Although almost everyone has heard of Nice, not everyone knows what attractions it offers. Itโs time to change that because, in terms of the number of monuments, museums, and picturesque spots, this city could easily compete even with Paris.
Nice is one of the most important cities on the French Riviera, often considered its unofficial capital. It attracts tourists from all over the world, who come to stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais, visit world-class museums, experience the unforgettable carnival, or taste the specialties of Niceโs cuisine, which offers a wide variety of surprising dishes.
This diversity is also reflected in its art and culture, stemming firstly from the cityโs turbulent history (Nice was annexed to France only in 1860, having previously been part of the Kingdom of Sardinia), and secondly from its geographical location. Did you know that from Nice, you can reach Monaco and Italy in less than 30 minutes? Italian influences sometimes even show up in the language. Some of Niceโs residents have Italian roots, which you can occasionally hear in the more spirited accentuation of French.
GOOD TO KNOW: Many tours from Nice to Monaco and the Italian Riviera can be found on the GetYourGuide.
๐ฐ Aparthotel AMMI Vieux Nice - Aparthotel close to the Old Town.
๐จ Hotel Cresp - Boutique hotel close to the Old Town.
๐ Palais Saleya Boutique Hรดtel - Boutique hotel by Cours Saleya.
Nice on foot, by car, or by public transport?
Public transport in Nice is very well organized, and you can easily reach virtually any part of the city by bus or tram. If you prefer to travel by car, you donโt need to worry too much about heavy traffic. Of course, there are occasional traffic jams like in any large city, but many places can be accessed via bypasses, so you often donโt need to drive through the city center.
Finding parking in Nice is generally not a major issue, though itโs important to remember that most parking spaces in the city center are paid. Free spots are usually available in underground, multi-level parking garages, such as those near Place Massena or Cours Saleya.
Personally, I recommend exploring Nice on foot. Itโs best to start with a leisurely walk around the city, which will allow you to get a feel for its rhythm and familiarize yourself with the key landmarks. A car is handy if you want to visit more distant parts of the city or take a day trip to other areas of the French Riviera. However, if you love discovering places mainly frequented by locals, leave the car in a parking lot and trust your instincts, along with the list of the most interesting spots youโll find below.
FUN FACT: An alternative way to explore Nice is by taking a Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour. This is especially a good option for those who want to discover the cityโs key landmarks, making it easier to navigate Nice independently afterward.
Old Town in Nice (Vieux Nice)
Like every Old Town, the one in Nice is extremely popular, and skipping it during a visit to the capital of the French Riviera would be almost a sin. Wandering through its picturesque, narrow streets, especially outside of peak season, itโs easy to forget that you are in one of the largest cities in southern France.
In addition to its magical atmosphere, Niceโs Old Town is home to several emblematic landmarks. One of these is the 13th-century Gothic Cathedral of Saint Reparata (fr. Cathรฉdrale Sainte-Rรฉparate). Itโs worth stepping inside to admire the richly decorated interior and the impressive altar. Another interesting building in Niceโs Old Town is the 19th-century Neo-Renaissance Palace of Justice (fr. Palais de Justice), located in a charming square filled with cafes and shops.
While exploring the Old Town of Nice, you also shouldnโt miss Place Garibaldi, one of the cityโs most iconic spots. Surrounded by numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops, it connects the Old Town with other parts of the city. In a way, this square is also a cultural hub for Nice, often hosting various markets and local events.
Other notable historical buildings in Niceโs Old Town include the Nice Opera House (French: Opรฉra de Nice), the Palais de la Prรฉfecture, the Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur Church, the Sainte-Rita Church, and Villa Massรฉna (now home to the Massรฉna Museum, which showcases the history of Nice). Of course, you canโt forget Place Massรฉna, which youโll read more about later in the article.
Provenรงal Markets at Cours Saleya
If you truly want to immerse yourself in the culture of southern France, a visit to the local markets (le marchรฉ in French) is a must. The one in Nice needs no introduction, as itโs famous across the entire Cรดte dโAzur. Life at Cours Saleya moves at its own pace. In the morning, you can buy fresh vegetables, fragrant fruits, aromatic olives, and cheeses from local vendors. In the summer evenings (from mid-May to mid-September), artisans and artists set up their stalls, selling their handmade goods and artwork. Besides traditional food or craft stalls, Cours Saleya also boasts a large section dedicated to flower sellers (le marchรฉ aux fleurs).
