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13 Essential Free Travel Apps for Nice, France

Whether you need help communicating in French, getting around the French Riviera, or recommendations for which French wines to drink, this article highlights some of the best apps to download when traveling to Nice.

Could you imagine going on a trip tomorrow without your smartphone or tablet? For most people, the answer is no . While we rely on our devices to keep in touch with people and manage our daily lives, they’re also super convenient when traveling.

There are so many travel-based apps in the market, it can quickly become overwhelming. What navigation app is best? How can I communicate with locals?

Here are my recommendations for the most useful apps when traveling to Nice , France.

Google Maps

Google translate, nice ticket, too good to go, xe currency converter, communication apps.

If you don’t already know about Duolingo, it’s a free language learning app. They offer to teach you some of the world’s commonly spoken languages through reading, listening, and speaking exercises.

With Duolingo , you can learn French words and phrases to help you read street signs, get around the city and most importantly, communicate your needs. To get the most out of Duolingo, start learning through the app a few weeks before your trip.

Alright, so maybe you didn’t have enough time or patience to start learning French with Duolingo before your trip. No worries! Download Google Translate to help you communicate and get around while exploring Nice.

Like Google Maps, I believe that the greatest feature of Google Translate is that it allows you to download languages offline. This means you can continue using the translation app even when your phone is on airplane mode.

Food & Wine Apps

Too Good to Go is an app that was created to combat food waste. Through the platform, restaurants, bakeries and shops can sell their unsold food to consumers at the end of the day for a reduced price.

As a buyer, you don’t exactly know what you’ll get since it’s based on what food hasn’t sold that day, but if you’re a responsible or budget traveler, then purchasing one or two of your meals through Too Good to Go is a solid choice!

All you have to do is open the app, type in your location, filter by search radius (e.g. 3km, 5km,…), and reserve at your location of choice. You’ll be given a time range on when you can collect your purchased food, and that’s it!

The Fork , or La Fourchette in French, is a platform which allows you to book a table at restaurants.

Open the app, enter Nice for the city, and select the date, time, and number of guests for the reservation. You’ll be presented with a list of restaurants available, many of which offer promotions of up to 50% off if you book a table through the app.

Play with the filters to pick the cuisine you’re craving. Nice has got a great selection of Mediterranean, Italian, and seafood restaurants. You can also filter based on the environment you want to sit in like an outdoor terrace, waterfront, or romantic. They even have a selection of Michelin restaurants to choose from!

Take photo of bottle of wine in Vivino app

Vivino is a platform dedicated solely to wine! It’s home to a massive wine database (I’m talking about a collection of millions of wine here!) and also acts as a marketplace where you can actually buy wine directly from the app.

In Nice, Vivino is the perfect app to use when wine shopping for that perfect beach picnic you’ve been dreaming about or when going through the wine list of one of the best French restaurants in town.

Open the app and click the camera icon. If you’re buying wine at the store, select the label or quick compare option then scan the wine label.

For choosing wine from a restaurant’s wine list, select the wine list option then scan the menu.

Vivino will present you with the wine’s rating that its algorithm has generated based on the millions of voluntary reviews it collects from users and its wine experts. You’ll also get to know the wine’s characteristics: dry or sweet, acidic or soft, light or bold. And lastly but just as important, Vivino shares which foods pair well with the wines.

Getting Around Apps

AllTrails is a very useful app if you want to explore your surroundings by foot. Through the app, you can find many pedestrian paths within and from Nice to beautiful locations such as Mont Boron and Villefranche-sur-Mer .

Open the app and select your location: Nice . You will be presented with a list of trails and a summary of their difficulty level, distance, estimated duration, and user reviews. When you click on a trail, you’ll have more information such as the trail’s description, the local weather conditions, user photos, and even the ability to download the map offline.

Though it’s not an app, I want to highlight RandOxygène , a government-managed website that also shares hiking trails in France. If you don’t understand French, I recommend using Chrome’s web page translate feature or be prepared to copy/paste the text into a translation tool.

There are many local and regional buses in Nice that give access to areas that are otherwise inaccessible without a car. Moovit provides up-to-date schedules for the trams, buses, and trains in Nice, and for regional lines going in and out of Nice.

For instance, you could take a bus from Nice to Saint Paul de Vence, a hilltop village overlooking the hills of the French Riviera and where James Baldwin called home for the last two decades of his life.

Open the app and type where you want to go. Choose your departure time and apply any filter you want such as the best route or fewest transfers. Once you click Find Routes , Moovit will show you a few options with the duration of the route listed along with the public transportation lines used and when the next departures are.

Google Maps is not good at showing regional buses and their schedules on the app, but they are great at highlighting points of interests around the city.

The real reason I put Google Maps in this article is because I think one of their greatest features is the ability to download maps offline. This feature is clutch for when you need to put your phone on airplane mode or if you anticipate losing service when driving through the countryside. You can download a city map or a regional map, all depending on how much space your phone has available.

Here’s my video tutorial on how to download a map offline on Google Maps.

Purchase ticket for Ligne d'Azur on Nice Ticket

Nice Ticket (iPhone) and NFC Nice Ticket (Android) is an app that lets you buy and validate bus and tram tickets in the Nice metropolitan area with Lignes d’Azur, the city’s public transportation system.

On the iPhone version, you can buy and validate tickets directly in the app.

On an Android, while you can buy the ticket on the app, you cannot validate it there. You have to validate the ticket by activating NFC and using the ticket reader on the tram or bus.

Getting around Nice on public transportation costs €1.50 one way. You can also buy a set of 10 tickets for €10. Once you validate your ticket, it is active for 75 minutes meaning you can make transfers using the same ticket.

SNCF is the national rail operator in France. If you want to travel in France and you’re going by rail, say for example, from Nice to Cannes , then you’re using SNCF.

SNCF’s app is called OUI.sncf and it lets you buy your ticket online and get updated information on train schedules, and delays and cancellations regarding your reservation.

Nice has been making strides into becoming a green, sustainable city. As part of this initiative, the city has taken steps to become more bike-friendly. You could actually bike from Nice’s port to neighboring town Cagnes-sur-Mer the bike lane along the seaside.

VeloBleu is a 24/7 bicycle rental service that offers more than 1500 bicycles across Nice, Saint Laurent du Var, and Cagnes-sur-Mer.

Electric bicycles

E-VeloBleu is an app which shows you all of the electric bike rental stations in Nice, how many bikes are available at each station, and at what charge they’re at. By using this app, you can rent an e-bike and unlock it when you reach the station.

Traditional bicycles

Not an e-bike user? No worries. There are over 1,000 traditional bicycles available for rent. For reliable and up-to-date data on bike rental stations, visit the VeloBleu website or download the Velo Blue app.

Lifestyle Apps

Xe is my go-to app for my currency conversion needs. They use live rates which means that no matter what time of the day you check how much 1 euro comes out in your currency, the exchange rate is always current and accurate.

Simply open the app and go to the Convert section. Select the currencies you want to check (e.g. Euro and US Dollar). Enter an amount under one of the currencies and the other currency will automatically update using the live exchange rate.

This app is really useful if you want to track your spending while in France or simply want to know the cost of a good sold in France compared to your home country.

Ever been out exploring a city and the urge to use the toilet suddenly comes over?

Unfortunately in France, you can’t use the toilet in a café or restaurant without purchasing something. That’s where Flush comes in. Flush is an app designed to locate public toilets.

All you have to do is type in your location in the app and a list of public toilets around you will pop up. There will be a dollar sign icon next to the toilets that you must pay to use and the International Symbol of Access icon ( also known as the wheelchair symbol) for the toilets that are accessible.

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Practical information

Lignes d'azur mobile.

The official mobile application of the Métropole Nice Côte d'Azur. It is designed to facilitate your travel on all the urban lines of the Lignes d'Azur network. Access all Lignes d'Azur information on your smartphone: real-time timetables, route search, network maps, disruption information, etc. To download it, go directly to the App Store or Google Play, or access www.lignesdazur.com from your mobile.

NFC Nice Ticket : the mobile application to buy tickets and subscriptions on Android

NFC Nice Ticket is a mobile application that allows you to buy tickets and subscriptions to travel by bus or tram in the Métropole Nice Côte d'Azur area, using a mobile phone equipped with an NFC - Near Field Communication - chip.

Google Maps

Google Transit is a feature of Google Maps which allows the Internet user to find public transport information such as stops, lines and timetables, on a single interface wherever they are in the world and in their native language.

Moovit is a free smartphone application (iOS, Android and Windows Phone) that allows each user to optimise their journey in real time in almost 35 languages and 55 countries. In addition to route planning, timetable searches and network maps, the application offers a series of customisable features that allow users to share and receive all local information in real time on the status of lines, stations and stops that may impact on their transport journeys.

Transit App

Transit App instantly displays your nearby transport options and their next departures. You can also search for a new route or find the nearest bike share.

Welcome to Nice Côte d'Azur
Mainly clear 17°C Weather page
I am on site
Travel Trade
Meet in Nice Côte d’Azur

French Riviera Pass

Getting around by bus and tramway

Getting around easily and cheaply thanks to the inter and intra-city bus and tramway networks…, the lignes d’azur network.

The Lignes d’Azur network offers you:

over 140 bus routes in the 51 towns and villages of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolitan Area.
the tramway in Nice : – the N° 1 line provides a north/east connection via the city center by Avenue Jean Médecin and Place Masséna and allows you to travel 21 hours a day! – the N° 2 line provides a west-east connection from the airport (or CADAM) to the city center (Jean Médecin station) ending at the Port of Nice – the N° 3 line 3 provides a connection between the airport and Saint-Isidore via the Allianz Riviera Stadium
A combined bus/tram ticket with many connection possibilities
Various types of tickets for occasional travel: Multi 10 trips, 1-day pass, 7-day pass, Parcazur (round trip), TicketAzur
9 Parcazur park and ride lots allow you to park for free and reach the city center by streetcar Parcazur Park and Ride

Your direct access to the ski resorts!

Book your seat on line

Your smartphone : all you need in your pocket! 📱

The Lignes d’Azur Tickets application will be essential to manage your journeys on the local transport network . With the application you can :

Purchase and validate des titres de transport : you can purchase and validate your tickets directly from the application. This means you no longer need to search for a top-up terminal or go to a sales outlet to buy a physical card.
Subscription management : the application lets you easily manage your monthly, weekly and daily subscriptions. You can take out new subscriptions, renew existing ones and view details of your active subscriptions.

You can take advantage of other features that will help you plan your routes, get real-time information on the network and make it easier to get around the region by public transport.

Good to know 💡: on Android smartphones , you can keep and validate your tickets directly from the app or top them up on your card. On Apple smartphone s, on the other hand, you need to have a contactless card to travel and top it up from the app.

The contactless cards

Lignes d’Azur’s contactless cards give passengers easy access to public transport using modern technology that eliminates the need to handle cash or paper tickets, offering a more convenient and secure experience. There are therefore three ways to acquire a contactless card : :

“Ma Carte”

This is a card for all users. It can be reloaded at will and is personal (name + photo) for €2. It can be used to buy and top up occasional tickets and all season tickets. If you already have your personal card, it will still be valid. If you lose it, Lignes d’Azur will reissue it with all the tickets you have purchased.

Where to buy it : sales offices, mobile agencies and website.
Where to top it up : sales offices, mobile agencies, ticket vending machines, Lignes d’Azur points of sale, mobile applications and website.

“La Carte”

This is a card for occasional travellers. It can be recharged at will and is anonymous , costing €2 which is refundable. It can be used to buy and top up occasional tickets (Solo, Multi Voyages, Pass for one or more days).

Where to buy : sales agencies, mobile agencies,ticket machines and Lignes d’Azur sales outlets.
Where to top it up : sales offices, mobile agencies, ticket vending machines, Lignes d’Azur sales outlets and mobile applications.

The “Solo Secours”

This is an “emergency” card for sales on board buses: you can use it if you haven’t downloaded the application onto your smartphone or if you don’t have a physical contactless card. This emergency card can be reloaded at will, just like “La Carte”. It is anonymous and can be shared. Immediate cost €4 (“Solo Secours” voucher €2 + reloadable card €2 = €4).

Only available on buses, and the only ticket available on buses.

Ticket Aéro

This is also a contactless ticket that allows occasional travellers to make a return airport-city centre trip for €10. There is no expiry date.

The ZOU! regional network

The ZOU! regional transport network allows you to travel by bus in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region by serving the communes of the area in detail.

It also connects the major cities of the departments and serves the airports and train stations of the region.

Accueil / Practical information / Getting around Nice Côte d’Azur / Getting around by bus and tramway

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15 Best Travel Apps for Your Vacation

Best travel apps are a huge help when planning that weekend trip or even a month-long adventure.

But it takes quite a bit of trial and error to find the ones that suit your needs. I can’t count the number of times I’ve downloaded a “great” app on my iPhone then deleted it almost immediately because it was horrible.

Maybe you’ve done that a few times yourself?

So save your energy and check out the best travel apps that are worth the download!

BEST TRAVEL APPS FOR BUDGET

1. trail wallet.

This travel app allows you to track your budget while on your trip.

You can use presets to define certain limits, and take pictures of receipts that will be stored within the app, among other features.

It’s important to stay on top of the daily travel budget and this app easily keeps track of expenses. Available for iPhone here

2. XE CURRENCY

If you’re traveling to an international destination, chances are you’ll need to learn about their currency.

And that’s where things can get messy.

Of course, the money looks different and you have to learn how to count. But in some countries, like Vietnam for example where a pile of bills is only worth 1$.

Although the confusion is real at first, you’ll get the hang of it don’t worry.

This is one of the best travel apps that makes it easy to convert currency. It’s saved me quite a few times!

Available Here

BEST TRAVEL APPS FOR LODGING

3. booking.com.

It’s not a surprise that so many people are using this site all over the world.

It’s simple, effective, and gets lets you book a room within your budget in a few clicks.

Narrow your search according to your requirements and take advantage of free cancelations in case your plans change.

Find deals, make easy changes to your bookings and receive confirmation immediately.

Booking is really one of the best travel apps for booking lodging in advance or last minute.

Available for iPhone here

Airbnb is a platform where members rent out rooms, apartments, or entire homes all over the world.

Most of us use it to different degrees and for different purposes.

For a more personal experience, a special moment, or if you need a large apartment for the whole family, then the Airbnb app helps you find a place with ease.

Available here

BEST TRAVEL APPS FOR MAPS AND TRANSPORT

5. google maps.

The best thing about google maps other than it’s reliable and very popular is that you can use it offline.

