23 Best things to do in Nice
Hey everyone, in this article we will share with you the best things to do in Nice. In Mai 2024, we spent 1 week travelling in south of France, precisely in the PACA region (Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur) and around the department of the Var and Alpes-Maritimes.
Nice was the city we landed at and where we stayed 2 nights in order to be able to visit Monaco, Eze and of course Nice.
Nice is the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French Riviera and sits on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges. Interesting fact, the city was founded by the Greeks and was later a retreat for 19th-century European elite and later artists.
Nice is the heart of the French Riviera, and is itself a stunning place to be. There are many things to do in Nice and you could be spending from 1 to 2 full days to explore it slowly. We opted to have a full day in Nice which already gave us plently of time to visit all the best sites.
In this article, we will tell our story going around all the best things to do in Nice. So, if you too are planning a trip to the south of France and the French Riviera than it should include Nice. But enough for now, let ‘s dive in these best things to do in Nice.
Here is our complete video from this trip :
Table of Contents
Getting to Nice
Let’s start these best things to do in Nice by how to get to Nice. Well, it is easy.
Nice International Airport is located 30km from the centre of Monaco, so the best way to get to Nice is to flight directly to its international airport.
Then you can either rent a car to have more freedom especially if you plan on visiting other cities around Nice, like Monaco, Eze, Saint-Tropez. For our rental, we always use rentalcars.com and always had the best experience ever.
If you do not want to rent a car, you can always take a taxi or an airport transfer. But we could recommend using the public transportation of the city. Tram are without a doubt the best way:
- Tram 2 route stops at the airport (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) and takes you to the city centre (Jean Médecin stop) in less than 30 minutes (Alight here for Nice-Ville SNCF train station – 200m away – or change to Tram route 1 – and alight at Henri Sappia for the ‘Thiers’ train station) and the terminus at Port Lympia. Trams run approximately every 8 minutes on weekdays
- Tram 3 route runs from the airport (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2) to the Saint-Isidore district and the Allianz Riviera stadium. Trams run approximately every 15
If you are already in France, than you can consider taking the train. For exemple you have direct train from Paris. Check out Omio to know all the schedules.
Moving Around Nice
The best way to move around Nice is on foot. Let’s be honest, once you are in the old town of Nice, you can easily reach all the main sight walking around. But you always have the option of taking buses or trams in Nice. Depending on where you will be going checked your google map and you will have all the public transportation information.
A cleaver option to freely move around is the HOP ON/HOP OFF bus that runs around the best things to do in Nice.
When to Visit Nice
Nice is located in south of France; it is therefore a year-round destination. Nice is blessed with a Mediterranean climate that brings mild winters and hot summers.
In any case remember that the peak season is July and August. We would recommend going in May/June or September/October.
Where to Stay in Nice
We would recommend staying near the old part of nice. Our favourite places to stay in Nice are:
- (€): Aparthotel AMMI Vieux Nice
- (€€): Palais Saleya Boutique Hôtel
- (€€€): Hotel Le Negresco
What to Eat in Nice
Regarding cuisine, Nice has the same cuisine as the rest of the French Riviera, meaning that Mediterranean cuisine will be everywhere. You will find lots of great fish and seafood as well as all the meat dishes that you find in this area. You can also try the Provencal Food Walking Tour with Tastings
We would recommend the following restaurants:
- Hobbo Coffee
- Le Panier
- La Cantine de Mémé
- Pappagallo
Sim Card
One of our least favorite things to do when we arrive in a new country is to have to figure out how to get a good sim card. From finding where is the shop, in the airport, or the city center? To deal with the registrations, giving ID and even finding which operator is the best… Well, it’s a true headache.
That’s why, we started using Airalo, for countries where our sim card doesn’t have free coverage. Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that gives you access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards) for 200+ countries/regions to be connected anywhere in the world the second you land.
In France, you can get an Airalo eSim of 5GB for 13,5€ or 10GB for 22€.
Airalo has a discount going on:
- New customer: Save 15% on eSIMs at Airalo.com. Use Code: NEWTOAIRALO15 (7/1 – 12/31/2024)
- Existing one: Save 10% on eSIMs at Airalo.com. Use Code: AIRALOESIM10 (7/1 – 12/31/2024)
Best things to do in Nice
Marché Aux Fleurs - Cours Saleya – Nice
Let’s tart this full day of adventure in Nice with one of the best things to do in Nice: the marché aux fleurs. Since 1861, locals come here to shop as the price as apparently really good. But the market also offers fruits, vegetables, breads, teas, spices, and so on…
Ponchettes Public Beach
Right outside of the flower market in the Ponchettes Public Beach, the cloest beach of Nice’s Old town. It is a cute place to chill on a sunny day for Autumn or winter or to swim at during Spring/Summer.
#ILoveNICE
Following the terrorist attack in Nice on July 14 2016, the city of Nice decided to launch a campaign that would enable the people of Nice to show their solidarity with the tragedy that befell our city and their attachment to it. With this in mind, the “ # I love Nice” hashtag was created . With this hashtag, everyone can create and post a video on social networks explaining why they love Nice.
