Nestled between the sparkling Mediterranean Sea and the rolling hills of Provence, Nice stands as one of the true jewels of the French Riviera. This sun-drenched city blends French sophistication with Italian charm, offering a unique atmosphere where elegance feels effortless and history meets seaside bliss. Its privileged coastal setting is just the beginning! Beyond the inviting beaches lies a world of colorful old town streets, buzzing markets, acclaimed art museums, and a culinary scene bursting with local flavor.
Whether you are drawn by culture, scenery, or simply the Riviera way of life, these top 10 experiences reveal the very best of Nice!
Start your discovery of Nice with the most iconic experience: a stroll along the glamorous Promenade des Anglais. Stretching gracefully along the sparkling blue of the Baie des Anges, this famous seaside boulevard invites you to savor the Riviera’s effortless elegance. Wander beneath swaying palm trees, pause on the signature blue chairs to watch the waves dance, or rent a bicycle to glide along the waterfront with the Mediterranean breeze in your hair. Belle Époque mansions and grand hotels add a timeless charm, creating a perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos.
Come early to witness the golden sunrise shimmering on the water, or arrive at dusk as the sky melts into shades of pink and amber - a picture-perfect moment that captures the magic of the French Riviera!
Step into a different era as you explore Vieux Nice, the city’s vibrant and atmospheric Old Town. A maze of narrow, winding streets unfolds before you, flanked by ochre and terracotta façades, shuttered windows, and bustling market stalls. The scent of lavender, freshly baked socca, and roasted coffee lingers in the air. Browse tiny boutiques, artisan shops, and family-run cafés that spill out onto cobbled alleys. Don’t miss the splendid Baroque Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, a glowing gem in the heart of the quartier. Later, make sure to unwind in Place Rossetti, where locals gather to enjoy artisanal gelato under sunlit skies.
Cours Saleya is the beating heart of local life in Nice. A vibrant open-air market where color, scent, and flavor collide!
Every morning, the stalls brim with fresh flowers, glistening produce, fragrant herbs, and tempting Provençal delicacies. Stroll past mounds of olives, jars of tapenade, and stacks of sun-ripened fruit as vendors greet passersby with warm smiles. This is the perfect place to try socca, a beloved Niçoise chickpea pancake, hot off the griddle. Find a shaded café terrace, sip a café crème, and watch the world go by. It is a feast for the senses and a true slice of Niçois life!
For one of the most unforgettable views in Nice, head up to Colline du Château (Castle Hill). Whether you take the lift or hike through shaded paths, the reward is a sweeping panorama of terracotta rooftops, the curve of the Promenade des Anglais, and the sparkling Mediterranean beyond.
Amid lush gardens and the gentle spray of a man-made waterfall, you will find remnants of the ancient citadel that once stood guard over the city. It is a peaceful retreat above the bustle below and a favorite for photographers at golden hour. Don’t forget to pause and breathe it all in - this is Riviera magic.
Located in the serene Cimiez neighborhood, the Matisse Museum offers an intimate glimpse into the life and art of one of France’s greatest painters. Set in a graceful 17th-century villa surrounded by olive trees, the museum houses a vibrant collection of Henri Matisse’s paintings, drawings, sculptures, and personal belongings. You will trace his artistic evolution from bold Fauvist canvases to delicate paper cut-outs, while gaining insight into the joyful spirit that defined his work. The tranquil gardens and airy interiors echo Matisse’s love for light and color. A visit here feels like stepping into the artist’s own Mediterranean reverie!
The beaches of Nice are a quintessential Riviera experience - sun-drenched, effortlessly chic and set against the hypnotic blue of the Mediterranean. Stretching along the Promenade des Anglais, the pebble shoreline offers a mix of public access spots and elegant private beach clubs with loungers, parasols, and beachside service. Dive into the clear, refreshing waters or simply bask in the sun with the sound of waves as your soundtrack. For ultimate relaxation, sip a chilled rosé or cocktail with your toes in the surf.
Whether you seek quiet moments or a bit of glam, Nice’s beaches invite you to slow down and savor.
Step into a world of vivid imagination and deep spirituality at the Marc Chagall National Museum. Nestled in a tranquil garden setting, this museum was personally curated by Chagall and is home to his monumental Biblical Message series, which encompasses 17 luminous paintings that blend dreamlike imagery with powerful symbolism. Bathed in natural light, the artworks radiate with bold colors and emotional depth, inviting quiet reflection. Beyond the paintings, you can explore stained glass, sketches, and mosaics that reveal Chagall’s poetic vision. It is a soulful, contemplative experience that lingers long after you leave this artistic sanctuary in the hills of Nice.
A surprising jewel in the heart of Nice, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas is one of the most exquisite examples of Russian religious architecture outside of Russia. Its onion-shaped domes, intricate brickwork, and vivid colors transport you to another world entirely.
Built in the early 20th century for the city’s flourishing Russian community, the cathedral reflects the close ties between Nice and the Russian aristocracy. Step inside to admire the richly adorned interior, featuring gleaming icons, carved woodwork, and golden accents that create an atmosphere of reverence and beauty. It is a serene and majestic stop on your cultural journey through Nice!
Just a short drive or train ride from Nice, a day trip to Èze and Monaco promises a captivating blend of old-world charm and modern luxury. We recommend you start in Èze, a storybook hilltop village perched above the sea, where stone lanes wind past artisan boutiques and the exotic garden offers panoramic views of the Côte d’Azur. Then glide down the coast to Monaco, a glittering microstate of elegance and excess. Visit the royal palace, stroll through the opulent Casino de Monte-Carlo and admire the superyachts in the harbor.
This is a day of contrasts, starting with medieval serenity followed by Riviera glamour, all effortlessly accessible from Nice!
No visit to Nice is complete without indulging in the rich, sun-kissed flavors of Niçoise cuisine. Begin with a classic "salade niçoise", bursting with tomatoes, anchovies, and olives, or savor a slice of "pissaladière", an onion and anchovy tart with Provençal flair. Try warm, crispy "socca" from a market stall or bite into a hearty "pan bagnat", the Riviera’s answer to the sandwich. Pop into a local "boulangerie" for fresh bread and pastries, or unwind at a seaside restaurant as the sun sets. For food lovers, a guided culinary tour is the perfect way to taste and understand the essence of Nice!
Nice captures the very essence of the Côte d’Azur, where every corner reveals a blend of Mediterranean beauty, rich culture, and irresistible flavors. These ten handpicked experiences offer just a glimpse into what makes the city so special, from its iconic seaside promenade to its lively markets and world-class museums. Whether you wish to wander sunlit streets or savor a seaside meal, Nice invites you to explore at your own rhythm. With TourTailors, you can craft a personalized journey that pairs Nice with nearby treasures, turning your trip into a special South of France escape tailored just for you!