Are you planning a trip to Nice in winter this year and looking for the best ways to see the city (and its surroundings)? This guide is for you!
This guide will tell you all the best things to do and what to know before spending winter in Nice. It also has tours, activities, and the best day trips!
If youʻre booking your trip to Nice last minute, you may want to book your tours and hotels ASAP to ensure availability!
🇫🇷 Most popular experiences and tickets in Nice:
- French Riveria in a day (Cannes, Monaco, Eze, Antibes, & more – bestseller!)
- Perfume creation workshop (my favorite Nice experience as a fragrance nerd)
- 1 or 2-Day hop-on, hop-off bus tour in Nice (budget option for sightseeing)
🛌 Top hotels and accommodation in Nice:
- Appartements Massena (excellent location in Carré d’Or)
- Palais Gioffredo (city center lodging near Plage du Centenaire)
- Alyon (another centrally-located option in Nice)
🚗 Looking for the best way to get around Nice? Click here to check rental car rates for France!
A winter trip to Nice may not present you with the tropical temperatures of the Caribbean, but it will surely provide you with a break from the colder temperatures around Northern Europe (and much of the US and Canada).
Did I miss any of the best things to do in Nice in winter? Let me know in the comments!
In this post...
Winter Temperatures in Nice
Nice has pretty mild temperatures in the winter months, but it is definitely not a sunbathing paradise during those months, so leave the swimsuit at home (unless you’re going to an indoor pool and spa).
Here are the average winter temperatures in Nice:
- Nice in November: highs of 16 C (61 F), lows of 9 C (48 F)
- Nice in December: highs of 13 C (56 F), lows of 6 C (43 F)
- Nice in January: highs of 12 C (54 F), lows of 5 C (41 F)
- Nice in February: highs of 13 C (55 F), lows of 6 C (42 F)
- Nice in March: highs of 15 C (58 F), lows of 8 C (46 F)
Nice typically does not see snowfall.
Best Things to Do in Nice in Winter
1. See the French Riviera from Nice (on a Guided Tour)
One of the best things to do in Nice during the winter is to… leave! Well, kind of. Nice is the gateway to the French Riveria and I highly encourage you to take a guided bus tour of it.
First, you’ll visit the “Moyenne Corniche” for 15 minutes where you can take in the panoramic views of the port of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Then, you will have a chance to visit the medieval village of Èze and discover the secrets of perfume with a free guided tour of the Fragonard perfumery. It is one of the most popular day trips from Nice and a must!
After Eze, you’ll head to the Principality of Monaco to experience the old town and the palace, see the ceremony of the changing of the guard, and indulge in a little retail therapy at the upscale shops.
History buffs will love visiting Antibes from Nice, as well as Saint-Paul-De-Vence, a medieval fortified village where many painters and artists have resided.
Round off your tour at Cannes, the famous city of stars, where you can explore the Beverly Hills of France, stroll along the famous Croisette, and be captured by the magic of the famous Red Carpet Film Festival.
People travel to Nice from all over to explore the French Riveria and I think this is a great highlights tour where you can see a little of everything so you can plan a return trip to the places you loved the most.
>> Click here to check French Riveria tour rates and availability
2. Take a Walking and Food Tour of Nice
If you’re looking to indulge in the best of Provence on the honeycomb streets of Old Nice, then this 4-hour sightseeing and tasting tour is the perfect pick for you.
You will hit up ten degustation stops where you’ll learn all about the local fare and tasty French produce… all while you tour the streets of Nice learning a little bit about its culture too.
Along the way, you’ll learn the traditions of Nice and discover the best-hidden restaurants and bars where you can try iconic recipes influenced by the French, and even some influenced by Italian culture.
After sampling regional wines, cheese, freshly baked bread, and ice cream, your expert guide will take you to experience the joie de vivre of the French Riviera where you will conclude your tour with a typical aperitif of drinks.
>> Click here to check Nice food tour rates and availability
3. Enjoy the Nice Carnival in February
Nice Carnival is the premier international Carnival in France and it brings the city of Nice to life. I think this makes Nice one of the top winter city breaks in Europe because it gives you something to do outside of the Christmas season.
This is the most important winter event on the Côte d’Azur and is one of the three most famous carnivals in the world after Rio and Venice.
Although the modern-day event has been performed since 1872, its origins date back to 1294. Every February for 2 weeks, people from all over the globe flock here to enjoy the festival and soak up the buzzing vibes.
The Carnival Parade, featuring day and night parades, and the Flower Parade are the two main attractions, followed by the cremation of the King of Carnival puppet and a stunning fireworks show.
This year, the Nice Carnival will run from February 12 to March 2, 2025. The theme of the 2025 edition (151st Anniversary) is “King of the Oceans.”