At the time we were there, the sign I LOVE NICE was made for the bike race “Tour de France”.
Solar Clock
Where is located the sign #ILoveNICE is also the interesting solar clock. It is a cool place to be to enjoy of the nicest view of Nice.
Colline du Château
Continuing with the best things to do in Nice is Castle hill. For that takes the stairs up to the historic hilltop. On top, you will find an amazing and huge park for kids as well as so many stunning viewpoints.
Castle Hill takes its name from the imposing fortifications built here, which were destroyed by Louis XIV in 1706. This was the site of the entire medieval town before the settlement spread below (from the 12th century onwards).
Cascade de la Colline
And on your way down from the hill, be sure to stop at the waterfall. La Cascade de la Colline is built on a former castle keep. The waters of the Vésubie River offer a magnificent spectacle, much appreciated by children.
Nice Cathedral
The next stop in this best things to do in Nice article is the old town. We mean getting back to its hear. Also, called Vieux Nic, it is the city’s vibrant old town, with narrow cobblestone streets and pastel-hued buildings where shops sell Niçoise soaps and Provençal textiles, plus meats and cheeses.
If you want to get to know more about the city, you can consider the Nice Old Town and Castle Hill: Guided Cultural Walking Tour
Nice Cathedral
While strolling the old town, be srure to make a stop at the Nice Cathedral, a Catholic cathedral, seat of the Diocese of Nice. The construction of the main part of the current cathedral’s body started in 1650 and finished in 1685.
Promenade du Paillon
On your way toward the most famous place in Nice, Massena Sqaure, be sure to walk along the Paillon promeande, a green space with diverse plants & trees, plus fountains, a play area for kids & a reflecting pool.
Place Masséna
Massena square has become the main square of Nice, connecting the old town to the mordern city center of the Nice.
Jardin Albert 1er
Right next to Massena square, you can visit the Jardin Albert 1er, a 19th-century public park with mature trees, lawns, pools, a bandstand & summer open-air theater. It often host public events.
Promenade des Anglais
The Promenade des Anglais is the most famous promenade of France. It extends from the airport on the west to the Quai des États-Unis on the east, for a distance of approximately 7 km. It is the perfect place to stretch your legs with bluffing views of the ocean.
Nice Port
You won’t necesserly need to enter the Nice port as you will have stunning view of it from Castle hill. Port of Nice is characterised by the gentle bobbing of traditional fishing boats with their timeless charm, and offers breathtaking views over the city’s most iconic landmarks
Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Assomption
If you have more time, The basilica is nice place to stop at. Built between 1864 and 18791 by French architect Charles Lenormand, son of Louis Lenormand. It is the largest church in Nice. Its neo-Gothic style was inspired by the cathedrals of Paris and Angers.
Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice
The St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral is an Eastern Orthodox cathedral. Property of the Russian Federation, it is recognized as a national monument of France, and it currently belongs to the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate.
Place Giuseppe Garibaldi
Vibrant public square with restaurants & bars named after a prominent Italian general & politician.
Parc du Mont Boron
This communal forest was first planted in the second half of the 19th century. Until then, this barren hillside was devoted to pastoralism. From the Mont Alban fort, a unique panorama unfolds from Italy to the Estérel, embracing the Villefranche harbor, the Cap-Ferrat peninsula, Nice and the mountainous relief of the Alps.
More things to do in Nice:
Things to do Around Nice
Eze
In the best things to do in Monaco, we had to included some must-see places that are around Monaco. Eze was the highlight of our visit in Monaco. Eze. It is located on the French Riviera, 8.5 km to the northeast of Nice and 4.5 km to the west of Monaco. With its beautiful old town vibes, Eze is a remarkable place to stop at. And be sure to visit the garden on top of the town. It is worth it.
Monaco
Monaco was obviously on our itinerary as we have never been together there and never really visited it. Plus, Monaco would be another country to add to our list of countries. With its old town, palaces it is nice place to visit. You can consider those tour if you do not have a rental car: From Nice: French Riviera in One Day or From Nice: Eze, Monaco, & Monte-Carlo Half-Day Trip
Menton
On the other side of Monaco, closer to the Italian border, Menton is known for beaches and gardens such as the Serre de la Madone garden. East, the hilly, medieval old town is home to Basilique Saint-Michel, with its 18th-century bell tower, and the ornate facade of La Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs. Nearby, the Musée Jean Cocteau collection Séverin Wunderman displays works by poet Jean Cocteau
Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez is a coastal town on the French Riviera. Long popular with artists, the town attracted the international “jet set” in the 1960s, and remains known for its beaches and nightlife. The cobblestoned La Ponche quarter recalls its past as a fishing village, although yachts now outnumber fishing boats in the Vieux Port (Old Port).
And that’s the end of the best things to do in Nice.
It is not the destination where you end up but the mishaps and memories you create along the way
