Nice’s unofficial anthem is Nissa La Bella, and you can’t help but agree with this sentiment when you visit the French Riviera’s largest city. Nice’s beauty comes from the 19th-century mansions on its promenades and boulevards, from the city’s Italianate old quarter and the rugged natural terrain that provides countless wondrous vantage points.

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'Nice' is too mild a word for this world-renowned city As the unofficial capital of the French Riviera (or the Cote d'Azur), Nice represents the best of what Mediterranean scenery and culture has to offer. 'Nice' is too mild a word for this world-renowned city As the unofficial capital of the French Riviera (or the Cote d'Azur), Nice represents the best of what Mediterranean scenery and culture has to offer. You get a historic old town, upscale markets and shops, stunning architecture, and fabulous restaurants. Oh, and don't forget the beach.

Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Nice, France on Tripadvisor: See 531,981 traveler reviews and photos of Nice tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in February. We have reviews of the best places to see in Nice. Nice Tourism: Best of Nice The cultural capital of the French Riviera, set on the Baie des Anges The deep blue waters of the Cote d’Azur are the dramatic backdrop for elegant Nice.

Artists have always cherished this scenery, rendered even more beautiful by the unique light. So Nice is now also one of the best places to go in Europe for art galleries, with museums dedicated to Chagall and Matisse. Add great cuisine, a perfect climate and more than a dash of Riviera glamour, you’ve got a very special place.

Lets explore the best things to do in Nice:

1. Promenade des Anglais

There are seaside walks, and then there’s the Promenade des Anglais, which is more than just a grand walkway next to the Mediterranean: It’s been an integral part of Nice city life (something the recent attack won’t change) since this embankment was built in the 1820s.

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Parades for the ebullient Nice Carnival come by in February, while the rest of the year joggers, couples skateboarders and families pass all day long.

The promenade bends for seven kilometres, and on the eastern side is skirted by regal 19th-century palaces.

You can take a seat on the benches and find shade beneath pergolas and palm trees.

2. Vieille Ville

The oldest part of the city is a change from Nice’s broad boulevards and expansive squares like Place Masséna.

It’s a mesh of alleys with local shops and restaurants, darkened by tall ochre-painted apartment buildings and dominated by the Colline du Château to the east.

Glaciers, crêperies and cafes all flow onto the squares, which are often lively until the early hours.

There’s a strong Italian feel about the architecture and setting, which is no coincidence as Nice wasn’t French until the Treaty of Turin in 1860.

3. Parc de la Colline du Château

In the park at the top of this steep hill on the east side of the city you’ll be presented with some of the French Riviera’s great panoramas.

You can look back over Nice and the azure sea in the Baie des Anges, and it’s a sight you’ll want to pause over for as long as possible.

You can pick out all the landmarks, like Hotel Negresco and the port to the east.

If you’re feeling fit you might reach the top on foot from the Vieille Ville, but there’s also a free elevator, which is recommended in the summer.

4. Musée Marc Chagall

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Chagall was so involved in the design of this museum that he decided where each of his works would be placed, configured the layout of the gardens and designed the stained-glass windows in the concert hall.

So in many ways the museum is a coherent work of art by itself.

But the reason it was created was to house Chagall’s series of 17 paintings with biblical themes, divided in to the New and Old Testament.

Among these is the famous Resistance, Resurrection, Liberation triptych, painted before, during and after the Second World War.

5. Nice Cathedral

Located in the Vieille Ville, the exterior of this landmark is rather unprepossessing, apart from its patterned dome.

A casual visitor to the square in front might not even realise that this is the city’s cathedral.

Inside it’s a different story, and the building takes on new domensions once you step through its doors.

It was built in the 17th century with a lavish baroque design, composed of ten highly ornate chapels with sculptures, paintings and gilding.

Once again, it’s the kind of building you’d expect to find in Italy or Spain.

