Our guide on the Mistakes to Avoid in Nice and how to avoid them for your next trip.
Nice, the heart of the French Riviera, is a captivating city known for its stunning Promenade des Anglais, azure beaches, vibrant markets, and a charming old town (Vieux Nice). As one of the most popular destinations in southern France, Nice offers a mix of culture, seaside leisure, and fine cuisine.
However, to fully enjoy your time in this beautiful city, it’s essential to be aware of some common mistakes travelers often make.
Nice is a beautiful city with a unique blend of French and Italian influences, making it a top destination on the French Riviera. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be able to experience the best of its culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty. Enjoy your time in this stunning Mediterranean gem — Bon voyage!
Here’s a guide to avoiding these pitfalls and making the most of your visit to Nice.
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Mistakes to Avoid in Nice
1. Staying Only in Nice and Skipping Day Trips
Mistake: Spending your entire vacation in Nice and missing out on the incredible surrounding destinations along the French Riviera.
How to Avoid:
Explore the Riviera: The French Riviera is packed with beautiful towns and cities just a short train or bus ride from Nice.
Consider taking day trips to:
Monaco: The glamorous city-state known for its casino, luxury yachts, and beautiful gardens.
Èze: A medieval hilltop village with stunning views and the famous Jardin Exotique.
Cannes: Known for its film festival and luxurious beachfront promenade.
Antibes: A charming town with a picturesque old port and Picasso Museum.
Villefranche-sur-Mer: A quiet, beautiful village with a sandy beach and colorful architecture.
Use Public Transport: The French Riviera has an excellent and affordable train system, making it easy to hop between towns.
Tip: Purchase a Carte Isabelle (daily unlimited train pass) during the high season for cost-effective day trips around the Riviera.
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2. Only Visiting During Peak Tourist Season
Mistake: Traveling to Nice only during peak summer months (July and August), when the city is overcrowded, and prices are at their highest.
How to Avoid:
Visit in the Shoulder Season: For a more relaxed experience, plan your visit in May-June or September-October. You’ll find fewer crowds, better accommodation rates, and still enjoy pleasant weather.
Attend Off-Season Festivals: If you want to experience local culture, visit in February for the Nice Carnival, one of the largest and most colorful festivals in Europe.
Tip: Even during peak season, try to visit popular spots like the Promenade des Anglais and Castle Hill early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
3. Assuming All Beaches Are Free
Mistake: Expecting all of Nice’s beaches to be free and getting caught off-guard by high prices at private beach clubs.
How to Avoid:
Know the Difference: Nice has both private and public beaches. Public beaches like Plage du Centenaire and Plage Publique de l’Opéra are free to access, while private beaches charge for entry and amenities like sun loungers and umbrellas.
Budget for Private Beach Clubs: If you want the comfort of a private beach, expect to pay between €20-€40 for a sunbed and umbrella, plus additional costs for food and drinks.
Bring Your Own Supplies: Save money at public beaches by bringing your own towel, umbrella, and snacks.
Tip: Head to Villefranche-sur-Mer or Cap d’Ail for less crowded public beaches with sandy shores.
4. Missing the Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Mistake: Sticking to the Promenade des Anglais and not exploring the historic charm of Vieux Nice (Old Town).
How to Avoid:
Wander Through the Narrow Streets: Vieux Nice is a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with pastel-colored buildings, boutique shops, and traditional eateries. Spend time getting lost in its vibrant alleys.
Visit the Cours Saleya Market: This lively flower and food market is the heart of the Old Town, filled with fresh produce, flowers, and local delicacies. The market operates every day except Mondays (when it becomes an antique market).
Don’t Miss Key Sites: Visit landmarks like the Nice Cathedral, Palais Lascaris, and Place Rossetti, and stop for some socca (a local chickpea pancake).
Tip: Go in the morning to see the Cours Saleya Market at its best and enjoy a coffee at a nearby café while people-watching.
5. Not Tasting the Local Cuisine
Mistake: Sticking to international dishes and missing out on Nice’s unique local cuisine.
