Why Nice is perfect for a city break
Nice sits on the French Riviera, between the mountains and the Mediterranean. It’s big enough to keep you busy for days, but compact enough to walk almost everywhere. The city mixes Italian-style old streets, Belle Époque architecture, local markets and long seaside promenades in a way that feels relaxed rather than rushed.
If you’re planning a short trip and wondering about must do things in Nice, France, think of three main areas: the seafront, the Old Town, and the hills and viewpoints. Add some food stops, a market or two, and a small museum, and the trip starts to feel complete without being overloaded or stressful.
Nice also works in almost any season. In summer, it’s all about beach time, swimming and long evenings outdoors. In spring and autumn, it’s easier to walk, visit museums and enjoy café terraces without the heat. Even in winter, the city is usually mild and sunny compared with much of Europe, so there are still plenty of things to do in Nice weather that’s cooler but pleasant, from coastal walks to gallery visits.
Nice gets around 300 days of sunshine a year, which is one of the reasons so many painters, writers and musicians spent time here.
Classic things to do by the sea
Stroll the Promenade des Anglais
If you’re making a list of things to see in Nice, the Promenade des Anglais is near the top. This wide waterfront walkway runs for about 7 km along the Baie des Anges. It’s lined with palm trees, blue chairs, bike lanes and a mix of grand hotels and apartment blocks.
A slow walk at sunset is one of the most popular things to do in Nice. The light turns golden, locals jog or cycle past, and planes skim low over the sea as they land at the nearby airport. For a more relaxed pace, sit in one of the famous blue chairs and just watch people go by, with the sound of the waves in the background.
If you’re staying longer or feeling energetic, rent a bike, scooter or rollerblades along the promenade. Even just going from the Old Town area to the large “NICE” sign near the port gives a great sense of the city’s curve along the bay and how the sea shapes everyday life here.
Experience Nice’s beaches
Nice’s beaches are mostly pebble beaches, not sand. It surprises many people at first, but the water is very clear and turns a beautiful deep blue on sunny days.
There are two options:
- Public beaches – free, just bring a towel or rent a mat. Water shoes or sandals help with the stones.
- Private beach clubs – paid entry with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and a restaurant or bar.
For families, the gentle slope into the sea makes swimming easier once you’re past the stones at the edge. In summer, lifeguards watch the main sections, which adds peace of mind. Earlier or later in the year, beaches are quieter but still popular for sunbathing, reading and picnics. On cooler days, many people simply sit on the shore to enjoy the view and the sound of the waves.
Walk to the port and admire the boats
At the eastern end of the promenade, the coastline curves around towards Port Lympia. This harbour area has colourful buildings, fishing boats, big yachts and ferries heading to Corsica.
The port is calmer than the central seafront. Cafés and bars line the quays, making it a pleasant place for a drink or a simple plate of seafood while you watch the boats move in and out. For nice weather strolls, this is one of the most relaxed nice to do areas, especially in late afternoon when the light hits the coloured facades and the water glows.
Old Town charm and city life
Get lost in Vieux Nice
Vieux Nice (the Old Town) is a maze of narrow streets, tall houses and small squares. It feels more Italian than French at times, which makes sense: Nice was part of the Kingdom of Sardinia until the 19th century.
This area is full of small shops, ice-cream stands, bakeries and casual restaurants. Walking around is one of the easiest answers to “Nice – what to do and see?” Just follow whichever alley looks interesting and step into churches or courtyards when doors are open. You’ll often find laundry hanging above you, the smell of cooking from open windows, and local residents chatting in the street.
A few highlights:
- Place Rossetti – central square with the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate and several popular gelato shops.
- Rue de la Préfecture – bars, small restaurants and souvenir shops.
- Baroque churches – richly decorated interiors, often plain on the outside but surprisingly ornate inside.
Slow down here and let yourself wander. Sitting for a coffee in a side street or trying a pastry from a local bakery can be just as memorable as ticking off big sights.
Browse Cours Saleya market
Cours Saleya is the main market street in the Old Town, running parallel to the sea. In the morning (except Mondays), stalls overflow with flowers, fruit, vegetables, cheese, spices and local products like olive oil and tapenade. The colours and scents make it one of the most atmospheric places to visit in Nice.
For an easy lunch, grab:
- Socca – a thin chickpea pancake, crispy on the edges and soft inside.
- Pissaladière – a kind of onion tart topped with anchovies and olives.
- Pan bagnat – a round sandwich with tuna, egg, vegetables and olive oil.
On Mondays, the space turns into an antique and flea market, good for browsing old posters, books, dishes and curiosities. Cours Saleya is busy and touristy, but still has a lively, local feel that makes it one of the must do things in Nice, France, especially if you enjoy markets and people-watching.
Relax on Place Masséna and in the city centre
Leaving the Old Town, Place Masséna is the main central square, with red buildings, checkerboard paving and modern statues perched on tall poles that light up at night. It links the Old Town to the more modern shopping streets and the tram line, so you’ll probably cross it several times during your stay.