6. Cours Saleya Market

Also in Nice’s old quarter is this lovely flower and fresh produce market, which sets up every day except Monday when it’s replaced by a flea market.

If you’re holidaying in an apartment in Nice then this market is a godsend, selling fresh produce, regional delicacies like socca made on site and flowers sourced from the Provence and Alpes-Maritimes countryside.

Many sellers will tempt you with free samples, which is an effective way of getting your business! The flower stalls stay open the longest, remaining until 17:30, long after the food sellers have packed up.

Beat the tourist rush and get there as early as possible.

7. Musée Masséna

This 19th-century villa on the Promenade des Anglais was donated to the city by the Duke of Rivoli in 1919 on the condition that it should be opened to the public as a museum of local history.

You have to go to see what it’s like inside one of these Belle Époque mansions, and it has gardens that were designed by Édouard André, also responsible for those at the Monte Carlo Casino.

There’s an intriguing miscellany of curiosities inside, like Napoleon’s death mask and a tiara belonging to his wife, Empress Joséphine, as well as a collection of 19th-century French art on the second floor.

8. Dining

This one city has contributed a lot to French cuisine, and there are a handful of local dishes you can’t leave Nice without trying.

Salade Niçoise is an obvious one to start with: It’s hard-boiled egg, green beans, anchovies, tomatoes and calletier olives, and goes superbly with Bandol’s rosé wines or whites from Bellet.

A more casual street-food is Socca, a kind of cross between flatbread and pancake, made with chickpea flower and sold by vendors in the old quarter.

Ratatouille also comes from this part of the world, and this famous vegetable stew is made with courgettes, aubergine, peppers and tomato.

There’s also fougasse bread, onion tart and Daube Niçoise, a braised beef stew, with bacon, tomatoes and red wine.

Available tour: Half-Day Walking, Food & Wine Tour

9. Parc Phoenix

There’s a three Euro fee to get in to this park, but it’s money well-spent considering how much there is crammed into these seven hectares on the western end of the Promenade des Anglais.

Kids go free and, it’s one of the few attractions in Nice that they’re guaranteed to enjoy.

There are 20 themed zones, with 2,500 plant species growing around ponds, in a modern greenhouse (one of Europe’s largest) and in a variety of gardens.

There are also animal enclosures and terrariums, with turtles, otters and tropical spiders, while mandarin ducks, Chilean flamingos and iguanas roam freely in the greenhouse.

10. Beaches

Nice’s beaches are pebbly, and while they’re beautiful to wander past, they may not be to everyone’s taste for sunbathing.

There are private sections providing the comfort of sun loungers, and occasionally even laying sand.

Everywhere else you can still pass a relaxing afternoon in the sun, but the currents might be a bit strong for little ones and the beach shelves quite steeply too.

One beach guaranteed to delight the kids is on the other side of Mont Boron at Villefranche-sur-Mer, where the waters are shallower and screened from the open sea by the headlands at Cap de Nice and Cap-Ferrat.

11. Monastère de Cimiez

This monastery on a rise, north of the centre was established by the Benedictines in the 800s.

You get there along the Boulevard de Cimiez, one of Nice’s most impressive thoroughfares, with extraordinary 19th-century hotels and mansions.

The gothic monastery buildings are from the 14th and 15th centuries, with delicate frescoes from the 1500s.

But most visitors make the climb for one purpose: To see the exquisite gardens, with flower beds, topiaries, geometric lawns, pergolas and a terrace with an unbelievable view of the city.

These gardens are the oldest on the Côte d’Azur, plotted in 1546 and a potager for the monks.

12. More Art Museums!

With the Riviera Pass you can get into the Chagall Museum and a host of other attractions on one ticket over a 48-hour or seven-day period.

