Although almost everyone has heard of Nice, not everyone knows what attractions it offers. It’s 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 Nice’s cuisine, which offers a wide variety of surprising dishes.
This diversity is also reflected in its art and culture, stemming firstly from the city’s 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 Nice’s 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.
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 don’t 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 don’t need to drive through the city center.
Finding parking in Nice is generally not a major issue, though it’s 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. It’s 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 you’ll 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 city’s 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, it’s easy to forget that you are in one of the largest cities in southern France.
In addition to its magical atmosphere, Nice’s Old Town is home to several emblematic landmarks. One of these is the 13th-century Gothic Cathedral of Saint Reparata (fr. Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate). It’s worth stepping inside to admire the richly decorated interior and the impressive altar. Another interesting building in Nice’s 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 shouldn’t miss Place Garibaldi, one of the city’s 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 Nice’s Old Town include the Nice Opera House (French: Opéra de Nice), the Palais de la Préfecture, the Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur Church, the Sainte-Rita Church, and Villa Masséna (now home to the Masséna Museum, which showcases the history of Nice). Of course, you can’t forget Place Masséna, which you’ll read more about later in the article.
Provençal Markets at Cours Saleya
If you truly want to immerse yourself in the culture of southern France, a visit to the local markets (le marché in French) is a must. The one in Nice needs no introduction, as it’s famous across the entire Côte d’Azur. 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 marché aux fleurs).
And that’s not all. Lining the market are numerous restaurants and cafes, some of which offer live music. It’s 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 Masséna
I don’t often dedicate much space to squares in my articles, but when it comes to one of the most photographed spots in Nice, the word “square” takes on a whole new meaning. Here, you’ll 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, you’ll 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 Masséna since 2007.
Place Masséna is also a perfect starting point for exploring Nice’s most popular attractions. From here, it’s 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 Médecin begins—a major shopping avenue in Nice, lined with numerous shops and boutiques featuring well-known fashion brands and more. If you’re in search of luxury shopping, don’t miss the Galeries Lafayette.
For those looking to take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle, head to Promenade du Paillon, a park with an entrance just off Place Masséna. 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 Château)
If you’re looking for a bird’s-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, you’ll 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 Nice’s most prestigious districts, rich in history and full of buildings, estates, and villas from the Belle Époque 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 Monastère de Cimiez, a monastery dating back to the 9th century. While you’re there, don’t 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 Masséna 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 Naïve 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 Nice’s Old Town. The capital of the French Riviera also boasts the beautiful neo-Gothic Basilica of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, located on Rue d’Italie. You can’t miss it while strolling through the city, as its architecture stands out in this part of Nice. Its white façade, 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 (Cathédrale 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 won’t surprise anyone that Nice also has its own port. Specifically, the Old Port, where the atmosphere is distinctly different from the city center. Whether it’s due to the leisurely bobbing yachts and boats or the slow-paced tourists strolling along the port’s 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 won’t find in its other neighborhoods.
Mont Boron Hill
Heading east from the Old Port of Nice, you’ll 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, you’ll 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 Nice’s 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 won’t find that here. The beach in Nice is pebbly. However, it’s worth noting that in most areas, the stones are smooth, minimizing the risk of cuts. For your comfort, it’s a good idea to bring protective footwear and a beach chair if you plan to sunbathe. A big advantage of Nice’s 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 minutes’ walk away.
While Nice doesn’t 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, you’ll 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 “palm avenue,” and along its length, you’ll 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. It’s 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 RentalCars), it’s worth visiting towns such as Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes, Cannes, Menton, Èze, 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.
