For those of you who enjoy spending time at the beach, Nice has got to be one of the best places in Europe to do so. Like many places on the Mediterranean, Nice is filled with beach-front bars for that naughty mid-day tipple (we all do it). The water is pristine: beautifully clean and clear. You could find yourself spending the whole day here and not minding. Bring a book, a towel, a parasol and relax, let the Med wash your worries away. If your looking for a place to eat, the Promenade Des Anglais offers a host of different eating options, from a Hard Rock Café, to high-end Spanish Tapas to traditional Niçoise dishes, there is enough variety of food for every taste bud.
If, like me, you want to visit as much stuff as possible within a short period of time, you’re in luck. Nice offers fast tram links throughout the city, from the airport into the centre and from north to south. You can get a 10 trip travelcard (T10) for 10 euros which will last the 48 hours you are there. Using the tram, you have access to a variety of museums, including the Musée de Massena, Colline du Chateau and the Acropolis (Yes, Nice has one too). However, if you are trying to keep it as cost effective as possible, everything in central Nice is within walking distance from the main high street.
For those true adventurers, you could brave a day-trip to Monaco and fake a life of opulence for one day. It is one hour on the train (which is a double-decker!) and return tickets cost €2.50. Monaco is just as beautiful as Nice and you can brag that you went to two different countries on your little weekend get-away. Visit the Monte Carlo Casino, the Royal Palace of Monaco, or the Oceanography Museum and the beautiful gardens that surround it. Those who like to hike can climb to the top of the hills surrounding Nice for the perfect view of the Mediterranean and the city, as well as the Matisse Museum and the Roman ruins of Ancient Nice, not to mention the incredible Colline du Chateau: a medieval castle on the hill overlooking the bright blue ocean.
The one downside of travelling to Nice is that France, as a whole, is expensive; and Nice is one of the most expensive parts of France. So, be careful not go over the top, spending wise; my advice would be to stay at a cheap Airbnb in Nice so you can get supplies in and reduce the cost of eating out. However if you choose to eat out, there are plenty of good-quality, cheap restaurants in Nice, many of which serve authentic dishes.
Another piece of advice would be to explore all the possible backstreets and alleys that you can, Nice is a medieval city with many small back alleys that host the most beautiful spectacles, from a cascade of umbrellas hanging from strings above you, to signs written in the tradition language of Nice: Nissart. Nice is full of culture and life, you'll feel invigorated by the sun and sea making it an idyllic place to detox after a stressful year at university. It is the perfect mix of French language and Spanish architecture, all wrapped up in a parcel of Mediterranean goodness.
All that I have left to say is, what are you waiting for?
