Sat on the seriously-swish Cote d’Azur, this French fancy ticks all the boxes. It's a city slickers dream with ornate architecture and outstanding museums (19 at last count!) - and a sun-seekers paradise with plenty of sun, sea and sand to discover.
Destination Highlights
30 public and private beaches to chuck your towel down
Vineyards all over for plenty of wine tasting
Delish drinking and dining spots
A perfect blend of city break and beach holiday vibes
We'll let you in on a little beach-cret...
At over 4.5km long, Nice’s main stretch of sand is a magnet for sun-seekers, with both public and private sections spread around the bay, we won't be surprised if you struggle to choose, so we thought we'd do you a solid and give you some of our faves as a starting point - check em out:
Plage Beau Rivage - the largest beach in Nice, so you know it's packing a punch with plenty of sand and sea to scratch those jolly itches - oh and this a Green Beach if that makes your ears perk up.
Plage Blue Beach - this beach is private, so you might not be able to plonk down on it for free, but we reckon the calm vibes and stun restaurants are enough to sway your pennies.
Opéra Plage - a true taste of luxury, this private beach is a place to be pampered to your hearts content with gourmet restaurants and lush waters.
Castel Plage - a day by the sea with a side serving of style and sophistication, this popular private beach is one of the best places to enjoy the sun, sea and sand.
Coco Beach - this is a true hidden gem set towards the city’s southern tip tucked away from the tourist trails. Picture it: pristine sands, azure waters a snorkellers and swimmers dream along the crystal-clear shoreline. If you wanna indulge your wanderlust even more, ferries to Corsica set sail just a mile up the coast.
Hi Beach - never heard of a beach greeting you before... but this one welcomes you in all it's private Mediterranean glory with a beach club, delish dining spots and plenty of space to lay a towel down and keep that bronze skin bronzing.
What about these hotels?
When it comes to booking a holiday to Nice in 2024, we know the top of your priorities is gonna be what swanky hotel you can bag yourself, whether it's a cheap holiday or something totally last-minute, we've got you covered. From boujee rooms, to the perfect amenities, these hotels are some of our faves:
NH Nice - it felt appropriate to start with this central spot close to old town that comes with a boujee rooftop pool and bar - they even do barbecues up there in Summer!
La Perouse Nice - this one is perfect for a relaxing jolly - we're talking a gorge outdoor pool, a sauna and a gym. You'll be back in touch with yourself in no time.
Le Meridien Nice - a heated rooftop pool and a 9th floor spa centre, the perfect way to relax in bliss with ultimate views of the Mediterranean.
HI Hotel Eco Spa & Beach - king-size beds, stunning pool, massage treatments... sounds like the kinda stuff dreams are made of if you ask us.
Villa La Tour- this lush hotel is nestled in the centre of Old Town, which means your steps away from all the culture you could ever hope for from your holiday to Nice, better yet you're not far away from the beach either, this is what Hannah Montana meant when she said, "you get the best of both worlds".
Weather in Nice
JAN
9°C
FEB
10°C
MAR
12°C
APR
13°C
MAY
17°C
JUN
20°C
JUL
24°C
AUG
24°C
SEP
22°C
OCT
18°C
NOV
13°C
DEC
10°C
Let's walk you through your yearly weather report for Nice just incase you decide you fancy trying out each season - we'd highly recommend just so you can say you've done it.
In Spring, Nice keeps things mild with a lil bit of rain and a whole lotta sun with temps ranging from 11°C - 22°C depending on the month - it might not always be prime beach lazing levels of heat, but what better time than now to explore Old Town and tuck into some delish French cuisine away from the Summer holiday crowds.
Speaking of, Summer swoops in with something to prove, the temps range from 18°C all the way up to 30°C, it's the best time to head to one of the many beaches this place offers and soak up all the sun your body has been craving since you booked. Don't let it slip from your mind that this is also peak tourist season, so be prepared for bigger crowds - save the walks for the cooler months, ehy?
Don't count out Autumn though, the perf time to visit where the temps are still sitting pretty at 25°C in September but the school holiday crowds have thinned - or if you're looking for something cooler to snag some excursions then the temp still keeps its coat off sitting between 12°C - 18°C into November.
Winter waves goodbye to the toasty climes, but don't get it twisted, it's still packing sunny days and temps that can reach up to 14°C - why not make the most of all the festive celebrations taking place, or pack your hiking boots and get out in nature away from good ole Blighty.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Nice?
It takes around two hours to fly to Nice from the UK/Ireland - enough time to get your in-flight champers and snag a power nap.
What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Nice?
