Things to do in Nice
Nice, with around 15 million visitors per year, is France’s second most popular destination after Paris. As the fifth largest city in France, it is full of things to do and see. Whether you want to spend your time relaxing on its beautiful beaches, or trying local food specialities, here’s a list of activities to do in Nice.
Walk the Promenade des Anglais
The Promenade des Anglais (Walkway of the English) is a 7km walkway along the coast. It’s history is linked to the foundations of international tourism, due to members of the English aristocracy of the 1800s escaping to the mild Mediterranean climate in the winter. Walking this path next to its iconic blue chairs is the perfect thing to do in Nice.
Visit Old Nice
Walking through the beautiful streets of Vieux Nice, seeing all the colourful buildings and classic South of France architecture, is a great way to spend an afternoon. Find the Cathedral of Sainte-Réparate, Place Rossetti and the Lascaris Palace/Museum.
Go to the Nice Markets
A must-do in Nice is to visit its provençal markets. The most famous has to be Cours Saleya, the main one for fresh food and flowers, this is where you will find the best of local and seasonal produce. We recommend trying socca – a flatbread made of chickpea flour which is Nice’s specialty!
Every Saturday there’s a book market at Place du Palais and on the first Sunday of the month, you can find the artisanal craft market. Check the Nice Tourism website to find out exact times for the markets!
Visit a museum
Nice is home to a wide range of museums, meaning there is something for everyone! Some of the best include: Museum of Matisse, MAMAC (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art), Museum of Marc Chagall, National Sport Museum and Museum of Lascaris Palace.
Go on a day trip
Often used as a base for travels in Southern France, Nice offers great transport links to many nearby cities around Provence. This makes it ideal to organise day trips to make the most of your time in the region. A popular choice is visiting Monaco, which is only 30 minutes away by train!
Go up to Castle Hill for a View of Nice
This 92 metre high hill offers views from all sides which overlook the city. Some of the most recognisable photos of Nice are taken here. Either use the steps right next to the Promenade to get up, or take the elevator/lift if you prefer. Find ruins of the castle and defensive walls, an artificial waterfall and breathtaking views of the city.