How to Avoid:
Try Niçoise Specialties: Nice has a distinct culinary tradition influenced by Provence and Italy. Don’t miss local dishes such as:
Socca: A savory chickpea flour pancake, best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
Salade Niçoise: A refreshing salad with tuna, anchovies, hard-boiled eggs, and olives.
Pissaladière: A pizza-like tart topped with caramelized onions and anchovies.
Ratatouille: A hearty vegetable stew made with eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes.
Pan Bagnat: A sandwich made with Salade Niçoise ingredients.
Dine in Traditional Bistros: Head to restaurants like La Merenda or Chez Acchiardo for authentic Niçoise cuisine.
Tip: Visit the Cours Saleya Market for a quick taste of many of these dishes from local vendors.
6. Ignoring the Local Rosé and Wines
Mistake: Overlooking local wines and opting only for French classics like Bordeaux or Champagne.
How to Avoid:
Sample Provençal Rosé: The region is famous for its light, crisp rosé wines, perfect for enjoying with Mediterranean cuisine.
Try Wines from Bellet: Nice has its own AOC wine region, Bellet, known for unique white, rosé, and red wines. Consider visiting a local vineyard like Domaine de Toasc or Château de Bellet for a tasting.
Order House Wines: In many local restaurants, the house wines are high quality and come from nearby vineyards.
Tip: Pair your wine with regional dishes for the full Niçoise experience.
7. Not Visiting Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
Mistake: Skipping Castle Hill (Colline du Château), which offers the best panoramic views of Nice.
How to Avoid:
Climb for the Best Views: The climb up Castle Hill might seem daunting, but the sweeping views over the Promenade des Anglais and the Bay of Angels are worth the effort.
Take the Elevator: If you’re not up for the climb, there’s a free elevator located near the Hotel Suisse that takes you up to the top.
Visit for Sunset: The view at sunset is magical, with the city and coastline bathed in golden light.
Tip: Bring a picnic and relax in the park at the top for a peaceful break from the bustling city below.
8. Overpaying at Tourist Traps
Mistake: Dining or shopping in overly touristy areas and paying inflated prices for subpar experiences.
How to Avoid:
Avoid Restaurants on the Promenade des Anglais: While the views are great, restaurants along the promenade tend to be expensive and offer lower quality. Head into Vieux Nice or the Port area for better food at lower prices.
Research Your Dining Options: Use apps like Google Reviews or ask locals for restaurant recommendations to avoid tourist traps.
Shop at Local Markets: For souvenirs, visit the Cours Saleya Market or Rue de France instead of the overpriced shops on the Promenade.
Tip: Skip overpriced “menu touristiques” and look for places filled with locals instead.
9. Renting a Car for Exploring the Riviera
Mistake: Renting a car to explore Nice and the surrounding French Riviera, leading to parking headaches and high costs.
How to Avoid:
Use Public Transport: The local trains (TER) and buses efficiently connect Nice to Cannes, Monaco, Menton, and other Riviera towns. Trains are frequent and affordable.
Take the Scenic Train Route: For a scenic experience, take the Train des Pignes into the hinterlands or the Coastal Train along the Côte d’Azur.
Rent a Bike or E-Scooter: Nice has a well-developed bike path network, making it easy to explore the Promenade and nearby areas on two wheels.
Tip: If you’re set on renting a car for day trips, choose a compact vehicle and book accommodation with secure parking.
10. Overlooking Local Etiquette and Customs
Mistake: Failing to observe local etiquette, which can lead to unintentional rudeness.
How to Avoid:
Greet People Properly: Always greet shopkeepers, waiters, and strangers with a polite “Bonjour” before starting a conversation. When leaving, say “Au revoir.”
Respect Meal Times: The French take mealtimes seriously. Lunch is usually served between 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, and dinner starts around 7:30 PM. Arriving too early or too late might result in limited options.
Avoid Loud Behavior: Keep voices low in public spaces, especially in restaurants and on public transport.
Tip: If you’re not fluent in French, a simple attempt like “Parlez-vous anglais?” (Do you speak English?) goes a long way in showing respect.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.