13 Noteworthy Things to Do in Nice, France (2025 Guide + Map)

Nice is one of the most exciting places to visit in France and there are plenty of things to do in Nice to keep first-timers occupied! This guide covers some of my favorite activities, attractions, and more!

While Nice is most famous for being part of the alluring French Riviera, there is far more to the city than just its idyllic location.

Niçoise cuisine, world-class museums (like the Matisse!), and gazing over the beaches from the Promenade des Anglais are just a few other things the city is renowned for.

Below, you will find some of the top attractions in Nice – like museums, squares, neighborhoods, etc. But, you will also discover where to eat, day trips worth putting on your itinerary, and the best day tour options.

If I missed anything in this guide on what to do in Nice, France, please let me know in the comments. Thanks!

Best Things to Do in Nice, France

1. Take a stroll through the Old Town (Vieux Nice).

An essential on every Nice bucket list is to explore the Old Town (Vieille Ville) which is also called Vieux Nice. Situated just below Castle Hill (Colline du Chateau), this is the first place I recommend first-time visitors to head to upon arrival!

The neighborhood is triangle-shaped and has plenty of historic sites, local markets, boutiques, and some of the most acclaimed restaurants in the city.

While I detail more about some of its landmarks later in the guide (like the flower stalls at Cours Saleya), some of the top places to check out in Vieux Nice are the 17th-century Cathedrale Saint-Reparate and the 16th-century Chapelle de la Misericorde.

These are two of Nice’s oldest buildings. Then head to Rue de la Préfecture and continue north to Place Garibaldi and Place Rosetti. These squares have countless open-air restaurants, cafes, and bars.

If you’re a foodie like me, I highly encourage you to take a culinary walking tour of the Old Town! This 4-hour gourmet walking tour is a great introduction to Nice gastronomy and you’ll stop at around 10 places along the way, sampling olive oil, Niçoise dishes like socca, and, of course, a boulangerie for a croissant.

>> Click here to check Vieux Nice walking food tour rates and availability

2. Take a French Riviera day trip from Nice.

One of my favorite things about Nice is that the city’s location gives visitors access to other amazing spots on the French Riviera, like Monaco, Eze, and more. You can easily take a day trip to see some of these destinations and a company will arrange the entire day for you!

On this 9-hour tour, you will see Cannes, Saint Paul de Venice (the jewel of Provence), Monaco, Eze (the most charming village!), and views over Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

Food is not included on this day tour, but hotel pickup/drop-off is. You will also stop at the famous Fragonard Perfumery when you are in Eze, which gives you the perfect chance to pick up a souvenir or gift for friends back home.

>> Click here to check French Riviera tour rates and availability

3. Transport yourself back in time at the Cimiez Roman ruins.

A place that should be on your Nice itinerary is undoubtedly the Cimiez Roman Ruins and Archaeological Museum. Located in the hills overlooking Nice, the area is home to the ruins of a once-thriving Roman city.

You will have a chance to see the 2,000-year-old arena (which still stands!) and get a glimpse into what life was like during this historic era.

While the arena was considered small back then with a capacity of merely 5,000 spectators, it is still quite the marvel today.

Nearby, you can also see restored Roman baths and the Archaeological Museum. The museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that will offer insight into ancient times with pottery, mosaics, and more. The 2025 entrance fee to the museum is €5 per person and children under 18 are free.

Address: 160 Av. des Arènes de Cimiez, 06000 Nice

4. Visit Gorges du Verdon and the lavender fields.

Nice is the perfect base for exploring the Riviera, but many people always neglect to head inland a bit and just stick to the beaches.

Gorges du Verdon is one of the most beautiful places to visit in France and on this tour, you can head to the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Verdon to see the 700-meter-deep (2300 ft) canyon situated in Verdon Regional Nature Park.

On this day tour, you’ll be shown Moustiers-Saine-Marie village, stop in the medieval town of Castella, check out the Plateau de Valensole, and see Lac de Sainte-Croix.

And, as the tour highlights, you will also make a stop to see lavender fields. However, do know that these fields are only in bloom from May 15 to July 15, so this is only a seasonal stop.

>> Click here to check Gorges du Verdon tour rates and availability

5. Check out the Musée Matisse de Nice.

The Matisse Museum, or Musée Matisse, is one of the top sights in Nice and a must for art enthusiasts!

The museum is dedicated to the masterpieces of French artist Henri Matisse and is located in Cimiez, one of the historic districts. The renowned landmark is located in the 17th-century Villa des Arènes.

