Nice: Your Complete Guide

Autumn (September to November) is often considered the best time to visit, especially in early autumn (September/October), with pleasant temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and the sea still warm for swimming. The summer crowds begin to thin, allowing for a more relaxed experience of the city’s attractions and outdoor dining. Enjoy the changing colors and various local festivals.

Spring (March to May) in Nice offers mild, pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 21°C (50°F to 70°F), perfect for outdoor exploration before the summer rush. Gardens are in full bloom, and the city hosts events like the Printemps des Arts festival. It's an ideal time for leisurely walks along the Promenade des Anglais and visiting the Cours Saleya market, with fewer crowds and comfortable sightseeing conditions.

Summer (June to August) brings the high season with warm, sunny weather, averaging 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), making it perfect for beach days and lively outdoor activities. Nice buzzes with energy, offering vibrant nightlife and festivals like the Nice Jazz Festival in July. Expect bustling beaches, crowded streets, and higher prices for accommodation and activities, so booking in advance is highly recommended.

Winter (November to March) in Nice is mild compared to much of Europe, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), offering a quieter and more budget-friendly travel experience. While the weather can be unpredictable, there are often clear, sunny days ideal for visiting museums and cultural sites without the crowds. Highlights include the Christmas markets and the famous Nice Carnival in February, adding a festive atmosphere.

The enchanting heart of Nice, Vieux Nice is a maze of narrow, winding cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and vibrant squares. It's home to the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, the lively Cours Saleya flower and produce market, and numerous traditional Niçoise restaurants and artisan shops.

This iconic palm-lined seafront promenade stretches for approximately 7 kilometers along the Bay of Angels. It's a hub for leisurely strolls, cycling, rollerblading, and enjoying the pebble beaches, with numerous restaurants and hotels offering stunning Mediterranean views.

Perched on a tranquil hilltop, Cimiez offers a blend of history and lush greenery. This elegant residential area features Roman ruins including an amphitheater and baths, the serene Franciscan Monastery with its gardens, and significant art museums like the Musée Matisse and the Musée Marc Chagall.

East of Castle Hill, Port Lympia is a picturesque harbor adorned with colorful Italianate buildings and filled with a mix of traditional fishing boats and luxurious yachts. It’s a great spot for waterfront dining, people-watching, and taking ferries to Corsica or other coastal towns.

Nice's grand central square, Place Masséna, is recognizable by its distinctive black and white checkerboard paving and the Fountain of the Sun. It serves as a major transportation hub and is the gateway to Avenue Jean Médecin, the city’s primary shopping street, lined with department stores, boutiques, and cafes.

Nice provides a good cycling infrastructure, especially along its famous Promenade des Anglais, which features dedicated bike lanes extending towards the airport and the Port. The city operates a self-service bike-sharing system called Vélo Bleu, with approximately 175 stations throughout Nice and neighboring towns. A daily pass costs €1, a weekly pass is €5, and a monthly pass is €10. The first 30 minutes of each rental are free, with subsequent half-hours costing €1, making it economical for short hops if you return and re-rent. To use Vélo Bleu, you typically need to register online or at a station via a phone call, providing credit card details for a €150 security deposit. The Vélo Bleu app shows real-time bike availability, which is crucial during busy periods. While a great way to explore, it's advisable to inspect bikes for maintenance issues before riding.

Nice is an exceptionally walkable city, with many of its main attractions clustered within easily manageable distances. The Old Town (Vieux Nice) is entirely pedestrian-friendly, with its narrow streets best explored on foot. The 7-kilometer Promenade des Anglais is ideal for long, scenic walks along the coast. Key sights like Place Masséna, the Promenade du Paillon, and even the ascent to Castle Hill (which also has a free elevator) are very accessible for pedestrians. Sidewalks are generally well-maintained, and pedestrian crossings are common. Walking is often the best way to soak in the city's atmosphere, discover hidden alleys, and enjoy its vibrant street life, with most central areas feeling safe for daytime and evening strolls.

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is conveniently located about 7-8 km from the city center. The most popular public transport option is Tram Line 2, which runs directly from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to the city center, including stops at Jean Médecin and Port Lympia. An Airport return ticket costs €10 and is valid for a round trip within 74 minutes, with the return portion usable for up to 12 months. The journey takes approximately 25-30 minutes. A more budget-friendly option involves taking a free tram from the airport terminals to the Grand Arénas stop, then purchasing a standard Lignes d'Azur ticket (€1.70) from there, which requires acquiring a 'La Carte' smart card for a €2 refundable fee. Taxis are readily available outside both terminals and offer a fixed rate of €32 to the city center, taking about 12-20 minutes depending on traffic; a tip of around €3 (making it €35 total) is customary. Rideshare services like Bolt can also be a more affordable alternative to traditional taxis.

Nice's public transportation, managed by Lignes d'Azur, primarily consists of a comprehensive bus and tram network. Trams are efficient for navigating the city center and connecting major attractions. To use the system, you'll need a 'La Carte' smart card, available for a €2 refundable deposit at vending machines or Lignes d'Azur offices, which you then load with tickets or passes. A single trip costs €1.70 and allows transfers within 74 minutes (no return trips). Day passes include a 1-day pass for €7, a 2-day pass for €13, and a 7-day pass for €20, offering unlimited travel. The 'Multi-Voyage' option allows purchasing multiple trips at a reduced rate per trip, and these can be used by more than one person. Tickets can be purchased from vending machines at tram stops (accepts coins and credit cards with chips), Lignes d'Azur sales points, or via the Lignes d'Azur mobile app (primarily Android for purchasing/validating). Remember to validate your card each time you board a tram or bus. Services generally run frequently, with trams operating from early morning until around midnight.