14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Nice

Written by Lisa Alexander Apr 25, 2022

It is easy to understand why Impressionist painters were drawn to Nice. With its sunny weather and
stunning Mediterranean scenery, this picturesque city resembles a pastel painting. Surrounded by
the serene blue waters of the Baie des Anges and sheltered by the foothills of the Maritime Alps,
Nice has a mild climate year-round.

The city was originally discovered in the 1820s by British aristocrats as a winter resort. Today, it is
still a popular vacation destination. Considered the center of the French Riviera, Nice is the perfect
starting point to explore the dazzling Côte d'Azur.

A vacation based in Nice offers the chance to enjoy seaside splendor and to soak up the vibrant
urban energy. The ambience of a real city pervades the busy avenues, squares, and pedestrian
alleyways of Nice, while the vibes of a beach resort town give Nice a special quality.

Nice is one of the best places to visit in France to experience la belle vie (the good life). From
wandering the quaint cobblestone streets to strolling the famous Promenade des Anglais, the joys of
spending time in this beautiful coastal city are endless. Plan your sightseeing itineraries with our list
of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Nice.

1. Vieille Ville (Old Town)

The picturesque Old Town of Nice, with its maze of narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets, has
a lively ambience reminiscent of Italy. Popularly known as "Babazouk," the Vieille Ville begins at
the western end of the Colline du Château (Castle Hill) and is bounded by spacious boulevards,
including the Jardin Albert I, Place Masséna, and Promenade du Paillon.

The southern end of the Old Town borders the Ponchettes market stalls at the Cours Saleya, where
fishmongers and grocers sell fresh products. This traditional open-air Provençal market is known
as the Marché aux Fleurs because it includes a wide selection of flowers for sale. Fresh fruits,
vegetables, and other food products are also sold from outdoor stalls with colorful striped awnings.
The Marché aux Fleurs is held every day except Mondays, from 6am until the afternoon.

Exploring the Old Town further, north of the Cours Saleya, tourists will come across the Palais de
la Préfecture, the Cathedral of Nice (Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate), and another noteworthy 17th-
century Baroque church. The Palais de la Préfecture on Rue Alexandre Mari is a splendid
Neoclassical building, also known as Le Palais des Rois Sardes because it was the former palace
of the Kings of Sardinia.

Exemplifying 17th-century Provençal Baroque style, the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate has an

exquisitely decorative interior, featuring Corinthian columns with gilded detailing and many little
cherub figurines in friezes surrounding grand pieces of artwork. Just a few steps away is the Eglise
Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur, prized for its delicate frescoes and impressive sculpture collection.

Continuing farther north is the Palais Lascaris (15 Rue Droite), a sumptuous Baroque palace that
was originally the home of the Lascaris-Vintimille family, the Counts of Castellar in the 17th
century.
Today, the Palais Lascaris is listed as a Historical Monument and houses a collection of fine arts
and decorative arts. The Musée du Palais Lascaris displays 17th- and 18th-century furniture,
paintings, sculptures, objects of art, and Flemish tapestries. The second floor of the palace reveals
ornate stucco work and mythological-themed ceiling frescoes of the Italian school. The museum
also presents an assortment of precious European musical instruments.

2. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais

The most emblematic street in Nice, the Promenade des Anglais is a gorgeous pedestrian area that
follows the curve of the Baie des Anges beaches. This legendary seaside boulevard is lined with
planted palm trees and filled with elegant gardens. The Promenade des Anglais includes a
pedestrian-only sidewalk/esplanade, a cycling lane, and a road for cars.

Originally just a small footpath, the Promenade des Anglais was developed by Englishman,
Reverend Lewis Way in 1820 at his own expense, and was further enhanced in 1931 when it was
given two separate roadways. At the time, Queen Victoria's son, the Duke of Connaught,
inaugurated the Promenade des Anglais in royal style.