Read this article on how to use google maps offline if you’re struggling with how to set everything up.

D ownload from App Store

If you’re traveling to a city and renting a car, then this is the best travel app for in city driving

In addition, benefit from real-time traffic info and tips on getting the cheapest gas in the area.

Available here for iPhone

For those not renting a car and using public transportation, then Uber is the best app to get from point A to point B.

All transactions are via credit card, which you previously set up in your account, so no cash involved.

Not all countries have Uber, but for those who do, things run smoothly most of the time and it’s often cheaper than a taxi.

Available in the App Store

8. ROME2RIO

The perfect app to figure out which is the best mode of transportation to get somewhere.

Enter your starting point and destination and it will show all options available. Be it by bus, train, plane, ferry or driving.

In addition, it displays booking options for lodging and transportation. Very useful!

BEST TRAVEL APPS TO KEEP IN TOUCH ON YOUR TRIP

9. whatsapp.

One of the best travel apps to communicate on a trip is Whatsapp. You can use this app to keep in touch with family and friends, as well as locally to confirm lodging or activities.

Sms, voice message, and also the ability to send photos. I can’t live without it!

This app is also useful when not traveling. For example, my Airbnb guests don’t have a local sim card and can’t find their way to our apartment! Available here or in App Store

Skype is a great app when traveling with a laptop on the road.

Make regular calls or video calls which are pretty fun when talking with friends. If the other person also has Skype then the calls are free. You can text, screen share, record calls and much more.

BEST TRAVEL APPS FOR LANGUAGE

11. duo lingo.

A very fun app to learn the basics before going on your trip. Speak like a pro in the south of France or even in Barcelona!

From hello to more elaborate phrases, practice 10 minutes a day, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.

Download Duolingo here

12. HI TRANSLATE

In a restaurant, looking for a bus, trying to talk to your host?

Missed opportunities because of language barriers are plentiful.

This is one of the best travel apps for translation and worth testing out while on your trip.

With over 100 languages to choose from, plus voice and text translations, this app does away with all the problematic ways we’ve tried to get a message across!

Available on the App Store

13. GOOGLE TRANSLATE

As a translator by trade, I honestly can’t say that google translate always does a very good job.

However, it can get you out of a difficult situation in a pinch. And it’s much much better than scrambling for words you don’t know.

Check it here

BEST MUSIC APPS WHILE TRAVELING

There’s no way we could go on a trip without music. And here are 2 of our favorite apps:

14. SPOTIFY

The best thing about Spotify besides creating any number of playlists and listening to podcasts is that you can download your music to listen offline.

In addition, the app suggests new artists based on your playlist and you also have access to other’s playlists, widening your music culture!

Get Spotify

Hear a song and have no idea who it’s from? Shazam it.

Whoever invented this app is clearly a genius. No more searching or trying to remember who sang this or the name of that… especially in a foreign country where you can’t even pronounce the words ^^

Just shazam.

Download Shazam

So there you have it. The best travel apps that will help make your trip smoother.

What are your favorite travel apps?

SAFE. TRAVELS. TOGETHER

Plan your trip.

Disclaimer: These are sites that I recommend. I may get a commission from some links at no extra charge to you.

BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS : Find great deals on SKYSCANNER . It’s easy to use and offers a lot of choices.

DONT’ FORGET INSURANCE : Insurance is a must no matter where you go. It protects you if you get injured (which can happen) or if someone in your family gets ill. We use WORLD NOMADS for all our trips. Get a quote now according to your needs.

THE PERFECT PLACE TO SLEEP : For reasonable prices on hotels and guest houses, try BOOKING.com , we use them all the time and take advantage of the free cancelation in case plans change. For entire homes or apartments, try AIRBNB .

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Best travel apps in 2021

Beat the traffic, avoid flight delays and find a place to stay on your next trip

The best travel apps are the ones that take all the stress out of a trip, freeing you up to enjoy the journey. And fortunately, you've got a lot of choices when it comes to finding apps that can help you plan your next getaway.

You'll find everything from trip planners and itinerary generators to online marketplaces for flights and hotels in both the Play Store and Apple's store for apps. Combine one of the best travel apps with some great travel tech , and your chances for a smooth trip will increase dramatically.

These are the best Android apps overall
Get better trip photos with the best Android camera apps

Not sure where to look first? We've found a list of the best travel apps for when you're ready to hit the road again after sticking close to home for more than a year.

1. MyTSA (Free: Android; iOS)

Before you hit the road, make sure you've got MyTSA on your smartphone. The official app of the Transportation Security Administration isn't going to win any beauty contests, but it will let you check wait times at security checkpoints at major airpots. And that can help you plan on how much travel time you need to allow.

The app includes historical wait-time data while also giving you the option of checking crowd-sourced reports of how long security lines are at that moment. The ability to search what you can bring on a plane, get live assistance and find out info on the TSA PreCheck program make this a good app for travelers to keep handy on their smartphone.

Download MyTSA: Android , iOS

2. Expedia (Android, iOS: Free)

If you're a frequent traveller, you need a good all-in-one travel app, and Expedia is a tried-and-true option. You can book every aspect of your trip through Expedia, including hotels, flights and rental cars. The app also lets you bundle deals on travel and lodging, look for cruises, and research things to do when you arrive at your destination.

If you're looking to stretch your travel budget even farther, Expedia promises exclusive deals for mobile users, with members of Expedia's rewards program enjoying additional perks.

Download Expedia: Android , iOS

3. Flighty (iOS: Free)

There are flight trackers, and then there's Flighty, an iOS app for people who really want to know the location and arrival time of their plane. The free version of the app gives you basic flight-tracking tools, but pay up for a subscription ($8.99 a month or $49.99 per year), and you get access to more sophisticated features such as push notifications, syncing with TripIt or with calendars, and an assistant to help with your flight connections.

Flighty also claims to be able to predict flight delays by monitoring inbound planes for 25 hours and monitoring FAA-mandated delays. You can check out the portions of the paid app for free during a 14-day trial.

Download Flighty: iOS

4. Hopper (Android, iOS: Free)

Another app bringing big data and predictive algorithms to the world of air travel is Hopper It uses a massive database of airline prices and historical trends to predict when prices to a destination are likely to be lowest, when they're likely to change, and the best time to buy a ticket for a particular date and destination.

You can watch flights on specific dates or destinations, and the app will advise you whether it's worth it to buy now or to wait, tell you the dates when it's likely cheapest to fly, estimate changes in price, and notify you of price drops or rises. You can also save your payment details within the app for quick booking.

Download Hopper: Android , iOS

5. iExit (Android, iOS: Free)

If your travel plans involve a lot of driving, iExit works as a handy freeway exit guide, listing nearby highway exits, as well as the kind of businesses and amenities there are nearby. Need to gas up or find some good food or a place to stay for the night? iExit’s search tools come to the rescue, showing you nearby gas stations (with price data powered by GasBuddy), motels, and even deals and discounts from nearby businesses.

Download iExit: Android , iOS

6. Waze (Android; iOS)

Nothing gets a vacation off on the wrong foot like getting stuck in traffic. Waze can't eliminate the traffic, but it can help you get around any jams, especially if you're in an unfamiliar city.

The navigation app feeds your smartphone real-time traffic information, based on reports from other Waze users. That data includes accidents, speed traps and other hazards that might keep you from getting to your destination in a timely fashion.

Other features sure to impress travelers include automatic rerouting, cheap gas alerts and the ability to send your ETA to anyone waiting at your final stop.

Download Waze: Android , iOS

7. Skiplagged (Android, iOS: Free)

If you're traveling light and looking to save a few bucks, check out Skiplagged. It's a neat app that can keep your travel costs down by taking advantage of "hidden city flights", where flyers get off at a layover, instead of at the final destination.

Enter your origin and destination, and Skiplagged will show you the cost of a direct flight, as well as any cheaper "hidden city" flights that have your intended destination as a layover. The caveat? Stick to carry-on luggage, as any checked-in bags will go all the way to the flight's final destination.

Skiplagged also allows you to book hotels, including last-minute deals and special offers.

Download Skiplagged: Android , iOS

8. Flio (Android, iOS: Free)

Flio aims to be the all-in-one companion app for harried travelers making their way through airports worldwide. An official partner of 300 airports, Flio also has info on thousands more. That lets the app feature terminal maps, a boarding pass scanner, a flight tracker and directions to shuttle buses and booking options for everything from parking to lounge access.

The app's sheer variety of services and features make it a great addition to the app toolkit of frequent fliers and vacationers alike.

Download Flio: Android , iOS

9. AtYourGate (Android, iOS: Free)

AtYourGate is another helpful airport companion that focuses more about retail opportunities while you're killing time waiting at the airport. If you need food, supplies (like say a phone charger to replace the one you forgot to pack), or last-minute gifts, you can browse the AtYourGate app for nearby shops and restaurants instead of having to wander around the airport.

AtYourGate users can order food or other items, pay through the app, and even arrange for the item to be delivered to them right at their gate, lounge, or other location. AtYourGate currently operates in a select number of major airports, including JFK, La Guardia, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Portland, San Diego, and Newark.

Download AtYourGate: Android , iOS

10. Mobile Passport (Android, iOS: Free)

Mobile Passport is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection-approved app that helps speed you through lengthy immigration lines. It allows anyone with U.S. or Canadian passports to submit their passport control and customs declarations through the app, replacing paper forms and providing faster processing in a number of major US airports where the Mobile Passport service is supported.

The app will save you a good amount of time in line, but it’s no reason to leave your physical passport at home. Mobile Passport is a companion app, not a replacement.

Download Mobile Passport: Android , iOS

11. TripIt (Android, iOS: Free)

TripIt promises to cut back on the travel hassle by consolidating your travel plans into a simple, convenient itinerary. Viewable online and synced to your cell phone, you can also share itineraries with your contacts.

You just link your email account to TripIt, and the service will automatically dig through your inbox for reservation confirmations and other forms. Using that data, TripIt builds an organized itinerary of your flight boarding times, hotel check-ins and more. While TripIt is a free download, a $48.99 annual subscription gets you features like real-time flight alerts and updates on how long airport lines are.

Download TripIt: Android , iOS

12. App In The Air (Android, iOS: Free)

App In The Air is designed to help you through the entire process of your airplane flight, serving as a booking assistant that reminds you of your gate, ETA, check-in requirements, baggage tips, and more.

The app condenses all of this important information so that it's easy to refer to at a glance, while also providing handy extras. You can view a summary of your airline's baggage rules (or even have an augmented reality overlay that you can use to measure your baggage to see if it will fit for carry-on or overhead guidelines).

Travelers can integrate the app with TripIt, track loyalty rewards, view airplane amenities and even forward their details to their Apple Watch or Android Wear device. A premium subscription ($29.99 per year) includes real-time flight status updates, automated check-ins, and more.

Download App In The Air: Android , iOS

13. GasBuddy (Android, iOS: Free)

If road trips are more your thing, consider GasBuddy, a mobile app that helps users track down the cheapest gas in their region. Users can tap into their GPS location through their phone, or search by address or zip code to find the nearby gas prices.

As many of the prices are based on user reports, GasBuddy rewards users with points for reporting and updating a station's prices, with points making you eligible for regular raffles of prizes like free gas.

Download GasBuddy: Android , iOS

14. Roadtrippers (Android, iOS: Free)

Another handy travel companion when you hit the road is the aptly named Roadtrippers, a trip planning and itinerary app that lets you plot your next road trip, and helps you discover destinations, attractions, and useful stops along the way.

With Roadtrippers, you can share your route and schedule with friends and family. The app helps users find everything from diners and dives to hotels, restaurants, national parks, roadside attractions and other scenic points of interest.

If doing that research on a small phone screen stresses you out, you can plan trips in the Roadtrippers web portal if you prefer, saving locations and stops into a trip plan which you can sync across multiple devices for easy reference.

Download Roadtrippers: Android , iOS

15. PackPoint (Android, iOS: Free)

PackPoint is a travel packing wizard that provides a checklist of travel essentials that you'll need to pack, depending on the nature of your trip.

Simply create a trip profile with your destination, length of stay and purpose of travel. PackPoint then creates a customized packing and luggage checklist that takes into account whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, the type and amount of clothing to pack based on the weather forecast and other factors.

The app also comes with a variety of premium features, such as TripIt integration for automatic packing list creation.

Download PackPoint: Android , iOS

16. TripAdvisor (Android, iOS: Free)

TripAdvisor is your crowd-sourced guide to hotels, restaurants and attractions worldwide. The app allows you to browse through plenty of reviews, images and videos featuring various establishments worldwide to get a better idea of what awaits you at your destination.

You can also access contact details; search for nearby establishments; explore restaurants by food type, price range or rating; check out air fares; and even add to the knowledge base by posting your own reviews, images and entries for the places you visit. There are even some handy "Near Me Now" features to alert you of nearby points of interest once you're on the scene.

Download TripAdvisor: Android , iOS

17. Airbnb (Android, iOS: Free)

Airbnb is a marketplace app that allows users to search for and find unique accommodations across the world, from mom-and-pop B&Bs for a night, to a small apartment for a week, or even a castle for a month. There's no shortage of quirky and unique establishments. Airbnb covers a range of prices in more than 34,000 cities across almost 200 countries, which means the adventurous or flexible traveler has some interesting choices for accommodations on their next trip.

Download Airbnb: Android , iOS

18. Vrbo (Android, iOS: Free)

Vrbo's mobile app is another option for finding places to stay on your next trip. At Vrbo, the emphasis is on vacation rentals, and with 2 million unique places to stay in 190-plus countries, you've got plenty of options.

Use the Vrbo app to search for vacation homes, plan your trip and book your lodging. The app also gives you access to key booking details — what is the Wi-Fi password at your rental property, anyway? — and lets you share your itinerary with friends and family.

Download Vrbo: Android , iOS

19. Hotel Tonight (Android, iOS: Free)

If you unexpectedly need to look for last minute hotel rooms, check out HotelTonight. It offers last-minute discounts on vacancies and same-night accommodations from top-rated hotels. Users can search by category and quality such as Basic, Hip or Luxe; view information on nearby hotels; and quickly book accommodations from within the app.

Download HotelTonight: Android , iOS

20. GlobeTips (iOS: Free)

How much should you tip? GlobeTips is a handy app that can tell you how much gratuity is customary wherever you are in the world. In addition to global tipping guides, GlobeTips includes a calculator for automatically calculating the tip, splitting the bill, and handling sales tax.

