Top Attractions & Things to do in Nice, France

Nice, France has an atmosphere that blends relaxed Mediterranean life with the elegance of the French Riviera. Sunlit boulevards, pastel façades, pebbled beaches, and a gentle coastal rhythm make it one of the most inviting destinations in the South of France. This Nice travel guide focuses on the city’s essential attractions — the places that define its identity, shape its daily rhythm, and reveal why so many travellers return year after year.

From the waterside arc of the Promenade des Anglais to the vibrant lanes of Old Town Nice (Vieux Nice), each district feels connected yet distinct. You can walk through a flower market in the morning, climb Castle Hill Park for sweeping sea views, settle into a Nice beach club in the afternoon, and end the day in a family-run restaurant tucked inside the historic streets. This guide takes you through the top things to do, with practical insights that help you plan a smooth Nice France vacation or refine your Nice itinerary whether it’s a weekend visit or 3 days in Nice.

Best Time to Visit Nice

Nice weather is mild for most of the year, thanks to its Mediterranean climate. Spring (April to June) offers comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and beach walks, while autumn (September to early November) brings warm seas and quieter days after the summer rush. July and August are lively and ideal for swimming, but the beaches and promenades become busy. Winter remains bright, especially from December to February, when crisp mornings and sunny afternoons still allow for long strolls along the Nice promenade. These cooler months also suit museum visits and relaxed coastal viewing.

Top Attractions & Things to Do in Nice, France

Promenade des Anglais

The Promenade des Anglais is the city’s most recognisable stretch, curving along the Bay of Angels with open views of the Mediterranean. Locals jog, cycle, and pause on the blue chairs that overlook the water. The walkway connects many central attractions, beaches, and hotels, including Le Negresco Hotel and the Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée. It’s also where you’ll find the #ILoveNice sign, a popular viewpoint near the landscaped lawns of the Jardin Albert 1er. Early mornings are calm, with soft light across the bay, while evenings bring a warm atmosphere perfect for slow coastal walks.

Old Town Nice (Vieux Nice)

Vieux Nice is the city’s historic heart. Its narrow alleys, ochre walls, and small piazzas create a lively yet intimate atmosphere. Explore Cours Saleya Market, where flowers, produce, and local specialities fill the air with colour and scent each morning. The side streets nearby reveal cafés, family-run restaurants, churches, and hidden craft shops. In the evening, the area softens into warm lighting and gentle noise from wine bars and small bistros. This is also where many travellers begin their Nice France sightseeing, as everything connects naturally by foot.

Castle Hill Park (Colline du Château)

Castle Hill Park rises above Old Town Nice, offering some of the best views of the French Riviera. The climb is manageable, or you can use the free lift located near the Promenade des Anglais. At the top, observation points overlook the harbour, the curve of the Baie des Anges, and the rooftops of Vieux Nice. The park includes shaded paths, waterfalls, and grassy plateaus ideal for a peaceful break from the city streets. Sunset is particularly atmospheric, when the coastline glows in deep colours.

Place Massena

Place Massena is one of Nice’s main squares, linking the promenade, Old Town Nice, and the city’s shopping streets. Its patterned ground, surrounding arcades, and sculptures create a strong sense of space and symmetry. From here, you can reach Rue Paradis and Avenue de Verdun, two elegant shopping avenues known for boutiques, cafés, and Mediterranean-style façades. The square also acts as a gateway to the Promenade du Paillon, a long urban park with fountains and wide walkways.

Nice France Beaches & Beach Clubs

Nice France beaches stretch along the whole coastline, offering a mix of public and private areas. The pebbles give the water a vivid turquoise colour, especially on clear days. Nice beach clubs provide sunbeds, parasols, and relaxed dining by the sea. Popular spots include Les Bains du Castel near the base of Castle Hill and the beach clubs located along the central promenade. Some areas are livelier, while others near the end of the bay feel calmer and suit those seeking a quieter swim.

