The Best Things to Do in Nice, France
When planning a vacation to the French Riviera, there are definitely a few of those classic places that immediately come to mind: Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Antibes and Nice. Whether you’re looking for the best entertainment, to see some incredible beaches, or just to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean life, there are lots of different towns to explore and plenty of things to do in and around Cote d'Azur. And for most, it will all start in the city capital of the area: Nice!
Nice is one of the most lively towns of the entire French Mediterranean coast. It’s the 2nd most visited city in France for good reasons: you’ll find plenty of elegant waterfront hotels, beautiful French chateaus and castles, an iconic promenade, and lots of super fun festivals and seasonable events.
The first settlements in the Nice area actually date back to around 350 BC, and the city's evolution since then has brought so much incredible history and culture to the region that in 2021 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So lovers of history will also have lots to look forward to when visiting the city!
As you are planning your trip to Cote d'Azur, check out this list of the best things to do in Nice France to start to learn about what to do, the best restaurants, and the go-to places of the locals in one of the most famous cities along the coast. Let’s get started!
Things To Do In Nice
Promenade des Anglais
Nice's most attention grabbing attraction is the Promenade des Anglais. This is the main destination in the city, and it’s where most cultural events happen as well as where locals and visitors head to stroll during warm summer days.
The oceanside walkway is also very well connected to many of Nice’s top visiting areas and museums, like Castle Hill, Old Town Nice, the Massena Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts in Nice, and the Nice Opera House. Another famous place you can find alongside the promenade is the iconic Le Negresco hotel.
Strolling along the beach promenade it will always certainly be among the best things to do in Nice. As you walk past the string of little restaurants, bars and cute cafes, you’ll enjoy some awesome views of the nearby ocean. Stop to sip some tea or eat some tasty crêpes along the way while taking in all of what the French Riviera has to offer.
Old Town Nice
On the north side of the Promenade des Anglais, visitors will find Old Town Nice, or Vieux Nice. This is definitely one of the most picturesque areas of the city, and it’s always popular among tourists looking for those classic European street scene photographs.
The Old Town Nice area is lined with quaint and narrow Mediterranean buildings, street cafes, local shops, and lots of art galleries. You’ll find anything and everything along the narrow streets. The main action is along Fifth and Seventh avenues, starting from Flatbush Avenue and continuing all the way down to about 15th Street.
Clothing stores like boutique Downtown 36 rue Droite Vieux Nice sell quality clothing and some of really gorgeous dresses. And art galleries like
Galerie d'art Carré d'artistes Nice and Art Gallery Lepa invite everyone to discover the latest work of recognized local artists. This is one of my personal favorite ways to get to know a place from a unique perspective. The artists seem to always have a great feel of the soul of the city!
Enjoy a few hours of scenic strolls and be amazed by all of the colorful neighborhood views. Take the chance to stop along the way to see some of the busy squares and old churches before making your way into one of the cute small restaurants. As always, wander down every sidewalk and buy a souvenir or two to take home with you!
Nice Cathedral
Nice has many beautiful churches: Église Saint Martin et Saint Augustin, Église Sainte Rita - Église de l'Annonciation, Notre-Dame du Port… Among all of these, the main church is the Nice Cathedral. A visit to a beautiful local Cathedral is always a great idea when in Europe, and the Nice Cathedral is definitely among the most iconic and historic places in the city. Its construction started in 1650, and it actually wasn't finished until its consecration in 1699.
It features a prominently Baroque style in both its exterior and interior, and it boasts ten chapels and three organs throughout! It’s located very close to the Promenade des Anglais, just two minutes away from the center of Old Nice, so you’ll get there easily while walking along the charming streets. Go inside to see the high altar and learn more about the relics of Glory of Saint Reparata that have been enshrined in the church since 1690.
Castle Hill
Castle Hill is a prominent feature overlooking the French Riviera capital, and is always a very alluring destination to visitors of the area. It is one the most historical places in Nice, and there's a lot of stories attached to this specific destination. It’s been discovered through archeological studies and excavations that the first signs of settlements in the city of Nice date from 4BC, when Greek speaking people were living in the area.