Download GlobeTips: iOS

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Nice Travel Guide

Courtesy of Guillaume CHANSON | Getty Images

Getting Around Nice

The best way to get around Nice is on foot, especially if you plan on sticking close to the city's center. Like many other French cities, Nice is equipped with a reliable and convenient public transportation system. Buses and trams serve all major tourist attractions as well as the Nice-Ville train station and the Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport (NCE). Ride-hailing services, such as Uber, are also a popular option now because they are much cheaper and more convenient than traditional taxis. If you decide to take a taxi from the airport to the center of Nice, expect to pay a flat rate of 32 euros (around $34). Driving is not recommended as traffic can be frustrating and parking is limited.

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Nice Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 9, 2023

A gorgeous aerial view overlooking Nice and its beach and promenade along the French coast

Visiting Nice is, to use the old joke, nice. Located on the French Riviera, it’s the second-biggest tourist destination in the country. I’ve found the city a lovely place to stop on the way to smaller, even quainter Riviera towns. Nice has wonderful hilltop lookouts, restaurants, glamor, tons of scenery, and beautiful beaches.

While not known for its history, settlements here stretch back a whopping 400,000 years (Homo Erectus artifacts have been found here). The city as we know it today was likely established around 350 BCE by the Greeks. That settlement evolved into a large trading hub, which expanded through the Middle Ages into the city we know today.

These days, Nice is known for its upscale atmosphere. The city’s glitz means that there are very few budget options, but it’s worth a night or two to take in the sights and admire the fleet of yachts that usually dot the harbor. After a couple of days, head down to the nearby beach towns of the Cote d’Azur.

This travel guide to Nice can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this gorgeous city!

Things to See and Do
Typical Costs
Suggested Budget
Money-Saving Tips
Where to Stay
How to Get Around
How to Stay Safe
Best Places to Book Your Trip
Related Blogs on Nice

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Nice

People lying on the beach in front of a palm-tree-lined promenade with the city of Nice, France rising in the background

1. Walk the Promenade des Anglais

This seaside promenade is one of the main hubs of the city. Vendors sell fresh-made crepes and, best of all, there are nice (get it?) restaurants on the beach. Try Le Koudou for seafood or Les Jardins du Capitole for French classics like tartare.

2. Visit the Matisse Museum

Artist Henri Matisse moved to Nice at 48 and remained in the city until his death in 1954. It was during this time that Matisse painted some of his most famous works, including The Sheaf, Nu bleu, Sorrow of the King , and others. Admission is 10 EUR.

3. Relax at the beach

The beaches of Nice aren’t great when compared to the surrounding area but there are still some noteworthy ones to visit. La Réserve is known as one of the best beaches in Nice. Plage Beau Rivage and Coco Beach are both quite nice as well.

4. Wander Vieux Nice

Below the hill of the main city, the old town is a maze of streets and tight alleyways. There are numerous boutiques, markets, crêperies, and cafés. Nice was Italian until the signing of the Treaty of Turin in 1860, so Vieux Nice has a very Italian feel to it.

5. See the Nice Port

Port Lympia is a great spot to watch boats coming and going. In the summer, you can even take a free ferry, called Lou Passagin, across the harbor. Some of the hippest bars are located here as well. Boston Bar and Ma Nolan’s are both excellent choices.

Other Things to See and Do in Nice

1. visit the cours saleya flower market.

Nice is known for its flowers. In 1897, it was the first city in the world to open a wholesale cut flower market. This tradition runs strong to this day, and the market is lined with cafes, shops, and aisles upon aisles of fresh flowers. While the market is known for its flowers, there are also many local produce stands as well. It’s open six days a week from 6am-5:30pm except for Monday and Sunday afternoons when there’s a flea and antique market instead (also cool to visit). Mornings are the best time to visit as the flowers are the freshest and the crowds the smallest.

2. Head to La Colline du Château (Castle Hill)

The Castle of Nice (Château de Nice) was built in the 11th century, remaining an active citadel until the early 18th-century when King Louis XIV commanded that it be destroyed. Today, the area where the Chateau once stood is a popular green space and look-out, with one of the best panoramic views of Nice and the sea. You can take an elevator or hike up the stairs, but it’s a long, long walk. I usually take the elevator up and hike down. You can walk up from the promenade or via the town. (I prefer walking up via the old town as it’s more scenic.)

4. Tour the Museum of Asian Art

Located beside a man-made lake in Phoenix Park, Japanese architect Kenzo Tange designed the museum to be a meeting point between Asian and Western cultures. One of Nice’s newer museums, it opened its doors in 1998 and has a brilliant collection of Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian art. The India exhibit is exceptionally good. Entrance is free. There are also paid (10 EUR) weekend workshops on Asian art forms such as Japanese and Chinese calligraphy and origami. A traditional tea ceremony takes place every Sunday at 3pm (10 EUR).

5. Visit the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

Opening its doors in 1990, the MAMAC focuses on postwar pieces, with more than 1,300 works of art in its collection. The museum has four connected wings, each featuring modern and contemporary art. There is a great collection of sculptures, conceptual installations, and paintings, as well as temporary rotating exhibitions. Admission is 10 EUR.

6. Take a day trip to Monaco

Monaco is a small city-state known for its luxe atmosphere. Even if you can’t afford to stay in this luxurious city, you can still visit for the day. You can spend the day exploring the casinos, yachts, and chic restaurants lining the water. While you’re here, visit the Palace of Monaco, a castle built in 1191. As it’s the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco, tourists can only visit seasonally. You can visit the prince’s staterooms (8 EUR), see the royal collection of cars (8 EUR), or meander Monaco’s zoological gardens (6 EUR). The bus takes 45 minutes and costs 1.50 EUR. The train takes 20 minutes with tickets starting as low as 3.50 EUR. The Monaco F1 Grand Prix is held here annually in May or June, attracting thousands of visitors.

7. See St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral

This cathedral is the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe. When one of Tsar Aleksandr II’s sons died in Nice at the beginning of the 20th century after coming down with meningitis, this cathedral was later dedicated to him. Built in the Russian Revival style, the cathedral has teal and green-tiled domes topped with silver crosses. Inside there’s a golden altar and vibrantly painted walls. A dress code is strictly enforced so don’t wear shorts if you want to enter. Cameras are not allowed inside either.

8. Tour the Musée National Marc Chagall

A Russian-French artist of Belarusian Jewish descent, Chagall is known for his cubism and expressionism pieces. Located north of Vieux-Nice in the neighborhood of Cimiez, Musée National Marc Chagall features the artist’s religious works, particularly pieces depicting the resurrection, the sacrifice of Isaac, Adam, and Eve. The Fiddler and Bella with White Collar are among his more popular pieces. Built in 1973, Chagall was active in the museum up until his death in 1985. Admission is 8 EUR, with free admission on the first Sunday of the month.

9. Visit the Cimiez Hill district

If you visit the Matisse Museum, you’ll find yourself in Cimiez Hill district, located about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from Nice’s Old Town. But there’s even more to explore in this area, including the tranquil Cimiez Monastery Gardens, the Archaeological Museum (5 EUR), and the ruins of a Roman amphitheater.

10. Take the Wonder Train

The Train des Merveilles is a two-hour train journey from Nice to the picturesque mountain village of Tende. On this scenic ride, the train makes its way through the mountains, offering breathtaking views of gorges, valleys, and the sea. Take the 9:15am train so you can arrive by late morning, explore the town, have lunch, see the free museum, and then catch a train back to Nice in the evening. A round-trip ticket is 27 EUR, though there are often special discounted offers in the summer.

For more information on other cities in France, check out these guides:

Nice Travel Costs

A busy pedestrian street filled with people walking around and sitting down at outdoor cafes in the old town in Nice, France

Hostel prices – There are several hostels in Nice within walking distance to the beach, starting at 22-26 EUR for a 4-6-bed dorm. A bed in a dorm with 8-12 beds costs around 14-18 EUR per night. Private rooms start at 60 EUR per night. Expect standard amenities like free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities.

Budget hotel prices – You can find budget hotels located in the city center with free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning starting at 50-65 EUR per night.

On Airbnb, you can find private rooms starting at 40 EUR per night and entire apartments starting at 65 EUR per night (though double or even triple that is more likely if you don’t book in advance).

Food – Food in France has a long history and is intricately intertwined with the culture. Fresh bread (especially baguettes), tasty local cheeses, and plentiful wine may be stereotypical staples of the cuisine, but they really are some of the must-eat foods in the country. Be sure to also try croque monsieur (a hot ham and cheese sandwich), pot-au-feu (beef stew), steak frites (steak and fries), and if you’re really adventurous you can sample traditional delicacies like frog legs, escargot (snails), or foie gras (a fattened duck or goose liver).

If you go out to eat, expect to spend 9-13 EUR for starters, 15-30 EUR for a main dish, 5-10 EUR for desserts, and 4-9 EUR for wine.

To save money eating out, try doing a prix-fixe meal. It’s a set menu that offers you a deal on a 2-3 course meal. It’s the cheapest at lunch at about 15 EUR.

La Rossettisserie in Vieux-Nice is a carnivore’s dream with a menu filled with red meat and poultry dishes, for around 17 EUR. Illia Pasta on rue Droite in Old Nice is also a delicious choice, with dishes under 15 EUR. In the neighborhood of Jean-Médecin, Le Vingt4 is a vibrant Mediterranean and French restaurant with tapas for 9-16 EUR.

Fast food or ready-made sandwiches cost about 6 EUR. A combo meal at McDonald’s costs around 9 EUR.

Beer costs 6-7 EUR while a cappuccino/latte is around 3 EUR. Bottled water is 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own food you can buy a week’s worth of groceries for 50 EUR. This gets you basic staples like pasta, bread, seasonal produce, and some meat or seafood.

Backpacking Nice Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Nice, my suggested budget is 70 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transit and walking to get around, and doing most free or cheap activities like enjoying the beach and wandering Vieux Nice.

A mid-range budget of about 140 EUR per day covers staying in a private Airbnb, eating out for a few meals, enjoying a few drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid activities like visiting museums and day-tripping outside the city.

For a “luxury” budget of 285 EUR per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, take more taxis or rent a car, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Nice Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Nice is built for the luxury traveler. Being on the French Riviera and so close to many expensive destinations, it’s a city people visit to spend money. But if you want to lower your costs, here are some ways to save money in Nice:

Do free stuff – Take advantage of all of the free sights including the beach, Vieux Nice, Jardin Albert I (the city’s central park), and the Promenade des Anglais, which fills up at night with music and street performers. You can see a lot here without spending a cent!
Get a French Riviera Pass – Available at the Nice Tourism offices, the Congress Centre, and various hotels around the city, the French Riviera Pass gives you free access to many of the main museums in Nice and the Côte d’Azur, as well as unlimited travel (including to the airport) during your chosen time frame. Passes are 26-56 EUR for 24, 48, or 72-hour periods. The pass also includes an Old Nice guided tour and Lascaris Palace.
Get the set lunch menu – If you eat out, do so at lunch and get the prix-fixe menu. Restaurants throughout town offer this set menu during lunch, and with prices between 10-20 EUR, it’s a way better deal than the regular dinner menu!
Take the free walking tours – Free Walking Tour Nice has a free walking that’s a great introduction to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
Stay with a local – If you want to save money and get some local insight into the city, use Couchsurfing. Staying with a local is the best way to get a feel for the city and learn some insider tips.
Bring a water bottle – Since the tap water here is safe to drink you should bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Nice

There is a handful of hostels in Nice to choose from, most of which are quite close to the city center. Here are my recommended places to stay in Nice:

Hostel Meyerbeer
Hostel Ozz & Bar By HappyCulture
Villa Saint Exupery Beach
Antares Hostel

How to Get Around Nice

A wide fountain and reflecting pool with the colorful buildings of Nice, France in the background on a dreary day

Public transportation – A single-fare ticket costs 1.50 EUR and allows for unlimited travel on both bus and travel for 74 minutes. You can also purchase a 10-trip pass for 10 EUR, a day pass for 5 EUR, and 7-day pass for 15 EUR.

There is also a free shuttle bus that goes down Victor Hugo Boulevard and loops around to the promenade and Old Town, before returning to the start. It’s a red electric bus that you just hop on and off.

Nice has several night-time bus routes which run from 9:10 pm to 10:10 am each day, making it easier to get around if you’re out late at night.

Bicycle – Vélobleu is a public bike-sharing system that lets you use bicycles around the city. There are 175 stations in the region and over 1,700 bikes. It is 1.50 EUR for a day pass (3 EUR for an e-bike), with the first 30 minutes free. If you have a bike out for more than 30 minutes, it’s 1 EUR for the second half-hour and 2 EUR for each additional hour.

You can also rent bikes for the entire day from local bike shops, such as Bike Trip or Booking Bikes. Day rentals are 10-20 EUR.

Taxi – Taxis are expensive in Nice, with a base rate of 3.50 EUR plus another 2.08 EUR per kilometer. This rate may increase in the evenings so skip the taxis if you can — they add up fast!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Nice and is generally cheaper than taxis. For getting around the area (and the country) you can also use the ride-sharing app BlaBlaCar. It is a great way to travel around Europe on a budget.

When to Go to Nice

June-August are the hottest and most popular months to visit Nice. Temperatures average 30°C (86°F) and this is when the south of France is packed with locals and tourists who want to soak up the sun. Prices are also the highest and you’ll need to book well in advance.

The crowds in summer can be quite large at times, especially close to the beaches and in Old Nice. Prices in restaurants and hotels increase as well. To avoid crowds, venture into some of the local neighborhoods, such as Jean-Médecin or Carabacel.

In September and October, the average high temperature is 24°C (75°F). This is an ideal time to visit Nice. The crowds are considerably smaller, making it an ideal time to relax on the beach and wander through the streets of Old Nice and other popular areas.

December to April is considered the winter season and temperatures average around 12°C (55°F). Prices during this time are lower, and the streets are quieter. The exception to lower prices is during the Nice Carnival, which takes place for 14 days each February/March. A tradition since 1873, this is one of the best carnivals in Europe, known for its over-the-top colorful float parades during the day, a parade of lights at night, and beautiful flower parade.

The Nice International Film Festival occurs every May when the city is flooded with celebrities and more glitz and glamor than one can handle. Book in advance if you’re visiting during this time.

How to Stay Safe in Nice

Nice is very safe — even if you’re traveling solo and even as a solo female traveler. The risk of violent crime here is very low.

As in any destination, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Avoid walking through unfamiliar areas alone at night and beware of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Pickpocketing is common in markets, on buses and trains, and other crowded areas. Always keep your valuables secure and out of reach just to be safe.