Here’s a quick overview; The Matisse Museum has one of the world’s biggest collections of this revered impressionist’s works, but perhaps more exciting for fans is that it builds a picture of the artist’s influences and process (with heaps of sketches to see). On Promenade des Anglais there’s the Museum of Asian Art, right behind the Phoenix Park, with a pavilion where you can attend an authentic Japanese tea ceremony.

Then there’s the contemporary art museum, MAMAC, with pieces by Warhol, Lichtenstein and Yves Klein.

13. Cap-Ferrat

A byword for Riviera luxury and old money, Cap-Ferrat is 20 minutes east of Nice, on the panoramic Boulevard Napoléon III. Come to be dazzled by the sensational turn-of-the-century mansions.

One, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, is open to visitors and loaded with precious paintings, sculptures and furniture.

Like the renowned path at Cap d’Antibes, Cap-Ferrat is also bordered by a coastal trail with supreme photo opportunities of the Riviera’s mythic rugged coastline and the Massif de l’Esterel.

The path is also the easiest way to get to some to the cosy beaches on the east side.

14. OGC Nice

From August to May, if you want a break from the cerebral and epicurean attractions of Nice and the French Riviera you could always watch some live football at the new Allianz Riviera stadium, a few minutes west of the city.

OGC Nice enjoyed their best season for many years in 2016, and are managed by the Swiss coach Lucien Favre, respected for his attractive style of football.

Their capacious new 35,000 capacity home is worth the admission too, and was built for EURO 2016. The club is also now owned a wealthy overseas consortium, so might be set for big things in coming years.

15. Mont Boron

Between Nice’s port and Cap-Ferrat is a peak that rises steeply from the water, reaching a height of almost 200 metres.

It’s a rare piece of open terrain left to olive, carob and pine groves.

You can walk to the southwest side where Nice rolls out into the distance next to the Baie des Anges, and even the Colline du Château looks small.

On the other side is a comprehensive view of Cap-Ferrat, while you walk along the ridge back to the Fort du Mont Alban.

This bastion was constructed in the mid-16th century is open to visitors in the summer.

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What are the best things to do in Nice, France? Good question. You’ll be pleased to know that there are so many things to see in Nice you could easily stay a week. (Or 37 years, like the artist Matisse did.) Read on for the 15 best places to visit in this sparkling French Riviera city.

Visit Nice, France

Situated on the light-filled French Riviera, this popular city in the South of France makes a great base for touring the beautiful towns of the Côte d’Azur, but it also has many charms of its own.

With an ideal seaside location, it’s a laid back city that has ‘resort town’ written all over it. If you’re wondering what to do in Nice, and want a rundown of its top 15 activities and attractions, you’ve come to the right place.

Below you’ll find a travel guide listing the top activities, restaurants, beaches and architectural highlights – everything you need to plan your time in Nice.

About Nice

Today Nice is known as a summer destination, but the city’s rise to tourist fame began as a winter destination in the 19th century for cloud-weary Brits who came to enjoy the milder climate of the French Riviera. (Being from Canada, this sounds like a great idea to me.)

With a population of 350,000, it’s just the right size for travellers who want plenty of culture, but don’t want to be overwhelmed by a polluted metropolis. There are plenty of things to see in Nice, France, and its spectacular location on the Mediterranean’s Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels), means outdoor lovers can also have it all.

Top things to do in Nice

Truly, Nice and the French Riviera is one of the best places to visit in France. But you may need some guidance when deciding what to do. Don’t worry, I’m here to help. I’ve spent so much time here, I’m an honorary citizen. Or at least I should be. (Let’s talk to the French authorities about that.)

And every time I visit Nice, I always find new ways to spend my time.

The following list shows 15 activities and attractions I believe to be the top things to do in Nice.

Stroll the Promenade des Anglais

If you’re wondering where to go in Nice, the first place to check out is the palm-tree lined Promenade des Anglais. This 7 km (5-mile) oceanside promenade curves gently along the Bay of Angels, and is the focal point of this light-filled French Riviera resort town.

