Nice, the fifth largest city in France, is located in the southeastern region on the Mediterranean coast. It is part of the French Riviera. It is known for its stunning coastline, rich history, and vibrant culture. It is a trendy tourist destination. Some of the main reasons people visit Nice include:
Climate: Nice has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a sunny holiday.
Beaches: Nice is home to several beaches, including the famous Promenade des Anglais, which stretches for miles along the coastline. The beaches offer a range of activities, such as sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Culture and History: Nice has a rich history and cultural heritage, with numerous museums, galleries, and historic buildings. The city is home to the Musée Matisse, dedicated to the works of the famous artist Henri Matisse and the Musée Marc Chagall, which features the works of the artist of the same name.
Food: Nice is renowned for its cuisine, which is a blend of French and Mediterranean influences. The city's traditional dishes include socca, pissaladière, and salade Niçoise, and its markets offer a range of fresh, seasonal, local produce and delicacies.
24 hours in Nice
Don't worry; you can pack a lot into one full day in Nice la Belle (Nice the Beautiful). Here's how we love to spend 24 hours in Nice.
9:00 am: Start your day with a walk along the famous Promenade des Anglais. This beautiful seaside promenade is lined with palm trees and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
If you still need to eat, pop into some lovely restaurants and cafes along the Prom. Here are some of our favourite spots for breakfast.
Brasserie Le Negresco: This elegant restaurant is inside the iconic Negresco Hotel and offers a traditional French breakfast with croissants, baguettes, and coffee.
La Belle Équipe: This cosy cafe serves homemade pastries, quiches, and sandwiches, as well as a variety of teas and coffee. It is on Rue du Congrès, just a few minutes walk from the Promenade des Anglais.
Caffe Vergnano 1882: This coffee shop serves espresso, cappuccino, and a variety of pastries and snacks.
10:00 am: Visit the Old Town of Nice, Vieux-Nice. This charming area has narrow cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and local markets selling fresh produce and handicrafts.
The Cours Saleya Market is known for its vibrant stalls selling fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, and local specialities. Take some time to browse the market and soak in the lively atmosphere.
11:00 am: Stop by the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, a beautiful Baroque-style church in the heart of the Old Town.
12:00 pm: Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of Old Town's many bistros or cafes. Try local specialities like socca (a thin chickpea pancake) or salade Niçoise (a salad made with tuna, eggs, and vegetables).
2:00 pm: Visit the Musée Matisse, which houses an extensive collection of works by the famous French artist Henri Matisse. The museum is in a beautiful 17th-century villa on a hill overlooking the city.
There are several great cafes near the Musée Matisse where you can enjoy coffee and cake, should you get peckish for a sweet treat. Here are our top picks:
La Petite Table: This cute cafe is just a few minutes walk from the museum and offers a variety of homemade cakes, tarts, and pastries, as well as coffee and tea.
Le Royal Coffee: This cafe serves coffee and a selection of cakes and pastries.
La Fabrique à Gâteaux: This bakery specialises in homemade cakes, tarts, and cookies, as well as a variety of coffee drinks.
4:00 pm: Stroll through the Parc de la Colline du Château, a beautiful green space that offers panoramic views of the city and the sea. Climb to the top of the hill to see the ruins of an old castle and a waterfall.
5:00 pm: Head to the beach for a relaxing swim or soak up the sun. Nice has several beaches, including the popular Plage Beau Rivage and Plage de la Promenade.
6:00 pm: Head to the Port of Nice to watch the sunset. There are several great bars in and around this area where you can enjoy a sundowner cocktail. Here are a few recommendations:
Le Bar du Port: Located right in the heart of the Port of Nice, this bar offers stunning views of the harbour and serves terrific cocktails, beers, and wines.
Le Seven Blue: This rooftop bar on the seventh floor of the Radisson Blu hotel offers panoramic views of the city and the sea, along with various delicious cocktails.
Le Plongeoir: This unique bar and restaurant are on a diving board extending into the sea, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable atmosphere. They offer creative cocktails and a great selection of seafood.
7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at a seafood restaurant overlooking the sea. Nice is known for its fresh seafood, and there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from. If you are looking for recommendations, we got you...
