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There are great many things to do in France, and so are in Nice.
Welcome to the sparkling gem of the French Riviera, where the sea sparkles like diamonds and the sun plays hopscotch with colorful umbrellas.
With art and culture woven into every street corner, and cuisine to tantalize the tastebuds, Nice is a canvas waiting to be explored.
Let your wanderlust guide you as we unveil the top things to do in this Mediterranean paradise.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Nice:
1. Promenade des Anglais
Promenade des Anglais is a picturesque and iconic waterfront promenade that runs along the Mediterranean Sea in the city of Nice, France.
What to see or do: Stroll along the promenade and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea. You can rent a bicycle, roller skates, or tricycles to explore the area.
Take a dip in the turquoise waters of the sea and sunbathe on the pebble beach. The promenade also features several outdoor cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops.
Don’t miss: Catch the sunset over the sea, and witness the spectacular light show with the promenade’s blue chairs lighting up.
Visit the stunning Hotel Negresco, which is not only a luxurious hotel but also an art museum featuring an impressive collection of works from the 17th to the 21st century.
Insider travel tips: Avoid driving on the promenade as the area gets very crowded during peak season. Explore the side roads and alleys that run parallel to the promenade to discover some hidden gems and local shops.
Ensure you stay safe and take necessary precautions, as pickpockets are known to target tourists in the area.
2. Old Town (Vieux Nice)
The Old Town of Nice, also known as Vieux Nice, is a charming and vibrant neighborhood located in the heart of the city, between the port and the Colline du Château.
What to see or do: Stroll through the narrow streets filled with colorful buildings and charming bistros. Admire the beautiful Baroque-style churches, including the famous Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate.
Explore Cours Saleya, a lively market square, where you can find fresh produce, flowers, and local crafts.
Don’t miss: Taste some traditional Niçoise cuisine, such as Socca, a savory chickpea pancake, or Pissaladière, a pizza-like dish with onions and anchovies.
Indulge in some exquisite gelato from Fenocchio, a renowned ice cream parlor.
Insider travel tips: Visit the Old Town in the morning to avoid the crowds and to experience the authentic local atmosphere. Check out the free walking tours offered by some of the local tour companies.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the streets can be steep and uneven.
3. Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
Castle Hill or Colline du Château is a beautiful hill and park in Nice that offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the French Riviera.
What to see or do: – Enjoy a leisurely hike up to the top of the hill and admire the lush greenery and stunning views.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the breathtaking views of the city and the sea from the top of the hill. It’s a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the water.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes for the hike up to the top of the hill.
4. Place Massena
Place Massena is the main square in Nice, France and a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists.
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
Insider travel tips:
5. Cours Saleya Market
A bustling market located in the heart of Nice’s Old Town.
What to see or do: Browse through countless stalls selling fresh flowers, local produce, handmade crafts, clothing, and more.
Don’t miss: Trying socca, a traditional Niçoise pancake made from chickpea flour and olive oil.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning for the best selection and to avoid crowds. Don’t forget to haggle with vendors for the best prices.
Bring cash as many vendors do not accept credit cards.
6. Musée Matisse
Musée Matisse is a museum dedicated to the life and works of the renowned French artist, Henri Matisse, located in the heart of Nice.
What to see or do: The museum houses an extensive collection of Matisse’s paintings, sculptures, drawings, and personal items. Visitors can explore the various galleries that chronologically showcase his artistic evolution, including his iconic cut-out paper works.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the breathtaking interior court that features a mosaic mural designed by Matisse. The museum also organizes temporary exhibitions that showcase works by Matisse’s contemporaries and other modern artists inspired by his legacy.
Insider travel tips: The museum can get quite busy during peak tourist season, so it’s best to arrive early or purchase tickets in advance.
Photography is allowed, but without flash. Take advantage of the museum’s free audio guide to learn more about the artist and his works.
7. Musée Marc Chagall
The Musée Marc Chagall in Nice is a museum dedicated to the works of Marc Chagall, one of the most prominent artists of the 20th century.
What to see or do: The museum houses a stunning collection of Chagall’s paintings, including his famous Biblical Message series, which depicts scenes from the Old and New Testament.
Visitors can also enjoy a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the stunning stained glass windows that illuminate the Chagall Auditorium, featuring Chagall’s signature motifs of angels, fish and birds.
Insider travel tips: – The museum can get quite busy during peak times, so try to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds.
8. Place Garibaldi
Place Garibaldi is a historic square located in the heart of Nice, France.
What to see or do: Take a stroll around the square and marvel at the beautiful ochre-colored buildings that surround it, visit the impressive statue of Garibaldi that stands in the center of the square, and enjoy a leisurely meal or drink at one of the many outdoor cafes.
Don’t miss: The colorful architecture of Place Garibaldi is a must-see, especially the Italian-style buildings that were constructed in the mid-18th century.
Also, don’t forget to snap a photo with the impressive statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, the famed Italian general and revolutionary who played an instrumental role in the unification of Italy.
Insider travel tips: Visit Place Garibaldi on a sunny day and enjoy a coffee or glass of rosé at one of the many trendy cafes that line the square.
Also, be sure to explore the surrounding neighborhood of Vieux Nice, which is home to some of the city’s best restaurants and street markets.
Lastly, the square is just a short walk away from the beach, so make sure to pack your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean Sea.
9. Russian Orthodox Cathedral
The Russian Orthodox Cathedral is a stunning religious monument located in Nice, France. Its impressive architecture and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for travelers.
What to see or do: The cathedral’s golden domes and intricate stonework create a striking appearance that can’t be missed. Visitors can tour the interior of the cathedral to see its richly decorated altar and beautiful stained glass windows.
The cathedral also has a museum containing an impressive collection of religious art.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the Russian Orthodox cemetery located on the grounds. In addition to its serene beauty, it also contains graves of several prominent Russian figures.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit during the off-season to avoid crowds. It’s also recommended to dress modestly out of respect for the cathedral’s religious significance.
10. Jardin Albert 1er
A public garden in the heart of Nice, France.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the lush greenery and admire the beautiful sculptures and fountains. Enjoy a picnic on the grass, or visit the nearby museums and cafes.
Don’t miss: The stunning views of the Promenade des Anglais and the Mediterranean Sea from the garden’s elevated location.
Insider travel tips: Visit the garden during the day for a relaxing break from sightseeing or come in the evening for a romantic walk.
There are also many events and festivals held at the garden throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule before your visit.