Nice is one of those cities that surprises every American who visits. You expect the French Riviera to be beautiful — and it is — but you don’t expect it to feel this alive, this international, this easy to navigate as an English speaker. Whether you’re backpacking Europe for the first time or squeezing Nice into a two-week summer trip, this guide covers everything you actually need to know before you land.
Getting to Nice
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is the second busiest in France after Paris. There are direct flights from New York, Atlanta, and Philadelphia — no layover needed. From the airport, tram Line 2 takes you straight to the city center in about 25 minutes for €1.70. Skip the taxis unless you’re exhausted with heavy bags.
Do People Speak English in Nice?
More than you’d think. Nice is one of the most international cities in France — locals in tourist areas, bars, hostels, and restaurants almost always speak English. That said, a simple bonjour when you walk into a shop goes a long way. The French appreciate the effort, even if you stop there.
Tipping in Nice (Yes, It’s Different)
Tipping is not expected the way it is back home. Service is included in your bill by law in France. If you had a great experience, rounding up or leaving €1–2 is appreciated — but nobody will look at you sideways if you don’t. Don’t feel obligated to tip 20%.
Cash vs. Card
Card is accepted almost everywhere. You’ll want a small amount of cash for the Cours Saleya market or a street crêpe. Avoid airport exchange booths — use a Wise or Revolut card, or withdraw from an ATM at your bank’s rate.
Getting Around Nice
Nice is a very walkable city. The Old Town, the Promenade des Anglais, and most bars and restaurants are reachable on foot from the center. The tram covers the rest. You almost certainly don’t need a car.
Is Nice Safe?
Nice is generally very safe for tourists, including solo travelers. The Old Town and main tourist areas are well-lit and busy at night. Like any city, watch your belongings in crowds and don’t leave bags unattended on the beach. Solo female travelers consistently rate Nice as one of the more comfortable cities in southern Europe.
What to Do in Nice
During the day: walk the Promenade des Anglais, climb Castle Hill for a free panoramic view over the Baie des Anges, explore Vieux-Nice, try socca at the Cours Saleya market. Day trips to Monaco, Èze, and Antibes are all under an hour by train and very much worth it.
At night: the Old Town transforms after dark — bars spill onto the streets, music fills the alleys, and the crowd is overwhelmingly international. If you’re traveling solo or just landed and don’t know anyone yet, the fastest way to meet people and actually experience Nice nightlife is to join a pub crawl. You’ll hit the best bars with a guide who knows the city, get drink deals sorted, and leave with a group of people you genuinely want to keep hanging out with.
Book your spot at pubcrawlnissa.com — two options depending on your vibe: Yellow (social, relaxed) or Orange (high energy, party-focused).
What to Eat and Drink
Nice has its own cuisine — it was Italian until 1860 and you taste it. Must-tries: socca (chickpea pancake, eat it hot standing up), pissaladière (onion tart), pan bagnat (the original local sandwich), and salade niçoise — not the version you’ve had at home. For drinks, Provence rosé is everywhere and it’s good.
How Much Does Nice Cost?
Nice is cheaper than Paris but more expensive than Barcelona. Budget roughly €60–90 per day for food, transport, and a couple of activities. Accommodation ranges from €25–40 per night in a hostel to €100+ for a private hotel. Happy hours and pub crawl drink deals are your best friends if you want to experience the nightlife without blowing your budget.
Best Time to Visit Nice for Americans
June through August is peak season — warm, buzzing, very international. May and September are quieter and cheaper, with excellent weather. If you’re finishing college in May, Nice in early June is genuinely one of the best places in Europe you can be.
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Ready to make your first night in Nice unforgettable? Join Pub Crawl Nissa at pubcrawlnissa.com — the easiest way to meet other travelers, discover the best bars in Vieux-Nice, and skip the part where you wander around trying to figure out where everyone goes.
