15 Incredible Things To Do In Nice

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From beach clubbing to museum hopping, there are so many wonderful things to do in Nice. This seaside city is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. Located on the French Riviera, Nice has so much to offer every kind of traveller.

Whether you find bliss in strolling through the old town, visiting ancient castles or indulging in some delicious food and wine, Nice has a multitude of culture and attractions guaranteed to impress. So if you’re planning your next trip to Nice and are searching for some holiday fun, these 15 things to do in Nice will keep you busy.

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Nice, France

15 Things To Do In Nice

1- Take A Stroll Along Promenade de Anglais

thing to do in nice

One of the best things to do in Nice is to take a stroll along the gorgeous Promenade des Anglais. 

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This 7km paved promenade has graced Nice’s shore for many decades and is one of the most recognised boardwalks across Europe. 

Winding from the International Airport to Nice’s central hub, Promenade de Anglais lines the shimmering Mediterranian sea and offers an excellent place for a leisurely walk. 

Along your journey, be sure to stop at one of the many local cafes and bars that line the promenade and take in the remarkable views while you enjoy people-watching at its finest.

2- Visit The Lovely Vieille Ville

With its charming cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways and pastel buildings, it’s no surprise that Vieille Ville is one of Nice’s most popular destinations. 

Not only is Vieille Ville a popular hangout for tourists, but it’s also where the locals come to gather.

Here, you can find a collection of pubs, restaurants and outdoor cafes providing some of the best French cuisine.

You’ll also discover quaint flower shops and local boutiques offering some unique treasures.

From homewares to vintage clothing, there are so many unusual items to be found in Vieille Ville. 

One of the best things to do in Nice, Vieille Ville is a favourite destination for many travellers and if you love the village atmosphere, the south is home to many beautiful villages in France to explore.

3- Unwind in Parc de la Calina du Château

Towering 300ft over Nice’s old town, Bai des Anges and the stunning Cote d’Azur, Parc de la Calina du Château is a wonderful place to unwind in nature. 

What was once a military citadel has now been transformed into a lovely garden area where locals and tourists come to share a picnic, and some local wine and spend time in the beautiful garden surroundings. 

Parc de la Calina du Château is the most popular outdoor park in Nice and is an ideal spot to take in some fantastic views (particularly at sunset!). And the tranquil waterfall offers a peaceful place for meditation or relaxation. 

You’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Nice’s coastline as soon as you reach the top – and they are well-deserved after the steep hike. 

But if you don’t fancy climbing the steps to the top, there’s an elevator available to lend a helping hand. 

4- Admire The Stunning Nice Cathedral

Located right in the heart of Nice, Nice Cathedral is a spectacular landmark that dates back to the 17th Century. 

Dedicated to Sainte Reparate, the Roman Catholic church took approximately 50 years to build.

Today it is adorned in beautiful architecture reflecting a Baroque style and is topped with an 18th-century bell tower.

Classified as a national monument since August 1906, the Nice Cathedral is an incredibly impressive structure. 

Nice Cathedral is open to the public and entry is free of charge.

Inside the Cathedral, you can discover 10 chapels, as well as a stunning interior and beautifully decorated ceiling.

5- Visit the Cours Saleya Market

A lovely market in the heart of Old Town Nice, Cours Saleya Market is a great place to visit on your Nice holiday. And, it’s one of the best spots to be immersed in Nice’s culture. 

A bustling hub for tourists and locals, the market has an array of goods on offer. From delicious fruit and veggies to fresh, colourful flowers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

One of the best things to do in Nice, the Cours Saleya Market is open every day, and it’s a great place to get a taste of local life. 

Insider tip: Be sure to bring some cash along, as many vendors don’t accept credit cards! 

6- Discover historic museums

what to do in nice
Exploring Nice’s plazas, squares and museums are some of the things to do in Nice.

Nice is a beautiful city that’s bursting with art and culture, and there’s no better way to experience it than by visiting some of the local museums.

Nice’s museums are renowned as some of the best places to visit across the city. 

There’s a vast range of museums to choose from in Nice, and there’s something to impress every kind of art lover. 

Housing everything from 1960s pop art to classic 15th-century masterpieces, Nice museums have multitudes of artwork to discover.

Best of all, you can see one-of-a-kind pieces from your favourite artists, including Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall. 

Some of our favourite Nice Museums include Villa Masséna Musée, Musée National Marc Chagall and Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice. 

7- Attend the Iconic Nice Carnival 

Drawing over one million visitors from across the world Nice Carnival is the highlight event of the Nice festival calendar.

Renowned as one of the oldest and largest carnivals in the world, Nice Carnival offers a family-friendly alternative to Rio’s Carnival. 

Perfect for couples, families and solo travellers, there is so much to enjoy at this spectacular event. 

Occurring in February and March each year, Nice Carnival is a multi-week event that plays host to hundreds of musicians and dancers who take part in interactive street parades

Over 20 floats adorned with oversize puppets dance their way through the streets and crowds gather to throw confetti and celebrate in elaborate costumes. 

When dusk falls, Nice transforms into one big party, and neon lights fill the streets for an unforgettable night of dancing and celebrations.

8- Relax in a Nice Beach Club

For those visiting the French Riviera in summer, you simply cannot miss out on experiencing a Nice beach club.

Much more affordable than the beach clubs you would find in similar places such as Greece and Italy, Nice beach clubs enjoy total luxury for a fraction of the price. 

Spend your day sipping cocktails by the sea, eating mouth-watering food and being waited on hand and foot by attentive (and not to mention attractive) waiters from the comfort of your deck chair. 

