What to in Nice France: Things to Do in Nice Travel Guide for the French Riviera

Visit Nice with Confidence: A Luxury Travel Guide to Things to Do in Nice, Days in the City & Sights in Nice

Baie des Anges (along the Bay of Angels) and the Promenade des Anglais on a bright Mediterranean morning

Wondering how much time in Nice is just right for your travel style—and even if you originally searched “what to do in Nice, France”? This luxury-focused guide helps you plan a trip to Nice that feels effortless, unhurried, and genuinely special, whether you have two days or a longer escape. One of the top attractions is the iconic Promenade des Anglais, stretching along the radiant Baie des Anges. Here, the Mediterranean light sets the scene for a classic seaside stroll, a relaxed café stop, and memorable photos. Balance beach time with culture in the old town of Nice (Vieux Nice), take in panoramic views from Castle Hill, and step into a museum itinerary that matches your taste. Nice is known for its elegant blend of French and Italian influences, breathtaking seascapes, and a prime location near the Côte d’Azur, making it ideal for planning a day trip without stress. Whether you want a polished beach club afternoon, a private beach reservation, or local markets in Old Nice, this destination delivers style with substance. The best time to visit Nice is typically April to June or September to October, when the weather is mild, and the city feels beautifully spread out. If your schedule is flexible, that’s often the best time to visit for a calmer atmosphere, better restaurant access, and a more relaxed time to visit the region with expert support.

Promenade des Anglais Beach Time: Beach Clubs, Private Beach Comfort, and French Riviera Yacht Views

Beach clubs along the Promenade des Anglais with views over the Baie des Anges

Begin your morning with a leisurely stroll along the Promenade des Anglais—along the promenade des anglais, you’ll quickly feel why this is the heart of Nice for both locals and visitors. The atmosphere near Quai des États-Unis, across from the beach, blends elegance with everyday life, ideal for people-watching and a simple coffee. Those first panoramic views are one of the top things to do in Nice, instantly connecting you to the sea and the city. When exploring the beach scene, you’ll find a clear choice between public beaches and a private beach experience. A beach club like Ruhl Plage can deliver discreet service with loungers, towels, and attentive staff, while Plage Beau Rivage and Blue Beach add a glamorous Riviera rhythm. For many travellers, this single attraction defines the mood of the day: casual, curated, and beautifully Mediterranean. For those seeking a signature upgrade, consider a private yacht tour along the French Riviera coastline. Glide past the city of Nice, stop for a swim in turquoise water, and return near the port as the light softens over Castle Hill. With transfers and reservations handled in advance, this kind of crafted day feels seamless from start to finish. To keep everything smooth, reserve your preferred beach club and yacht experience early, particularly in July and August. With the right planning support, you can simply show up, settle in, and let the French Riviera do the rest.

Old Town Magic in Vieux Nice: Cours Saleya, Palais Details, and Nice Cathedral in Old Nice

Vieux Nice lanes and the lively Cours Saleya market in the old town

To truly visit Nice, set aside time to explore Vieux Nice—also known as the Old Town—where narrow lanes, colourful shutters, and Baroque façades create a timeless atmosphere. This is one of the top experiences for authentic Nice, and it’s also where the town of Nice feels most intimate and walkable. Pause often, follow your curiosity, and let the neighbourhood reveal itself at your pace. Make your way to Cours Saleya, home to the famed flower market and the historic marché aux fleurs (aux fleurs). Between seasonal bouquets and local food stalls, it’s easy to linger with a fresh snack and a quick espresso, soaking up the energy of the French Riviera beyond the shoreline. If you love photographing markets, this is also one of the best places to capture daily life.

Discovering Baroque Architecture and Local Life in the Old Town

Palais Lascaris, a seventeenth-century palais filled with frescoes and a rare instrument collection, is worth a visit for its quiet grandeur. Nearby, the Nice Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate) remains one of the old town’s most striking landmarks, offering a calm contrast to the busy lanes. Add a few small chapels and hidden courtyards, and your time in Nice becomes both cultural and restorative.