On one side you have parks, grand hotels, and and endless string of condos (many which have holiday rentals). On the waterfront side is a string of private beaches, seaside restaurants, and the sparkling Mediterranean.

Stretching from the Nice Airport in the west to the Quai des Etats Unis near the Port of Nice in the east, the Promenade des Anglais is the best place to breathe in the city’s sea-scented atmosphere. In fact, despite its simplicity, walking along the Promenade is one of the best activities in Nice.

Take a Velo Bleu along the Promenade des Anglais

Cycle Nice on a Velo Bleu

When visiting Nice, I get obsessed with using the bike share program Velo Bleu, not so much to get from point A to B, but as entertainment in its own right.

If you’re looking for fun things to do, there is nothing more breezy and enjoyable than peddling on the well-maintained bike lanes along the Promenade des Anglais.

With 175 Velo Bleu bike stations in the greater Nice Côte d’Azur area, and 125 km of bike lanes, it’s a great way to travel. It’s also cheap.

In all honesty, however, I find it confusing to figure out these bike share programs, but once you do figure it out, you can use it every day. The way it’s supposed to work is that you register online on the Velo Bleu site and get a code. You can then enter the code into any Velo Bleu bike station around the city and grab a bike.

The way it worked for me was that I screwed up and had to go to the Velo Bleu office at 17 Avenue Thiers, across from the train station and get them to sort it out.

Want a cycling tour? You can sign up for a Nice: Panoramic French Riviera E-Bike Tour here. Prices from $57.

Visit one of the beaches in Nice

The idea of lying on a beach in Nice is bliss. The reality is that Nice beaches are not soft and sandy, but pebbly. Ah, well. It’s still the French Riviera and it can still be blissful, and relaxing on the beach is a must when you visit Nice.

You can go upscale and splash out (see what I did there?) for a chaise lounge at a private beach with change rooms, waiters to cater to your every need and even – depending on the beach – a DJ. Alternatively, you can stick with a public beach as many locals do.

What’s the best beach in Nice? The Plage Beau Rivage across from the Beau Rivage Hotel toward the eastern end of the Baie des Anges is a recommended private beach.

Coincidentally, one of the most popular public beaches in Nice is beside it, the free La Plage Publique de Beau Rivage.

When looking for a free beach, I usually just head down to the Promenade des Anglais, and park my towel on whatever strip of sand isn’t taken up by a private beach club.

I also like the look of the family-friendly beach in nearby Villefranche sur Mer, a sleepy coastal town just to the east of Nice.

Okay, so the sun doesn’t always shine in Nice.

Peek into the belle époque Hotel Negresco

As far as things to see in Nice go, the Hotel Negresco should definitely be on your list. To my mind, the fabulous Hotel Negresco is the aristocratic heart of Nice.

Right across from the beach at 37 Promenade des Anglais, the Negresco is a wacky art-filled luxury hotel built in the early 20th century. The dome in the Royal Salon was designed by Gustave Eiffel and the chandelier was created for a Russian Tsar.

One of my favourite things to do is to go to Le Negresco’s Bar for a glass of champagne – because having a glass of pink champagne or a crisp rose is a top way to experience the city’s cosmopolitan flavour – then I wander through the hallways of the hotel taking in the museum-quality art.

The Negresco’s art collection ranges from the unforgettable pop art sculpture of Miles Davis by superstar artist Niki de Saint Phalle outside the entrance, to the historical portrait of Louis XIV in the Salon Versailles and the 17th-century tapestry in the bar.

Hotels in Nice, France

Looking for other places to stay in Nice? We can’t all afford the Hotel Negresco, but Nice has more hotels and apartment rental than you can shake a stick at (if you like shaking sticks).

I like staying as near to the waterfront as I can, but if you want to stay near the train station an affordable option is the Kyriad Nice Gare.

Nice France Demographics

Centrally located is the oddly-named but cheery looking Hotel Le Grimaldi by Happyculture.

