Is Nice Worth Visiting? My Honest Review (2026)

I visited Nice while traveling through the French Riviera because I wanted to visit Monaco as part of my goal of visiting every country in the world. Since Monaco is one of the smallest countries in the world, staying in Nice made the most sense, so I spent three days there and also took a day trip to Menton.

Before arriving, I honestly wasn’t sure if Nice would just be another overrated tourist city. It gets so much attention that I expected it to be crowded, expensive, and maybe not as special as people make it sound. I was mostly looking at it as a convenient base rather than a destination I’d actually enjoy.

In this guide, I’ll answer one simple question: is Nice worth visiting? I’ll share my honest experience, what I loved, what I didn’t love as much, my favorite things to do, whether I think it’s safe for solo female travelers, and a few practical tips to help you decide if Nice deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Quick Answer: Is Nice Worth Visiting?

Is Nice worth visiting? Yes, I think so. Especially if it’s your first time on the French Riviera.

At first, I only planned to use Nice as a base to visit Monaco and Menton, but it ended up being a destination I genuinely enjoyed. There’s enough to keep you busy for a few days, the Old Town is beautiful, the food is great, and it’s one of the best places to base yourself if you want to explore the rest of the French Riviera.

That said, I wouldn’t visit Nice expecting hidden gems or a quiet local experience. It’s one of the most famous cities in southern France, so it can feel busy and touristy, especially during summer. If you’re looking for somewhere more relaxed, I would stay in Menton or another village from the French Riviera.

Overall, though, I’d absolutely recommend visiting Nice. It’s well connected, easy to explore, and a great starting point for discovering the French Riviera.

→ Also Read: Day trip to Menton from Nice: The perfect itinerary (2026)

My First Impressions of Nice

I arrived in Nice by bus from Italy with one goal in mind: visiting Monaco. I didn’t expect much from Nice itself. I just needed somewhere to stay for a few days that was cheaper than Monaco and well connected by train.

My first impression was that Nice felt exactly like what it is: a big tourist city. There were people everywhere, restaurants were busy, and compared to the smaller places I’d been visiting, it definitely felt more commercial.

What surprised me the most wasn’t some magical first impression—it was that after spending a couple of days there, the city slowly grew on me. I found myself enjoying walking around the Old Town, spending time by the beach, and realizing why so many people choose Nice as their base for exploring the French Riviera.

By the end of the trip, I was glad I hadn’t treated it as just a place to sleep before Monaco. It deserved a visit on its own.

What I Loved About Nice

The Location

One of my favorite things about Nice was how well connected it is. I used it as a base for three days and had no problem taking day trips to Monaco and Menton, and you can easily reach places like Èze, Antibes or Cannes too. If you want to explore the French Riviera without changing hotels every night, Nice is a great choice.

The Promenade des Anglais

I loved starting and ending my days here. Whether I was going for a walk, sitting by the beach or just watching the sunset, the promenade was always full of life without feeling overwhelming.

The Old Town

This was probably my favorite part of Nice itself. The colorful streets, little restaurants and cafés made it really enjoyable to wander around without any plan. It’s one of those places where getting lost is actually part of the fun.

The South of France Vibes

This was something I wasn’t expecting to enjoy as much as I did. Nice has a completely different atmosphere from Paris. It feels more relaxed, sunnier and much more like the kind of place where you actually want to spend your afternoons outside.

The Tours & Experiences

I was honestly surprised by how many different tours you can do from Nice. Whether you want to explore the French Riviera, visit nearby villages or simply join a walking or food tour around the city, there’s no shortage of experiences.

→ Find the Best Tours & Experiences from Nice

Easy Day Trips

If you still have the question “Is Nice Worth visiting?” wait until you see the amount of amazing day trips you can take from this city in the French Riviera. This was easily my favorite part about staying in Nice. Some of my favorite memories weren’t actually in the city itself, but exploring places like Menton and Monaco, which are both incredibly easy to reach by train.

→ Also Read: Day Trips from Nice: 10 Amazing Places you can Easily Visit (2026)

What I Didn’t Love as Much

As much as I really enjoyed Nice, there were a couple of things I wasn’t a huge fan of.

The first one is that it gets very touristy, especially during summer. The Old Town and the Promenade des Anglais can get extremely crowded, so if you’re looking for a quiet destination, Nice might not be your favorite.

Another thing I didn’t love were the pebble beaches. I personally prefer soft sandy beaches, so lying down on rocks all afternoon wasn’t exactly my idea of a perfect beach day. They’re still beautiful, just not the most comfortable.

Accommodation can also be quite expensive, especially if you’re visiting during peak season. I managed to find something that fit my budget, but compared to places like Menton, prices are definitely higher.

Finally, while I liked Nice, I actually found myself enjoying the smaller French Riviera towns even more. Places like Menton felt more relaxed and charming, while Nice has a much busier city atmosphere.

