Nice is a little city that rewards both leisurely walks and active day plans.
It is located on the Baie des Anges and features palm-lined boulevards, colorful vieille ville lanes, and sunny beaches.
Begin your morning at the flower and food vendors, make your way through the narrow streets of the Old Town, and end with a visit to a neighboring vineyard or sunset on the Promenade des Anglais.
This guide compiles the nicest things to do in Nice (pun intended) into a list so you can choose from a full day’s worth of activities or just a few of the best.
Use it to discover fantastic places to visit in Nice, weekend activity suggestions in Nice, and easy activities in Nice, France that fit all paces.
If you love city adventures, check out our guide on things to do in the City.
Top Sights to See
- Stroll the Promenade des Anglais — Walk, bike, or sit looking over the pebbled shore; the Promenade is Nice’s signature seaside avenue and an ideal spot for sunset.
- Explore Vieux Nice (Old Town) — Lose yourself in narrow streets, baroque churches, and the lively Cours Saleya market where socca, flowers, and local produce define the morning energy.
- Climb (or take the lift up) Colline du Château (Castle Hill) — For sweeping views of the red roofs, port, and bay, this park above the old town is one of the most rewarding places to see in Nice.
Markets, Food & Neighborhood Life
- Cours Saleya Market — Sample regional bites (socca, pissaladière), seasonal fruits, and artisanal goods; it’s a must for food-first travelers.
- Eat local specialties — Try pan bagnat, grilled fish, and Provençal vegetables at small bistros in the Old Town or along the port — authentic and wallet-friendly.
- People-watch at Place Masséna — The tiled square is central to Nice’s public life and a short walk from galleries, shops, and cafés.
Museums & Culture
- Musée Matisse and Musée Marc Chagall — Art lovers should prioritize Matisse’s works and Chagall’s Biblical-themed canvases; both museums offer intimate collections and context for the Riviera’s artistic history.
- MAMAC (modern art) — For contemporary and European avant-garde work, this museum near Place Garibaldi showcases 20th-century movements.
Beaches, Active Things & Day Trips
- Beach clubs or public pebbled shores — Spend a relaxing afternoon at a private club or rent a chair on the public strand; bring water shoes for pebbles.
- Boat trips and coastal hikes — Day trips to Èze, Monaco, Antibes or Cap-Ferrat are easy from Nice and rank among the best things to do in Nice for scenic drives and cliffside views.
- Bellet vineyards & Parc du Mont Boron — For quieter outdoor time, try a short hike or a local wine tasting in the hills above the city.
If summer travel calls your name, don’t miss our roundup of things to do in the summer. It’s full of seasonal bucket list ideas from beaches to festivals around the world.
Nice is a terrific starting point for seeing the Riviera because it’s small enough to fit in markets, museums, beach time, and a spectacular dinner all in one afternoon.
A few brief itineraries are provided below to assist you in making your next decision.
Quick Day Plans
- Morning food crawl + Old Town + Castle Hill sunset.
- Museum morning (Matisse or Chagall) + seaside lunch + evening stroll on Promenade.
- Drive to Èze or Monaco for coastal vistas, return for dinner in Vieux Nice.
Nice blends cultural depth with a laid-back beach lifestyle.
This little city offers a pleasing range of activities, from local markets and museums to coastal treks and wine days, whether you’re looking to cross off the top things to do in Nice or are looking for more subdued spots to explore.
You will leave Nice with the best of its sun, sea, and delicious flavors if you bring comfortable shoes and choose two or three things from the above list.