The best things to do in
Nice

Some of the best things to do in Nice

Parc de la Colline du Chateau

Parc de la Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill Park) overlooks the sea, and tourists from all over the globe head there to snap selfies with Promenade des Anglais behind them. If you're seeking the best view of the promenade, you'll find it here close to the waterfall. The park is a perfect relaxation spot to finish off a day of sightseeing and exploration.

It is also a great way to burn calories after eating rich French food. If you're wondering why it's called Castle Hill Park, it's because the location had a citadel from the 11th to the 18th centuries. After multiple bombardments, it was finally destroyed by King Louis XIV in 1706.

You can walk to the park from the Old Town, but there's also a public elevator available to take visitors to the park.

Vieille Ville

Vieille Ville is Nice’s old town (also known as Vieux Nice). It is a sterling example of the old-world architecture associated with Nice. In many ways, the Old Town is more Italian than French. The atmosphere is lively and full of shops, cafes, and restaurants teeming with delicious food.

Perhaps the most famous building here is Cathedrale Sainte-Réparate (Nice Cathedral). The Baroque architecture cathedral is a popular place among tourists exploring Vieille Ville. It's located west of a square with an abundance of restaurants and gift stores surrounding it.

The square also hosts La Fontaine historique d'Obélisque, a drinking water fountain directly opposite the cathedral. It's an excellent place to take a break while exploring the town.

Other popular buildings in the old town include Le Palais de la Préfecture and the museum, Musée du Palais Lascaris (Palais Lascaris). The 17th-century building housing the museum was the residence of the Counts of Castellar.

Place Masséna

Place Masséna is a historic square at the heart of Nice. It has a variety of restaurants, retail shops, and hotels and you'll likely see a crowd of tourists here regardless of the time of the day. You'll also find Nice's most notable landmark, Fontaine du Soleil (a fountain with bronze sculptures and a statue of Apollo) here.

While at the square, you're never far from delightful shopping or authentic French cuisine, so take some time to explore the neighborhood.

The main entrance to the Old Town is behind the square. Other nearby attractions include Jardin Albert 1er (Albert I Garden) and Promenade du Paillon. Take some time to enjoy the soothing sound of trams as they pass through the square. You can also board one for a ride around town.

Promenade du Paillon

Promenade Du Paillon is a beautiful verdant park in the heart of Nice. It stretches from Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain down to Jardin Albert 1er. This urban park, which won the grand prize at the Victoires du Paysage in 2014, is a wonderful place to visit.

You can make multiple stops at the park while exploring Nice. It is bordered to the east by Vieille Ville and the west by various retailers and hotels like Anantara Plaza Nice.

There's plenty of greenery in park where you can have a picnic as you admire the architecture of the surrounding buildings. Its main attraction is Miroir d'Eau, a section of the park with water jets just west of Fontaine du Soleil. Indulge in the tradition of getting close to the water show with other visitors. Don't be afraid to get wet.

Interestingly, Promenade du Paillon is built over the Paillon River. That's how it got its name. However, don't let walking over a river spook you. The Paillon River is dry most of the time and was the subject of jokes among the locals and visitors before the park was built. If you're curious about the river, walking up north past Palais des Expositions will reveal its unconcealed parts.

Promenade des Anglais

Promenade des Anglais is a beautiful stretch of road that runs along the beach with amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea. According to studies, Nice gets 174 days of “strong sun” a year, so warm-weather seekers should feel happy here.

Anyone looking for a break from winter or a proper sunny summer should head to Nice and experience Promenade des Anglais. The street is one of the most popular attractions in the city as it offers a serene atmosphere and seemingly endless beaches.

The diversion of traffic makes it easy to stroll along Promenade des Anglais and lap up the sunlight. This casual walk will likely top your list of unforgettable things to do in Nice.

Port Lympia

Located east of Parc de la Colline du Château, Port Lympia is the main port in Nice. It is named after a spring that used to be on the site before the harbor's mid-1700s construction. Since then, it's been the place where boat journeys into the Mediterranean begin and where the city's yachts dock.

It's certainly not one of the largest ports on the French Riviera. However, you'll find yachts of various sizes and fishing boats ready to take on the Mediterranean Sea docked at the port. You'll also find restaurants serving fine Mediterranean cuisine and buildings in pastel pink, mango yellow, and deep crimson red around the harbor. The scene could well be out of Italy or an impressionist painting.

