Is Nice expensive to visit?
Nice is a terrific seaside destination that attracts a multitude of tourists with a broad spectrum of travel styles and budgeting preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
If you choose to make it so, Nice can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $78 (€71) per day, mid-range travelers spend $181 (€166) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $407 (€372) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Nice.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Nice is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Kos or Livorno.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Nice Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Nice?
The average Nice trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Nice travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Nice cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Nice. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.
Nice on a Shoestring Budget?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $78 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, there's plenty of hostels in Nice, like Antares Hostel, Villa Saint Exupery Beach, and Hostel Meyerbeer Beach. Here, you can score affordable dorm accommodation along with a vibrant social scene, though amenities may be lacking. Moreover, the seaside destination provides great public transportation, which allows budget travelers to save on expensive taxi or Uber fares. While food is an important aspect for all visitors in Nice, budget travelers tend to favor street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which might keep them from experiencing the local cuisine.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Most visitors to Nice will want to visit the Beach, the Colline du Château, or Vieille Ville (Old Town). After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $181 per person, per day.
Nice offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Arome Hotel is an excellent option for kids, and Villa Bellabe is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Nice here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $407 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the seaside destination will require a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Sunset Tour in Solar Boat near Nice and Monaco - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Nice
In Nice, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak summer season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $97, but during peak season they jump to an average of $181. You can find budget options starting at $61 up to luxury rates at $328. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Nice for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $128 (€117). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $64 (€59) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Nice? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Nice include:
- Hotel Nice Cote d'Azur starting at $85
- Hotel 64 Nice starting at $114
- Hotel Le Petit Palais starting at $101
- Hotel Nice Azur Riviera starting at $86
- Le Riviera Collection BW Signature Collection by Best Western starting at $90
With Nice's good public transit, staying on the outskirts of the seaside destination is possible to save money, but the transportation costs and commute time could add up quickly.
This seaside destination has a number of resorts to choose from. You might be able to find a place that includes meals, or at least breakfast, and many resorts have onsite restaurants.
If you're spending up to a week in Nice, getting a vacation rental with a kitchen could help you save money by letting you prepare some of your own meals.
By avoiding the peak summer season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Many enjoy discovering Nice by walking, so it's beneficial to stay in a central spot. However, this convenience could lead to increased costs.
The seaside destination's vibrant old town is a big draw for visitors. Hotels in this area may be more expensive, but often have a lot of character and a location with easy access to everything.
Transportation Budget in Nice
Nice is known for its efficient public transit system. There are both buses and trams. Save time and money by using public transportation, with taxis and rideshares available if you need them.
If you're someone who enjoys discovering a place on foot, you'll love it in Nice. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.
Public Transit: (great)
Walkability: (excellent)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $25 (€23) per person, per day, on local transportation in Nice. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Nice is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$25
€23
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Transfer - Nice city> Nice Airport for $99 details
- Private transfer from and to Cannes for $88 details
- Villefranche Port Round Trip Transfer to Monaco for $159 details
How much does it cost to go to Nice? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Nice will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Nice
The food scene in Nice is exceptional, and it's a must-try. Be sure to visit local restaurants and savor some of the signature dishes. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Nice can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Nice is $93 (€85) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$93
€85
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Nice is around $93 (€85) per person, with previous travelers spending from $38 to $219. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Nice are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $28
- Lunch: $14 to $37
- Dinner: $28 to $65
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $14
Popular local dishes include socca, which is a chickpea flat bread, and Pan Bagnat, a type of tuna fish sandwich. Seafood is common in most restaurants but some restaurants are better than others. It's worth going to the daily market in Vieux Nice where you can find fresh, local produce. Preparing meals for yourself will help you save a lot of money and the local ingredients are very good. There aren't many budget friendly restaurants in Nice, but baguettes are a good lunch option. The most reasonably priced restaurants are in the Port neighborhood. Many restaurants have set menus at lunch time which are reasonably priced. They usually include two courses and sometimes also include coffee or wine.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
You can save money and enjoy the scenery if you make a picnic. Find a local grocery store or market, get some fresh food, and find a nice park or scenic spot to enjoy your meal.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Nice, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Dinner in the Vineyard French Riviera for $258 details
- 3-Course Organic Dinner in Garden with Views of French Riviera for $96 details
- Exclusive Food Tour in Menton - 3 hours - small groups for $107 details
Typical prices for food in Nice are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Nice. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.
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Slushee
€2.50
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Strawberries
€4.00
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Loaf of Bread
€3.20
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Nice
Tourists are naturally attracted to Nice due to its food, nightlife, resorts, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Nice typically cost an average of $13 (€12) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$13
€12
Some of the most popular sights include:
- The Beach (Free)
- The Colline du Château (Free)
- Vieille Ville (Old Town) (Free)
- Nice Cathedral (Free)
- The Rothschild Villa for €17
- Mont Boron Park (Free)
- The Promenade des Anglais (Free)
- Basilique Notre-Dame de l'Assomption (Free)
- The Modern and Contemporary Art Museum (MAMAC) for €10
- The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice for €6.50
- Musée du Palais Lascaris for €5
- The Matisse Museum for €10
- The Nice Museum of Natural History for €3.50
The Promenade des Anglais, the famous waterfront, has entertaining for all types. Visit the Colline du Chateau, which offers views of the whole city as well as Baie des Anges. You have the option to either climb the stairs or use the lift to reach the ruined castle.
The beaches themselves are predominately rock, but there are beautiful views, interesting walks along the waterfront, restaurants, museums, and plenty of forms of entertainment. If you only have one day in Nice, then all of these places should and can be on your to-do list.
Many people head to the beaches in Nice, but don't expect sand. Most beaches are pebbled and they are not ideal for sunbathing. The warm, blue waters are perfect for a swim though, and you shouldn't pass up this opportunity. If you're determined to find a sand beach, you'll have better luck in some of the nearby towns such as Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes and Cannes. These can be reached by TAM bus. In fact, Nice has plenty of beautiful towns nearby that you should check out. Many are very scenic and worth visiting as day trips.
Beaches:
Many travelers seek the calming shores of Nice. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.
Historical Sights:
A significant number of visitors flock to the historic old town. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.
Shopping:
Experiencing the shopping here is an opportunity you shouldn't pass by. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Nice. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Romantic Private Tour for 2 plus guide on your own Solar Powered Boat for $157 details
- Monaco & Monte Carlo tour - F1, Grace Kelly & Royal History for $153 details
- Private Sightseeing Tour Segway Nice - Discovery of the city or Big Tour for $44 details