Boasting a vibrant atmosphere throughout its streets and shoreline, Nice is a Mediterranean paradise where Baroque architecture and a wealth of art galleries add to its sophisticated appeal – but where glamour and glitz are never far away.
A famous focal point of the French Riviera, this coastal city has a vibrant port area, beautiful pebble beaches and a historic old town to enjoy.
There are so many exceptional things you can see and experience, but here are just a few of the best things to do in Nice.
Vieux Nice
Explore the city’s historical centre just a short distance from the coast, to the west of the vibrant waterfront. You can park on the edge of the port overlooking the sea, and walk around the perimeter of the historic Castle Hill gardens.
You’ll know you’re in the Old Nice neighbourhood when you spot the rows of colourful houses, with their painted shutters and bright brickwork. Constructed in a baroque style in the 1700s, it’s as if the area has stopped in time.
Old Nice, also known as Vieux Nice, is where you’ll find pretty squares, animated markets and religious monuments. You’ll no doubt find yourself in Cours Saleya too. This market has been a bustling location since the 18th century, where it started life as a showcase for beautiful flowers. Today it offers up a diverse array of wares, from mouth-watering food to local art and much, much more.
Vieux Nice Port
If a relaxing dinner is what you desire, head to the Nice Port. Gleaming yachts, sailboats and pleasure cruisers dock in this picturesque harbour.
With plenty of space in the large parking lots nearby, you can take in the laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere. The port was constructed and built out in 1751, with extra work and extensions completed in 1975 to accommodate large ferries. Pay a visit to one of the portside restaurants to enjoy freshly caught seafood dishes.
Nice Cathedral
Within the city’s historic centre, on the corner of Place Rossetti, you’ll be drawn to the Cathedrale Sainte-Reparate. Park near the port and walk through the centre of Castle Hill to the narrow Rue Rossetti street to find the vibrant square.
Constructed in the 17th century, and truly beautiful to behold, the cathedral consists of a baroque style combined with decorative Latin elements, resulting in a remarkable and ornate design. With more than 10 significant chapels inside, all of which are highly decorated, there’s plenty to explore. Admire the adorned archways with detailed gold and stone carvings, then marvel over the paintings of saints – and detailed statues of angels.
The cathedral is named after a young girl from Palestine in Roman times, who was martyred under the reign of Emperor Decius. Legend has it that her remains were guided by a dove to the shores of Nice in the medieval era. Now she is a Patron Saint of the city, and the opulent cathedral at its heart.
Grotte du Lazaret
To the east of Nice Port is the peculiar Grotte du Lazaret, a mysterious cave dating back to prehistoric times, when it was used as a hunting shelter.
Since the 1950s, thousands of remains have been unearthed – which have been traced back to both prehistoric animals and humans. Take a guided tour of this grotto from to learn more about this important site.
The Lazaret Cave is located at the foot of the Mont Boron mountains, just up from the Avenue Jean Lorrain road network. It’s best to park east from the port and walk along the coast to the caves.
If you’re up for the challenge, you can then follow the sidewalk up through the mountain villages into the Parc Du Mont Boron. Here there’s a viewing platform with spectacular views over Nice and out across the bay.
Parc Phoenix
This extraordinary botanical garden is far more than just your average park, and a real delight to visit.
There are hundreds of plant and bird species living in harmony, across the wide open spaces and pyramid-shaped biosphere. Built on top of an old swamp, 2,000 tonnes of rocks were used to craft this multi-level garden with valleys, lakes, coves and fountains.
There are six different tropical climates to explore. Visit to relax under the palm trees, where reptiles, birds and amphibians call home. There are also otters, wallabies and lemurs that wander around and a number of fragrant citrus fruit trees from as far away as Asia.
Parc Phoenix is west from the city centre, in front of the Nice French Riviera Airport along the Promenade des Anglais highway. There’s plenty of parking on site.
Castle Hill
More than just a great vantage point, there are many surprises to discover in Castle Hill.
Climb the stairs or take the elevator to reach the top, and the remains of the historic city fortifications. The castle was strategically built up high for an ideal defensive position across the Bay of Angels. You can also explore the Bellanda Tower which still has a viewing platform overlooking the harbour.
One of the other notable features to discover in Castle Hill is the picturesque Cascade Dijon. Set beside a renaissance balcony among the trees, this man-made waterfall carries a romantic vibe. Pose for photos in front of the water and take in the views of the canopy of green trees against the terracotta rooftops.
Roman city of Cemenelum
Visit the ancient ruins of the Roman City of Cemenelum and the Archaeology Museum of Nice-Cimiez. Exhibiting a range of archaeological findings from jewellery to pottery and sculptures, you can get a glimpse into what life was like for the ancient occupiers of these lands.
Founded in the 1st century AD, the Roman City of Cemenelum was once the capital of the Alpes Maritime region. Stroll through the foundations to see the old market square, an ancient temple and a school. You can also explore the remains of the public bathhouse and the amphitheatre – which once held 5,000 cheering spectators.
If we've inspired you to visit the picturesque city, renting a car in Nice is a convenient way to get around – and see the sights at your own pace. So head out on the road, and discover the best things to do in Nice.
