What To Do In Nice When It Rains

Think you can’t make the most of Nice when it rains? Think again.

We all know that Nice, with its sunny Mediterranean climate, is best known for its stunning beaches, outdoor cafes, and scenic promenades. But even in paradise, rain occasionally does make an appearance.. and these days there’s a lot of it.

Fortunately, the city offers plenty of indoor activities to keep you entertained when the weather takes a turn.

Let’s take a look at the possibilities.

1. Explore Museums

musee matisse — Explore museums on a rainy day. Photo:VNT

Nice is home to several world-class museums that offer a deep dive into art, history, and culture.

Musée Matisse
Located in the beautiful gardens of Cimiez, this museum houses an extensive collection of works by Henri Matisse, who spent much of his life in Nice.
Musée Marc Chagall
A must-visit for fans of the artist, this museum showcases Chagall’s biblical-themed works.
Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC)
This museum features modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries, including works by Yves Klein and Andy Warhol.
Palais Lascaris
A beautifully preserved Baroque palace offering insights into 17th-century aristocratic life in Nice.
Musée Masséna
Learn about Nice’s history and its Belle Époque past in this grand 19th-century villa.
Musée de la Photographie Charles Nègre
A fascinating museum dedicated to the art of photography.

2. Indulge in Local Cuisine

A rainy day is the perfect excuse to take a culinary journey through Nice’s rich gastronomic scene.

Visit a traditional Niçoise restaurant and savor specialties like socca (a chickpea pancake), pissaladière (onion and anchovy tart), and daube (a slow-cooked beef stew).
Try a food tour – Several companies offer guided food tours introducing you to local markets, bakeries, and delicacies.
Enjoy a cozy café – Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of local wine at charming cafés throughout the city and in the Port and Zone Pietonne area

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Try a hands-on pastry class – Learn how to make French pastries like croissants and macarons in a local bakery.
Experience a wine and cheese pairing – Many specialty shops and wine bars offer curated tasting sessions.

3. Relax at a Spa

rainy day spa in Nice massage — Pamper yourself .

What better way to escape the gloomy weather than by pampering yourself?

Thermes Marins de Monte-Carlo – Not in Nice but really, just a short train ride away, this luxurious spa offers thermal baths and massages with stunning sea views. – 2 Avenue de Monte Carlo, Monaco
Le Spa 27 – A high-end wellness retreat in the heart of Nice, offering massages, facials, and saunas. – 27 Promenade des Anglais, Nice
Absolu Spa Nice – Treat yourself to a delightful spa experience with relaxing treatments. – 25 Rue Meyerbeer, Nice
L’instant Spa – Massage at its best among other wonderful treatments.
– 23 Rue du Marechal Joffre, Nice

4. Go Shopping

Rainy day in Nice go shopping. Photo: VNT

Nice is a great city for shopping, with options ranging from luxury boutiques to quirky local shops.

5. Rainy day in Nice? Catch a Show or Movie

Avenue Jean Médecin – The city’s main shopping street, home to major brands like Galeries Lafayette and Zara.
Old Town (Vieux Nice) – Browse independent boutiques selling artisanal soaps, lavender products, and handmade jewelry.
Cours Saleya Market – On rainy days, the flower and food market still offers covered sections where you can find local delicacies and souvenirs.
Cap 3000 Shopping Mall – Just outside the city, this large shopping center offers a variety of high-end and popular brands.
Nice Étoile Shopping Center – A convenient indoor mall with various international and local stores.

opera house facade nice — Rainy day in Nice go to the Opera. Photo: VNT

A rainy day in Nice is a great opportunity to experience Nice’s cultural scene.

Opéra de Nice – Check the schedule for a night of opera, ballet, or classical music. – 6 Rue St Francois de Paule, Nice
Théâtre de Nice – This theater often features performances ranging from plays to contemporary dance.
Cinema Rialto – A charming independent cinema that screens international and French films, often in their original language with subtitles. – 4 Rue de Rivoli, Nice
Pathé Masséna – A modern cinema with the latest blockbuster releases in a comfortable setting. – 31 Avenue Jean Medecin, Nice

6. Visit a Wine Bar or Brewery

If you enjoy discovering local beverages, head to one of Nice’s many wine bars or breweries.

Cave Bianchi – A historic wine shop offering tastings of regional wines, including the famous Bellet wine. – 7 Rue Raoul Bosio, Nice
La Part des Anges – A cozy wine bar with an excellent selection of natural and organic wines. – 17 Rue Gubernatis, Nice
Blue Coast Brewery – Try locally crafted beers in a relaxed atmosphere.
– 18 Chemin de Saquier

7. Take a Cooking Class

Why not turn a rainy day into a fun and educational experience?

Les Petits Farcis – This cooking school offers hands-on classes where you can learn to prepare classic Niçoise dishes. – 12 Rue Saint Joseph, Nice
Cuisine sur Cours – Join a local chef in a small-group setting to master French cuisine. – 75 Borriglione Avenue, Nice
Du Gout et des Autres – Experience the art of crafting delicious pastries and desserts. – 59 Av des Arenes de Cimiez, Nice

8. Visit an Indoor Market

old-stroller-market — Explore antique shops. Photo: VNT

Even when the weather is dreary, Nice’s markets remain a vibrant hub of activity.

Gare du Sud – A food hall housed in a former train station, featuring a variety of international and local cuisine. – 35 Avenue Malaussena
Covered Antique Markets – Browse vintage finds and collector’s items in indoor antique shops at the port.
Forville Market in Cannes. If you’re willing to go further go check the Cannes covered market which makes for a wonderful dry morning with great produce to try out.

9. Discover Nice’s Historic Sites Indoors

Cathedrale old town top tower — Cathedrale Sainte Reparate. Photo: VNT

Cathedral Sainte Reparate – A stunning 17th-century church in Old Town with beautiful Baroque architecture. – 3 Place Rossetti Old Town
Monastery of Cimiez – A peaceful retreat with centuries-old frescoes and a small museum. – Place Jean Paul II Cimiez
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild – A grand mansion filled with art and antique furniture, located nearby in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. You do need a car.
– 1 Av Ephrussi de Rothschild St Jean Cap Ferrat
Bibliothèque Louis Nucéra – A stunning modern library with vast literary collections and exhibitions. – 2 Place Yves Klein Nice

10. Try an Escape Room or Arcade Games

For a fun and challenging activity, consider an escape room experience, board games, puzzles, and fun arcade games.

Fox in a Box Nice – A highly rated escape room with different themed scenarios. – 29 Rue Delille Nice
I Lock U – Another great option for puzzle lovers looking for an interactive adventure. – 12, Rue de la Liberté Nice
La Tete dans les Nuages – Enjoy a mix of arcade games, laser and other really fun stuff in this indoor amusement center.
– Centre Commercial Cap 3000 St Laurent du Var