Today, the road traffic has been diverted with underground tunnels, allowing for a pedestrian area
where people enjoy taking strolls. The Promenade des Anglais is also popular with cyclists and
skaters.

Since the Belle Epoque, the Promenade des Anglais has been graced by opulent buildings such as
the Palais de la Méditerranée theater and the exquisite Villa Masséna (65 Rue de France) palace.
Registered as a Historic Monument, the Villa Masséna houses the Musée Masséna art collection
(which displays graphic arts, antiques, and 19th-century landscape paintings) and is surrounded by
lush Mediterranean gardens.

Another exceptional building on the promenade is the Le Negresco (37 Promenade des Anglais),
which is listed as a National Historical Monument. Le Negresco is a lavish five-star luxury hotel
with a world-class art collection and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

3. Parc de la Colline du Château (Castle Hill Park)

On a hill overlooking the Nice coastline, the site of Castle Hill was the first area of Nice to be
inhabited by the Greeks two millennia ago. Once considered impregnable, the citadel was destroyed
by soldiers of the French King Louis XIV in 1706. Now the property is set aside entirely as a park.

This shady oasis features leafy palms, a waterfall, and winding pedestrian pathways that invite
leisurely strolls. Several spots offer incredible panoramic views of the Baie des Anges, the Vieille
Ville, and the Nice harbor.

Two cafés with outdoor terraces serve meals, snacks, refreshments, and ice cream. Other amenities
in the Parc de la Colline du Château include a children's playground, benches, and shaded lawns
that are ideal for picnics.

Visitors can arrive at the Colline du Château by foot from the OId Town of Nice or take an Art-
Deco lift or escalator from Place Garibaldi. Another option is to take Le Petit Train Electrique de
Nice (tourist train) that departs at the end of Quai des États-Unis.

Address: Rue des Ponchettes, Rue de Foresta, Montée Montfort, Nice

4. Musée Matisse
Sitting on the hill of Cimiez, the Musée Matisse is must-see attraction for art lovers. This delightful
museum occupies a historic Genoese villa surrounded by splendid Italianate gardens. The
permanent collection represents an extensive and diverse assortment of Matisse's works.

There are 31 paintings and 57 sculptures (almost all the sculptures Matisse ever created), along with
interesting sketches for the decorations of the Chapel in Vence. The entire ensemble of works
provides an overview of the artist's creative method and genius.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibits, cultural events, and art workshops. Another highlight of
the museum is the lovely setting. The grounds include an olive grove and gardens.

Address: 164 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, Nice

Official site: http://www.musee-matisse-nice.org

5. Monastère Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez
Near the Matisse Museum, the Monastère Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez is nestled in the stylish Cimiez
neighborhood, directly above the ancient ruins of Cemenelum. Below the monastery are vestiges of
the Roman baths and amphitheater.

Originally a Benedictine foundation, the monastery was taken over by the Franciscans in the 16th
century and extended in the 17th century. Its present appearance is characterized by the restoration
carried out according to neo-Gothic models in 1850.

Today the Cimiez Monastery is listed as a Historical Monument and houses a museum about the
history of local Franciscan monks since the 13th century. The museum also contains a collection of
frescoes and religious art.

The monastery's 15th-century church is adorned with three masterpieces of painting by Louis Bréa,
the renowned Italian painter.

Visitors will enjoy wandering the monastery's luxuriant grounds, landscaped with Mediterranean
trees and a rose garden. Vantage points from the garden offer sweeping views of the town all the
way to the sea.

Address: Place du Monastère, Nice

6. Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain

This museum of modern and contemporary art was opened in 1990. Housed in a sleek building
created by architects Yves Bayard and Henri Vidal, the building has four towers faced in Carrara
marble from quarries in Carrara, Italy. A whimsical modern art installation adorns the courtyard.

The museum's collection represents a cross section of fine arts from the 1950s through the 1970s,
including pop art and American abstract art. Particularly noteworthy are works on display by Yves
Klein, of the Nouveaux Réalistes movement, who was born in Nice in 1928.

