What to do in Nice?

ESSENTIALS

Côte d'Azur - French RivieraCities

Thomas Faull / Istockphoto
© Thomas Faull / Istockphoto

Reading time: 0 minPublished on 15 January 2024

The must-see city of Nice, on the sunny French Riviera, offers a wide range of activities to suit all tastes and age groups. Get ready for a memorable tour of Nissa La Bella.

What to see in Nice?


- - District of Old Nice Stroll through the picturesque streets of Old Nice, which oozes history and culture. Check out Place Masséna, the Promenade du Paillon, the Opera, the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral and other sights, all against the amazing backdrop of the Baie des Anges.
- - Vestiges of Nice Castle The Castle Hill offers a panoramic view over Nice and the bay. It now features a brand new castle... made of wood! A renovated play area makes the site more appealing to children and the experience easier for adults.
- - The flower market and flea market The flower market on Cours Saleya in Nice is one of the best in France, offering an intoxicating variety of colours and fragrances. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, this market also has fruit, vegetables, handicrafts and culinary specialities, all in an authentic atmosphere that has attracted holidaymakers and locals alike since 1861.
- - The Promenade du Paillon The Promenade du Paillon in Nice takes you on a botanical voyage around the world, with an immense variety of trees, shrubs and plants. The site features a reflecting pool and play apparatus for children, in the form of enormous marine creatures. A fun and fabulous experience.
- - The Villa Masséna and its exceptional Empire-style halls The Masséna Museum on the Promenade des Anglais retraces the art and history of the Riviera from the annexation of Nice to France, to the end of the Belle Epoque. Here you can admire artworks and historic items in a sumptuous decor.
- - Nice Port harbouring yachts of every shape and size The Port of Nice extends cheerfully from the famous Promenade des Anglais in a mix of authenticity and vibrancy. It offers a unique Mediterranean setting in the heart of the city, with its lovely traditional fishing boats and luxury yachts, and a beautiful view of the local heritage.
- - The atmosphere and superb views of the Promenade du Soleil The historical presence of posh Anglo-Saxon holidaymakers has left its mark on Nice and can be observed in the majestic façades, exotic gardens and seafront restaurants along the Promenade du Soleil.
- - Public and private beaches to bask in the sun Nice has plenty of beaches flying the Blue Flag. This seal of approval rewards the city’s commitment to environment protection, waste management and spreading environmental awareness.
- - Belle Epoque, Art Deco and Baroque architecture Nice boasts some fascinating architectural heritage, ranging from the famous façade of the Palais de la Méditerranée to the Sainte Jeanne d’Arc church, with its sugarloaf-shaped domes, and the remarkable apartment buildings with mosaic and bas-relief decorative features. For fans of eclectic architecture, the city really is an open-air museum.
- - Naive art at the Jakowsky Museum, set in vast grounds with rare vegetation The Anatole Jakovsky International Museum of Naive Art, housed in the Château Sainte Hélène, exhibits an outstanding naive art collection dating from the 18th century to the present day. A unique experience that no art fan should miss.
- - A performance at the Théâtre de la Cité At the Théâtre de la Cité, the artists share their stage fright and emotions through a diversity of shows that make us laugh, cry and feel profoundly human. This venue celebrates artistic diversity, with performances ranging from revisited great classics to contemporary creations, and an emphasis on open-mindedness

What to do in Nice?


- - Admire the view from the Lou Camin Nissart trail Lou Camin Nissart is a new 42-kilometre hiking trail that can be taken in short sections. Follow it to explore the hills around Nice and discover spectacular views and historic sites. From Place Garibaldi, it takes you to the Promenade des Anglais.
- - Gaze in awe at the Henri Matisse art collection The Matisse Museum in Nice is housed in a 17th-century Genoese villa set in the Cimiez gardens. The collection includes nearly 600 artworks and some of the artist’s personal belongings, while the temporary exhibitions help us understand the work of this 20th-century master painter.
- - Take the plunge at outstanding diving sites The PADI IDC 5-star diving school of Cap Ferrat invites you to embark on the Corto, a typical Mediterranean boat, for a diving experience you’ll never forget. Lessons are available for anyone over the age of 6 years, from novices to professional divers, as well as exploration trips suitable for all levels.
- - Attend a classical music concert at the Opera La Bohème, The Barber of Seville, Otello, La Traviata… Names and melodies that will strike a chord with music lovers. Since 1885, the opera of Nice has been a renowned music venue and architectural feature.
- - Cook Socca with a chef To totally immerse yourself in the cuisine of Nice, nothing beats a lesson with a real-life chef! Check out the various workshops and learn to master that delicious Nice-style beef stew, a sweet Swiss-chard pie, delicious gnocchi and traditional barbajuans, the real thing.
- - Take the whole family to the Marc Chagall Museum, for a creative workshop that’ll boost their artistic side Explore the world of Marc Chagall in a family visit and creative workshop designed for children aged 4 years and up, for a fun experience on the theme of the current exhibition. An experience involving all 5 senses.
- - Head off along one of the cycle trails for an electric MTB adventure Explore by bike along the 125 km of cycle paths in Nice and on the French Riviera. An eco-friendly and energetic way to visit the region. The Nice Côte d’Azur metropolitan council puts self-service bicycles and e-bikes at your disposal. Follow one of the guided cycling itineraries to admire the local architecture, parks and artistic features.
- - Book an afternoon’s pampering at the Spa 27 This 400 m² spa features a traditional hammam, sauna, jacuzzi, exfoliation room and other facilities devoted to wellbeing and pleasure for the senses. It’s time to unwind and go with the flow.

- - Observe the wildlife and vegetation at the Phoenix park The 7-hectare Phoenix Park in Nice offers an exotic experience in its giant hothouse and twenty topical gardens. This site plunges visitors into various climatic conditions ranging from a tropical rainforest to an orchid display, and offers a chance to see animals in settings that resemble their natural habitats.
- - Test your balance on a stand-up paddleboard The Nikaia watersports school offers fun activities in the heart of Nice. From paddleboarding to waterskiing and parasailing, take your pick from gentle sensations and adrenalin thrills. Ready to take the plunge?
- - Go climbing or jumping off cliffs Inland from Nice, take a trip into the Estérel hills and the Verdon gorges with Camp4. Let this experienced team of qualified instructors with a passion take you on an amazing via cordata, canyoning, climbing or via ferrata adventure.
- - Visit the crypt of Nice Beneath the city of Nice lies a vast archaeological site, a crypt uncovered during the tramway works that plunges us into the history of the city’s fortifications. The 2,000 m² site reveals how the Nice fortifications and military architecture evolved through the centuries.
- - Create your own perfume in Grasse The Fragonard perfumery in Grasse invites you to try a unique experience of the senses during an ‘Apprentice Perfumer’ workshop. Sign up ahead for this 1½-hour workshop open to anyone from the age of 12 years, to learn the well-kept secrets of the work of a perfumer.

By Mélanie Leguen

Mélanie works as a journalist in Biarritz, in the Basque Country. She has a passion for vintage items, and today she spends her time looking for gems as she explores the region.