Sightseeing
Nice, France is a fantastic destination for sightseeing due to its rich history and spectacular views. One of the city’s major attractions is the Promenade des Anglais, a stunning walkway along the sea with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Other popular attractions include the Old Town of Nice, the Cathedrale Ste-Reparate, and the view from Castle Hill. Furthermore, the city is full of incredible museums and galleries to explore.
Let’s take a look at some of the incredible sights you can see in Nice:
Visit the Promenade des Anglais
The Promenade des Anglais is an identifiable landmark in Nice, France, and is a must-see for any visitor. It is located near the city’s historical center and traces the beautiful Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels). Stretching for almost 7 km along Nice’s stunning coastline, it is easy to find and explore on foot.
The iconic Promenade offers spectacular views of the bay and its bustling port, which can be appreciated from one of its many well-placed terraces or beach platforms. Along with this exceptional scenery come attractions such as Castle Hill, which leads to Mont Boron – a peak providing unparalleled city views. Bordered by elegant boulevards and some of Nice’s best shops, restaurants, and hotels, it represents an ideal spot to unwind after a long day exploring or strolling in town.
Furthermore, outdoor activities are available here, such as bike rental stands and a skatepark for skaters! At night time, you can take part in open-air painting galleries taking on exclusively Impressionist works or enjoy live jazz music in many places. Head to Place Massena Square, which houses The Fountain Musical Show with constantly changing performances each night during summer! For those looking for after–dark amusement options, there’s plenty on hand – including bars with terraces to suit all tastes –ranging from beachfront shacks featuring live DJ sets to modern cocktail bars offering sophisticated drinks until late at night.
You’ll certainly not regret whatever you do while visiting Promenade des Anglais!
Explore the Old Town
Nice’s Old Town, known as Vieux Nice, is a treasure trove of narrow cobbled lanes and grand buildings. It’s a fascinating and fun place to explore, with quaint boutiques full of local specialties and artisan cafés spilling out onto picturesque squares. Moments away from the busy coastline, you can soak up the centuries of history of the old town area.
Wander through streets such as Rue Droite and Budéai, where beautifully preserved 16th-century buildings house antique shops, tea rooms, luxury boutiques, and art galleries. Don’t forget to take some time to relax in Place Rossetti or sit back and admire Vieux Nice’s stunning Baroque architecture from Avenue de Jean-Médecin. Whether you explore on foot or wander via scooter or bicycle, you will find leafy alleyways leading off in all directions waiting for you to discover them.
Take a Walk along the Beach
A must-do on any tour of Nice is to take a stroll along its beautiful beach. The long stretch of beach, over 6 miles long, offers plenty of room for exploring. The atmosphere is abuzz with the soundtrack of waves and seagulls, and meals can be savored at one of the high-class restaurants along the Promenade des Anglais or casual eateries scattered throughout the city.
The Promenade des Anglais is also home to many activities you can enjoy while in Nice. There are many ways to have fun in the sun, from bocce to beach volleyball, segways, and bike rentals. And don’t forget about Nice’s traditional markets (the Cours Saleya Market on Tuesday & Thursday mornings). You can peruse the booths filled with handmade crafts, freshly baked pastries, and local cuisine – an experience that shouldn’t be missed!
Shopping
There are plenty of shops in Nice, France, where you can buy souvenirs and gifts for yourself or your loved ones. From high-end fashion stores to flea markets, there’s something for everyone. So whether you’re looking for a unique item or something more traditional, you can find it in Nice.
Let’s explore some of the best shopping spots in the city:
Visit the Cours Saleya Market
The Cours Saleya Market offers a wide range of local fruits, vegetables, and flowers that will delight any visitor’s senses. The market also features various stalls selling pasta, cheese, and other typical French delights such as olive oil, mustard, honey, and pastries. You’ll find the freshest fruit and vegetables at this outdoor market!
