How to plan a trip to Nice

We know you can’t wait to hit the streets of Nice to explore one of the French Riviera’s shining jewels. But don’t rush! There’s a lot of preparation to do first. At Passporter we know that pre-trip preparations can be a complicated task, but we’re also aware that with thorough planning everything will work out much better and you’ll avoid many typical tourist mistakes. Let us help you plan your trip to Nice!

One of the most important aspects when organizing a trip is planning in advance, so you will be sure to be able to choose accommodation and find the most economical options. It is also advisable to find out about other key aspects such as the best time to travel, or the optimal means of transport depending on where you are going. In this post you can read about these aspects and many others about Nice. In addition, we give you numerous travel tips that will help you with every detail of your vacation.

1. Prepare your travel documents for Nice

As always when crossing borders, it is necessary to ask yourself what kind of documentation you will be asked to access the country. In the case of France, all those citizens of the Schengen area will only need a valid ID card or passport to stay for up to 90 days. However, if the reason for your trip is work or studies, you will need to apply for another type of permit.

In addition to Schengen citizens, there are many other countries that don’t need to apply for a visa such as Switzerland, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Paraguay, Japan, Malaysia, Croatia, Panama, Argentina, Honduras, Andorra, South Korea, Guatemala, Singapore, Venezuela, Hong Kong, Peru, Canada, Israel, Macau, Uruguay, Australia, Vatican City, Chile, Colombia, San Marino, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Mexico, United States, Monaco, Brazil, Brunei.

All other travelers must apply for a visa by submitting the following documents:

• Visa application form: you must complete the form corresponding to the type of visa you are applying for (short stay or long stay).
• Card-type photographs: you will need two recent photos that meet the photo requirements for Schengen visas.
• Valid passport: your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years, have a minimum validity of 3 months after the end of your intended stay and at least two blank pages.
• Copies of previous visas, if applicable.
• Travel medical insurance: must cover the entire Schengen territory with a minimum of €30,000.
• Complete itinerary: details of your trip, including how you plan to get to France and proof of your return or onward travel.
• Proof of financial means: documentation demonstrating how you will finance yourself during your stay.
• Proof of accommodation: this can be a hotel reservation, a hosting certificate, a rental agreement, or a certificate of ownership.
• Criminal record certificate from the country of origin.
• Proof of payment of visa fee: visa processing costs 80€.

It usually takes 10 to 15 working days to process the visa.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Nice

Summer can be the best time to visit Nice or the worst. As a well-known beach destination, the city attracts numerous tourists during July and August in search of sun and warmth. At this time of year the days are longer, everything is open late, the cultural offerings are varied and the streets are lively. The downside? During these months you will also find crowds, it is hard to find a table in restaurants and the price of accommodation is higher.

It was clear to us that if we wanted to enjoy Nice 100%, we had to do it at different time of the year. But since we also wanted to take advantage of the beach, we decided to travel in early June, when there were not yet so many tourists but the temperatures were inviting to lie in the sun.

Autumn can also be a good option. September and October offer still-warm weather and fewer people, making it an attractive period for those who prefer peace and quiet without giving up good weather.

3. Find out how to get to Nice

Nice is a wonderful and incredibly popular destination, so much that sometimes it can be tricky to find tickets at a good price because of the high demand and that all the tourists agree during the summer months. That’s why we recommend you book your tickets in advance and compare prices through Skyscanner on the Passporter App, where you can also save your tickets without fear of losing them.

These are all the options available to get to Nice:

• Airplane: Nice International Airport is the most common gateway. It is located 15 km from the center and receives flights from all over France and Europe.
• Train: you can travel by train to Nice-Ville station. This option is very convenient if you are traveling from another European city as it will drop you off in the center. It is also possible to travel from other European cities by train, although you will most likely have to change trains. You can travel on regional trains, which are slow but cheap, or on the TGV (high-speed train).
• Bus: there are numerous long-distance lines connect Nice with several European and French cities. It is an economical option but count on spending many hours on the bus.
• Car: via the A8 freeway, Nice is accessible from different parts of France and Europe.

From Nice Airport you have several options to reach the city center. The Ligne d’Azur bus lines offer a direct connection for €6 with a 30-minute ride, or a cheaper alternative for €1.5 that takes about 45 minutes. If you prefer a faster and more private method, taxis cost approximately €30 for a 15-minute ride. For those traveling in a group or family, the shuttle bus service is ideal, taking you directly to your hotel for €14 per person.

To get around Nice you have the Ligne d’Azur bus and streetcar network, which is extensive and operates from early morning until 21:00. After this time there is night service. The ticket price is €1.5, and there are also all-day tickets for €5 and all-week tickets for €15.

4. Find the accommodation that matches your expectations to enjoy Nice

The class and elegance that Nice exudes is also reflected in its accommodations (and price). Although this city can be more expensive due to its high demand, especially during the summer months, if you look in advance you can find more affordable options. Our recommendation is to start looking and comparing today on Booking through the Passporter App.