Address: Place Yves Klein, Nice, Official site: http://www.mamac-nice.org/english/

7. Jardin Albert 1er
With its shady trees, expansive lawn, fountains, and fragrant roses, this verdant park is a popular
spot for relaxation and leisurely strolls. Families with young kids especially appreciate the park
because of its playgrounds and old-fashioned carousel.

The Jardin Albert 1er has a pleasant open-air theater, the Théâtre de Verdure surrounded by pine
and palm trees. In the spring and summer, this outdoor venue offers music concerts, including rock
festivals and performances by popular rock bands.

The garden is located between the Avenue de Verdun and the Promenade des Anglais. A short walk
away from the garden is the busy Avenue Jean Médecin, one of the principal shopping streets in
Nice.

Address: 1 Promenade des Anglais, Nice

8. Musée National Marc Chagall

Admirers of Marc Chagall will be delighted by this museum, which houses a remarkable assortment
of Chagall's biblical-themed works. The collection contains 12 large paintings depicting Old
Testament illustrations, as well as a wide selection of paintings created by Chagall throughout his
lifetime.

Pleasant green space surrounds the museum. The natural landscaping of olive trees, cypresses, oaks,
and Mediterranean flora gives the impression of a Garden of Eden. Agapanthus flowers were
planted in the garden because they bloom in early July, around the time of Chagall's birthday.

Address: Avenue Docteur Ménard, Site: https://musees-nationaux-alpesmaritimes.fr/chagall/en

9. Carnival de Nice
The Carnival de Nice has its origins in the Catholic tradition of merrymaking prior to Lent. Every
year for two weeks in February, the city of Nice hosts a wild and crazy festival that draws huge
crowds numbering in the hundreds of thousands. The Nice Carnival is one of the most well-attended
and popular events on the French Riviera.

Spectators marvel over the fabulous parades of eye-catching floats and dazzling entertainment, such
as Brazilian dancers and regional folk groups from the County of Nice. Other parades showcase
giant puppets called "grosses têtes" and decorations made of fresh flowers.

10. Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas

Built in 1912 by Tsar Nicholas, the Cathédrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas is considered one of
the most beautiful Orthodox churches outside Russia. Designed in the Muscovite style, the
cathedral's richly decorated interior has the appearance of a jewel box with its ornamental icons,
murals, and gilded iconostasis.

The cathedral is still used as a place of worship. Visitors are admitted but must respect certain rules:
For men, wearing a shirt is required. For women, mini skirts and shorts are not allowed, shoulders
should be covered, and a head covering is preferred. Guided tours of the cathedral are available (in
English, French, or Japanese) daily. Address: Avenue Nicolas II and Boulevard Tzarévitch, Nice
11. Musée des Beaux-Arts
In the university district of Les Baumettes, the Musée des Beaux-Arts offers an extensive collection
of works spanning the 16th to 20th centuries. The collection includes French paintings, as well as
Italian and Flemish works.

Highlights are the 17th- and 18th-century French paintings, and 19th-century paintings and
sculptures. Artists represented include Jules Chéret, Fragonard, Jan Brueghel de Velours, Jean-
Baptiste Carpeaux, Pierre Bonnard, and Raoul Dufy.

Address: 33 Avenue des Baumettes, Nice

12. Place Garibaldi & Le Petit Marais

A short walk away from the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain, the Place Garibaldi is
one of the largest squares in Nice. Designed in the late 18th century and bordered by stately
Baroque buildings, the square now has a modern urban feel as it is at the junction of four high-
traffic thoroughfares and is crossed by a tramline. Gracing the square is a statue of famous Nice
resident, the Italian freedom fighter Garibaldi.

One of the trendiest neighborhoods in Nice, Le Petit Marais is found between Place Garibaldi and
the port. This charming quarter is known for its restaurants and nightlife.

At the heart of the restaurant scene in Le Petit Marais, the Place du Pin is a hub of social activity.
Nearby, the Rue Bonaparte is packed with casual eateries, cafés, pastry shops, specialty grocers,
and gourmet food purveyors.

