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What to do in Nice: Activities and Events to Enjoy in Nice

Updated on July 22, 2025

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What to do in Nice? A complete guide to visiting Nice

An emblematic town of the Côte d’Azur, “Nissa la bella” combines history, culture and the Mediterranean way of life. From the Baie des Anges to the verdant hills, discover Nice’s enchanting seaside ambiance and sun-drenched scenery. From districts, museums and heritage sites to discover, activities and events not to be missed, our guide shows you what to see and do during a weekend in Nice.

Nice Baies des Anges - Que Faire Cote d'Azur

What to do in Nice in one day

If you only have a day to visit Nice, a stroll from the seafront to the city centre will show you the very essence of the Côte d'Azur. On the agenda: stunning views of the Mediterranean and the charm of its quaint lanes…

What to do in Nice in one day and what not to miss

A stroll along the legendary Promenade des Anglais is a must. Running alongside the Baie des Anges and its pebbled beaches, it offers a beautiful panorama of the sea, and the Belle Époque and Art Deco buildings that line it. Don't forget to take a break on one of its iconic blue beach chairs, an invitation to take time out and contemplate the calm of the sea.

Then head to Vieux-Nice, a labyrinth of narrow streets with its colourful facades lined with cafés, galleries and artists' studios. The Cours Saleya and its famous morning flower market are a must for soaking up the local atmosphere.

Round off your day in Nice with a climb up Château Hill for a peaceful break amid the greenery of its landscaped park. Enjoy one of the finest views of Nice and the Mediterranean from the belvedere viewpoint.

From Nice to Monaco...

Consider staying in Monaco, close to Nice, for an exclusive night on the Côte d'Azur. The Place du Casino, Port Hercule, the Rocher and the Palais Princier await you... Book your stay in Monaco and plan an easy visit to Nice. Just 20 km apart, the two towns can be reached in less than 40 minutes by car. Enjoy our four- and five-star hotels, gourmet restaurants and party venues in the Principality of Monaco. How about the luxury of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo? An exceptional dinner at the two Michelin-starred Blue Bay Marcel Ravin? A wild night out at Jimmy'z Monte-Carlo? An utterly unique experience on the Riviera.

Recommended itinerary: what to do in Nice in a day

What are the essential sights to see in Nice in a day? We suggest you follow this itinerary on foot.

● Start with a morning walk along the Promenade des Anglais, then head to the pleasant fountains and works of art in the Albert Iᵉʳ Garden.

● After the iconic red facades and arcades of the Place Masséna, continue along the green Promenade du Paillon;

● Stroll through the narrow streets of Old Nice, visit the beautiful baroque Sainte-Réparate Cathedral, or have a coffee near Cours Saleya.

● Leave the old town by taking the lift from rue des Ponchettes to enjoy the fabulous panorama at the top of Château hill.

● At the foot of the hill, the Rauba Capeu quay is the ideal spot for a souvenir photo overlooking the Bay of Angels and its sculpture worthy of Instagram. #ILoveNice.

Best restaurants in Nice for a great evening

Nice’s cuisine is art in itself, with every bite evoking a taste of the Mediterranean. Make the most of your visit to Nice by sampling local specialities such as socca, pissaladière, petits farcis... The Vieux-Nice district is teeming with traditional restaurants where you can savour its local specialities. A word of advice: look out for restaurants with the “cuisine nissarde” label, which guarantees authenticity.

The quays of Port Lympia offer some excellent spots for a pleasant al-fresco lunch surrounded by yachts and traditional pointu boats. You'll also find plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants in the adjoining Place Garibaldi, particularly around the pedestrianised Rue Bonaparte, with its lively terraces and trendy atmosphere.

Visit the restaurants and beach bars along the coast for a 100% Mediterranean experience.

What to do in Nice for a weekend?

A two- or three-day visit to Nice will give you the time to discover its must-see museums, heritage and historical treasures, and to appreciate the sumptuous landscapes of the Côte d'Azur.

Recommended heritage and culture itinerary: what to do in Nice.

What to do for an exciting weekend in Nice. Choose from our selection of museums and cultural attractions.

● Housed in a 17th-century Genoese villa on Cimiez hill, the Musée Matisse offers a fascinating insight into the work of the famous artist, who spent much of his life in Nice.

● The Musée National Marc Chagall presents his major work – the Old Testament-inspired Biblical Message – along with a rich collection of the artist’s paintings, engravings and lithographs.

● Nice’s Musée des Beaux-Arts traces the history of art from the 16th to the 20th century through paintings, sculptures and drawings, housed in a splendid villa inspired by the Italian Renaissance.

● The cathedral of Sainte-Réparate and the Palais Lascaris, a flamboyant 17th-century Genoese palace housing a collection of musical instruments, are two Baroque masterpieces both located in Vieux-Nice.

