Things to do in Nice
Discover the best attractions and experiences Nice has to offer
Historic Monuments
Nice blends medieval streets with grand palaces and hilltop viewpoints that reveal the city’s layered past.
Colline du Château (Castle Hill)
Ruins and panoramic views over Nice, reachable by stairs or a scenic path.
Palais Lascaris
A Baroque palace in Vieux Nice housing a small but notable historical collection.
Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice
A jewel of Baroque architecture nestled in the narrow lanes of the Old Town.
Museums
Art and history lovers will find world-class collections within a short ride from the sea.
Musée Matisse
A refined gallery housing large Matisse works in a tranquil villa setting.
Musée Marc Chagall
Vibrant biblical paintings and luminous color in a dedicated collection.
Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain (MAMAC)
A bold collection of European and American modern art.
Religious Monuments
From Orthodox cathedrals to historic chapels, Nice presents spiritual architecture with coastal charm.
Russian Orthodox Cathedral Saint-Nicolas
A striking turquoise-domed cathedral worth a quick visit.
Chapelle du Rosaire (Vence)
Matisse-designed chapel set in the hills above Nice, famed for its color and light.
National & Theme Parks
Nature and wildlife offer refreshing escapes from city streets, with both coastal and alpine scenery nearby.
Parc Phoenix (Nice)
A botanical garden and zoo with ponds, birds and exotic plants.
Mercantour National Park
Vast alpine landscapes ideal for hiking, wildlife watching, and dramatic scenery.
Marineland (Antibes)
Marine park with dolphin and sea life shows along the coast.
Neighborhoods
Each area has its own vibe, from historic lanes to leafy hills with sweeping views.
Vieux Nice (Old Town)
Colorful streets, bustling markets, and baroque churches you can wander for hours.
Cimiez
Elegant hillside district with Roman ruins, gardens, and museums.
La Libération
Vibrant, bohemian quarter with markets, cafés and street life.
Free Things to Do
Experience the essence of Nice without spending a euro on entry fees.
Promenade des Anglais
Stroll along the palm-lined seafront and enjoy the sea breeze.
Colline du Château (Castle Hill) viewpoint
Free vantage point with sweeping city and coast views.
Cours Saleya Market (window-shopping stroll)
Explore stalls and lively lanes in the heart of Vieux Nice.
Public beaches along the Côte d'Azur
Relax on free-to-access pebbly or sandy shores.
Gastronomy
Savor Niçoise classics that define the regional cuisine and coastal flavors.
Socca
A chickpea pancake cooked hot on a skillet, crisp and savory.
Salade Niçoise
A sun-kissed ensemble of tomatoes, tuna, olives and eggs.
Pissaladière
Caramelized onion tart topped with anchovies and olives.
Pan Bagnat
A traditional Niçoise sandwich packed with local flavors.
Nightlife
Old Town bars, live music and waterfront spots keep Nice buzzing after dark.
Wayne's Bar
A longtime live music venue with energetic jam sessions.
Shapko Bar
Intimate jazz bar known for its memorable performances.
Entertainment
Cultural venues host concerts, theatre and grand performances throughout the year.
Opéra de Nice
Historic opera house with a calendar of performances.
Acropolis Nice
Large concert and convention venue hosting major shows and events.
Sports
Get active by the sea and mountains with a range of outdoor pursuits.
Stand-up paddleboarding (Bay of Angels)
Glide along the calm waters with a lightweight board.
Kayaking along the coastline
Explore coves and cliffs from the water.
Hiking in Mercantour National Park
Rugged trails, alpine views, and wildlife encounters.
Off the Track
Discover less-touristy corners and day trips into the surrounding hills.
Éze Village
Medieval hilltop village with winding lanes and views.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Art-filled medieval village with galleries and cafés.
Fragonard Perfumery (Grasse)
Master perfumery tours in the perfume capital nearby.