Open every day except Mondays, the Cours Saleya Market has long been an integral part of life in Nice. Local farmers have been bringing their produce to the market since 1892, when it was first established. Today you can find everything from juicy oranges to succulent strawberries here.
Brow through all the Cours Saleya Market offers – from beautiful flowers to delicious treats like macarons – before you go down Rue de l’Oratoire for unique shopping finds from local boutique shops. With so much to explore in this vibrant area, the Cours Saleya Market is a must-visit place in Nice!
Shop in the Designer Boutiques
Nice offers a range of designer boutiques and local shops selling locally crafted products. In addition, many international luxury brands, such as Armani, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Versace, are represented here.
If you’re keen to splurge on designer shopping, the real hotspot is ‘Promenade des Anglais’ – the famous long beachfront Promenade lined with chic terraces, restaurants, and souvenir shops. The area is also home to Place Massena – the main square in Nice, with numerous shopping opportunities. Here you’ll find high-end boutiques such as Cartier and Hermes scattered across various small stores making up an upscale marketplace.
A bit further out from Place Massena is Nice Etoile – this busy shopping mall has designer stores such as Zara, Nike, and Diesel spread across two levels, along with a slew of small trader stalls dotted around the edge of it all.
Explore the Local Stores in the Old Town
One of the best things to do in Nice is to explore the local stores in the city’s Old Town. You can find everything from artisanal olive oils, spices, leather products, and cheeses to handcrafted jewelry and ceramics here.
The narrow cobblestone streets of Vie Mayan and Courseuil offer the opportunity to mix with locals, who often come here to pick up fresh produce for their daily meals. However, the best way to experience this historic quarter is on foot – don’t miss exploring the charming covered alleyways. You may even stumble across a flea market where you can pick up a bargain!
If souvenirs are on your mind, seek out one of the many boutiques that sell locally made items such as jewelry, clothing, and traditional food specialties like Nissart honey or olive oil soap. And if you need a break after all that shopping, grab an empanada or café au lait at one of the area’s bustling cafes before heading home.
Dining
Nice, located on the French Riviera, is a trendy French destination due to its thriving culture, stunning coastline, and stunning cuisine. So it’s no surprise that visitors flock to the area to take a bite out of all its delicious offerings.
From classic French cafes and seafood restaurants to Michelin-starred establishments, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Nice when it comes to dining:
Enjoy the Local Cuisine at La Merenda
No visit to Nice, France, would be complete without enjoying the excellent local cuisine La Merenda offers. This historic restaurant serves up some of the best cuisines in the region, which has been prepared with love since 1926.
Located in the heart of Old Town, La Merenda offers an incredible menu of mouthwatering Mediterranean-style delicacies. Fresh produce, seafood, and hand-selected meats make this a destination that cannot be missed. Enjoy classics like homemade pizza and Italian pasta while indulging in Pissaladière (caramelized onions and anchovies) or socca (chickpea flour flatbread). French specialties like Escargot and Bouillabaisse perfectly round out the menu at La Merenda.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a night out on the town with friends, La Merenda is sure to please. The friendly staff will make sure your experience is one you’ll never forget! So don’t forget to check them out when you enjoy all that Nice offers.
Sample the Seafood at La Petite Maison
If you want a quintessential seafood experience, dine at La Petite Maison. Situated in the Old Town of Nice on the edge of Place Rossetti, its reputation for outstanding food attracts tourists from far and wide.
The menu showcases a blue lobster-like crustacean called a Loup de Mer, or sea bass – an exquisite fish caught wild in the Bay of Angels near Calais. As well as the seafood platter, the restaurant offers a variety of appetizers and salads featuring local produce such as artichoke hearts, green beans with garlic, and tomatoes. The seafood platter includes clams cooked with garlic, shrimp in white wine sauce, fried calamari rings in olive oil, and other traditional dishes showcasing fresh ingredients (also available vegetarian options).