And thatโs not all. Lining the market are numerous restaurants and cafes, some of which offer live music. Itโs well worth sitting down in one of these places to fully absorb the ambiance of this small microcosm, which, despite being located in the heart of the most cosmopolitan city in southern France, seems to exist in its own world, operating at its own leisurely pace.
Place Massรฉna
I donโt often dedicate much space to squares in my articles, but when it comes to one of the most photographed spots in Nice, the word โsquareโ takes on a whole new meaning. Here, youโll feel that the capital of the French Riviera is both a cosmopolitan, modern city and one that deeply respects its history and traditions.
The mosaic pavement, beautiful red-brick buildings forming an architectural semicircle, and the central Fontaine du Soleil (Fountain of the Sun) with its iconic statue of Apollo are all striking. If you look up, youโll also notice some unusual streetlights topped with human-shaped sculptures. These are part of Les Statues de Conversation, an extraordinary installation by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa, adorning Place Massรฉna since 2007.
Place Massรฉna is also a perfect starting point for exploring Niceโs most popular attractions. From here, itโs just a 5-10 minute walk to the Promenade des Anglais, the Old Town, and the markets at Cours Saleya. This is also where Avenue Jean Mรฉdecin begins-a major shopping avenue in Nice, lined with numerous shops and boutiques featuring well-known fashion brands and more. If youโre in search of luxury shopping, donโt miss the Galeries Lafayette.
For those looking to take a break from the cityโs hustle and bustle, head to Promenade du Paillon, a park with an entrance just off Place Massรฉna. The park is dotted with fountains, shaded squares, playgrounds for children, and benches. In the height of summer, this urban park is the perfect place for a picnic, reading a good book, or simply catching your breath after a day of sightseeing.
Castle Hill in Nice (Colline du Chรขteau)
If youโre looking for a birdโs-eye view of the French Riviera, Castle Hill is the place to fulfill that dream. Beloved by both locals and tourists, this spot offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Nice, likely one of the best in the city.
In addition to the stunning views, youโll also find the ruins of the castle that was destroyed in 1706, a cannon from a warship that participated in the Battle of Nice in 1746, and remnants of old fortifications and defensive walls. Historically, Castle Hill served a vital defensive role, allowing the city to spot enemies approaching from the sea. The hilltop also boasts plenty of green spaces and a small waterfall.
Cimiez District in Nice
Cimiez is one of Niceโs most prestigious districts, rich in history and full of buildings, estates, and villas from the Belle รpoque era, all set amidst lush parks and gardens with often breathtaking views of Nice and the Mediterranean Sea.
However, there are many more reasons to visit Cimiez, and the truth is that most tourists find their way here eventually. Some are drawn by the Chagall Museum and the Matisse Museum, while others come to explore the ruins of the ancient amphitheater, where plays are sometimes performed on warm summer evenings. Also noteworthy is the Monastรจre de Cimiez, a monastery dating back to the 9th century. While youโre there, donโt miss the beautiful Franciscan garden next to the monastery - yet another spot offering panoramic views of Nice.
Museums in Nice
One of the greatest advantages of Nice is that, in addition to its picturesque landscapes, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals, it is also a city with an incredibly rich cultural scene. Nice boasts a dozen high-quality museums, with topics so varied that everyone can find something of interest. If I had to choose the top three, it would undoubtedly be the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC), the Chagall Museum, and the Massรฉna Museum.
However, there are many other museums in Nice that are worth exploring. These include the Matisse Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Naรฏve Art, the Asian Art Museum, the Lascaris Palace located in the Old Town, and the Natural History Museum. All of these are excellent choices for those who love the world of art. For more details on the most interesting museums in Nice, you can read about them in this article.
Religious Monuments Beyond the Old Town of Nice
Sacred landmarks are not only found in Niceโs Old Town. The capital of the French Riviera also boasts the beautiful neo-Gothic Basilica of Notre-Dame de lโAssomption, located on Rue dโItalie. You canโt miss it while strolling through the city, as its architecture stands out in this part of Nice. Its white faรงade, towering portals, large rose window above the main entrance, and two square towers make it impossible to walk past without snapping a photo.
Another unique religious monument, not just in France but in all of Europe, is the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas (Cathรฉdrale Orthodoxe Russe St Nicolas). It is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world outside of Russia. Built in 1912, it has been a protected historical monument since 1987.