Another popular central hotel is the Best Western Plus Hôtel Brice Garden Nice.

Waterfront hotels include the venerable Westminster Hotel & Spa. For views, the luxury Hôtel Suisse is located on a rocky bit overlooking the Promenade des Anglais and a cheaper alternative is the Albert 1er Hotel at the Promenade du Paillon Park, two minutes from the beach.

Alternatively, you could think about renting an apartment. Booking.com now lists apartment rentals as well as hotels. (Read more about the in’s and out’s of vacation rentals in France.)

You can check more hotel prices and locations below:

See the Palais Massena

The restored Palais Massena is near the Hotel Negresco, so if you’re sniffing around that area anyway why not stop in?

Here you’ll find displays about the history of Nice and some interesting mementos of Napoleon and Josephine – but you’re out of luck if you want detailed English explanations. The villa itself and the gardens are what draw most tourists.

Explore Vieux Nice – the Old Town

Winding lanes crammed with creaky yellow-ochre buildings are what you’ll find in Nice’s Old Town, Vieux Nice. I think its nice to do a spot of shopping while on holiday, and this is a great place to do it.

Situated between the Quai des Etats Unis and Place Massena, the Old Town is a fun place to shop for Provencal specialties such as lavender soap, olive oil, and tacky souvenirs. You can also wander aimlessly (though if you prefer to wander with an aim that’s fine, too) or stop for ice cream at Fenocchio’s on Place Rossetti.

Ice cream is a hot (weather) topic in Nice, however, and others prefer Azzurro on Rossetti Square over Fenocchio’s.

When to visit the Old Town: Go in the morning when the market at the Cours Saleya is bursting with fresh flowers, or straggle in during the evening when the cafes and cocktail bars are lively.

Make sightseeing in Nice easy. Try a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour for one or two days. Check it out here. Prices from $26.

Check out the Baroque Architecture of Nice

If you’re heading to Vieux Nice anyway, check out the city’s Baroque architecture. Baroque is an excessive, wonderfully ornate style that dates from the end of the 16th century to the early 18th century. Here are three Baroque buildings not to miss:

The Chapelle de la Miséricorde. With its unexpected circular walls and windows and fresco-filled interior, it’s considered one of the top Baroque churches in the world. You’ll find it at 2 Place Pierre-Gautier on the north side of the Cours Saleya.

Another Baroque masterpiece is the small Eglise de Gésu at 12 Rue Droite. Built in the 1600s, its pale blue and yellow facade is a delight and its interior will satisfy all your desires for cherubs, gilt and marble.

The Palais Lascaris is both a museum and historic monument. Built in 1648 for the aristocratic Lascaris-Ventimiglia family, it was restored in the 1960s and opened as a civic museum. Salivate over the elaborate staircase, frescos and luxe salons as you see how the other half lived (at least until the French Revolution). The address is 15 rue Droite. Closed Tuesdays.

Appalling Apollo?

Visit Place Massena and learn about the scandal of the Sun Fountain

It would be hard to tour Nice and not stumble upon the grand Place Massena. Nice’s impressive (and busy) main square sits majestically between the New and the Old Town. With its striking red buildings and checkerboard ground, it’s eye-catching indeed.

But here’s the thing: When the square’s monumental fountain, the Fontaine du Soleil, or the Sun Fountain, was unveiled in 1956 onlookers gasped in shock. The seven-metre (23-foot) marble statue of Apollo in the centre of the fountain drew second, third (and possibly) fourth scandalized looks. Not only did Apollo have a crown of four horses on his head, but the seven-ton god also had, er, a rather large member.

The rebirth of the Sun Fountain

The poor sculptor, Alfred Janniot, had to chisel it down to size. Only perhaps he took his task too much to heart because Apollo went from being a seriously large Greek god to being ridiculed as ‘The Virgin.’

