Discover Nice: The Heart of the French Riviera

Walk the legendary Promenade des Anglais, watch the waves from the famous blue chairs, and relax on Nice's pebble beaches along the Baie des Anges. Swim in the turquoise sea, rent a sun lounger at a beach club, or simply soak up the Riviera sunshine that has drawn visitors for over a century.

Lose yourself in the narrow, sun-dappled lanes of Vieux Nice, where pastel façades, baroque churches, and lively squares set the scene. Browse the colourful Cours Saleya flower and produce market, taste freshly made socca, and discover the artisan shops and cafés that give Nice's Old Town its irresistible character.

Nice has inspired artists for generations. Explore the Matisse Museum and the Marc Chagall National Museum, admire the onion domes of the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, and discover the elegant Belle Époque architecture of the Cimiez district. The city's museums and galleries celebrate its rich artistic and cultural legacy.

Climb Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for the most iconic panorama over Nice's terracotta rooftops and the sparkling bay. Hike up Mont Boron for sea views, follow the scenic coastal path towards Villefranche-sur-Mer, or take a sunset walk along the harbour for unforgettable Riviera scenery.

Sample authentic Niçoise cuisine, from socca and salade niçoise to pissaladière and fresh Mediterranean seafood. Dine in the buzzing restaurants of Vieux Nice, sip rosé on a seafront terrace, and enjoy lively bars around the Old Town and Port that keep the city humming late into the night.

The atmospheric heart of the city, Vieux Nice is a maze of narrow lanes, ochre buildings, baroque churches, and bustling squares. Stay here for easy access to the Cours Saleya market, traditional restaurants, lively bars, and some of the most charming streets on the French Riviera.

Nice's main commercial and transport hub runs along Avenue Jean Médecin, lined with shops, department stores, and tram connections. Central and well-connected, it's ideal for first-time visitors who want to be within walking distance of Place Masséna, the Old Town, and the seafront.

Nice's elegant “Golden Square” sits between Place Masséna and the sea, home to designer boutiques, upscale hotels, and refined restaurants. This stylish district is perfect for travellers seeking shopping, fine dining, and a chic base steps from the Promenade des Anglais.

Nice's picturesque harbour is framed by colourful Italianate buildings and lined with yachts, antique shops, and trendy restaurants. A favourite with locals, the Port area offers a more authentic, relaxed atmosphere alongside excellent seafood dining and lively evening spots.

A leafy, residential hillside district north of the centre, Cimiez is known for its Belle Époque mansions, Roman ruins, and tranquil gardens. Home to the Matisse Museum and the Cimiez Monastery, it offers a refined, peaceful contrast to the bustle of the seafront and Old Town.

Perched on a wooded hill east of the Port, Mont Boron is one of Nice's most exclusive neighbourhoods, offering grand villas and spectacular views over the bay and Villefranche. Its scenic walking trails and panoramic lookouts make it a favourite for nature lovers and photographers.

We recommend: Nice Highlights

We recommend: Nice Culture Itinerary

We recommend: Nice Lifestyle Itinerary

We recommend: Best Day Trips from Nice

We recommend: Nice Active Itinerary

Just 20–25 minutes by train, the glamorous principality of Monaco is one of the most popular day trips from Nice. Visit the Monte-Carlo Casino, the Prince's Palace, the oceanographic museum, and the manicured gardens overlooking the superyacht-filled harbour.

The fairytale hilltop village of Eze sits dramatically above the sea, with medieval stone lanes, art galleries, and an exotic garden offering breathtaking coastal views. A short bus ride from Nice, it's one of the Riviera's most photogenic destinations.

Just minutes from Nice, this enchanting fishing town wraps around one of the Mediterranean's prettiest bays. Wander the pastel old town, relax on the sheltered beach, and enjoy fresh seafood along the picturesque waterfront.

Famous for its glamorous film festival and palm-lined Croisette, Cannes is an easy 30–40 minute train ride from Nice. Stroll the seafront boulevard, browse luxury boutiques, relax on the sandy beaches, and explore the historic Le Suquet old quarter.

A charming coastal town between Nice and Cannes, Antibes is known for its old town ramparts, the bustling Marché Provençal, and the Picasso Museum. Its sandy beaches and the glamorous Cap d'Antibes make it a delightful Riviera escape.

The last town before the Italian border, Menton dazzles with its sunny climate, lemon groves, and pastel-coloured old town tumbling down to the sea. Famous for its Lemon Festival and Italianate charm, it's a relaxed and colourful day trip from Nice.