While at Port Lymbia, you can't miss Monument aux Morts de Rauba-Capeù, a 32-meter-high war memorial across the street from the port.

Monument aux morts de Rauba-Capeù

Monument aux morts de Rauba-Capeù (The Monument to the Dead of Rauba-Capeu) was built between 1924 and 1928 by Roger Séassal, an architect known for his work throughout Nice. The imposing monument, built in honor of the individuals from Nice who lost their lives during the First World War, is one of the biggest cenotaphs in France.

The stunning monument, which is 32 meters high, is situated at the bottom of Castle Hill, directly opposite Port Lympia. Here, visitors can take in stunning views of the surrounding area and La Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels) while sitting and honoring the memory of those the monument was built to remember.

After spending some time at the monument, you can walk up Castle Hill to Parc de la Colline du Chateau, where you can see a panoramic view of Nice.

Musée Matisse

As the name suggests, the Musée Matisse is a gallery featuring the work of French painter Henri Matisse. Housed in a stunning 17th Century Villa, the museum first opened its doors in 1963. It is one of the world's largest displays of Matisse's work, featuring some of his most-known and loved paintings, sculptures, and sketches.

Henri Matisse, who lived in Nice between 1917 and 1954, donated many of the artwork within this museum to the gallery. It also features numerous personal artifacts donated by his estate and heirs, allowing visitors to gain an even deeper understanding of the artist as a person and his work.

Musée Masséna

Visitors looking to learn more about Nice's rich history should step through the doors of the Musée Masséna, located on Promenade des Anglais, next door to Le Negresco Hotel. Within the walls of this historic Villa, visitors can learn more about the history of the region and explore the exhibits dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte.

One major selling point of the museum is the property's expertly maintained floor, allowing visitors to see how the Villa, designed by architect Hans Georg Tersling, looked in its glory years. You can also explore the gardens, which were landscaped by the highly-regarded Edouard Andre.

If you're interested in learning more about Napoleon and his family or the history of one of France's most stunning regions and cities, Musee Massena is a wonderful place to visit.

Le Negresco Hotel

Often referred to as a 5-star hotel and museum in one, Le Negresco is an iconic landmark along Promenade des Anglais. The hard-to-miss Belle Époque architecture building is located right next to Villa Massena. It's also one of the few hotels on Promanade des Angalis with private beaches.

In addition to being a storied hotel with tastefully furnished rooms and themed suites, Le Negresco has an extensive collection of artwork decorating its hallways, suites, and its famous Royal Reception Room. Each floor has different art themes, and if you're staying at the hotel, you're encouraged to wander around the floors to appreciate the art collection.

Guests at the hotel who like vintage items may enjoy taking a ride on the elevator, which has maintained its look since the hotel's opening in 1913. The look includes the classic control on the inside, which has since been decommissioned in favor of something more modern.

If you decide to stay at another one of Nice's fabulous hotels, you can still appreciate the artwork decorating most of the interior by reserving a table at Le Chantecler, the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant. Remember to book well in advance as the restaurant is very popular, and even guests at the hotel may not be able to get a spot easily at short notice.

Other Art Museums

Pinning down just one must-visit art museum in Nice is difficult. The city is home to an eclectic range of art museums that should be explored by those who love art and history.

Musee des Beaux-Arts de Nice is filled with works dating from the 15th to the 20th centuries. It is home to works by Rodin and Pablo Picasso. Musee National Marc Chagall (Chagall Museum) is another art museum in Nice; it is devoted to the works of famed artist Marc Chagall. Although there are works by other painters in the gallery, Musee Chagall’s real magic is in the paintings, etchings, lithographs, sculptures, stained glass, and mosaics created by the museum’s namesake.

Travelers looking for more updated examples of art should visit the Musee d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain. The contemporary art museum opened in 1990 in a sleek modern building that is as upbeat as the works it houses. The gallery includes works from the New Realism, Pop Art, American Abstracts, and Minimalists genres dating from the 1960s and 1970s.

Mont Boron

You can make the case that Nice's most alluring attraction is the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea it offers via Parc de la Colline du Chateau or Promenade des Anglais. However, what you may not find in many travel guides is information on the fantastic views from Mont Boron. As the name suggests, Mont Boron is on a hill east of Port Lympia.

Once you make it to the top, you'll find Parc du Mont Boron. It is a large park with hiking trails to help you burn off the calories from the sumptuous French cuisine you've been eating during your trip. Within the park, you'll also find Fort du Mont Alban, a 16th-century fort that still has its structure mostly intact. While the fort's interior isn't accessible to the public, history buffs will enjoy observing the well-preserved exterior.