● Nice’s Saint-Nicolas cathedral is well worth a guided tour. The richly ornate interior of the Orthodox cathedral – one of the largest outside Russia – is modelled on St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow.

● A visit to the Belle Époque Villa Masséna museum, on the Promenade des Anglais, is as much an experience of sumptuous architectural decor as the art and history of Nice.

Please note: The collection of pop and conceptual art at the MAMAC museum (musée d’Art moderne et d’Art contemporain) is another of Nice’s must-see institutions. However, it closed its doors for renovation in 2024 and will reopen in 2028. Its works will still be brought to life in an off-site programme run by other museums around the city, the region, and abroad.

Outdoor walks along the Promenade des Anglais

The Promenade des Anglais is a not-to-miss stroll along the seafront, as well as other sites worth a visit, such as the coastal path. Starting just after the port of Nice, it leads to Villefranche-sur-Mer, in a two-hour walk between luxury villas and the Mediterranean.

The Promenade du Paillon is Nice's green corridor through the city centre. Tree-lined and flower-filled it sports wooden play structures for children, and is appreciated for its reflecting pool, which provides a refreshing respite from the summer heat.

High above the town, the Arènes de Cimiez garden offers a free-to-access stroll under century-old olive trees around the remains of the Roman arena. Next door, the Cimiez monastery’s rose garden is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll.

Explore the culture and heritage of Nice

Cultural shows and events in Nice you shouldn't miss Like Monaco’s Opéra de Monte-Carlo, the rich programme of ballets and classical concerts in the sumptuous listed building of the Opéra de Nice occupies a special place in the operatic calendar. And the Théâtre National de Nice presents contemporary plays and dance performances. Both are located near the Promenade des Anglais.

The Nice Jazz Festival is a key event in the summer cultural calendar. The Théâtre de Verdure in the heart of the Albert Ier garden hosts open-air concerts featuring international artists.

Not to miss of course, is the Nice Carnival, held over two weeks in February. The whole town is alive with joy and festivities from morning till night with parades of decorated floats, street art and shows, music, flower battles and fireworks.

What to do in Nice

What to do in Nice in terms of sports, relaxation or shopping. Of course, the town is acclaimed for its enchanting coastline, ideally suited to nautical exploration and leisurely relaxation. And there's plenty to do - from the city centre, the coast and further inland.

Sports and wellness activities in Nice

Between the sea and the mountains, Nice is an ideal playground for all outdoor sports enthusiasts. The Baie des Anges is perfect for water sports such as sailing, paddleboarding, jet skiing, parasailing and diving. Sailing is essential activity in Nice to combine relaxation with sport: hire a yacht, catamaran or sailing boat and explore the beautiful coves of the French Riviera with family or friends.

Along the Promenade des Anglais, Nice’s beaches are a great option for a relaxing day in the sun. The many private beaches along the coast are delightful and offer exceptional services.

Lastly, hiking enthusiasts will also find plenty to do, with many itineraries starting in Nice – for example, around Mont Boron, which overlooks the town, or further afield, in the Mercantour National Park. Inland from Nice, a whole host of sporting experiences are on offer such as Cycling, mountain biking, canyoning, and via ferrata.

Shopping on avenue Jean Médecin and nearby streets

A must for any shopping trip in Nice city centre, Avenue Jean Médecin and its adjacent streets are home to a wide variety of shops, from international names to small boutiques, including Galeries Lafayette on Place Masséna.

Like Monaco, Nice has its own Carré d'Or where you can find exclusive boutiques and famous brands. Designers and luxury brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermès are located one after the other on Rue Paradis and Avenue de Verdun.

The Old Town of Nice is the place to go if you're looking for original products. You’ll find local craft shops with specialities from Nice, as well as boutiques selling unique pieces by small designers, artists’ galleries and studios.

Excursions and guided tours around Nice

The area around Nice is full of wonderful places to explore. Visit the hilltop villages behind Nice, where time has stood still in the shadow of ancient stones, such as the medieval villages of Èze, Sainte-Agnès, Peillon and Gourdon. Also worth a visit is Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the artists' village that is home to the Maeght Foundation, which exhibits works by the great masters of modern and contemporary art.

A drive along the Grande Corniche will lead you to breathtaking Riviera scenery, before heading back for a stroll through the colourful old town of Menton. You can also continue on to the Alpine border for an excursion to the authentic villages of the Italian Riviera, such as Ventimiglia or Bordighera.

A boat trip from the port of Nice will take you along the coast to Villefranche, then Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cap-d’Ail and the Lérins islands, Cannes, Antibes or Saint-Tropez.

Nice is the jewel in the crown of southern France, and is a must for any visit to the Côte d'Azur.