8 Great Things To See and Do in Nice
What to see and do in Nice? So much!
Nice is the jewel of the French Riviera, such a beautiful city with its Mediterranean charm.
If you come with family or friends, as a couple or on a solo trip, just follow these suggestions on what to do and see in Nice and enjoy!
DO IN NICE: EXPLORE THE OLD TOWN
The old town, also known as Vieille Ville is a picturesque neighborhood with narrow winding streets and colorful buildings.
Stroll through the back alleys and check out the local shops, restaurants, and cafés.
It’s a fun place to spend an afternoon or if you’re an early bird go to the local fruit and vegetable market on the Cours Saleya before it gets crowded! Enjoy fresh flowers as well.. every day except for Mondays as it’s the antique market!
DO IN NICE: STROLL ON THE PROMENADE
This famous boulevard runs parallel to the Mediterranean and is a great spot for a walk, bike ride, or rollerblade.
Relax on the beach: Nice has several beaches, including the popular Plage Beau Rivage and Plage du Castel.
Make a note that the beaches on the Promenade are not sandy, but small rocks… it’s important to know.
Walk up to the I Love Nice sign and take a great picture of the promenade and the sea from a great angle.
Enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Do some water sports or just gaze into the horizon 🙂
SEE IN NICE: ENJOY ART
Musée Matisse: This museum showcases the works of the famous artist Henri Matisse, who lived in Nice for many years.
Another great little museum is the Photography Museum on the edge of the old town.
And of course, don’t miss the Matisse Museum niched in a beautiful garden full of 100-year-old olive trees!
SEE IN NICE: SAINT NICOLAS
Visit the gorgeous and ornate Russian Orthodox Cathedral. This stunning cathedral is a bit off the beaten path but has impressive architecture and stunning stained glass windows.
Built in the early 20th century by the Russian community living in Nice, it’s worth a visit.
Also worth a look, is a smaller Russian church on the outskirts of the pedestrian zone! It’s located on Rue Longchamps No.6. (the church in the photo above)
St Nicolas church was built in 1859. Visiting hours are often restricted and change often so check the website beforehand.
Website: Saint Nicolas and Sainte Alexandra Orthodox Church
GO GO GO DAY TRIPS
There are many things to see and do in Nice but, if you’d like to take it a step further, go on a day trip.
For example, you could go to Monaco: The tiny principality of Monaco is just a short train or bus ride away from Nice.
Explore the famous Monte Carlo Casino, the Prince’s Palace, and the picturesque Old Town.
In addition, you can take several other day trips to unique medieval villages or seaside towns on the Mediterranean. For example: St. Paul de Vence, Menton, and many other wonderful places.
Here are some more great day trip options.
Of course, if you have more time go on a road trip over several days! There are so many beautiful corners in the south of France…
For example: Lucky enough to be here in June July? Then go and explore the beauty of the lavender fields!
TASTE IN NICE: FOOD TIME!
Between all the things to see and do in Nice, there’s of course taking time for food.
Try the local cuisine: Nice is known for its delicious food, including socca (a chickpea pancake), salade niçoise, and pissaladière (a pizza-like dish topped with onions and anchovies).
Learn more about local specialties.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN NICE? GO TO THE PARK!
One of the best things to see and do in Nice once you’ve explored it all, is to slow down and check out some great parks.
One of my favorites: Parc de la Colline du Château: This hilltop park offers stunning views of the city and the sea.
There are also some interesting ruins of an old castle to explore.
For more parks, it’s this way 🙂
ENJOY THE NIGHTLIFE IN NICE
Nice has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Head to the Place Rossetti or the Cours Saleya for some great options.
The Cours Saleya is a pedestrian strip with lots of restaurants, cafes, and a few bars where you can enjoy the evening.
All you need is some tapas and music and of course a delicious cocktail.. in moderation. For example at The Blast or Les 3 Diables
On another evening you could go to the Old Town and enjoy the smaller pubs and music bars along Place Rossetti and the small side streets.
SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO IN NICE
Above are a few examples of what you could see and do in Nice during your trip.
Of course, it depends if you have a weekend, a week, or a month but in either case, if you want to be busy, you will!
Between the sights, the food, the beach, the old town, the medieval villages, and all the rest that make up this wonderful city, you won’t be disappointed.
So come and enjoy yourself!
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