborbital hops this year, and each company plans to ramp up those flights in 2022 — Virgin Galactic already has more than 600 bookings. The price for a quick jaunt to space? A few hundred thousand dollars . If you have an even bigger budget (say, a couple hundred million dollars), you could charter your own orbital flight in a SpaceX Dragon Capsule, as did entrepreneur Jared Issacman with his Inspiration4 mission in September. There are also tourism trips to the International Space Station in the works; Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa launches on his multi-day journey in December, courtesy of space travel agency Space Adventures and Russia's Roscosmos space agency, which plans to take even more " citizen space explorers " to the orbiting laboratory in the near future. Of course, not everyone has pockets deep enough to cover space travel, but more affordable journeys are on the horizon. Startup Space Perspective plans to launch high-altitude balloon rides to the edge of space in 2024 , for the relatively low price of $125,000. Potential dealbreaker, though — the balloons don't actually reach space, maxing out at 100,000 feet in altitude, while space is considered to begin somewhere between 264,000 feet (50 miles) and 327,360 feet ​​(62 miles). But hey, at least there's a bar on board. — Stefanie Waldek

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Head South Of The Border This Fall For Nice Weather And Tons Of Culture

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• Fall in Mexico boasts pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and budget-friendly options like Puerto Escondido.
• The Day of the Dead is a 3,000-year-old tradition honoring loved ones with decorations, costumes, and special foods.
• Festivals like the Cervantino Festival in Guanajuato and the International Gourmet Festival in Puerto Vallarta offer exciting experiences.

Over 36 million Americans visit Mexico annually. They flock to places like Oaxaca City for the colorful colonial architecture, Tijuana for the nightlife, and Cancún for the all-inclusive resorts, stunning beaches, and proximity to Maya ruins. For those with a tight budget, Sisal and Sayulita are great alternatives to Cancún , while Puerto Escondido and Puerto Morelos are some of the best beaches you can visit for $1,000 or less .

There are so many exciting attractions and activities in the expansive country that cater to different types of visitors. Before heading south of the border this fall, though, it’s important to note the weather conditions in various areas and what special events and festivals can make the trip worthwhile.

7 Things That Don't Exist In Mexico

Mexico offers unique places like the Sistine Chapel of Crystals and delicacies like fried grasshoppers, but some elements are impossible to come by.

Why Mexico In The Fall Is A Good Idea

Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

Many Mexico destinations are easy to get to from the U.S. , but before choosing where to go, consider that the climate and weather differ from one state to another, given the country’s sheer size and diverse topography. The rainy season generally lasts from June to mid-October. In autumn, inland regions become cooler, while the coastline stays predominantly warm but isn’t as hot and humid as June, July, and August.

Visit These 12 Underrated Destinations in Mexico to Avoid Tourist Crowds

There are countless underrated tourist destinations in Mexico yet to be discovered. Explore these 12 places to avoid tourist crowds there.

As an added bonus to the pleasant temperatures in the fall, since December through April see the biggest influx of tourists nationwide, there are definitely fewer crowds from September through November, not to mention that accommodations and air fares are cheaper.

For avid surfers, September and October provide mild water temperatures and big waves, especially around Puerto Escondido and Rio Nexpa.

The Day Of The Dead

A 3,000-year-old tradition.

One of the most-anticipated celebrations across Mexico in the fall is El Día de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead , which takes place from the night of October 31 through November 2. Based on an ancient Aztec tradition, it’s been influenced by Catholic beliefs and rites over the years, but the gist is honoring dead family members and loved ones in the name of the Virgin Mary.

Graves are thoroughly cleaned for the occasion and decorated with ribbons, flowers, and candles, and in homes, prayer altars and shrines are also lined with flowers and candles, as well as photos of the deceased, food, and beverages. Participants of all ages wear skeleton costumes and/or a sugar skull mask, paint their faces, and take part in parades and parties.

