Nice doesn’t belong to the cities that you visit only to forget. It stays with you. Light, ocean, and food. Yes, the clichés have a point; however, they are fresh and energizing here. It’s an element of French Riviera glamour, part daily chaos, and it is a success. I’ve been to places that feel like postcards. Nice isn’t only an image on a postcard. It’s more of an album. Every cafe, every street, every random street adds an instrumental. Some are loud, others are soft. If you’re planning to go to Nice, and it is a must to visit at a minimum at least once in your life, there are 15 things to do in Nice that are actually important. Not just a top 10 list compiled by someone who has never visited the city. It’s the actual thing. Museums, markets, beaches, as well as a few surprises and even a few excursions outside of the city, for some time to relax.
Let’s wander.
1. Promenade des Anglais
It’s not hard to overlook it. No matter where you go, the Promenade des Anglais is where your feet will land. It’s approximately seven kilometres of palms, sea and even people. Some walk, others run, and others just rest. It’s like everyone is in the same place at the same time.
The morning here is gentle. Fewer people, gulls fluttering low, and the ocean is of silver rather than blue. When it gets dark, the sky performs this trick, where it layers pink, orange, and purple at the same time. It is also noticeable that people stop in their conversations to look. Rent a cheap bike. Take it slow and stop whenever you’re feeling like it. The promenade isn’t about speeding.
2. Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Take a step off the promenade and plunge into the maze. Old Town is narrow, chaotic, and messy, and this is precisely the reason it’s the perfect place to be. The buildings are painted faded reds and yellows, shutters that hang a bit crooked and tiny balconies filled with plants.
The most popular attraction to visit is the Cours Saleya Market. The mornings are filled with fruits and flowers. Mondays bring antiques. The jewelry of a grandmother’s old books, dusty books, and silver spoons. Also, of course, food. Have a go at socca. Chickpea-based pancake with crisp edges that locals love. Or gelato. The locals here debate endlessly about which store makes the most delicious.
Don’t plan too much when you visit Old Town. Simply wander around, get lost and then buy something you don’t really want. That’s the idea.
3. Castle Hill (Colline du Chateau)
The castle has gone; however, the hill it was built on is still there and is well worth the effort. It’s possible to use the elevator; however, should your legs permit the climb, then take a walk. The view is more appealing when you have earned it.
And what a stunning view. The view includes the entire curvature of the bay and the old terracotta roofs, and the harbor with its luxurious yachts and tiny fishing boats lining up side by side. There are also playgrounds, a waterfall and paths with shade if you’re looking for peace.
The best time to visit is at sunset. Bring a snack, eat in the corner and enjoy the city’s glow. It’s like cheating for a second.
4. Place Massena
The middle of Nice and the city know it. Place Massena is bold. The red buildings, the green shutters and a tiled floor that can make your eyes spin when you are looking for too long.
In the evening at night, glowing statues illuminate the square. They appear to be aliens initially. They may also be guardians. It all depends on how much alcohol you’ve consumed. The fountains are crowded with kids, tourists snap selfies, and locals cut across as if it’s not a big deal.
Relax in this cafe. Drink a glass of wine or coffee and sit back and watch the people. The whole thing is watching people.
5. Russian Orthodox Cathedral
You’re in France, but then you are in Russia. The domes are bright and round. They are also adorned with golden crosses. It is among the largest Orthodox cathedrals outside of Russia, which was built in the past when Russian nobles were vacationing on the Riviera.
Inside, it’s quiet. Candles, icons, the scent of incense. Even if you’re not a religious person, the nuances and the atmosphere are well worth a trip. In a brief moment, it’s like you don’t realize you’re in Nice in the first place.
6. Marc Chagall National Museum
Chagall did not simply reside in this place. He left a little bit of himself to the world. The museum feels intimate, as if he wanted you to go inside his head for a few minutes.
The paintings are enormous. Biblical themes, vibrant colors forms that don’t seem to appear to be logical till they finally do. Even if painting isn’t your style, this is sure to draw you into. It’s emotionally charged and not just for decoration.
Chagall himself was instrumental in setting the space up. When you enter these rooms, it’s not only an exhibition. It’s a present.
7. Matisse Museum
Another major in art. Matisse was a resident of Nice, and his museum serves as an outline of his thoughts. It’s located in an old house from the 17th century that is more like a home than a museum.
There are all kinds of things. The first sketches, the bold colors, and the well-known cut-outs. It’s not overpowering. It’s more like you’re putting the pieces of his life together piece by piece. The outside gardens are worth a leisurely stroll.
8. Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC)
When Chagall and Matisse inspire you, MAMAC will make you think about it. Pop art, contemporary installations, and even objects that appear to be rubbish until you see the signs.
It’s all fun and games. There is no need to know it all. All you need is to be able to experience something. You will. The rooftop terrace also offers amazing panoramic views over the city.
9. Beaches of Nice
The truth is that Pebbles aren’t sand. The first step you take hurts, and you’ll likely be a bit angry. When you take a look, and you see the crystal clear water, and you forget about the feet few minutes.
Public beaches are free. Bring your own beach towel. Private beaches are expensive, but they offer the sunbed, umbrella and sometimes, even an attendant with drinks. Bring water shoes. Pebbles and shoes with no soles don’t mix.
10. Cimiez Gardens and Roman Ruins
In Cimiez, the pace slows down. The olive trees, the quiet gardens and elderly people playing petanque. It’s quiet and a different world from the busy beachfront. Then you come across Roman ruin sites. Amphitheaters with old baths, damaged columns. It’s history right there. In May, there’s an annual rose festival in the city. The whole area smells like perfume. It’s worth the wait. Exploring the Cimiez Gardens and Roman Ruins is a must-do activity for things to do in Nice.
11. Parc Phoenix
If you’re traveling with children, this is the perfect place to go. Parc Phoenix is a combination of the beauty of a botanical garden and an animal zoo in miniature. In the huge greenhouse, you can find turtles, flamingos, plants from the tropical zone, and even Crocodiles. Outside, there are ponds and playgrounds, and a place for relaxation.
It’s fun, cheap and is a nice getaway from the bustling city.
12. Nice Opera House
Gorgeous outside, and grand inside. Chandeliers, velvet, gold details. It’s the type of location that makes you feel unattractive when you are trying. They stage ballet, opera, as well as performances. Even if you do not catch an event, walking into the venue is like entering an entirely different time. One of the top things to do in Nice is visiting the stunning Nice Opera House.
13. Cours Saleya Market
Yes, it was mentioned under Old Town, but it deserves its own space. Cours Saleya is a Nice on one street. The flower stalls are bursting with vibrant colors. Food stalls lure you with olives, cheese and spices. People make deals, laugh and yell. Every Monday, the antiques are everywhere, and then you’re looking through the history of the world. Come hungry. Be curious. You’ll not go home empty-handed.
14. Eze Village (Day Trip)
A short drive from Nice will take you to a medieval fairytale. Eze is perched upon an edifice with stone houses along narrow roads, and at the top is the Exotic Garden. From there, it is possible to see the Riviera is spread out beneath like a painting.
Perfume is everywhere in this country. Explore one of the historic factories, get to know the craft and make it with your personal scent. Eze is more sluggish and peaceful. It’s the reset button that you didn’t know you required.
15. Monaco (Day Trip)
Thirty minutes away from Nice, and then you’re located in Monaco. It’s like being in a completely different world. There are yachts the size of buildings, Ferraris at stoplights, and casinos sparkling in the night.
Monte Carlo Casino is the highlight of the casino. Even standing outside feels surreal. The palace and the gardens, as well as the harbor. It’s all luxurious, built on the past.
Formula 1 fans will recognize the streets. They’re the same streets that Formula 1 cars race on every year. Even if you’re not interested in racing, the excitement there is electric.
Travel Tips ForNice
- The best time to visit: Go during the spring or early fall for a pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Moving around: Walk through the city, and then take trains, trams, or buses to take longer trips.
- Beaches: Wear water shoes since the beaches are made of Pebbles, not sand.
- Foods to try: Socca, salade nicoise, and fresh gelato.
- Some French phrases like bonjour or merci can make a huge difference.
- Security: Keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times in busy areas like beaches and markets.
- Cash: Have some to use at small cafes and markets even though cards are accepted everywhere.
- Luxury or budget-friendly: Nice is enjoyable whether you’re traveling for a low cost or like luxurious.
Conclusion
Nice has many things happening all at once. An escape to the sea or an open-air gallery, an urban area where history whispers and nightlife beats. It’s elegant and casual, noisy and tranquil, as well as strange and familiar.
The 15 best things to do in Nice are your guide. But the real excitement lies in the moments that aren’t planned. The street you wander into and the bakery that you spot by smelling, and the cafe in which you spend too much time watching people pass through. So do not rush. Let Nice occur to you. This is how it works the best.