Nice is more than nice. It’s gorgeous, it’s great for galavanting, and it’s gritty and glamourous at once. I lived in Nice from 2005 to 2006 and it didn’t take long for the city to seduce me- just last month I wrote about why Nice has a special place in my heart and why it’s one of my favouritest (yes, I know that’s not a word) places to visit in the world. During my last visit in May, I had the task of showing Liebling my fair city (he’s never been) in two days. I wanted to make sure he got the essence of the place; that he understood the magnetic pull Nice has on my psyche. What follows are my four (free!) picks of things to do in Nissa la bella:
#1. Be wowed by the view from the site of the Old Chateau: Well, I’ve got some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that there’s no longer a castle in Nice (it was torn down in the early 18th century). But the good news is that there is still an amazing view on Nice’s port, old town, and boardwalk from the hill the chateau was situated on. You can take the take the elevator to get up here (it costs less than a euro), or you can keep things 100% free and walk the 200 or so steps built in the hill to reach the summit. Exhausting but the view’s worth it!
#2. Get some free entertainment at Place Masséna and the Pedestrian Zone: This is the main square of Nice and center of all the action. The square is divided by Jean Médecin Avenue, the major shopping street of Nice that features a number of brands and big name stores. Street performers, which most often include singers and break-dancers, do their thing on checkerboard pavement, which also doubles as a prime meetup spot for locals and tourists. To the immediate west lies the no-cars allowed Pedestrian Zone, rife with shops and patios and pretty things to see.
#3. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais: I had to take Liebling to walk alongside the Mediterranean. Despite having a rocky beach, Nice has one of the most impressive shorelines I’ve ever seen- the water is so so so blue! I love the set up of the boardwalk, which seems to stretch on and on forever, and the fact that each part of the beach has a name so that it’s easy to locate yourself and/or meet up with others. There are benches all along the promenade so you can sit and admire the water comfortably.
#4. Getting lost in the old town: Le Vieux Nice, literally the Old Nice, is the oldest part of the city and has a maze of streets that even after living in Nice for a year I couldn’t navigate without getting lost! There is a never-ending amount of markets and tiny shops selling everything you could imagine. Liebling and I had fun trying on the sunglasses at one of the stalls. Whaddya think of his shades?
Nice is one of my favourite cities in the world (and over 50 countries visited later, I’ve been to many) because it is one of the most visually appealing places I’ve ever been to. Even better, you don’t have to spend a lot of money there to enjoy yourself- just walking around will suffice!
Have you ever been to the Riviera? Are you a fan of cities by the sea?
92 Comments
I do love Nice. One of my other nearby favorites is Aix-en-Provence. So adorable. Oh, I hope to get back there someday!
Can you believe I’ve never been to Aix? Definitely needs to be rectified.
Awesome post! My sister and I are planning a trip to Nice. I am going to be a teaching assistant in the Limousin region this October, so I have to start thinking of ways to make the most of all my holidays. My sis is coming for Christmas, so hopefully there are still a lot of things to do/see in Nice and the Southern parts of France.
We plan on going to Toulouse (her choice!), Marseille, Nice, and Monaco…but I’m thinking now that we should also stop in Carcassonne and Aix-en-Provence.Hopefully that’s not too jam packed. I always wonder, how do you decide how long to stay in a certain place? Trip planning is tricky!
Depending on how large the city is/number of sites, I usually plan to stay in a place for 2 to 3 nights. If it’s a really really historic city like Paris, for instance, I plan for 4. I tend to travel at a fairly fast pace, though, especially when I’m on my own, so you may want to tack on an extra day to my suggestions 🙂
In two words: Christmas market. Place Masséna, every year, is turned into a marché de Noël with vendors of all sorts. So, if you’re in town around Christmas then you won’t be dissatisfied. Plus, with temperatures around 15°C and tons of sunshine you can’t complain too much. Then, it’s a hop-skip-jump to Monaco. (For more beautiful vistas along the shoreline I suggest taking the Basse Corniche.)
Nice is on my bucket list! Thanks for sharing. Safe Travels!!!
Thank you for reading!
Ahhh, the south of France – I need to get back there!
Agree!
Going to Nice in August! I almost forgot about your post on this even though when I first read it I was like niiiiiiiice one! I will add to my list of things to do in Nice your suggestions. Thanks!
Let me know if you need any recommendations- I know the city well!
Thanks Oneika! Yes please if you can recommend some places to eat it would be grand! I’m not sure where we are staying yet, will have to find out the area, but ANY recommendations on food are highly appreciated. Oh and some “secret” pretty places that are less crowded ?? 🙂
Unfortunately most of the places I adore are really popular! Try Il Voglio on the Cours Saleya, Gesu and Lou Pilha Leva restaurants in Old Nice! Also Multari bakery in the Zone Pietonne 🙂
Hey I m planning to travel in June end . Pls tell me whether it will be a good time…n cheap hotels to reside…n places to visit
I will be there for 2nights. N m a vegetarian
Seriously, it looks like the most beautiful place on earth!