Avoid bringing valuables to the beach, as theft while you’re in the water can occur. Keep your valuables secure when eating out as bag snatching can occur.

The petition scam is quite popular, where someone asks you to sign a paper and while you’re distracted with the clipboard, they’ll pick your pockets or demand a “donation.” Politely decline anyone approaching with a clipboard or papers.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Nice Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Nice Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling France and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hotels in Paris

How to Spend 5 Days in Paris

13 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things to See and Do in Paris

The Best Walking Tours in Paris

Life in Paris, Part 3: Nothing Lasts Forever

The 10 Best Day Trips from Paris

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Where To Stay
Transportation
Booking Resources
Related Blogs

France Travel Blog

Nice Travel Guide

Nice offers a perfect blend of a thrilling seaside resort and the richness of a cosmopolitan European city. And if you are looking to experience the distinct blissfulness of the French Riviera, a vacation to its biggest city, Nice is primed for it all.

Boasting of a mild Mediterranean climate, a colorful culture, a vivacious Old Town district, and a flawless shoreline strip of terrific hotels. This Southeastern French city has been a popular travel destination since the 18th century. And though soft, Nice’s intense light, captivating architectural structures, and fanciful market centers have long been appealing to artists from all over the world. Artists like Matisse and Chagall have witnessed Nice’s artistic glory. As an art and history buff, the city will spoil you for choices as no other French city have more museums.

Nice is a big air transportation hub in Europe. Many low-cost airlines offer flights to the Côte d’Azur (the French part of Riviera) airport from London, Paris, and other places. Fast rail service also operates from Paris to Nice. The city’s public transportation is a tram system, transit service, and ferry service. From budget hotels to deluxe-class seaside resorts, there is a vast range of hotel accommodation available in and around Nice.

Despite its strong historical profile that dates back to the 4th century BC, modernism is apparently not lost on it at all. There have been efforts to modernize the city’s infrastructure.

Here is a Detailed Travel Guide in this Blog for your Stay in Nice:

Best time to visit nice.

Nice, like most cities in the Mediterranean, experiences warm weather almost year-round with average temperature reaching 80s°F (around 26°C ) in the summer and as low as 40s°F (around 5°C ) in the winter. As such, spring is an excellent time to visit Nice and the Côte d’Azur. The best time to visit will be in late spring and early summer to enjoy Nice.

Getting Around

You will find many shuttle buses and local bus services to Nice and other Riviera cities, and expensive cabs, to convey you to into the city when you arrive. Traveling by rail, be informed that Nice has three stations, but you will probably arrive in the main terminal at Nice Ville. It is expected that you will be only a few blocks north of the coastline.

In addition, are there many connections from Nice Railway station to other cities in France and to neighboring Italy too. The city’s bus system is called the Lignes d’Azur , which works, in the city and also to and from the airport and other close towns. The system controls about 130 bus routes in the 49 municipalities that consist of the entire Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur area.

You can buy a single ticket for a journey, which allows changes within 74 minutes for 1.50 euros. There are many other great value tickets for various lengths of stay. Nothing beats seeing the beautiful landscape of Nice while strolling the city on foot or in a car. As such, you can rent a car to cruise. However, it is good to check with your hotel if they have parking plans for guests and the costs too.

Parking in Nice can be a challenging task. In the case that you are in Nice from another part of the country by far, consider leaving the car at one of the 5’Parc relais’ or stopover car parks outside the center. It is free to use.

>> How To Get From Paris To Nice

Tourist Attractions

Cours saleya flower market ( marché aux fleurs cours saleya ).

Take a trip to the Cours Selaya for some fantastic culinary experience. This center is one of the major areas for dining, with restaurants, cafes, and bars all spread throughout the market. The open-air market center that used to be a park for the city’s richest people is shaded by trees and surrounded by 18th-century buildings. Many of these structures now house pubs and restaurants serving Niçois cuisine. At the end of Cours Selaya on Mondays, you will see antiques and collectibles been sold. For seafood lovers, here would particularly be an exciting spot to take on for the brilliant cuisines they would find.

Place Massena

This is the cultural hub of Nice, and it is the city’s largest square and the primary gathering place for events and seasonal festivals. 17th-century architecture is ubiquitous in Place Massena, and it connects with Lyon’s commercial district. Also, you will find an art installation whose pieces are made up of sculptures on top of tall pillars scattered around the plaza. There is also a grand fountain that bears an Apollo statue- the square’s centerpiece.

Promenade des Anglais

This is a seaside boardwalk that spans along the Baie des Anges was established by the British tourists who first popularized Nice as a vacation destination in the early 18th century. Lined with beach cabanas, cafes, and premium hotels, and palm trees, this area is one of the most well-known seaside promenades you will find on the Mediterranean. Though pricey, the seaside private restaurants/beach is a wonder you must not miss. You can also rent a chaise lounge a few feet from the shore, and let waiters serve you lunch and drinks. Your Riviera experience would not be whole until you completely take a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais.

>> Hotels Near Promenade des Anglais in Nice >> Is Nice Worth Visiting?

Vieux Nice (Nice’s Old Town)

Also known as Old Nice, Vieux Nice is next to the Cours Selaya Flower market. It has narrow streets to can walk while you discover gratifying shopping, dining, and some of Nice’s hippest bars. It spans from the foot of Castle Hill to the Place Massena, which is the city’s main square. Vieux Nice is very much marked with wide promenades, while the medieval quarter reminds of the time when the city was allied with Italian states. It is still one of the best places to taste Nice’s Niçois-style pizzas and pastries. As attractive as this destination is, be careful not to go alone, especially late in the day. Vieux Nice has dark alleys that can be covered for thieves and questionable characters.

Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain

Established in 1990, the museum of modern and contemporary art was built by architects Yves Bayard and Henri Vidal. It has four towers faced in Carrara marble from quarries in Carrara, an Italian town. The museum’s vast collection consists of a sample of the 60s and 70s fine arts that include minimalists, American abstracts, pop art, and new realism. More imposing works on display are by Nice native, Yves Klein, of the Nouveaux Réalistes movement. The museum shows his work in a room and on the roof terrace; a point that gives captivating views of the beautiful city.

Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas

Built during the reign of Russia’s Tsar Nicholas, the Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas is said to be one of the most stunning Orthodox churches outside of Russia. The style is inspired by the Moscow’s own and has an incredibly decorated interior that comes in murals, carved woodwork, and ornamental icons. It is a virtual jewel box that has historical and religious objects. These were brought to France from Russia during a previous period of crisis.

Tourists are allowed to see the structure and worship but are expected to abide by some rules. For example, men are not permitted in bare-chested or in shorts. And for women, miniskirts and shorts are not allowed, and shoulders are expected to be covered. A head covering is also preferred. So be prepared before you set out to visit the cathedral.

Parc de la Colline du Château (Castle Hill Park)

High above the Nice coastline, where the Castle Hill Park rests today was the first place to be inhabited by the Greeks about two thousand years ago. It used to be seen as unconquerable until King Louis XIV destroyed it in 1706. The city designed into a modern park today, and a charmingly simple site. It is a place you should visit for its shady trees, a pleasant oasis of greenery, and rushing waterfalls.

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll and take in the magnificent park views at the Castle Hill. And while having a great time at the park, you can always visit some great restaurants around where you can grab some bite. Other places worth checking out are boutiques and the ruins of two old churches. The Castle Hill Park is lit up with special lighting effects every night. Tourists and other visitors can arrive at the park by foot from the Old Town of Nice or take an Art-Deco lift or escalator from Place Garibaldi.

>> Is Nice Safe?

How to Maximize your Stay in Nice

While it is about preference, an organized tour is a way to make the most of your stay in the city as you immerse yourself in its culture; without worrying about finding your way around. Indulging in tour agencies has many other benefits too. You get to save time because some of these tourist outfits include convenient pickup and drop-off at your hotel. Here are some tips for enjoying Nice at affordable prices:

Navigate the popular sites

As earlier mentioned, tours are great ways to see scintillating places in Nice. Tours would stop at top cultural attractions like Promenade des Anglais, the Musee d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain, the Russian Orthodox Church, and the Place Garibaldi. Tours also allow experiencing areas of the city that are usually difficult for tourists to add to their itinerary.

Cycle around the city

You will hardly miss the great scenery on Nice’s streets when you go biking to take on the town. A three-hour trip around would be great as you see locals go hustling and bustling and of course, see the magnificence of the city. Even if you go solo, other tourist cyclists you will meet on the road will also be having an exciting time.

Medieval hilltop towns and the glitzes of Cannes and Monaco are only a short trip from Nice, and a day trip tour is a perfect way to see them all. In the mountainous town of Eze, you can check out the excellent local perfumery and relish the breathtaking view of French Riviera. In enticing Monte Carlo, you can navigate the old town and see the palace as well as other top sites.

>> Day Trips From Nice >>

Where To Stay In Nice

Hotels are plenty in Nice for the comfort and luxury of visitors and locals alike. Nothing beats the feeling of having a proper rest after a long day of adventure. Indeed, a good Nice hotel will have comfort, tranquility, and the gratifyingly luscious cuisine to go with the calm.

Hotel Windsor is a short walk to the beach. Walled with distinct murals, its rooms are gorgeously decorated by brilliant artists. Try to request a room with a balcony. The hotel Negresco is another excellent hotel, and it is probably the city’s most famous one. Magisterial around the Promenade des Anglais and the curving beach of La Baie des Anges, the ambiance of this impressive hotel is what every tourist should experience. And the great thing is, you won’t have to spend a fortune to book a room there.

Its well-known cocktail bar allures the young people with DJ sets, live jazz and Latino bands performance at night. Even the bar staff make lovely cocktails, like the royal Negresco, with champagne, kirsch and raspberry juice. With a swelling number of hotels in Nice, you have lots to choose from.

>> Best Hostels in Nice , Hotels Near Promenade des Anglais in Nice

Is there anything you would add to this Nice Travel Guide? Leave your comments below.

>>Read: Things To Do In Nice

Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France.

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Android Police

The best travel apps you need to use in 2024.

Cut down the time and stress of planning a trip

As you're scoping out your next vacation destination, all that wanderlust can romanticize the realities of travel. This means you need to plan an itinerary, pack a bag, have access to a navigation system, and plan out all those Instagram-worthy snapshots you want to show off at your next family reunion. Sometimes the prep leading up to a vacation can bring on some stress, but keep your eyes on that change of scenery, that beach day with your favorite Bluetooth speaker , and all those sightseeing excursions you planned via Google's toolkit . Don't get too overwhelmed—once you've picked the duration and destination of your getaway, you can use a few helpful apps to help you sort out the rest.

No matter how long your trip, you'll have peace of mind knowing you're totally prepared and can focus on being present in all those memory-making experiences. Ready to start planning? These apps will help you with all the prep you can think of.

1 Wanderlog - Trip Planner App

Planning out every aspect of your trip is easy with Wanderlog, and you can add as many tripmates as needed. Even though the app doesn’t allow you to book flights or make reservations, you can forward the information to the app and save it for reference. A free account offers everything you need to plan the perfect trip, but you can upgrade to an annual Pro account ($49.99/year) to unlock advanced features.

The app lets you create an itinerary by adding specific locations to each day. Plus, you can add accompanying notes and checklists, which is handy for tips, reminders, and keeping track of people you want to visit. Wanderlog might be the perfect travel app because it also helps you stay on budget, lets you split costs, and offers suggestions for new places to explore.

2 TripIt: Travel Planner

Like Wanderlog, TripIt helps you build an itinerary, but you can safely keep all necessary information in a single place. Manually add transportation, navigation, lodging, and other notable details, and, to make things easier, you can connect and sync your Inbox to import emails or forward them to TripIt. If needed, you can invite tripmates and let them edit your trip. The app is free, but you can subscribe to Pro for $48.99 per year to access real-time alerts, notifications, and other advanced features that will come in handy if you’re a frequent flyer.

TripIt gives you a safe space to save all types of travel documents and important contacts that are accessible even when you’re offline. Additionally, in partnership with Riskline, the app includes COVID-19 travel guidelines to advise you about the requirements and restrictions for your destination. What a great way to stay informed, so there are no surprises upon arrival!

How would you like to travel and discover new places all from the comfort of your home? If you're looking for your next dream destination or are already there and want to find nearby attractions, this app can help with both. It has made traveling and discovering new places easier than ever with a user-friendly interface. Framey also allows you to share photos from your travels for others to see and get ideas for their own future trips.

Once you find people to follow, you'll be able to see their posts on your home feed. Here, you can like, bookmark, and comment on posts. The ability to see more information about the location, such as its hours, directions, and nearby attractions, is a very useful feature. This can help you decide if it's a place you'd like to visit. Finally, you can use the search function to look for destinations and attractions all over the world, and you're sure to be impressed by the stunning images you'll find here.

Not everyone wants to stay in a hotel or with friends and family when they travel. Sometimes, you want something that is more affordable, has room for the entire family, and feels like home. Airbnb lets verified users rent out their space (usually a house, cabin, or condo) to travelers. You can explore Stays and Experiences based on location, date, and number of guests (including pets). Plus, many filters are available to help you narrow down your results. In addition, each listing has a photo gallery, and you can add listings to your wishlist for later reference.

While Stays are for those planning their own trips, Experiences are in-person and online activities hosted by local experts that let you learn or try something new. You can customize your budget and even book an experience for a private group. For Stays, you can learn more about the host and included amenities, read reviews from past guests, and contact the host if you have more questions. You can even become a host and rent out your personal space if you’re looking to make some extra income.

5 Polarsteps - Travel Planner & Tracker

This free app lets you plan your trips city by city and keeps track of every place you’ve visited with its optional “Travel Tracker” feature. Polarsteps will automatically track your routes and create a digital travel diary, giving you more time to enjoy your trip. Best of all, enabling this feature won’t kill your battery as it only uses about 4% daily.

For each trip, you’ll get a unique link that you can share with family and friends; they’ll be able to view your trip details but won’t have edit access. The digital maps are where Polarsteps shines — you can switch between Satellite and Street view. Once you’ve added all your planned stops, it will show the best routes and approximate travel time. The app also offers destination guides outlining the best places to visit, stay, and eat in a beautiful slideshow format.

6 AllTrails: Hike, Bike & Run

Trails aren’t just for hiking; they’re excellent for biking, running, backpacking, camping, bird-watching, fishing, and more. No matter your preference, this app will show you information and images of trails near and far. You can also use multiple filters and sorting options to find trails that suit your needs. While AllTrails is free and ad-supported, you can upgrade to AllTrails+ for $35.99/year. If you do upgrade, you can print or download maps, get alerts for wrong turns, find trails by distance from you, and view trail elevation in 3D.

