Is Nice worth a visit? Planning your next vacation or weekend getaway?
Do you love nature, architecture, art, the sea, history and culinary discoveries? Then you’re going to love (re)discovering Nice, even if you already know it! After spending a few days there, we were conquered by its warm colors and its friendly atmosphere. Ancient city then Roman, it is also an archaeological site of the region. A cultural crossroads and a jewel on the Mediterranean coast, Nice has (truly) a lot to offer!
In this article, we give you all our reasons for recommending Nice, as well as a few points to keep in mind.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the area anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
Is Nice worth a visit?
Nicknamed Nissa la Bella by its inhabitants, Nice is well worth a visit for several reasons. Unusual activities, nature in the city, museums, architectural jewels but also very good restaurants, the Côte d’Azur capital is first known for its idyllic location on the French Riviera. Its sunny climate and its azure blue beaches attracted us immediately. Its picturesque old town, or “Vieux Nice”, is full of narrow streets where we enjoyed getting lost, colorful buildings and lively markets. The Italian and ancient influence on some of the buildings in this neighborhood offers an authentic atmosphere and a glimpse into the local history and culture.
And did you know that Nice is aUNESCO World Heritage Site as a “Riviera winter resort”?
Nice is also renowned for its artistic heritage and cultural offerings, and we enjoyed the many museums and the emphasis on modern and contemporary art. Also lovers of architecture, we were not disappointed, with sites such as the Promenade des Anglais, the iconic 5-star Le Negresco hotel and the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas.
As well as being home to numerous museums, monuments and old buildings, Nice is also France’s 1st livable city with more than 200,000 inhabitants, elected for the 2nd consecutive time in 2022! Its pebbled coastline, its azure blue Baie des Anges, its fine and tasty gastronomy, its terroir and the hospitality of its population make it a delightful city to spend (very) good vacations in. More than 340,000 people live here every day and enjoy the quality of life in this French Riviera city!
Check out our article on the best things to do, see and visit in Nice!
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Reason 1 – For the historical charm of its old town
Historic and picturesque, Vieux Nice is organized into several narrow, winding streets. The district is covered with colorful buildings, some of which have an Italian or antique influence. A medieval atmosphere reigns here with the many historical sites of the old town. In addition, there are lively markets and a vibrant nightlife.
The cultural and historical heritage is truly emblematic in this area of the old city. We also had the pleasure of discovering some very good restaurants, picturesque and charming accommodations or to have an ice cream at one of the best ice cream parlors of the city, Azzurro.
In fact, we’ve chosen the old town as one of the best areas to sleep in Nice.
Reason 2 – For its Mediterranean coastline and beaches
Nice boasts several magnificent beaches along its coastline. Pebbles, sand, crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, you will have the choice if you want to swim, walk or take a break in front of the azure immensity! There are restaurants near most of the beaches, both public and private, but you can also bring your own lunch.
Among Nice’s pebble beaches, the best known are Carras and Lenval. These 2 beaches are public, you can also opt for private pebble beaches such as Bamboo Beach, Coco Beach or Beau Rivage Beach. For a quieter, more intimate atmosphere, the private Plage de Castel is located below Nice castle. Its picturesque setting, surrounded by cliffs, makes it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sun.
If you prefer sand to pebbles, you will have to drive a little bit. The best-known in the Nice area are..:
- Plage des Marinières in Villefranche-sur-Mer (20min from Nice city center by car),
- the beaches of Cap Ferrat (30min drive from Nice city center),
- Mala Beach in Cap d’Ail (35min drive from Nice city center),
- the beaches of Cannes (about a 40-minute drive from downtown Nice),
- Plage de la Garoupe in Antibes (1 hour’s drive from downtown Nice),
- Larvotto Beach in Monaco (50min drive from Nice city center).
