25 Bucket List Things to Do in Nice France
Ready to soak up the best of Nice, the sparkling capital of the French Riviera? Heres’s a list of 25 things to do in Nice France. From strolling the iconic Promenade des Anglais to exploring colorful markets to day tripping to Monaco, this dreamy coastal city dishes up an endless array of delights. Here’s your ultimate checklist for an unforgettable escape:
Best things to do in Nice France
Stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais
the palm-lined waterfront walkway with dazzling sea views.
Why work with us as your travel advisor?
Skip the endless hours of research and second-guessing. As your travel advisor, we transform the overwhelming planning process into a seamless experience, drawing from years of firsthand exploration and cultivated relationships with premier properties and local experts that secure you VIP treatment beyond what even elite status can provide. Enjoy exclusive perks including room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out, complimentary breakfast, resort credits, and priority service that elevate every stay. We are your north star to discover the hidden gems and unique experiences that truly make a journey memorable.
Got Your Own Travel Game Plan?
If you want to handle the bookings yourself. While you won’t score those exclusive perks, here are my tried-and-tested booking platforms I personally recommend. Just Want the Hotel Perks? I‘ll book your hotel with all those juicy extras (hello, free breakfast and spa credits)—and you handle the rest of your itinerary. Zero pressure, maximum benefits. Simple as that. Contact us now
This site contains product affiliate links, and I may get a commission, which costs you nothing extra. see more resources here
Helpful Tip: Rent a Vélo Bleu bike to cruise the promenade with the breeze in your hair. There are 175 bike stations across the city.
Join the newsletter
Don’t miss out on the latest travel intel & guides
Walk around the cute old town in Nice– Viex Nice
Get lost in the narrow lanes and squares of charming Vieux Nice (Old Town) with a walking tour–– browsing artisan shops and savoring Provençal cuisine.
book This Tour
Walking tour of Old nice and Castle Hill Skip the lines and wait while having flexibility of 100% cancellation.
See the amazing view at Castle Hill
(Colline du Château) For sweeping views over Nice’s red-tiled roofs and the glittering sea, hike up Castle Hill. Though the 16th century castle is long gone, it’s a peaceful spot to have a picnic in the park and see the city spread out before you. Or join a walking tour here.
Helpful Tip: An elevator next to Tour Bellanda on Quai des États-Unis will whisk you up if you’re not up for the climb.
What to do in Nice France
Take a luxury boat tour to private beaches
Go on a relaxing and luxurious boat tour with your group to some of the top beaches in Nice and enjoy the day on the water.
Go On a day trip to Provance
Take a guided day trip to the lavender fields of Provance and the stunning Gorges of Verdon. You can also indulge in gastronomy by joining a guided tour to the province of Provance on a fabulous food tour.
Relax at a chic Nice beach club
Relax on the iconic pebble beaches like Plage Publique de Beau Rivage or splurge on a private beach club like Castel Plage.
Public Beaches (free): Plage Publique de Beau Rivage, Castel Plage, Plage Publique de la Marinière Villefranche
Private Beach Clubs in Nice (entry fee):
| Beach | Cost | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Ruhl Plage | €20/day | Lounge chairs, umbrellas, lockers, showers |
| Beau Rivage | €16-28/day | Lounge chairs, umbrellas, lockers, beach towels |
| Blue Beach | €20-50/day | Lounge chairs, umbrellas, waiter service |
See the Musee Matisse
Visit the Musée Matisse to see the vibrant works of the famed French artist in a Genoese villa.
See the Museum National Marc Chagall
Be dazzled by the biblical-themed masterpieces at the Musée National Marc Chagall.
What To see in nice
Check out the modern art
Soak up avant-garde art at the cutting-edge MAMAC (Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain).
See the weekend markets in Nice
Shop for fresh flowers and gourmet treats at the famous Cours Saleya market in Vieux Nice.
Visit the Boroque Cathedral
Marvel at the gilded Baroque splendor of Nice Cathedral in Place Rossetti.
Taste amazing local flavors of Gelato
Indulge in gelato at the legendary Fenocchio parlor, known for unique flavors like lavender and avocado.
Nice france what to see
See the ruins of Rome in Nice
Wander the landscaped gardens and see the ruins of a Roman arena in the posh Cimiez district.
See the spectacular Orthodox Church in Nice
Pay your respects at the stunning Russian Orthodox Cathedral with its colorful onion domes.
Check out Place Garibaldi
Sip chilled Provençal rosé at a sidewalk cafe on Place Garibaldi, one of France’s most beautiful squares.
Feast on Niçoise specialties like salade niçoise, socca chickpea pancakes, and pissaladière onion tart.