4. Try Out Some Cozy French Coffeeshops
Nice’s diverse coffee scene will certainly keep you caffeinated and happy for your whole winter visit.
Cafe Fino has that perfect coffee-drinking atmosphere where you can sip a chai latte, mocha, espresso, or an americano and pair it with delicious pastry. This is also the perfect spot for a brunch with your travel crew.
Edmond Café is another must-visit cafe with a charming atmosphere that is focused on providing brunch, salads, desserts, and hot chocolate, as well as a wide selection of coffee and tea specialties. Be sure to try their macchiato with a homemade carrot cake!
Fans of good coffee can grab their perfect cup at Malongo, which is one of the most famous coffee establishments in town and has been operating since 1934.
5. Savor French Cuisine at Some of the Best Restaurants in Nice
After a day of exploring the city, it’s time to indulge your taste buds with delicious Niçoise food!
Bistro d’Antoine is a Michelin-starred restaurant with classic French cuisine. The taste of old-fashioned pork casserole and knife-cut beef tartare are out of this world and my recommendation if you’re curious about what to order there.
Those looking to enjoy some local seafood should check out Peixes. The menu changes every two months and offers many Mediterranean favorites. In addition to the menu’s classic options, you will also find ceviche, tartar, stuffed cod, octopus with gnocchi and seasonal vegetables, and smoked fish.
There’s no escaping an Italian food coma following a meal in Di Piu! Big-hitting mains include Lasagna di Piu, salmon pizza, beef carpaccio, and seafood spaghetti. You can have a meal with a view over the bay on their beach terrace.
6. Stroll Along the Promenade du Paillon
Crossing Place Masséna and connecting the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC) to the famous Promenade des Anglais, the Promenade du Paillon is a true 12-hectare green oasis right in the heart of downtown Nice.
Also known as the Coulée Verte, this large urban park is lined with nearly 1,600 trees, 6,000 shrubs, and 50,000 perennial plants lining its walkways. It also has a huge reflecting pool with 128 jets in the middle used to stage sound and light shows regularly.
The Promenade du Paillon is open year-round from 07:00-23:00 in summer and 07:00-21:00 in winter and is free to enter.
Address: Plassa Carlou Aubert, 06300 Nice
7. Get Artsy at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Note: The MAMAC is temporarily closed for renovations. I will update this once I see it reopen.
Art enthusiasts can quench their thirst for modern art at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Nice, nestled in the very heart of the city.
The museum, featuring four windowless concrete towers, houses 1,300 works of art dating from 1950 to the present day, created by more than 300 artists. Among the notable artists are Yves Klein, Andy Warhol, Alain Jacquet, and Dennis Oppenheim.
Various art movements are represented in the Museum, including New Realism, American Pop Art, Minimal Art or Conceptual Art, the Fluxus group, Figuration Libre, and more.
MAMAC welcomes its guests Tuesday through Sunday from 11am to 6pm, with an admission fee of €15. This ticket will get you into 9 museums (including the Matisse Museum, Massena Museum, and the Archaeology Museum of Nice Cimiez) and is good for 4 days.
Address: Place Yves Klein, 06000 Nice
8. Marvel at Beautiful Port Lympia
Your Nice trip won’t be complete without checking out the Old Port of Nice, also known as Port Lympia. The port was constructed by Charles Emmanuel III, Duke of Savoy in 1750, and opened in 1752.
Stroll along its lovely quays to marvel at its beautiful Venetian-coloured buildings and reach Napoleon Bonaparte Street to see the tenement house where he lived.
Treasure hunters can check out Marche aux Puces for the paintings, lamps, and vintage furniture while history buffs can step inside the Notre Dame du Port Church (at Place Ile-de-Beauté) and admire the clock tower of the Caserne Lympia.
There are also plenty of cafes and small eateries to stop into if you want to give your legs a rest from moving about.
9. Get Festive at the Nice Christmas Market
Swinging by Nice Christmas markets is a must to take in the festive spirit in this part of France! It is even more magical if you’re visiting during Christmas in Nice (or before when they are at their best).
Every year during the Christmas season, hundreds of lights and decorations adorn the seaside Promenade des Anglais with Christmas magic. Traditionally, it takes place at Jardin Albert 1er and at Place Masséna in the heart of the city.
Warm up with a hot chocolate as you explore the charming Christmas village, marvel at the Enchanted Forest of 600 Christmas trees, see the massive Ferris wheel and ice rink, admire stunning light installations all across the city, and check out more than 60 wooden chalets offering all kinds of amazing gifts and treats for friends and family back home.