The “Navigate” feature shows you a live map as you journey; it ensures you don’t get lost and keeps track of your activities in the app. You can choose a nearby route or start without one if you want to do your own thing. It also keeps track of time, distance, elevation gain, pace, and speed. As you’re journeying, you can add photos, see how many calories you’ve burned, add a waypoint, change routes, and see detailed navigation info . Lastly, you can connect with friends and other members to see and interact with their activities and discover new trails.

7 Tripadvisor: Plan & Book Trips

This app has a lot to offer, and it’s pretty easy to lose track of time as you discover new places locally or around the world and read helpful reviews from other users. In addition, you can plan trips alone or with a tripmate, save places you want to visit, view your saved places on a map, book hotels and experiences, view your bookings, and leave reviews for places you’ve visited. Tripadvisor is free and ad-supported; however, you can join Tripadvisor Plus for member-only pricing and perks at $99/year.

You can add notes and external links to your trips and see an overview of each city featuring a map, tons of local images, hotels, things to do, restaurants, and nearby popular destinations. Booking hotels is done on Expedia, using the in-app browser, letting you compare rates so you don’t overspend. With hotel booking and trip planning in one app, Tripadvisor gives you the best of both worlds.

8 MAPS.ME: Offline maps GPS Nav

Navigation is a huge part of planning a trip, and that’s where this free, ad-supported app comes to the rescue. You can look up any location and download maps for offline navigation to always have access. If needed, you can add terrain and subway layers to maps. To see additional information about a location, either tap a spot on the map or do a search, and it will show the address, coordinates, and distance away from your current location. Using the ruler feature, you can mark multiple points on a map to find the distance between them, which is excellent for planning daily activities.

You can create routes and choose which type of roads you’d like to avoid, like unpaved roads. If you’re traveling across states or countries, MAPS.ME will give you the option to download additional maps for each area so that it can create the best route for you to navigate ( similar to Google Maps ). Downloading multiple maps can be time-consuming but worth it to get the most out of the app. The power-saving mode is handy and can be set to off, automatic, or maximum. With automatic mode, the app will disable battery-draining features as needed.

Have you ever wondered how long the estimated wait time is at an airport, if there are any flight delays, or what items are allowed in your carry-on and checked baggage? MyTSA puts all the information you need to pack, prepare, and travel in one place. It will show you the closest airports to your current location to help you choose the best one and see important details. You can also add airports to your favorites for easy access. You'll also find an "AskTSA" section where you can get live assistance via Messenger and Twitter.

The "Can I Bring" tab has a full breakdown of the most popular items people may want to bring with them, like alcoholic beverages, bottled water, bug repellent, deodorant, electronic toothbrushes, golf clubs, vaping devices, and much more. MyTSA lets you know if you can have the item in your carry-on and checked bags. Some items have special instructions, which you'll see by tapping "see more details." This is extremely helpful to ensure that none of your items have to be left behind.

10 PackPoint travel packing list

Packing is another essential part of traveling; you want to ensure you have everything you need and appropriate clothing for where you’re going. With this app, packing will be the least of your worries. First, you’ll need to enter a little information about your trip: when and where you’re going, the duration, and the intended activities. PackPoint will then generate a packing list based on the expected weather and chosen activities, and you can check them off the list as you pack. New items can be manually added if needed, and you can swipe to remove items you don’t need.

While PackPoint is free, you can upgrade to Premium for a one-time payment of $2.99. Upgrading removes ads and unlocks custom packing templates, custom activities, TripIt integration, and Evernote integration. PackPoint practically does all the thinking for you when it comes to packing, plus it’s incredibly user-friendly, so you can’t beat the price.

It's the perfect time to start planning a trip

From packing apps to apps that help you find hiking and biking trails, the details of your next trip will all fall into place. Forget the travel agency and plan your lodging, activities, and navigation on your smartphone. While it can seem stressful to plan out every detail of your trip, you'll save money doing so, plus have the apps at your fingertips the entire duration of your journey. If you're really trying to stick to a budget, complement your travel planning with these apps for cheap travel .

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Array of a travel-related items grouped on a table, including a smartphone, map, camera and a mug of tea.

10 of the best travel apps … that you'll actually use

No one needs a smartphone full of gimmicky apps. We’ve rounded up a selection of the best tools for the digital-savvy traveller

The updated 2017 version of the best travel apps

For a long time, whenever I was spotted using Google Maps to navigate London’s public transport network a friend would look over and prod: “Oh, don’t you use Citymapper?” Eventually, I relented.

Comprehensive, easy to use and also playful, Citymapper offers more detailed journey planner information than Google, including real-time departures and disruption alerts, as well as Uber integration and cycle routes. It is available in around 30 cities worldwide, with all the obvious city-break destinations covered. It even tells you how long your journey will take by jetpack – useless information really, but hopefully something to cheer you up when your train is cancelled. Free, iOS and Android, citymapper.com

Over 70 million people have registered with Duolingo, a free and incredibly well-designed language learning app. Though not a replacement for proper language tuition, the app is a fun way to get the basics, or to keep yourself fresh on grammar and vocabulary, before a trip abroad. Just like a computer game, the app guides you through levels that you need to complete before advancing, and you gain experience points along the way. Free, iOS and Android, duolingo.com

XE Currency

XE is the go-to site for currency conversions on the web, so it’s no surprise that its app is so popular: with over 20 million downloads since launch. It has lots of business-oriented features, such as rates for precious metals and historic currency charts, but for the traveller it is most useful for the simple fact that it’s able to convert every world currency. It also functions offline by saving the last updated rates, which is great if you’re in a place with limited connectivity or trying to save on data. Free, iOS and Android, xe.com

A bit like a pocket travel agent, Tripit pulls together travel information from your confirmation emails for flights, hotels, rental cars, events bookings and converts it into a single itinerary. Just forward your emails to the app and it will do the rest. If you’re travelling with others you can easily share the plans, making this a useful app for coordinating a group trip. Free, iOS and Android, tripit.com

There is a selection of apps out there to help you split bills ( Tipulator , Splitwise etc), but Splittr is geared up for travelling, providing a simple platform to share costs between friends. You can enter expenses as you go, including who paid what and the app will do the rest. A nice touch for longer, multi-destination trips is that all currencies are supported and you can mix currencies without having to do the conversion yourself. £1.49, splittrapp.com

App in the Air

Not exactly slick by name, though certainly slick by nature, App in the Air is a smart, straightforward, flight tracking app that has the best coverage of airlines and airports. It will keep you updated about flight status – even if you don’t have internet coverage – and helps you manage your time at the airport, breaking down each flight into four stages; check in, boarding, takeoff and landing time. It also integrates with Tripit (above) allowing you to import all your flights. Free, iOS and Android, appintheair.mobi

Google Translate

This translator can be a useful tool to support your own, more serious language learning, but realistically, it’s most useful on a practical level quickly translating day-to-day words you come across on your travels. For example, you can hold your camera up to text – such as a sign, or a menu – and Google will translate it for you instantly. It’s an essential app for any traveller. Free, iOS and Android

LiveTrekker

This ambitious app creates a digital journal of your travels so you can look back on your trips on an interactive map. The app tracks you as you go, marking a red line along a map on the exact route you take; the app also monitors your speed and altitude, making it great for adventure travellers, though it’s just as fun to look back at your route around a city. You can add pictures, video, audio and text along the way, creating a multimedia travel diary you can share. Free, iOS and Android, livetrekker.com

Wolfram Sun Exposure

There are a few apps out there that help you manage your time in the sun safely, but this one offers the most detailed information to keep you informed. You enter your skin type and it calculates how long you can spend sunning yourself before getting burned, based on the time of day, where you are and the strength of sun cream you’re wearing. It also provides UV forecasts for your location. £0.79, iOS

When you’re done browsing Guardian Travel, of course, the Time Out app is a great directory of ideas of things to do in cities around the world. With coverage from Accra to Amsterdam, Edinburgh to Singapore, the app covers everything from bars, restaurants, attractions and events. The event finder is a particularly useful tool, meaning you’ll never struggle to find the most popular concerts, festivals or one-off happenings going on around you. You can also book restaurants and concert tickets through the app and create a customised travel guide for your holiday. Free, iOS and Android

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45+ best free travel apps you want to download for your next trip

Does this have an app? This is me, every time I find out about some helpful resource I can use for my trips. After traveling around the world for more than 8 years now and writing an eBook about ways to travel on a low budget , I think I have tried and tested almost all the apps out there.

The best free travel apps will help you navigate an unfamiliar place with ease, manage to travel without speaking all languages, find better flight deals, join the cool activities you want, and even find a public toilet around. If there’s a need for it, there’s an app for it, this is what I always say. Check them out below and see which ones you prefer!

Yes, it’s true guys, there might be affiliate links in this awesome, free post. This means that if you decide to buy something that you find here, and you use one of my links to do so, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I plan to use this money on ice cream, chocolate, and to travel more so I can write these useful guides for you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Best free navigation apps.

With so many options available when it comes to navigation, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. Luckily, there are several free navigation apps available that can help you navigate your way through unfamiliar territories. When it comes to choosing a navigation app for travel, there are several features that you should consider. So, before you hit the road, be sure to download one of these top-rated navigation apps.

Google Maps

Google Maps is undoubtedly one of the best free travel apps out there. It’s like having ALL of your father’s maps in your pocket! Not only does it provide accurate and detailed maps of any location you’re interested in, but it also offers real-time traffic updates, public transportation schedules, and even restaurant reviews.

Whether you’re exploring a new city or trying to navigate your way through an unfamiliar neighborhood, Google Maps has got you covered. Plus, with the ability to download offline maps, you can access them even when you don’t have an internet connection. You can also use Google MyMaps to save your desired locations in one go. I even have map collections to sell in my shop , this is how useful I find them.

If you’re buying any JR Pass product with my affiliate link, whether it is a train pass , a portable Wi-Fi , or the Meet & Greet package, send me a copy of your receipt at [email protected] and you’ll get my Japan Map Collection entirely for free!

Google Maps also has great coverage, with maps available for most parts of the world. You can easily search for your destination and get directions, even if you’re in a foreign country. Additionally, it provides information about nearby places such as restaurants, gas stations, and hotels, making it easy to plan your trip.

What’s cool about this app is that it’s useful to you as a driver and as a pedestrian. It gives you reliable driving information like traffic data and alternative routes, but also walkable areas and information about various places of interest like restaurants, museums, and businesses.

Waze is a free navigation app that uses real-time data to provide users with the best traffic information. It is a community-driven app that relies on user-generated data to provide accurate and up-to-date information about traffic conditions, road closures, accidents, and more.

With Waze, you can get turn-by-turn directions to your destination and receive alerts about traffic conditions along the way. The app also allows you to customize your route based on your preferences, such as avoiding toll roads or highways. As a user, you can voluntarily provide information to help other traffic participants, thus ensuring a nice environment for everyone around.

One of the best features of Waze is its ability to provide real-time information about traffic conditions. The app uses data from other users to provide accurate information about traffic congestion, accidents, and road closures. This means that you can avoid traffic jams and get to your destination faster.

A cool feature of this app that I use all the time is the notification when you are above the speed limit. It’s not 100% accurate as it cannot know the temporary limitations that appear, but for the most part, you’ll be notified if you’re above the limit. Raise your hand if you have never missed a speed limit sign before! No one? Yeah, I thought so!

If public transportation is your thing, then Moovit is one of the best all-in-one options available. This app is available across the world, making it a great choice for travelers who need to navigate unfamiliar cities. Moovit offers real-time public transit information, including bus and train schedules, as well as alerts for delays and other service disruptions. The app also provides step-by-step directions that are tailored to your specific route, so you can easily get from point A to point B.

One of the standout features of Moovit is its ability to integrate with other transportation options, such as ride-sharing services and bike-sharing programs. This means that you can easily plan a multi-modal trip that combines different forms of transportation to get you where you need to go.

In addition to its navigation features, Moovit also includes several helpful tools for public transit riders. For example, you can use the app to track your bus or train in real time, so you know exactly when it will arrive at your stop. You can also use Moovit to find nearby transit stops and stations, as well as to view maps of transit routes in your area.

While most big cities have their app that is the single source of truth, not all of them are translated into English. Having a free universal app when traveling is better than trying to understand directions in Japanese , believe me!

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Trainline is another fantastic free travel app that every traveler should have on their phone, especially if traveling within Europe. It’s the perfect tool for booking train tickets, checking train schedules, and even tracking your train in real time. With Trainline, you can easily compare prices from different train companies and find the best deals for your journey.

The cool thing about this free travel app is that it can combine tickets from multiple providers, thus giving you the best cost-effective way to travel. Whether you’re a frequent train traveler or just planning a one-time trip, Trainline is a must-have app that will make your travel experience a breeze. So next time you’re planning a train journey, make sure to download Trainline and enjoy the convenience it brings.

DiscoverCars

DiscoverCars is one of the best free travel apps if you’re looking to rent a car. With this app, you can easily compare prices from different car rental companies and find the best deals for your dates and needs. DiscoverCars also offers a wide range of car options, from economy cars to luxury vehicles, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

What’s more, the app also provides a 24/7 customer support service, ensuring that you always have someone to turn to in case of any issues. Whether you’re planning a road trip or just need a car for a few days, DiscoverCars has got you covered. Stop manually comparing rental companies and prices and get all of your information in one place.

If you’re a hiking enthusiast, Alltrails is the perfect app for you. With over 400,000 trails in its database, Alltrails allows you to discover hiking trails near you and around the world. The app provides detailed information on each trail, including distance, difficulty level, and elevation gain.

One of the best features of Alltrails is the trail maps. The app provides detailed maps of each trail, so you can easily navigate your way through the hike. The maps also show the elevation gain and loss, so you can prepare yourself for the difficulty of the hike. While it also has a paid plan, the free one is just enough for most people, especially when beginning their hiking journey.

Alltrails allows you to save your favorite trails and create your hiking routes. The app also allows you to record your hikes and share them with your friends. You can even download the trail maps for offline use, so you don’t have to worry about losing signal while you’re out on the trail.

Best free apps for finding cheap flights

Dollar flight club & jack’s flight club.

Dollar Flight Club is a fantastic free travel app that helps you find the best deals on flights. With this app, you can get alerts for discounted flights to destinations all around the world. It’s perfect for anyone who loves to travel but doesn’t want to break the bank.

