Things to Do in Nice: 10 French Riviera Essentials
Promenade des Anglais, Old Town, Castle Hill, museums… Discover the 10 unmissable things to see and do during your stay in Nice.
Capital of the French Riviera, Nice blends heritage, Mediterranean art de vivre and spectacular nature. Whether you are coming for a few days or a week, here are the 10 experiences not to miss.
1. Stroll the Promenade des Anglais
The city's emblem, the "Prom'" runs along the Baie des Anges for nearly 7 kilometres. On foot, by bike or on rollerblades, it is the perfect spot to admire the Mediterranean's unique shade of blue.
2. Get lost in the Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Its narrow lanes, shaded squares and colourful façades tell the city's story. Don't miss Place Rossetti and its baroque cathedral.
3. Climb Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
No actual castle, but the finest panorama over the city, the port and the bay. Reach it on foot, by free lift, or aboard the little tourist train.
4. Taste Niçois cuisine
Socca, pan-bagnat, salade niçoise, pissaladière, petits farcis… Sample the local gastronomy on Cours Saleya or in the bistros of the Old Town.
5. Visit the Cours Saleya flower market
Every morning (except Mondays, antiques day), the market bursts with colours and scents. A must to soak up the local atmosphere.
6. Discover the museums
Nice is a city of art: the Matisse Museum, the Marc Chagall Museum, and MAMAC (modern and contemporary art). Most are inexpensive to visit and well worth the detour.
7. Swim in the Baie des Anges
Public or private beaches: Nice's turquoise water can be enjoyed from April to October. The pebbles are part of the local charm.
8. Explore the Port district
Colourful and authentic, the Port is ideal for lunch almost at the water's edge, before a jaunt to the neighbouring villages.
9. Escape to Villefranche-sur-Mer
Ten minutes from Nice, this small harbour town with pastel houses boasts one of the most beautiful bays in Europe. A perfect half-day excursion — and if you fancy staying there, browse our rentals in Villefranche-sur-Mer.
10. Watch the sunset from Mont Boron
To finish in style, head up Mont Boron at golden hour: the view over the illuminated city and the sea is simply unforgettable.
Plan your stay
To make the most of Nice, nothing beats a well-located home. Browse our rentals in the heart of the city and across the French Riviera — every property is selected for its location and comfort. To dig deeper, see our dedicated page on holiday rentals in Nice or our guide to the best areas to stay.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to visit Nice?
Three days cover the essentials: the Promenade des Anglais, the Old Town, Castle Hill and a museum. Allow 4 to 5 days to add day trips (Villefranche-sur-Mer, Èze, Monaco).
When is the best time to visit Nice?
May–June and September–October offer the best balance: mild weather, pleasant sea and fewer crowds than midsummer. Winter stays remarkably sunny — ideal for a cultural break, with the Carnival in February.
Can you explore Nice on foot?
Yes, the centre is very walkable: the Old Town, Cours Saleya, the Promenade and Castle Hill sit close together. The tram and shared bikes cover the rest.
Are the beaches in Nice sandy or pebbly?
Pebbly — it is part of the local charm. Bring water shoes; several private beaches offer sunbeds and mattresses for extra comfort.
Which day trips can you take from Nice?
Villefranche-sur-Mer (10 minutes), the hilltop village of Èze, Monaco, Antibes or Cannes: all are reachable by train or bus in under an hour. Half a day is enough for each.