La Petite Maison de Nicole: This upscale restaurant is on the Promenade des Anglais, just steps from the sea. They serve a great selection of fresh seafood dishes and a great selection of wines.
Loup Bar: This lovely restaurant is in the old town of Nice, just a short walk from the sea. They specialise in seafood, mainly Mediterranean fish like sea bass, grouper, and bream.
L'Effervescence: This elegant restaurant is located on the rooftop of the Radisson Blu hotel, offering stunning views of the sea and the city. You'll find seafood dishes on the menu, including oysters, lobsters, and sea bass.
Le Bistrot du Port: This casual restaurant is located right on the port of Nice, offering beautiful views of the harbour and the sea. They specialise in seafood dishes like grilled fish, seafood platters, and bouillabaisse.
9:00 pm: Finish your day with a stroll through the Old Town's cobblestone streets. As you explore Vieux Nice, you will come across many historic landmarks and architectural gems, such as the Place Rossetti, a bustling square surrounded by cafes and gelaterias; the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, an 18th-century Baroque church dedicated to Nice's patron saint; and the Palais Lascaris, an ornate 17th-century palace that now houses a museum of musical instruments.
11:00 pm: Ready for a nightcap? There are many options for enjoying a nighttime drink in Vieux Nice, known for its lively bars and pubs. Here are a few popular places:
Les Garçons: This trendy bar offers a wide variety of cocktails, wine, and beer, as well as a tapas menu. It is on Rue Sainte-Claire, a popular nightlife spot in Vieux Nice.
Le Calypso: This bar has a welcoming atmosphere with creative and classic cocktails, wine, and beer. It is on Rue de la Préfecture, a quieter street in Vieux Nice.
Shapko: This bar is known for its live music, with jazz, blues, and rock bands performing every night. It serves a wide selection of cocktails, beer, and wine.
Le Grand Balcon: This rooftop bar offers stunning views of the city and the sea, with great cocktails and wine.
Best things to do for couples in Nice
Nice is a romantic and beautiful city that offers plenty of activities for couples.
Have a picnic in Parc de la Colline du Chateau: This park is on a hill and provides stunning views of the city and the sea. It's an excellent spot for a romantic picnic.
Take a cooking class together: Nice is known for its delicious cuisine, and many cooking classes are available to learn how to make traditional French dishes with your partner.
Best things to do for families in Nice
Nice is a fun destination for families with many activities to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do:
Visit Parc Phoenix: Parc Phoenix is a botanical garden and zoo that offers an excellent opportunity for kids to learn about plants and animals. There are over 2,500 species of plants and animals, and there is also a playground for children.
Visit the Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain (MAMAC): This modern art museum has a wide variety of exhibits that will appeal to children and adults. There are several interactive exhibits and workshops for kids, and parents can enjoy the contemporary art on display.
Go Karting: Go Karting is a thrilling activity for adults and children. You can try this activity at the Circuit de Monaco, just a short drive from Nice.
Best things to do for history buffs in Nice
Nice has a rich history, and there are many activities for history buffs to enjoy.
Visit the Musée Masséna: The Musée Masséna is a beautiful museum housed in a Belle Epoque villa. It showcases the history and culture of Nice from the 18th century to the present day.
Visit the Cimiez Monastery: The Cimiez Monastery is nestled in the hills above Nice. It dates back to the 9th century and is one of the region's oldest and most important religious sites.
See the Roman ruins: Nice has several ancient Roman ruins, including a Roman amphitheatre and bathhouses. These ruins provide a glimpse into the city's ancient history.
Best things to do for thrill seekers in Nice
Nice is a fantastic destination for thrill seekers, with plenty of activities to get the adrenaline pumping.
Paragliding: Paragliding is a popular activity in Nice, with many operators offering tandem flights for beginners. You can soar over the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city from above.
Jet Skiing: Jet skiing is a fun and exciting way to explore the coast of Nice. You can rent jet skis from several operators along the beach and explore the beautiful coastline at your own pace.
Canyoning: Canyoning is an adventure sport that involves exploring a canyon by walking, swimming, and rappelling down waterfalls. Several companies offer canyoning tours in the nearby Gorges du Loup.