25 Best Things to Do in Nice France (2026)

I spent 3 days in Nice while exploring the French Riviera and I think a lot of people get this city wrong.

Nice is absolutely worth visiting, but I also don’t think you need to spend five or six days here. One day is enough to see the city’s main highlights, while the extra days are much better spent exploring the incredible towns nearby.

That’s exactly what I did. I used Nice as my base to visit Monaco, Menton and other beautiful places along the French Riviera, and looking back, I wouldn’t have planned my trip any other way.

So if you’re looking for the best things to do in Nice, France, this guide covers both the city’s must-see attractions and the French Riviera day trips that, in my opinion, make staying in Nice really worth it.

Whether you’re planning one day or several, here are the best things to do in Nice, France that I’d genuinely recommend.

Best Things do Do in Nice, France: Quick Overview

Best attraction in Nice: Castle Hill for the best panoramic views over the city.

Best day trip: Monaco and Menton. They’re incredibly easy to reach by train and were easily my favourite part of the trip.

How many days do you really need? One day is enough for Nice itself. Stay 3–4 days if you also want to explore the French Riviera.

→ How Many Days in Nice do you Need? My Honest Recommendation (2026)

Practical Information Before Visiting Nice

How to Get to Nice

The easiest way to get to Nice is by flying into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, the main airport serving the French Riviera. It’s one of the busiest airports in France, with direct flights from most major European cities.

Once you land, getting into the city centre is easy. The cheapest option is taking the tram, which connects the airport to central Nice in around 25–30 minutes. If you’re carrying luggage or simply don’t want to deal with public transport after a flight, booking an airport transfer is the easiest option.

If you’re already travelling around France or Europe, Nice is also very well connected by train. The main station, Nice-Ville, sits right in the city centre and is where you’ll catch trains to Monaco, Menton, Cannes and the rest of the French Riviera.

→ Find an Airport transfer here

→ Find Train tickets here

Where to Stay in Nice

When traveling to Nice, booking an accommodation in the city center will make your life much easier. You don’t want to be dependent on public transport or expensive uber rides to move around. By staying in the city center you will be be able to walk to all main attractions in Nice, and also stay close to the central train station where you can take the trains for the other French Riviera villages.

Here are 4 great accommodations for Nice depending on your budget:

• Backpacker: SLO Hostel Nice 
• Budget: Best Western Alba
• Mid-Range: Best Western Plus Hotel Brice Garden Nice
• Luxury: Hotel Le Negresco

→ Check hotels in Nice here

Stay Connected

I always recommend getting an eSIM before arriving. Having internet from the moment you land makes everything easier, whether it’s finding your hotel, checking train times, booking tickets or navigating around the city.

If you’re planning to visit Monaco or Italy while staying in Nice, I’d recommend getting a European eSIM instead of one just for France, so you don’t lose connection when crossing the border.

→ Check for an European eSIM here

Travel Insurance

I never travel without travel insurance anymore. After visiting 62 countries, I’ve had enough unexpected situations to know it’s worth having, even if you never end up using it.

For every trip, including France, I personally use SafetyWing because it’s simple to set up and covers me wherever I’m travelling.

→ Check SafetyWing Travel Insurance here

Best Things to do in Nice, France

Now, here is the full list of the best things to do in Nice France, as well as the best day trips you can take from Nice to the French Riviera villages.

1. Wander Around Vieux Nice

If you’re wondering what the best things to do in Nice, France are, start with Vieux Nice. This is the colourful historic centre you’ll probably have already seen all over Instagram, but it’s actually worth it.

Forget Google Maps for a while and just wander. Half the fun is getting lost between the narrow streets, stumbling across little squares, cafés and local shops. I probably walked through the Old Town more times than anywhere else during my trip because it’s where most attractions are anyway.

2. Visit Cours Saleya Market

Right next to the Old Town you’ll find Cours Saleya, Nice’s most famous market.