Even so, the Catholic League of Feminine Virtue (no, I’m not making this up) gathered enough support in the 70s to get the offensively nude statue removed, and the once mighty Apollo was banished to a new home outside a sports stadium.

Don’t despair. In 2011, with great aplomb, Apollo regained his rightful home in the Place Massena, where you can still get a gander at his chiselled-down privvies today.

Visit the Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas

Built during the reign of Czar Nicholas II, the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, Nice’s Russian Orthodox Church, has dazzled visitors with its brilliant domes and spires since 1912.

A two-year restoration ordered by Putin himself means that now it will dazzle you even more. The cathedral is an eye-catching attraction in Nice, France, and is located on Avenue Nicolas-II.

Hike up Castle Hill

When it comes to outdoorsy things to do in Nice, walking up the (seemingly endless) steps of Castle Hill, also called the Colline du Château or the Parc du Château, is a great active option thanks to the panoramic views you’ll be rewarded with. Just don’t expect a castle to be part of that view.

The medieval citadel was destroyed by Louis XIV in 1706. While you’re up here, note that this hill-with-a-view, which is now a pleasant park, has been occupied for centuries. Archeologists have found Celtic, Greek and Roman remains. (Important note: Lazy view-seekers can take the elevator.)

Visit the museums in Nice

Painters and sculptors have long found Nice irresistible, attracted by its luminous light, enjoyable climate and sensual lifestyle, and the city is a treasure trove for art fans.

The big three museums to see are the Musée Marc Chagall, the Musée Matisse and the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC). If you prefer exploring with a well-informed guide, check out this half-day museum tour.

Gotta love Chagall

Don’t miss the Musée Marc Chagall

When it comes to cultural attractions in Nice, the Chagall Museum is my favourite. Even if the Matisse Museum gets more buzz, don’t pass this one by. Like glowing illuminated gemstones, Chagall’s 17 major Biblical Message tableaux line the walls and conjure up a vibrant world where magic, folk art and creative sophistication meet.

The Musée national Marc Chagall is at Avenue Docteur Ménard. Closed Tuesdays.

See the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain

With nearly 1,300 works in the collection, the very urban Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art covers major art movements from the 1960s on. You’ll find big names such as Niki de Saint-Phalle, Andy Warhol and Fluxus.

Speaking of Fluxus, I saw these conceptual art stars at a performance in Seoul, Korea, years ago, and will never forget them putting a rose in a blender and drinking it. To this day I wonder what a rose smoothie tastes like. MAMAC is at Place Yves Klein. Closed Mondays.

Visit the Musée Matisse

To see the renowned Matisse Museum head to the very posh Cimiez district, one of the best places to see in Nice and nicely off the main tourist track. Henri Matisse originally came to Nice to try and cure his bronchitis, but ended up staying on and off for the rest of his life.

Map Of Nice France

The Matisse Museum, housed in a lovely red-ochre villa, has one of the largest collections of his work in the world, and you’ll be able to get a sense of the wide range of his talent that includes sculptures, monumental paintings and cutouts. The Musee Matisse is located at 164 avenue des Arènes de Cimiez. Closed Tuesdays.

Tour the Cimiez district of Nice

If you’re already in Cimiez visiting the Matisse Museum, take the opportunity to check out more of the Nice attractions in this fashionable neighbourhood. Surrounding the Matisse Museum, you’ll find the remains of a Roman settlement.

Nearby you’ll find the Franciscan Monastery and Museum (closed Sundays) that dates back to 1546. It’s a popular stop for its gardens and 15th-century masterpieces by the famous Niçoise artist Ludovic Bréa.

Across from the Matisse Museum, you can see the imposing Regina building where Matisse once lived. Now a swanky apartment building, it was originally built as a grand hotel. Nice’s most venerable fan, Queen Victoria, would stay here for up to six weeks at a time.

(As an irrelevant note, I tried to get a vacation rental in the Regina last time I was in Nice but someone snatched it before me. Rats.)

