Nice Named Among Europe’s Top 30 City Destinations by TUI

 

The French Riviera’s capital, Nice, has once again proven its enduring charm — this time earning a place among Europe’s Top 30 city destinations, according to a new index by TUI Musement. The ranking, titled Top 30 City Breaks in Europe, highlights the continent’s most searched and most desirable urban getaways, based on Google search volumes for weekend and short-stay holidays.

Nice secured the #26 position, with more than 44,000 searches, underscoring its growing appeal as a cultural and coastal escape that goes far beyond its famous beaches. For decades, the city has been known as the gateway to the Côte d’Azur, but this recognition places it firmly among Europe’s favourite short-break cities, alongside iconic destinations such as Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam.

A City That Blends the Sea, Culture, and Urban Style

What sets Nice apart from many European cities is its unique combination of Mediterranean beauty and cosmopolitan energy. The city’s celebrated Promenade des Anglais, with its sweeping sea views, offers the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll or morning coffee, while the winding streets of Vieux Nice invite exploration through colourful markets, hidden piazzas, and local eateries.

Beyond its scenery, Nice’s cultural depth continues to attract visitors year-round. From the Musée Matisse and Musée Marc Chagall to an ever-evolving culinary scene that now rivals France’s best, the city has evolved into a destination for art lovers and food enthusiasts alike. UNESCO’s 2021 recognition of Nice as a “Winter Resort Town of the Riviera” has further reinforced its historical and architectural importance.

Perfect for a Weekend Escape

Part of what makes Nice’s inclusion in the TUI list so notable is how well the city fits the modern city-break model. Easily accessible by air or rail, compact in scale, and offering a mild climate year-round, it’s an ideal spot for travellers looking to combine culture, relaxation, and coastal living in just a few days.

Spring and autumn in particular offer a quieter, more authentic experience — when café terraces fill with locals rather than summer crowds, and the Mediterranean light gives the city its signature golden hue. Add to this the proximity of picturesque villages like Èze, Antibes, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and it’s easy to see why weekend travellers are increasingly drawn here.

Recognition Beyond the Riviera

While the TUI Musement ranking measures online interest rather than visitor numbers, it remains a strong indicator of how travellers perceive European cities. For Nice, being listed alongside the continent’s most iconic destinations affirms its position as one of Europe’s most versatile and desirable city breaks — a place that effortlessly bridges the gap between seaside relaxation and urban sophistication. And is well known to be the cultural hub of the LGBTQ+ community in the Cote d’Azur.

With its timeless elegance, world-class gastronomy, and a growing reputation for culture and creativity, Nice is no longer just a stop on the Riviera — it’s a destination in its own right, and one that continues to rise in global popularity.