Nice is one of France’s most popular vacation destinations, both because of its location in the heart of the French Riviera and because of its excellent flight connections throughout the year. In July 2023, I was a guest of the Nice Tourist Office and got to explore the city and enjoy quite a bit of what it has to offer.
This article covers what I learned during that visit, which included a stop at the Musée Chagall, a walk through the old town, and meals at two excellent restaurants. It’s worth noting that since I was in the city for a limited time, I didn’t get to visit every single neighborhood and attraction.
If you’ve come to Nice for a day or two, this guide will be perfect for you. But if you’ve decided to stay longer and visit important spots like the Promenade des Anglais, which I didn’t have time for, feel free to check out the Nice Tourist Office website I linked in the first paragraph (until I make it back to Nice for a longer stay and can write about everything).
Flights to Nice and How to Get There
The first step of any trip is finding a flight, and here’s good news: you can fly directly to Nice, to the Nice Côte d’Azur airport.
Several airlines fly to Nice, including:
- Air France
- easyJet
Flight times to Nice vary depending on where you’re departing from, and ticket prices depend on the airline, of course: you can find budget options starting around €50 on easyJet, while other flights run about $400.
More information about flights to Nice
Weather in Nice
Nice enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate all year round.
In spring, from March to May, the weather starts to warm up, with average temperatures ranging from 13 to 18 degrees Celsius. There isn’t much rain: April is the rainiest month of the season, with about 50 mm of rain. This is a great time to visit Nice, since the city isn’t too crowded and the temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities and enjoying the beaches. The sea might still be a bit cool for swimming, but the beautiful blossoms and clear skies make Nice especially lovely in spring.
Summer, from June to August, is the hottest and driest season in Nice. Average temperatures range from 20 to 27 degrees Celsius, with peaks of up to 30 degrees. There can be occasional rain here and there, but in negligible amounts. This is peak tourist season, so beaches and attractions can get crowded. It’s the perfect time for sunbathing, swimming and enjoying water sports.
Autumn, from September to November, is a wonderful time to visit the French Riviera. Temperatures start to drop (14-23 degrees Celsius). Rainfall increases, and November is the wettest month of the year, with about 110 mm of rain. Still, there are plenty of sunny days, and the sea stays warm enough for swimming until mid-October. It’s much less crowded, and a great time to explore the local markets and vineyards.
Winter, from December to February, is fairly cold, though not too harsh. Temperatures hover around 8-13 degrees Celsius, and there’s a higher chance of rain, with about 70 mm falling each month. It’s still relatively mild compared to other parts of Europe, and there are plenty of sunny days. Winter in Nice is a great opportunity to explore the city’s museums, galleries and indoor attractions. If you love skiing, the nearby Alps are just a short drive away.
Hotels in Nice
Nice isn’t a particularly cheap destination, but you don’t have to break the bank to stay there. The city has plenty of pleasant, comfortable hotels that don’t require you to be a Rothschild to afford, but if you feel like indulging, there’s also a rich selection of luxurious hotels where it’s a pleasure to spend a stylish vacation. There are many hotels, both pricey and affordable, right on the beach or within walking distance of it, so there’s a good selection to suit anyone planning a trip to Nice.
The History of Nice
Before you start wandering Nice’s streets, I highly recommend learning a bit about its fascinating history. There are plenty of excellent history books on the subject, but if you don’t have time to read them, feel free to check out my article The History of Nice: From an Italian City to a French One for a summary that will help you understand what you’ll see during your trip.
A Walking Route Through Nice
Nice was the last stop on the press tour I took through the French Riviera, organized by its tourism board. In Nice, each of the journalists and influencers was given a few free hours.
I decided to “invest” my hours in the old town of Nice. The walking route described here is the result of that visit, during which I was free to wander wherever my feet took me. Since my time was limited, I may not have managed to see or experience everything, but I believe this route can at least serve as a good starting point for getting to know Nice.
Link to the article:
A walking tour of the old town of Nice (Vieux Nice)
Events in Nice
There’s something happening in Nice all year round. The city offers exhibitions, art workshops, special activities for kids, LGBTQ+ events, fireworks shows, festivals and more.
Attractions and Activities in Nice
If you’re looking for fun things to do in and around Nice, I recommend checking out Get Your Guide, which offers plenty of options, from Segway tours to driving a Lamborghini along the French Riviera. Here are a few interesting options for attractions and activities in Nice:
Culinary Tours in Nice
Why bother searching for restaurants on your own? Take a special guided tour made for foodies, and let them lead you to all the best spots. You can, for example, enjoy a roughly 3.5-hour tour with a guide, taste a variety of gourmet dishes, and discover Nice through your stomach. Here are a few recommended culinary tours:
Nightlife and Bars
If you’re a night owl, this tour is for you: a bar and club crawl through Nice that reveals the Riviera’s lively nightlife. The tour also includes 4 free shots, which is already a good reason to join.
Photo Tours, With and For Photographers
You can take excellent tours in Nice with a professional photographer, or take your own photos. If building up your Instagram account and collecting memories from your trip matters to you, these tours are a great fit:
Motorized Tours in Nice
Don’t want to exert yourself? Fair enough! You can tour Nice and the surrounding area without moving your legs much at all, whether on a tourist bus, various electric vehicles, or even a Segway. Motorized tours are a great activity for the whole family, and especially good for days when you just don’t have the energy to walk. These tours also let you see a lot of sights in a relatively short time, so they’re great for travelers with limited time.
Nature and Adventure Tours in and Around Nice
The Verdon Gorge isn’t far, and you can combine stunning nature tours during your stay in Nice. You can also add snorkeling in the summer season or a visit to caves combined with a boat trip. Recommended for adventure and nature lovers, and a great way to break from routine and get out of the city itself.
Recommended Restaurants in Nice
Nice offers a combination of Provençal food and seafood with an Italian influence, since Nice was part of the Kingdom of Savoy until the 1860s.
Nice has no shortage of restaurants. Some are excellent, some are just average. To help you avoid any culinary missteps, I’ve selected a range of excellent restaurants at various price points, so everyone can find something that suits them in Nice.
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