The Castle Hill complex itself is believed to have been built around the 11th century, and in subsequent years it was attacked several times by various groups. It was eventually demolished in 1706 at the request of Louis XIV.
Castle Hill is now a public park and garden overlooking the Baie des Anges, perched up on the hills of Old Nice. To get there, travelers can go up through the set of the stairs at the bottom of the hill or take the lift located in the same area.
Some things worth doing while in Castle Hill are: Visiting the cathedral ruins, exploring the artificial waterfall, spending some time overlooking the panoramic views of the Old Port and the city, and exploring the two cemeteries in the area. Many members of wealthy old families from the area are buried here, making it an interesting way to learn some more about the city’s history.
Musée Matisse
The Matisse museum is dedicated to sharing and preserving the work of the legendary painter and sculptor Henri Matisse, who was actually a Nice local. The museum houses the largest collection of the painter’s work in the world and takes visitors through the journey of his life, showing the evolution and development of his work from his early years until his death in 1917.
The museum was definitely one of my favorite things to do in Nice France, and it's the perfect place for art lovers to spend an afternoon immersing themselves in the work of Matisse. He’s just such an iconic painter, and you shouldn’t miss the chance to see the best collection of his works while in Nice!
Cours Saleya
Cours Saleya is a famous open-air market and pedestrian walkway located just in the outskirts of Old Nice. The area is super fun to explore, with lots of different things happening there. The city hosts several different markets, depending on the day of the week.
On Mondays, the famous antique/flea market is held, and from Saturday through Sunday you’ll find the Flower Market (or the well-known Marché aux Fleurs) with a fruit and vegetable fair as well. The stalls are filled with a variety of things in addition to just the food and produce, including lots of local souvenirs and handmade items like tablecloths and pottery pieces. It’s a great place to find some small gifts to bring home for family and friends!
On Mondays, don’t forget to check out the antiques market to look for those vintage items you're always on the hunt for. Chances are high that you’ll find what you want (or something similar) here! There’s a great selection and it’s always fun to walk around and haggle a bit.
Nice Beaches
There’s no place in the summertime in Nice quite like the beach. All the locals frequently sunbathe and enjoy the fresh Mediterranean air. Although many of the French Riviera beaches are pebbles, (meaning they have small stones instead of sand) I still recommend that you spend some time unwinding and relaxing by the sea.
While it sounds uncomfortable, the white stones really aren’t much different than sand to lie down on, especially if you bring a towel. The beaches of Nice are also considered some of the best pebble beaches in the world, making this the perfect chance to check one out while you’re in town.
The locals love the beaches and consider it a part of their heritage. Some of the most visited public beaches in the area are: Plage Publique de Castel, La Reserve, Ponchettes Public Beach and Coco Beach. You can’t really go wrong with any of them, and since many are private there is usually a service to rent lounge chairs and umbrellas as well as purchase drinks and snacks. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Nice!
Restaurants In Nice
There are so many great restaurants in Nice, making it the perfect place to drink some prosecco and enjoy some delicious tapas in the way you’ve been dreaming about! Eateries along the Promenade des Anglais offer captivating views, great drinks, and an ideal location for people-watching. Cafes and smaller establishments in the old town area are all about the ambience and the food.
For the great vibes and some mouth-watering food, head to Tapaloca. It’s a very local restaurant found in the streets of Vieux Nice, and it serves the most delicious small dishes. And a glass of their rose wine is a steal for less than 5 euros! I recommend the spaghetti and meatballs, a pear ricotta pie, and an ice cold limoncello handmade by the owner.
Le Canon is everything good you can imagine about a local restaurant in Nice. It has absolutely great ambiance, a menu that highlights local ingredients and dishes, a focus on preparation with only organic produce, and some really good natural wines as well! To top it all off, it also has stunning cliffside views, mouth-watering flavors, and even some fancy Italian coastal ambiance.
For travelers visiting Nice to celebrate life and love, or just craving a fancy night, I’d recommend Le Mesclun. The restaurant has been frequently included in several of the Michelin Guide lists of the area, and it's run by an acclaimed chef who also has headed up successful establishments in Paris, Chamonix and Saint-Tropez.