You can enjoy working on your tan, taking a dip in the sea, and chilling out in ultimate paradise. Whether you want to stay for a couple of hours or lounge around for the entire day, the beach clubs are renowned as one of the best things to do in Nice. 

9- Enjoy Nice Water Sports

For those seeking some holiday adventure, Nice has a fantastic range of water sports guaranteed to get the adrenaline pumping. 

From jet skiing to parasailing and everything in between, there’s something to please all kinds of thrill-seekers. 

Or, if you want to enjoy the water at a more relaxing pace, you can hire a stand-up paddleboard, kayaks or even enrol in a scuba diving course.

Get up close and personal with Nice’s fascinating marine life and enjoy the vibrant underwater world of the Mediterranean Sea. 

Undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Nice, is simply head down to the beachfront and look for the water sports area – you can’t miss it! 

10- Visit the ILoveNice Sign

Overlooking the gorgeous Nice waterfront, the ILoveNice sign is an icon of the city.

Not only does this beautiful lookout provide amazing views, but it’s also a stunning backdrop for those all-important holiday snaps. 

Here, you can see beachgoers and water sports lovers enjoying the spectacular Mediterranean Sea, as well as the boats sailing out into the distance.

You can also enjoy the incredible views of the Promenade des Anglais as it wraps around the coastline. 

Insider tip: The ILoveNice can get very busy throughout the day, so be sure to arrive early if you want to get some photos without a crowd of tourists. 

11- Visit the lovely Phoenix Park

A gorgeous outdoor park sprawling over 7 hectares, Phoenix Park is a beautiful place to visit while holidaying in Nice. 

Offering a range of nature-based activities and exhibitions, Phoenix Park is home to 2,500 plant species.

Together with a variety of birdlife, including ducks, swans and birds, the park also has one of the largest greenhouses in Europe – the “Green Diamond”.

Here, you can discover six different tropical climates that each feature different kinds of flora and fauna. 

Guests can also enjoy exploring the Asian Arts Museum, the serene lake and the stunning park surrounds. 

Additionally, Phoenix Park is also home to a family of crocodiles, iguanas and lemurs, which entertain visitors all year round. 

12- Take a day trip to Monaco

One of the best things about Nice is it’s a fantastic location on the French Riviera. 

Just a short distance away, you can discover some top destinations, including the glamourous city of Monte Carlo in Monaco.

Located just 40 minutes from Nice by train, Monte Carlo is an incredible destination brimming with luxury yachts, high-end shopping and glitzy casinos. 

But, you don’t have to be a high roller to visit this glamorous part of the world, there are plenty of attractions to enjoy free of charge.

Best of all, Monte Carlo is small enough and comfortable enough to walk around so that you can see pretty much the entire city in just one day. 

Take a stroll through the gorgeous Botanical Gardens, walk along the picturesque waterfront and take in the panoramic views from the top of the Monaco Royal Palace.

Spend your time eating at the local cafes, exploring the boutiques and taking in the beautiful scenery that Monte Carlo is so famous for. 

The best part is, by taking a short day trip, you’ll get to tick another country off your bucket list! 

13- Eat a Nice Crepe

France is renowned for its refined cuisine and scrumptious creations.

From macarons and baguettes to pastries and crepes, the list of mouth-watering French desserts goes on and on. 

But, did you know that Nice is also home to some of the best crepe shops in the world?! Whether you’re craving savoury or sweet, Nice has a crepe for you! 

Nice has even invented their version of the crepe. Introducing: The Socca. 

Socca is a healthier alternative to the humble crepe and is made with chickpea flour, water, salt, olive oil and cracked pepper.

Simple and delicious, this Nice delicacy is best served with some ice-cold rose – and eaten with fingers, of course. 

14- Drink wine at Cave de la tour

Established in 1947, Cave de la tour is one of Nice’s oldest and most popular wine bars. 

Here, you can sample some of the finest wine in all of France – and there’s a great variety to choose from.

From vintage shiraz to locally made cabernet, Cave de la tour has something to delight every kind of wine lover.

Plus, they also serve up some tasty french cuisine that pairs beautifully with the wine.

The perfect place to indulge in some delicious food and wine, look no further than Nice’s Cave de la tour. 

15- Visit the Iconic Hotel Negresco

A historic hotel just a short distance from the beach, Hotel Negresco is a must-visit on your next Nice holiday. 

Built over 100 years ago, this iconic hotel is synonymous with Nice.

Located on the Promenade des Anglais, the pink-pastel exterior and spectacular dome roof, contrast with the azure blue sea makes for some seriously beautiful photos. 

One night at this hotel will set you back a couple of hundred dollars, but not to worry, you can still experience the hotel without actually staying there. 

You can take a wander through the impressive lobby or enjoy a cocktail at the onsite bar. 

Shaking up everything from Margheritas to negronis and their very own signature cocktail named ‘the Royal Negresco’, you can be sure to find a beverage that tickles your fancy. 

Nice things to do
Nice things to do

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Brittany Balcomb
Travel lover and adventure junkie, Brittany Balcomb is a freelance writer based in Brisbane, Australia. Having visited 26 countries (and counting), Brittany finds as much bliss getting lost in a European city as she does lying on a tropical beach in Thailand. Since 2017, Brittany has contributed to travel and lifestyle publications across the world such as TravelOnline, Lifehacker, Value Walk and Flying The Nest. Brittany has a journalism degree from the University of Queensland.