Top 11 Things to Do in Nice

Top 11 Things to Do in Nice

Heading to Nice and wondering what to do? Sitting on France’s Cote D’Azur, Nice is full of great things to do and we’re going to show you the best with our guide.

Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine, Nice is a popular destination for many. In fact, Nice is a great destination for those who really want to relax, and not necessarily scramble from one landmark to the next. Interested to know more? Check out our guide to the Top 11 Things to Do in Nice.

1. castle Park

For one of the best views of the city, climb to the top of the Parc du Château. With beautiful gardens and a waterfall visible from the old town, it’s a great place to picnic and relax. It also gives panoramic views across the Baie des Anges towards Antibes. But if the climb feels daunting or is inaccessible, don’t let it stop you from exploring. There’s a free lift you can take to the top!

2. Walk, Bike or Roller Blade Along the Promenade des Anglais

Enjoying the gorgeous weather is one of the top things to do in Nice, so this is a good place to start! Take an invigorating journey along the Promenade des Anglais and see what all the fuss is about. The path stretches more than 10km along the water towards Cannes from Nice. It offers breathtaking views and is the perfect place to end a day of sightseeing or sunbathing.

Additional to palm trees, the promenade is lined with luxury hotels, casinos, shops, restaurants, and more. So if you want to rub shoulders with this scene, it’s truly the place to be. But the Promenade also has pedestrian and cycle lanes, so you can do some sports if you’d like. There are couple places to rent bikes or roller skates next to the beach, so check them our if you’re looking for something cool to do.

3. Fruta & Mercado de flores

The biggest fruit and flower market in France is located in Nice! If you fancy a picnic, or just some snacks throughout the day, The Cours Saleya has an incredible selection of fresh foods. Specialties include strawberries, which are sold by the kilogram for around 3€, and huge selections of olives. But if plants and flowers are more your thing, there’s also a huge selection here to buy.

In the evening, the are turns into a thriving hotspot for food and drink in Nice. Despite it seeming to be a tourist spot, you’ll find the prices here quite reasonable. And you can indulge in a great mix of French, Italian, and even American foods.

4. Walking Tour of the Old Town

Like in every city, participating in a Free Walking Tour is a great way to see the place. Nice has a breathtaking 17^th century Old Town, and has a lot of history we think you should learn about! The narrow streets, Baroque churches, and open squares make this area a beautiful place to explore. Top sites in the Old Town include the Opera House, Palais de la Justice, Place Rossetti, and Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, You’ll also find an array of little shops along with the best bars and restaurants. We recommend getting an ice cream at, ‘Glacier Fenocchio‘

5. Have a Drink on a Rooftop Bar

Being the flashy city it is, there are loads of great rooftop bars in Nice. We recommend the Meridien Hotel Rooftop Bar. You’ll come for the drinks, but you’ll want to stay for the view. Especially at sunset of the Baie des Anges and the city centre gardens below.

6. Try the Local Cuisine

A guide on the top things to do in Nice would be rather incomplete without diving into a bit of food. The Old Town is the great place to try some traditional Niçoise meals. Our top recommendations are socca, pissaladiere, or pan bagnat. And of course, they all pair quite well with a glass of wine!

7. Explore the Mountains Behind the City

Most people think of Nice and the French Riviera as beach destination, but it’s actually so much more than that! One of the top things to do in Nice if you’re into nature is to visit the mountains behind the city. The mountains stretch north, with peaks as high as 3000 meters! Take a train into the mountains, go hiking, and discover some picturesque villages in this scarcely populated back country.

8. Museums Galore

If you’re travelling here in the colder months, or simply just want to indulge in some culture, then you’ll have plenty of options in Nice. We’ve rounded up our top 3 museums, but know there are plenty more you can discover.

Museu de Arte Moderna e Contemporânea (MAMAC)

Located just off Garibaldi square, MAMAC is our first tip for museums in Nice. This colossal building is home to a wide variety of modern art examples (Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein to name a few) dating. Take a break from admiring its pieces, and enjoy the magnificent views of Nice from the rooftop garden. The museum also has a great terrace where you can indulge in a great lunch from C Factory. We recommend the Plat de Jour.

Museu Marc Chagall

Next up on our list is the easily one of the most popular in Nice. Museum Marc Chagall stands out as a stunning monument to one of France’s greatest artists. Inside you’ll find a wide range of stunning canvases (some portraying the Old Testament), tapestries, and lithographs. Entry is 7.50€, but you can get a discount with presentation of a student card.

Museu Matisse

Lastly, we recommend a visit to Museum Matisse. In a stunning setting amongst Roman ruins next to the Franciscan Monastery, this museum contains many original pieces by Matisse. He lived in a suburb of Nice from 1917 until his death, so many of the museum’s pieces were actually donated by him. It’s a true paradise for anyone with an appreciation for his style and art. Entry starts from 5€.

9. Visit the Promenade de Paillon

While this promenade only opened recently, it’s still a great place to visit in Nice. The Promenade de Paillon is a central park surrounded by beautiful modern fountains and greenery. It’s another great place for a stroll and maybe a lie down on the fresh grass. There is also a playground for kids as well. It’s a little slice of the countryside in the centre of Nice.

10. Watch OGC Nice play at the Allianze Rivera stadium

If you like football, you’ll love this suggestion. Join the locals and cheer on OGC Nice in a football match at the 35, 000 seat Allianz Riviera Stadium. Especially for locals, this is easily one of the top things to do in Nice, and it’s actually quite affordable. Tickets cost just 10€ and aside from online, are available at the OGC Nice Ticket Office and Official Shop in Place Massena.

11. Take a ferry to Corsica, Saint Tropez, or Monaco

Last but not least, it is essential to visit the old port area of Nice. Even though it is quite small, it has a great vibe and a lot of character. Near here, you will also find the antiques quarter, with many small art galleries and antique stores to explore. Our favourite thing to do here, however, is to gaze and daydream at the many luxury boats and yachts from all around the world. Moreover, there are also ferries to Corsica, Saint Tropez and Monaco, which are all great day trips, or next destinations from Nice.

Where to Stay in Nice

Our top recommendation for accommodation in Nice is Villa St. Exupery Beach Hostel. Famous for being one of the most social and friendliest hostels in Nice, you’ll love being their guest. You can choose from dorms and private rooms, and can participate in a variety of activities hosted by the hostel. They also have one of the cheapest bars in Nice, and are only 20m from the city’s main square.

Top 11 Things to Do in Nice

Nice is full of incredible things to see and do, and now that you have a better idea of what you can do, it’s time to start planning! If you’re looking for more inspiration or helpful information for your vacation, check out more blog posts aqui. And for all the latest news at Famous Hostels, follow us or subscribe on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Youtube.