Nice, France

• Nice is a beach city on the French Riviera with the 4-mile Promenade des Anglais running along the Mediterranean. The city installed over 1,000 surveillance cameras after a truck attack, and you'll notice more police on the streets than in most French cities. The Old Town has narrow medieval streets with the daily Cours Saleya market, lots of restaurants, and bars that fill up at night.
• Most people speak English in tourist areas and hotels, less so once you get into residential neighborhoods. People sit alone in cafes here like they do anywhere in France - it's normal to camp out with a book or laptop for a couple hours. The center is small enough to walk, and trams run frequently for 1.70 euros.
• Nice ranks among the safest major French cities. Pickpocketing happens along the Promenade and in crowded tourist spots, but violent crime is uncommon. Stay away from the northern neighborhoods - L'Ariane and Les Moulins have real problems with drug dealing and crime.

French is the main language. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, upscale restaurants, and by younger people. The emergency number 112 supports multiple languages including English. Tourist Information Office (5 Promenade des Anglais) has English-speaking staff. Basic French phrases are appreciated everywhere.

• Say 'Bonjour Madame' or 'Bonjour Monsieur' when you walk into shops, restaurants, or cafes. After 6pm use 'Bonsoir'. The French take greetings seriously - walking in without saying hello is considered rude.
• Try to speak French first, even if it's just basic phrases. Ask 'Parlez-vous anglais?' before switching to English. Your accent doesn't matter, but making an effort does. Keep Google Translate handy outside tourist zones.
• The French dress more formally than you might expect. Gym clothes and athleisure make you look like a tourist. For nicer restaurants, think dress pants or a dress with a jacket, not jeans and sneakers.
• Cover shoulders and knees in churches. The difference between 'tu' (informal) and 'vous' (formal) matters - use 'vous' with anyone you don't know personally, including all service staff.
• Tips are included in the bill, but people round up or leave small change for good service. Keep your hands on the table during meals. Bread goes on the table, not on a plate. Don't walk around eating - the French eat sitting down.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. European Emergency Number: 112. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Four tram lines connect the airport, port, city center, and residential areas. Single tickets cost 1.70 euros with a 74-minute transfer window. Line 2 runs from the airport to downtown. Get the Lignes d'Azur app for tickets and schedules.
• You have to validate your ticket right when you board - transit officers check constantly and fine you even if you bought a ticket but forgot to validate it. Same tickets work for both buses and trams. Day pass is 7 euros, week pass is 20 euros.
• The city center is walkable. Promenade, Old Town, and main shopping streets are all close to each other. The weather makes walking comfortable most of the year.
• Take Uber instead of taxis. Nice has some of the highest taxi fares in France and drivers ripping off tourists is common. Uber costs less and you know the price upfront. If you need a regular taxi, have your hotel call an official yellow one.
• Watch your belongings on public transport during rush hours. Pickpockets work crowded buses and trams, especially the lines that tourists use.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Nice with local guides and curated experiences.