10 Best Things to Do in Nice

Looking for what to do in Nice? As the radiant capital of the French Riviera, Nice is a masterpiece of Mediterranean allure, where Belle Époque elegance, Italianate charm, and modern Riviera chic converge against a backdrop of turquoise sea and sun-drenched hills. More than just a gateway to the Côte d’Azur, Nice is a destination of profound beauty and vibrant culture in its own right. Its palette is iconic: the deep azure of the Baie des Anges, the terracotta and ochre hues of Old Town rooftops, the soft pastels of its grand promenades, and the vibrant greens of its subtropical gardens. With a rich artistic legacy, a storied history, and an enviable climate, Nice offers a compelling blend of leisurely coastal living, world-class art, and lively street life that captures the very essence of the South of France.

From strolling the legendary Promenade des Anglais and losing yourself in the labyrinth of Vieux Nice to climbing panoramic hills, exploring exceptional art museums, and indulging in the sun-soaked Mediterranean lifestyle, here are the 10 best things to do in Nice to help you plan the perfect trip to this dazzling seaside city.

1. Walk the Promenade des Anglais

The Promenade des Anglais is not merely a boulevard; it is the emblematic front porch of Nice, a seven-kilometer ribbon of waterfront that has defined the city’s identity since the 19th century. Named after the wealthy English winter residents who financed its construction, “La Prom” is a stage for Riviera life. Walk, jog, rollerblade, or cycle along its iconic blue-cycled path, shaded by rows of towering palms, with the gentle sound of the Mediterranean’s pebbled shore always within earshot.

The views across the sweeping crescent of the Baie des Anges are mesmerizing, changing from the soft morning light to the fiery gold of sunset. Iconic landmarks like the majestic Hôtel Negresco and the modern Le Méridien punctuate the skyline. Whether you’re people-watching from a famous blue chair, enjoying a gelato, or simply breathing in the salty air, a stroll here is the quintessential Nice experience, connecting you to the city’s timeless maritime soul.

2. Explore Nice Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Step away from the grand promenade and plunge into the sensory kaleidoscope of Vieux Nice. This historic district, with its narrow, winding streets (calles) and tall, sun-bleached buildings painted in warm Italian hues, feels like a village within the city. The scent of fresh basil, baking socca, and espresso fills the air. The heart of the quarter is the vibrant Cours Saleya, a broad market square that hosts a daily flower and produce market (and an antique market on Mondays).

Wander aimlessly to discover hidden squares like Place Rossetti, home to the stunning Baroque Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, and picturesque chapels. Browse artisan shops, sample Niçois street food from tiny stalls, and admire the famous “trompe-l’œil” frescoes on building façades. Vieux Nice’s palpable energy, Italianate architecture, and authentic local life provide a captivating contrast to the city’s formal seafront.

3. Climb Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

For the most breathtaking panoramic view in Nice, ascend Colline du Château (Castle Hill). While the medieval castle itself is long gone, the hilltop park is an oasis of greenery, waterfalls, and shaded paths. You can reach the summit via a scenic (but steep) staircase from the Old Town or take the free elevator (ascenseur) from near the Tour Bellanda.

The reward is a 360-degree vista that will steal your breath. To one side, the entire Baie des Anges unfolds, from the airport to Cap de Nice, with the Promenade des Anglais curving gracefully below. To the other, you overlook the colourful rooftops of Vieux Nice and the deep blue of the Port Lympia. It is the perfect spot for photography, contemplation, and witnessing a spectacular sunset that paints the city in golden light.

4. Visit the Marc Chagall National Museum

Nestled in the residential Cimiez neighbourhood, the Musée National Marc Chagall houses the world’s largest public collection dedicated to the visionary artist. Conceived with Chagall’s own input, the museum is a serene, purpose-built space flooded with natural light, perfectly complementing his luminous works. The centerpiece is the monumental “Biblical Message” cycle—17 large paintings exploring scenes from the Old Testament, where Chagall’s signature dreamlike imagery, symbolic color, and poetic vision are on full, breathtaking display.

The museum also features stained-glass windows, mosaics, tapestries, and a peaceful Mediterranean garden. Visiting is a deeply moving and immersive experience, offering profound insight into Chagall’s spiritual and artistic universe far from the bustle of the coast. It stands as one of the Riviera’s most significant and beautifully presented artistic treasures.