Colline du Château and Castle Hill: Panoramic Views Above the Bay

No luxury stay is complete without heading up to Castle Hill—locally called Colline du Château—for a green escape set above Vieux Nice. The stroll up is gentle if you take it slowly, and the reward is immediate: panoramic views over the Baie des Anges, terracotta rooftops, and the coastline of southern France. From the du château viewpoint, even a simple picnic can become a highlight and a lasting family memory.

Museums in Nice: Contemporary Art, Chagall Museum Highlights, Matisse Museum, and MAMAC

A museum day in Nice: from the Chagall museum to MAMAC’s modern and contemporary art collections

One of the best things about exploring Nice is its artistic heritage, which draws collectors, creatives, and design lovers well beyond the beach. A well-paced museum afternoon adds depth to your itinerary and shows another side of the French Riviera. Start with the Marc Chagall National Museum (Chagall museum), then plan to visit the Chagall Museum with a guide for context on the colour, symbolism, and light. Continue to Cimiez to see the Matisse Museum and understand why Henri Matisse chose to live and work here. In these galleries, the South of France feels less like a postcard and more like a living source of inspiration. This is a refined way to slow your schedule without missing the city’s top attractions.

Modern and Contemporary Art at MAMAC (Museum of Modern and Contemporary)

MAMAC—the museum of modern and contemporary art—remains a must for anyone interested in modern and contemporary art and the region’s boldest movements. Expect rotating exhibitions, Pop Art energy, and rooftop panoramas that reframe the city in a single glance. For design-minded travellers, this is an easy highlight to pair with a nearby café stop.

Seasonal Culture: Planning Days in Nice Around Carnaval de Nice

For a festive twist, consider planning your days in Nice around the internationally renowned Carnaval de Nice. With reserved grandstand seating and thoughtful timing, you can enjoy parades, music, and confetti comfortably, without feeling rushed. It’s a reminder that Nice is as much a cultural city as it is a seaside escape.

Gourmet Nice: Michelin Stars, Cocktails, and Le Negresco for an Elegant Evening

Gourmet dining in Nice with Mediterranean views and a polished Riviera pace

For sophisticated travellers, Nice offers standout dining among the best places on the French Riviera, from Michelin-starred tasting menus to intimate wine bars. Restaurants such as Jan and Flaveurs bring creativity to local ingredients, delivering a memorable counterpoint to a day on the beach. Book ahead so dinner feels like a celebration, not a logistical puzzle. Travel tips for fine dining are simple: greet staff with “Bonjour,” dress elegantly casual, and tip 5–10% when appropriate if service isn’t included. These small details help you settle into the local rhythm and enjoy each meal with ease. If you plan to visit France for the first time, this approach sets a confident tone. A personal story captures the mood—one couple celebrating their anniversary described a sunset dinner overlooking the Mediterranean as “an evening that glowed with intimacy and a sense of being cherished by the city itself.” This is the essence of luxury here: refined, personal, and beautifully relaxed.

Refined Evenings: Aperitifs at a Café and the Iconic Le Negresco

As the lights soften, enjoyan aperitif hour at a classic café before drifting back toward the water. Cocktails along the Promenade des Anglais or a Champagne moment at Le Negresco deliver the city’s signature glamour—especially if your hotel is across from the beach and you can wander home after dinner. For many, this becomes the single “best thing” memory they talk about for years.

Around the French Riviera: Day Trips from Nice to Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Antibes

Exploring the French Riviera with easy day trips from Nice to Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Antibes

With a prime location near legendary coastal towns, day trips from Nice are effortless and rewarding. This part of the itinerary is ideal for balancing beach mornings with an afternoon of discovery, then returning to the city for a relaxed evening. If you want variety without constant packing, this is the perfect plan.