Inside, you will find over 200 works of his art, including drawings, sculptures, paintings, and more. It takes you through every stage of his life, offering you a deep insight into his creativity and inspirations. The museum also has temporary exhibitions that feature the works of other contemporary artists.

Musée Matisse is open daily except on Tuesdays. From November 31 until March 31, it is open from 10am until 5pm, and from April 1 until October 31, it is open from 10am until 6pm. Tickets are €10 per person and children under 18 can visit for free.

6. Escape the crowds at the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula.

While Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat can still be a bit crowded, it definitely offers a natural escape from the bustling city and is a place I encourage visiting if you have a few days in Nice!

Just a short journey from the train station, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is home to Saint-Hospice-Chapel which was erected in the 11th century. It is also home to beaches like Les Fosses and Paloma.

One of the top things to do when visiting is to take the 12 km (7.4 mi) hike that goes around the peninsula and offers views over the rocky coastline and vibrant beaches.

Before heading back to Nice, make a stop at Le Cap (at Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat) or La Table du Royal-Riviera restaurants for dinner with a view! Please note that Le Cap is only open seasonally from April 8 until October 10, 2025.

7. Explore the Renoir Museum (in Cagnes-sur-Mer).

The Renoir Museum is located in Cagnes-sur-Mer and is a must-visit for art lovers or those interested in the works of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, one of the most famous impressionists of all time.

The museum is located in his former villa and has a collection of his masterpieces, as well as forty sculptures, personal belongings, and a glimpse into his everyday life.

There are 14 original works housed inside, as well as some of the original studio furniture. Outside the museum, you can walk through his garden complete with olive, lemon, and orange trees… a place where he often drew inspiration from.

The entrance fee to the Renoir Museum is €6 per person and free for those under 26 years old. Do note that the museum has ever-changing opening hours depending on the month and day. You can view these hours on their official website (only in French).

Address: Musée Renoir, 19 Chem. des Collettes, 06800 Cagnes-sur-Mer

8. Stop by Cours Saleya’s colorful flower market.

Situated at Cours Saleya, the Marché aux Fleurs (flower market) is one of the most popular places to visit in the city. You can find an array of beautiful flowers, floral arrangements, and more there.

They even sell local handcrafts, gourmet products, and fruit. If the food is on your wish list, be sure to keep an eye out for socca, pissaladière, pan bagnat from Chez Theresa, tapenade and anchoïade, and local rosé wine. The Flower Market at Cours Saleya is open daily from 9am until 1pm but is closed on Mondays.

A random tip but if you’re looking for a good place to eat and drink in Nice, check out Jacques En Terrasse, a tasty restaurant located right by the flower market at 26 Cr Saleya.

It doesn’t open until 6pm most nights, but it is open from 10am until 3pm on Sundays, meaning you can head there right after hitting up the flower market! The spot is newer and offers shared plates and delicious cocktails.

9. Get the best views of Nice from Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill).

Craving some gorgeous views over the Mediterranean? Head to Castle Hill and you’ll get a view over the French Riviera, and on a clear day, you may even get to see as far as Corsica! Views are epic no matter if you go up there during the day or at sunset.

Colline du Chateau rises 92m (about 300ft) above the city and was initially a strategic lookout point with a citadel. Not much is left of the citadel these days, but it is still a popular spot to check out.

Some places to check out on top of the hill are the castle ruins as well as three cemeteries: Protestant, Jewish, and Catholic. They all have grandiose gravestones and are worth checking out.

Also be sure to see the Cascade Dijon, an artificial waterfall that can get a bit slippery if the ground around it is wet, but worth the visit for a quick photo. There are plenty of trees and park benches around where you can enjoy a picnic or just sit and take in the views and quietness.

You can reach Castle Hill from a few different places – most notably from a staircase at Promenade des Anglais.

If walking up to Castle Hill isn’t on your list of things to do, you can find an elevator that will take you to the top at Rue des Ponchettes. It is called Ascenseur du Château and it is open daily from 10am until 5:25pm. It is free to ride in the Art Deco-style elevator.

10. Discover the Musée Masséna’s permanent collection.

Located on the Promenade des Anglais, the Musée Masséna is a must-visit for those coming to Nice for the first time, particularly for history and art lovers.

Inside the museum’s ornate Belle Époque building (an architectural gem in its own right!), you can see what life was like in the 19th and 20th centuries for the elite. The building was built in an Italian neoclassical style and served as the winter residence for the grandson of Napoleon, Prince Essling.