13. Coastal Sightseeing Cruises

A sightseeing cruise is one of the best ways to appreciate the gorgeous Mediterranean landscape of
Nice. The area around Nice abounds with stunning scenery, from the cerulean waters of the Baie
des Anges to the picturesque coastline of Villefranche-sur-Mer.

An excellent choice for first-time visitors, the one-hour Coastal Cruise from Nice departs from the
Port of Nice and travels around the Baie des Anges and down the coastline. Along the way, tourists
can admire the distinctive landscape of mountains, hilltop villages, and seaside villas. Commentary
about the sights and the region's history adds to the experience.

14. Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez

Set in a grove of hundred-year-old olive trees, this lovely garden across from the Cimiez Monastery
is a wonderful place of relaxation. On sunny days, locals enjoy going for leisurely strolls in the
garden. Tourists will appreciate this space for its refreshing greenery, as well as the amazing sea
views from the terraces.

Not just for nature lovers, the Arènes de Cimiez park also appeals to history buffs. Besides shady
trees and welcome green space, the park boasts archaeological remains (an amphitheater and baths)
from the ancient Roman city of Cemenelum. The garden is open to the public free of charge.

Address: 184 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez

Where to Stay in Nice for Sightseeing
Mid-Range Hotels:

 A short walk from the Promenade des Anglais, La Villa Nice Victor Hugo offers bright,
cheerful contemporary-style rooms in an elegant building of the Belle Epoque era.
 A few blocks away from the Nice train station, the three-star Hôtel ibis Styles Nice Centre
Gare features whimsical decor and a sunny outdoor patio where breakfast is served.
 The Hôtel Florence Nice is tucked away on a pleasant pedestrian-only street, close to the
Vieille Ville and just a five-minute walk to the Promenade des Anglais. This three-star hotel
has a variety of rooms; some feature terraces with city views.

Budget Hotels:

 Built on terraces of a lush hillside overlooking the sea, Le Panoramic is a two-star boutique
hotel with stylish accommodations and fabulous views for the price. Most rooms have a
private balcony or terrace. The hotel is a bit out of the way from most tourist attractions.
 Conveniently located in the center of Nice, the Hôtel Star is just a 10-minute walk from the
Vieille Ville. This two-star hotel has basic but comfortable rooms.

Tips and Tours: How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Nice
An organized tour is a great way to make sure you see all the highlights of this Côte d'Azur capital,
without having to navigate your way around. You will also have a chance to see more sights in a
short time, since most tour companies create day-trip itineraries that include the area's top places to
visit. Below are some recommended tour options:

 See the Top Sights: The Nice City Tour covers the top cultural attractions of Nice: the
Promenade des Anglais, the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain, the Russian
Orthodox Church, Castle Hill, the Cimiez quarter, and Place Garibaldi. The tour also
includes a drive along the Middle Corniche road with its sweeping coastal views.
 Bike around the City: Enjoy the idyllic scenery of tree-lined boulevards, sun-soaked
beaches, and the fishing harbor on the Nice City Cycle Tour. The three-hour cycling
itinerary also takes you past the Promenade des Anglais and Castle Hill. This is a small-
group tour with a maximum of 14 people. Bikes and helmets are included.
 Visit Monaco and Eze: The Monaco and Eze Small-Group Day Trip includes visits to two
favorite French Riviera destinations. The medieval hilltop town of Eze delights, with its
narrow cobblestone streets and breathtaking sea views. In glamorous Monaco, a fascinating
Old Town, the magnificent Prince's Palace, and luxuriant gardens await visitors.
 Tour Stunning Seaside Towns: Another guided tour that includes Monaco and Eze, the
French Riviera Small Group Day Trip also stops in Cannes, Monte-Carlo, and the beautiful
beach town of Juan-les-Pins. This itinerary allows you to visit several of the most famous
places on the French Riviera.