Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €25–45 | €90–160 |
| Food | €15–25 | €35–55 |
| Transport | €3–5 | €10–20 |
| Activities | €0–10 | €15–30 |
| Drinks | €5–10 | €15–25 |
| Daily Total | €48–95 | €165–290 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Schengen Zone — 90 days visa-free for most nationalities within any 180-day period
- Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is 6km from centre. Tram L2 to city centre (€1.50, 25 min) or taxi (€25–35)
- TGV from Paris takes 5.5 hours. Thello/Trenitalia trains connect to Italian Riviera (Ventimiglia, Genoa)
Health & Safety
- No special vaccinations required. EHIC covers EU citizens. Travel insurance recommended for non-EU visitors
- Tap water is safe throughout Nice and the Côte d'Azur. Refill stations available along the Promenade
- Pickpocketing on the Promenade and in crowded markets. Avoid the area around Nice-Ville station late at night
Getting Around
- Lignes d'Azur runs trams and buses. Single ticket €1.50 (valid 74 min). Tram L1 crosses the city, L2 goes to the airport
- Nice is very walkable — the Promenade to Castle Hill is a 30-minute stroll. Vieux Nice is compact and car-free
- Vélobleu bike-share: €1/day + first 30 min free. Electric scooters from Dott and Lime available throughout the city
Connectivity
- EU roaming included for European SIM cards. Local SIMs from SFR, Orange, or Free Mobile (€10–20 for 10GB)
- Free WiFi in most cafés and along the Promenade des Anglais. Coverage is good across the Côte d'Azur
- Download the Lignes d'Azur app for bus/tram schedules and the SNCF app for regional train times
Money
- Euro (€) used everywhere. Cards accepted at most places. Carry cash for markets, street food, and small cafés
- ATMs widespread — use bank ATMs (BNP Paribas, Société Générale) to avoid fees from independent machines
- Tipping: Service is included by law (service compris) but rounding up or leaving €1–2 at cafés is appreciated
Packing Tips
- Swimwear, sunscreen (SPF 50+), and water shoes for the pebble beaches. A beach towel or sarong is essential
- Light summer clothing plus a light layer for evenings — Mediterranean breezes cool the coast after sunset
- Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestoned Vieux Nice and hilltop village day trips. Hat and sunglasses year-round
Cultural tips
French Politeness
Always say "Bonjour" when entering any shop, café, or restaurant, and "Au revoir" when leaving. Failing to do this is considered rude and will noticeably change how you're treated.
Aperitif Culture
The pre-dinner aperitif is sacred on the Côte d'Azur. Order a pastis, a glass of rosé, or a spritz between 6–8pm. Many bars serve free snacks (olives, chips) with your drink — don't rush.
Beach Etiquette
Topless sunbathing is common and accepted on Nice's beaches. Full nudity is only for designated naturist beaches. Don't stare, don't photograph. Keep music volume low.
Dining Customs
Lunch is 12–2pm, dinner 7:30–9:30pm. Ordering "just a coffee" at a restaurant table during meal times may be refused. Bread is served without butter (it's for mopping sauce). No split bills — pay together.
Niçois Identity
Nice was Italian (Savoyard) until 1860 and locals are proud of their distinct identity. Niçois cuisine (socca, pissaladière) is different from French. Saying "it's like Italy" can be taken as a compliment or an insult.
Southern Pace
Life moves slower in the Midi. Shops close for lunch (12–2pm or even 3pm). Sunday everything is closed except restaurants. Don't expect efficiency — expect charm, long meals, and beautiful indifference.