WHERE TO STAY IN Nice
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
On the waterfront, with sea view:
Anantara Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
In the new town, close to the sea:
Hotel Apollinaire, elegant and bright – See prices, photos and availability
In the old town, with all the charm:
AparthotelAMMI Vieux Nice very practical and pleasant – see prices, photos and availability
Reason 3 – For its Belle Époque architecture
Belle Époque architecture in Nice is a legacy of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By this time, Nice had become a popular tourist destination for the European aristocracy and bourgeoisie. This was followed by a rather impressive architectural development for the greatest pleasure of our eyes!
We strolled the streets of Nice, admiring the mix of styles that characterizes Belle Époque architecture. Wrought iron balconies, high windows and stained glass, domes, turrets and colorful facades dress for example the Cimiez district or the famous Promenade des Anglais.
The Belle Époque buildings, often painted in bright, pastel colors, create a contrast with the blue Mediterranean sky. Take the time to notice the architectural details that adorn their facades, such as friezes, cornices or floral motifs. These buildings are distinguished by their elegance, refinement and detailed ornamentation.
Let’s take the famous 5 star hotel Le Negresco. A mythical palace, a legend on the French Riviera, which embodies the Belle Époque architecture along the Promenade des Anglais. This building is in baroque style with its famous pink dome and houses a collection of nearly 6000 works of art. We also had the pleasure of dining at the restaurant La Rotonde, one of the gastronomic tables of the hotel Le Negresco. A must-see place in our opinion!
Nice’s Belle Époque architecture contributes to the city’s elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. We particularly enjoyed the Nice Opera House, rebuilt in 1885 by Nice architect François Aune, a pupil of Gustave Eiffel. Prior to its reconstruction, the plans for the new Nice Opera House were approved by Charles Garnier.
If you look closely at the contours of the high windows of the Nice Opera House, you’ll see the famous friezes and moldings typical of Belle Époque architecture. A meticulous and fascinating work, isn’t it?
The Place Masséna in Nice is another emblematic example of Belle Époque architecture. Its vermilion red buildings, moldings and turrets bring a real touch of elegance to this beautiful neighborhood. We didn’t know where to put our eyes because there were so many beautiful things to see between the buildings and the majestic Fountain of the Sun in the center with the statue of Apollo.
Finally, we recommend the Cimiez district to admire other masterpieces of Belle Époque architecture. We marveled at the magnificent Hotel Excelsior Regina Palace (now the Hotel Nice Excelsior), where Queen Victoria stayed in Nice.
Reason 4 – For its museums and artistic heritage
If, like us, you’re passionate about art, you’ll find that Nice’s cultural offering is truly varied and interesting. Modern and contemporary art, classical style, the Côte d’Azur capital honors many artists and artistic periods. One of our must-sees: the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC). An emblematic place of the city in our eyes, we lived an artistic experience mixing creativity, innovation and emotions. Find out more about our visit to Nice’s MAMAC museum in pictures.
Cradle of art and culture, this 5th city of France, saw the birth and inspired great names: artists Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, Yves Klein or Raoul Dufy. But also very beautiful pens like James Joyce or Guillaume Apollinaire. Between land, mountains and sea, the city of Nice makes you dream with its colors of Provence. Dynamic and cosmopolitan, Nice is a candidate to become the European Capital of Culture 2028.
In fact, the Musée Matisse and Musée Chagall in Nice’s Cimiez district pay tribute to these personalities of the art world.
In the old town, 2 steps away from the Cour Saleya, we also visited the Charles Nègre Museum of Photography, which mainly hosts temporary exhibitions. This museum owes its notoriety to the great names in photography that are exhibited there. In the photo below, pictures of Catherine Deneuve by Lionel Kazan, great fashion photographer of the 1950s and 1960s.
If you like museums, there’s something for everyone in Nice. In a different style, we set off to discover the Palais Lascaris in Nice. Located in Vieux Nice, this former 17th-century aristocratic residence is now a historic monument and a museum of musical instruments, where exceptional pieces are on display.
In short, one of the reasons to visit Nice is really its cultural and artistic diversity, which won us over! We strongly advise you to opt for the 3-day Museums Pass available on the official City of Nice website, which will give you access to all Nice’s municipal museums for 72 hours.
