27 Best Things to Do in Nice, France

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Looking for the best things to do in Nice? Well, you are definitely at the right place. (:

I have been living in Nice for over a year and during my time here, I have had the pleasure to explore the city and its surroundings quite well.

In this guide, you will find a comprehensive list of activities in the beautiful city of Nice.


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Sunny day on the Promenade

35 Best things to do in Nice, France

1- Walk along Promenade des Anglais

The iconic Promenade des Anglais should be the first stop on any visit to Nice. Go for a walk, take in the beautiful sea views, and then stop for a glass of wine at one of my favorite beach clubs in Nice.

✈️ Need help planning your trip to the French Riviera?

Make the most out of your trip with a personalized itinerary made just for you or book a travel consultation where I will answer any questions you might have.

2- Visit Monaco

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The Principality of Monaco, located only a short train journey from Nice on the French Riviera, is definitely worth visiting on a day trip from Nice.

Despite its status as the world’s second-smallest country, Monaco has a lot to offer, from amazing restaurants to interesting cultural activities.

3- Enjoy some delicious Niçoise food

Niçoise cuisine is one of the most famous regional cuisines in France, and it’s a must-try when visiting Nice. From socca, ratatouille, pissaladiere, and other specialties, you can find some of the best dishes here.

For an authentic experience, head to one of the city’s many traditional restaurants like Chez Pipo, La Merenda, and Le Bistrot.

You can also visit the local markets to sample some of the freshest ingredients used in Niçoise cooking or go on a food walking tour (which we highly recommend!).

4- Visit Gordes du Verdon and the lavender fields

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Gorges du Verdon

Exploring the Provence region, one cannot overlook the enchanting experience of visiting the Gorges du Verdon and the surrounding lavender fields.

Gorges du Verdon, often referred to as Europe’s answer to the Grand Canyon, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, the area offers activities ranging from kayaking and hiking to simply soaking in the serene beauty of nature.

A short distance from the gorges, the lavender fields of Provence are also a sight to behold. Blooming from June to August, these vibrant fields paint the countryside in shades of purple.

5- Enjoy a day out on a boat

Enjoying a day out on a boat is another activity you should really prioritize on a trip to the French Riviera. You can read about my favorite boat tours from Nice here, or book one of my favorites:


⛱️ Looking for the best places to eat, stay, and explore in Nice?

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In my Nice Travel Guide, you will find all the best addresses, unique day trips, restaurants, hotels, and hidden gems in Nice. Planning your trip to the South of France has never been easier ❤️

6- Explore the region’s wineries

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Nice is surrounded by some of France’s best wineries. Take a day trip to explore one of the vineyards and learn about the local wine-making process.

You can read about my favorite wine tours from Nice here.

7- Contemplate art and enjoy the garden at Musée Chagall

Although the Musée Chagal is undoubtedly incredible (it contains an impressive collection of works of art by famous artist Marc Chagall), it’s not just the permanent collection that makes this museum worth a visit.

The grounds themselves are quite beautiful, with a tranquil garden space and a wonderful cafe (which is one of our absolute favorites in Nice!).


8- Visit Castle Hill for panoramic views of Nice

For one of the best views over Nice and its surroundings, head up to Castle Hill (Colline du Château).

This hilltop landmark offers breathtaking views of the city port, Vieux Nice, and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s also a great place to exercise or have a scenic picnic.


9- Explore the Cote d’Azur on a day trip

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The French Riviera (also known as the Cote d’Azur) is one of the most beautiful regions in France. and thankfully the city of Nice is heaven when it comes to day trips.

There are plenty of places to explore nearby, including the charming cities of Cannes, Éze, Monaco, Antibes and Saint-Tropez.

10- Train Experience Through The Alps and Baroque Route

Looking for an epic day trip?

Then go on a unique train journey through the breathtaking Alps and Baroque Route.

During this experience, you will stop in the most picturesque villages, and discover very surprising hidden treasures, being astonished as well by the landscapes, medieval villages & baroque treasures of the Baroque Route.

11- Visit Place Massena, the city’s main square

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Place Massena is the main square of Nice, located in the center of town. It’s a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike, with Fountain du Soleil at its center.

Surrounding the square are some of the most famous landmarks in Nice, including the Palais de la Prefecture, the Opera de Nice, and the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate.

The square is also full of restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops for visitors to explore.


12- See Cathedrale Orthodoxe Russe St Nicolas

The Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas is an impressive example of religious architecture in Nice.

This stunning church, located in the neighborhood of Cimiez, was built in 1903.


13- Have lunch at one of the beach clubs

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One of my favorite things to do in Nice on a sunny day is to have lunch at one of the many amazing beach clubs in the city.

