What to do in Nice?

What activities to do during a stay in Nice? If you have chosen the French Riviera as your vacation destination, then you have come to the right article! Whether it's a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, lounging on the most beautiful beaches of Nice, or exploring the old town, this guide offers essential and must-do activities when visiting Nice for the first time

A must-see when visiting Nice, the Promenade des Anglais is renowned for its beauty, lined with palm trees along the coastline. Built in 1832 at the initiative of English Reverend Lewis Way, it stretches about 7 km in length and offers a magnificent view of the Bay of Angels.

The Promenade des Anglais starts between the Phoenix Park and Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, extending to the Quai des États-Unis, just steps away from Castle Hill. Along the way, you can admire stunning luxury hotels typical of the French Riviera and magnificent yachts, making it one of the most beautiful avenues in the world!

If you're unsure what to do in Nice, walking along the Promenade des Anglais while admiring the beauty of the Mediterranean will guarantee a lovely stroll. For sportier visitors, you can also jog, bike, or brisk walk here, or simply take a break on the beach to soak up the sun and recharge a bit

Is your stay on the French Riviera starting to take shape, and are you looking for activities to schedule while in Nice? In addition to my selection, I invite you to check the list of activities in Nice by clicking below! You can book directly and save time Guided tours, sea excursions, city and village visits, or tasting local products and wines, there's plenty to do. Depending on when you plan to visit, do remember to book early, as the French Riviera is swamped with tourists in summer!

Exploring Old Nice is an essential part of discovering the French Riviera! This area of the city enchants visitors with its cobblestone streets, colorful facades with pastel shutters, and beautiful historical monuments like the Saint Reparata Cathedral and its remarkable baroque architecture.

Among the lively markets like the Cours Saleya, which offers the scents and flavors of Provence, the picturesque ambiance with its small squares, charming buildings like the Lascaris Palace, a former aristocratic residence, or the Rossetti Square, everything is designed for an escape for a few hours!

If you're unsure where to enjoy Nice's nightlife, the historic center offers a lively and festive ambiance, especially during the summer season. You'll find a large number of pubs and restaurants serving regional specialties and local flavors, including the famous crepe >.

To catch all that Old Nice and other neighborhoods in the city have to offer, feel free to join the guided tour of Nice, starting at €22 per person.

Iconic in Nice, the daily market at Cours Saleya will charm you with its array of colors, flavors, and scents typical of the Mediterranean. It's a great outing to immerse yourself in the Provençal atmosphere in a friendly setting while enjoying the warmth of the historic center

At Cours Saleya, you will truly find everything: fruits, vegetables, herbs, charcuterie, cheese, and many other local delicacies, as well as flowers and small stands from local artisans selling their paintings. It's a wonderful opportunity to discover the southern French terroir in a dynamic environment. I highly recommend extending this moment by settling on one of the many café terraces!

The market runs from Tuesday to Sunday in the morning, until 1:30 PM.

The Matisse Museum is among the best museums to visit during a stay in Nice! It is located near the Roman Baths of Cimiez and the Cimiez Monastery Gardens. The museum is reachable in a 15-minute drive if you have a rental car, or a 30-minute bus ride if you take line 5.

This unmissable museum pays tribute to the artistic legacy of Henri Matisse, one of the greatest modern art masters. It is housed in a 17th-century villa, featuring unique architecture with its red facade and yellow shutters. On-site is a large collection of the artist's works, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and prints. These world-renowned pieces notably trace Matisse's artistic life and evolution! To book your entry ticket, visit the official Nice city website!

What to do in Nice in February? If you're planning to travel to Nice in winter, you can attend one of the biggest local events: the Nice Carnival, one of the most famous in the world It dazzles tens of thousands of spectators with its splendor and grandeur!

This unmissable celebration aims to celebrate art, music, and culture. For 2 weeks, the streets of Nice transform into a show of colors, costumes, and impressive floats that will leave you speechless The Carnival parade on the Promenade des Anglais is the highlight of the event, with its giant floats adorned with flowers and all kinds of patterns. You can admire street performers showcasing their best acts in a super festive atmosphere!

According to local tradition, the flower battle showcases the floral diversity from the region since 80% of the flowers used are locally produced. If you have the chance, I highly recommend participating in the largest carnival in France if you are visiting the French Riviera in February. Be sure to check the official Nice Carnival site for more information!