DISCOVER Nice
- Best things to do in Nice
- Where to stay in Nice: 15 best hotels
- Where to eat in Nice: 20 best restaurants
- The 12 best museums in Nice
- Best beaches
- Visit the Palais Lascaris
- Visit the MAMAC Museum
- Visit the Museum of Photography
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days – 3 days – 5 days – 7 days
- Rent a car in Nice (airport or train station)
- Most beautiful villages around Nice
Reason 5 – For its gastronomy and its (very) good restaurants
As the capital of the Côte d’Azur, Nice also has much to offer in the way of culinary delights. Gastronomic and starred restaurants, seafood, on the go, Nice specialties, our taste buds particularly appreciated this stay in Nissa la Bella which has very (very) good restaurants.
Nice is a very touristy city, so you can find a lot of establishments that don’t necessarily offer good value for money. So we’ve put together a selection of the best restaurants in Nice, to suit all tastes and prices.
The refinement of French gastronomy, the products of the Provencal soil and the know-how of Nice transported us. Each dish was a new journey, a new culinary experience, combined with the warm welcome of the restaurant owners in their establishments.
For example, we enjoyed a unique gastronomic experience at the Michelin-starred JAN restaurant in Nice, which combines South African tradition, Nice specialties and French cuisine.
On the Cour Saleya, after strolling through the narrow streets of Vieux Nice and admiring the colorful market stalls, we took a break on the sunny terrace of La Storia restaurant, which favors short circuits and market produce. Whatever your tastes, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Nice!
Read our article on the 20 best restaurants to eat out in Nice.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in Provence a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
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Reason 6 – For the place of nature in the city
If you like green spaces, take a walk on the Promenade du Paillon, a haven of peace in the heart of the city. We walked around there almost every day. This is Nice’s green lung, the Coulée Verte. During our walks, we discovered several species of plants from the 5 continents, chosen by the plant architect and landscaper Michel Péna, and also some works of art.
This green space is around 1.3km long and over 50m wide, from the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC) and the Théâtre National de Nice to the Promenade des Anglais.
Generally speaking, between the sea, greenery and large parks, nature in the city has an important place in Nice and we were pleasantly surprised for such a large city! We noticed a lot of fruit trees in the middle of the city: almond trees, apricot trees, plum trees, lemon trees, orange trees… but also very beautiful olive trees!
Other places in Nice celebrate nature: its beaches, the Parc de la Colline du Château, the Jardin Albert 1er and the Jardin Botanique. It is located in the Arenas district on the way to Nice Côte d’Azur airport.
Walking along its hilly paths, we became familiar with the plant world of the Mediterranean coast. This botanical garden features over 3,000 plant species planted over 3.5 hectares in the hills above Nice. A moment out of time!
Nice is a city where nature has its place.
Reason 7 – For its sports culture
We’ve noticed that Nice’s sports culture is quite present and diverse. First of all, the city is laid out in such a way as to allow the practice of sports, which is really appreciable! For example, at any time of the day, we have come across runners on the Promenade des Anglais who enjoy the panoramic view of the sea while exercising.
Its privileged location on the French Riviera is also a delight for lovers of water sports. Sailing, jet-skiing, paddle, kayaking, scuba diving and boat trips were among the water activities we identified during our stay. See the options on GetYourGuide or Viator.
Cyclists are also well catered for in Nice, thanks to its mild climate and numerous cycle paths. Our bike ride along the Promenade des Anglais was particularly enjoyable!
In addition to these specific activities, Nice’s sports culture is also reflected in the National Sports Museum in the city’s Arenas district, on the way to the airport. Located in the Allianz Riviera stadium, the museum houses a vast collection of objects and memorabilia relating to the history of the main performances of French sport.
We discovered interactive and immersive exhibits highlighting a variety of sports, from historical achievements to contemporary athletes. Cycling, combat sports, ball sports, car racing, running, chronological references of the Olympic Games… Almost all disciplines are represented!
