Are you planning a holiday to Nice, France? This beautifully colorful and vibrant city is a great year-round destination. Whether you are looking for relaxation and sunshine or culture and delicious cuisine there is sure to be something for everyone.
Here, a list of the top 20 things to do throughout the city:
1. Place Massena
This historic plaza is a great starting point for your exploration of the city. Lined with bright red buildings, unique sculptures and a lively atmosphere; you cannot miss visiting Place Massena. During the summer you will find cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy the atmosphere and soak up the sun. In the evenings you can usually catch a variety of street performances from dancing and singing to magic. From Place Massena you can easily explore Jean Medecin, Rue de France, Promenade du Pallion or head to the beach.
2. Jean Medecin
Located in the center of the city you will find this bustling pedestrian (and tram) only avenue. Known as one of the main shopping destinations of the city you will find many of the main brand-name stores here on Jean Medecin. Whether you are looking for shoes and clothes or home decor and electronics you are sure to find what you are looking for here. Along the avenue you can also find cafes and ice cream shops to cool off from the summer heat. Looking to explore more of the city? Hop on the tram here to head to museums, Parc Pheonix, Garibali Square and many other areas of Nice.
3. Old Town
No trip to Nice is complete without exploring the historic Old Town. This maze of cobble stone streets and colorful buildings is a great place to spend a day. As you wander the streets, you will find shops selling everything from handmade jewelry and soaps to truffles and local fabrics. With a variety of delicious eateries, you may have a hard time are sure to have difficulty deciding which one to try first! From the Old Town you can wander straight to Garibali Square, explore the markets in Cours Saleya or climb up to Colline du Chateau for a beautiful look out.
4. Promenade des Anglais
One of my favorite things about living in Nice! This 7km long promenade stretches from the airport all the way to Port Lympia! Lined with the beautiful blue sea on one side and palm trees on the other you can enjoy a leisure stroll in the sunshine. Along the entire Promenade des Anglais you will find plenty of places to set up your towel to enjoy a swim. You will also find a variety of beach bars that can be enjoyed during the day for a meal or dancing in the evenings.
5. Port Lympia
Port Lympia is another great highlight of the city where you will find luxury yachts, sailing tours and cruise ships docking for the day. This bustling area is a great place to enjoy a meal of fresh seafood while you take in the local atmosphere. Port Lympia is also the starting point for a beautiful 6.5 km coastal walk to Villefranche.
6. Negresco Hotel
Next on our list is an absolute icon of the city! Built in 1913 this historic hotel has been meticulously designed to represent various periods of French art. Having hosted guests from Queen Elizabeth II to Grace Kelly and James Dean it is easy to see why it has become such an icon. The price to stay in the hotel tends to be quite steep however it has a few restaurants where you can treat yourself to a cocktail or even an incredible meal.
7. Carnival
If you plan on visiting Nice in February then you absolutely cannot miss Carnival! Known as one of the World’s biggest Carnival events you can take part in a wide variety of festivities perfect for all ages. The real highlights are the impressive parades which consist of floats, and performances from all over the world. Each year has an over the top theme and for 2025 it will be “The King of the Ocean”!
8. Various Events
Whether you are in Nice for Carnival or are visiting another time of the year there is a very good chance that there will be a big event taking place. From summer music festivals such as Jazz Fest to the Tour de France and Ironman there is always something going on in this incredible city.
9. Cours Saleya -Markets
If you are looking for local products and an authentic experience then head to the Marche Aux Fleurs on the Cours Saleya. Located in the Old Town you can wander through a variety of stalls selling produce, baked goods, souvenirs, flowers and even artwork. However if you are visiting on a Monday then you may be pleasantly surprised to see that the Cours Saleya turns into a flea market.
10. Variety of Museums
Looking to learn more about the culture and history of the region? what better way then to explore the many museums of the city. For art enthusiasts check out Musée Matisse, the Marc Chagall National Museum or my personal favorite Musée d’art moderne et d’art contemporain also known as the MAMAC. For those wanting to learn more about the history and culture check out Massena Museum. Whatever your interests are there is a museum in Nice for you.
11. Parc Phoenix
Next on the list happens to be quite popular with locals because it is a great way to spend the day especially for those with kids. Parc Phoenix is a 7 hectare botanical garden and zoo that also has a cafe, picnic area and playground for young children. You can easily spend hours wandering through the park discovering rare plant species and admiring the many animals such as kangaroos and flamingos. With an entry cost of only €5 why wouldn’t you check it out?