Common foods and drinks on this occasion include pan de muertos (sweet bread of the dead), calabaza en tacha (candied pumpkins), calavera (sugar skull-shaped dessert), atole (corn flour drink with cinnamon), mole sauce, tamales , and tequila.

According to Statista , three out of four Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead.

Festival Internacional Cervantino

A latin american celebration of music, dance, cinema, plays, and gastronomy in guanajuato.

There are many spectacular festivals in Mexico , including the Cervantino Festival . Boasting thousands of talented guests from various countries, its origins can be traced to the 1950s. Nowadays, this international event takes place every October for about 2 weeks in the historic city of Guanajuato, at various indoor and outdoor venues.

Other than theatrical and musical performances by local, Latin American, and international artists, the festival features arts exhibitions, film screenings, sports, and academic activities. Events are either free or paid, with tickets ranging from $140 to over $1,000.

Children under the age of 8 aren't allowed.

Puerto Vallarta's International Gourmet Festival

Tantalizing taste buds since 1995.

Foodies also get their fair share of indulgences in Mexico every fall. Many locals and tourists, for instance, head to Puerto Vallarta in November to attend the International Gourmet Festival . This yearly event spans 10 days and features renowned and rising chefs and restaurants, workshops, art exhibitions, wine and cheese tastings, exciting performances, a gourmet brunch, a gala dinner, and decadent picnics.

These are but some of the fun events to look forward to during a trip to Mexico in the fall. You might also want to look into the Morelia International Film Festival , which takes place in the second week of October, or the Tlaxcala Fair in October and November, which celebrates art, culture, agriculture, and livestock.

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Family Travel Tips For Hassle-Free Holidays

Do we even need family travel tips? Well, yes, especially when you’re travelling with kids. Because, let’s face it, it can be a wee bit…scary. Afterall, it’s a very different scenario from your usual holidaying alone or with a friend or two.

Apart from trying to keep your kids entertained and well, you also have to factor in how not to bother others around you and how to keep every member on the same page. 

With so many things to prepare for (even mentally!), you need a good collection of tips and advice to keep your family trip as fun, memorable, and happy as you’ve always wanted. 

A family holiday is a perfect time to bond and make lasting memories. Credit: Celie DEBUIRE

Family Travel Tips: What To Expect?

Before diving into the much needed family travel tips, let’s buckle up to go over what sort of things will likely happen when travelling with your family.

By having a clear picture of what to expect, you are better mentally prepared. It can also help you avoid disappointment and burnouts when things don’t go according to plan.

• So many men, so many minds : family members may disagree on what a fun destination may be.
• Budget constraint : catering to individual needs can be pretty expensive.
• Childcare responsibilities : children need constant care, which can be a challenge on a trip since you have to make sure that you’re not sacrificing your own comfort and fun.
• Health and safety concerns , especially with the elders and young kids, may require extra precautions and attention. 
• Packing may get overwhelming when travelling with young children.
• Stay calm . Don’t lose your head, or worse, get into fights with your partner. Laugh, have fun; you’ll pull through.

In the end, young kids might not remember that lavish, exotic meal or the breathtaking scenery. But they will remember every time you sit down and talk to/play with them—or even when you step aside to take a work call.

They will remember sitting at the terminal, wishing they were at home right now but can’t due to a delayed flight. They will remember a simple burger at a roadside diner. 

It’s these small, heartfelt moments that truly stick with them. And you are there, with them during those times. So be there for them . 

After getting the right mindset, here comes the best part - the tips and tricks to take care of all these challenges.

Family Travel Tips For Easy-Breezy Itinerary Planning

There are plenty of kid-friendly destinations to pick. Photo by travnikovstudio - stock.adobe.com

It’s hard enough to make an itinerary for yourself; now you have to consider your family members. But with the right strategies, the process can be much more streamlined and enjoyable. 

