Nice, France (pronounced like niece) is one of the quintessential stops along the French Riviera. As the largest city of the region, Nice has a metropolitan feel along with the beautiful pebble beaches and a quaint old town. If you’re planning a trip to the riviera, Nice is a great central stop and a hub to access other destinations along the coast.
During my road trip in the south of France, I spent a great two days in Nice and it was the perfect amount of time to see everything the city has to offer and make a day trip to neighboring pastel village or Villefranche-sur-Mer and the famous pink Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
Planning a tour along the French Riviera or Provence? Check out my guide to the 13 Most Instagrammable Towns in the South of France
HOW TO GET TO NICE, FRANCE
Nice is located on the southwestern coast of France nearby Monaco and the Italian border. This cirydestinations along the riviera that has an international airport and train station, so accessing Nice from abroad is a simple solution to start your French riviera journey! Nice also has a cruise ship port, which is why passenger traffic is the highest in Nice out of any town in the French Riviera.
Once in Nice, getting around is easy! You can walk most of the city, hire a taxi or Uber, ride bikes or rent a car if you are planning to make day trips to nearby towns.
WHAT TO DO
ADMIRE THE OLD TOWN & STROLL THE PROMENDADE DES ANGLAIS
Get your walking shoes on! The Old Town of Nice is the most beautiful part of the city, with colorful alleyways, small shops, restaurants and historic architecture that is a perfect balance of the French and Italian influences present here! The Place de Masséna is one of the most picturesque and colorful squares in France and it feels like your transported to a different time period (forgot to take a photo, but check it out here)!
Small restaurants and cafes line the squares of the old town like this one at the Nice Cathedral.
Once you wander around the old town, take a walk down or a rent a bike for a ride the famous Promenade des Anglais along the coastline. The views are stunning and the people watching is even better!
TAKE IN THE VIEWS FROM CASTLE HILL
Castle Hill was a former citadel used by the French military because it offers the best vantage point over the city and the sea in the distance. Nowadays, it’s one of the most popular attractions in Nice because it offers stunning 360° views over Nice. Don’t want to make the hike up to the top? Don’t worry, there is an elevator that can take you partially up!
VISIT A COLORFUL CATHEDRAL
You might have seen this place on Instagram and thought it was a castle. Nope! It’s a Russian Orthodox Cathedral and it is gorgeous detailed in aqua blues and peach tones to create a magnificent cultural masterpiece! It’s worth a visit if you’re an architecture-lover like me! This is a religious site, so make sure to pay respect and dress modestly when visiting the St. Nicholas Cathedral.
SPEND THE AFTERNOON AT A BEACH CLUB
Like other towns along the riviera, Nice has its fair share of beach clubs. Nice does have a pebble beach, so a chair and umbrella are ideal for a comfortable afternoon at the beach as well as some flip flops or water shoes you can take with you to walk to the water! My favorite beach clubs in Nice are at the Ruhl Plage, Opéra Plage and Hotel Beau Rivage.
TRY SOME ARTISANAL GELATO
Belive it or not, Nice has some of the best gelato! This should be no surprise since it is located so close to Italy. Fenocchio is a famous artisinal gelateria here that has some of the most unique flavors!
My favorites were the rose and lavender, I’m such a floral flavor fan, plus they are local to the nearby region of Provence where the famous lavender fields and perfumeries are located.
GRAB A DRINK AT THE HISTORIC HOTEL NEGRESCO
The Hotel Negresco is a Nice institution. As one of the most historic and luxurious properties in Nice, this hotel is definitely worth a visit if you can’t opt for a stay. Their restaurant and bar is divine and the atmosphere is one-of-a-kind, you truly step back into a glamorous era here!
PLAN A DAY TRIP
Nice is a great spot to make as a home base for day trips in the area! If you get antsy and want to explore as much as possible like me, take a day or afternoon to go to the neighboring town of Villefranche-sur-Mer and then visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.
VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER
This small town is a pastel gem and a great place to explore in a couple of hours. Located right next to Nice, this town is only a 20 minute drive from central Nice. Villefranche-sur-Mer is incredibly quaint and great laidback alternative to the busy streets of Nice, plus you will find so many beautiful photo spots along the untouched pastel-hued streets!
You can easily walk around Villefranche-sur-Mer, so park the car or rent an uber and stroll the streets, grab a bite to eat on the water at L’Oursin Bleu or check out the small public beach!
VILLA EPHRUSSI DE ROTHSCHILD
This villa is one of the more famous attractions along the riviera. This pink palace is one of a kind, with 6 different gardens, a gorgeous interior and amazing views overlooking the Mediterranean sea. Villa Ephrussi is located only 25 minutes from Nice and 10 minutes from Villefranche-sur-Mer. Entry is €15 to the villa and gardens and it includes an audio guide.
Be sure to dedicate a couple of hours here to get the most of your visit and explore each garden; the Spanish one was my favorite!
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN NICE, FRANCE
Nice is a larger city, so it has plenty of options to explore French Mediterranean cuisine, international favorites and healthy options! I’ve picked out some of the best restaurants and bars in Nice to help guide your culinary journey!
- La Belle Saison or Le Panier for French cuisine. For a French fine dining experience, opt for Jan or Le Plongeoir and dine atop two rocks over the sea!
- Les 2 Terrasses for a great outdoor patio with all of your French favorites
- Olim for light breakfast and lunch bites
- Koko Green for vegan and raw food that’s just as beautiful to look at as it is to eat or The Healer for insta-worthy smoothie bowls and toasts
- Les Amoureux for a delicious heart-shaped Neopolitain-style pizza or Gepetto for authentic Italian dishes
- For drinks with a view check out the rooftop bar at Le Meridien or Radisson Blu hotels or seaside at Movida
- For after dinner drinks, check out the cocktails at the cozy lounge at Hotel Negresco or Waka Bar
WHERE TO STAY IN NICE, FRANCE
During my trip to Nice, I decided to stay at the Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée. This stunning hotel is located right on the beach with a fabulous indoor and outdoor swimming pool, spa, restaurant and casino. The rooms were spacious and modern and the location was perfect for exploring all of the Nice sites! I’ve also rounded up a few of my other favorite places to stay in Nice, so you can choose which works best for you!
HOTELS
AIRBNB
- Celestial White Rooftop Pad by the Sea
- Stunning Private Balcony Apartment Close to Train Station
- Remodeled 17th Century Apartment by the Old Town
- Bright & Comfortable Apartment near the beach
- Bright Apartment with a Balcony in a Stylish Neighborhood
- Delightful Home Close to the Port
Ready to book your trip to this glamorous coast? It is a trip you won’t forget!