Old Port of Nice (Vieux Port)
It likely wonโt surprise anyone that Nice also has its own port. Specifically, the Old Port, where the atmosphere is distinctly different from the city center. Whether itโs due to the leisurely bobbing yachts and boats or the slow-paced tourists strolling along the portโs edge, time here seems to move a bit slower. The nearby restaurants entice visitors with dishes made from fresh seafood, and in the evenings, they offer a warm, romantic ambiance.
The architecture in this area is also noteworthy-colorful buildings adorned with ornamental details evoke a feeling similar to that of Saint-Tropez, giving the Old Port of Nice a quaint, small-town charm. I highly recommend visiting this part of the city, as it allows you to discover yet another facet of Nice that you wonโt find in its other neighborhoods.
Mont Boron Hill
Heading east from the Old Port of Nice, youโll arrive at Mont Boron Hill. Though tourists visit this spot less frequently, the lush park and forested areas make it a perfect escape for spending time close to nature. Like Castle Hill, Mont Boron also offers excellent viewpoints over Nice and the French Riviera.
If you enjoy active relaxation, youโll be pleased to know that Mont Boron has many walking paths and hiking trails that make for a pleasant trek. The hike can lead you to the 19th-century fort, which was once part of Niceโs defense system. This is another fantastic spot to take in panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Beaches in Nice and Around Nice
If you love beaches with fine golden sand, unfortunately, you wonโt find that here. The beach in Nice is pebbly. However, itโs worth noting that in most areas, the stones are smooth, minimizing the risk of cuts. For your comfort, itโs a good idea to bring protective footwear and a beach chair if you plan to sunbathe. A big advantage of Niceโs beach is its size, as it stretches nearly 5 km, almost along the entire Promenade des Anglais. The proximity to the city center also makes it convenient-there are nearby bus stops, and restaurants and shops are just a few minutesโ walk away.
While Nice doesnโt offer sandy beaches, all is not lost! You can find a small sandy beach in Villefranche-sur-Mer, just a few kilometers from the center of Nice. However, during peak season, it can get crowded, so you might prefer the wider, sandy beaches in Antibes (about a 30-minute drive from Nice), which offer much more space for a relaxing getaway.
The Famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice
Right next to the beach, youโll find the famous Promenade des Anglais. It stretches for 7 km along the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels), offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The promenade is lined with palm trees, giving it the nickname โpalm avenue,โ and along its length, youโll find luxury hotels and restaurants.
The Promenade des Anglais is perfect for a walk at any time of day. However, in my opinion, the most breathtaking views are in the evening. Itโs during sunset that the promenade becomes a stage for the characteristic light and color show of southern France. As the sun dips, many of the benches along the Promenade des Anglais fill up with onlookers-strollers who pause to admire the horizon lazily setting to sleep.
Day Trips from Nice
Thanks to its location, Nice is a fantastic base for exploring the many picturesque spots along the French Riviera and Provence. With a car (which you can rent on sites like DiscoverCars), itโs worth visiting towns such as Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes, Cannes, Menton, รze, Grasse, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence. You can find plenty of organized day tours from Nice to the most beautiful spots on the French Riviera on this site.
For a 1-day trip, you can also head to Saint-Tropez, the Verdon Canyon, Italy, or Monaco. When visiting Monaco, keep in mind that the country is not part of the European Union. Although EU citizens only need an ID card to cross the border, be aware of the roaming charges from your mobile network provider, which can often be quite steep.
Hotels in Nice
The best place to stay is between the Old Town and the Promenade des Anglais. Here are three handpicked options for different budgets.
๐ฐ Aparthotel AMMI Vieux Nice
Aparthotel in Niceโs Old Town, 600 metres from the beach and 300 metres from the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Air-conditioned rooms are comfortable and practical. The property can arrange an airport transfer at an extra charge.
๐จ Hotel Cresp
Hotel in a 19th-century building on a pedestrian street in Niceโs Old Town, 100 metres from the Promenade des Anglais. Rooms have a kitchenette with a hob and fridge. Selected rooms have a balcony or sea views. The hotel is air-conditioned.
๐ Palais Saleya Boutique Hรดtel
Apartments in an 18th-century building on Place du Palais de Justice, at the entrance to Niceโs Old Town. The Promenade des Anglais and the beach are 300 metres away. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen with a washing machine and a Nespresso machine. All are air-conditioned.
