Nice Travel Guide

How Do You Get from the Ship to the City?

Nice's port is at the eastern end of town, at the foot of Castle Hill. Walk along the waterfront to the Promenade des Anglais and Vieux Nice in about 15 minutes. Or take the elevator up Castle Hill for the best views first.

What Can You See in 6 Hours?

1. Promenade des Anglais — The famous seafront boulevard. Walk its length (7km) or grab a blue chair and watch the Mediterranean. The pebbly beach is free.

1. Vieux Nice (Old Town) — Narrow baroque streets painted in ochre and terracotta. Cours Saleya market, gelato shops, and some of the best people-watching on the Riviera.

1. Castle Hill — The ruins of Nice's old fortress. Take the free elevator up for panoramic views over the Baie des Anges and the rooftops of Vieux Nice. Beautiful waterfall garden.

1. Matisse & Chagall Museums — Both in the Cimiez neighbourhood (bus 15 from centre). Matisse's museum is in a 17th-century villa; the Chagall museum houses his Biblical series.

Where Should You Eat in Nice?

Socca: A thin, crispy chickpea pancake eaten hot from a wood-fired oven. Chez Theresa in Cours Saleya market is the most famous. 3-4 euro a portion.

Salade nicoise: The original — nothing like the version elsewhere. Tuna, anchovies, olives, eggs, and raw vegetables. Never lettuce, never cooked vegetables.

Pissaladiere: Nicoise onion tart with anchovies and olives. Rich, sweet, and savoury. Found at every bakery.

Is Nice Worth Exploring Independently?

Nice is perfectly suited to independent exploration. The city is compact, the old town is a joy to wander, and the promenade gives you an instant sense of the Riviera. Ship excursions to Monaco or Eze are easily replicated by cheap, frequent trains.