Negresco Plage, Bocca Mar, and Le Galet are usually my go-to.


14- Spend a day at Sainte Marguerite Island

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Take a tranquil journey across the Gulf of Cannes and visit Sainte Marguerite Island. The island is home to a stunning national park, as well as some fascinating historical attractions.

Some of the most popular activities on this beautiful island are exploring the remains of the 17th-century Fort Royal, enjoying the beach, visiting Musée du Masque de Fer et du Fort Royal, or going scuba-diving and seeing the underwater sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor.

15- Make your own perfume at Molinard

Molinard is one of Nice’s oldest and most famous perfume makers.

The Molinard store offers visitors the chance to create their own unique fragrance with the help of a professional perfumer.

During the experience, guests learn about the history of perfumes and how they are made. In the end, they can take home a bottle of their personalized scent!

16- Buy fresh produce from Marché aux Fleurs in Cours Saleya

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Cours Saleya is a large open-air market in Nice’s Old Town. Every morning, vendors set up stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, and other local goods.

Wander through the market to take in the vibrant sights and smells of fresh fruits and vegetables.


17- Explore Musée Matisse

Pay a visit to the Musée Matisse, located in Nice’s Cimiez district.

Inside the museum, you’ll find an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures by Matisse as well as other artworks from his contemporaries.


18- See the Nice Cathedral

Nice Cathedral, located in the heart of Nice’s Old Town, is an impressive example of Gothic architecture.

The building was constructed in the 13th century and features a large rose window and an intricately carved facade.


19- Have a drink at the Negresco

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The Negresco is an iconic hotel located on the seafront promenade in Nice. The building has been a landmark since 1913 and is known for its grand Renaissance-style architecture.

Head to Negresco’s bar for a unique experience – you can enjoy creative cocktails surrounded by luxurious decor without breaking the bank.

20- Get lost in Vieux Nice

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Vieux Nice, or Old Nice, is a quaint neighborhood located in the heart of the city. It’s filled with colorful pastel buildings, winding alleyways, and small boutiques to explore.

For a taste of local history, take some time to wander through Vieux Nice and you’re sure to stumble upon a hidden gem or two.

21- Shop at Galeries Lafayette

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Galeries Lafayette is a sophisticated shopping center located within Place Massena. It has several options of stores offering high-end fashion, beauty, and home items.

It is a great place to explore on a lazy afternoon or even a rainy day.


22- Take the ferry to St Tropez

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Take a day trip to the glamorous seaside resort of St Tropez.

Hop on a ferry from Nice‘s port and cruise around the coast, admiring views of the French Riviera as you go.

Once you arrive in St Tropez, explore its charming harbor, visit pristine beaches, or shop for unique souvenirs at one of its many boutiques.


23- Explore Lascaris Palace

The Palais Lascaris is one of Nice’s most impressive historical landmarks and surprisingly, a bit of a hidden gem.

It was built in 1648 by an Italian noble family who had settled in France at the time. Today, it is open to the public and houses an impressive museum, filled with antiques, musical instruments, and paintings from the 17th century.


24- Visit Musée Massena

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Musée Masséna Museum is a vast and unique history museum that celebrates the life of the city by showcasing a wealth of artifacts and historical treasures in interactive displays and extensive galleries.


25- Hike Sentier du Litoral to Villefranche-sur-Mer

For some of the best coastal views in Nice, take a hike along Sentier du Litoral. The trail runs from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer and offers spectacular panoramas of the French Riviera.

The hike is easy and well worth it – you’ll end up in Villefranche-sur-Mer, a charming little town with plenty of restaurants and cafes to explore.


26- Watch a spectacle at the Opera de Nice

If you’re looking for an evening of culture, head to the Opera de Nice. This historic building opened in 1888 and has been entertaining audiences ever since with its world-renowned performances.

From ballets to operas, the Opera de Nice offers something for everyone – make sure to check out their lineup before visiting.

27- Visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

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This absolutely stunning villa is very easy to reach from Nice and is so worth the visit.

Read: How to get to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild from Nice


Conclusion: Best things to do in Nice

We hope this guide has answered your questions about the best activities in Nice, France.

If you have any additional questions or tips for other travelers about what to do in Nice, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Happy exploring!

Oh! And if you are visiting the South of France soon, follow my Instagram and join my Facebook group for more hidden gems and travel tips. Happy travels!

About Me

Camila Neves

Nice to meet you! My name is Cami and I am a full-time traveler and foodie. I live in Nice in the South of France and this blog is where I share my impressions and travel secrets.

Camila Neves