With all the glitz but half the cost of Cannes, Nice is the perfect alternative to the French Riviera’s Tinseltown. The perfect spot for a short city break, the Côte d’Azur’s capital city is ideal for summer or winter escapes – with a fantastic climate thanks to its snug position at the head of the Baie des Anges and encircled, as it is, by hills.

Influenced by artists like Matisse, to the A-list celebrities spotted wandering the streets during the Cannes Film Festival, the cultural vibe in Nice is a hip blend of contemporary and traditional, with some of the world’s best galleries and museums located in the city. Those of a gastronomic persuasion will delight in the food market in Nice, the quaint cafes, and the huge selection of restaurants.

When you’re not soaking up the culture, seek out one of Nice’s famous blue chairs and catch some rays while admiring the view – they’re located along the Promenade des Anglais and in some of the surrounding gardens (such as the Jardins Albert 1er), and they offer some of the best views of Nice’s beaches. There are 15 public beaches, though we recommend going private, so you can pay for a sunlounger (about Dhs79 a day) to get you off the pebbles!

When the sun goes down, the town comes to life – there’s plenty of bars and pubs to pick from. Whether you want to relax with a good glass of wine, while chatting to the locals, or to sip a cocktail while watching the sun go down over the beach, Nice nightlife has it all. Bar Des Oiseaux is great for chilled-out jazz and live acts – tucked away in a corner of Old Nice, it’s worth searching for! You can’t go far wrong with the infamous Chez Wayne for pre-clubbing aperitifs or post-dinner drinks with friends. And no trip to Nice is complete without a visit to La Lafayette for the frozen fruit cocktails and to see the quirky decor, including the underwater scene upstairs – complete with divers and a ship! It’s just so... Nice!

While you're there...

Cours, of course
A trip to the Cours Saleya Market is a must – it’s the perfect combination of Nice’s French and Italian heritage, where the locals speak their own dialect derived from the two languages. A flea market is held every Monday and is definitely worth checking out.

Feel the heat
Villfranche-sur-Mer is a tiny harbour town just outside of Nice behind Mont Baron, where the climate’s so mild that even bananas ripen there. It’s a pretty little escape, with plenty of historic buildings to explore and some fantastic spots to watch the sunset. Perfect for loved-up couples!

Bon Appetit!
Au Rendez-vous des Amis on Avenue de Rimiez is known throughout Nice for top notch food. If the weather’s right you can sit outside and enjoy the delish homemade ravioli, stuffed with regionally-sourced ingredients. Book before you go, because it’s very popular!