Top 15 Things to Do in Nice France (3-Day Itinerary)

Finding the best things to do in Nice, France, is the first step toward an unforgettable Mediterranean escape. This coastal gem offers a stunning mix of historic architecture and turquoise waters. You can explore vibrant markets, visit world-class art museums, or simply relax along the famous pebble beaches. This guide from TravelThru provides the essential landmarks and local secrets you need to plan a perfect trip to the heart of the French Riviera.

Top Things to Do in Nice You Can’t Miss

Nice is a city that wears its history on its sleeve, or rather, along its sparkling coastline. If you only have a few days, these are the heavy hitters that deserve a spot at the top of your list.

1. Promenade des Anglais

You haven't truly seen Nice until you’ve walked the "Prom." This world-famous walkway stretches for seven kilometers along the Baie des Anges. It serves as the city's pulse where locals jog, tourists stroll, and everyone stops to admire the turquoise water.

Grab a seat in one of the iconic blue chairs (Chaises Bleues) to people-watch. If you feel energetic, rent a bike or a pair of rollerblades. The light here is particularly magical during the "golden hour" just before sunset.

2. Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

For the best view in the city, head to Castle Hill. Don't worry about the name; the actual castle was destroyed centuries ago. Today, it is a lush park that offers a 360-degree panorama of the red-tiled roofs of Old Town and the Mediterranean Sea.

You can climb the winding stairs if you want a workout. Otherwise, look for the free Art Deco elevator near the Hotel Suisse. Once you reach the top, make sure to visit the massive artificial waterfall. It provides a refreshing mist that feels incredible on a hot summer afternoon.

3. Vieux Nice (Old Town)

Walking into Vieux Nice feels like stepping back in time. This neighborhood is a maze of narrow, winding alleys and tall buildings painted in warm shades of ochre and terracotta. It stays naturally cool even in the middle of July.
 

Start your exploration at Place Masséna, the main square with its distinctive black-and-white checkered floor. From there, wander deep into the streets to find artisan shops, tiny galleries, and the baroque beauty of the Nice Cathedral. The energy here is infectious, especially in the evenings when the restaurants spill out onto the cobblestones.

Markets & Sensory Experiences

If you want to understand the true "soul" of Nice, follow your nose. The city markets offer a feast for the senses that no museum can match.

4. Cours Saleya

Cours Saleya is the most famous pedestrian strip in Nice. Every morning, striped awnings go up to protect a vibrant explosion of life.

• The Flower Market: From Tuesday to Sunday, this space transforms into a sea of color. You will smell the sweet scent of lavender, lilies, and bright yellow mimosas before you even see them. It is widely considered one of the best markets in all of France.
   
• The Food Market: Right alongside the blooms, you can find sun-ripened tomatoes, giant figs, and piles of local olives. Many vendors offer small samples of their honey or tapenade.
   
• The Monday Antiques Market: On Mondays, the flowers disappear. In their place, you will find a massive flea market full of vintage jewelry, silver, and old French posters. It is a treasure hunter's paradise.

5. Place Garibaldi

Just a short walk from the Old Town, Place Garibaldi represents the intersection of old and new Nice. This grand, baroque square features stunning ochre-colored buildings. If you look closely at the facades, you will notice "trompe-l'œil" paintings. These clever optical illusions make flat walls look like they have ornate balconies and statues.

This square serves as a perfect spot to watch the world go by. Grab a table at a terrace and order a coffee or a glass of rosé. You will see locals meeting for lunch, kids playing near the fountain, and the blue tram gliding quietly across the pavement. It feels less like a tourist destination and more like the city’s communal living room.

6. Hidden Gems for the Senses

• Place Saint-François: Visit this tiny square in the early morning to find the traditional fish market. It is small, loud, and very authentic. You can see the day's catch glistening on beds of ice while the fountain of dolphins splashes nearby.
   
• The Scent of Socca: As you wander through any market area, look for the plumes of wood smoke. This usually means a vendor is baking Socca, the famous chickpea pancake. The smell of toasted flour and black pepper is the unofficial perfume of Nice.

Art & Culture

Artists have flocked to Nice for centuries to chase its famous golden light. You can see this legacy in the city’s world-class museums and striking architecture.

7. Musée Matisse

Henri Matisse lived in Nice for almost four decades, and this museum celebrates his deep connection to the city. It sits inside a stunning 17th-century red villa on Cimiez Hill, surrounded by ancient olive groves.