In the mornings it’s full of flowers, fruit, vegetables and local products, while Mondays turn into an antiques market instead. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s worth walking through just to experience the atmosphere. It gets busy later in the day, so if you want to avoid the crowds, head there earlier in the morning.

3. Eat Authentic Socca

You can’t leave Nice without trying socca.

It’s basically a thin pancake made from chickpea flour and it’s one of Nice’s most famous local dishes. It sounds simple, but it was honestly one of my favourite things I ate while I was there.

You’ll find several places selling it around Vieux Nice and Cours Saleya, so it’s an easy snack while you’re exploring the city.

4. Walk the Promenade des Anglais

No list of the best things to do in Nice, France would be complete without the Promenade des Anglais.

This long promenade runs along the coastline for several kilometres and is probably the city’s most iconic place. Whether you’re walking, cycling or just sitting on one of the benches looking at the Mediterranean, you’ll probably end up here more than once during your trip.

I actually preferred coming here towards sunset when it started cooling down a bit and the light over the sea was beautiful.

5. Relax on Nice Beach

After walking around the city all morning, spending a couple of hours at the beach is never a bad idea.

One thing to know before you arrive though: Nice doesn’t have sandy beaches. They’re made of pebbles, so don’t expect soft white sand like you might find elsewhere in Europe.

The water is incredibly clear though, and if you’re visiting during summer it’s the perfect place to cool off before heading back into the city. Just don’t forget water shoes if you’re not used to walking on pebbles.

6. Join a Food & Wine Tour

One of the best things to do in Nice, France if you enjoy local food is joining a guided food and wine tour.

It’s an easy way to try some of Nice’s most famous dishes without having to research where to eat yourself. Most tours include stops to taste local specialities such as socca, pissaladière, cheeses, pastries and wines while learning a bit more about the city’s history along the way.

7. Visit Place Masséna

Place Masséna is the city’s main square and you’ll almost certainly walk through it several times.

It’s the point where the Old Town meets the newer part of Nice and it’s surrounded by cafés, shops and restaurants. The famous red buildings and black-and-white tiled floor also make it one of the most photographed places in the city.

It’s not somewhere you’ll spend hours, but it’s definitely worth stopping for a few minutes while walking between attractions.

8. Visit Place Rossetti

Place Rossetti was one of my favourite little squares in Nice.

It’s located right in the middle of the Old Town and is home to the beautiful Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate. Around it you’ll find cafés, restaurants and one of the city’s most famous ice cream shops, which usually has a queue stretching across the square.

It’s the kind of place where it’s worth sitting down for a few minutes, grabbing an ice cream and simply watching the world go by.

9. Visit Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate

Even if you’re not usually interested in churches, I’d still recommend stepping inside Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate.

The cathedral dates back to the 17th century and the inside is far more impressive than the outside suggests, with colourful decorations, paintings and ornate details throughout.

Since it’s located in Place Rossetti, you don’t need to go out of your way to visit it, making it an easy stop while exploring the Old Town.

10. Walk Around Port Lympia

If you want a break from the crowds around the Old Town, walk over to Port Lympia.

This is Nice’s old harbour, where you’ll find everything from small fishing boats to luxury yachts. The atmosphere here feels a bit calmer than around the promenade and it’s a nice area to simply walk around while enjoying the views over the marina.

There are also plenty of cafés and restaurants around the port if you fancy stopping for a drink.

11. Discover Coco Beach

If you want to escape the busiest beaches in Nice, head to Coco Beach.

This isn’t your typical beach with rows of sunbeds. Instead, it’s a rocky stretch of coastline where locals come to swim and sunbathe away from the tourist crowds.

The water here is incredibly clear and it’s one of the best places to swim if you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter. Just keep in mind that it’s rocky, so bringing water shoes is definitely a good idea.

12. Visit the Matisse Museum

If you’re into art, the Matisse Museum is one of the best museums in Nice.

Located in the quieter Cimiez neighbourhood, it houses one of the largest collections of Henri Matisse’s work, including paintings, drawings and sculptures from different stages of his life.

