The Bay of Angels provides a sparkling backdrop for this French Riviera city of artists, sun-seekers and a glamorous seafront promenade.
With a history as a playground for aristocrats and celebrities, Nice conjures images of glitz and glamour. Stroll along the stunning Promenade des Anglais and it’s easy to see why. Then, there’s the Old Town of narrow streets lined with grand buildings and museums filled with modern and ancient treasures.
Balmy weather in summer makes for idyllic beach days when you visit Nice from May to September. However, this seaport city is an exciting destination year round with events including the Nice Carnival in February and Christmas markets in the magically illuminated Place Masséna.
Things to do in Nice
Lined with palm trees and stretching from the castle headland to the airport, the Promenade des Anglais is named for 18th-century aristocrats. Get your camera ready for photos with landmarks including the Hotel Negresco with a pastel-coloured dome and the bright blue chair sculpture, La Chaise de SAB.
Choose a spot under a blue and white striped parasol on Opera Plage, the oldest beach in Nice. This pebbly stretch features a dining terrace and even assistants selling swimsuits. Enjoy parasailing at Blue Beach and rent a private cabin with a shower at Ruhl Plage, located on the public Ruhl Beach. It’s just steps from the beach to Vieux Nice, the lively old town of cobblestone streets and specialty shops.
Discover Place Rossetti, dominated by the majestic Sainte-Répérate Cathedral and filled with lively café terraces. Explore the Old Port of Nice (Port Lympia) with antique stores surrounding Castle Hill, then climb the hill for sweeping views. For shopping, browse international retailers on Avenue Jean Médecin and in the prestigious Galeries Lafayette.
Art and culture in Nice
Be inspired at the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Nice, with works from avant-garde artists including Andy Warhol. In the Massena Museum, admire furniture and works of art highlighting the Riviera’s history, along with Napoleon Bonaparte memorabilia. The Palais Lascaris wraps you in the opulence of aristocratic chambers and features a magnificent musical instrument collection.
To see grand palaces and villas, stroll around the hilltop Cimiez neighbourhood, an ancient Roman fortification. Remnants include the ruins of an ancient amphitheatre in the Archaeological Museum of Nice. Visit the Cimiez Monastery, with historical paintings and a lovely rose garden with views across the city to the sea.
Dining and nightlife in Nice
It’s easy to find pan bagnat, scrumptious sandwiches stuffed with eggs, tuna and olives, while visiting Nice. To fill your baskets with picnic treats, take your pick of fresh produce from the Cours Saleya market next to the Marché aux Fleurs flower market. Find the fresh catch of the day at the Fish Market in Saint-Francois square.
Along Promenade des Anglais, there’s no shortage of restaurants and bars with ocean views to enjoy while dining on Niçoise salad and sipping wine from local vineyards. Settle in by the fountain at Place Rossetti for dinner before bar hopping in the surrounding old town streets and at Place Garibaldi. Dress up for a night out at Théâtre National de Nice, one of the most prestigious performance venues of the Côte d'Azur.
Getting around Nice
Fly into Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, which is less than 20 minutes by tram, bus or rental car to the city centre. As a compact city, the best way to get around Nice is on foot or by bike. Ride share services and taxis are readily available. A reliable public transport system, including from the Nice-Ville train station, ensures easy exploration further afield. Take the train to spectacular day trip destinations, including Monaco and Cannes.
