Nice is a coastal city in southern France along the French Riviera. The city combines historic neighborhoods, seaside promenades, local markets, and beaches in one compact area. The things to do in Nice include walks along the waterfront, visits to art museums, time in the old town, and stops at local food markets.
This guide helps you plan your South of France trip by highlighting the most iconic landmarks and coastal treasures. We provide details on timings, prices, and locations to ensure your itinerary is as smooth as a glass of Provençal rosé.
1. Promenade des Anglais
Promenade des Anglais runs along the Mediterranean coast for about seven kilometers and forms the city’s main waterfront. Palm trees line the wide path, which locals use for walking, cycling, or sitting on the blue chairs facing the sea.
The grand hotel facades, including Hotel Negresco, face the promenade along with cafés and open viewpoints. The street performers often appear along the route. This stretch of coast remains a core part of the things to do in Nice, France, offering views of the city’s blue water and shoreline.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Nice, France
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Price: Free entry; Set aside 1.5 to 2 hours for a stroll
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2. Vieille Ville (Old Town)
The Vieille Ville is a labyrinth of narrow streets, pastel-colored buildings, and bustling shops selling soaps, spices, and textiles. Walking through this area feels like stepping back in time.
The Baroque churches appear between residential blocks, and small local eateries serve Niçois dishes in simple settings. The streets stay lively during the day and calmer in the evening.
- Google Rating: N/A
- Location: Nice, France
- Timings: Best from 9:00 AM to late at night
- Price: Free to explore; Set aside 2 – 3 hours to wander through the alleys
3. Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
Castle Hill (Colline du Château) no longer has a castle, but the hill remains the best lookout point in the city. It offers panoramic views of the Old Town and the Port.
The park at the top includes walking paths, green areas, and the Cascade de la Ville waterfall. You can climb the stairs for exercise or use the free Art Deco elevator for an easier ride up. The location continues to feature among the top things to do in Nice, France, especially for photos and short breaks away from the crowds.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: 06300 Nice, France
- Timings: Monday to Friday and Sunday 8:00 AM–8:00 PM, Saturday 8:30 AM–8:00 PM
- Price: Free to explore; Set aside about 1.5 hours for the climb and the viewpoints
4. Cours Saleya Market
Cours Saleya Market brings daily life in Nice out into the open. The market fills with fresh flowers, fruit, and local produce in the morning. Mondays bring a different feel, when antique dealers and flea market stalls take over the space. This stop remains high on the list of things to do in Nice for tourists who want to see the city in action.
The streets around the market hold cafés and small restaurants that stay busy throughout the day. You can find simple souvenirs here, including lavender sachets, olive oil, and herbes de Provence.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: Cours Saleya, 06300 Nice, France
- Timings: Open around 7:00 AM and usually wrap up by 1:00 PM
- Price: Free entry; Set aside about 1 hour for a stroll or 2 hours if you plan to enjoy a meal
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5. Musée Marc Chagall
The Marc Chagall National Museum focuses entirely on the work of the painter Marc Chagall and holds the largest public collection of his art. The galleries highlight his biblical series, with paintings arranged in a calm and open setting. The stained-glass windows inside the auditorium add strong color and light to the visit.
A quiet garden with olive trees surrounds the building and gives space to slow down after viewing the exhibits. The benches and shaded paths make it easy to spend extra time outdoors.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5
- Location: Av. Dr Ménard, 06000 Nice, France
- Timings: Monday and Thursday 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, 2:30 PM–5:00 PM; Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, 2:30 PM–4:30 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (afternoon access 2:30 PM–4:30 PM); Tuesday closed
- Price: €10.00/ INR 1065 for adults; Set aside 1.5 hours for your visit.
6. Musée Matisse
The Matisse Museum occupies a 17th-century Genoese villa on Cimiez hill and follows the artistic journey of Henri Matisse, who spent many years living in Nice. The collection includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, and his well-known paper cut-outs.
The garden and historic setting add calm to the visit and contrast with the bold colors inside. This museum holds a strong place among the must see places in Nice.
- Google Rating: 4.0/5
- Location: 164 Av. des Arènes de Cimiez, 06000 Nice, France
- Timings: Daily 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays)
- Price: €10.00/ INR 1065 for a single adult entry; €15.00/ INR 1597 for a 4-day “Nice Museums Pass.” (Free for visitors under 18); Set aside 2 hours for a full visit
7. Place Masséna
This is the grandest square in Nice, recognizable by its red ochre buildings and checkerboard floor. The square features the Fontaine du Soleil, centered around a large statue of Apollo. The tall poles around the space hold the glowing figures of the “Conversation à Nice” art installation, which light up after dark.