Jack’s Flight Club is another great free travel app that helps you find cheap flights to your favorite destinations. With this app, you can get alerts for flight deals from your home airport and even book flights directly through the app. It’s a must-have for anyone who wants to save money on flights.

When it comes to choosing between Dollar Flight Club and Jack’s Flight Club, it comes down to personal preference. Both apps offer similar services, but Jack’s Flight Club tends to focus more on flights starting in Europe while Dollar Flight Club is more geared towards the USA market. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which app best suits your travel needs and budget.

Both of them offer a free plan and 2 paid plans, and you can decide later if you want to upgrade. If I had to choose between the two free plans, I’d choose the one from DFC , as it sends you better deals than Jack’s Flight Club . This is, of course, my personal preference, feel free to try them both and let me know how it works for you. You can also check my recommended travel items to see what else I use for myself.

Skyscanner & Kiwi

Skyscanner is an amazing free travel app that helps you find the cheapest flights to your desired destination. With this app, you can compare prices from different airlines and even set up price alerts for specific flights. My favorite feature is the ability to leave the destination open, so your budget can actually guide your destination, but I also love the ability to choose the dates based on prices. It’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want to save money on airfare.

Kiwi is another great free travel app that offers similar features to Skyscanner. What I particularly like about it is the map feature that’s giving you a good overview of the options you have available.

When it comes to choosing between Skyscanner and Kiwi, it depends on your travel style. Skyscanner is great for finding the cheapest direct flights while Kiwi is perfect for those who want to explore multiple destinations on a single trip. Both apps offer unique features and benefits, so it’s up to you to decide which one best suits your travel needs and preferences.

If you’re looking for a free travel app that can help you plan your next trip, then Hopper is worth checking out. This app uses advanced algorithms to analyze flight prices and predict when they will be at their lowest. You can set up price alerts for specific flights and even book your flights directly through the app.

Hopper also offers a feature called Carrot Cash which allows you to gather rewards and unlock discounts. This is perfect for traveling a lot, as you can use your rewards on any future trips. This can be applied to anything from flights to accommodation to rental cars. Now, who doesn’t want rewards?

Best free apps to book accommodation

After you booked your flights, let’s assume you don’t plan on staying on the streets. While accommodation can rarely be free, finding it doesn’t have to cost you a dime. While you might already know some of these free travel apps, I’m sure you don’t know all of them, and I’m sure there’s something helpful you can find in this section as well. Check them out below!

Booking & Agoda

Booking and Agoda are two of the best free travel apps for booking accommodations. Booking offers a wide range of options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, and even vacation rentals. You can easily filter your search by price, location, and amenities to find the perfect place to stay.

Agoda, on the other hand, specializes in booking accommodations in Asia, and this is what I prefer it for. It offers a large selection of hotels, resorts, and guesthouses in popular destinations like Thailand, Bali, and Japan . Some accommodation options are not even available anywhere else, and when comparing prices in Asia, Agoda often comes at a better price than Booking.

When it comes to choosing between the two, it depends on your travel destination and accommodation preferences. If you’re traveling to Asia, Agoda is a great option, while Booking is perfect for finding accommodations all around the world. Ultimately, both apps offer great features and benefits, so it’s up to you to decide which one best suits your travel needs.

Secret Escapes

If you’re looking for a free travel app that offers exclusive deals on luxury hotels and vacation packages, then Secret Escapes is the perfect app for you. This app provides access to hand-picked hotels and resorts around the world, with discounts of up to 60% off the regular price. You can browse through a wide range of destinations and find the perfect accommodation for your next trip. S

Secret Escapes is offering you the last available rooms at luxury locations, this being the reason they’re so heavily discounted. Believe it or not, even top hotels hate empty rooms, so they’d rather give them for a lower price than have them empty. With this app, you can enjoy a luxurious vacation without breaking the bank. So, if you’re looking for a great deal on a luxury hotel or resort , be sure to check out Secret Escapes and start planning your dream vacation today.

While most apps will offer you various rooms available at various hotels, the Roomer travel app is different. This app allows you to buy and sell non-refundable hotel reservations that you can no longer use, often at a discounted price. You can browse through a wide range of hotel reservations and find great deals on luxurious accommodations.

Roomer also offers a feature called “Explore,” which allows you to find a hotel room without specifying exact dates or destination specifics. This is perfect for anyone who has some flexibility in their travel plans and wants to find the best deals. So, if you’re looking for a way to sell your non-refundable rooms or buy one from someone else, check out this app and enjoy their portfolio.

HotelTonight

If you’re someone who loves to book last-minute trips (I know I am!), then Hotel Tonight is the perfect free travel app for you. This app offers exclusive deals on hotel rooms that are available for booking on the same day or up to a week in advance. You can browse through a wide range of hotels and find great deals on luxurious accommodations.

What’s nice about this service is their very helpful app. If you’re booking something last minute, you rarely have time to stay at a computer and book the room online. With this app, you can enjoy a spontaneous trip without worrying about finding a place to stay. So, if you’re someone who loves to travel on a whim, be sure to have HotelTonight readily available for your next trip.

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Best budgeting apps for iphone or android.

Worried about overspending? I’ve got you covered! In this section, we’ll be exploring the best budgeting apps for iPhone or Android that can help you keep track of your expenses and stick to your travel budget. These apps are easy to use and will help you stay on top of your finances while on the road. So, whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler or just want to keep track of your expenses, be sure to check them out and start planning your next adventure without breaking the bank.

If you’re someone who loves to travel but hates dealing with foreign currency and high exchange rates, then Revolut is the perfect free travel app for you. This app provides a range of financial services, including a multi-currency account, a prepaid debit card, and the ability to exchange currency at one of the best exchange rates out there.

With Revolut, you can easily manage your money while on the road and avoid costly fees. The app also offers a range of other features, including budget tracking and the ability to split bills with friends. I use this app so much, I have created a special blog post all about ways to use Revolut for your travel needs . And yes, it does have a paid plan as well, but most people are absolutely fine with the free one for a long time.

If you’re traveling with a group of friends or family, keeping track of expenses can be a challenge. That’s where Tricount comes in – this free travel app makes it easy to split expenses and keep track of who owes what. With Tricount, you can create a shared expense list and add expenses as you go, whether it’s for accommodation, meals, or activities.

The app will automatically calculate how much each person owes and keep a running total, and it gives you the best option to settle everything, without you having to calculate what you have to pay and to whom. Tricount also allows you to settle up directly within the app, making it easy to split the bill and avoid any awkward conversations. So, if you’re traveling with a group and want to avoid any financial headaches, be sure to download Tricount and start enjoying your trip without any worries.

TravelSpend

If you’re someone who wants (or needs) to keep track of your travel expenses in real-time, then TravelSpend is the perfect free travel app for you. This app allows you to track your expenses, create budgets, and get a clear overview of your spending while on the road. With Travel Spend, you can easily add expenses as you go, whether it’s for transportation, accommodation, or meals.

The app will automatically categorize your expenses and provide you with insights into your spending habits. Travel Spend also allows you to set a daily budget and receive notifications when you’re close to reaching your limit. So, if you’re someone who wants to stay on top of your finances while traveling, be sure to download TravelSpend and start enjoying your trip without any financial worries.

Xe currency converter

Xe currency converter is the perfect free travel app for you when traveling to a foreign country. This app allows you to easily convert currencies and get up-to-date exchange rates for over 180 currencies. With this currency converter, you can quickly calculate how much your money is worth in the local currency and avoid any confusion or surprises when making purchases.

The app also offers a range of other features, including the ability to track your favorite currencies and set alerts for when exchange rates reach a certain level. So, whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, be sure to download the Xe currency converter and start exploring the world without worrying about exchange rates.

Best free travel planning apps

When it comes to travel planning, I’m such a huge nerd I highly suspect this is why no one is coming on vacation with us (anymore). So sharing the absolute best free travel apps to help you plan your trip is like the holy grail for me! Let’s explore the best free apps for travel planning, from itinerary creation to sightseeing recommendations. These apps will help you plan your trip with ease and make the most of your time on the road. So, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, be sure to check them out and start planning your dream adventure today!

While Trello is not a travel-specific app, it can be an incredibly useful tool for organizing your travel plans. This is a free project management app that allows you to create boards, lists, and cards to keep track of tasks and ideas. You can use Trello to create a travel itinerary, track your packing list, and even keep track of your expenses.

The app allows you to collaborate with others, making it perfect for group trips or family vacations. With Trello, you can stay organized and on top of your travel plans, ensuring that you don’t miss a thing. I particularly like the fact that you can use it on any device and you can customize it for your needs. And once you have a template ready, you can reuse it forever.

The app is free to use. They have a few premium features you might be interested in, but I have managed to use it only with the free version until now. You can either create your template or use a pre-defined one like the one I created , and you can re-use it for each trip by customizing each board per your needs.

If you’re an over-planner like myself but a more visual person than a spreadsheet one, then Trello is for you!

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Visit A City

If you’re someone who loves to explore new cities but hates the hassle of planning an itinerary, then Visit A City is the perfect free travel app for you. This app provides pre-made itineraries for over 1,000 cities around the world, making it easy to plan your trip and make the most of your time on the road. While it’s not perfect, and it won’t cover things that only first-hand experienced travelers can share with you, it’s a great starting point for any travel planner.

With Visit a City, you can customize your itinerary based on your interests and preferences, whether it’s sightseeing, food, or culture. The app also provides useful information about each destination, including maps, restaurants, and transportation options. So, if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to plan your next city adventure, be sure to download Visit A City and start exploring the world without any stress.

Wanderlog & TripIt & TripCase

Wanderlog is a free travel app that allows you to create a digital travel journal and share your adventures with friends and family. You can easily add photos, notes, and locations to your journal, making it the perfect way to document your trip and relive your memories. This app makes your life easy as you keep everything in one place: that random thing you read about in this blog post will be in the same app as your flight reservation number and accommodation confirmation document.

TripIt is another free travel app that allows you to organize your travel plans in one place. Simply forward your confirmation emails to TripIt, and the app will create a master itinerary for your trip. Its special feature is the integration with SAP Concur, so if you’re traveling often for business purposes, this is the app for you!

TripCase is a similar app that allows you to organize your travel plans, including flight information, hotel reservations, and rental car bookings, but it also caters to travel management companies, so you can share some of your tasks with a travel agency, for example. Getting more information about this app is quite hard without an account though, so first decide if it’s really useful to you before you sign up for it.

When it comes to choosing between Wanderlog, TripIt, and TripCase, it depends on your travel needs. If you’re someone who just needs to organize their collected data and share it with others, then WanderLog is the perfect app for you. If you’re looking for a way to organize your travel plans and keep everything in one place, then TripIt and TripCase are both great options. TripIt is perfect for business travelers who need to keep track of multiple itineraries, while TripCase is great for leisure travelers who want to stay on top of their travel plans. Ultimately, all three apps offer great features and benefits, so it’s up to you to decide which one best suits your travel needs.

Roadtrippers

If you’re someone who loves to hit the open road and explore new destinations, then Roadtrippers is the perfect free travel app for you. This app allows you to plan your road trip, find the best routes, and discover new destinations along the way. With Roadtrippers, you can easily add stops to your itinerary, whether it’s for sightseeing, food, or just a place to refuel and rest.

The app also provides useful information about each destination, including photos, reviews, and ratings. Roadtrippers also offers a feature specifically for RV-ers, so your trips will be curated for your needs and special requirements. So, if you’re looking for a way to plan your next road trip and discover new destinations, be sure to download Roadtrippers and start exploring the world on four wheels. And if you’re interested in their paid plans, use code “ BTR5QTP ” to get $5 off!

Google sheets

I know, I know, this is just too basic, it’s not even a real app! But if you’re the sort of person that visualizes things better in tables rather than a nice UI, hear me out. While Google Sheets is not a travel-specific app, it can be an incredibly useful tool for organizing your travel plans. This free spreadsheet app allows you to create and customize spreadsheets to keep track of your travel expenses, itinerary, and packing lists.

With Google Sheets, you can easily share your spreadsheet with others, making it perfect for group trips or family vacations. The app also allows you to access your spreadsheet from any device, making it easy to update your plans on the go. And if you’re a bit savvy with these things, you can even implement formulas and calculations to help you plan with ease. With Google Sheets, you can stay organized and on top of your travel plans, ensuring that you don’t miss a thing.

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Top free travel apps for flights, apple or android wallet.

This might seem like such an easy thing, but I’m amazed at least once a month that not everyone knows about it already. Apple or Android Wallet is the perfect free travel app for any traveler. This app allows you to store your credit cards, boarding passes, and other travel documents conveniently on your phone.

With Apple or Android Wallet, you can easily access your travel documents and make purchases without having to fumble through your wallet or purse. The app also offers a range of other features, including the ability to store loyalty cards and gift cards. So, if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to store your travel documents and make purchases on the go, be sure to use Apple or Android Wallet on your next adventure.

Miles apps from airlines

Miles & More and similar free apps allow you to earn and redeem miles for flights and use them to get free flights, upgrades, and lounge access. These apps are perfect for frequent travelers who want to earn rewards for their travels, especially if you mostly use the same airline or airlines within the same alliance.

Miles & More is just one example of a loyalty program app, as many airlines and alliances have their loyalty programs with similar apps. These apps allow you to earn and redeem rewards, track your progress, and access exclusive offers and promotions. While your miles can technically be tracked without the app, it’s easier for you to check your status if you have this handy tool available.

Airline apps

Airlines apps are a must-have for any traveler, as they allow you to access important information about your flight, including flight status, gate changes, and boarding times. These apps also allow you to check in for your flight and access your boarding pass directly on your phone, making the airport experience much smoother and more efficient.

Many airlines also offer additional features on their apps, such as the ability to track your baggage, book flights, and access exclusive offers and promotions. I can go even further and tell you that gate changes and delays are sometimes found easier in the app than in the airport, so your app might tell you what the check-in employee doesn’t even know yet. And if you have to rebook your flight because of a cancelation, you’ll have an easy way to do so. Check out below my helpful PDF with ways to avoid delayed and missed flights and learn more handy tips like this one!

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FlightRadar24

For those situations when you need to track flights and stay up-to-date on flight information, the FlightRadar24 app is the perfect free travel app for you. This app allows you to track flights in real-time, see flight paths, and get up-to-date information on flight status, delays, and cancellations. With FlightRadar24, you can easily search for flights by flight number, airline, or airport, making it easy to find the information you need.

The app also offers a range of other features, including the ability to view airport information and weather conditions. So, if you’re looking for a way to stay on top of your flight information and avoid any surprises at the airport, be sure to download FlightRadar24 and check out all the cool information it provides.

