The Ultimate Nice Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Nice, France? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:
Recommended trip duration: 3-4 days

Nice at a Glance

• The fifth-largest city in France, with a population of about 340,000.
• A popular tourist destination, attracting over 5 million visitors annually.
• Known for its beautiful Mediterranean coastline, vibrant culture, and mild climate.
• Artists that were inspired by Nice include: Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, and Raoul Dufy.
• Nicknames: Nice la Belle (“Nice the Beautiful”), Capital of the French Riviera.

Planning Your Trip

• Currency: Euro (EUR).
• Spoken languages: French, though English is widely understood in tourist areas.
• Best time to visit: from April to October. Nice enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers.
• Arriving via airport: from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, you can take the Tramway Line 2 directly to the city center (€1.50, trip duration 26 minutes).
• Alternatively, buses (lines 98 and 99) connect the airport to the city center for €6. Trip duration: 20-30 minutes.
• A taxi ride to the city will cost between €32-45 (depending on your destination).

Where to Rest Your Head

• Best hostel for solo travelers: Villa Saint Exupery Beach Hostel. Located in the heart of Nice, this social hostel offers a rooftop terrace, on-site bar, and organized activities – perfect for meeting other travelers.
• For a more upscale experience, check out Hotel 64 Nice, which offers modern rooms and a great location near the train station.
• The best areas to stay for first-time visitors are Vieux Nice (Old Town), Promenade des Anglais, or Jean-Médecin.
• Budget-minded travelers should look for accommodations in the Liberation or Riquier neighborhoods.
• Tip: try to find accommodation close to a tram or bus stop for easy access to attractions.

Getting Around Nice

• Nice has an efficient public transportation system, with trams and buses covering the city and surrounding areas. The tram system, with 3 lines, is the quickest and easiest way to see the city’s top attractions.
• A single ride (on tram or bus) within the city costs €1.50. Save money by buying a 1-day pass (unlimited travel for €5).
• Need a taxi? Use the Uber app or hail one from designated taxi stands.
• Renting a car: While not necessary in Nice itself, a car can be useful for exploring the French Riviera. However, parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive.

Nightlife for Solo Travelers

• Drinking age is 18, the last call varies, but many bars close around 2 AM.
• Hip/local scene: Vieux Nice (Old Town), Port Lympia.
• Trendy scene: Promenade des Anglais, Place Masséna.
• Cool bars to check out: Wayne’s Bar (lively pub with live music), Shapko Bar (jazz club), La Havane (Cuban-themed bar), Le Kosma (cocktail bar), and Ma Nolan’s (Irish pub).
• For a taste of local nightlife, head to Cours Saleya in the Old Town, where you’ll find a variety of bars and restaurants.

Must-See Landmarks

• The Promenade des Anglais is the city’s iconic seafront promenade, stretching for 7 km along the Mediterranean. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride, offering stunning views of the Baie des Anges.
• Vieux Nice (Old Town) is a maze of narrow streets filled with colorful buildings, boutiques, and restaurants. Don’t miss the vibrant Cours Saleya market, known for its flowers and local produce.
• The Colline du Château (Castle Hill) offers panoramic views of Nice and the surrounding coastline. While the castle is long gone, the hill features a beautiful park and artificial waterfall.
• Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Musée Matisse and Musée Marc Chagall, both showcasing works by these famous artists who were inspired by Nice’s beauty.
• The Russian Orthodox Cathedral is an unexpected architectural gem, standing out with its onion domes and ornate decorations.
• Other notable landmarks include: Place Masséna, Nice Cathedral, Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC), and the Palais Lascaris.

Solo Traveler’s Walking Guide

• Start at Place Masséna and walk along the Promenade des Anglais, taking in the seaside views and beautiful architecture.
• Explore the winding streets of Vieux Nice, starting from the Cours Saleya market and making your way through the charming alleyways.
• Take a stroll through the Parc de la Colline du Château for breathtaking views of the city and sea.
• Walk from the Old Town to the Port Lympia, admiring the colorful buildings and luxury yachts.
• For a longer excursion, hike part of the Nietzsche Path from Èze village to the sea, offering stunning coastal views.

Average Daily Costs

Here’s a breakdown of average daily costs for solo travelers in Nice:

Expense Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation	€20-40	€70-120	€200+
Meals	€15-25	€30-50	€70+
Transportation	€5-10	€15-25	€40+
Attractions	€10-20	€25-40	€50+
Total per day	€50-95	€140-235	€360+

Note: These are estimated costs and can vary based on your specific choices and the season of your visit.

Seasonal Highlights

1. Spring in Nice

• Experience the Nice Carnival in February, one of the world’s largest carnivals with colorful parades and street performances.
• Enjoy mild temperatures that are perfect for exploring the city on foot or by bike.
• Visit the Cours Saleya flower market, which is in full bloom.
• Attend the French Riviera Marathon in April, running from Nice to Cannes.

2. Summer Activities and Events

• Bask in the Mediterranean sun on the beaches along the Promenade des Anglais.
• Enjoy outdoor concerts and events at the Nice Jazz Festival in July.
• Take a day trip to nearby towns like Villefranche-sur-Mer or Monaco.
• Participate in Bastille Day celebrations on July 14th with fireworks and festivities.

3. Autumn Attractions

• Experience the September Fair, a traditional event with local products and crafts.
• Enjoy the Nice Truffle Festival in December, celebrating this prized delicacy.
• Take advantage of smaller crowds and pleasant weather for sightseeing.
• Explore the surrounding countryside with its beautiful fall colors.

4. Winter Experiences in Nice

• Celebrate the holiday season with the Christmas Village in Place Masséna.
• Enjoy indoor attractions like the Musée Matisse and Musée Marc Chagall without the summer crowds.
• Take a day trip to nearby ski resorts in the Southern Alps.
• Experience the Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival) in nearby Menton in February.

Local Tips for Solo Adventurers

• Nice’s beaches are mostly pebbly, not sandy. Bring water shoes for comfort, or head to nearby sandy beaches like Villefranche-sur-Mer.
• Try local Niçoise specialties like salade niçoise, socca (chickpea pancake), and pissaladière (onion tart).
• The Nice Carnival in February is one of the largest carnivals in the world. Book accommodations well in advance if you are visiting during this time.
• Learn a few basic French phrases – locals appreciate the effort, even if you’re not fluent.
• Great restaurants for solo travelers: La Rossettisserie ($$), Peixes (seafood), Bistrot d’Antoine (traditional French), Papayou (vegan), Noodles & Co (Asian fusion), and Chez Palmyre (traditional Niçoise cuisine).
• Head to the Old Town and look for small local eateries for good cheap eats. The socca stands in Cours Saleya are also a great budget-friendly option.
• Safety: Nice is generally safe for solo travelers, but exercise normal precautions, especially at night. Be wary of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation.

For more solo travel guides in France, check out my Marseilles Solo Travel Guide, Cannes Solo Travel Guide, and Paris Solo Travel Guide.