If you are renting an apartment while staying in Nice, cooking at home with some local produce is always a great idea. You’ll find everything that you need and more in Cours Saleya, and some great bottles of wine (always necessary of course!) at Adegas et Terroirs. You can try out some of the local dishes you’ve been seeing on restaurant menus, and even experiment a bit to see how you can put your own twist on things. Enjoy!
Cap-Ferrat
Not far from Nice, visitors will find the famous Cap-Ferrat. It is another of the most visited seaside destinations in the French Riviera, and it is one of the top things to do in Nice while exploring some of the nearby regions. It’s a breathtaking area, celebrated for its peninsula views of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Villefranche-sur-Mer as well as its natural beaches.
Cap-Ferrat is also well-known for its incredible architecture, fancy gardens, and dramatic multi-million dollar French villas. Some things you definitely won’t want to miss during your visit here are: Paloma Beach, a tour of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and the lighthouse, and Saint Hospice Chapel.
Nice Day Trips
Èze
Èze-sur-Mer is one of the last towns or villages located on the French Riviera before you’ll reach the adjacent sovereign city-state of Monaco. It's just a 15 minute ride by train from Nice, making it incredibly easy to reach for visitors to the area. On the hilltop of Èze-sur-Mer, travelers will find the ancient commune of Èze, which is one of the better known towns in the area.
To get up to the medieval village, you’ll need to complete a moderately strenuous hour-long hike up the famous(ly steep) Nietzsche Path. If you make it, this will take you right into the middle of the village.
You’ll get some of the best French Riviera views and incredible summer inspiration along the way while climbing up. It’s a trek, but I definitely recommend doing it! If you don’t come ready for the hike, a winding 25 minute car ride will take you there as well. Taxis will be happy to drive you up and down.
Once in the village, there are tons of interesting places to see and shops and cafes to eat and drink. The best part is, all of them offer magnificent views! There are also lots of great places to buy some authentic and unique souvenirs.
Hidden behind the winding streets of the small Èze village is one of the most beautiful churches of the area. Go inside and take in all the beautiful details before heading into the church courtyard, which houses a monument honoring inhabitants of Èze who were killed fighting in World War I.
The courtyard offers a great place for a moment of historical reflection. Around the corner is the church’s cemetery, a place of silence and rest that also has some incredible views into the mountains around Èze. It’s a great place to decompress and calm down after your hike.
Deli’ is an adorable cafe and restaurant that offers a fun olive oil tasting as part of its delicious dining experience. Order the Jambe Pizza or the Chorizo Pizza along with some wine, exactly what you need after climbing up to the mountaintop. I totally recommend it!
La Chèvre d'Or is one of the best hotels and restaurants in the South of France. The restaurant itself has two Michelin stars and offers dramatic mountain side views and mouth watering food. If you want to go big, this is the place for you!
Monaco
The Principality of Monaco by its official name, Monaco is a small independent and sovereign city-state that is located right on the Mediterranean Sea bordering Italy and France. A 25 minute ride on the regional train will bring visitors from Nice right into the heart of Monaco, making it a super convenient way to get there and back. A day trip to Monaco is, without a doubt, among the coolest things to do in Nice!
Some historical and popular destinations we recommend to include in a Monaco itinerary are: the Palais Du Prince (where the Royal family of Monaco still resides), the iconic Casino de Monte Carlo, the famed Cafe d’Paris, the Monaco Cathedral, (princess Grace Kelly’s resting place), the Jardin Exotique with its awe-inspiring African and Latin American flower species, the Monaco Harbor and the many multi million dollar yachts, and the Opera de Monte Carlo. So there’s definitely plenty to do!
Travelers visiting at the end of May can also have the opportunity to experience one of the most popular sporting events in the entire world: The Monaco Grand Prix. Thousands of people come from all over the planet to see the Formula 1 drivers go tearing around the famous city circuit 78 times. To explain the feeling, the energy, and the atmosphere of the city in words is almost impossible… if your trip falls around the time of the Grand Prix, you should strongly consider going!
The event usually lasts a total of 4 days, with practice rounds and smaller races taking place almost every day. The whole city revolves around the races, with many places altering hours or closing entirely to make way for the circuit. Everyone is trying to catch a glimpse of one of the famous drivers, who might be spotted anywhere!
