Best Things to Do in Nice (2026 Guide)

The best things to do in Nice begin with the Promenade des Anglais, the 7 km seafront boulevard that defines the city’s character. Walking it at sunrise — when the light turns the shingle beach and sea silver-pink — is Nice at its most atmospheric. The Vieux-Nice (old town) below the Castle Hill is a labyrinth of Baroque churches, ochre palaces, and the Cours Saleya flower and produce market (Tuesday-Sunday mornings). The Matisse Museum in the Cimiez hilltop neighbourhood holds the world’s largest Matisse collection in a 17th-century Genoese villa — he lived in Nice for 37 years. The Marc Chagall National Museum on Avenue Dr. Ménard has the artist’s major biblical works in a purpose-built 1972 building with a stunning stained-glass concert room. Castle Hill (Colline du Château) offers a panoramic view of the Baie des Anges and is free to access by lift from the Promenade.

Best time to visit

May-June and September-October are the ideal months: warm (22-28°C), sunny, the Mediterranean swimmable, and accommodation prices significantly below July-August peaks. The Nice Carnival in February (one of the world’s largest carnival events) and the Nice Jazz Festival in July are major annual events. July-August is the height of summer — the Promenade is crowded, hotels are at maximum price, and the heat (30-35°C) is intense. Winter is mild (10-15°C) and the city functions at a relaxed local pace; the Riviera markets and museums remain open.

Getting around

Nice has an efficient tram network (Line 1 runs east-west through the city; Line 2 connects the airport to the city centre). The Lignes d’Azur bus network covers the coast. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is a 20-minute tram ride from the city centre (T2 line). The coastal train (SNCF) runs every 30-60 minutes to Villefranche-sur-Mer (10 minutes), Monaco (25 minutes), and Menton (50 minutes) — one of the most scenic rail routes in Europe. A car is unnecessary in Nice itself but useful for exploring the arriere-pays (hill villages) inland.

What to eat and drink

Nice has its own distinct Nicois cuisine, distinct from classic French cooking. Socca (chickpea flour pancake cooked on a wood fire) is eaten at Chez Theresa in the Cours Saleya market. Pan bagnat (tuna, egg, olive, and anchovies on a round bun) is the Nicois take on a sandwich. Pissaladière (onion tart with anchovy and olive) is found at every boulangerie. For evening dining, La Merenda on Rue Raoul Bosio is a benchmark Nicois bistro (no phone reservations, arrive early). For seafood, Le Bistro du Port near the port has excellent bouillabaisse. The Bellet AOC wine appellation — produced in vineyards within Nice’s city limits — is one of France’s smallest and most obscure; try it at the Château de Bellet estate.

Neighborhoods to explore

Vieux-Nice (Old Nice) — Baroque churches (St. Francis of Paola, Saint-Réparate Cathedral), the Cours Saleya market, and the covered Rue Saint-François de Paule. The most atmospheric part of the city.

Le Port (Quartier du Port) — The working harbour east of the old town, lined with fishing boats, the Ponchettes galleries, and some of Nice’s best-value restaurants and brasseries.

Cimiez — The Roman hilltop neighbourhood with the Matisse Museum, the Marc Chagall National Museum, Roman arena ruins (Arenes de Cimiez), and the Monastery of Cimiez (where Matisse is buried).

Liberation / Guéglia — Nice’s authentic local market neighbourhood away from the tourist centre. The Liberation covered market (Marche de la Libération) has the best cheese, charcuterie, and produce.

The Promenade des Anglais — The full 7 km walk from the airport end to the old port. The best section is between the Negresco Hotel and the old town.