Amazing Things To Do In Nice France

At the southernmost tip of France, Nice is a dream destination where the sea sparkles year round and sunsets are late and lingering.

Nice (sounds like “niece”), with its Mediterranean setting, is the big city highlight of the French Riviera.

Its pedestrianized old town, Vieux Nice, blends Italian and French flavors. There are beautiful squares, seaside promenades, specialty museums, and long beaches (rocky through they may be). It struck me as having a Venice-like vibe.

The food scene is pretty great too, blending French and Mediterranean influences with a strong Italian touch. The city is famous for its Niçoise cuisine, which focuses on fresh, local ingredients like seafood, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables.

Top Attractions In Nice: Things To Do

Here’s a quick overview of what you can see and do in Nice:

A good way to get an overview is to book a guided walking tour of the old town.

Promenade des Anglais

This is a beautiful four mile promenade where you can stretch your legs and breathe in the sea air. It was created for Belle Epoque English aristocrats. You can act the part or just watch the action from a blue seat.

You’ll pass by public pebbly beaches and some glamorous hotels. The Hotel Negresco, with its pink domed roof, is the most famous and a Riviera icon.

Along the way, you’ll also see a tiny Statue of Liberty replica, a new arrival in 2014.

The promenade is also a great place to rent a bike and pedal your way around. It’s about 30 minutes each way. You can also rent a beach chair and settle down in comfort.

Place Massena

The grand Place Massena is Nice’s “living room.” The square has a flashy check board-style black and white pavement, which may remind you of a ballroom.

Elegant red buildings with green shutters flank the square.

At its center is the Fountain of the Sun. It’s a towering statue of Apollo, surrounded by bronze figures representing planets and mythology. Oddly, he holds a towel.

The square also hosts the “Conversation à Nice” art installation. There are seven illuminated statues perched on tall poles, which glow in different colors at night.

Rue Saint-Francois-de-Paule

This is a colorful street leading into the heart of Vieux Nice.

It’s home to grand buildings like the City Hall and the Opera House, the latter of which was built by a pupil of Charles Garnier of Paris Opera fame.

There are loads of little shops, artisan boutiques, and boulangeries. You can pop in and out and purchase lavender, crafts, chocolates, etc.

Place Rosetti

This is another beautiful square in the city. And perhaps it’s the most Italian looking of all Nice’s squares.

It’s pedestrian-only and a favorite gathering spot, filled with colorful buildings and bustling cafes. Stop at Fenocchio gelato shop and try one of their innovative flavors like lavender or olive.

Be sure to check out the Cathedral of Ste. Reparate. It’s a rather unassuming building.

The church is dedicated to Nice’s patron saint, a girl so talented she floated with angels in the 4th century. Inside, it screams Baroque, with some eye-popping decor.

Chagall Museum

Nice’s Musée National Marc Chagall is a must visit for art lovers, especially if you love modern art.

It’s has the world’s largest collection of Chagall paintings. Chagall was a Russian-French artist known for his dreamlike, colorful paintings that blended folk art, fantasy, and modernism. I love his artwork, so magical with unearthly colors.

The museum opened in 1973, and Chagall helped design it himself. Then, he loaded it up with a cycle of 17 large murals donated to the museum.

The museum consists of a main hall, the mural room, two exhibition spaces, an auditorium, and a mosaic-lined pond and garden.

A documentary film about the life of Chagall plays in the auditorium on the top of each hour.

The museum is about a 30 minute walk from Vieux Nice, depending on your pace. The route is mostly uphill, so be prepared for a bit of a climb.

If you’d rather skip the walk, you can take tram line 1 to the Jean Médecin stop, then walk about 15 minutes to the museum. The hop on hop off tourist bus also skips much of the climb.

>>> Click here to book a guided museum tour

Matisse Museum

Not far away from the Chagall Museum is the Matisse Museum. It’s not nearly as exciting, but worth a stop if you are nearby.

Housed in a beautiful 17th century Genoese villa, the museum displays artworks spanning Matisse’s entire career, from his early paintings to his famous cut-outs.