The collection is unique because it contains Matisse’s personal objects alongside his art. You can see his sketches, sculptures, and the famous vibrant "cut-outs" he created later in life. Walking through the bright, airy rooms helps you understand how the Mediterranean sun shaped his use of bold colors. After your visit, take a short walk to the nearby cemetery where the artist is buried.

8. Musée Marc Chagall

This museum is a "must-see" because Marc Chagall actually helped design it. He wanted a peaceful, spiritual space to house his most important biblical works.

The highlights are the seventeen massive paintings that make up the "Biblical Message." These canvases are famous for their dreamlike quality and intense shades of blue and red. Don’t miss the concert hall, where Chagall designed three large stained-glass windows that bathe the room in a cool blue light. The museum also features a lovely Mediterranean garden with a pond that reflects a mosaic the artist created.

9. St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral

You might feel surprised to see a piece of Moscow in the middle of a French coastal city. This cathedral is the largest Russian Orthodox building outside of Russia. Tsar Nicholas II helped fund its construction, and it opened in 1912 to serve the growing Russian community in Nice.

The exterior is a masterpiece of pink brick, grey marble, and bright green onion domes. Inside, you will find a quiet, golden atmosphere filled with intricate woodwork and precious icons. 

Just remember that this is a place of worship with a strict dress code. Men should avoid wearing shorts, and women should cover their shoulders and heads before entering.

Beaches to See in Nice, France

Nice’s coastline is iconic for its brilliant turquoise water and its famous "galets"—the smooth, sun-warmed pebbles that replace traditional sand. While these stones make the water look incredibly clear, they do require a little bit of strategy to enjoy comfortably.

10. Castel Plage

Located at the very end of the Promenade beneath Castle Hill, this is one of the most scenic spots in the city. The towering cliffs protect it from the wind, making the water calm and crystal clear. It is a fantastic place for a romantic lunch with your feet almost touching the waves.
 

11. Coco Beach

If you want to skip the crowds and hang out where the locals go, head past the port to Coco Beach. This isn't a traditional beach; it is a series of flat rocks and tiny coves carved into the coastline. It is the best spot in Nice for snorkeling. Bring your goggles to see schools of silver fish darting through the underwater rocks.
 

12. La Réserve

Just a short walk from Coco Beach, this spot is famous for its vintage diving board built into the rocks. It feels wilder and more "authentic" than the touristy stretches along the main promenade.

TravelThru Tip: The Baie des Anges is a playground for water sports. If you feel adventurous, you can try parasailing for a bird’s-eye view of the entire French Riviera. For something a bit more relaxing, rent a stand-up paddleboard or a kayak.

Best Food to Eat in Nice, France

Eating in Nice is just as important as sightseeing. The city even has its own official label, Cuisine Issu de la Tradition Niçoise, to protect authentic recipes. This food tastes like the Mediterranean: simple, fresh, and full of olive oil.

13. Try Nice Street Foods

You cannot leave Nice without trying Socca. This massive chickpea-flour pancake is cooked by street vendors in enormous copper tins over wood fires. That cooking style makes it super soft in the middle but nice and crispy on the outside. Always eat it hot with a generous sprinkle of black pepper.

Another local favorite is Pissaladière. It looks like a pizza but features a thick bread crust topped with caramelized onions, black olives, and anchovies. It is the perfect salty snack to grab while you explore the Old Town.

14. Eat Salade Niçoise
 

Forget the versions you have seen elsewhere. A true Salade Niçoise never contains boiled potatoes or green beans. Locals use raw vegetables like tomatoes, radishes, and spring onions. They add hard-boiled eggs, salted anchovies or tuna, and tiny Cailletier olives. A simple drizzle of local olive oil finishes the dish. It is light, refreshing, and tastes like summer on a plate.

15. Take a Sweet and Local Sip

If you want a unique dessert, try the Tourte aux Blettes. It is a sweet Swiss chard tart filled with pine nuts and raisins. It sounds unusual, but the sugary crust makes it delicious.

To wash it all down, look for Bellet wine. This is the only wine produced within the city limits of a major French town. The vineyards sit in the hills behind Nice and produce excellent whites and rosés that you won't find anywhere else in the world.

Where to Find the Best Bites in Nice

• Chez Pipo: This legendary spot near the port has served Socca since 1923. Expect a line, but it moves quickly, and the food is worth the wait.
   
• René Socca: Located in the heart of the Old Town, this place offers a casual "grab and go" style. You can order various local fritters made from zucchini flowers or sardines.
   