Nice france tourist attractions
Eat amazing fine dining cuisine
Splurge on Michelin-starred dining at Flaveur or La Petite Maison, or feast on market-fresh seafood at Peixes.
book This food Tour
go on a fun walking food tour with a foodie. Book with confidence, you’ll have the flexibility of 100% cancellation.
Go on a bike rike
Cycle the Promenade des Anglais on a Vélo Bleu bike from one of the 175 stations around town. or join a guided bike tour and enjoy the scenic ride.
book This bike Tour
go on a Guided 3 hour biking tour and see the most spectacular views of Nice. Book with confidence, you’ll have the flexibility of 100% cancellation.
Hike the coastal path to posh Villefranche-sur-Mer, a pastel-hued seaside village with an inviting beach.
See the pink house at villa phrassui
Visit the opulent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its nine themed gardens on exclusive Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Places to go in nice france
Take a day trip to Monaco from Nice
Channel your inner James Bond at the iconic Monte Carlo Casino in glitzy Monaco, just 25 minutes away by train. Go on a guided tour to Monaco
book This Tour To Monaco
Book with confidence, you’ll have the flexibility of 100% cancellation.
Take a day trip to Menton
Menton is one of the most picturesque towns in Nice. It was one of my favorites. There’s so many colorful streets, it’s also known as the lemon capitol in France. Join a guided day tour to Menton.
Take a day trip to Cannes
Follow in celebrity footsteps in glamorous Cannes, home of the famous film festival, a 40-minute train ride away. Take a guided tour to Cannes
book This Tour To Cannes
Book with confidence, you’ll have the flexibility of 100% cancellation.
Check out the beautiful village of Eze
Explore the cobbled streets, art galleries and medieval castle ruins of hilltop Èze village, a short bus ride away.
book This Tour To Eze
Book with confidence, you’ll have the flexibility of 100% cancellation.
See the beautiful town of Antibes
Soak in fabulous Riviera views on a coastal walk around windswept Cap d’Antibes. Take a guided tour to the village of Antibes
Visit the beautiful Village of Grasse
Visit one of the most beautiful villages nearby Nice in Grasses. Book a guided day tour to Grasse that handles all the logistics. Also, check out the famous perfumery and classical Perfume Workshop in Grasse.
See the Charming town of Saint Paul De Vence
See the charming town of Saint Paul De Vence –45 minutes by bus or train that will transport you back to the old days in France. Cobblestone streets lined with cute cafes. It’s one of my favorite towns I visited in Nice and it should definitely be on your list. Take a guided day tour to Saint Paul De Vance.
book This Tour To St Paul de vence
Book with confidence, you’ll have the flexibility of 100% cancellation.
Nice France attractions
Wander the fragrant gardens of the International Perfume Museum
in nearby Grasse, the world’s perfume capital. Take a guided tour to the Perfumery.
Live the high life with a sunset champagne cruise around the Bay of Angels.
Treat yourself to belle époque luxury at the legendary Negresco Hotel on Promenade des Anglais.
There you have it – an epic Nice bucket list brimming with iconic sights, local flavors, artistic treasures, and dreamy day trips. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be embraced by the city’s intoxicating mix of Riviera glamor, Mediterranean warmth, and savoir-vivre. Préparez-vous pour l’aventure – get ready for your unforgettable Nice adventure!
FAQ Things to do in nice
When is the best time to visit Nice?
The shoulder season months of May-June and September-October offer pleasant temperatures (avg 20°C/68°F), fewer crowds, and lower prices than peak summer. Winter can be chilly.
How many days do you need in Nice?
With 2-3 full days, you can see Nice’s highlights and do a day trip. But a long weekend or even a week will allow you to explore at a more relaxed pace.
Is Nice expensive?
Nice can be done on a range of budgets. You’ll find cheap street food and free beaches as well as Michelin-starred restaurants and posh private beach clubs. Expect to pay around €100/night for a budget hotel room, €150-300 for a mid-range hotel.
What is Nice famous for?
Nice is renowned for its pebble beaches, Baroque architecture, artistic legacy, and Niçoise cuisine featuring lots of fresh veggies, seafood and olive oil. The famous Promenade des Anglais embodies the city’s breezy Riviera elegance.
Now you have all the essential info to enjoy the best of Nice. From strolling the iconic seaside promenade to exploring the charming old town to feasting on fresh Mediterranean flavors, you’re in for a treat in this luminous French Riviera gem. And with glitzy spots like Monaco and Cannes just a short train ride away, your Côte d’Azur adventures are just beginning. Bon voyage!
