Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: Nice isn’t just nice, it’s downright spectacular. Nestled on the glamorous French Riviera, this city is the kind of place where life feels like a permanent vacation.
Imagine a place where a vibrant Italian heart beats inside a French body, all dressed in brilliant blues and sunny yellows.
This is where the Alps literally tumble into the Mediterranean, creating a backdrop that seems almost too perfect to be real. It’s a city made for long, lazy afternoons and unforgettable discoveries.
So, you’re ready to trade your everyday routine for a taste of the dolce vita? You’ve hit the jackpot. We’re pulling back the velvet rope on the absolute best experiences this coastal queen has to offer.
From world-famous promenades and hidden hilltop villages to bustling markets and pebbled beaches, this list is your all-access pass. Get ready to dive into the must-see things to do in Nice that will have you practicing your “bonjour” in no time.
1. Promenade des Anglais – Best Overall & For a Classic Stroll
You haven’t really been to Nice until you’ve taken a stroll, a skate, or a bike ride along the Promenade des Anglais. This legendary waterfront walkway is the city’s beating heart and its most iconic landmark.
Stretching for about four miles along the dazzling Baie des Anges, it’s a parade of life, energy, and stunning sea views. The iconic blue chairs are your front-row seat to the best show in town: the mesmerizing Mediterranean.
You can rent a bike from one of the many stands and feel the sea breeze in your hair. You can simply walk and watch the world go by. It’s a place where joggers, families, and rollerbladers all share the path in a beautiful, moving tapestry.
Walking the Promenade des Anglais is the number one thing to do in Nice. It’s the perfect introduction to the city’s laid-back yet sophisticated vibe. It’s completely free and offers a new perspective with every step.
2. Castle Hill (Colline du Château) – Best For Panoramic Views
Ready for the best view in all of Nice? Then you’re heading up to Castle Hill. Now, don’t get too excited—the castle itself is long gone, but the 300-foot-high hill it sat on is the star of the show.
You can take a free elevator to the top or, if you’re feeling energetic, climb the many steps. The reward is a 360-degree, knock-your-socks-off panorama of Nice.
You’ll see the entire sweep of the Promenade des Anglais, the terracotta roofs of Vieux Nice, and the dazzling blue expanse of the sea. It’s absolutely breathtaking and a photographer’s dream.
At the top, you’ll also find a beautiful waterfall, a shaded park, and the ruins of a former cathedral. Visiting Castle Hill is a non-negotiable Nice activity. It gives you a sense of the city’s geography and beauty that you just can’t get from ground level.
3. Cours Saleya Market – Best For Foodies & a Local Vibe
Prepare your senses for a feast at the Cours Saleya Market. This isn’t just a market; it’s the vibrant, colorful, and aromatic soul of Old Nice.
Every morning (except Mondays), the long, beautiful square transforms into a bustling open-air gallery of Provençal bounty. The stalls are a riot of color, piled high with plump tomatoes, shiny eggplants, fragrant herbs, and vibrant flowers.
The energy here is absolutely infectious. You can sample local cheeses, olives, and freshly baked bread. It’s the perfect place to assemble a picnic for the beach. On other days, the market shifts to a fabulous flea market, where you can hunt for vintage treasures and linens.
Exploring the Cours Saleya Market is one of the top things to do in Nice, France. It’s a true immersion into the local culture and a celebration of the region’s incredible produce.
4. Vieux Nice (Old Town) – Best For Getting Lost & Charming Streets
Forget the map for a few hours and let yourself get deliciously lost in the labyrinth of Vieux Nice. This is the city’s historic heart, a tangled web of narrow, winding streets where the buildings are painted in shades of sunset.
The air is filled with the smell of fresh bread and the sound of chatter spilling from cozy cafes. It’s a world away from the wide-open promenade.
Your mission is to explore the hidden squares, like the beautiful Place Rossetti, and peek into the artisan shops. The cobblestone streets are a joy to wander, with surprises around every corner.
Getting lost in Vieux Nice is a quintessential Nice activity. It feels like stepping back in time. It’s where you’ll find the city’s most authentic character and its warm, welcoming soul.
5. Marc Chagall National Museum – Best For Art Lovers & a Peaceful Escape
Even if you’re not a huge modern art buff, the Marc Chagall National Museum is a serene and uplifting experience. This museum was created during the artist’s lifetime to house his grandest work: The Biblical Message cycle.
These massive, luminous paintings are breathtaking in their scale and color. They tell stories from the Old Testament in Chagall’s unique, dreamlike style.
The building itself is a masterpiece of modern architecture, designed to let in beautiful natural light that makes the colors pop. The surrounding gardens are a peaceful oasis, perfect for contemplation after viewing the art.
A visit to the Chagall Museum is one of the most cultured things to do in Nice. It’s a quiet, air-conditioned escape from the midday sun and a chance to connect with one of the 20th century’s great artistic voices.
6. Phoenix Park (Parc Phoenix) – Best For Families & a Nature Break
Need a break from the city pace? Phoenix Park is your green sanctuary. This massive, modern park is one of the largest urban green spaces on the French Riviera and a fantastic outing for the whole family.