Have you ever thought you had a great seat for a long-haul flight, but then arrived on the aircraft and you were next to the restroom, and your seat was not reclining? If you would have known about SeatGuru, your life would have been much better. This app provides detailed seating charts for over 1,000 airlines, allowing you to find the best seats on your flight.

With SeatGuru, you can easily search for your flight and view the seating chart, which includes information about legroom, seat width, and other amenities. The app also provides useful information about each airline, including baggage fees, in-flight entertainment, and food options. So, if you’re looking for a way to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable flight, be sure to download SeatGuru and find the best seats on your next flight.

If you have ever experienced flight delays, cancellations, or overbooking, then AirHelp is the perfect free(mium) travel app for you. This app helps you claim compensation for flight disruptions, such as delayed or canceled flights. With Airhelp, you can quickly check if you’re eligible for compensation, file a claim, and track the progress of your case. The app also provides useful information about your rights as a passenger, including compensation amounts and airline regulations.

Yes, they do take a commission if they get you the compensation, but this is paid only in case of success so you’re not paying unless you’re compensated. They also have a yearly subscription you can buy that gets you the full amount in case of disputes, so you might want to check this out as well. Otherwise, the freemium version is good as well. No matter what, if you’ve experienced a flight disruption, even in the last 3 years, and want to claim compensation, be sure to download Airhelp and get the compensation you deserve.

Airhelp - one of the best free travel apps

Sandeman Tours

Are you a history buff like myself? Are you passionate about history and culture? If so, then Sandemans Tours is the perfect free travel app for you. This app offers a range of free walking tours in cities around the world, led by local guides who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and insights. With Sandemans Tours, you can easily book your tour, meet your guide, and explore the city’s top landmarks and hidden gems.

The app also offers a range of other features, including the ability to access your tour information offline and receive instant confirmation. While the tours are not exactly free, as you usually offer the guide a small tip at the end, you decide how much you pay based on the quality of the tour, and the guides are usually really helpful and nice.

Want a scratch map but have nowhere to display it? While this is one of the coolest ways to display travel souvenirs, sometimes your situation doesn’t allow for this creative outlet. Well, let me introduce Skratch, your online scratch map! This cool little app allows you to save various maps, from the places you’ve already seen to the ones you’d like to add to your bucket list.

With unlocking features that allow a bit of fun gamification and ways to organize your travel memories like photos and video, Skratch might just become your cute way of keeping up with all of your trips like it’s a long-forgotten photo album. Check it out when you have a chance!

Top useful travel apps

Aren’t all these apps useful? Well, yes, but this is the section where I put all the apps that didn’t fit anywhere else, but are still important. Because no matter how well you plan everything, and how organized you are with your documents and your flight information, you’ll need the following travel apps as well.

Instabridge

Please raise your hand if you have ever depended on the free Wi-Fi from Starbucks while on a trip. Yeah, me too! Instabridge is an app created for people like us. This app allows you to easily find and connect to free Wi-Fi networks in your destination, making it easy to stay connected without using your data plan. With Instabridge, you can easily search for Wi-Fi networks by location, view Wi-Fi maps, and connect to the networks directly through the app.

The app also offers a range of other features, including the ability to save your favorite networks and receive notifications when you’re near a Wi-Fi hotspot, plus you can choose to buy an eSIM from them if you’re really in need of internet on the go (although I recommend AirAlo for this service). Please keep in mind though that these types of networks are not the safest in the world, so don’t share any sensitive information while using this feature. Check out my other ways to keep your valuables safe while traveling here to know more.

Excuse me, do you know where the toilet is? This is me literally every time I’m out. And to not have to learn this phrase in too many languages, I have found an online solution for it: the Flush app, for both Apple and Android . Because you know what? I cannot be the only one doing all sorts of less-than-healthy things to avoid needing to use the restroom while away. So this app might sound stupid, but it’s OMG so useful!

Timeshifter

Picture this: you’re in Japan, you finally arrived after a 12-hour flight, and you’re scrolling aimlessly on your phone at 3 AM. I don’t have to picture it, I have lived it! And it’s about as bad as it sounds. And you’ll find all sorts of information on how to handle jet lag, but keeping track of which direction you’re flying to and what time you’re landing and all of that may be way too much work for what’s supposed to be a vacation.

So, enter Timeshifter! This cool app will tell you exactly what you need to do to minimize the jet lag impact on your body. It’ll tell you when to go to sleep, when to stay exposed to plenty of sunshine, when to avoid caffeine and it can even help you choose if you want to use melatonin or not. Especially if you’re traveling a lot for work, check out this app to help you enjoy your trips more.

Google Translate & DeepL

A classic, of course, but it has to be mentioned. Google Translate is an app you want for any international trip, as it can help you get around a foreign country. It has cool features like using the camera to “read” a text, translating live conversations, and being able to save the languages offline, so you can access them even when you don’t have internet available.

DeepL is my favorite translation app, but this is just a matter of preference. Their solution is more accurate than Google Translate, but it covers fewer languages and they don’t offer the offline language option. I would say DeepL is better if you need high-precision information like if you’re reading a contract, but if you just want to translate a menu at a restaurant (and you don’t have allergies), you can go by Google Translate.

Headed to Paris and you want to order your coffee in French? Then start practicing with Duolingo and be bullied daily into doing your 5 minutes of exercise. I’m not joking, the gamification features of this app are borderline bullying, but hey, there’s nothing like a shaming owl to make you practice your French now, isn’t it?

The app is pretty basic, so don’t expect to be able to read Moliere after using it for a week (for more advanced language classes you can check out Babbel+ , even though this is not free), but you’ll learn enough to get by for a short while, and at least you can prove that you tried. In the end, no one expects a traveler to speak the language of the country they’re visiting, so any effort from your side is appreciated.

When going on vacation, take half of the things and double the money, they say. But sometimes, that’s just wasteful to choose to buy new stuff when you have perfectly good stuff at home. So, to keep your packing lists in order, and to get helpful information on what to pack for various destinations and occasions, check out Packpoint.

While you can mostly get away with a Notes app for your packing list, PackPoint is also providing you with helpful recommendations based on the information you provide, like the destination, season, and occasion you are going to. It’s very simple to use and it simplifies your life a lot, especially if you’re packing for more than one person.

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Tunnelbear vpn.

Especially if traveling in “exotic” places. where you know information is either censored or influenced, it’s better to use a VPN to protect your data. I give more details about this in my travel safety post, but the short story is: use a VPN as much as possible when away.

While there are many paid options available everywhere (like NordVPN , for example), there’s also a free version called TunnelBear VPN. It’s free for the first 500 Mb, so don’t get excited, but hey, free is free! And it might just be enough for your needs really, so check it out when you have a chance.

To tip or not to tip? This is the real question! I don’t know about you, but where I come from, you tip most people from the service industry at a rate of about 10% of the bill. Where I live now, you can leave a few euro as a tip for your waiter, but it’s not mandatory, and you rarely tip another service provider. In Japan, you don’t have to tip, and they’ll even follow you on the street to give you the money you “forgot” on the table. And in the US, well, we all know how that goes. So, how do you decide?

So you don’t have to panic about this, you can use GlobeTips. It not only calculates how much you own so you don’t have to do the mental gymnastics yourself, but you can also scan the bill using your camera and calculate how much each person from the table should add when paying. This is a lifesaver after you’ve had a couple of beers in Germany, you know?

Metric conversions

Yes, the world indeed would be a better place if we would all use the same units, for example, the metric system and Celsius for the temperature. USA-ers, please don’t throw tomatoes at me, you guys know that comparing things with football fields is not a good use of your time and energy. But it’s not my place to change the world so, maybe use an app instead?

This simple app will help you with all of your conversion needs. No matter if you need to calculate how long that 300 km trip will take or if you want to understand how to dress tomorrow based on the temperature, this app will help you without judging.

What’s one of the best parts about a trip? Eating all the food, am I right? If you’re one of the people that like to book tables to ensure they will att at the best restaurants around, TheFork is the app for you. The app offers not only reviews but also the option to book a table and discounts for certain restaurants around the world. It is majorly used in Europe, but hey, if we use it long enough, it will spread to other parts of the world as well.

SmartTraveler & Emergency app

Developed by public organizations, safety apps are a must for any international traveler. While most of them are developed with US Americans in mind, I think most countries have developed their app for their citizens, with important information like alerts and embassy information. I cannot realistically link to all of them so you’ll have to check them out yourself, based on where you’re from and where you’re going to.

Also, keep in mind that sometimes you should also download local safety apps from your destination. Japan is one of the countries where you should be aware of earthquakes and tsunamis, so downloading their app is a good way to be prepared. A short Google search for “best apps for ” will bring you this information for sure.

Global Blue

One of my favorite budget tips (by the way, did you know I wrote an eBook with tips to travel on a low budget ?) is to get a tax refund when shopping abroad if you have the option to do so. While some stores will do this on their own, plenty of them will use Global Blue for this.

And yes, Global Blue is keeping a part of your refunded money for the trouble, but in some situations, you would never get a refund if they wouldn’t exist. It’s usually the store’s choice how they want to handle this so realistically, you cannot influence it. But less money is better than no money, you know?

Want to travel more without increasing your budget? Check out my eBook on ways to travel on a low budget and make it happen!

Yes, it’s called that. I mean, you can choose any weather app really, or you can use the default one most phones have already, but why not make a boring subject like the weather a bit more fun? With this app, you’ll find out the weather and the latest burns in one go. Now, isn’t that something you need on a rainy day?

The best free travel apps – The takeaway

I hope you found this post useful as much as I loved writing it. Having the best free travel apps nicely explained like this will be helpful for all of my future trips, and I hope they will for you as well. From finding a room for a very good price to being sure you are safe at all times, these apps will make your life easier and your trips better, and I’d be happy to know I helped with that.

And you know what else would help you on your future trips? These little-known tips to help you avoid delayed and missed flights and reduce your chances of lost luggage. Because there are things you can do to avoid it, and you want to be the one to know.

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The 9 Best Travel Apps for 2024

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If you love to travel, you know how chaotic planning and taking a trip can be. That's where a great travel app can help you get organized. From booking reservations to managing them, from packing to planning, from eating to paying to communicating to getting around, we researched the best travel apps to help you plan your next adventure.

Best for Travel Planning: Kayak

Researching prices is fast and easy.

Finds independent hotels and short term rentals you may not see otherwise.

Book almost any travel method.

App is user-friendly.

Can't take advantage of loyalty programs you may belong to.

The award-winning travel app Kayak allows you to search for flights, hotels, and car rentals. The clean interface gives you a full list of possible options, including reduced hacker fares, where you book outgoing and returning flights with two separate airlines. Set filters to find exactly what you want quickly and easily.

Not sure if now's the right time to pull the trigger? The app answers that question by indicating when prices will go up.

Download For:

Best for Packing Help: PackPoint

Configure trip lists according to your specific plans.

Simple, easy-to-navigate interface.

Hide irrelevant items and add new items to your list.

Must upgrade to Premium to create custom packing lists.

A delight for anyone who hates packing, PackPoint tells you exactly what to bring. First, enter where you're going, when, and for how long. Choose business or leisure, then select the activities you'll be doing. The app develops a list based on your information and expected weather. Check items off as you pack, or swipe to remove ones you don't need.

The paid-for premium version ($2.99) removes ads, gives you custom activities and packing templates, and integrates TripIt and Evernote.

Best for Last-Minute Hotel Deals: HotelTonight

Book last-minute rooms at great prices.

Browse photos and ratings to get a feel for the hotel.

Can't select your room type.

Prices don't include taxes and fees.

Whether you're a seat-of-your-pants type traveler or want a backup plan in case your reservations don't work out, try HotelTonight. Tell the app where you want to stay and watch the deals appear on your screen. Tap one to get additional details. A few more taps to pay, and you have a room for the night.

You can make reservations further in advance, but the longer you wait, the better the deals are.

Best for Navigating: Citymapper

Find out which method is fastest (for example, train vs. Lyft).

Know the cost of your chosen route ahead of time.

See preferred routes to avoid the rain.

Not all transportation services offer updates through Citymapper.

Not all cities are in the app's coverage area.

Navigating a new city can be maddening if you don't know how to use the local transportation systems. With Citymapper, you'll get around like a local in no time, exploring and enjoying your new surroundings.

Pick your city, then choose a location or your preferred mode of transportation. Citymapper gives you complete, clear instructions on how to reach your destination hassle-free, whether walking, taking an Uber, or traveling by train.

Be sure to switch to the right city before downloading the app.

Best for Travel Tips: Foursquare City Guide

Find great places to eat and drink.

Tips and advice from members of a global community.

Keep a history of the places you've been.

Use of GPS can deplete your battery.

This app makes finding somewhere to eat or a fun activity easy. Enter the area you want to search and what you're looking for, such as breakfast, nightlife, or things to do. Use the flexible filters (distance, price, open now, and places you've been) to narrow your search. Tap your selection to see additional details, including ratings and photos. If you like the location, add it to a custom list.

Best for Finding Your Way Around: Google Maps

Maps for over 220 countries and territories.

Information on hundreds of millions of businesses.

Real-time updates help you beat traffic.

Search and navigate with offline maps.

Some features aren't available in all countries.

Google Maps is great for finding your way around in your city or anywhere in the world. Get the best route with automatic rerouting based on live traffic updates and road closures. Find information about businesses, such as if a restaurant is open. If you're somewhere with spotty internet, download an area map in advance and use it to navigate.

Best Currency Converter: XE Currency

Reliable exchange rates and charts.

Monitor up to 10 currencies.

Access live rates for every world currency and precious metal, including Bitcoin.

Perform global money transfers.

Need the Pro version if you want to monitor more than 10 currencies.

This currency converter and money-transfer tool allows you to determine exchange rates quickly and easily. Type an amount in one denomination and see the results in as many other denominations as you want. To add another currency, tap the editing icon and search for the one that corresponds to the place you'll be visiting.

Use the charts function to see how currency rates fluctuate throughout the day. The app's global transfer function allows you to send and receive money worldwide.

Best Language Translator: iTranslate

Translations are available in more than 100 languages.

Phrasebook has more than 250 predefined phrases.

Switch between dialects and voices.

Must subscribe to the Pro version to unlock some of the most useful features, such as offline translation mode.

Gone are the days of fumbling with a paper dictionary as you try to assemble sentences in a language you don't know. Use this app to type or speak your sentence and get the translation in your chosen language. A handy expansion feature lets you display the result on your screen to show to locals you're trying to communicate with. The iTranslate Phrasebook is a convenient way of looking up and learning common expressions and questions.

