The beaches in Nice are some of the most visited in Europe and the French Riviera.  There are both private (where the nicer hotels reside) and public beaches, spread out intermittently on the stretch of coast.  While the private beaches offer nice sun bathing lounge chairs, maybe an umbrella, and nicer restroom and shower facilities, they may prohibit any food or drink, requiring you to buy theirs.  The beaches are filled with smooth pebbles, so be sure to bring some sturdy sandals.  And be aware that the beaches in Nice are like many in Europe: full bathing suits are not required, and many women choose to go topless (although full nudity is prohibited).

      Address: 4 Av. Docteur Menard

      Transportation: bus no. 15 

      Hours: April- Sept. 10:00am- 6:00pm; Oct.- March: 10:00am- 5:00pm  Closed Tuesdays

      Tickets: €6,70, €5,20 students, under 18 free, first Sun. of each month FREE

      Address:  Old Town

      Hours: Sunrise to sunset

          While only a few segments of this castle remain, it’s a popular spot in Nice because of its impressive panoramic view of the sea.  Located in the Old Town, the castle was built in the 11^th century as a fort over the local port.  Today, there’s a beautiful park at the top of the (over 200) stairs up the castle (you can pay a small fee to take an elevator, too).  Le Chateau is a great place to visit during sunset, although you cannot stay too long; it closes around 8:00pm.  Although the site may be more crowded during the day, it’s the perfect spot for a picnic lunch-- and be sure to bring your camera.

      Address: Av. Nicolas II

      Hours: May- Sept. 9:00am- noon, 2:30- 6:00pm; Oct.- April 9:30am- noon, 2:30- 5:00pm

      Tickets: €3, €2 students

          This cathedral was commissioned by the tsar Nicholas II at the beginning of the 20^th century, and it offers an excellent representation of Russian architecture in France. The exterior incorporates beautiful onion-shaped domes, and the interior holds many ornate religious articles from Russia.  The Russian cathedral is the largest outside of Russia, and an excellent place to visit to get a taste of Russian religion and art without making the trip.  Be sure to dress modestly, meaning no tank tops, short skirts, or shorts.

      Address: Place Massena

    Named after the Belgian King in 1914, this garden is the perfect place to rest during an afternoon.  In the center of the park resides Nice’s largest sculpture, the “Arc de 115’5”, by Bernar Venet, as well as a merry-go-round filled with many happy children.

Flights: Aéroport Nice-Côte d’Azur (NCE) handles all of Nice’s international flights.  It is located at 10 av. De Verdun. 

Trains: Gare SNCF Nice-Ville (av. Thiers) is open from 5am-12:30am, and charters backpackers to Cannes (40min), Paris (5.5hr), Marseille (2.5hr), and Monaco (15min). 

Buses: Nice’s bus station is located at 5 bd. Jean Jaurès, and will take those who are finished backpacking Nice to Cannes (1.5hr) or Monaco (45min). 

Ferries: Corsica can be accessed by ferry for about €40.  Check www.corsicaferries.com for current scheduling and pricing. 

Public Transportation: Ligne d’Azur is Nice’s bus service, and they operate from 7am-8pm.  Tickets cost less than €2, and 1 day, 5 day, or week ticket booklets (carnet) can be purchased.  A night bus (noctambus) operates from 9:10pm-1:10am.

    This trendy bar, restaurant, and club is located in the Rue Massena and Vieux Nice.  It’s famous for great live music, as well as the latest dance music spun by their house DJ.  Their quirky and attractive staff serve up tasty food, and ladies drink for only €3 on Thursday nights.  Wayne’s is a great place to meet backpackers and young professionals from all over the world.

Address: Parc et Arenas de Cimiez

Transportation: Bus nos. 15, 17 and 22

Hours: Every evening from mid to late July, starting around 7:00pm

Tickets: Depending on the performer, tickets run from €31- 51 a night, or €22-36 a night for students.  3-day pass: €105; 8-day pass: €185

    Regarded as one of the best jazz festivals in Europe, this is a can’t miss if you visit Nice during the month of July.  It’s located in the Parc et Arenas de Cimiez, an ancient Roman amphitheatre. From BB King to Joss Stone, the festival has attracted some of the most remarkable jazz talent in the world. 

    The trendy and hopping district of Nice located in the Old Town; this is the area to head to after nightfall. This vibrant quarter of Nice is filled with clubs and bars.