Keep your eyes peeled for a Swiss Chalet packed with Swiss goodies. Nearby you can find a kid’s area with giant inflatables, carousels, live theater, Santa’s cabin, and more.
10. Wander Through Vieille Ville
Wandering through Vieille Ville, also known as the Old Town (Vieux Nice), is one of the best things to do in Nice. It is especially nice during the winter months when fewer people are floating around!
Bordering the Promenade des Anglais to the south and the Promenade du Paillon to the north, Vieux Nice is packed with 16th-century terracotta buildings, restaurants, shops, narrow alleyways, palm trees, churches, and squares.
You can enjoy the city’s colorful palette by strolling through charming neighborhoods, smelling the flowers in Cours Saleya, and witnessing the Belle Époque architecture.
Highlights of the old town that you shouldn’t miss are the Cathedral of St. Reparata, Place Rossetti, False Gate, and Lascaris Palace.
Some of the best things to do here are to watch people stroll by at the Place du Palais de Justice, pay a visit to Vieux Nice Port, or grab a delicious cone of Fenocchio ice cream.
Your trip won’t be complete without visiting the Nice Opera House, Place Massena, and Matisse’s House – other landmarks in the area that are worth checking out (some of which are mentioned throughout this guide).
11. Climb to the Top of Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill)
Overlooking Vieux Nice, Colline du Chateau is one of the most iconic historic monuments of the city. It was famously destroyed in 1706 by the troops of Louis XIV.
The story of the hill dates as far back as the Bronze Age, around 2100 BC, and later became a Greek colony in the 3rd century BC.
Walk up the 300 steps to the top of the hill for mesmerizing views over the whole city and the Bay of Angels. There is also an elevator that can get you up there for a small fee.
Once at the top, you can find a serene park that is perfect for a Sunday picnic, making this one of the most relaxing things to put on a Nice itinerary.
Here you can also see the Bellanda Tower and Cimetière du Château, admire the man-made Cascade Dijon, and discover the ruins of Saint Mary’s Cathedral, which once stood there in the early 1700s.
Castle Hill is open seven days a week, from 8:30am to 6:00pm in winter and from 8:30am to 8pm in summer.
12. Peruse Nice’s Musée du Palais Lascaris
Art enthusiasts can escape the winter cold at the Musée du Palais Lascaris, located in the heart of the Old Town.
Dating back to the first half of the 17th century, this baroque-style palace houses a collection of around 500 musical instruments owned by Antoine Gautier and the collection of the Gisèle Tissier-Grandpierre Foundation of the Institut de France.
The palace was built for the aristocratic Lascaris di Ventimiglia family (of Italian origin), who owned this impressive building until 1802.
Besides witnessing the 2nd largest collection of musical instruments in France, you can also admire the temporary exhibits and step inside the opulently restored rooms with period furniture and artifacts.
Inside, be ready to marvel at the grandiose staircase decorated with frescoes, exclusive tapestries, Flemish carpets, eye-catching chairs, and sofas that will transport you back to the medieval age.
The museum welcomes its guests Wednesday through Monday from 10am-6pm (closed on Tuesdays) with an admission fee of €5. This museum is also part of the Nice Museum pass where you can visit 9 museums for €15 on a 4-day pass!
Address: 15 Rue Droite, 06300 Nice
13. Try Cuisine Nicoise (the Cuisine of Nice)
Trying Nicoise cuisine is a must since it has its unique place in the culture and daily life of locals, and is quite different from famous French food.
The French gave the term Cuisine Nissarde in 1998 to preserve authentic Nice recipes and traditions.
Nice gastronomy combines Mediterranean, English, and Provincial French influences and offers many healthy and traditional dishes as well as various vegan and vegetarian-friendly options.
Socca, also called farinata, is one of the must-try foods in Nice, which you can find on sit-down restaurant menus and at stands across the city.
You can’t leave the city without trying Pissaladière, Beignets, Fougasse, Pan Bagnat, Ratatouille, and Soupe au Pistou. Make sure to top everything off with heavenly desserts, such as Tourte de Blettes Sucrée, Calisson, or Gâteau des Rois!
Things to Do in Nice in Winter (On a Map!)
Did I miss any other essential things to do in Nice in winter? Let me know your favorite places to visit during winter in Nice in the comments. Thanks!
More Nice Travel Guides (+ Nearby!)
- What to do in Nice
- 2 days in Nice
- Antibes from Nice
- Prettiest beaches in Nice
- Nice day trips
- Getting from Nice to Saint Tropez
- Where to stay in Nice
- Best things to do in Eze
- Things to do in Cannes
- Winter in Cannes
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Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now lives in Finnish Lapland after previous stints in Norway, Germany, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ (2020) and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.