The star attraction is the gigantic glass pyramid, the Diamant Vert, which houses seven different tropical climates.
Inside, you’ll walk through a steamy jungle, see free-flying butterflies, and spot everything from iguanas to pythons. Outside, the park features beautiful Mediterranean gardens, a duck pond, and plenty of space for kids to run around.
Spending an afternoon at Phoenix Park is a wonderful Nice activity for families. It’s educational, fun, and offers a wonderful change of scenery from the beach and the old town.
7. The Beaches of Nice – Best For Sunbathing & Swimming
Let’s talk about the main event: the beach. Nice’s beaches are famous, but they’re not your typical soft, sandy stretches.
The coastline here is covered in smooth, grey pebbles, which give the water its incredibly clear, brilliant turquoise color. You can rent a lounge chair and an umbrella from one of the private beach clubs for a full-service day of luxury.
Or, you can do as many locals do and simply lay down your own towel on the public sections for free. Don’t forget to bring water shoes; they make walking on the pebbles much more comfortable.
A day at the beach is a cornerstone of any Nice travel itinerary. Whether you’re swimming in the refreshing sea or just soaking up the Riviera sun, it’s an essential part of the Nice experience.
8. Russian Orthodox Cathedral – Best For Unique Architecture
Prepare to be transported straight to Moscow the moment you lay eyes on the Russian Orthodox Cathedral. With its colorful onion domes and intricate facades, it’s a stunning and totally unexpected sight in the heart of the French Riviera.
This cathedral is the largest of its kind outside of Russia and a powerful reminder of the strong Russian presence in Nice during the 19th century.
The interior is just as impressive, filled with beautiful icons, carved woodwork, and the smell of incense. It’s a peaceful and awe-inspiring place to visit.
Seeing the Russian Cathedral is one of the most unique things to do in Nice. It adds a fascinating layer of international history to your understanding of the city and provides some truly spectacular photo opportunities.
9. Day Trip to Èze Village – Best For a Scenic Escape
If you have an extra day, you absolutely must take the short trip to the medieval village of Èze. Perched like an eagle’s nest on a sheer cliff face nearly 1,400 feet above the sea, this village is pure magic.
The climb up its narrow, cobbled streets feels like a journey back in time. You’ll pass by artisan galleries, charming boutiques, and stone houses draped in bougainvillea.
At the very top, you’ll find the Exotic Garden, a stunning collection of cacti and succulents with a viewpoint that offers arguably the most spectacular coastal vista on the entire Riviera.
A day trip to Èze is one of the best activities near Nice. It’s a breathtaking combination of history, natural beauty, and sheer romantic charm that you will never forget.
10. Lascaris Palace – Best For History Buffs
Tucked away in the heart of Vieux Nice, the Lascaris Palace is a hidden gem that most tourists walk right past.
Don’t make that mistake! This 17th-century baroque palace was once the home of the Lascaris-Vintimille family, and stepping inside is like entering a time capsule. The interior is lavishly decorated with frescoes, Flemish tapestries, and period furniture.
One of its most unique features is an impressive collection of historic musical instruments. The grand staircase alone is worth the price of admission.
Exploring the Lascaris Palace is one of the most interesting things to do in Nice. It offers a quiet, uncrowded glimpse into the opulent lives of the Niçois aristocracy centuries ago.
11. The Port (Port Lympia) – Best For a Different Perspective
For a break from the tourist trail, take a walk over to the Port Lympia. This is where the glamorous yachts and working fishing boats share the water, creating a vibrant and authentic atmosphere.
The port is lined with beautiful, colorful buildings and is a great place for a waterfront stroll. The water here is an almost unreal shade of green, thanks to the special pigments in the stone used to build the quays.
You can watch the boats come and go, or use it as a launching point for ferries to Corsica or nearby islands. Visiting the Port is a fantastic, low-key Nice activity.
It’s a working part of the city with a gritty, real charm that contrasts beautifully with the polished promenade. The surrounding area is also filled with great local restaurants.
12. Modern and Contemporary Art Museum (MAMAC) – Best For Modern Art Fans
For a shot of cutting-edge culture, head to the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum, or MAMAC. Its striking architecture, with its soaring towers and connecting walkways, is a work of art in itself.
Inside, you’ll find a fantastic collection focused on European and American avant-garde art from the 1960s onwards.
The museum has a particularly strong collection of works from the Nice-born New Realists, like Yves Klein and his famous International Klein Blue.
The rooftop terrace is the real cherry on top, offering a stunning, 360-degree view of Nice and the surrounding hills. A trip to MAMAC is one of the coolest things to do in Nice. It provides a fresh, modern counterpoint to the city’s historic charms.
Conclusion
And there you have it. Nice is so much more than a pretty beach town; it’s a layered, vibrant city where Italian passion meets French elegance.
From the iconic promenade to the hidden heights of Castle Hill and the tangled charm of its old town, every corner offers a new delight. The hardest part will be deciding what to do first.
Your slice of the French Riviera is waiting, and it’s more incredible than you can imagine. Don’t just dream about those azure waters and sunny skies.
Start planning your unforgettable trip to Nice today. Your own adventure on the Côte d’Azur is calling.