For a taste of Nice’s most famous dish – Socca – diners can savor perfectly cooked flatbread made with gluten-free chickpea flour! Enjoy this delicious cuisine overlooking one of Nice’s beloved monuments alongside your favorite bottle of wine from their extensive selection – making it an unforgettable dining experience.
Sip a Cocktail at the Blue Beach
The Blue Beach bar on Promenade des Anglais is one of the best spots for a glamorous night in Nice. The chic terrazzo terrace overlooking the beach provides a picturesque setting to sip on classic and original cocktails, organic beers, and wines.
Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night enjoy live music with an eclectic mix of genres each evening and soak up the atmosphere in this lively spot. Of course, like most bars along the beachfront, Blue Beach gets crowded after sundown, and to secure your seat, it’s worth planning or going earlier in the evening.
Whether it’s a sunset cocktail or late-night partying under the stars, this elevated clubbing destination is not to be missed while visiting Nice!
Activities
Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, has much to offer to all travelers. Whether looking for exciting activities or a relaxing holiday, Nice has something for everyone. This article will discuss all the activities you can do in Nice, France. From outdoor activities to sightseeing, there is something for everyone in Nice. Let’s get started.
Some of the activities that you can do in Nice include:
- Outdoor activities
- Sightseeing
- Shopping
- Exploring museums and galleries
- Dining in local restaurants
- Visiting local markets
- Visiting the beaches
- Exploring the Old Town
Take a Boat Tour of the French Riviera
Take in the stunning Bay of Angels and the Promenade des Anglais as you cruise along the glittering French Riviera aboard a classic boat tour. With quaint Mediterranean ports, glittering bays, and secluded beaches all within reach, a boat tour offers breathtaking views from a unique perspective.
Tours come in various sizes and itineraries – from leisurely sightseeing trips to thrilling, fast-paced cruises. Whether for one day or an entire weekend voyage, sailing the French Riviera is an experience like no other. Enjoy narration from charismatic local guides who provide insight into the area’s most famous sites, stories, and legends. So take it slow to savor every moment of what promises to be a spectacular journey.
Visit the Matisse Museum
The Matisse Museum is the perfect place to experience the vibrant works of one of the greatest painters of all time – Henri Matisse. Located in the gorgeous seaside city of Nice, France, this museum features some of Matisse’s most notable pieces. In addition, it highlights his life dedicated to art and creating beauty. Whether you’re a fan or a casual visitor, a tour through this museum will bring both inspiration and awe as you experience his grand works.
Established in 1963 by Nicolaï Ricou, a former student of Matisse, this museum now houses over 1,500 artworks created by the French master, such as paintings and sculptures, along with studies and sketches he used in the production process. You’ll also enjoy more intimate works such as gouache (watercolor on paper) collages and a series of his celebrated “cut-outs.” These are exquisite creations when layers of shapes are assembled to form pleasing abstract images.
A visit to the Matisse Museum allows visitors to appreciate French history while also learning more about Matisse’s illustrious life – how he became one of the giants among other prominent painters like Picasso or Cézanne – in addition to understanding how he shaped modern art with his innovative use of color alongside energetic brush strokes for both figurative work and paintings comprising only abstract shapes. It is truly inspirational!
Enjoy the Views from Castle Hill
One of the most breathtaking views of Nice can be experienced from Castle Hill. Located between Place Massena and the port, a trip to the top gives visitors a sweeping panorama of all the colors of the Mediterranean Sea, bustling Promenade des Anglais, stunning Baie des Anges, majestic snowy peaks of the Alps, and magical old city skyline. Coincidentally, this is also where one can find some great historical sites.
The hill is home to two giant fortresses built between the 13th and 16th centuries – Fort Mont Alban and Fort Gomberto. In addition, it’s known for its archaeological remains discovered since 1835, including an ancient cemetery which serves as a reminder that this area was inhabited since immemorial by Celto-Ligurian tribes who later became part of Roman Liguria as Iulia Augusta Nicaorum. Also located on top of Castle Hill is one of Nice’s oldest churches, Chapelle Saint-Pierre, inaugurated in 1793 during the French Revolution.