That said, is Nice worth visiting? I still think Nice is absolutely worth visiting—especially if you want to use it as a base to explore the rest of the French Riviera.

Is Nice Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Overall, yes—I felt comfortable the entire time I was in Nice as a solo female traveler. I walked around alone during the day, went out for dinner in the evenings, and used public transport without ever feeling unsafe.

That said, Nice is a busy city, so I wouldn’t let my guard down completely. The biggest place to be careful is around Nice-Ville train station, where it’s worth keeping an eye on your bags and being aware of your surroundings. The same goes for the busiest tourist areas, especially if they’re crowded, as they’re the places where pickpockets are most likely to target visitors.

As always, use normal common sense: keep your valuables secure, avoid leaving your phone or wallet sticking out of your pockets, and stay aware of what’s happening around you. I followed those basic precautions and never had any problems during my stay.

→ Also Read: Is Nice Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

My Favorite Things to do in Nice

One of the things I liked most about Nice is that there was always something to do. Whether I wanted to spend the day exploring the city, relaxing by the sea, or taking a tour around the French Riviera, I never felt bored.

Some of my favorite things to do in Nice were walking through the colorful streets of the Old Town, climbing up to Castle Hill for some of the best views over the city, strolling along the famous Promenade des Anglais, relaxing on the beaches, wandering around the Port of Nice, and stopping by the local markets to grab fresh food and pastries.

If you have a little more time, Nice is also a fantastic place to join a guided tour. There are food tours, walking tours, boat trips, wine experiences, and plenty of day tours that take you to places like Monaco, Èze, Cannes, and other beautiful towns along the French Riviera.

→ Also Read: 25 Best Things to Do in Nice

→ Also Read: 25 Best Things to Do in Menton, France (2026 Guide)

Is Nice worth visiting: Practical information

Getting around Nice is really easy. I walked almost everywhere, but the city also has a great tram network if you don’t feel like walking. Trains are probably your best option if you’re planning to visit places like Monaco, Menton or even cross into Italy, while renting a car only really makes sense if you want to explore smaller villages that aren’t as well connected.

Nice is also very convenient to fly into, with Nice Côte d’Azur Airport located just a short tram ride from the city center.

If you’re planning to explore more than just Nice, I’d also recommend getting a Europe eSIM before your trip. That way you’ll stay connected not only in France, but also if you decide to visit Monaco or cross the border into Italy without worrying about roaming charges.

Useful Travel Resources

🚆 Find train tickets for Nice and the French Riviera here.
📱 Get a Europe eSIM before your trip to stay connected across France, Monaco and Italy.
🚗 Compare car rental prices if you plan to explore beyond the train routes.

→ Also Read: Nice to Menton: Best Ways to Get There (Train, bus, car & day trip Guide) (2026)

FAQs about Is Nice worth visiting

How many days in Nice do you need?

I’d recommend spending at least three days in Nice. That gives you enough time to explore the city itself while still taking one or two day trips along the French Riviera.

→ Also Read: How many days in Nice do you need? My honest recommendation (2026)

Is Nice good for solo travelers?

Yes. I think Nice is a great destination for solo travelers. I explored it alone, felt comfortable walking around, and never struggled to find things to do. Between the beaches, the Old Town, the Promenade des Anglais and all the nearby day trips, it’s an easy place to enjoy at your own pace.

→ Is Nice safe for solo female travellers?

Is Nice worth visiting with kids?

I think so. Nice has plenty of open spaces, beaches, parks and a long seafront promenade that’s great for families. It’s also easy to take short train trips to nearby towns if you want to explore more of the French Riviera together.

Do you need a car in Nice?

No. You definitely don’t need a car to explore Nice itself, and even most of the French Riviera is very well connected by train. I visited Monaco and Menton using public transport without any issues. That said, renting a car gives you much more flexibility if you want to explore smaller villages or places that aren’t as easy to reach by train.

Is Nice Expensive?

Yes, Nice is definitely on the expensive side. It’s one of the cheapest places to stay on the French Riviera, but that’s mostly because the rest of the region is even more expensive. Accommodation will probably be your biggest expense, and even hostels and shared dorms cost more than in many other European destinations. It is the French Riviera, after all.

Final Thoughts: Is Nice worth visiting?

So, is Nice worth visiting?

I originally came to Nice because I wanted to visit Monaco, and I honestly thought I’d just sleep there and move on. Instead, Nice surprised me. I loved using it as a base to explore the French Riviera, wandering around the Old Town in the mornings, relaxing by the sea in the afternoons, and finishing the day with a walk along the Promenade des Anglais. Is Nice worth visiting? I definitely think so, especially if you’re planning to explore more of the French Riviera.

Read my other Nice Guides

Day Trips from Nice: 10 Amazing Places You Can Easily Visit (2026)

Best time to visit Nice: a month-by-month guide (2026)

How many days in Nice do you need? My honest recommendation (2026)

Is Nice Safe for Solo Female Travellers?