Place Île-de-Beauté Port Nice
Nice's charming old port, with its colorful boats and local eateries, offers a vibrant taste of the French Riviera.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds, capture serene photos.
Place Île-de-Beauté Port Nice
Best Time
Beat the crowds, capture serene photos.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Nice's charming old port, with its colorful boats and local eateries, offers a vibrant taste of the French Riviera.
"Filled with locals, the couple who run it communicate with joy and patience that makes you feel at home."
🎯 Stay Alert for Pickpockets
Be aware of your surroundings, especially on public transport and crowded areas.
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Nice is walkable, and many attractions are close together.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Port Lympia & Pointus
Old Port
Vibrant harbor with colorful traditional fishing boats, perfect for sunset views and local charm.
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Promenade des Anglais
Coastline
Iconic seaside promenade offering stunning Mediterranean views and a lively atmosphere.
Vieux Nice (Old Town)
Old Town
Wander through narrow, colorful streets, discover charming squares, and soak in the historic ambiance.
Castle Hill Viewpoint
Colline du Château
Panoramic vistas of the city, port, and coastline from this elevated park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Base Yourself in Nice
Transportation Savvy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Stay Alert for Pickpockets
Be aware of your surroundings, especially on public transport and crowded areas.
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Nice is walkable, and many attractions are close together.
🚌 Use Public Transport
Trains and buses are efficient for day trips to nearby towns. +1
☀️ Pack for Sunshine
The South of France is known for its sunny weather, so bring sunscreen and a hat.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Stay Alert for Pickpockets
Be aware of your surroundings, especially on public transport and crowded areas.
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Nice is walkable, and many attractions are close together.
🚌 Use Public Transport
Trains and buses are efficient for day trips to nearby towns. +1
☀️ Pack for Sunshine
The South of France is known for its sunny weather, so bring sunscreen and a hat.
💰 Nice is More Affordable
Consider Nice for accommodation as it's generally cheaper than other Riviera towns. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Nice's vibrant atmosphere, beautiful port, and the authentic feel of its local eateries. The city is seen as a practical and affordable base for exploring the French Riviera, though some find the beaches pebbly and the city itself less captivating than its surroundings.
"What a great little family run restaurant set in an historic arcade facing the port!
Filled with locals the couple who run it speak no English but they communicate with joy and patience that makes you feel at home.
Food is superb the mushrooms ravioli in particular is amazing. The house red wine is great and at 8 euros for a half liter you can’t beat it!
Open for lunch and breakfast and closed on Sundays, do yourself a favor and stop by."
M. Péquegnat
"2023 and back again to what is truly the Antonios of Nice and my favourite coffee shop here. We first came here 18 yrs ago, stopping because it was full of locals and bus drivers, always a good sign. Today its still full of locals and bus drivers and I swear to god the owners recognised us despite the fact we only come to Nice once a year and havn't been for 3 years due to the pandemic. If you want to be like a local, this is the place to be, whether your waiting for a bus out of the city or just arrived back from a day out. (Its very close to the Monaco/Menton bus as well as others and also adjacent to the terminus stop when coming back) Super friendly and super genuinly local. All I need to get them to do is a oeuf frit in a roll and I'm laughing."
Antonios Fried Egg Roll
"Great spot to warm up, have an espresso and be greeted with a smile."
Anita K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is the main gateway, with frequent flights. From the airport, you can take a tram or bus into the city center.
Yes, the train and bus networks are excellent. Trains are fast and frequent for destinations like Monaco and Cannes, while buses are great for smaller villages like Èze. +1
Most travelers advise against renting a car in Nice due to difficult parking. Relying on public transport is generally easier and more cost-effective. +1
You can take bus #82 or #112 from Nice to Èze. Going early is recommended to avoid crowds. +1
The train is the most convenient option, taking about 23 minutes and costing around €6.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For most attractions within Nice itself, advance booking isn't usually necessary. However, for popular day trips or specific tours, it's wise to check.
The Cours Saleya market, known for flowers and produce, typically operates in the mornings. There's also a night market.
Castle Hill (Colline du Château) is a public park and is free to enter.
Absolutely! Strolling the Promenade des Anglais, exploring Vieux Nice, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying the views from Castle Hill are all free.