This square works as a natural connector between the Old Town and the main shopping streets. The street life stays active throughout the day, with people passing through, sitting nearby, or stopping for photos.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Plassa Carlou Aubert, 06000 Nice, France
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Price: Free entry; Set aside 30 to 45 minutes to explore and take photos
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8. Russian Orthodox Cathedral
The St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral is a stunning piece of architecture that looks like it belongs in Moscow rather than the Mediterranean. It is the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe and is a National Monument of France.
Its colorful onion domes and intricate brickwork make it one of the most unique must see places in Nice. It is a fascinating stop for things to do in Nice for tourists interested in history and architecture.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Av. Nicolas II, 06000 Nice, France
- Timings: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 10:00 AM–1:30 PM, 2:00 PM–5:30 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM–6:00 PM
- Price: Free entry; Set aside about 45 minutes for a visit
9. Cimiez Monastery & Gardens
Located near the Matisse Museum, this Franciscan monastery features beautiful 15th-century altarpieces. This space is the oldest on the Côte d’Azur and looks out over the city and the sea.
A nearby cemetery marks the resting place of Henri Matisse and Raoul Dufy, which adds historical weight to the visit. The benches and shaded paths make it easy to spend time here without rushing.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Place Jean-Paul II, 06000 Nice, France
- Timings: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM–7:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Price: Free entry; Set aside about 1 hour for a visit
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10. Port Lympia
The Old Port of Nice, Port Lympia, is filled with bright yellow and red Venetian-style buildings and colorful traditional wooden boats known as pointus. It is a picturesque area for a stroll and a top spot for fun things to do in Nice away from the main tourist beaches.
The restaurants and bars line the port, many of them focused on seafood and casual dining. The locals often gather here in the evening, which gives the area a lived-in feel.
- Google Rating: 4.7/5
- Location: 06300 Nice, France
- Timings: Open 24/7
- Price: Free entry; Set aside about 1.5 hours to explore the place
11. Promenade du Paillon
Promenade du Paillon runs through the center of the city and connects the seafront with central Nice. The park replaced an old bus station and now offers open lawns, walking paths, and play areas for children.
A major feature is the Miroir d’Eau, a large ground-level fountain where jets spray water and cool mist across the space. The families often spend time here during warm hours, with children playing in the water and adults relaxing nearby.
- Google Rating: 4.6/5
- Location: Plassa Carlou Aubert, 06300 Nice, France
- Timings: Daily 7:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Price: Free entry; Set aside about 1 hour to walk the length of the park and enjoy the fountains
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FAQs
What are the best things to do in Nice for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, start with the Promenade des Anglais and the Old Town, known locally as Vieille Ville. A climb up Castle Hill and a plate of warm Socca at Cours Saleya Market complete your introduction to the city.
What shouldn’t you miss in Nice?
You shouldn’t miss the Musée Matisse if you love art, or the Russian Orthodox Cathedral for its amazing architecture. Be sure to take a walk around Port Lympia and see Place Masséna at night.
What are the best things to do in Nice during the day?
Mornings are ideal for visiting museums before the crowds arrive. The private beach clubs along the coast offer lounge chairs and Mediterranean views for a relaxing afternoon. The day trips to Eze Village or Monaco are easy to arrange and add variety to your stay.
What are the best things to do in Nice at night?
At night, Nice comes alive with dining in the Old Town, sipping a cocktail on a rooftop bar like the one at Hotel Aston La Scala, or enjoying live jazz at Le Caveau de la Huchette. The Promenade is also perfect for a moonlit stroll.
What are the most kid-friendly activities in Nice?
The Miroir d’Eau fountains at Promenade du Paillon let children play on warm days. Castle Hill has a shaded playground with views over the rooftops below. A visit to Confiserie Florian candy factory and a ride on the Little Tourist Train keep younger travelers happy.
What are the best cultural things to do in Nice?
The Opéra de Nice hosts performances in a grand 19th-century theater near the Old Town. The Cimiez Monastery and its surrounding gardens offer a quiet space for reflection. The Nice Carnival in February draws visitors from around the world with its parades and elaborate floats.
What are the top food experiences in Nice?
Salade Niçoise, Socca, and Pissaladière are three local dishes every visitor should try. The restaurants certified as Cuisine Nissarde serve recipes made with traditional, locally sourced ingredients.
What are the best shopping areas in Nice?
Avenue Jean Médecin and the NICETOILE mall offer popular brands and everyday shopping. Rue Paradis is where you will find luxury boutiques and designer labels. The Old Town hides small shops selling handmade crafts, olive oil, and local souvenirs.
What’s the best time of year to visit Nice for sightseeing?
The best time to visit Nice is from May to June or September to October, when the weather is warm but the summer crowds are gone. These months are perfect for outdoor things to do in Nice, from beach days to coastal walks. February is also a good time if you want to see the famous Nice Carnival.
