Vieux Nice Nice
Vieux Nice, the historic heart of the city, enchants with its narrow alleys, colorful markets, and vibrant Mediterranean charm.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds at markets
Vieux Nice Nice
Best Time
Beat the crowds at markets

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vieux Nice, the historic heart of the city, enchants with its narrow alleys, colorful markets, and vibrant Mediterranean charm.
"Wander through charming streets, savor local flavors, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Vieux Nice."
🎯 Embrace the Local Flavors
Don't miss trying Socca, a local chickpea pancake, especially from 'Therese' at Cours Saleya.
👟 Beach Rocks: Wear Shoes!
The beaches in Nice are rocky. Bring water shoes or buy a pair locally to protect your feet.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cours Saleya Market
Vieux Nice
A bustling daily market with fresh produce, local crafts, and vibrant atmosphere. A true taste of Nice!

Promenade des Anglais
Waterfront
Iconic seaside promenade perfect for a leisurely stroll, people-watching, and enjoying stunning Mediterranean views.

Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
Overlooking Vieux Nice
Offers panoramic views of the city, the Baie des Anges, and a beautiful park with a waterfall.

Vieux Nice Streets
Old Town
Wander through charming narrow alleys, discover hidden squares, and soak in the historic Italianate architecture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Vieux Nice: Embrace the Charm, Stay Alert
Getting Around: Walk, Bus, or Train
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Local Flavors
Don't miss trying Socca, a local chickpea pancake, especially from 'Therese' at Cours Saleya.
👟 Beach Rocks: Wear Shoes!
The beaches in Nice are rocky. Bring water shoes or buy a pair locally to protect your feet.
💰 Cash for Markets
Many markets in Nice are cash-only, so be sure to have some on hand.
📱 Public Transport Hacks
Avoid buying transport cards at the airport. Take the free tram to Grand Arenas to get a cheaper city transport card.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Local Flavors
Don't miss trying Socca, a local chickpea pancake, especially from 'Therese' at Cours Saleya.
👟 Beach Rocks: Wear Shoes!
The beaches in Nice are rocky. Bring water shoes or buy a pair locally to protect your feet.
💰 Cash for Markets
Many markets in Nice are cash-only, so be sure to have some on hand.
📱 Public Transport Hacks
Avoid buying transport cards at the airport. Take the free tram to Grand Arenas to get a cheaper city transport card.
🚶♀️ Walkable Charm
Vieux Nice is best explored on foot. Get lost in its charming alleys and discover hidden gems.
🧊 Ice Cream Delights
Try Fennochio in Old Nice for dozens of natural ice cream flavors, or Neron for excellent ice cream.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Vieux Nice is widely praised for its vibrant atmosphere, charming streets, and delicious local food, especially Socca and gelato. Visitors love the Cours Saleya market and the stunning views from Castle Hill. Some find the beaches rocky and advise caution regarding pickpocketing in crowded areas.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Nice Airport, you can take a tram to the city center and then walk or take another tram towards Vieux Nice. Alternatively, a taxi or ride-sharing service is convenient. Many travelers recommend avoiding transport cards at the airport and instead taking a free tram to Grand Arenas to purchase a more affordable city transport card.
Yes, Nice is very walkable, especially Vieux Nice. For exploring further afield, the train and bus systems are efficient and affordable. Renting a car is generally not recommended due to difficult parking.
The train is a popular and efficient way to visit nearby towns like Monaco, Eze, and Villefranche-sur-Mer. Buses are also a good option, often cheaper and offering scenic routes.
No, there is no direct train to St. Tropez from Nice. You would typically need to take a bus or a combination of train and bus, or consider a boat trip.
Nice has a good tram and bus network. You can purchase a 'La Carte' or '10 voyages' option for trams and buses within Nice. For travel outside Nice, separate bus tickets are usually required.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For most attractions within Vieux Nice itself, like wandering the streets or visiting markets, no advance tickets are needed. However, for specific museums or tours, it's always a good idea to check their official websites for booking information.
The Cours Saleya Market is typically open Tuesday through Sunday mornings for produce and crafts. In the evenings, it transforms into a lively area with bars and restaurants.
Access to Castle Hill and its park is generally free. You can enjoy the panoramic views and the waterfall without any admission charge.
A single tram ride within Nice can be around €1.70, but purchasing a '10 voyages' card for €17 offers 10 trips on trams and buses within the city. Day trips outside Nice by bus or train are also very affordable, often under €10 round trip.
If you plan on using public transport frequently within Nice for multiple journeys, a pass like '10 voyages' can be cost-effective. For day trips, individual tickets or regional passes might be better.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best way to experience Vieux Nice is by simply wandering its narrow, colorful streets, exploring the Cours Saleya market, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Enjoying local food and gelato is a must.