Our experience at the National Sports Museum was really enriching and immersive thanks to the different types of exhibits: old bikes, interactive screens, authentic suits, medals, interviews, trophies, jerseys, photographs, paintings… This museum recalls the milestones and innovations that have shaped the sporting landscape. It’s a place for kids and adults!
As the Musée National du Sport is located in Nice’s Allianz Riviera stadium, we decided to combine our guided tour of the stadium with a visit to the museum. And it was really interesting even though we are not particularly soccer fans at first. You too, think about reserving your slot!
In fact, Nice’s soccer team,OGC Nice, plays in France’s Ligue 1 soccer league, with a fairly passionate fan base. The Allianz Riviera Stadium is the venue for the club’s home games, offering a vibrant atmosphere during the matches. An unusual and rather nice discovery.
Discover our visit to the National Sports Museum and Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice.
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Reason 8 – For its magnificent churches and cathedrals
Nice is also home to some beautiful buildings that bear witness to its rich religious and architectural heritage. Churches, basilica, cathedral… Each of these places offers a beauty and spirituality of its own, combining architectural styles and sometimes atypical settings. Here’s a selection of Nice’s most beautiful churches, cathedrals and basilicas:
- First, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint-Nicolas de Nice, a jewel in the Cimiez district on Avenue Nicolas II. It is one of the largest buildings erected outside the Russian Orthodox world. Its Belle Époque style, its colors, its stained glass windows make it one of the most beautiful Russian churches in France classified as a historical monument!
- Then, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption built during the second half of the 19th century and located in the Jean Médecin district. Neo-Gothic in style, it is the largest religious building in Nice.
- This basilica is also known for its sumptuous colored stained glass windows. When we looked up to admire the nave and its vaults, we were almost dazzled by the light coming through the stained glass windows.
- Then, we visited the Cimiez-Libération district a little further up in Nice. We discovered the Church of Sainte-Jeanne d’Arc and its atypical architecture.
- Church built by the architect Jacques Droz in the 1930s, its style is more or less futuristic in reinforced concrete with several white domes in the form of ovals. This Catholic church is dedicated to Joan of Arc, a figure who made history in the 15th century. Inside, we discovered several statues, paintings, frescoes of a more modern style and quite original compared to what we are used to see in religious buildings. A must in our opinion!
- Last but not least, the famous Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate in the heart of Vieux Nice, dating from the Grand Siècle. Built in the second half of the 17th century, the first building dates from the Middle Ages. The cathedral is dedicated to Sainte Réparate, patron saint of the city and the Diocese of Nice. We were dazzled by its yellow and gold interior walls as we walked through the 2 side aisles. We also liked its many statues and ornaments on the façade.
We hope we’ve convinced you that the city of Nice definitely has a lot to offer among its beautiful buildings and religious edifices in the various districts!
Reason 9 – For its archaeological sites
As a Mediterranean crossroads and ancient city, archaeology in Nice reveals a rich historical heritage dating back to antiquity. Archaeological discoveries have enabled us to retrace the region’s history and shed light on the different civilizations that have occupied Nice over the centuries.
As we’re also passionate about archaeology, a stop at the Musée d’Archéologie de Nice and the Musée Terra Amata was a natural for us!
First of all, the Museum of Prehistory of Terra Amata located in the Port district in the east of the city. What makes it special? It is located on the site of the excavation of the same name, which revealed the way of life of the first inhabitants of Nice nearly 400,000 years ago! That’s why we wanted to visit it at all costs!
Further west and in the heights of Nice, we once again found ourselves in the Cimiez district, pushing open the doors of the hilltop Archaeology Museum. You will be able to see ruins but also art objects, sculptures and vestiges allowing to understand the daily life of the populations, their social organization, their administrative framework and their spirituality. We also learned that the hill of Cimiez is an ancient city of Cemenelum, capital of the Alpes Maritimes. So, ready for a trip back in time?