The local time in Nice is one hour ahead of the UK/Ireland - make sure you factor that into your happy hour plans!
What language do they speak in Nice?
The official language spoken in Nice is French.
What currency do they use in Nice?
The official currency used in Nice is the Euro.
Old Town
Also known as Vieux Nice, the Old Town is perched between the city centre and port, and is the perfect place to get to know the traditional side of the city. From daily markets filled with delicious eats and treats, to winding alleyways straight out of a fairytale, there’s miles of treasures to explore. If you’re in need of a breather, stop off in the magnificent Place Rossetti - home to chic pavement cafes and swanky ice-cream parlours, it’s a great spot to watch the world go by.
Promenade des Anglais
Arguably Nice’s best-known stretch of coastline, this pretty promenade spans almost 7km, from La Californie in the west to Vieille Ville in the east. Named after the British holidaymakers who developed it in the 1800s, it’s one of the top spots to soak up the sun, thanks to the iconic blue chairs dotting the shoreline. There’s also dedicated lanes for skaters and boarders, if you fancy whipping out your wheels - and with over 50 bars and restaurants to choose from, you’re sure to be wined and dined in style.
Parc du Mont Boron
Taking pride of place in the stylish Cap de Nice neighbourhood, this fabulous forest park is packed with outdoor activities. From hiking trails traversing over 140 acres of woodland, to high-energy al fresco fitness stations, it’s perfect for active holidaymakers. Plus, if chilling out is more your style, there’s plenty of places for a casual wander - including a gorgeous 16th century castle with spectacular views across the Riviera.
Train des Merveilles
Departing daily from Nice’s main train station, this summertime service is the ultimate way to see the sights. Taking in seven stunning spots along the way, the train weaves its way through some seriously spectacular scenery, and tops out at over 1000ft above sea level. Be sure to tarry a while in traditional Tende, at the end of the route - its colourful jumble of tumbledown houses and flower-filled streets makes it a real must-see.
Bargain Hunters
Who doesn't love a shopping spree? How about a car boot? This is kinda like a combo of both. The weekly flea market, the Marche de la Brocante is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs for all your pals back home, or treat yourself to some stunning antiques. You can even pick up a few signature pieces to transform your home - just make sure you've saved space in your suitcase. You might not be looking to bag a three piece suite, but maybe you're after some fancy new cutlery - or you might just love window shopping for the finer things in life, whatever you poison, this is your place.
What events can I go to in Nice?
The Niçoise lifestyle is pretty laid-back, making it perfect for a break from a busy schedule whether you're all about celebration, or you're looking to get immersed in some exciting local culture, we've got your back on your Nice holidays. Check it out below:
New Year's Day Concert (January) - mosey on over to the Opera de Nice for a classical music extravaganza to ring in the new year in style.
Nice Carnival (February/March) - this ones an absolute must for all you party lovers out there with its technicolour costumes and street parades that offer the ultimate city celebration.
Nice International Half Marathon (April) - if you've got your fave running trainers and your sights set on first place, then make sure this half marathon along the coast is on your radar.
Feast of Saint John (June) - bonfires, fireworks, street parties, it's all to play for at this celebration in honour of the patron saint of the city, Saint John the Baptist.
Jazz Festival (July) - this cool-as-a-cucumber event is a great place to pair chilled-out vibes with world-class music, with artists such as Gregory Porter and Rag ‘n’ Bone Man gracing the stage.
Bastille Day (July) - a national holiday in France with parades and fireworks aplenty, especially along the Promenade des Anglais.
Assumption Day (August) - a religious holiday that is one part church services and processions and another part evening firework displays, not one to miss.
Nice to Cannes Marathon (September) - we can't stop harking on about these marathons, but when the route is through coastal towns from Nice to Cannes, we felt this one deserved a special shout out.
All Saints' Day (November) - a day for honouring the deceased, expect church services and visits to cemeteries.
Christmas Markets (December) - get into the festive spirit with traditional pop-up markets throughout nice complete with decoration, music, entertainment and of course seasonal treats.
Where is the best Nightlife in Nice?
Nice’s nightlife scene blends classic and contemporary vibes, with relaxed live music joints rubbing shoulders with super-cool cocktail bars.
Shapko - dive in to the local music scene for a showcase of fabulous fusion - think jazz, soul and reggae.
Wayne's Bar - right in the heart of old town, this is the place to be for atmosphere, live music and tasty tipples.
Puzzle Bar - houses a great choice of craft cocktails if you're after something more than your typical voddy-Coke.
