Nice Holidays & City Breaks

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Nice Holidays & City Breaks

Best hotels in Nice

If you can’t decide whether you’d prefer a city break near the mountains or the sea, Nice is the perfect compromise. From the moment you arrive, you’ll understand why the flattering light, which graces this spot on the French Riviera, has a history of attracting famous artists. Explore the medieval maze of Vieux Nice, drink in the sunshine and café culture on Cours Saleya. Then wander around the boutique shops and stop for a bit of people-watching.

Things to do

Nice is a best-of-both-worlds sort of a town, where historical Vieux Nice and the Promenade des Anglais sit comfortably alongside modern art galleries and boutiques. We’ve picked out our top recommendations, to help you whittle down the wide range of activities in Nice.

Promenade des Anglais

Head to the unmissable Promenade des Anglais to start your exploring. Known as La Prom to locals, it stretches right around Nice’s sweeping bay. The promenade’s perfect for a leisurely stroll along the palm-lined seafront, and you can feel the pleasant breeze on your face as you wander in the company of skateboarders and roller skaters. Soak up the atmosphere and stop off for a drink or bite to eat at one of the many bars and cafés along the way.

Lovely waterfront

You can’t miss the Casino du Palais de la méditerranée de Nice from the promenade, which is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Whether you want to play the tables or observe from a distance, the casino has a gorgeous waterfront setting. The Old Port area’s also a picturesque spot, where flashy modern yachts sit side by side with traditional fishing boats. Grab a table with a view of the harbour as you wait for the sunset to light up the sky.

Great culture

If you’re looking for some culture then head to the Musée Matisse or the Musee d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain, before you explore the Old Town and churches like the Cathédrale Sainte Réparate and Chapelle de la Miséricorde. Prepare for a feast of colour at the Cours Saleya flower market, before you settle down for a meal and toast your day with a glass of French wine.

More City Breaks

We also have travel guides available for City Breaks destinations, including: Brussels | Gibraltar | Malaga | Rome

 

Map of Nice

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25 ℃

Best time to visit: Even in February, which is one of the coldest months, people in short sleeves can be seen enjoying lunch outdoors on a terrace, while the rest of the country wraps up to keep the cold out. So there’s never a bad time to visit Nice.

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2 hours

Fly to: Nice Cote d'Azur International Airport, around 15km southwest of central Monaco.

Alternative transport: You can also travel by Eurostar to Paris with onward tickets to Nice.

Other popular city breaks

Nice is best for...

Happy wanderers: Explore the maze of quaint streets in medieval Vieux Nice, or take a traditional stroll on the Promenade des Anglais.

Couples: Enjoy romantic al fresco dinners in one of the town’s stylish squares.

Yacht enthusiasts: Meander among the shimmering super yachts in the Old Port, imagining which one you’d buy.

Fast facts for Nice

Language: The language spoken in Nice is French.

Currency: The currency used in Nice is the Euro (€).

Local time: Nice is one hour ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Nice Cote d'Azur International Airport, around 15km southwest of central Monaco.

Alternative transport: You can also travel by Eurostar to Paris with onward tickets to Nice.

Flight time from UK: 2 hours.

Tourist Information: Further Nice tourist information can be found at https://en.nicetourisme.com/.

Getting around Nice

Bus/tram: Nice’s bus and tram network offers an efficient and reliable way of getting around the sights. Some services run as late as 1am.

Bike: Explore up to 125km of cycle tracks using this convenient, eco-friendly way of getting around. It’s easy to pay by card at one of the 175 bike stations. Rental bikes are also readily available.

Taxis/car rental: If it suits you better, trade two wheels for four and hop in a taxi. If you rent your own car, you’ll have the freedom to get out and about and explore the surrounding areas.

Events in Nice

Colourful carnival: At the end of February each year, Nice turns into one big, beautiful parade. Featuring over 1,000 performers from across the world, Carnival promises to be a party you don’t want to miss.

Festive fun: Beginning in December, Place Massena in Nice becomes a lively winter wonderland. Craft chalets sell perfect Christmas presents. You can laugh and wobble your way around the ice rink or see the sights from the big wheel.

Making music: First held in 1948, Nice Jazz Festival returns each July to bring you a glittering line-up of international acts.

Nice weather

Temperature: Nice enjoys a unique microclimate, which allows for mild winters. The sea breeze has a cooling effect on summer temperatures, which stops things getting too hot and sticky. 

Best time to visit: Even in February, which is one of the coldest months, people in short sleeves can be seen enjoying lunch outdoors on a terrace, while the rest of the country wraps up to keep the cold out. So there’s not really a bad time to visit Nice.

More hotels in Nice

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