But the main attraction of Mont Boron is the gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea that are arguably better than what you'll observe from Parc de la Colline du Chateau. As if that wasn't enough, looking down the slope to the east will reveal some gorgeous villas to make you appreciate the best part of living on the Mediterranean coast. The ideal place to enjoy these views is Point de vue sur Villefranche Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, close to the park's east entrance.

Unlike other parts of Nice, you won't find a crowd of tourists here, so you can enjoy the clear air and views in a serene environment. You could easily spend a full day here.

Libération

Tucked into the center of Nice, this dynamic neighborhood exudes a unique charm that seamlessly blends history with a contemporary allure. This spot is a haven for food lovers, offering an array of mouthwatering delicacies at its bustling markets like Marché de la Libération, inviting bistros, and artisanal shops. The neighborhood's rich heritage, with colorful facades and architectural gems like the restored Gare du Sud railway station will captivate history buffs who will love the sense of a bygone era.

Marche aux Fleurs Cours Saleya

Located on the southern border of Vieille Ville, Marche aux Fleurs Cours Saleya is an outdoor fruit and flower market that anthophiles will surely enjoy. Open every day except Monday, the vendors sell a range of colorful fresh flowers, herbs, and an assortment of fruits and vegetables. The market also has a section for antics.

The aroma of the flowers and the fresh Mediterranean breeze offer a soothing atmosphere that’ll make you want to stay in the market all day, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t. If you’re into street food, plenty of options are available, including Pan Bagnat, Pissaladière, and the local favorite, Socca.

In the Summer Months (June-September), the market is open late into the night. This allows visitors to shop underneath the stars. Be sure to stop by an ATM before visiting the market, as most vendors will only accept cash.

Château de Crémat

Away from the center of the city, on the windy road called Chemin de Crémat, is Château de Crémat. Built in 1906 by wealthy olive merchant Antoine Mari, the winery is close to the city border, away from the crowds of tourists in most other attractions closer to the Bay. Just a 17-minute drive from Promenade des Anglais, the chateau opens its doors to guests to experience its vineyards.

Both serious and casual wine enthusiasts can visit the tasting rooms to experience the delight of some of the best wines in the region sourced from organic grapes from the vineyards around the chateau.

You can either come in for quick wine tasting, take a full tour of the vineyard and the delightful interior of the chateau, or spend up to 5 hours in a picnic in the gardens, where you’ll enjoy the curated picnic basket with pissaladière, crudites, cheese, and local favorite, pan bagnat. Taking advantage of the picnic option is a wonderful way to enjoy the tranquil environment here while you savor fine wine and tasty local dishes.

Before you leave, you should stop by the shop on the premises to get a bottle or two of your favorite wine.

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

If the beautiful cliff-side villas in Mont Boron impress you, there are some nearby towns you should visit. Tourists seeking to explore other parts of the French Riviera should consider Villefranche-Sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, which are a few minutes east of Nice and perfect for day trips. Saint Jean Cap Ferrat peninsula shares the same appeal as Mont Boron but on a larger scale.

The peninsula is one of the most expensive residential locations in the world, and there is an abundance of lavish villas here. However, unless you have a friend who owns one of these villas or you're thinking of buying one, you won't be able to get a close look at most of them.

But before you call your realtor, you should note that what's arguably the most impressive villa on the peninsula is open to the public. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a Tuscan-style palazzo, was built by Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, a member of the Rothschild banking family.

The villa's grounds are just as impressive as the building, with nine gardens, each with a different theme. Beyond the villa, other attractions include glorious beaches, Villa Les Cèdres (once the most expensive house on earth), and the Cap Ferrat semaphore built under the instruction of Emperor Napoleon III.

AGS Formule 1 at Circuit du Var

Just 90 minutes away from Nice, AGS Formule 1 at Circuit du Var is perfect for the car enthusiast during a trip to Nice. After enjoying the various attractions the city has to offer, travelers can visit AGS Formule 1 to explore the 1.4-mile-long auto racing track.

Visitors can take advantage of the driving courses and speed around the track in a Formula One car. The tight corners and fast straightaways will give drivers a real sense of what it’s like to be a Formula One driver. Visitors can choose from a number of Formula One cars as they learn the ins and outs from highly trained driving instructors.