Along with its historical significance are many leisure activities that can be enjoyed here, such as exploring its centuries-old ruins or picnicking in the park while admiring views overlooking Nice Bay. For those needing some adrenaline rush, hiking trails lead up to Mont Alban, and joggers’ paths weave through pine trees around it. Those looking for something more relaxed can admire nature’s beauty while enjoying classic esplanade views on Château Hill all year round!
Nightlife
Nice, France, is known for its beautiful beaches and landscape, but it also offers exciting nightlife. From trendy bars to lively nightclubs, there is something to do for everyone in Nice.
This article will examine the top things to do in Nice’s nightlife. From live music venues to classic nightclubs, there are plenty of options for those looking for an unforgettable night out.
Enjoy a Show at the Casino Ruhl
Casino Ruhl is an impressive entertainment venue in the center of Nice that offers visitors a unique and immersive experience. From traditional casino games like Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, or Poker to a cozy bar serving cocktails and other refreshments, this historic gem has something for everyone.
But the real attraction is the casino’s impressive stage. Throughout the year, the Casino Ruhl plays host to some of France’s most celebrated performers – pop stars, comedians, magicians, and more – putting on spectacular shows which last well into the night. Visitors can also enjoy regular cabaret evenings with live music and stunning performances.
Set in one of Nice’s most vibrant neighborhoods, this popular hotspot is just a few minutes from many of Nice’s finest restaurants and cafes that serve exquisite French dishes perfect for pre-show dining. Afterward, enjoy a post-performance glass of champagne or stroll down to one of Nice’s iconic beaches to make your night complete beyond compare.
Dance the Night Away at La Plage
Nightlife in Nice, France, is exciting, vibrant, and full of life. Whether you want something casual or a more upscale experience, there is something for everyone. For those who want to dance the night away, La Plage is the Place to be.
Located on the famous Promenade des Anglais along the beachfront of Nice, La Plage is a multifunctional venue that hosts parties inspired by some of the most classic nightclubs worldwide. With its eye-catching graphic design and modern décor, La Plage offers an unforgettable party experience with big DJs spinning house music into the early morning hours in two different rooms and an outside terrace overlooking Baie Des Anges.
La Plage caters to discerning clientele who like to explore exotic beats. The relaxed atmosphere allows clubbers to create new styles or analyze different trends without worrying about pressure or competition from others enjoying this venue’s vibes. Accompanied by state-of-the-art technology such as sound systems and special effects lights, a large energetic crowd dancing into morning hours will guarantee a fantastic experience with a lasting memory.
La Plage’s bottle service packages give you access to front-row tables and generous hospitality, ensuring you can be part of this beautiful nightlife experience that only Nice can provide!
Catch a Live Performance at the Opera de Nice
Opera de Nice is one of the largest theatres in Nice, France. It features various performing arts, ranging from opera and ballet to classical music concerts and popular theatre shows. With its impressive interiors, detailed architecture, and a beautiful view over the nearby bay, this majestic venue is a must-visit for any fan of live entertainment.
The best pieces of the opera repertoire come alive here – from beloved classics such as Carmen to tango performances like Astor Piazzolla’s El Tango – with tickets available for individual shows and subscription packages. The theatre also frequently organizes evening concerts with some of France’s top musicians, choirs, and orchestras, so if you’re looking for an excellent night-time activity in Nice, this is your go-to destination.
In addition to its regular season program, Opera de Nice hosts an annual festival that celebrates all genres of music from across Europe. This year it will feature performances by renowned Spanish flamenco dancer Vicente Amigo and Greek composer Nikos Ziarkas alongside jazz legends United Waters and Spanish jazz vocalist Kata Kadenizi. So no matter how varied your musical tastes are – this stunning venue will surely bring an unforgettable evening of entertainment!