When it’s time for the races, there are tons of possible locations to watch: from the Starbucks next to the Fairmont Monte Carlo to a 20 million yacht in the marina. There’s a constant party atmosphere during the day, but the real Fete (as the locals call it) starts when the circuit opens up again at night.
There are also many great places to eat and drink all around Monaco. Restaurant Joël Robuchon Monte-Carlo is a must for food connoisseurs. Joël Robuchon was one of the world’s premier chefs who owned a string of wonderful restaurants all over the world, and the high quality and taste of the food has lasted throughout the years.
Cafe de Paris Monte-Carlo is probably among the most well known cafes in the city-state. Get a champagne or an Aperol spritz before getting ready to try your luck at the iconic Casino Monte Carlo right next door.
Speaking of the casino, this is arguably the most famous part of Monaco! The Monte Carlo Casino has hosted some of the world’s biggest celebrities, both real and fictional… This is a location featured in several James Bond novels. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned gambler, everyone can enjoy spending some time in the casino. You might even hit the jackpot!
Additional Tips On Things To Do In Nice
Nice and the South of France in general are very captivating and charming areas. A trip to the French Riviera will without a doubt be one you’ll remember for a lifetime. As such, we are sharing a few additional tips that you may find useful to add to your list of things to do in Nice.
Verne is a small commune close to Nice, and Chateau de Bellet is a luxuriant winery located nearby! Head there if you have extra time in the area, especially if you rented a car.
Languages
The official language in France is, of course, French. Cote d’ Azur locals are friendly and most of them speak at least some English, so don’t worry if you didn’t quite finish your Rosetta Stone French!
Nonetheless, I always recommend learning a few words and phrases in the native language. This will improve your travel experiences and help you make friends along the way. We have a few recommendations here.
Transportation Tips
The closest airport to Nice is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. A 30 minute drive separates the town from the airport. While in the South of France and Monaco, we recommend using public transportation to get around. Uber is available in the French areas, but NOT in Monaco.
Monaco taxis are definitely overpriced, but you don’t really have a choice sometimes!
If you are traveling during the Grand Prix, renting a car and driving in Monaco isn’t advisable, especially on Saturday and Sunday. Parking spots are hard to get, and many of the roads are completely closed off by police.
A car can be useful in other areas outside of Monaco, especially for day trips from Nice to wineries and smaller towns nearby.
Best Time To Visit
The most popular season in Nice, France starts at the end of Spring and runs through early October. Except for the week of the Monaco Grand Prix, summer months are the most popular, of course, among French and international tourists, as it is the perfect time to enjoy any of the beach related activities. On the down side, hotel prices, flights and the number of people are way up during the summer.
The end of the Spring is in my opinion the best time to visit Nice, as the temperatures are still warm enough to spend your days by the beach and the prices are lower. Fall and Winter are low seasons in Nice, but travelers can still enjoy all the history related activities and some crispy Mediterranean air. This is great for many outdoor activities!
Best Hotels in Nice
Hôtel Vendôme is reasonably priced and in a great location, which is a combination that you’ll learn to seek out when visiting France and Europe in general!
Another Nice hotel with magnifique views of the Promenade des Anglais is: Hôtel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges
If you are traveling like a baller, Royal Riviera Hotel, La Chèvre d'Or and Chateau Eza would be an amazing choice. Then there’s also the posh and of course, Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo. Travelers with deep pockets can also find many high end luxury hotels in nearby Monaco.
We stayed in an apartment overlooking the ocean and just a short drive from (Old Nice) Vieux Nice, the Promenade des Anglais and its restaurants and cafes. This is a great option too, especially if you’re traveling with a group and want to stay together.
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General Travel Tips
We hope you have enjoyed this list of best things to do in Nice, France. With easy connection by train or plane to the rest of Europe, Cote d’ Azur is the perfect 1st stop for that ideal European Spring or Summer vacation you have been dreaming of for years. To continue having the time of your life, head towards the Amalfi Coast and Positano.
To discover Positano with us, click here. To explore all of our European Destinations, click here.
Au Revoir!
Besitos from the South of France,
Laura
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