Even if you’re not a huge art fan, it’s worth considering if you want a break from walking around the city, especially on a hot or rainy day.

13. Visit the Chagall Museum

Another museum that’s worth visiting is the Marc Chagall National Museum.

It’s dedicated almost entirely to the artist’s biblical works and is considered one of the most important collections of Chagall paintings in the world.

The museum isn’t huge, so you can visit it in around an hour or two, making it an easy addition to your itinerary if you’re interested in art and culture.

14. Visit MAMAC

If modern and contemporary art is more your thing, head to MAMAC.

Located close to Place Garibaldi, the museum showcases works from the 1950s onwards, with artists such as Yves Klein, Niki de Saint Phalle and Andy Warhol.

The rooftop terrace is also worth visiting, as it offers another nice view over the city.

15. Climb Castle Hill

If I had to pick just one viewpoint in Nice, it’d be Castle Hill.

Don’t expect to find an actual castle because there isn’t one anymore, but the views from the top are incredible. From up there you can see the Old Town, the Promenade des Anglais, the port and the coastline stretching along the French Riviera.

You can either walk up the stairs or take the free lift if you don’t feel like climbing. Either way, this is easily one of the best things to do in Nice, France.

16. Take a Sunset Cruise

Seeing Nice from the water gives you a completely different perspective of the city.

If you’re looking for something a bit more special than simply watching the sunset from the Promenade des Anglais, I’d recommend booking a sunset cruise. Most tours leave in the evening, sailing along the coastline while the sun sets over the Mediterranean, and some even include drinks on board.

It’s definitely one of the more memorable experiences you can have in Nice.

17. Explore Nice at Night

Once the day-trippers leave, Nice becomes much more relaxed.

The Old Town stays lively with restaurants, bars and people eating outside, while the Promenade des Anglais is beautiful to walk after sunset when the temperatures are cooler.

I wasn’t out partying or staying out late, but I did enjoy walking around after dinner. The city still felt alive without being chaotic, making it a nice way to end the day before heading back to your accommodation.

Best Day Trips from Nice You Shouldn’t Miss

If I’m completely honest, this is the biggest reason I’d recommend staying in Nice.

Nice is a beautiful city and definitely worth visiting, but after a day you’ve already seen most of the main attractions. What makes it such a fantastic destination is its location. You can hop on a train in the morning and be exploring a completely different town — or even another country — in less than an hour.

I spent my days using Nice as a base to explore the French Riviera, and looking back, those day trips ended up being my favourite part of the whole trip. If you have more than one day in Nice, don’t spend it all in the city. Get on a train and explore the coastline.

Monaco

Monaco was one of the easiest day trips I did from Nice. In less than an hour I found myself walking around a completely different country, exploring the famous Monte Carlo Casino, the harbour filled with luxury yachts and the historic old town.

It’s small enough to visit in just a few hours, making it perfect to combine with another destination if you’re short on time.

Menton

Menton was probably my favorite place on the French Riviera.

Compared to Monaco, it feels much quieter and more authentic, with colourful streets, beautiful sea views and a relaxed atmosphere that made me want to stay much longer than I actually did. If you’re choosing just one day trip from Nice, this would honestly be my recommendation.

→ Day Trip to Menton from Nice: The Perfect Itinerary (2026)

→ 25 Best Things to Do in Menton, France (2026 Guide)

→ Nice to Menton: Best Ways to Get There

→ Menton Guide (2026): Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting The Most Beautiful Village of the French Riviera

→ Menton Itinerary: How I’d Spend 1, 2 or 3 Days in Menton (2026)

Èze

Perched high above the Mediterranean, Èze is one of the most beautiful villages on the French Riviera.

Its medieval streets, stone buildings and incredible viewpoints make it completely different from the coastal towns. It’s quite small, so you don’t need a full day here, but it’s absolutely worth visiting if you’re looking for those classic postcard views over the Côte d’Azur.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

If you want somewhere a little more relaxed than Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a great option.

