✈️ Arrival & First Impressions
This Nice Travel Guide shares my real experience exploring the French Riviera — from beaches and local food to panoramic views over the Mediterranean. This Nice travel guide will help you discover hidden gems and local favourites.
I arrived in Nice with an inexplicable sense of anticipation — as if something truly beautiful was waiting for me there. The airport surprised me right away: it’s just 10 minutes from the city center, with frequent buses and trains connecting every part of the Riviera.
The Nice travel card, which can be easily topped up through online banking, is a smart option for anyone exploring the city.
From the very first moments, you’re greeted by that famous Mediterranean charm — sunlight, palms, and elegant architecture along the Promenade des Anglais. The air feels lighter here, filled with freedom and a subtle touch of luxury.
🏨 Where I Stayed
For my stay, I chose Hotel Ibis, located just six minutes from the airport and ten minutes from downtown Nice. Cozy rooms, some with partial sea views, make it a great budget-friendly option. Nice felt like a dream painted in shades of blue and gold. I arrived just before sunset, and the Promenade des Anglais was glowing in warm light. I always book my insurance through VisitorsCoverage before traveling — it takes minutes and saves hours of worry. The peace of mind lets me enjoy moments like this: walking barefoot on the pebbled beach, espresso in hand, watching the world slow down.
Flights were with Kiwi again — easy, reliable, and surprisingly affordable even last-minute. If you’re chasing light and simplicity, Nice has both.
The city itself stretches gracefully along the coast, blending luxury and authenticity. During the day, Nice feels calm — joggers along the beach, sunbathers, and tourists strolling by the sea. But once the sun sets, the whole city comes alive — restaurants, casinos, and music fill the warm night air.
Looking for the perfect place to stay in Nice this holiday season? Whether you’re chasing golden sunsets along the Promenade des Anglais or sipping espresso by the pebbled beach, the French Riviera offers a magical blend of elegance and warmth in December.
From cozy budget hotels like Hotel Ibis, just minutes from the airport, to sea-view escapes in the heart of the city — Nice transforms into a festive haven where luxury meets simplicity.
🎄 Christmas & New Year in Nice: Where to Stay by the Sea
Looking for the perfect place to stay in Nice this holiday season? Whether you’re chasing golden sunsets along the Promenade des Anglais or sipping espresso by the pebbled beach, the French Riviera offers a magical blend of elegance and warmth in December.
✨ During Christmas and New Year, Nice transforms into a coastal wonderland — ideal for travelers who love festive markets but prefer to skip the freezing cold. With mild Mediterranean temperatures, twinkling lights, and charming Christmas stalls by the sea, it’s the perfect destination for winter sun and holiday spirit.
From cozy budget hotels like Hotel Ibis, just minutes from the airport, to sea-view escapes in the heart of the city — Nice becomes a dream painted in blue and gold.
✨ Use the interactive map below to find your ideal accommodation for Christmas and New Year in Nice. All listings are powered by trusted partners like Booking.com, Agoda, and Vrbo, so you can book with confidence and enjoy the season stress-free.
🌅 What to See & Do in Nice (Nice Travel Guide Highlights)
This is a great place to gather insights that you won’t find in a typical Nice travel guide.
The highlight of my visit was the Castle Hill (Colline du Château) — over a thousand steps, shady paths, observation points, and an artificial waterfall overlooking the Port Lympia. From there, buses and trams can easily take you to Monaco, Èze, or Cannes.
The Old Town of Nice (Vieux Nice), with its narrow colorful streets, still preserves the soul of the city. Once a bustling marketplace for fishermen and farmers, it now hosts cozy cafés, art shops, and local delicacies like socca (chickpea pancake) and salade niçoise. Don’t miss the sweet temptations and antique markets — every stall hides a story.
Make sure to take notes from this Nice travel guide as you explore the vibrant nightlife.
If you’re looking for a proper Nice travel guide, be sure to wander through the local markets and speak to the residents.
Evenings in Nice are made for people-watching: locals dressed with casual elegance, musicians playing by the promenade, and the golden glow of the city lights reflected on the sea. It’s a perfect blend of sophistication and simplicity — the very essence of Riviera life.
🍷 Local Food & Culture
In my Nice travel guide, I’ve included tips for those wanting to enjoy the local gastronomy.
Nice blends French elegance with Mediterranean spirit. Here, people take their time — a slow lunch by the sea, an espresso before noon, and a glass of Aperol Spritz as the sun sets over the bay.
Visit Place Masséna, full of street performers and glowing architecture, or take a quick trip to nearby Eze Village for breathtaking views over the Riviera. For a more local experience, explore the flower market on Cours Saleya, where colors, scents, and flavors capture the heart of Provence. Sample lavender honey, olive oil, and handmade soaps — authentic treasures of southern France.
This Nice travel guide also covers essential items to pack for your trip.
Use this Nice travel guide to discover the best local eateries you won’t want to miss.
With this Nice travel guide, navigating the public transport will be a breeze.
Your experience will be richer with the tips found in this Nice travel guide.
💭 My Final Impression
For more details, refer back to this Nice travel guide for advice on great day trips.
This Nice travel guide is your companion in unearthing the best experiences.
Feel free to share your own tips that can enrich this Nice travel guide further.
Don’t forget to take advantage of the local insights shared in this Nice travel guide.
Leaving Nice felt incomplete — like I hadn’t seen it all. It’s one of those places you can visit again and again, and each time it reveals a new layer of beauty. Between the sea breeze, pastel sunsets, and the rhythm of Riviera life, Nice leaves you wanting more.
🚆 Practical Travel Tips from Nice
Getting around the French Riviera from Nice is incredibly easy and affordable. Trains and buses run every few minutes, connecting you to Monaco, Cannes, Antibes, and Èze Village. A one-way ticket to Monte Carlo costs around €4–5, and the scenic route takes less than 30 minutes along the coast — one of the most beautiful train rides in Europe.
If you prefer flexibility, renting a scooter or small electric car is a great way to explore nearby beaches and villages at your own pace. Most hotels in Nice can help arrange rentals or recommend local companies.
The best travel pass for visitors is the Lignes d’Azur card, which allows unlimited rides on buses and trams around Nice and its surroundings — ideal for day trips from Nice. You can easily top it up online through your phone.
Whether you’re chasing Riviera sunsets, exploring old towns, or simply enjoying a café by the sea, Nice is the perfect base to experience everything the Côte d’Azur has to offer.
🇫🇷 Nice – Final Tips & Useful Links
Get the latest travel updates, local events, and route maps on the Nice Tourism Board.
If you’re craving more vibrant experiences, discover my Istanbul Travel Guide — a city that never sleeps and connects continents in one heartbeat.
Nice has a way of making you feel alive — where luxury meets simplicity and every sunset feels personal.
Let the Mediterranean breeze remind you — there’s always another horizon waiting.
Have a question or a tip I should add? Drop me a note — I read every message.