This is a great list! I went to Nice as a teenager (over a decade ago, gulp) and I don’t have many memories of it other than the beach and partying on Canada Day. I’d love to go back as a more experienced traveller…and as an adult, for that matter!!
Let me know when you make it there! I might join!
And there you go. In a single post you’ve managed to move me from not really knowing about Nice yo desperately wanting to go! I wonder if we can reasonably drive down there? *investigates*
Glad I could be of assistance! You could take your car on the boat from Dover to Calais and then drive down, might take a while though.. 😉
Yeah, it is 8 hours. Definitely doable if we spilt it in two and spend the night somewhere half way. We’re planning to drive to the Balkans next year which will take about 3 days to get to.
Wow, 3 days!! The ride there should be gorgeous though!
Let’s see, I grew up on the coast. San Francisco is cold and grey and usually windy so the beach isn’t exactly pleasant to be on. There’s toxic effluent, watch out for needles, and absolutely nothing worthwhile all along the shore when you realize it’s too damn cold to be standing there.
Yeah, I think I could try Nice.
I’ve been to SF, totally know what you mean.. 😉
Lovely pics as usual! But don’t hate me – I don’t like Nice! The water IS a beautiful colour, but when I went, I was totally turned off by how expensive, crowded and touristy Nice was. Plus the beach hurt my bony bum when I tried to sit down. I like the more rural areas around Nice (and Aix en Provence like Rachel), but I’m not sure I’ll be back in Nice any time soon.
Bisous!
After living in London, Hong Kong, and Toronto, Nice is dirt cheap! I think the reasons that you don’t like Nice are the same reasons that I do, lol. I love crowds, love the rocky beach (no sand in your pants!) and love the hustle bustle. I’m not a fan of the countryside at all, I find it boring. Different strokes for different folks 🙂
There are flights going for £66 return…I am tempted.
Ooh! Which dates?
Wow It looks so beautiful! I want to travel there!
That’s why I love it so!
Great post! I recently spent a day there in June. It is definitely on the list of places to visit again.
Thanks! The best thing about Nice is that its really sunny in the winter as well!
wonderful! Glad I found you, will be going to Nice in November and on my own while my hubby is at a conference, any suggestions for a Lady on her Own to do during the days?
I went to Nice a few years ago with my boyfriend and absolutely loved it because of the easy trips you can take out to Cannes and Monaco. It’s definitely a favourite for me too.
One of the best things about Nice is its location!
Nice and the whole of the French Riviera have my heart. Love Love Love!
I need to go back asap. London is way too dreary right now.
Hi!
I am going to Nice for the first time in July 2013. Do you have any suggestions of places I should try to visit? Thanks!
Candi
Dear Oneika
Many thanks for the info
Im going with my father who will be in a wheel chair -only for 5 days- should be great.
I hope he enjoys it as he thinks its going to difficult for me – pushing him around- Thanks again
Hi there, great to see this. I’m heading over in mid August before going over to Italy. I’ll be by myself and have never been to France before. I love these free tips as I’m on a very strick budget. Could you suggest any other free attractions or very cheap places too eat?
Thank you!
Try Lou Pilha Leva for cheap Nicois food. Also, on the Cours Saleya and in the old town there are loads of places were you can get a main, entree, and sometimes drink for under 15 euros. Don’t discount the kebab stands where you can get a massive kebab or sandwich for under 5 euros! For attractions, also check out the Russian cathedral, I believe that it’s also free. Hope that helps!
Thank you so much! That’s great. You’re awesome!
Just one more question, where should I sit when in a restaurant? I heard all about the price difference in regards to sitting outside etc. thank you 🙂
Hubby and I are touring France April 7 – 22/14. First stop Lyon (2 nights), second stop, Nice (5 nights). Nice will be the home base for visiting Monaco, Cannes, Eze, Avignon, Arles, St. Paul de Vence, and wherever else on the Cote-D’Azur we have time for. After Nice, Bordeaux for 2 nights, then Caen for 5 nights. This will be our home base for exploring the Loire Valley, Brittany and Upper and Lower Normandy. Then, to Paris for the final week.
Flight and accommodations already booked. I’m now trying to figure out whether a rail pass is best, or just booking the train travel individually. We did Germany last year with a rail pass, and it was awesome and saved an incredible amount of money by having the pass.
Any input on this, please let me know. Best booking site for Canadians?
Thanks,
Marion
Correction – April 7 – 29. We’ll be in Paris from April 22 – 29 before we fly back to Canada.
Marion
Hi – Planning a trip to Paris then drive down to Nice in late November! I am worried about the weather, any suggestion for 3 days in Nice? Thx
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