Place Masséna

You'll likely pass by Place Masséna, the city's main square, several times while in Nice thanks to its central location. With the seafront to the south, the shopping street Avenue Jean Médecin jutting off to the north, and the lovely Albert I gardens and the recently planted Promenade du Paillon surrounding it, you can walk to it from virtually anywhere in the small city.

Old Town (Vieille Ville)

The pedestrianized Vieille Ville, or Old Town, is a colorful nook of a neighborhood enjoyed by both travelers and locals alike for its narrow shop-lined streets and atmosphere. There are the usual tourist traps, but you can also find some authentic French restaurants and shops, not to mention the Cours Saleya flower, fruit and vegetable market.

Promenade des Anglais (English Walk)

The Promenade des Anglais (English Walk) runs parallel to the pebbly shore of Nice's beachfront, stretching for more than 4 miles along Baie des Anges. Locals simply refer to this world-famous stretch of road as the Promenade or La Prom. Recent travelers said that the wide boardwalk is not only a beautiful place for a stroll, but it's also a great place to get your directional bearings early on in your trip since the city's main attractions spoke off from here.

Castle Hill (Colline du Chateau)

Castle Hill (Colline du Chateau) is more of an impressive hill than a castle. Even though most of the original Chateau de Nice structure has crumbled away, travelers still recommend climbing the hundreds of steps to reach the stellar view from its peak.

Nice Beaches

One of the main draws of vacationing in Nice is the beach, which is punctuated by the French Riviera sun, the rolling Mediterranean waves and the legendary blue chairs. However, there are some things to note. First, about 14 private (and costly) beaches break up the public beaches, so be prepared to shell out some euros if you are hoping to lounge on a stretch of sand equipped with chairs and umbrellas. Private beaches don't allow you to bring in your own food and drink, so you'll have to purchase refreshments from the adjoining (and expensive) restaurants.