It’s only a few minutes away by train, yet it feels completely different. The colourful waterfront, small harbour and peaceful beaches make it the perfect place to slow down for a few hours. If I were doing another French Riviera trip, I’d probably come back here just to spend an afternoon by the water.

Cannes

Most people know Cannes because of the film festival, but it’s worth visiting even when there isn’t a red carpet in sight.

Walk along La Croisette, admire the luxury hotels and designer shops, then head into the old town for a completely different atmosphere. It’s another easy day trip from Nice and one of the Riviera’s most famous destinations.

Antibes

Antibes combines beaches, history and one of the prettiest old towns on the French Riviera.

It’s a lovely place to wander around without much of a plan, explore the old walls overlooking the sea and enjoy a slower pace than you’ll usually find in Nice.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence

If you’re looking for something different from the seaside towns, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is worth adding to your itinerary.

This medieval hilltop village is famous for its art galleries, stone streets and incredible countryside views. It’s one of those places where simply wandering around is the main attraction.

Cap Ferrat

Cap Ferrat is one of the most beautiful coastal areas on the French Riviera.

The walking paths around the peninsula offer incredible sea views, hidden coves and some of the most expensive villas in Europe. If you enjoy walking, this is one of the best day trips you can take from Nice.

Verdon Gorge

If you’ve got a car and an extra day, the Verdon Gorge is one of the most impressive day trips from Nice. Known as the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” it’s famous for its turquoise water, huge cliffs and incredible viewpoints.

Don’t want to drive? There are organized day tours from Nice that include transport, so you can visit without worrying about the logistics.

FAQs

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

Some of the best things to do in Nice, France include exploring Vieux Nice, walking along the Promenade des Anglais, climbing Castle Hill, relaxing on the beach and visiting Cours Saleya Market. If you have extra time, I’d also highly recommend taking day trips to Monaco, Menton, Èze or Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Is 3 days enough for Nice?

Yes. Three days gives you enough time to see Nice itself while also exploring some of the French Riviera. I’d spend one day in Nice, one day visiting Monaco and Menton, and another day exploring Èze and Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Is Nice worth visiting?

Absolutely. While I don’t think you need to spend an entire week here, Nice is definitely worth visiting. Besides being a beautiful city, it’s also one of the best bases for exploring the French Riviera.

→ Is Nice Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Is Nice expensive?

Yes, Nice isn’t a cheap destination. Accommodation is usually the biggest expense, especially during summer, although public transport around the French Riviera is surprisingly affordable. Visiting during spring or autumn can help reduce costs.

Is Nice safe?

From my own experience, yes. I spent three days exploring Nice alone and never had any issues. Like any popular European city, just stay aware of your belongings around busy tourist areas and the train station.

→ Is Nice Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

When is the best time to visit Nice?

For me, the best time to visit Nice is between May and June or September and October. You’ll usually get warm weather without the huge crowds and peak summer prices.

→ Best Time to Visit Nice

Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do in Nice, France

If you’re planning a trip to the French Riviera, I’d definitely recommend adding Nice to your itinerary.

One day is enough to see the city’s main highlights, two days lets you include Monaco and Menton, while three days gives you enough time to also visit places like Èze and Villefranche-sur-Mer.

That’s what makes Nice so special. The city itself is beautiful, but it’s also the perfect base for exploring some of the most incredible destinations on the French Riviera. If you have the time, don’t just stay in Nice—jump on a train and discover everything else the region has to offer.

Read My Other Nice Guides

Is Nice Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Day Trips from Nice: 10 Amazing Places You can Easily Visit 

Is Nice Worth visiting? My Honest Review (2026)

Nice, France Solo Travel: A Practical Guide (2026)

How Many Days in Nice do you Need? My Honest Recommendation (2026)

1 Day in Nice: The Perfect Itinerary (2026)

2 Day Nice Itinerary: Nice Plus a French Riviera Day Trip (2026)

Itinerary Nice, France: The Complete Guide for 1 to 4 days (2026)

Nice France Guide (2026): Everything You Need to Know Before You Go