15 Fab Things to Do in Nice, France (Swipe My List)
By Sam Lee, 2025. Famous for its sunny weather, stunning blue waters, and interesting architecture, the newly UNESCO-listed city of Nice, France, is also packed with art, culture, and must-see spots.
I must confess that during my first visit to Nice (which seems about 100 years ago), I didn’t love it — mainly because I was unsure what to do or where to go.
But that won’t happen to you because I’m sharing 15 of my favorite things to do in Nice, including the classic must-dos and some lesser-known gems. Feel free to swipe my list to plan your French getaway—because everyone deserves a little Riviera magic in their life!
♥️Flight deals ♥️Hotel deals ♥️Book trains
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01— Promenade des Anglais
02— Nice Old Town
03— Cours Saleya Market
04— Colline du Château
05— The musicians’ quarter
06— Matisse's artwork
07— Place Messena
08— Le Negresco
09— Eat gelato
10— Create signature perfume
11— Indulge in foodie heaven
12— Promenade du Paillon
13— Provence wine tour
14— Russian Orthodox Cathedral
15— French Riviera by boat
Nice Travel Tips
Looking for somewhere to stay in Nice?
To be honest, accommodation in Nice is a little ‘hit-and-miss’. My recommendations? The Hôtel Petit Palais and (two slightly cheaper options) the Hôtel Du Centre and the Boutique Hotel Nice Côte d'azur. Explore the best accommodation deals here.
The best time to visit Nice?
Visit between May and October, when everything is open and the weather is great. Expect tourism overload in July and August.
01—
Promenade and soak up those Mediterranean vibes
The first thing to do when visiting Nice is to stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais by the Mediterranean Sea—and if the weather's playing nice, go ahead and take a dip. Trust me, it's magnifique.
The Promenade stretches 7km (4.3mi) from the airport in the west to the castle headland in the east. Funded by rich English expats in 1822, it offers uninterrupted views of the Baie des Anges. Locals refer to it as “La Prom,” and it has a dedicated lane for cyclists and skaters.
Along the way, you'll see notable landmarks like the pink-domed Hôtel Le Negresco, the art-deco Palais de la Méditerranée, and Sabine Géraudie’s iron sculpture La Chaise de SAB, a tribute to the famous blue chairs dotting the seafront.
Pro Travel Tip: Remember to take good sunglasses. The light bouncing off the sea is incredibly bright. And wear comfy shoes because those cobblestone footpaths don’t love high heels.
02—
Explore Nice’s Old Town (Vieux Nice)
In the heart of Nice, France, lies the historic neighborhood of Vieux Nice. Its narrow, winding streets and colorful buildings showcase its deeply rooted blend of French and Italian traditions.
Get lost in the vibrant maze of streets—don’t worry, it’s a good thing here. Enjoy the stunning architectural icons like the Cathédrale Ste-Réparate and the 17th-century Palais Lascaris. Finally, reward yourself with a trip to the bustling markets and café terraces of Cours Saleya.
03—
Take in the beloved Cours Saleya Market
Dating back to 1861, the Cours Saleya Market boasts a flower section and a well-loved fruit and veggie area. Surrounded by vibrant buildings and a bustling business district, this food market offers seasonal Mediterranean goodies from small local farms.
Treat yourself to street snacks and pastries while you meander through the stalls (you’re on vacation, after all). Snag picnic essentials like organic tomatoes, zucchini flowers, spices, and olives.
At night, the market turns into a lively dining scene. On Mondays, the usual displays take a break for a quirky flea market. From May to September, the night market features local crafts, perfect for late-night treasure hunts.
04—
Hike Colline du Château (Castle Hill) for epic views
For fantastic vistas over Nice’s rooftops and the blue Baie des Anges harbor, tackle the climb to the Castle Hill summit or kinda cheat and take the free lift to the top (no judgment here 😊).
This leafy, shaded park on the old town’s east side used to house a medieval castle and military fortifications until Louis XIV decided he didn’t like them and smashed them to bits in 1706.
Archaeologists have since dug up Celtic and Roman remains, and today, you’ll find the Tour Bellanda, a cute garden with play areas, an artificial waterfall, and views that are best at sunset. For local insight into the area, think about taking this guided tour. It’s seriously good.
Pro Travel Tip: If you’re starving and thirsty by the time you make it up the hill, the café at the top is the perfect spot for light snacks and after-lunch espresso.
Pro Travel Tip No. 2: For a less crowded alternative to Castle Hill, climb the Tour Saint Francois bell tower, which offers 360-degree views over Nice.
05—
Explore the musicians’ quarter
The Musicians' Quarter, a.k.a. Quartier des Musiciens, is a feast for the eyes if you love drooling over fancy buildings. This leafy neighborhood is packed with Art Deco gems and Belle Époque beauties that'll make you want to photograph around every corner. Take your time and stroll around, check out the swanky ironwork on the balconies and the colorful building facades, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the birds chirping.