Nestled in the heart of Nice, between the old town and the port area, Castle Hill Park offers a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Ideally located by the sea, the castle dating back to the 11th century underwent several sieges in 1543 and 1691 before being stormed in 1705 by French troops and destroyed in 1706.

Overlooking the city of Nice, Castle Hill is a true haven of peace where visitors can recharge. The park features lush vegetation, walking paths, beautifully maintained gardens, Mediterranean plants, ancient trees, and flowers

From its summit, visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay of Angels, the old town of Nice, and the surrounding mountains. Additionally, park access is completely free!

What to do during a stay in Nice? Well, one of the most beautiful monuments in the city is the Saint Nicholas Cathedral, a true architectural masterpiece! This Russian Orthodox church built in 1912 stands out for its colorful baroque and neoclassical style, unique in its kind.

Listed as a historical monument, the Saint Nicholas Cathedral of Nice was built in the 13th century but has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries. Furthermore, know that this building is one of the most important outside of Russia, as the country has claimed ownership, since the land on which the cathedral is built belonged to the Russian imperial family before the Russian Revolution of 1917.

Today, the Saint Nicholas Cathedral is fully part of the landscape of Nice and the French Riviera. Its interior is filled with religious frescoes and exceptional stained glass. You can also discover a magnificent altar and a crypt housing the remains of local saints.

Nicknamed the Pearl of the French Riviera, Nice is also famous for its seaside setting, with beautiful beaches to sunbathe Among the best beaches in Nice, the Promenade des Anglais provides access to several public beaches, including Carras Beach, which is especially suited for families with its soft sand, and the Réserve Beach, offering stunning views of the city.

Further west, the Lanterne Beach is inviting with its peaceful atmosphere and shallow waters, while Coco Beach, near Cap de Nice, provides a fantastic view of the port. Other beaches to mention include Castel Beach, near Old Nice, as well as Voilier Beach and Lido Beach, the most beautiful!

To enjoy the joys of the sea, you can also join a cruise to Villefranche Bay, a lovely one-hour sightseeing cruise along the French Riviera ️ Expect to pay €25 per person.

Without a doubt, the summer season is the best time to visit Nice since this period offers warm enough temperatures to fully enjoy the beaches and the sun of the French Riviera. However, it's important to note that this is the high tourist season! Accommodation prices are high, and you might find yourself on vacation overwhelmed by tourists!

Visiting Nice in spring or autumn is a great alternative. During these times of the year, temperatures are very pleasant, notably in spring with an average temperature of 23 degrees, although the thermometer can reach peaks of heat up to 25 or even more If you visit Nice in September, at the beginning of autumn, you will also enjoy very nice weather conditions! In any case, I advise you to always book your flights, accommodation, and activities in advance to get the best prices.

To get to Nice, several options are available to you. If you choose to fly, note that the Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport is very well served by numerous airlines. You can reach the city center by tram, as the distance between the airport and Nice Ville station is only 7 km!

To quickly reach Nice without taking a plane or driving, the train is a good option. The SNCF offers regular connections from many cities to Nice Ville station. Although the travel time from Paris is also long, taking the train will save you from city traffic.

If you live nearby, you might consider driving. Just follow the A8 highway which connects Nice to the main French cities. For example, a trip from Paris to Nice takes about 8 hours, which is still quite a long journey.

To discover the best neighborhoods to stay in Nice, you can start by reading my dedicated article that lists all the areas and hotels where you can settle down. If you prefer to save time, here are 3 establishments offering great value for money:

The Hotel d'Ostende offers great value for money with comfortable, well-kept, and carefully decorated rooms. The hotel benefits from a perfect location in the city center, only 100 meters from Nice Ville station and a few minutes from Old Nice. For a night, this hotel is available from €52. The on-site staff is very friendly and helpful.

Les Suites Massena is a beautiful establishment located in Old Nice. It offers large elegant, modern, and comfortable suites of 35 m² starting at €203 a night. You will be welcomed by attentive staff in a peaceful and pleasant environment.

The Hotel de Berne is just 50 meters from a tram station, making it easy to reach the city center. For about €118 a night, you can enjoy a comfortable double room just a 2-minute walk from Nice Ville station.

If you plan to travel around the French Riviera and aren't sure what to do in Cannes or where to stay in Cannes, be sure to check out my articles!