Musée Masséna’s permanent collection showcases sculptures, furniture, artifacts, and more. You can even check out Napoleon’s death mask by Doctor Arnold inside. The first floor of the museum captivates visitors with its staircase and the dining room offers garden views and more.

On the second floor, you can learn more about pre-WWII history and the third floor has a collection of photos and posters from the Nice Carnival (Carnaval de Nice).

The museum is open daily from 11am until 6pm but is closed on Tuesdays. Entrance is €10 per person.

Address: 65 Rue de France, 06000 Nice

11. Put Your olfaction to the test at a perfume workshop.

Something that I don’t discuss too much on this blog is my love for fragrances! I have an extensive collection and I love exploring perfume shops and workshops on my travels!

Since Nice is so close to Grasse, I wouldn’t leave town without taking a day trip there, or even just signing up for a perfume workshop in Nice.

If you’re looking to take your own perfume workshop in Nice, you can sign up for this one from Molinard. While I haven’t taken one at their Nice location, I did this same workshop with Molinard in Paris two years ago and it was such a cool experience and I recommend it to everyone!

>> Click here to check Nice perfume workshop rates and availability

12. Take a stroll on the Promenade des Anglais.

Stretching 7 km (4.3 mi) along the blue Mediterranean coast, the Promenade des Anglais is a can’t-miss place in Nice. This Promenade is home to some of the top beaches, bars, and restaurants that the city has to offer and it is one of the most iconic places!

Whether you’re visiting Nice during winter or summer, it is essential to take a stroll and head into the bakeries, wine boutiques, and souvenir shops.

There are around 30 beaches along the way, including some public and private ones, so you can stop for a dip (if temperatures permit).

One of the most prominent attractions along the strip is the Colline du Château, the remains of the original Chateau de Nice.

The area is also home to the Nice Carnival (Carnaval de Nice) which takes place from February 15 until March 2, 2025. Regardless of when you visit, there are plenty of vendors and things to do in this lively part of Nice.

13. Discover the best beaches in Nice (and nearby).

There are plenty of gorgeous beaches in Nice, and many of them are located along the Promenade des Anglais! You can find 15 private beaches and 20 public ones situated along the strip.

While the winters can be a bit too cold for swimming (unless that is your thing, of course), the summers are brimming with locals and visitors both.

Plage Publique des Ponchettes is a great option for families as it has shallow water and many amenities. La Reserve is a local favorite, with a diving board that is often used for jumping into the water. And Castel Plage is a renowned private beach that has comfortable lounges and great service.

You can check out my complete guide to the top beaches in Nice to find one that suits you.

Additional Places to Visit in Nice

There are so many things to do in Nice that it does warrant having a list of hundreds of places to visit! While the list above is some of my favorites and highlights from a trip there, here are some additional places to consider adding to your itinerary:

• Cathedral of Saint Nicholas (iconic Russian Orthodox church)
• Marc Chagall National Museum
• Modern and Contemporary Art Museum – MAMAC (houses avant-garde art)
• Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice (amazing example of Baroque architecture)
• Lympia Port (the Port of Nice)
• Place Masséna (famous square with a lot of restaurants, cafes, and bars)

Where to Eat in Nice

After hours of exploring gorgeous Nice, you will most certainly be hungry or craving a small treat! Here are some of my top recommendations for places to eat (or fulfill a sweet craving!) in the city:

• Fenocchio (delicious gelato in the old town – been serving the best scoop since 1966)
• Chez Pipo (offers tasty ‘socca’, a snack made from chickpea flour and olive oil – a Nice essential)
• Selah Atelier (stellar specialty coffee and small pastries at Libération; also has a floral boutique)
• Chez Acchiardo (great spot for Niçoise food)
• Bistrot d’Antoine (offers both meat and seafood options)

Things to Do in Nice (On a Map!)

Where to Stay in Nice

If you are looking for the top places to stay in Nice, here are my picks!

• Palais Ségurane Boutique Hôtel (near MAMAC; has air-conditioned rooms)
• Appartements Massena (central location near Plage Beau Rivage)
• Palais Gioffredo (6-minute walk to the beach)

Did I miss any of the top things to do in Nice? Let me know your suggestions, questions, and tips in the comments. Thanks!

More Nice Travel Guides

• 2 days in Nice
• Best beaches in Nice
• Nice in winter
• Best day trips from Nice
• Where to stay in Nice
• Nice to Antibes
• Nice to Saint Tropez ferry
• What to do in Cannes
• Cannes in winter
• Best things to do in Marseille
• 2 days in Marseille
• Things to do in Toulon
• Things to do in Eze

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Megan Starr

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.