Nice and Monaco: Monte Carlo Glamour on a Day Trip

A day trip to Monaco offers a polished mix of gardens, architecture, and Monte Carlo elegance. If you’ve just arrived in Nice, this is one of the easiest excursions to organise, and it pairs beautifully with coastal views along the route. Many travellers love combining Nice and Monaco in one day for a high-contrast Riviera experience that still feels smooth.

Villefranche-sur-Mer and Antibes: A Slower Riviera Escape

For a slower pace, Villefranche-sur-Mer delivers pastel harbour scenes, calm water, and an easy waterfront lunch. Enjoy a swim, then stroll the promenade and imagine the villa-lined hills that have drawn artists for generations. Antibes is another rewarding day trip, mixing markets, ramparts, and small galleries—perfect if you want both culture and beach time on the south of France.

• For exploring the French Riviera, book private transfers or choose the scenic way to travel: Nice by train, stopping at coastal towns.
• Leave space for unplanned discoveries—regional cafés, pop-up markets, and spontaneous panoramic views are often the most memorable.

Stay in Nice: Hotel in Nice, Nice Airport Transfers, Avenue Jean Médecin Shopping Street & Travel Tips

Choosing a hotel in Nice with a prime location near the Promenade and near the port

Choosing a hotel in Nice shapes the entire experience, from morning swims to late-night aperitifs. Options range from grand seaside addresses along the Promenade des Anglais to a boutique hideaway set in the heart of the city, plus quieter choices near the port for a calmer feel. Consider what matters most—beach access, dining walkability, or a restful base between day trips. Arrivals are straightforward via Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (Nice airport), with private chauffeured cars offering discreet, door-to-door comfort. The tram and buses connect neighbourhoods efficiently, and Nice Ville station makes it easy for independent travellers to reach Riviera routes. With a concierge organising timings and tickets, you’ll move through the city with confidence and less waiting.

Shopping, Style, and Practicalities for a Smooth Stay

Avenue Jean-Médecin is the main shopping street for department stores and well-known brands, while the Old Town is ideal for artisan finds and unique boutique souvenirs. Pack a capsule wardrobe that moves easily from beach club afternoons to elegant dinners, and you’ll feel prepared without overpacking. Safety is generally reassuring, yet it’s wise to keep documents secure in crowded areas and use your hotel safe when available. Ask your concierge for local guidance and taxi recommendations, especially during busy festivals. This approach keeps the heart of the city enjoyable and stress-free. For more itinerary inspiration and handpicked experiences, visit our Trip gallery.

F.A.Qs:

What not to miss in Nice, France?

Do not miss strolling the Promenade des Anglais, exploring the Old Town (Vieux Nice), visiting Cours Saleya’s markets, ascending Castle Hill for panoramic views, and experiencing local art museums.

What is Nice France best known for?

Nice is best known for its French Riviera location, the iconic Promenade des Anglais, Mediterranean beaches, vibrant Old Town, lively markets, rich Baroque architecture and a welcoming cosmopolitan culture.

Is Nice, France worth visiting?

Absolutely. Nice offers a crafted blend of Mediterranean beauty, local culture, world-class dining, luxury services, and effortless access to the entire French Riviera, making every visit truly worthwhile.

What to do in 3 days in Nice?

Spend 3 days discovering the Promenade des Anglais, enjoying local cuisine, exploring Old Town and its markets, visiting museums like the Chagall Museum, relaxing at a private beach club, and considering a day trip to Monaco or Antibes.

What Stayed With Us After Nice

There is a quiet, golden light that lingers after time in Nice, long after the last beach afternoon and the final dinner reservation. What remains isn’t just a checklist, but small rituals—a warm “Bonjour,” a slow evening stroll, and the gentle sound of the Mediterranean as the day fades. It’s the details: a seamless beach day, an unexpected conversation in an Old Town market, laughter echoing up Castle Hill, or the hush as you step into a museum gallery. These are the activities in Nice that become personal signatures, and they’re often why travellers return—again and again. Nice invites you back, not out of urgency, but out of gratitude for what you discovered and curiosity for what still waits. When you depart, let the light and your memories remind you that the city will welcome you whenever you choose.