Discover Nice: The Heart of the French Riviera

Explore the best things to do in Nice, from the Promenade des Anglais and the colourful Old Town to sun-soaked beaches and unforgettable Côte d’Azur day trips.

Tourism Tickets France Nice

Neighborhoods

Vieux Nice (Old Town), Jean Médecin, Carré d’Or

Le Port (Port Lympia), Cimiez, Mont Boron

Vieux Nice for first-time visitors

Signature Sights

Stroll the Promenade des Anglais, wander the colourful lanes of Vieux Nice, climb Castle Hill for sweeping bay views, browse the Cours Saleya market, and discover the Matisse and Chagall museums before relaxing on the Mediterranean shore.

Best Time Windows

Spring (Apr–Jun) and autumn (Sep–Oct) bring warm weather and thinner crowds, ideal for sightseeing. Summer is perfect for beach days and festivals, while winter stays mild and sunny with the lowest prices of the year.

Getting Around

Tram lines 1 and 2 link the centre, train station and airport

Lignes d’Azur single tickets and day passes offer great value

The Old Town and seafront are easily walkable

Food & Nightlife

Niçoise specialities: socca, salade niçoise, pissaladière

Vieux Nice and the Port for dining and bars

Seafront lounges, wine bars, and late-night terraces

Seasonal Highlights

Spring flower markets and the famous Nice Carnival

Summer beach clubs, the Nice Jazz Festival, and sunset aperitifs

Winter sunshine, festive markets, and quiet museum days

Side Trips

Monaco, Eze, Villefranche-sur-Mer

Cannes, Antibes, and Menton along the coast

Saint-Paul-de-Vence and the hilltop villages

Famous Nice City Spots

Musée National du Sport Tickets

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild Tickets

Things to Do in Nice

Seafront Strolls & Mediterranean Beaches

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.

Old Town Charm & Local Markets

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.

Art, Museums & Belle Époque Heritage

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.

Viewpoints & Outdoor Adventures

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.

Food, Wine & Nightlife

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.

Nice Neighborhoods

Vieux Nice (Old Town)

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.

Jean Médecin & City Centre

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.

Carré d'Or

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.

Le Port (Port Lympia)

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.

Cimiez

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.

Mont Boron

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.

How to Get to Nice

Airport
Train
Bus
Car

Nice is served by Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), France's third-busiest airport and the main gateway to the French Riviera. Located around 7 km west of the city centre, it offers direct connections to major cities across Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Getting from the airport to the city:

Tram Line 2 Direct to the city centre and Port in about 20–30 minutes
City Bus Lignes d'Azur buses connect the terminals to central Nice
Train Nice Saint-Augustin station links the airport to the regional rail line
Taxi/Rideshare Usually 15–20 minutes to the centre depending on traffic

Plan your perfect Nice City itinerary

Nice in 3 Days

We recommend: Nice Highlights

Explore the Promenade des Anglais, Vieux Nice, Castle Hill, and the Cours Saleya market
Balance beaches, Old Town strolls, museums, and seafront dining at a relaxed pace
Ideal for first-time visitors wanting to experience the best of Nice

Art & Belle Époque Nice

We recommend: Nice Culture Itinerary

Visit the Matisse Museum, the Marc Chagall National Museum, and the Cimiez district
Admire the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the baroque churches of the Old Town
Perfect for art lovers and culture-focused travellers

Beaches, Food & Riviera Lifestyle

We recommend: Nice Lifestyle Itinerary

Spend your days on the beach, swimming in the bay, and relaxing at seafront beach clubs
Sample socca and Niçoise specialities, then enjoy bars around the Old Town and Port
Ideal for travellers seeking a relaxed Mediterranean city break

Beyond Nice: French Riviera Day Trips

We recommend: Best Day Trips from Nice

Discover Monaco, Eze, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cannes, Antibes, and Menton
Combine glamorous towns, hilltop villages, and stunning Mediterranean scenery
Perfect for extending your Nice trip with memorable Riviera escapes

Viewpoints & Outdoors Nice

We recommend: Nice Active Itinerary

Climb Castle Hill and Mont Boron for the best panoramic views over the bay
Follow the coastal path towards Villefranche-sur-Mer and explore the harbour
Great for hikers, photographers, and active travellers

Beyond Nice City: Best Day Trips & Nearby Escapes

Monaco

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.

Eze

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.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

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.

Cannes

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.

Antibes

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.

Menton

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.

FAQs About Visiting Nice

What are the best things to do in Nice, France?

The best things to do in Nice include strolling the Promenade des Anglais, exploring the colourful lanes of Vieux Nice (the Old Town), browsing the Cours Saleya market, climbing Castle Hill for panoramic bay views, and visiting the Matisse and Marc Chagall museums. Relaxing on the beach and sampling local socca round out a perfect visit.

How do you get from Nice to Monaco?

The easiest way to get from Nice to Monaco is by TER train from Nice-Ville station, which takes about 20–25 minutes and runs frequently throughout the day. You can also take a regional Zou! bus along the scenic coast road, which takes a little longer but offers beautiful Mediterranean views.

What is the best time to visit Nice?

The best time to visit Nice is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is warm and the crowds are thinner. Summer is ideal for beach days and festivals, while winter remains mild and sunny with the lowest prices of the year.

How many days do you need in Nice?

Most travellers find that 3 to 4 days in Nice is enough to enjoy the Promenade des Anglais, Vieux Nice, Castle Hill, the markets, and the museums. If you plan day trips to Monaco, Eze, Cannes, or Menton, you may want to stay a little longer.

How do you get from Nice Airport to the city centre?

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is just 7 km west of the centre. Tram Line 2 connects the terminals directly to the city centre and Port in about 20–30 minutes and is the cheapest option. Taxis and rideshares take around 15–20 minutes, while Lignes d'Azur buses also serve central Nice.

What are the best day trips from Nice?

Some of the most popular day trips from Nice include Monaco, the hilltop village of Eze, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cannes, Antibes, and Menton. The French Riviera's excellent train and bus network makes it easy to explore the coast in a single day.

Where are the best restaurants in Nice?

Vieux Nice (the Old Town) and the Port area offer some of the best restaurants in Nice, from traditional bistros serving socca, salade niçoise, and pissaladière to fresh seafood spots and lively bars. The Cours Saleya is ideal for sampling local Niçoise specialities.