Nice Museums

The city has a thoughtful collection of museums that reflect its artistic heritage. The Musée Matisse, located in a hillside neighbourhood, houses significant works by the artist, highlighting his connection to Provence France. The Musée Marc Chagall focuses on vibrant colour and spiritual themes, while the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art brings a different perspective on French Riviera creativity. These museums are ideal during midday heat or on cooler winter days.

Port Lympia & Its Coastal Views

Port Lympia is characterised by colourful façades and boats that add a distinct maritime feel. Walking the quays offers a peaceful change from the central boulevards. It’s also close to coastal viewpoints that overlook the cliffs and deep-blue waters stretching toward Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Dining in Nice: Restaurants & Local Tastes

Food is central to Nice culture. Simple dishes like socca, pissaladière, and pan bagnat represent daily life, while coastal restaurants serve fresh seafood with Riviera views. Notable places include Restaurant Gina Nice, a stylish spot with sea-facing tables, and Le Plongeoir Nice, built on pillars above the water and known for its dramatic setting. For casual dining or morning pastries, Boulangerie Patisserie Jeannot offers reliable choices in a charming part of Vieux Nice. Many travellers also appreciate small eateries tucked away in side streets, where the atmosphere reflects local habits rather than tourist flow.

Shopping Streets & Elegant Boulevards

Rue Paradis and Avenue de Verdun form the core of Nice’s shopping district, lined with boutiques and premium stores. Their atmosphere contrasts with the traditional stalls of Cours Saleya Market and the winding alleys of Old Town Nice, offering an easy transition between modern and historic parts of the city. These areas are pleasant for slow browsing or picking up local items for your Nice France vacation.

Where to Stay in Nice

Nice France hotels range from historic landmarks to modern seaside properties.

•  Le Negresco Hotel: A cultural icon known for its artistic interiors and prime location on the Promenade des Anglais.
• Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée: Ideal for travellers seeking modern comfort, sea views, and direct access to the Nice promenade.
• Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges: Positioned at the foot of Castle Hill, perfect for those who want elevated views and quick access to Vieux Nice.
• La Villa Massenet Nice: A quieter boutique-style option close to the seafront.

Practical Tips for Visiting Nice

• Wear comfortable walking shoes — much of Nice France sightseeing is done on foot.
• Pebble beaches benefit from lightweight water shoes for easier entry into the sea.
• Make restaurant reservations during summer evenings, as popular spots fill quickly.
• Carry a reusable bottle; public fountains are available throughout the city.
• For panoramic views, visit Castle Hill Park early or near sunset for softer light.
• If visiting for 3 days in Nice, alternate between coastal walks, museums, and Old Town exploration to balance your days.
  
  

FAQs

Q1. Is Nice good for a first-time visit to the French Riviera?

Yes. Nice is easy to navigate, scenic, and well-connected, making it a strong base for understanding the French Riviera.

Q2. What is the most famous attraction in Nice?

The Promenade des Anglais is the city’s signature landmark, followed closely by Old Town Nice and Castle Hill Park.

Q3. Are beaches in Nice sandy or pebbled?

Most Nice France beaches are pebbled, though the water remains exceptionally clear..

Q4. How do you get to Nice?

Nice Airport is located close to the city centre. Trams and buses connect directly to major districts.

Q5. How do you get around Nice?

Walking covers most areas. Trams and buses help with longer distances, and bike rentals are common along the promenade.

Q6. Which area is best for hotels in Nice?

The promenade and the edges of Vieux Nice offer easy access to beaches, markets, and major attractions.

Q7. Is Nice safe for solo travellers?

Yes. Central areas are generally safe, especially along the promenade and in Old Town during the day.

Conclusion

Nice blends coastal beauty, historic character, open squares, markets, and an unmistakable Mediterranean atmosphere. From the quiet corners of Vieux Nice to the sea views along the promenade, each part of the city adds a unique texture to your journey. Whether you’re planning a short Nice itinerary or a longer Nice France vacation, the experiences here unfold naturally — through food, colour, light, and the rhythm of daily life.