Things To Do
in Nice
Nice sits on the French Riviera and is famous for its palm lined Promenade des Anglais and blue Mediterranean waters. The old town buzzes with markets narrow streets and fragrant Niçoise specialties. Art lovers will enjoy museums dedicated to Matisse and Chagall as well as Roman ruins in Cimiez.
Whether you seek seaside relaxation or hillside views and day trips to nearby towns, Nice blends culture with sun soaked charm.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Old Nice, where pastel-colored buildings and vibrant markets await. Stop by the Cours Saleya Market to sample local delicacies like socca and fresh fruits. As you wander, take in the stunning architecture and the scent of blooming flowers from the surrounding gardens.
After lunch, head to the Promenade des Anglais for a picturesque walk along the Mediterranean coast, soaking in the sun and the views of the azure sea. Visit the Palais Lascaris, a baroque palace that houses an impressive collection of musical instruments and offers a glimpse into Nice's aristocratic past. Conclude your afternoon with a visit to the Castle Hill for panoramic views of the city and the coastline.
As the sun sets, find a cozy café in Old Nice to enjoy a traditional Niçoise dinner, perhaps trying a ratatouille or a fresh seafood dish. Afterwards, stroll through the illuminated streets and soak in the vibrant nightlife, stopping by a gelateria for a sweet treat. End your evening at a local bar with live music, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of the city.
Kick off your day by relaxing on the pebbled beaches of Nice, where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. Rent a sunbed and umbrella at a beach club, sipping on a chilled drink while taking in the stunning coastal views. If you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at paddleboarding or kayaking along the shoreline.
After a morning of relaxation, indulge in a seafood lunch at a beachside restaurant, enjoying fresh fish and local wines. Spend your afternoon swimming in the clear blue waters or participating in water sports like jet skiing or parasailing to get a unique perspective of the coastline. For a more laid-back option, take a leisurely walk along the beach, collecting smooth pebbles as souvenirs.
As the day winds down, enjoy a sunset dinner at a beachfront restaurant, where you can savor Mediterranean cuisine while watching the sky transform in shades of orange and pink. After your meal, take a romantic stroll along the water's edge, listening to the gentle waves lapping at the shore. Find a local bar for a cocktail or a glass of rosé, soaking in the relaxed ambiance of a beachside evening.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee in cafe | $3-5 |
| 🥗Lunch in mid range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🍽️Dinner for two at mid range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🚕Taxi short city center ride | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful seaside setting with easy day trips to nearby towns
- Vibrant food markets and iconic Niçoise dishes
- Pleasant year round climate and great museums
- Can be crowded in peak season
- Some restaurants add service charges and prices can be higher in tourist zones
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good day
- "S il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez vous anglais" - Do you speak English
- "Où est..." - Where is...
- "L addition s il vous plaît" - The check please
- "Combien cela coûte" - How much does it cost
- "Je suis vegetarian(e)" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Nice
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide seafront with palm trees and sweeping sea views ideal for long horizontals and sunset silhouettes.
Perched viewpoint overlooking Nice and the turquoise bay; best light in early morning or late afternoon.
Pastel buildings and narrow alleys provide colorful backdrops for street photography.
Checkerboard pavement and red ochre façades make a striking composition especially at blue hour.
Boats, reflections and the fishing quay offer maritime scenes and sunset tones.
A quieter high vantage with sweeping coastal panoramas toward Cap Ferrat.
Food in Nice
Nice Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thin chickpea pancake baked in a copper pan and served hot and crisp; find it at street stalls in Vieux Nice such as Chez Pipo.
Must-Try!
A classic composed salad with tomatoes green beans olives tuna and eggs; widely available in bistros around Place Massena.
Onion tart with anchovies and olives; look for it in bakeries in Old Town and along Cours Saleya.
Provencal vegetable stew that makes a hearty side or main and appears on seasonal menus in many Provençal restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily market in Vieux Nice with flowers, fruit and stalls serving socca and Niçoise snacks.
A bustling market offering regional produce and baked goods a bit farther from the waterfront.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Say bonjour or bonsoir when entering shops or restaurants; politeness matters.
Service is typically included; a small extra tip is fine for good service.
Smart casual is common; swimwear is for the beach or pool areas only.
Safety
Tipping in Nice
Ensure a smooth experience
Most restaurants add a service charge around 0 to 15 percent marked as service compris; a small extra tip for exceptional service is appreciated but not required.
Credit cards are widely accepted; cash is always useful for markets and small cafes; ATMs are common throughout the city.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very sunny with hot days and crowded beaches. Hydration and sun protection are essential; sea breezes help but expect peak crowds in July and August.
Warm sea and pleasant air; lower crowds. Great for hiking and city strolls with comfortable temperatures.
Mild and rainy days are possible; daytime temperatures often in the 8 to 15 C range. Still comfortable for sightseeing and indoor museums.
Blooming gardens and mild weather; ideal for outdoor dining and photography on bright days.
Nice at Night
Hiking in Nice
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Sentier du Littoral along the Cap Ferrat peninsula with sea views and rocky coves.
Steep hillside hike with panoramic views over the coast and Nice basin.
Accessible day hikes just outside the city region with alpine scenery and forested trails.
Airports
How to reach Nice by plane.
Main international gateway for the region with excellent rail and road links to the city center.
Larger airport additional option for longer connections and domestic flights; reachable by rail or long distance bus.
Smaller regional airport serving occasional flights; convenient for quick hops to the Riviera.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of local French residents with a healthy expatriate community and seasonal visitors from across Europe.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular spectator sport and local participation across clubs in the region.
Lively sea is ideal for sailing, paddle boarding and coastal sport enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nice.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Niçoise salads and vegetable dishes can be enjoyed with minor substitutions; ask for dishes without tuna or anchovies and look for ratatouille and socca options on menus.