Research For Family-Friendly Destinations

The first part, choosing where to go, requires more planning if you are travelling with kids. Countries with high safety indexes are a no-brainer. But if you want to go somewhere like, say Cancun, you’ll need to have a second thought. For more examples, Cape Town is a better family-friendly destination than Johannesburg if you want to visit South Africa. Sit down with your partner and plan carefully down to the last details.

Some family-friendly countries to get started : Norway, Japan, Iceland, Austria, Switzerland.

Fun For The Whole Family

Make sure everyone has their share of fun by including one or two activities that each member prefers. The key is to let everyone know each of them will get to do an activity/visit a place they love, and it should be fair for all members. Find destinations that fit everyone’s age, health, and preferences. It sounds difficult, but there are plenty of options:

• The beach is a great place to start: the elders can relax on the sand; the kids can have fun in the sun with a ball game and lots of snacks. Then your whole family can join each other for a joyful lunch in a nearby restaurant or at a local market. 
• National parks are also full of family-friendly activities, such as camping, hiking and sightseeing. There are so many things you can do in one that can easily fill up a day.  A place like Costa Rica is great for family hiking or anything outdoor.
• If you’re in a big city like London or Manchester , museums and art galleries are perfect. They are cheap (sometimes even free) and great for all ages.

Book Ahead (And In Bundle If You Can)

Make reservations for accommodations, attractions, and transportation, especially during high season. This can give you a peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of and you have time to focus on having fun. Besides, booking ahead and in a package may also land you those early bird deals.

Include (Lots Of) Nap Time And Breaks

The little balls of energy need their nappy time to recharge after an adventure. Photo by famveldman - stock.adobe.com

If you’re travelling with your little ones, take into consideration that even though they’re hyper, their energy also runs out pretty quickly compared to adults. Make plans that include their nap time and snack breaks as well. 

For example, start the day with a visit to a theme park or the zoo. This will be followed by lunch, then a quick break back at the hotel or on the train to another city (if the kids are good on-the-go nappers). 

Leave Some Room For Backups

Travelling with your family might not be as flexible as travelling alone or with friends. Not everyone in the family may be on board with sudden changes; sometimes, it’s not even possible with small children. When you plan, consider some alternatives everyone can agree with in case of last-minute surprises. Lower the bar and expect more downtime for everyone (public playgrounds and libraries are our favourites).

Packing Tips For Lightweight Family Travel

Travelling with kids and trying not to bring everything is harder than it sounds. To begin, ask yourself questions like these:

• Where am I going, and what’s the weather like?
• How long is my trip going to be?
• What am I doing there?
• Are there any activities that require a specific item?
• Who am I packing for besides myself?

How To Pack Right

If you’re travelling with young kids, the last question is very important. To keep things clear and simple, the trick is to think in categories and stick to a formula . 

The categories for virtually any kind of trip are:

• Important travel documents
• Personal items (such as money and medication
• Activity-related items, and
• Emergency essentials.

Once you’ve worked out a checklist for each category, you can get even more lightweight by working out how many items you need to use in a day. For example, 2 outfits a day, which means 2 tops and 2 bottoms. But a pair of jeans can be reworn for more than 1 day, then you’ll only need 2 tops and 1 bottom for 1 travelling day. 

Get A Backpack That Is Good For Playing And Travelling

The key to a lightweight family trip is a nice backpack.

To save even more space and keep things flexible for your family holiday, consider a backpack with great duality . Think something you can pack to the brim to be on the move, then unpack to carry only essentials while you explore your dream destination. Check our range of CabinZero travel backpacks here .

Essentials For Travelling With Children

Besides the regular travel essentials, here are some items you might need for a kid-friendly holiday.

• Pack plenty of snacks and drinks for kids during long journeys
• Bring a variety of entertainment, such as books and toys
• For better sleep in new places, bring their favourite stuffed toys or blanket
• Don’t forget the necessary medications
• Extra clothes and/or diapers
• Consider bringing a baby stroller or carrier
• Remember to bring necessary child travel documents .