Best Food Finder: Zomato

Search by restaurant, cuisine, or dish.

Browse restaurant menus, photos, user ratings, and reviews.

Book a table through the app.

Find restaurants around you in Map View.

The service is not available in most areas.

Perfect for traveling foodies, this app has it all, including recommendations for a nice lunch out, trending restaurants, nightlife picks, delivery services, and where to get food to go—looking for something specific? Search for a dish or ingredient. When you find something yummy, tap it for a map, menu, reviews, and photos. When you're finished, bookmark, share, and review your experience.

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10 Of The Best Travel Apps For Android That Make Trip Planning A Breeze

T ravel is about as easy as it's ever been. You can hop on a plane, go anywhere, find accommodations once you're there, and even hail a taxi with just a few clicks or taps. Prices can be quite reasonable as long as you're keeping your expectations in check. It's not unusual for folks to take a weekend trip somewhere for no reason other than to just get out of the house. Luckily, there are plenty of good travel apps for Android to help with planning.

A smartphone has plenty of utility in a space like this. You keep it on you all the time, even on airplanes, so it's not a bad place to store your itinerary. People are relying on their smartphones a lot more for travel compared to even just a few years ago. Apps for things like hotels and transportation booking have improved by a large amount over the last five years or so. Additionally, new tools have made their way to the market.

In some cases, you may not even need an app. For instance, Google Travel is an aggregate website that includes flights, hotels, rentals, and discovery features for when you arrive in your destination city. Apps tend to be a little more reliable, though, so let's take a look at some good ones.

Airbnb is a popular travel app that lets you rent out establishments that are usually owned by real people. There are a few benefits to this approach. For starters, it's a vastly different experience than the same old hotel stay that we all know and tolerate. There are also a variety of properties available for rent in most regions, including cabins, beachfront properties, and other interesting accommodations. It's a nice way to spice up your trip without changing your itinerary too much. It's not a leap in logic to assume that a beach trip would be more fun in a beach house rather than a standard hotel.

However, there are some downsides to Airbnb. It's generally more expensive than a traditional hotel stay, especially if you go for something more exotic. For instance, we found a wonderful cabin in Ohio that costs over $700 per day to rent. That's a $2,100 weekend before taking any other expenses into consideration. Additionally, you can find the occasional horror story about owners and tenants causing drama. A little vigilance and some patience can help avoid such complications.

There aren't many apps like Airbnb, although some are trying. They include Vrbo, Booking.com, Hipcamp, and a few others, but none are as established as Airbnb. The app is free to use, but rentals obviously cost money.

Citymapper is a unique app for travelers. It sources its map information from Google Maps, so you're not using something entirely different from what you'd normally use. Where Citymapper excels is in its depth of choice. Let's say you want to go from West Side Market to the Agora Theater in Cleveland, Ohio. Citymapper not only gives you directions but also gives you options for your transportation. You can walk, take the bus, rent a scooter, or hail a cab. There is built-in support for Uber, Lyft, and several other transportation companies for cab service and scooter rentals. There are even bus schedules to help plan your day around local transportation.

Yes, it is possible to recreate a lot of this in Google Maps. However, Citymapper is built specifically for this function, so the layout of the app makes a little more sense for folks who don't often use these types of services. The only real downside of Citymapper is the lack of support for many U.S. cities. For example, in Ohio the app supports Cleveland but not Cincinnati or Columbus. That's a bit of an oversight, although there is always Google Maps to fall back on if you're somewhere without official Citymapper support.

Citymapper is free to use with advertising. You can remove the advertising with a $1.49 per month subscription.

Google Maps

Google Maps is an excellent choice for obvious reasons. It features near-ubiquitous support for most places you'd want to go, a laundry list of features for all sorts of activities, and even competes favorably with Yelp for user reviews. It's a go-to, all-in-one solution that nullifies a lot of its competitors. You can even download maps for offline use if you expect to be out of range of an Internet connection. Otherwise, most people know how Google Maps works. You can get navigation to just about anywhere. There is also support for walking, public transportation, and more.

What makes Google Maps special are a lot of the smaller, less-used features . For example, you can share your location with a friend or family member. They can use Google Maps to find your location and get to you if needed. You can also adjust your routes to save gas and search for the cheapest gas near you. The gas station prices aren't always exactly current, but it gives you a good idea. It'll even show you the speed limit when used with Android Auto. Not every feature is supported everywhere, so your mileage may vary.

Google Maps has a lot of competition in this space, such as Apple Maps. Some alternatives, like Maps.me and OsmAnd, use OpenStreetMap as a source, which can occasionally be more reliable than Google Maps and may also include some extra hiking trails or paths that Maps doesn't. Otherwise, Google Maps stands alone at the top.

Google Translate

Google Translate is another excellent app for travelers. After all, not everybody has the time or capability to learn a new foreign language for each trip they take. Google Translate is good at a number of things. You can easily type in whatever you want into the app and translate it to your language of choice. That's the main function, and it's perfectly usable in day-to-day applications. Other features, however, may see more use in practice, such as the ability of the app to take a picture of a menu or sign and translate it for you.

Perhaps the most useful feature is the conversation mode. You simply choose the languages you want and speak into the app. The app uses speech-to-text to translate what you said so the other party can read it. They can then do the same in reverse. This lets you have full conversations with people who don't speak your language. You can also use the app offline provided that you downloaded the languages you need first.

The great part about it is that it just works without much of a learning curve, so most people should be able to figure this out relatively quickly. Google Translate doesn't have a lot of competition. Microsoft Translator and DeepL Translate are making strides, but they aren't quite there yet.

Kayak is one of many apps to book travel accommodations. It lets you search for flights, hotels, and rental cars for your trip, all within essentially the same experience. For flights, you input your start and end destinations and dates, which leads the app to pull up available flights. There is then a process that sorts them by the cheapest so you can find the best deals. Looking for hotels and rental cards is the same. You input your destination and dates, and the app tries to find you the best deals.

There are some extras that make life a little easier. Kayak's app layout is functional and quite easy to read. Many competitors do this as well, but Kayak just has a good feel. Additionally, you can surf for alternative ideas like ridesharing for car rentals or vacation homes instead of hotel accommodations. There are plenty of filters to nail down exactly what you want. Booking accommodations through the app is a fairly simple process and not much different from most other apps.

Kayak has a ton of competitors in this space, including Priceline, Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, and at least a couple dozen others. Choosing one is a lot like choosing a grocery store -- different services have different sales at different times. You should use the one that saves you the most money at the time you plan your trip.

Polarsteps is a travel tracker app, although it is more recreational than it is functional. The app lets you plan your trip and then log the trip as you take it. You can store things like photos, notes, and other memories along your journey. The app shows you all of those memories on a neat world map. It's an overall nice way to visualize your trip after you're done taking it. In addition, you can share your trip with family and friends so they can keep track of you as you progress while commenting on your photos and memories.

The app works quite well in practice. Photos and other content upload quickly, and the social elements are done well. The only real downside of the app is that it is for recreational purposes only. You can't manage an itinerary, book hotels, or do any actual planning with Polarsteps. This is only for capturing memories.

Polarsteps also gives you the option of ordering a travel book with memories of your travels. You can also revisit old trips through the app if you decide to keep it for multiple trips. Polarsteps is free to use. You only have to spend money on the travel book if you want it.

There are many apps that do variations of this same thing. FindPenguins is an up-and-coming app in this space that does a lot of the same stuff as Polarsteps.

TripIt is an all-in-one travel planner. It starts by having you create a trip in the app. From there, you add in your itinerary, travel plans, and other information. Everything is manual, so you don't have to worry about syncing anything. You can enter everything from flight numbers to hotel reservation confirmation numbers. There is also an alerts system for reminders about those flights and hotel reservations. It's a nice overall package that takes most types of travel into consideration. The app has a clean look, and it shouldn't take long to get the gist of how everything works.

There are a variety of other features as well. You can store travel documents like passports, Visas, and driver's licenses. There are whole sections for alternate modes of transportation such as cruise ships, trains, and public transportation. The navigation feature integrates directly with Google Maps for easy storage of your road trip directions. Those who opt for the optional $48.99 per year subscription also get access to a point tracker for your loyalty programs as well as an Inner Circle feature to invite other people to plan trips with you.

Like other travel apps, this one has a lot of competition. RoadTrippers, Passporter, and TripCase are a few decent examples. TripIt does the job better and with less hassle than most of its competitors, so it's a great place to start.

Uber is a must for travelers. It's ubiquitous in the U.S. at least, and almost everybody knows how to use it. It's a ridesharing service that operates similarly to a taxi service -- you hire a driver to take you from point A to point B. There's a rating system for both passengers and drivers to keep everyone honest.

Otherwise, it's a fairly straightforward endeavor. The app is easy to use, and you can schedule rides for the future if needed as well. At this point, Uber has been around long enough that most people have used it at least once. There aren't many surprises here.

Uber has consolidated a lot of its functions within its main app. That means you can order food and have it delivered to your location without using the Uber Eats app. There are also options for pharmacy, alcohol, retail, and grocery delivery. You can even have a driver deliver a package from your location to its destination if you need it there quickly and don't mind paying extra for it. Rounding out the features is a car rental service partnership with Hertz that allows you to rent a car if you prefer.

Uber has competition all around the world. Lyft is its biggest competitor and it's good as a ridesharing service. Other countries may have services specific to that location. You'll want to do some research if you're traveling abroad.

Vio is a hotel deal comparison app. Earlier, we talked about Kayak and how it had tons of competitors in this space. Vio, and apps like it, aggregate prices from many of those places so you can price shop across services in a single spot. The app shows you the best deal it was able to find, even if that deal wasn't directly from Vio, by sourcing prices from over 100 travel sites. The app also boasts millions of hotel options around the world. Pair that with a solid UI that doesn't feel overly cluttered, and you have an app that ends up feeling easy to use.

All you have to do is input your destination city to start browsing. Once you find a hotel you like, you can view more details within the app. From there, there are two things that can happen. You can continue booking the hotel from the app if the deal is directly from Vio. Otherwise, the app throws you to the other service to complete the process. For example, if you find a good deal using Booking.com, the app will send you to that website so you can claim it.

There are a variety of services that do something similar. Trivago is another popular option for comparing hotel prices, and you can use either one as they both work about the same and compare the same data.

Wanderlog is a travel planner app. It offers an all-in-one solution to essentially the entire experience. You can plan the trip by inputting your various reservations, itineraries, and other plans. The app keeps track of everything for easy recall later. In addition, Wanderlog has a ton of little extras that can help make things easier.

For instance, you can compare hotel and flight prices. There is also a collaboration feature that is available for free. You can add people to your trip so they can see all of the information as well. It might seem a bit cluttered at first but it gets easier the more you use it.

In general, Wanderlog is easy to use. There are a lot of distracting elements as the app sends you deals and coupons for various travel-related services. Some of those are genuinely useful, so it's not the biggest deal. The app requires an internet connection to use if you're on the free version. You can get offline support along with Google Maps support, fewer restrictions, and even more deals for an optional $39.99 per month. The subscription isn't necessary unless you intend on using the app very heavily.

What makes this app unique is that it's a mix between an aggregator service like Vio and a travel planner like TripIt. You can find this same experience across two or three apps if you want to.

Read this next: 12 Essential Apps Every Android Owner Should Always Have Installed

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5 travel apps every traveler should download.

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Downloading the best travel apps can be the key to a successful trip

Have apps, will travel. We rely on apps for pretty much every facet of life, and when you’re on the road, having a few travel apps queued up can help save stress, time and money, and make your trip so much better in very simple ways.

Beyond your standard airline, railroad, hotel chain and fast food apps, here are five travel-specific apps every traveler should download on their smartphone before heading out.

Top 5 Travel Apps

Google maps.

If you’re not using Google Maps to do more than navigate your trip, you’re not using it right. Google Maps is an essential part of any trip in 2024, for so many reasons. Firstly, you can download offline maps before you go, an extremely helpful resource if you don’t have service and need to find your way (you know, since no one has paper maps anymore). Google Maps can also help you plan a route with multiple stops, add starred and flagged places your network recommends and use AI to help with travel searches. Google Maps can help you find your parked car, find gas stations and so much more. Free to download in Apple App Store and Google Play.

Hikers, this one’s for you. Hikers of all levels can find hiking routes, long walks and camping sites via AllTrails , which offers peer-rated reviews of each spot, rankings and a level of easy, moderate or hard. Depending on your activity preference, AllTrails can also recommend spots for mountain bikers, wheelchair users, runners, hikers with dogs and more. A free version is comprehensive, but avid hikers may want to sign up for a subscription to AllTrails+, which offers even more details about your outdoor activity, including air quality, satellite weather, pollen, light pollution and user heatmaps. Free to download in Apple App Store and Google Play.

A smartphone can be an essential hiking tool, especially when you're out of town.

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Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, hotel tonight.

Spontaneous travelers should download Hotel Tonight for last-minute bookings, often at a discount. The hotel app offers flash deals, as well as the ability to book stays in advance or for multiple nights and it’s perfect for procrastinators who just need a place to crash. It’s also great for flight delays, unexpected stop overs or road trips with no specific route in mind. Planners can also favorite specific properties before they travel to check nightly deals. Regular users will earn perks and steeper discounts after multiple bookings. Free to download in Apple App Store and Google Play.

If you’re traveling with your dog in tow, the BringFido app is a must have. The user-sourced and ranked database offers listings of accomodations, restaurants, events, activities and more that are dog-friendly in towns and cities across the United States and beyond. The app is great for playing a dog-friendly itinerary or finding a dog-friendly brewery or fenced in park on the go. Users can also post their favorite spots and leave tips for other dog visitors and their owners. Free to download in Apple App Store and Google Play.

Travel is so much better with a dog, especially when you know where to take your four legged travel ... [+] buddy.

Itinerary lovers, this one’s for you. TripIt is perfect for those organizing a major getaway or organizing a bunch of small trips that you just can’t possibly remember all the details for (flights, hotels, car rental, etc.) The free app aggregates all the plans in your email, stores confirmation numbers and will send alerts to remind you to leave for the airport, check in to your next accomodation, head to your dinner reservation and more. It’s like a personal assistant in your pocket, that can also track your rewards points, help with flight compensation and more. A free version is sufficient, but $49 for a year of TripIt Pro earns you extra benefits like airport navigation, baggage claim info and potential reimbursement, and the ability to upload 25 documents. Free to download in Apple App Store and Google Play.

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