12. Coastal Walks
One of the many advantages to the Cote d’Azur is that you can enjoy a variety of different coastal walks and hikes. The most popular is from Nice to Villefranche sur Mer; a stunning coastal town with a beautiful sand beach. Along the way you can enjoy breathtaking views and even take a swim in one of the many cove beaches.
However if you are looking to explore more of the coast you can find other adventures in Cap Antibes, Cap Ferrat, and Cap d’Ail which all have starting points a short train ride away from Nice.
13. Colline du Chateau
For some of the best views of the city you must head to Colline du Chateau. You can either climb the many stairs or take the free elevator to reach the top. Once there you can admire the views of the entire promenade on one side and the port with the yachts on the other. You will also find a beautiful waterfall, a kids playground and a couple cafes; perfect for enjoying the views. While in the park you can also visit the castle ruins for a glimpse into the history of Nice.
14. Garibali Square
If you are looking for a less touristic place to enjoy a meal then head to Garibali Square. Lined with a variety of restaurants and cafes for you to choose from; all quite popular with the locals. For a more lively atmosphere head to Rue Bonaparte (also known as the Blue Street) where you will find cocktail bars and live music. Here, you will find a slightly different atmosphere here compared to the Old Town or the Cours Saleya. If you are visiting Garibaldi Square on a Sunday then be sure to explore the artisan market where you will find everything from candles and cakes to jewelry and fresh honey.
15. Beaches
Looking for beautiful beaches? Then the South of France is the place for you! As previously mentioned Nice itself has the impressive 7km long promenade with beaches all along it that are great for swimming, however they are not sandy beaches. Although they are beautiful the rocks aren’t the most comfortable to lay on for tanning. Don’t let this discourage you though because just a short train ride away you can enjoy the amazing beaches of Villefranche, Juan Les Pins, Antibes and really anywhere else along the Cote D’Azur
16. Wineries
One of my favorite reasons about living in the South of France is being able to try all the delicious wine, especially rose. As you explore Nice you may not realize that just a 15 minute drive outside of the city will take you to some breathtaking vineyards. Spend your afternoon touring the vineyard, learning about the production process all followed by a tasting of the product. Some of the best to visit are Château de Bellet, Domaine Saint Jean and my personal favorite Cremat Castle.
17. Rooftops
Whenever I am in a new city I look to see if there are any rooftop restaurants to visit. They provide a unique viewpoint of the city while allowing you to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Nice fortunately has quite a few to choose from, all with their unique appeal. If you visit Hôtel Aston La Scala you can enjoy a view of the Old Town and sea while enjoying a cocktail or head to one of my personal favorites Fargo on the Roof at the Marriot. Here you will find a chill mediterranean vibe with live music, delicious cocktails and of course an amazing view.
18. Promenade du Paillon
If you are traveling with children then this is a must visit, this 12 hectacre intercity park has a little bit of everything. With a large playground for kids, water fountains to run through and plenty of places for a picnic it is a great place to spend an afternoon. Promenade du Paillion is also where you will find many of the events of the city being held. Stroll through the park from the Promenade d’Anglais to Place Massena all the way to Garibali Square.
19. Rue de France
This bustling pedestrian only street is the perfect place to find a wide selection of restaurants, cafes and bars all offering a variety of different cuisines. Whether you are looking for authentic French and Italian or are looking for something a little different like Libenese and Brazilian you are sure to find something on Rue de France. Located off of Place Massena it is an enjoyable area to explore on your way to Negresco.
20. Discover the Many Churches
If you are looking to learn about the history and culture of Nice then what better way than to explore the many unique churches of the city. As you explore the city you are sure to come across Basillique Notre Dame or the many impressive churches located throughout the Old Town. However a less popular place to visit is Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice. This very impressive and colorful cathedral is a peaceful sanctuary located in the middle of the city that is also home to hundreds of adorable bunnies!
Bonus- 21. Liberation
This lesser known area is just a short walk from the bustling heart of the city. Restaurants, shops, bakeries and markets, Liberation has it all! If you are looking for a more local atmosphere then this is a great area to check out. A highlight of the area is Gare du Sud! This old train station has been converted into a food and events hall that has something going on every night of the week. Whether its Open Mic nights, a night club on Saturdays or viewing parties for various sporting events there is always something fun to do. If you visit Liberation in the mornings you can explore the huge produce market where you can find everything from fresh veggies and fruits to fresh fish and cheeses. Wondering where the locals go? check out Liberation!
Well there you have it, the top must-sees in Nice! This vibrant city has so much to offer that there is sure to be something for everyone! This city has stolen a piece of my heart and I hope it will do the same for you.