Learn Packing Techniques For Family Travel

Rolling clothes can save a lot of space, and there are fewer chances of wrinkles, too. Small items like socks, ties, and scarves can be stored in pockets of jackets and jeans. 

Packing cubes are better for categorising items. If you’re packing baby formula and bottles, a waterproof and secure packing cube can save you from that possible spillage.

How Will You Prepare Children For A Trip?

When planning a family holiday with kids, it’s important to understand that you’re planning for them and yourself at the same time. 

While it may be a bit overwhelming for first-timers, preparing the kids for the dream family trip may be some of the most precious memories you can make with them.

Let Them In On The Plan

Involving the kids is one of the best family travel tips. They can share their preferences, which can make the whole itinerary planning step easier. Also, it can create a sense of anticipation and excitement. 

Prep Their Taste Buds

One of the best parts of travelling is getting to experience a new cuisine. Though, it can be quite a struggle for the little ones to adapt to new flavours. Getting them familiar with the cuisine of your destination a week or so ahead, either by cooking for them or ordering.

Even something as simple as french fries may taste different aboard. Photo by famveldman - stock.adobe.com

Adjust Their Sleep Habits

Let them go to sleep or wake up at a different time some days before the trip to get them used to the new time zone. Usually, three to five days is a good length to create a sense of habit. At the same time, try to slowly get them to sleep without their comfort toys, especially ones that are too big to bring on a trip.

Motivate them

The young one may find the chaotic world of the airport overwhelming (even we grown-ups struggle sometimes ). But you’d be amazed at how kids stay patient through long walks to the gate and keep their spirits up as the immigration line inches forward with a chocolate bar or a few snacks. Sometimes, it’s the small comforts that make all the difference.

Transportation Options For Toddlers - Flying Or Driving?

All children behave differently on flight and in a car. Photo by Friends Stock - stock.adobe.com

To drive or fly with a toddler on a long trip has never been an easy question. It boils down to one thing - your child’s tolerance. Some kids enjoy car rides; some don’t.

Both have their ups and downs.

Car rides may seem less of a hassle because of the privacy and freedom of stops, but it’s harder to keep them occupied and entertained. There’s not much you can do in a car. You can’t reach over, can’t hold them comfortably, or play with them. And there is a lot more space for them to move around, too. 

Flying, on the other hand, may make some parents’ worst nightmare come true - bothering other passengers with noise. Acquiring the right documents can also be a hassle, and that’s not to mention the luggage. But, travel time is shorter, and kids have more access to entertainment.

Bottom line is : It depends on the child. If your little one is usually not fussy and can behave well in crowded places, consider flying to save time. If you prefer car rides, look for ways to keep kids entertained and avoid foods that can give them the energy spike.

How To Keep Kids Entertained On A Long Journey?

It’s never 1 solution. Keeping kids entertained during a long family trip is all about mixing up a lot of things. So, as a heads up, you are going to have to pack a separate bag of stuff your child can use/play with and prepare a day or two before the trip.

Pack Their Favorite Toys, Games, Books, And Snacks

For an excited toddler, there are not many things that can hold their attention for long. But even just 15 minutes of them having something to do is better than nothing except the constant “are we there yet?”. 

If physical games don’t work, try mixing in verbal games. For example, ask them to count how many churches or restaurants you drive by. While this may not be the most fun, it may be able to get them to fall asleep easier. 

CabinZero’s tip : don’t give them everything to play with all at once. It helps build excitement and curiosity. 

Plan Plenty Of Stops

A short change of scenery can help kids in long car rides. Photo by vitaliymateha - stock.adobe.com

Even adults get bored of sitting in one place for too long. If you’re travelling with a car, it’s better to stop either for food or just getting some fresh air once every 2-3 hours. You can also look for playgrounds or parks along the way. 

