The unofficial capital of Côte d’Azur, Nice has a stunning seaside location, fabulous markets, glorious architecture, enticing old town and a great choice of superb restaurants. No better place to soak up the Riviera vibes. Read more, if you are headed there.

GETTING AROUND

Best way to get around the city is either by foot or by bikes. A car shouldn’t be your first option as the traffic is quite annoying and it will take you long to get through, plus finding a (cheap) parking is some more hassle, so no. Use car just to get in and out, or if you’re arriving by plane, an airport is just 10 minutes away from the city centre, so yay!

STAY

Art-deco Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée is a definite must place to stay when in Nice! Arriving here, a lovely lady showed us to a room, which was full of surprises and welcome gifts for us – postcards, custom made chocolates and even our own picture framed! Then we’ve seen a view from our own private balcony. It was overlooking the biggest garden-pool area with the best view of the ocean we’ve ever seen. It had huge windows and you could just feel the ocean breeze. In the mornings there was breakfast served down there, some of the greatest buffets – we always like to fill our tables and go a bit crazy. The location of the hotel is just superb and we’ve loved that we were literally just a step away from the Mediterranean sea and the main promenade. Last, but not least, we’ve had the best sleep in ages.

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EAT

Fenocchio – located right in the heart of Nice’s old town, it has almost 100s of gelato flavours, including olive, rosemary and cactus! We were so surprised, plus it’s a great excuse having to test them and to have more than just one scoop. 🙂

Acqua E Farina – an Italian restaurant with some of the best pizza we’ve ever had! You’ll have to cue for the table, and note, they have a small break in between 3-7 PM (yes, it is now official this is an Italian restaurant, always time for a siesta). Tip: go for the classic Margherita or the one with sardines!

SEE

Castle Hill

Definitely the best thing to do if you’re after the views and love rooftop sights. This one extends all the way to the horizon. Can’t recommend this place enough. It’s a short walk from the centre of Nice. Once there, you can get on top walking or with an elevator, but plan well ahead – best to be here for sunset, and make sure to check the closing times. Also, make sure to do the round – the views go all over Nice, main promenade and the port on the other side, too.

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Old town

Very cute, loved the architecture and vibe, swear we could wander around forever! Go here in the afternoon, it becomes SO lively.

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Iconic Ruhl Plage

It is the most adorable and famous pebbles beach with striped umbrellas – most probably this is the picture you’ve seen before deciding to come here.

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Flower market on Cours Saleya

A great choice of flowers, souvenirs, fruits, seafood, soaps, etc. It’s open every day until 1 PM, except Mondays.

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Sunset beach walks on Promenade des Anglais

No matter where you go, you will always end up taking the vast paved Promenade des Anglais, a 4 km long stretch with dedicated cyclists and skaters, young and old, extremely wide and just too wonderful not to spend every day here. Best ordering a pizza take out, bring it here, sit, eat and enjoy the view while the sun is setting!

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Await the sunset

At the one of the most beautiful points at the end of the Promenade des Anglais.

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Enjoy the beach

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ONE DAY TRIPS

Eze – Cute little town only 20 minutes away by car. Go on top of the Exotic Garden where you’ll have the most beautiful view over the Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. Entrance fee is 6 EUR per person.

Ps. If hungry, there’s a great restaurant down by the main road where you will park your car, called Le Pinocchio.

WHEN TO GO

There’s sunshine in Nice all year long, but spring and summer are obviously the best months to visit.

HOW MANY DAYS

3 days is just about enough to get the feel of the city, yet not enough as Nice will make you long for more. As usually, the more the merrier.

WHAT TO BRING

• Don’t forget the camera, duh.

• Stripes, as you’ll want to be matching those cute umbrellas.

• As the beach is made entirely of pebbles, make sure to bring beach shoes – the pebbles get so hot!

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If you’ve ever been, we’d love to get your insights on what we’ve missed out on!? We will be returning here one day, LOVED IT SOO MUCH, and it would be great to explore some new places!