Start at Jardin Alsace-Lorraine and finish at Gare Thiers. Allow two hours. Points of interest include La Rotonde, La Pergola, Palais Baréty, Hotel Oasis, Hotel Excelsior, Palais Meyerbeer, and the Post Office.
06—
Enjoy some of Matisse's greatest artworks
Musée Matisse is a gem of an art museum dedicated to the legendary Henri Matisse. Housed in the gorgeous 17th-century Villa des Arènes, the museum offers a deep dive into the life and works of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
The villa, with its elegant design and chill garden, is a spectacular sight. Whether you're a Matisse enthusiast or a modern art lover, Musée Matisse in Nice offers a fascinating peek into Matisse's visionary world.
07—
Check out the famous Place Masséna
This fancy 19th-century villa on the Promenade des Anglais was gifted to the city by the Duke of Rivoli in 1919. His one condition? Turn it into a museum of local history. Good vibes, Duke. Good vibes.
Inside Place Messena, you’ll find an awesome mix of random stuff, like Napoleon’s death mask and a tiara that belonged to his wife, Empress Joséphine. But there’s also the 19th-century French art collection on the second floor. Plus, the gardens were designed by Édouard André, the same guy who designed the Monte Carlo Casino, so it’s worth checking out.
08—
Get fancy at Le Negresco
This historic hotel on the Promenade des Anglais has been charming guests for over a century. With its pastel-pink, domed roof, it’s an iconic building you just can’t miss.
Why go? A room here will set you back at least a couple hundred bucks per night, but don’t worry—you don’t need to stay to get a taste of the luxury. The bar serves amazing cocktails, from Old Fashioneds and Negronis to their own signature creations like the ‘Royal Negresco’. Plus, live musicians crank out some top-notch soul, blues, and jazz. It’s a classy joint, no doubt about it.
09—
Eat gelato, and then eat some more
Nice has no shortage of fantastic glaciers. Ice cream-hop around Nice, and you’ll have hundreds of flavors to choose from. Three of the most popular ice cream parlors in Nice are Fenocchio and Azzurro in the old town and Neron in the nearby port district.
10—
Create your own signature perfume
Why not design your own custom perfume? Pick the scents that tickle your fancy and master the art of perfumery as you whip up that perfect fragrance you've always wanted. With an expert guiding you, uncover the scent's architecture, the ingredients that make it sing, and those that play nice or clash. You can include a private 2-hour perfume creation experience (90ml bottle), a 1-hour workshop (50ml bottle), or a 45-min workshop (30ml bottle). Just a warning: It’s quite addictive. You might want to go back for more.
11—
Indulge in Niçoise foodie heaven
Dive headfirst into Nice's incredible food scene and let your taste buds dance with joy over some of its local delicacies. Keep an eye out for Socca (savory pancake made from chickpea), Salade Niçoise (Mediterranean salad with tuna), Fougasse (a flaky bread), Moules Marinières (steamed mussels in white wine), and Pissaladiere (onion tart). The quickest (and arguably the best) way to treat yourself to these local delicacies is by hopping on a food tour with a local. Bon appétit!
12—
People watch on the Promenade du Paillon
After soaking in everything Nice has to offer, take a well-deserved break with some epic people-watching on the Promenade du Paillon.
This super long, gorgeously landscaped park stretches from Place Masséna to the Théâtre National de Nice. It's got green spaces, wooden benches, water features, and plenty of playgrounds to keep the kiddos entertained.
Pro Travel Tip: Why not mix people-watching with a little shopping? Nearby is one of Nice’s main shopping streets, Avenue Jean-Médecin, where you can shop until you drop among your favorite and familiar brands.
13—
Take a day trip to Provence and drink wine
Enjoy exploring the stunning landscapes of Provence on a day trip from Nice —and, of course, drink wine! It’s France, after all. Visit multiple vineyards and wineries and taste a selection of the region’s best wines with a wine expert guide. You can hire a car and try it yourself, but this local tour is so much better (in my humble opinion). If you don’t want to commit to a day trip, this 1.5-hour tour is also good.
14—
Check out the Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Nice has some seriously lovely churches. Located near the Nice train station, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral pops with its colorful domes and intricate details. Dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and protector of the Russian Orthodox Church, this place is epic. The central iconostasis? A grand icon of Saint Nick himself, surrounded by other revered figures. With ornate chandeliers, marble columns, and gilded decorations, the interior is truly opulent and worth a quick look.
15—
Explore the French Riviera by boat
As soon as I arrive in Nice and see the glittering sea, I can’t wait to get on a boat and explore the coastline. And I recommend you do exactly that.
You can rent a boat with or without a skipper, but I find booking a small group tour with a local is much easier and fun — and it supports small local businesses, which is always good. The Lerin Islands Boat Tour is the best one I’ve found so far, but the Mala Caves boat tour comes highly recommended (I haven’t done it, though).
That’s a wrap!
What do you reckon? I hope you’re inspired by my recommendations and have a crazy good time in Nice. I’ve also just finished a 10-day train trip along the South of France, starting at Nice, which might interest you. You can read all about it here. Happy travels!
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