5. Enjoy Nice’s Pebble Beaches

Nice’s coastline is defined by its smooth, oval galets (pebbles) and clear, vibrant blue water—a distinctive and beautiful feature of the Baie des Anges. While not a classic sandy beach, the pebbles are part of the city’s charm. The public beach stretches the length of the Promenade des Anglais, where you can lay out your own towel for free and take a refreshing dip in the sparkling Mediterranean.

For more comfort, numerous private beach clubs (plages privées) like Opéra Plage or Castel Plage offer rented sun loungers, umbrellas, restaurants, and bar service right at the water’s edge. Swimming here, with views of the city and the Alps in the distance, is an essential Riviera ritual. The water quality is excellent, and the unique experience of the pebble shore is unforgettable.

6. Wander the Port of Nice (Port Lympia)

A short walk east from the Old Town leads to Port Lympia, a bustling and picturesque harbour that offers a different, more authentic rhythm than the tourist-centric promenade. The port’s basin is a stunning shade of deep green, surrounded by tall, brightly coloured 18th-century buildings that reflect beautifully in the calm water. It’s a working port filled with fishing boats, sleek yachts, and the occasional cruise ship.

The quays are lined with excellent seafood restaurants where you can enjoy the day’s catch. Explore the adjacent Quartier du Port and the Antique District for quirky boutiques and art galleries. A walk along the Quai des Deux Emmanuel or a seat on a bench to watch the comings and goings provides a genuine sense of Nice’s maritime character and local life.

7. Visit the Matisse Museum (Musée Matisse)

Housed in a gorgeous 17th-century Genoese villa set within the serene Parc des Arènes de Cimiez, the Musée Matisse offers an intimate journey through the career of Henri Matisse, who lived in Nice for nearly forty years. The collection spans his entire artistic evolution, from early Fauvist works to his famous late-career paper cut-outs.

It includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, and personal objects, all arranged in a villa that feels like a home. The connection between the artist, the light of Nice, and the surrounding Mediterranean landscape is palpable. After exploring the galleries, wander in the adjacent olive grove garden, which also contains the ancient Roman ruins of Cimiez, creating a perfect blend of art, history, and nature.

8. Explore Cimiez & its Roman Ruins

The hilltop district of Cimiez is a peaceful, elegant escape, rich in both art and ancient history. This was once the Roman city of Cemenelum. The impressive Roman Ruins include well-preserved amphitheaters, thermal baths, and archaeological streets that you can freely explore, offering a tangible link to the city’s distant past.

Cimiez is also home to the Monastère Notre-Dame de Cimiez, a Franciscan monastery with beautiful gardens offering another superb panoramic view. The district’s grand villas and tranquil, tree-lined streets provide a glimpse into Nice’s history as a favoured winter retreat for European aristocracy. A visit here combines a cultural pilgrimage with a relaxing stroll through one of the city’s most prestigious neighbourhoods.

9. Discover Cours Saleya Market

The daily market on Cours Saleya is the vibrant, beating heart of Vieux Nice and a feast for all the senses. Each morning (except Mondays, when it becomes an antiques market), the long square erupts in a riot of colour and scent. Stalls overflow with seasonal produce: plump tomatoes, glossy aubergines, fragrant herbs, local cheeses, and olives of every variety. The adjoining flower market is a painter’s palette of blooms.

Beyond shopping, it’s a place to immerse yourself in Niçois culture. Chat with vendors, sample local delicacies like fougasse bread or candied fruit, and soak in the lively, convivial atmosphere. For a truly local experience, arrive early and enjoy a coffee at one of the market-side cafés, watching the city come to life. It is the perfect embodiment of the Provençal love for good food and outdoor living.

10. Enjoy Nice’s Cuisine, Wine & Riviera Dining

Nice boasts a distinctive culinary heritage, a delicious blend of French and Italian influences known as cuisine nissarde. Must-try specialties include socca (a chickpea pancake), salade niçoise (the authentic version has no cooked vegetables or potatoes), pissaladière (an onion and anchovy tart), and petits farcis (stuffed vegetables).

Dining is an event. Enjoy a multi-course meal in a trattoria in Vieux Nice, savor fresh seafood by the port, or indulge in Michelin-starred cuisine with a sea view. No meal is complete without a glass of chilled local rosé de Provence or a glass of the robust Bellet wine from Nice’s own hillside vineyards. From humble street food to haute cuisine, eating in Nice is a celebration of sun-drenched, Mediterranean flavors.