France - Nice

Nice is a bustling beach town in the French Riviera with colorful architecture, buzzing with restaurants, bars, and cafes alongside an azure pebbled coastline around the Bay of Angels. The Mediterranean climate, eclectic cuisine, and rich culture make Nice an appealing travel destination for all types of travelers.

I stayed at Hotel Suisse, which is located at the end of the Promenade des Anglais. My room was on the top floor with a large terrace with the most incredible panoramic views of Nice similar to the view from the top of Castle Hill (see below). The location was convenient and walking distance to the beach and to all the hot spots in Nice.

when to go

May to August is peak season with July and August being the most crowded time of the year. Going in May, June, or September would allow for good weather with less traffic congestion and better hotel rates.

transportation

Everything within the heart of Nice is walking distance. Buses and trams are an option if needed or you can rent a bike.  A car rental may be convenient to explore the other towns along the French Riviera (read more here).

things to do

• Stroll through Old Town (Vieille Ville) along the narrow streets to discover this charming area of cafes, boutiques, confectionaries, and restaurants. Try some authentic Nicoise dishes like salade noicoise or ratatouille. Place Rossetti in particular is a beautiful square with an Italian vibe with a cathedral and lots of restaurants, cafes, and ice cream. 
• Shop for fresh produce, flowers, art, and antiques at Cours Saleya, an open-air market.
• Walk, bike, or segway along the Promenade des Anglais or relax at the beach. Some parts are private and require chair rentals.
• Stroll through Place Massena, the black and white checkerboard like square with surrounding colorful architecture, statues, fountains, and street lights. In the evening, the statues and fountains light up and there are street performers.
• Climb the stairs up Castle Hill, a park with a waterfall and a panoramic views of Nice.
• Rent a car and explore other towns along the French Riviera, such as Villefranche-sur-Mer, Eze, or Monaco in the NE direction (read more here) or Antibes and St. Tropez the the SW direction. Other options would be to take a train or bus.

where to stay

• Hotel Suisse
• Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Mediterranee
• Hotel La Perouse