If you don’t know where to start looking, here’s a list of the best neighborhoods in Nice:

• Promenade des Anglais: it is famous for its iconic promenade, ideal for those looking for sea views and beach access. It is close to many tourist attractions, but can be more expensive.
• Vieille Ville: this is the historic heart of Nice, filled with narrow streets, vibrant markets and restaurants. Perfect for experiencing the old charm and nightlife
• Le Port (Port): Surrounded by colorful facades and luxurious yachts, this neighborhood is quieter but still offers excellent restaurants and bars, as well as being a good starting point for exploring the French Riviera.
• Cimiez: is a quieter residential area, known for its museums, parks and Roman ruins. Ideal for those looking for a more relaxed and cultural atmosphere.
• Musiciens: characterized by its elegant Belle Époque-style buildings, this neighborhood offers an authentic residential experience, with good accessibility to the center and the Promenade des Anglais.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Nice

The city of Nice can easily be seen in a day or two. But let’s be honest, if we go to this charming city it’s not only to walk the streets, but also to sunbathe on its magnificent beaches. So if you want to ensure a good tan and a good rest, we recommend spending at least a week.

During this time you will also have plenty of time to satiate your cultural motivations by visiting the museums and the main points of interest of the city and of which we tell you about in this post: What to see and do in Nice France

And if you’re curious and can’t wait any longer, here’s a preview of the main points of interest you’ll see in Nice:

1. Promenade des Anglais: this iconic promenade borders the Baie des Anglais and offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean. It’s perfect for walking, rollerblading or just enjoying the sunshine.
2. Vieille Ville: this is the historic heart of Nice, with its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful facades and vibrant markets like the Cours Saleya, where you can find flowers, fresh food and handicrafts.
3. Colline du Château: although the castle no longer exists, this park offers the best panoramic views of Nice, the sea and the surrounding area. Ideal for a picnic or simply to admire the sunset.
4. Musée Matisse: this museum, located in the Villa des Arènes in the Cimiez district, houses one of the largest collections of Henri Matisse’s works, including paintings, drawings and sculptures.
5. Flower Market: it is famous for its flower market, although you will also find fruits, vegetables and other local products. It’s a place full of colors and aromas.
6. Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: dedicated to the art of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the MAMAC exhibits works by artists such as Yves Klein and Niki de Saint Phalle.
7. St. Nicholas Cathedral: is the largest Russian Orthodox cathedral outside Russia, known for its impressive architecture and interior decoration.
8. Place Masséna: this is Nice’s main square, characterized by its Pompeian red buildings, it is a popular meeting point and the site of numerous events and festivals.

6. Where and what to eat in Nice

The gastronomy of Nice is famous for being rich and diverse, reflecting its privileged location between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps. Its cuisine is a perfect example of the Mediterranean diet, with a strong emphasis on fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Typical dishes of the region make use of a variety of vegetables, fruits, fish, olive oil and aromatic herbs, resulting in delicious dishes with Italian influences.

Here are the 5 dishes you can’t miss on your trip to Nice:

1. Ensaladaa Niçoise: it is a salad with tomatoes, tuna, anchovies, hard-boiled eggs, black olives, green beans, and onion, dressed with olive oil.
2. Ratatouille: stew of eggplant, zucchini, bell bell pepper, tomato, onion and garlic, with herbs such as thyme and bay leaf that is baked in tomato sauce. It is a kind of ratatouille.
3. Socca: chickpea flour crepe, cooked in copper and served warm, a popular snack in Nice.
4. Pissaladière: tart with bread base, caramelized onions, anchovies and olives, baked until crispy.
5. Pan Bagnat: sandwich with ingredients from the salade niçoise on country bread, dressed with olive oil.

7. Organize a trip with friends to Nice

Traveling to Nice with friends can become an unforgettable experience. Sunbathing on its amazing beaches, partying downtown and enjoying its delicious gastronomy. However, after traveling on many occasions with groups of friends, we know that coordinating activities for a large group can be challenging. Luckily, there are tools like the Passporter App with which planning is simplified.

With the Passporter App, organizing such trips is easier as you can plan your travel itinerary from start to finish with everyone’s input. Add your friends, get inspired by the experiences of other travelers and create the route together. Later you can share your experience through the photos you take during the trip. We have also prepared this post where we leave you some useful tips for traveling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Nice

• The currency in France is the euro.
• You will be able to pay by card in the vast majority of stores.
• Get up early to enjoy the city with fewer people and have time to see everything.
• The best time to travel to Nice is in spring and autumn, when temperatures are pleasant and there are not many tourists.
• France uses plug type E, with voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Be sure to bring an adaptor if your devices have different specifications.
• If you are traveling from the European Union you will not need a visa to travel to France, a passport is sufficient.
• The official language is French, but in tourist areas you will be able to communicate in English and other European languages.
• The water in Nice is drinkable.
• Nice is a safe city, but it never hurts to keep our belongings in sight.
• Book flights and accommodations in advance for better prices.
• Find out about events or festivals during your visit.
• Be covered for medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose a good travel insurance, such as for example the one provided by Mondo.
• Sign up for Passporter and discover our Nice travel itinerary. Using passporter to plan trips is free and helps you get inspiration from other travelers 🙂

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Nice

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organize your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or typology (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so that they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that most interest you, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodations, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travelers with your experience. In addition, you will be able to share your experience on how to plan your trip to Nice.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Nice