Exploring the Nicest City in the World
Nice is one of the most beautiful cities in France. Located along the magnificent French Riviera, it’s known for pebbly beaches, artsy atmosphere, and perfect year-round weather. It’s a much smaller city than Paris, but there’s lots of art museums, architecture, and scenic paths to indulge in. The geographical position on the Mediterranean of Nice gives it a mixture of diverse cultures and a luxurious ambiance. After Marseilles, Nice is the 2nd largest city along the Mediterranean. Here’s the top 5 most amazing places to visit in “Nissa la Belle”.
5. Place Massena
Place Massena is the elegantly designed main square in Nice. The centerpiece is a gaudy fountain surrounded by lots of shops and a mall. Lots of people gather in this open plaza and many public events are celebrated in this historic area. It’s only a few minutes walk to other major iconic destinations in the city too.
4. Promenade des Anglais
Translated as the English Promenade, this scenic trail is located directly across from the aquamarine Mediterranean coast. The Promenade des Anglais extends all the way from the airport to the most popular beaches in Nice. The path is always buzzing with action and is great for strolling or people watching. Most of the major hotels like Le Negresco are lined across this street, so it’s definitely worth visiting to be surrounded by the action.
3. Nice Beaches
No trip to Nice is complete without relaxing on one of the many rocky beaches along the shoreline. Here you’ll find some of the nicest beaches in Europe. The coast is lined with 20 free public beaches and 5 private ones for more luxurious amenities. There are plenty of seaside restaurants and bars where you can enjoy your drinks with an amazing view. The waters are beautiful and clear but the pebbles aren’t the most comfortable to lay on. Blue Beach was one of our personal favorites for swimming and sunbathing.
2. Vieille Ville (Old Nice)
Vieille Ville is also referred to as Old Nice, a vibrant medieval neighborhood with narrow cobble stoned streets and corner store cafes. Even wandering around aimlessly between the multitude of vendors is enjoyable here. Stop by some food stalls to get a taste of Nice’s specialty cuisines like Socca or crepes for a true Southern France experience.
1. Castle of Nice
Colloquially known as Parc de la Colline du Chateau, this former military citadel rests on a hill overlooking the Bay of Nice. The hike to the top can take about 30minutes but it’s well worth it for the most gorgeous views of the city. A euphoric ambiance emanates from the mighty waterfall and lush gardens on the summit. Best of all, Colline du Chateau is free to visit from sunrise to sunset. If you only do one thing in Nice, make sure it’s visiting this magical sanctuary.
Nice is a magical coastal city that embodies the essence of Southern France’s natural beauty. The vibe is perfect for a relaxing beach day or a leisurely walk down a vintage French village. It can be an expensive city but fortunately most iconic landmarks are completely free. Nice is renowned as a luxurious vacation destination, so 1 to 2 days should be sufficient to see the most memorable sights. If you’re interested in visiting the other unique cities in France, check them out here. Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
Here’s our Nice travel vlog for an epic Southern France bucket list!
