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The Promenade des Anglais curving along the Bay of Nice
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France

Nice

Riviera light and a lively old town

Last reviewed: 3 September 2026

Recommended stay
2–4 days
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn
Airports
NCE
Photo by Sebastian H. · Unsplash

Nice at a glance

Nice is a Mediterranean city of seafront walks, markets and Riviera light. The Promenade des Anglais, Old Town, Cours Saleya, Castle Hill, the Chagall and Matisse museums, Port Lympia, Cimiez, the beaches and Place Masséna sit in a compact tram-and-walking network, with day trips along the coast.

Quick information

Recommended stay2–4 days
Best time to visitSpring and autumn
AirportsNCE
Budget travelAccommodation and seafront restaurants drive costs most strongly. Check prices shortly before your trip instead of relying on a fixed estimate.

Milder months suit the Promenade, Castle Hill and Old Town without peak summer heat. Summer is beach weather; reserve museum hours for the hottest part of the day.

Plan your visit

Airport to centre

Tram line 2

Tram from Terminals 1 and 2 to the city centre at Jean Médecin and on to Port Lympia

Standard public-transport fareTransport

Must-see sights

Promenade des Anglais
Old Town
Cours Saleya
Sights

One-day itinerary

  1. Morning: Vieux-Nice — the old town lanes, Cours Saleya flower and food market, and the Baroque churches.
  2. Lunch: Socca, pan bagnat or pissaladière at a Cours Saleya stall or a Vieux-Nice café.
  3. Afternoon: Castle Hill for panoramic views, then the Promenade des Anglais walk.
  4. Evening: Dinner in Vieux-Nice — Niçoise cuisine at a neighbourhood restaurant.
Itineraries

Best areas to stay

  1. Promenade / centre

    Promenade des Anglais

    A practical seafront base near the Promenade and tram, with busier evenings and generally higher accommodation costs.

    Best for

    First visits, beaches and Place Masséna

  2. Old Town / Vieux Nice

    Vieux Nice

    Dense lanes and squares. Expect night noise on some streets and a short walk to the Promenade.

    Best for

    Markets, Cours Saleya and a compact historic base

  3. Port Lympia

    The working harbour east of the Old Town, useful when you want restaurants by the water and a walk to Castle Hill.

    Best for

    Harbour views and a slightly quieter waterfront

  4. Cimiez

    A residential hill district around the Matisse and Chagall museums, with a longer journey to the beach.

    Best for

    A calmer hillside base near the museums

Approximate budget

  • Budget

    Varies

    per day, per person

    Simple accommodation, market snacks, public transport and free Promenade time; excludes travel to Nice.

  • Mid-range

    Varies

    per day, per person

    Comfortable room, café and restaurant meals, public transport and selected museum tickets.

  • Comfort

    Varies

    per day, per person

    Central seafront accommodation, frequent dining, taxis and a reserved day trip.

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