Visiting early in the morning, around 8:30-9:00 AM, before most shops and attractions open, is ideal for a peaceful experience. +1
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Key sights include the Promenade des Anglais, Vieux Nice, Port Lympia, and Castle Hill for its panoramic views.
The Old Port (Port Lympia) is charming with its colorful 'pointus' boats. It's a great spot for a sunset stroll and has many cafes and restaurants.
Yes, Nice has pebble beaches. Coco Beach, located past the port, is a popular spot for swimming.
Popular day trips include Èze, Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and Menton. +1
Start at the port, walk along the coastal path, explore Place Masséna, and wander through the Old Town.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Look for family-run restaurants in the Old Town or near the port, often filled with locals. Reviews mention places with great ravioli and house wine.
Yes, Port Lympia has several recommended bars, cafes, and restaurants, offering a good dining experience.
While not specified in the provided content, local specialties often include Socca (chickpea pancake) and Salade Niçoise.
Nice is generally considered more affordable than other Riviera towns, and local eateries can offer good value. +1
Some cafes near the port are noted for being local favorites, offering a genuine atmosphere and friendly service.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the colorful boats at Port Lympia, the sweeping views from Castle Hill, the vibrant streets of Vieux Nice, and the iconic Promenade des Anglais.
Early mornings offer fewer crowds and soft light, while late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour hues, especially at the port.
Absolutely! Èze village offers medieval charm, Monaco has its opulent architecture, and Villefranche-sur-Mer provides picturesque coastal scenes.
A versatile lens for landscapes and street photography, and a wide-angle lens for capturing the expansive coastal views would be beneficial.
Yes, smartphones are excellent for capturing the beauty of Nice and the French Riviera. Focus on composition and lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a visit to Castle Hill for its playground and open spaces, offering fantastic views that can spark a child's imagination. For day trips, Monaco might be exciting with its oceanographic museum and palace, while Èze offers a fairytale-like village experience, though the climb might be challenging for very young children. Remember to pack plenty of sun protection and stay hydrated.
💰 Budget Travelers
Take advantage of free activities like walking the Promenade des Anglais, exploring the charming streets of Vieux Nice, and enjoying the panoramic views from Castle Hill. Utilize the efficient public transport (buses and trains) for day trips instead of renting a car. Many local eateries and markets offer delicious and reasonably priced food options.
couples
+1Explore the narrow, winding streets of Vieux Nice, discovering hidden squares and intimate restaurants. Consider a day trip to the picturesque village of Èze for its stunning views and romantic gardens, or a visit to Villefranche-sur-Mer for its beautiful bay and relaxed atmosphere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the French Riviera from Nice
When planning day trips, consider prioritizing destinations based on your interests. Èze is lauded for its breathtaking hilltop views and exotic garden, though it can get very crowded. Monaco offers a glimpse into a world of luxury with its palace and casino. For a more relaxed vibe, Villefranche-sur-Mer provides beautiful beaches and a picturesque old town.
It's crucial to note that renting a car is often discouraged for these excursions. Parking can be a nightmare in these popular towns, and the public transport system is robust enough to handle most travel needs. Embrace the local buses and trains for a stress-free exploration of the Côte d'Azur.
The Charm of Port Lympia
+1Beyond its visual appeal, Port Lympia is a fantastic place to experience the local atmosphere. You can find a selection of charming bars, cafes, and restaurants lining the port, offering a perfect setting to enjoy a meal or a drink while watching the world go by. It's also highlighted as an excellent location to witness a beautiful sunset, casting a warm glow over the harbor.
Many visitors find Port Lympia to be a more relaxed and less tourist-centric area compared to other parts of Nice. It offers a genuine feel of local life, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone wanting to connect with the city's soul.
Navigating Nice: Tips for a Smooth Trip
For getting around, ditching the idea of a rental car is highly recommended. The public transportation system, consisting of buses and trains, is efficient and connects you seamlessly to the city and surrounding towns. This approach not only saves you the stress of parking but also allows you to enjoy the scenery more freely.
Finally, consider Nice as your base of operations for exploring the French Riviera. Its affordability and accessibility make it a practical choice, allowing you to easily embark on day trips without the hassle of frequently changing accommodations.
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