Reason 10 – For its picturesque villages
Between mountains, land and sea, Nice and the surrounding region put on some very fine shows. Here’s a selection of villages not to be missed if you’re visiting Nice:
- Èze: a village perched on a cliff with a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea, we were transported by its narrow streets and medieval atmosphere – see how to get there on a tour.
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence: a charming village known for its art galleries, its paved streets and its medieval ramparts surrounded by greenery and trees. This village has inspired many artists who have stayed there. You can get there in a 35-minute drive from Nice, or opt for an organized tour of the medieval villages, with a stopover in Saint-Paul-de-Vence – see availability and prices.
- Villefranche-sur-Mer: a picturesque village with a lively port and colorful houses. Its fine sandy beach and Mediterranean atmosphere will charm you, just a 20-minute drive from Nice!
- Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: famous for its coastal paths and unspoilt coves, this village is also a 20-minute drive from Nice. You also have the possibility to go there by boat to enjoy the sublime sunset – see options.
We believe that each of these villages is also worth a visit to discover the cultural and scenic diversity of the region around Nice. So have a good trip!
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Some disadvantages of a trip to Nice
Traffic and congestion
Nice is a popular destination all over the world, so the summer season can be very busy. Nearly 5 million tourists visit the city every year, according to the Nice Tourist Office! If you prefer to avoid the crowds by foot or by car, choose to discover the Côte d’Azur capital out of season. Traffic can be heavy in the downtown area, which can make driving uncomfortable. You will also have better luck parking in certain areas if you avoid the months of July and August.
It’s worth noting that, despite the tourist influx, most of Nice’s neighborhoods are secure. The city was ranked 1st French city of more than 200 000 inhabitants where it is good to live. This will be the second year in a row in 2022. The best areas to visit, get around and stay in are
- the port near Garibaldi square (southeast),
- the Cimiez district (east),
- the Jean Médecin district (south center),
- the Liberation district (center),
- the Mont-Boron district (southeast),
- the old town or Vieux Nice (south-east).
Neighborhoods to avoid for their crime rate would be:
- the Ariane district (north-east),
- the Saint-Roch district (north-east),
- Les Moulins (north-east).
Despite the 3 neighborhoods mentioned above, Nice is a safe, pleasant and very secure city, with numerous surveillance cameras throughout the various districts.
The rates
Visiting the French Riviera comes at a price, some accommodations and restaurants can sometimes seem expensive, especially in high season. We recommend that you book your accommodation and activities as early as possible, and invite you to discover the best hotels in Nice right now.
The weather
Nice enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. However, in the summer, temperatures can sometimes rise significantly, which can make outdoor activities uncomfortable, especially if you can’t stand the heat. Do as we do, and visit Nice and the surrounding area in spring, autumn or winter.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO provence
Our articles are coming!
- Most beautiful cities in Provence (coming soon)
- Most beautiful beaches of Provence (coming soon)
- Most beautiful villages of Provence (to come)
- Most beautiful destinations in Provence (coming soon)
How to get to Nice, France
Nice is located in southeastern France, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
To get to Nice, you can choose to travel by train or by plane from Paris, Lyon, Cannes, Marseille, Toulon, and many other European cities.
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
If you’re traveling from elsewhere in France, you can reach Nice via the A8 autoroute du Soleil or “la Provençale”, or via the national and departmental roads.
If you’re coming to Nice from Italy, you can take the A10 freeway or the A8 from Ventimiglia.
Finally, if you are traveling by car from other European countries, you will need to plan your itinerary based on your point of departure using European highways such as the A8 or the Italian A10 (or “Autostrada dei Fiori”).
If you prefer not to drive all the way to Nice, you can rent a car on arrival at the train station or airport.
Note that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak and vacation periods. We recommend that you check traffic conditions and plan your route in advance. In addition, make sure you have a motorway sticker in the countries concerned if necessary and that you respect the traffic regulations of the countries you will be crossing.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