You’ll can follow his artistic evolution. Basically, his career was one of constant change. You need only look at the portraits of his wife to see it.

The basement has some gorgeous ceramics from a pool project that the artist never completed. You can see his deep abiding love for the color blue.

Modern and Contemporary Art Museum

This ultramodern museum features an explosively colorful, far out, yet perfectly manageable collection. It’s focused on American and European artists from the 1960s and 1970s.

Exhibits are displayed over three floors, one of which is devoted to temporary shows.

The permanent collection includes pieces by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jean Tinguely. You’ll also find a room dedicated to Yves Klein.

Don’t leave without checking out the views from the rooftop terrace!

Massena Museum

The Masséna Museum is another good thing to do in Nice if you’re interested in local history, Belle Époque elegance, and Riviera culture.

It’s housed in a stunning 19th century beachfront mansion along the Promenade des Anglais. Over three levels, the museum explores the history of Nice from the Napoleonic era to the early 20th century.

Inside, you’ll find opulent period rooms, historical artifacts, and exhibits on how Nice became the glamorous destination it is today. The top floor is a painting gallery for temporary exhibitions.

The museum also features personal items and paraphernalia from Napoleon Bonaparte and a beautiful collection of art, costumes, and photographs.

Plus, the surrounding gardens, designed by Édouard André, offer a peaceful escape right by the sea.

Russian Cathedral

Some claim that Nice’s Russian Orthodox Church is the finest one outside Russia. In the late 19th century, wealthy Russian families wintered in Nice and they needed a worthy orthodox house of worship.

Czarina Mara Feodorovna and her son, Nicholas II, offered the land and construction began in 1903. Nicholas underwrote most of the project.

The exterior is in the “old Russian style” with onion domes. Step inside and find the one room interior. It’s filled with icons and the sound of Russian music.

Near the altar, look for the icon of Nicholas II, the most venerated one in the cathedral. The black, hammered-copper cross commemorates the massacre of his family in 1918.

Pro Tip: No photos are allowed inside. Your shoulders and knees need to covered too.

Castle Hill

Castle Hill offers sensational views over Nice and the Mediterranean.

Residents were once crammed into the hilltop until the 12th century because life in the flatlands below was too risky.

Today, you’ll find a tower, playground, cafes, and ruins of Nice’s first cathedral.

There are two cemeteries, one Jewish and one Catholic. But no castle!

Pro Tip: You can get to the top via an elevator or the hop on hop off bus.

Arènes de Cimiez (Roman Amphitheatre)

You might not know it, but Nice’s history stretches back to ancient times. Greek settlers from Massalia (modern day Marseille) founded the city as Nikaia (Νίκαια). While much of that past has faded, you can still find some traces of Roman Nice hidden around the city.

One of the best spots to explore is the Cimiez District, once the Roman city of Cemenelum. Here, among grand villas and museums, you’ll find Nice’s Roman Amphitheater. It was built in the 2nd century and once seated up to 5,000 spectators.

Nearby, the Musée d’Archéologie showcases what remains of Roman Nice. It houses a fascinating collection of statues, ancient coins, and artifacts from Cemenelum.

Classified as a National Historical Monument since 1965, the site is free to visit.

La Tête Carrée Library

One of the more unusual things to do and see in Nice is the La Tête Carrée Library. It’s a striking blend of art and architecture tucked away behind the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain.

Set within a peaceful elevated garden, this is Nice’s main library. But it’s unlike any other. It’s shaped like a giant square-headed sculpture.

Designed by French artist Sacha Sosno, the building is meant to symbolize “thinking inside the box.”

At 100 feet tall, this monumental structure is part sculpture and part functional space, housing the administrative offices of Nice’s library system.

It’s definitely worth a stop—and a photo!

Food Tour

Another fun thing to do in Nice is to take an evening food tour.

With a foodie guide leading the way, you’ll discover hidden culinary gems, from artisanal shops and bustling markets to cozy cafes. You can sample Provençal delicacies, Mediterranean flavors, and regional wines.

Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories about Nice’s history and stop at places you might have otherwise walked right past.

It’s the perfect mix of history, local culture, and incredible food, all in one unforgettable evening!

Antique Stores & Markets

Nice is home to one of France’s largest antique districts. It boasts over 100 stalls filled with vintage treasures and rare finds.

It’s the third largest of its kind in the country, making it a must visit for collectors and bargain hunters. For the best deals, stop by later in the day. Vendors are more willing to negotiate then.

Just a short walk away, the Cours Saleya Flower Market has been brightening up the city since 1897. Its colorful awnings shade stalls bursting with fresh flowers, produce, and herbs.

Before you leave, grab a bite of socca, a crispy chickpea flatbread that’s a local favorite. Pair it with a glass of regional wine for a true taste of Nice.

Wine Cave

Nice also has some ancient wine caves, though they’re not as well known as those in other French wine regions.

One of the most famous spots is Cave Bianchi 1860, which I sampled on my last visit.

It’s a historic wine cellar that has been around for over 160 years. Located in the Old Town, it offers tastings and an impressive selection of wines, including those from Provence and beyond.

>>> Click here to book a gourmet wine and food tour

Take A Day Trip

Nice makes a great base from which to explore the French Riviera.

It’s near some beautiful medieval towns: Eze, St-Paul-de-Vence, Antibes, Tourettes-sur-Loupe, Peille, Peillon, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, etc.

St-Paul-de-Vence is my personal favorite. And everyone else’s too, I guess. It’s one of the most visited villages in France.

And it’s understandably popular. The hilltop setting is postcard perfect. Every cobble and flower pot is just so.

There’s nothing really to see, unless you want to stop by Chagall’s grave. It’s just a blissful place to meandering pop in and out of the art galleries and boutiques. One wonders how one village can support so many artists!

>>> Click here to book a guided day tour of medieval towns from Nice

Tips For Visiting Nice

When To Go

Nice is absolutely packed from mid-May through August. Otherwise, it’s fairly mild and quiet.

How To Get There

All trains stop at Nice’ main station, Nice-Ville. Be careful here. This is where pickpockets troll.

Car rentals are to the right. You can also stash your bags at Hotel Bell Meunière, just a block away.

A tram zips you into the city center. They depart every few minutes.

Nice also has an airport, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE). It’s the third busiest airport in France and is located just a couple miles from the city center.

The airport has two terminals and offers both domestic and international flights, including many connections across Europe and some long haul destinations.

From the airport, you can reach Nice’s city center in about 15-20 minutes by tram, bus, taxi, or car. Or you can book a private transfer.

How To Get Around

You can walk to virtually every attraction in Nice. But there are also buses and trams that can take you around.

These are handy for reaching the Chagall Museum, the Matisse Museum, and the Russian Cathedral.

You can also take the hop on hop off tourist bus. It toots along the promenade, goes through the old city, and up to Castle Hill.

Where To Stay

For the most luxurious digs, check out Hotel Negresco. It has a prestigious address no the Promenade des Anglais, and knows it.

Rooms are opulent, the bar is gorgeous, tips are expected, and the clientele looks spendy.

Another swishy place is Hotel West End on the promenade.

In Vieux Nice, Hotel La Peruse is built right into the rock of Castle Hill at the east end of the bay. it’s a flawless hotel with elegant rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a lovely garden restaurant.

Hotel Suisse is another elegant options. The rooms with views come with balconies, and it’s surprisingly quiet.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the best things to do in Nice. You may find these other southern France travel guides useful:

• 10 day itinerary for southern France
• 1 week Dordogne itinerary
• Hidden gems in Provence
• Hilltop villages of the Luberon Valley
• Historic landmarks in southern France
• Beautiful villages in the Dordogne
• Beautiful villages in Occitanie
• One day in Avignon itinerary
• One day in Sarlat-la-Caneda
• One day in Toulouse itinerary

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