Key landmarks include Place Masséna, the Old Town (Vieux Nice), Cours Saleya Market, the Promenade des Anglais, and Castle Hill for its stunning views.
The beaches in Nice are predominantly rocky. Many visitors recommend wearing water shoes for comfort.
You must try Socca, a savory chickpea pancake, and explore the many gelato shops for unique flavors.
Vieux Nice is generally safe, but like any tourist area, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and keep valuables secure to avoid pickpocketing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Vieux Nice offers a plethora of dining options. For authentic local cuisine, try Chez Memere for its sangria and escargot. For innovative pizzas, Type 55 is highly recommended.
Fennochio in Old Nice is famous for its extensive selection of natural ice cream flavors. Neron is another highly-rated spot for delicious ice cream.
Socca is a traditional Niçoise specialty made from chickpea flour, baked in a wood-fired oven. You can find excellent Socca from street vendors, particularly at the Cours Saleya market.
While traditional Niçoise cuisine can be meat-heavy, many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. It's always best to check menus or ask staff.
Lavomatique is a great spot for delicious tapas. Exploring the smaller eateries in the side streets of Vieux Nice can also lead to delightful discoveries.
📸 📸 Photography
The colorful, narrow streets of Vieux Nice, the vibrant Cours Saleya market, and the panoramic views from Castle Hill are incredibly photogenic. Don't miss the charming architecture and lively street scenes.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for capturing the essence of Vieux Nice. Golden hour in the late afternoon also provides beautiful light for photography.
Capture the bustling energy of the Cours Saleya market, the iconic Negresco hotel on the Promenade des Anglais, and the sweeping views from Castle Hill. The colorful buildings and flower stalls are also great subjects.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing street scenes and wider vistas. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the narrow streets, and a prime lens can be good for low-light situations in the evenings.
Drone usage is often restricted in urban areas and near historical sites. It's crucial to check local regulations before flying a drone in Nice to avoid fines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the beaches are rocky, bringing water shoes can make beach time more enjoyable. Consider a boat tour for a different perspective of the coastline. For a sweet treat, the numerous gelato shops in the Old Town are always a hit with younger visitors.
💰 Budget Travelers
Utilize the affordable public transport for day trips to nearby towns instead of expensive tours or car rentals. Look for restaurants offering set menus (prix fixe) for lunch, which are often more budget-friendly than dinner. Trying Socca from street vendors is a very cheap and authentic local experience.
couples
Enjoying a leisurely dinner at one of the many restaurants in the Old Town, perhaps with outdoor seating, offers a perfect evening. Consider a boat tour along the coast for a shared scenic experience. The views from Castle Hill at sunset are also a memorable spot for couples.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Vieux Nice: A Sensory Journey
One of the highlights is the Cours Saleya Market, a vibrant hub that buzzes with activity from Tuesday to Sunday. In the mornings, it's a feast for the senses with fresh produce, local flowers, and artisanal products. As evening approaches, the market square transforms into a popular spot for dining and drinks, with numerous restaurants and bars spilling out onto the cobblestones.
Beyond the market, simply getting lost in the maze-like streets is an adventure in itself. You'll stumble upon charming squares, hidden courtyards, and quaint shops selling everything from local crafts to delicious treats. Don't forget to try the local specialty, Socca, a savory chickpea pancake, from one of the street vendors. For a sweet treat, the ice cream parlors, like Fennochio, offer an incredible array of flavors.
Day Trips from Nice: Unveiling the French Riviera
Buses are also a fantastic option, often providing more scenic routes and direct access to places like Villefranche-sur-Mer, a charming bay town, or Saint-Paul-de-Vence, an artistic hilltop village. Many travelers recommend using the bus for its affordability and the opportunity to see more of the coastal landscape. It's advisable to purchase bus tickets directly from the driver or at designated kiosks.
When planning your day trips, consider grouping nearby locations to maximize your time. For example, combining Eze with Monaco, or Villefranche-sur-Mer with Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Remember that popular spots like Eze can get very crowded, so an early start is often recommended to enjoy them before the peak tourist rush.
Nightlife and Evening Ambiance in Nice
For those looking for more active nightlife, Vieux Nice itself has pockets of bars and clubs. The area around the port also offers some nightlife options, though they might be a bit sleepier. Some travelers suggest looking into pub crawls as a fun and social way to experience the nightlife and discover different venues.
Beach clubs and more upscale clubs are also available, particularly along the coast. TikTok creators often highlight specific clubs like High Club or Boccamar for those seeking a more energetic clubbing experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit