Nice, France
Travel Guide
Everything You Need to Know
Visiting the French Riviera? This Nice Travel Guide has everything you need to know before venturing through this gorgeous destination. Nice, France is an absolute treat, with year-round sunshine, coastal beaches, and historic culture. Just a short flight from Paris, France, Nice attracts many travelers — though that once that wasn’t the case. Back in the 1920’s, Nice’s infrastructure was falling apart. It wasn’t until the 50s and 60s that tourism began to increase across this magical destination, after more investment was made in building up the city.
Today, Nice is one of the largest cities in France, with an estimated population of over 940,000. Additionally, it isthe capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French Riviera. Known for it’s Mediterranean climate, blue coastal waters, and vibrant cultural streets, Nice offers much to see and do. Below, we break down some of our top recommendations including where to stay, what to do, best restaurants, bars and more. Please enjoy and share our Nice Travel Blog with family & friends!
Quick Tips
Culture
It is polite to greet everyone you encounter with a friendly bonjour upon arrival, and an au revoir when leaving.
When To Visit
The best time to visit Nice is in September to October, or from mid-March to April.
Safety
Similar to many European hot spots, Nice is generally safe but also deals with its fair share of pickpockets.

Getting There
Travelers can enter France for up to 90 days without a visa. If you plan to stay longer, you must obtain the proper visa from one of the French consulates in America prior to departure. For more information concerning entry and exit requirements for France, visit the U.S. State Department’s website. The taxi drivers in Nice are a bit notorious for taking advantage of tourists. If you must take a taxi, negotiate the fare before getting inside and make sure the driver has his or her fare rates displayed (a requirement). If you decide to take a taxi from the airport to the center of Nice, expect to pay a flat rate of 32 euros (around $39). Driving is not recommended as traffic can be frustrating and parking is limited.
What To Expect
Getting Around
Like many French cities, Nice is equipped with a reliable and convenient public transportation system. Buses serve all major tourist attractions as well as the Nice-Ville train station and the Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport (NCE). Ride-hailing services, such as Uber, are also a popular option because they are much cheaper and more convenient than traditional taxis. The Nice airport is just 6km from the centre of the city, making it a stress-free, straightforward process to get to your accommodations.
Best Time to Visit

Neighborhoods
Cimiez
Cimiez is a neighborhood packed with history. It is an old Roman outpost and was actually Queen Victoria’s farite vacation destination. For centuries, many historic aristocrats and noblemen travelled to this area to enjoy peace, quiet, and paradise on the south coast of France. This is our top recommendation for where to stay in Nice for families.
Le Port
Located east of Old Town, Le Port straddles both sides of the city’s iconic and charming marina. While it’s known as a fun destination for the ‘cool’ boat crowd, it is actually has something to offer everyone – from an afternoon stroll to a night on the town.
Jean-Médecin
Jean-Médecin is Nice’s New Town neighborhood. Home to grand avenues and tree-lined streets, this downtown neighborhood is renowned for its high-end boutique and street shops, as well as it’s world-class museums, top-notch restaurants, and cute cafes.
Old Town
Old Town, or “Vieux Nice”, is the heart of Nice. A dense labyrinth of cobblestone streets, this is where you’ll find colorful buildings, charming shops, quaint cafes and historic landmarks. This is our top recommendation for where to stay in Nice for first-timers.
Gambetta
Gambetta is a small neighborhood on the west side of Nice. Stretching from the train station down to the shores of the Mediterranean, this lively and vibrant borough is where you’ll find a variety of great restaurants, pristine beaches, and plenty of things to do in Nice.



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