Opera de Nice - art lovers will be right at home at this opulent spot which hosts a full calendar of classical concerts and ballets.
High Club - we couldn't get into nightlife without mentioning this crowning jewel - one of the largest clubs in Nice, there's a tonne of dance floors to shake your groove thing and DJ sets playing regularly too.
Le Glam - planning an iconic holiday to Nice with your pals, then this LGBTQ+ spot is the perfect way to boogie on your gay getaway. Expect drag shows, parties, plenty of pop bangers and all the disco classics you've been craving.
What's the food like in Nice?
Nice’s cuisine is all about classic French flavours, that's why it's so darn delicious no matter where you fancy trying. There's so many dishes specific to the region, it'd be hard to cover them all, but we wanted to take a stab at it, have a lil' nose below:
Niçoise Salad - the definitive home-grown delicacy perfect for a hot summers day.
Socca - a crispy chickpea pancake, a delish, moreish afternoon treat.
Pissaladiere- a unique twist on the classic pizza with thin crust, caramelised onions, black olives, anchovies and herebes de provence - perfect for an appetiser.
Fine Wines - choose from fruity reds to crisp rosés proving the perfect partners for français fare.
Artisan Cheeses - dairy queens this ones for you, with a huge range to try, make sure you stop off at the fromagerie on Rue de France for a sample or six.
We've mentioned the goods, but how about the best places to sample them - and by sample we mean scran before it even touches the sides. Check out our list of some of the best places to chow down in Nice:
La Merenda - if you're looking for authentic Nicoise cuisine, then look no further than this gorge restaurant in Old Town serving up traditional dishes like socca and pissaladiere - remember those?
L'Univers - a Michelin Star restaurant that takes traditional Mediterranean dishes and puts an innovative twist on them, deffo not one to miss if you're after a slice of elegance.
Chez Palmyre - tucked away in old town, this delish dining spot is family-run, so you know you're in for nothing but hearty meals with a personal, loving touch.
Voyageur Nissart -a bistro that celebrates the culinary heritage of Nice with regional specialities and modern interpretations of beloved classics, we reckon this should be high-up on your list of places to try - heck, that's why we mentioned it!
Oliviera - calling all olive oil lovers, this one is deffo for you, a boutique restaurant that pairs specialised olive oil tastings with regional dishes - even the desserts are olive oil infused!
Restaurant Le Plongeoir - a historic dining spot perched right on the cliffside, this is an absolute must on your Nice holiday when it comes to bagging delish seafood and crisp, Meddy salads.
Places to visit
Aspremont
This ones a bit of a time capsule, so buckle up your boots and trek on up to Aspremont, a gorge lil' commune perched on a hilltop that harkens back to the Middle Ages, we're talking a 13th Century church and the ruins of a village lost to time. It takes some climbing - steps for days actually, so be ready to put your legs to work - but once you've reached the top, you'll forget all about the journey, because the getting there was so worth it for the panoramic views of the lush, blue Mediterranean. It's the kinda day out that blends history with outdoorsey activities, the perfect way to spend your holidays in Nice if you ask us, especially when the weather's started to cool a little - better yet, this isn't one that families are gonna flock to, so no worrying about huge crowds.
Nice Observatory
Take a stroll up into the hills above Nice for a true spectacle - the Nice Observatory is nestled in the forest at the summit of Mont Gros and is the perfect place for any future astronauts or star seekers out there. You're looking at around 2 hours to reach the top, complete with scientific facts and stun views of the coast along the way, then you can treat yourself to a tour of the observatory, or buy a ticket to a nocturnal event and sneak a peak of the constellations above you. There's even a special candlelight string quartet concert where the observatory dome opens onto a gorge starry sky - deffo not one to miss on your Nice holidays.
Chateau de Cremat
It'd be a shame to come all the way to Nice and not take part in a wine tasting or three - especially one as swanky as at the Chateau de Cremat. Feel like true royalty - a la Cersei Lannister - in the red brick castle perched 300 feet above sea level, deffo giving King's Landing vibes. Where this place strays from the fantastical and straight into the 21st Century is in its e-bike tasting tour where you pedal your way through the lush vineyards to get your tastebuds crying out and then stop to give em a cheeky taste of the good stuff. There are other vineyards to visit, but we reckon this one is the best for a top-notch day out during your Nice holidays.
Key facts about Nice
Language
French
Currency
Euro
Time Difference
+1 hr
Flight Time
2 hrs
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Nice?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Nice?
A tourist tax is charged in France, ranging from approximately €0.20 (17p) to around €4 (£3.42) per person, per night. The amount charged varies for each location and hotel.