• The Port Area: For a nice sit-down dinner, head toward the Port Lympia. You will find many bistros serving Daube Provençale, a rich beef stew slow-cooked with red wine and herbs.

3-Day Nice Itinerary

Day 1

• Morning: Start at the Cours Saleya Market. Grab some fresh fruit and a slice of Socca while you browse the flower stalls.
   
• Late Morning: Wander the narrow alleys of Vieux Nice. Stop at Place Rossetti for a scoop of lavender gelato from Fenocchio.
   
• Afternoon: Take the elevator or climb the stairs to Castle Hill. Snap photos of the Baie des Anges and cool off by the waterfall.
   
• Evening: Stroll the Promenade des Anglais during the golden hour. Find a small restaurant in the Old Town for a traditional Salade Niçoise.
   

Day 2

• Morning: Head to the Cimiez district to visit the Musée Matisse. Afterward, walk through the olive groves to the Musée Marc Chagall.
   
• Afternoon: Spend a few hours at a beach club like Castel Plage. If you want a more rugged experience, head to the rocks at Coco Beach for a swim.
   
• Late Afternoon: Visit the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral to see its stunning architecture.
  Evening: Have dinner near Port Lympia. The area around the harbor is great for watching the sunset over the luxury yachts.
   

Day 3

• Morning: Hop on a bus and head up to the super cute hilltop village of Èze. Take a relaxed stroll through the cool, twisty stone streets, and definitely don't miss the Exotic Garden; the views from there are seriously amazing.
   
• Afternoon: Continue on to Monaco via the TER train. Check out the Prince’s Palace, the famous Casino, and the luxury cars in Monte Carlo.
   
• Evening: Return to Nice and enjoy a final drink at Place Garibaldi. It is the perfect spot to soak in the local atmosphere one last time.

Practical Planning Tips

The Best Time to Visit

For the perfect balance of warm weather and manageable crowds, aim for September. The Mediterranean Sea stays warm enough for swimming well into the month, but the intense summer tourist rush disappears. May and June are also fantastic, offering blooming flowers and mild temperatures before the July heat arrives. If you visit in February, you can experience the world-famous Nice Carnival, though you should pack a warm jacket for the chilly evenings.

Getting Around the City

• Walking: Nice is a very walkable city. Most major sights, like the Old Town and the Promenade, are within easy reach of each other.
   
• The Tramway: Use the sleek Lignes d’Azur tram system for longer distances. Line 2 is particularly useful as it connects the airport directly to the city center and the port. You can buy tickets at machines at any tram stop or via the Lignes d'Azur Tickets app. Make sure to validate your ticket every time you hop on the bus or tram.
   
• The TER Train: This is your best friend for day trips. The trains run frequently along the coast to Cannes, Monaco, and Antibes. The views from the window are often worth the ticket price alone.
   
• TravelThru Private Transfers: For the most stress-free experience, book a private transfer with us. Our service is ideal for getting from the airport to your hotel without having to navigate public transport with heavy luggage. You can also book a private chauffeur for day trips to Monaco or Cannes. This allows you to set your own schedule and enjoy a comfortable, air-conditioned ride with a professional driver who knows the best routes.

Budget & Saving Money

• French Riviera Pass: If you plan to visit multiple museums and take the Hop-on Hop-off bus, buy the French Riviera Pass. It offers 24, 48, or 72-hour options and includes entry to the Matisse and Chagall museums.
   
• Drink the Tap Water: The tap water in Nice is safe and of high quality. You will find many ornate public fountains throughout the city where you can refill your bottle for free.
   
• Lunch Specials: Look for the "Plat du Jour" (Dish of the Day) at local bistros. You can often get a high-quality, two-course meal for a fraction of the dinner price.
   

Safety and Local Etiquette

• Beach Safety: Never leave your bag unattended while you swim. Pickpockets sometimes target popular public beach areas.
   
• Tipping: Service is almost always included in your bill in France. While a small extra tip is appreciated for excellent service, it is not mandatory.
   
• Dress the Part: While beachwear is fine for the Promenade, dress respectfully when visiting churches or high-end establishments. Always cover your shoulders and knees before entering the Russian Orthodox Cathedral.

>>> Read more: French Travel Cost (Daily Budgets & Money Saving Tips)
 

Nice offers a unique atmosphere that captures the beauty of the Mediterranean. The wide range of things to do in Nice, France, makes it a perfect destination for culture seekers and sun-worshippers alike. You will love the blend of historic charm and modern coastal life found in every neighborhood. Start planning your itinerary today to discover why this city remains the crown jewel of the Côte d’Azur.