Close by, the Promenade du Paillon is a long green park that runs through the city. It has lawns, fountains, children’s play areas and shaded benches. On warm days, kids run through the water jets while adults relax under the trees or lie on the grass with a book. This park is a simple but very pleasant answer to “what to do in Nice” if you need a break from walking and sightseeing and just want to enjoy the open air.
Views, hills and coastal walks
Climb (or ride) up Castle Hill
Colline du Château, often called Castle Hill, is one of the best viewpoints in Nice. There is no castle left, but the hill has a park, a waterfall and several panoramic terraces.
There are three ways up:
- Walk the steps from the Old Town or seafront (short but steep).
- Take the free public lift from the seafront level.
- Join a little tourist train that drives up from the promenade.
At the top, views stretch over the Baie des Anges in one direction and the port in the other. On clear days, the Alps are visible in the distance. It’s an excellent place for photos, a picnic or just a quiet pause between activities. Sunset and early morning are particularly special times if you want softer light and fewer people.
Walk the coastal path to Villefranche-sur-Mer
If you enjoy easy walks, combining Nice with the nearby village of Villefranche-sur-Mer is a great idea. Starting near the Nice port, paths follow the coastline around Cap de Nice, with sea views, small coves and villas hidden behind garden walls.
The walk to Villefranche can take around an hour, depending on the route and pace. At the end, the reward is one of the prettiest bays on this part of the coast, with sandy areas, colourful houses and waterside cafés where you can rest with a drink or a simple meal. The train back to Nice takes less than 10 minutes, so this outing fits easily into a half-day.
Take a scenic bus ride to the hilltop villages
If time allows, some of the best things to see in Nice are actually just outside the city. Local buses climb into the hills to reach villages like Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Èze hangs dramatically on a cliff with views over the whole coast, and its exotic garden at the top is a highlight on clear days. Saint-Paul-de-Vence is full of art galleries and stone lanes, with a long history of attracting painters and writers. Both feel like a different world compared with the bustle of the seafront, yet they are reachable in under an hour, making them easy additions to a city break.
Art, culture and rainy-day ideas
Explore Nice’s art museums
Nice has long attracted artists, so it’s no surprise that art is a big part of local culture. For days with uncertain Nice weather, museums become very appealing and give you a deeper sense of the city’s creative side.
Some key options:
- Matisse Museum – set in a villa in the Cimiez district, this museum shows the work Henri Matisse created while living in Nice and nearby towns, along with objects from his studio.
- Marc Chagall National Museum – houses a collection of Chagall’s colourful, dreamlike paintings, many inspired by biblical themes and arranged in bright, modern rooms.
- Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC) – modern and contemporary art, including works linked to the “École de Nice” art movement, as well as temporary exhibitions and a rooftop terrace with views.
Many museums in Nice are free or inexpensive, especially for EU residents under a certain age. City passes also exist that combine transport and museum entry, useful if you’re planning several visits and want to organise a full cultural day.
Discover local food and drink
Part of any list of to do in Nice, France activities should involve eating. Local cuisine is Mediterranean, with lots of vegetables, olive oil and fresh fish. Besides the market snacks already mentioned, look for:
- Salade niçoise – local salad of tomato, egg, tuna (or anchovies), olives and vegetables, usually dressed with olive oil rather than mayonnaise.
- Ratatouille – slow-cooked vegetables, often served as a side dish or a light main course.
- Farçis niçois – stuffed vegetables like tomatoes, courgettes and peppers, filled with a savoury mixture and baked.
For drinks, rosé wine is popular in warm weather, and many bars offer local craft beers or a glass of chilled white from nearby Provence. Café terraces all over the city make it easy to pause between activities, taste regional specialities and simply enjoy the atmosphere of everyday life in Nice.
Practical tips and useful Nice, France facts
Getting around and timing your visit
Nice has a simple and efficient transport system. Trams and buses cover most areas visitors need, and tickets are relatively cheap. The city centre, seafront and Old Town are all walkable, so many people use public transport only for the airport, the hills or nearby towns.
The main tourist season runs from late spring to early autumn. Summer brings beach weather and long days, but also more crowds and higher prices. For a city break focused on walking, museums and food, late April to early June or September to October often offers a good balance of pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors. If you don’t mind cooler evenings, winter can be a peaceful time to enjoy the seafront and museums with very few crowds.
Short list: top must do things in Nice, France
To wrap up, here is a quick checklist of key todo Nice experiences for a first visit:
- Walk the Promenade des Anglais at sunset.
- Climb or ride up Castle Hill for views over the bay.
- Wander the streets of Vieux Nice and eat socca at Cours Saleya.
- Swim or sunbathe on a Nice beach, public or private.
- Spend an hour in at least one art museum (Matisse, Chagall or MAMAC).
- Take a half-day trip to Villefranche-sur-Mer or a hilltop village like Èze.
- Relax with a drink on Place Masséna or in the Promenade du Paillon park.
Nice works well for a weekend, but also rewards longer stays. Whether your priority is sea views, food, art or simply wandering through pretty streets, there is always something to do in Nice, France that fits your mood, your interests and the weather.