Nice on a Budget: Beaches, Food, and Culture

Discover the charm of Nice without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Nice, France on a limited budget can still be a wonderful experience. Strolling along the Promenade des Anglais is free and provides stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Visiting the Old Town and local food markets allows for a taste of French culture without breaking the bank.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Nice on a Budget

  • Start off the day with some homemade sandwiches for breakfast and head to the Promenade des Anglais, Nice's famous seafront.
  • Take a dip in the sea at Plage Publique du Centenaire, a free beach with crystal clear waters.
  • Visit the colorful and bustling Vieille Ville (Old Town) and browse through its markets, shops and boutiques.
  • Savor some authentic Niçois cuisine such as socca, pissaladière, or pan bagnat at Chez Pipo or Chez René Socca.
  • Enjoy a panoramic view of the city at Castle Hill, where you can see the Bay of Angels, the port and the rooftops of Nice.
  • End the day with some local rosé wine and people-watching at Place Rossetti, known for its gorgeous Baroque-style architecture and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
  • (Note to traveler: Remember to bring a water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen for the day!)

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Nice, France by plane is to fly into Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, which is located about 6 kilometers southwest of the city center of Nice. Many airlines offer flights to the airport, including Air France, Ryanair, and EasyJet. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or train to get to your final destination.

Car

If you have access to a car, driving to Nice can be a scenic and enjoyable experience. The A8 motorway connects Nice with major French cities like Marseille and Paris. However, traffic can be heavy during peak travel times, so it's best to plan accordingly and avoid rush hour traffic.

Train

If you are traveling from within France, you can take a train to Nice Ville train station, which is located in the heart of the city. The train station is served by TGV high-speed trains and regional TER trains, with connections to major cities like Paris, Marseille, and Lyon. The journey time varies depending on your starting location.

Boat

While there are no direct ferry services to Nice, you can take a cruise to the nearby port cities of Marseille or Cannes and then transfer to Nice by train or car. Some popular cruise lines that stop in these cities include MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean. Alternatively, you can take a yacht or sailboat and dock at Nice's Port Lympia or Port de Nice marinas.

Bus

If you are on a budget, the best option to get to Nice by bus is to take a coach from major cities like Paris or Marseille. Eurolines and Flixbus are two popular bus companies that offer routes to Nice from various locations throughout Europe. The journey time can be long, but it's an affordable option for those looking to save money on transportation.

Destination

Nice

Welcome to a place where the sun shines, the wine flows, and the cheese is so delicious, it's almost criminal. Get ready to put on your stretchy pants and indulge in the ultimate French feast in Nice.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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