For those who are flying, we know this might not be possible for everyone, but if budget is not a concern, you can consider a trip with a connecting flight. That is, if you feel comfortable, and the layover is in an enjoyable destination. Then you can plan a mini layover-trip for you and your family. 

Choose The Right Seat

Some airlines allow your family to sit together for free, while some don’t. If possible, you can pay for seat selection to choose the best seats for everyone. Either way, you should inform the airlines and crew that you’re travelling with children and request assistance.

• Window vs. Aisle Seats : Younger kids might enjoy sitting by the window to watch the clouds, while older kids might prefer an aisle seat for easier access to the restroom.
• Front or Back of the Plane : The front of the plane usually deboards first, which can be a time-saver if you have a connecting flight or simply want to get off quickly. The back of the plane, however, is often quieter and may have more open seats.
• Bulkhead Seats : These seats often provide extra legroom and are ideal for families with small children who might need more space. However, they may not have under-seat storage, so be prepared to stow your belongings in the overhead bin.

Download Content Beforehand

In-flight entertainment can be hit or miss, and not all airlines offer Wi-Fi on board —especially on shorter or budget flights. It’s wise to download everything for offline viewing before you take off (streaming platforms may require an internet connection for account verification, even to access your downloaded content). Don’t forget to bring portable chargers and a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones. 

Family Travel Tips For A Safe Trip

Family trave tips to stay safe and worry-free. Photo by MNStudio - stock.adobe.com

When you’re travelling with younger members, it should be a top priority to take precautions and learn safety travel tips. Here are some you will need before going on your next dream family holiday.

Someone Will Get Sick

Travelling, while fun, can get rough on the body. It’s inevitable that someone will get sick. Thus, the first thing to do is to pack an emergency kit . Or two and three if your family is large. It should have essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and any necessary medications. Last but not least, but somehow usually overlooked, note emergency and local medical services contacts in case of an accident or illness.

Mind What You Eat And Drink

Remember to. Trying a new cuisine is always fun, but if you’re not used to a certain herb or spice, your tummy may protest. Tap water in various countries is not safe for drinking. Carry a refillable water bottle and drink regularly throughout the day. However, make sure the water is safe to drink—if in doubt, stick to bottled or filtered water. 

Stay Informed

Take precautions and get any medication/vaccination required upon entering for both you and your family members. It’s important to read the news about the place you’re planning to go. And even if you think it’s safe, always trust your gut instincts and listen to the locals.

Buy Travel Insurance

Unexpected events can happen, and that’s where travel insurance comes in. If your family plans to participate in activities like skiing, scuba diving, or hiking, make sure your travel insurance covers these adventures. No matter what you choose, always read over all the policies to make sure you are covered when the unthinkable happens.

Use Your Common Sense

It’s a top priority to keep your family safe during travel. Photo by Lsantilli - stock.adobe.com

Research your destination and use travel common senses . Even the safest place is not 100% free of crimes. Especially for tourists, there are always going to be petty crimes, like pick-pocketing and scams, to watch out for. Don’t go to secluded areas late at night, and do not leave your belongings unattended.

CabinZero’s tip : keep precious belongings like money and phones in a hip bag/bum bag . When you’re in a crowded place, wear it underneath your shirt.

Also, stick together and have a communication plan in mind. Some members may want to wander off on their own, so what you can do is to make sure everyone knows each other’s whereabouts at all times and know who to call in case of an emergency. 

TO SAFELY TRAVEL WITH CHILDREN , be sure to:

• Teach them basic safety rules and to use emergency contacts
• Keep a close eye on them at all times
• Dress children appropriately for the culture and the weather

Got Your Family Travel Tips? Now The Fun Awaits!

Alongside a wonder-filled itinerary, these family travel tips are what you need for a trip full of memories. Remember that the magic starts with planning. Let the kids in on it, and be flexible and patient. 

If you find this article useful, don’t forget to leave a comment and reach out to us via social media! We’re always more than thrilled to hear your travel stories.

Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh

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