Things to do in Nice
A sunny city on the Mediterranean with a lively old town, a famous seafront and great shopping. Here is how to make the most of Nice.
The Promenade des Anglais
The long seafront promenade curves around the Baie des Anges and is the place to walk, run or cycle in Nice, morning and evening.
Nice, France: the capital of the Côte d'Azur
Nice is the main gateway to the French Riviera and the place most visitors arrive, thanks to the international airport just outside the centre. It is a real city with markets, trams and everyday life, but it also has the sea right on its doorstep.
The best things to do in Nice are refreshingly simple: wander the old town, swim from the pebble beaches, eat well and watch the sunset from the seafront. Nice also makes a superb base for exploring the rest of the coast and southern France.
Explore Vieux Nice and Castle Hill
Vieux Nice, the old town, is a maze of narrow streets, ochre facades and small squares. Come in the morning for the market on Cours Saleya, where flowers, fruit and local produce fill the stalls, and stay for lunch on one of the terraces.
Climb Castle Hill, the Colline du Château, for one of the best views over the city. From the top you can see the old town rooftops, the port and the full sweep of the bay.
Evenings in Nice
When the heat of the day fades, the streets of Nice fill with people heading out for an apéritif and a late dinner.
Beaches and the Promenade des Anglais
The city beaches line the Promenade des Anglais for several kilometres. They are made of smooth pebbles rather than sand, so a pair of water shoes and a thick towel are worth packing. You can choose between free public stretches and private beach clubs with sun loungers and service.
The promenade itself is one of the great urban walks of Europe. Hire a bike, join the joggers early in the morning or simply sit in one of the blue chairs facing the sea.
A city beach
In Nice you can go from a shopping street to a swim in the sea in a matter of minutes.
Shopping in Nice
Nice is a great shopping city, with everything from high street chains to designer boutiques and vintage finds. Avenue Jean Médecin is the main shopping street, the Carré d'Or is home to the luxury labels, and the old town hides second-hand and vintage shops.
Read our full shopping guide to Nice for the best streets, department stores and secondhand gems.
Port Lympia
The harbour is lined with restaurants and colourful buildings, and is a pleasant walk from the old town over the hill.
Day trips from Nice
The coastal railway makes it easy to explore without a car. Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes, Cannes and Monaco are all within easy reach for a day trip, and the hilltop village of Èze is a short bus ride away. Our guide to the French Riviera by train has tips for the journey.
When is the best time to visit Nice?
The best time to visit Nice is from May to June and in September. The sea is warm enough to swim, the days are long and sunny, and the city is less crowded than in high summer.
July and August are hot and busy, with the beaches at their liveliest. Nice has mild winters compared with northern Europe, so it also works well for a winter city break with walks in the sunshine, while February brings the Nice Carnival.
Frequently asked questions about Nice
Is Nice worth visiting?
Yes, Nice is well worth visiting. It combines a lively old town, a long seafront, good food and great shopping with an easy-going Mediterranean rhythm. It is also one of the best bases on the Côte d'Azur, with trains and buses to Monaco, Antibes, Cannes and the hilltop villages.
How many days do you need in Nice?
Three days is enough to enjoy Nice itself: the old town, Castle Hill, the beaches and a museum or two. If you want to add day trips to Monaco, Èze or Antibes, plan for four or five days so you can explore the wider coast without rushing.
Does Nice have sandy beaches?
No, the city beaches in Nice are pebble beaches. The water is clear and the setting is beautiful, but bring water shoes and a comfortable mat or towel. For sand, head to beaches further along the coast, for example around Antibes and Cannes.
How do you get from Nice airport to the city centre?
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is close to the city centre and connected by tram, which is usually the easiest and cheapest option. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also available. Check current routes and fares before you travel.