Thinking about visiting Nice in France? Spending a few days in Nice is an excellent idea! It’s not surprising to find out that Nice hosts 4 million tourists every year! It’s a city rich in history and culture, about 30 kilometres (20 miles) away from Italy, and not far from the beach and the mountain! The weather is nice all year round. In fact, we call Nice “Nissa la bella” (Nice the beautiful). What to do in Nice? Here’s a Nice travel guide! Enjoy the French Riviera!
Table of Contents
Places to visit in Nice
The promenade des anglais
It’s impossible to go to Nice and not spend some time on the promenade des anglais! It’s a 7-kilometre (4 miles) walkway running alongside the sea from the airport to the colline du chateau. Families, pensioners, joggers, cyclists, teenagers rollerblading, etc. The whole city enjoys this walkway at some point. Palm trees, bars and restaurants run alongside the promenade. You’ll also find the famous blue chairs there.
The colline du chateau
You won’t find any castle (château) there, cause it was destroyed in 1706. You’ll have to climb many stairs, take the free elevator or the Nice tourist train to get there. You’ll be 93-meters (305 ft.) high, and you’ll enjoy a wonderful view of the beach and the city of Nice! There’s also a park where you can admire a waterfall. Don’t miss it!
The vieille ville (old town)
The Vieux-Nice (Old Nice) is the historic center of the city of Nice. It’s like a village inside the city and you’ll find numerous stores, restaurants, bars, terraces and art galleries. Take some time to roam around the narrow streets of the charming old town. Click here to go on a walking tour of the old town.
The Cours Saleya market
The cours Saleya market is located in the Vieux Nice, and it’s listed as one of the most exceptional markets in France! From Tuesday to Sunday, you’ll find the flower and fresh produce market: fruits, vegetables, spices, olives from Nice, etc. On Monday it’s the flea market. The market is on a charming pedestrianized street. Have a drink at one of the numerous terraces around the market.
Nice specialities
When visiting Nice, you have to taste the Nice specialties. There’s the socca, some kind of pancake with chickpea flour and olive oil. There’s also the pissaladière, some kind of pizza with no tomato sauce. Or the pan bagnat, a niçoise salad in a sandwich. Let’s not forget the panisse, the salade niçoise, the petits farcis, etc.
The beaches in Nice
The weather is nice in Nice all year round, and you’re along the sea! Make the most of it and take a dip! However you need to know that Nice has shingle beaches! But whatever, the water is warm and there are about 40 beaches in Nice.
The museum of modern and contemporary art
The museum of modern and contemporary art (MAMAC) is one of the most popular in Nice. More than 1,300 works of art are exhibited on 3 floors and 9 exhibition rooms. Sculptures, paintings, engravings, drawings, etc. From the terraces of the museum, you also have a wonderful view of the city. Even the architecture of the building is original!
The musée Marc Chagall
The musée Marc Chagall is dedicated to… Marc Chagall, a Russian painter and engraver. You’ll find there his best works of art but also a gallery. On the spot, there’s a bar, a restaurant, a classical music concert venue and a movie theater projecting films about Chagall.
The Cimiez neighborhood
It’s a residential area you have to visit if you’re into art and history. You’ll find there the monastère de Cimiez (Cimiez monastery) dating back to the 9th century. There are wonderful gardens, and you can enjoy a nice view of Nice. There are also the arenes de Cimiez (Cimiez arenas), a former amphitheater dating back to the 2nd century who could host 4,000 people! Finally, don’t miss the parc des Arènes, a beautiful park where you can relax.
The mont Boron
The mont Boron is located in the parc du mont Boron, east part of Nice, and offer a nice view of the beach. It’s home to 11 kilometres of hiking trail but also fitness trail, areas to picnic, pétanque strips, etc. In this park, you can admire the fort du Mont Alban, a military edifice dating back to 1557.
The musée Matisse
The musée Matisse is located in the parc de Cimiez. It’s dedicated to the painter Henri Matisse. It’s home to paintings, photos, engravings, drawings, sculptures and items which belonged to Matisse. We follow the evolution of the artist.
St. Nicholas Orthodox cathedral
It’s a Russian Orthodox cathedral built in 1903 by the large Russian community living in Nice at the time. It’s one of the largest Orthodox edifices outside of Russia. You should definitely get in to see how it’s beautifully decorated, it really feels like being in Russia! Don’t miss it! The cathedral is not far from the Nice train station.
Activities in Nice
Here are more things you can do:
- Click here to go on a sightseeing cruise on Villefranche bay.
- Click here to go on a guided tour of the French Riviera (Monaco, Monte-Carlo, Antibes, etc.).
- Click here to go on a gorges of Verdon and fields of lavender tour.
- Click here to visit Nice by segway.
- Click here to go on a countryside tour around Nice.
- Click here to go to Saint-Tropez by boat.
- Click here to enjoy a scenic drive by 3-wheel vehicle.
- Click here to spend a day in Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud.
- Click here to visit Monaco and Monte-Carlo by night.
- Click here to enjoy an e-bike tour.
- Click here to go on a bar crawl.
- Click here to visit Cannes, Antibes and Saint Paul de Vence.
- Click here to attend a perfume making workshop.
- Click here to enjoy a train experience through the Alps.
As you can see, there are many things to do in Nice! It’s one of the most beautiful cities in France! It’s really nice to spend some time there, and the weather is enjoyable. You just need to know you’ll see numerous pensioners, especially in winter!
How to get to Nice
It will depend where you arrive from. Unless you’re in the area, it’s better to get there by plane, train or bus. Click here to check the bus ticket prices.
How to get around in Nice
You don’t need a car to get around in Nice. Public transportation serves the whole city.
Best time to visit Nice
You can visit Nice more or less all year round. Summers are hot (around 30°C/86°F), and it’s the high season. Everything is more expensive. However, the French Riviera is one of the top Mediterranean destinations to visit in summer. Winters are mild (around 10°C/50°F) and it’s less crowded. This is when you realize numerous pensioners live in Nice.
Where to stay in Nice
If you plan to visit Nice on a budget, you’ll like the Hotel Ozz by Happyculture. The staff is helpful, the vibe is convivial, the rooms are clean and the beds are comfortable. Click here to check the reviews, photos and availability. If you want to stay in a mid-range hotel, the Palm Hotel Nice is made for you! Perfect location, quiet rooms, comfortable beds, friendly staff, etc. Click here to check the reviews, photos and availability.
If you prefer to stay in a luxury hotel, don’t miss the Hotel Negresco, an iconic hotel in Nice! The decoration, the architecture, the staff, the comfort, the rooms, etc. Everything is exceptional! Click here to check the reviews, photos and availability.
Nice travel tips
- Traveling soon? My travel resources page can help you out! This list of travel accessories can also be useful!
- Never ever travel without travel insurance! It will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. Click here to get one. Here’s why get travel insurance!
- Want a tailor-made trip to Nice? Get a free quote here!
- Always use a VPN when traveling. I use ExpressVPN and I love it. Here’s why use a VPN when traveling.
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