Soak up the atmosphere

Eat in a top Nice Restaurant

Eating well is part of every vacation in France, and Nice is no different. Here are a few of the best restaurants in Nice.

Seafood at Peixes For fresh seafood in a casual atmosphere with a maritime theme, try Peixes Restaurant at 4, rue de l’Opéra Nice, France 06300.

Health Food at Badaboom Need a fennel fix, some gluten-free dining or a fresh smoothie? Try the health-focused Badaboom Bistro at 11, rue François Guisol.

Fine Dining at Le Chantecler This 2-star Michelin restaurant in the Hotel Le Negresco offers a gastronomic exploration of Provencal-inspired food.

Meal with a view at La Terrace Located in the rooftop of Le Meridian Hotel, La Terrace is one of the highest points on the Promenade des Anglais.

Try the Local Cuisine at La Merenda While you can eat a Salade Nicoise just about anywhere on the Riviera, and there are raging debates about the proper way to make this simple salad, you might want to delve deeper into authentic local cuisine.

Run by pedigreed chef Dominique Le Stanc, La Merenda is a small restaurant in the Old Town that serves regional dishes such as fried zucchini flowers, tomato pie and stuffed sardines. And no, you can’t phone and make reservations ahead of time. It’s part of the charm. Rue Raoul Basio, 06300 Nice, France.

Why not try a Nice Evening Food & Wine Tour? from $114. Check it out here.

Take a day trip from Nice

The city is ideally located for exploring the other towns of the French Riviera, and one of the best things to do in Nice is to leave it – at least for a day.

Day trips from Nice are simple by train, cheap by bus, and there are so many great destinations in the wonderful South of France region you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Nice France Population

My top picks are Cannes, Antibes, Monaco, Biot, Grasse, Eze, Vence and St-Paul de Vence.

Organized Tours

If you’re looking for day tours from Nice, you can do an Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo Tour from $51. Check it out here. Or a French Riviera Guided Driving Tourhere. (Prices from $85.)

You can also rent a motorbike – but to see what I think about that read renting a motorbike in France.

Visit my Things to do in the South of France travel article to get some more ideas on what you can see around the French Riviera, and which towns make great day trips from Nice.

If you want to hit several of the best French Riviera attractions in one day, consider Full-day French Riviera tour. It’s a great way to see the sights while learning some facts and history from a knowledgeable guide.

Chill at an outdoor cafe

Nice France Truck Attack

As you can see, there are a ton of things to do in Nice, but to truly appreciate the Côte d’Azur lifestyle, settle into a sidewalk cafe, order a glass of rosé and watch the world go by. Doing nothing just might be the most rewarding thing you do.

Travel guide for things to do in Nice, France

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Getting to Nice

Flights to Nice. There are many direct flights from Paris as well as other destinations. From the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, you can take a taxi or the Airport Express Bus into town – catch Bus 98 for the beach and Vieux Nice or Bus 99 for the train station, the Gare SNCF.

Taking the train to Nice is also a breeze. You can catch a highspeed TGV from Paris (about 5.5 hours). There are also plentiful regional trains that can get you to Nice from Cannes, Antibes or Monaco.

Getting around Nice

Nice is a dream for public transportation. There are plenty of public buses, a tram, and options for tourists that include hop-on, hop-off double decker buses and those embarrassing but fun little tourist trains. Cimiez is a bit far, as is the Chagall Museum, but other than that you can pretty much walk to all the main sights.

More places to visit in the French Riviera

Get some fun travel ideas from my attempt to retrace my parents’ honeymoon in the South of France.

Nice attractions tip – get a French Riviera Pass

A French Riviera Pass will save you money if you intend to do much sightseeing. Many of Nice’s top attractions are included with the pass (and so is the little tourist train). The price of a pass for 24 hours is 26€, 48 hours is 38€ and 72 hours is 56€.