Golden light, azure waters, and historic streets await in our curated list.
Experience the timeless elegance of the Côte d’Azur through its sun-drenched markets and sparkling turquoise coastline.
Thao Vo
Feb 02 2026
11m
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cours Saleya is the most famous pedestrian strip in Nice. Every morning, striped awnings go up to protect a vibrant explosion of life.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
>>> 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.