Honestly? I almost skipped Nice during my first French Riviera trip. Mistake. When I finally went last spring, I realized why people obsess over it – it's got that perfect mix of beach vibes, Italian flair, and French elegance. Whether you're wondering what is there to do in Nice for a weekend or planning a longer stay, this guide cuts through the fluff. I'll share exactly what's worth your time (and what isn't), based on my own trial-and-error, plus tips you won't find on generic travel sites.
Must-See Attractions: The Nice Essentials
Look, you can't come to Nice without hitting these spots. They're popular for good reason, though I'll be real about the crowds.
Old Town (Vieux Nice): Where the Magic Happens
Wandering Vieux Nice felt like stepping into a sun-drenched Italian painting – just swap pasta for socca (more on that later!). Must-dos:
- Course Saleya Market: Open 6am-1:30pm Tue-Sun (flowers/produce), Mondays are antiques. Grab peaches so juicy you'll need extra napkins. Avoid the tourist-trap restaurants lining the square though – better eats hide in side streets.
- Palais Lascaris (15 Rue Droite): Free entry! Opens 10am-6pm except Tuesdays. Surprisingly cool baroque palace hiding above a gelato shop.
- Rossetti Square: Gelato central. Try Fenocchio (2 Place Rossetti) – their olive oil flavour sounds weird but trust me. Open until midnight.
My blunder: Wearing sandals here. Cobblestones are beautiful ankle-breakers. Wear comfy shoes!
The Promenade des Anglais: More Than a Sidewalk
This iconic 7km stretch isn't just for strolling – it's the city's heartbeat. Rent a bike from Vélo Bleu (kiosks every 300m, €1.50 per hour) or join locals for sunset drinks at Le Galet beach bar (pricy but worth one cocktail). Free public beaches dot the entire promenade.
Best photo spot? The #ILoveNice sign near Jardin Albert 1er. Go before 9am unless you want 20 strangers in your shot.
Beaches: Sun, Sea, and Stones
Expect pebbles, not powder sand. Bring swim shoes – my tender feet regretted it. Here's the breakdown:
| Beach Type | Where Exactly | Price Range | Best For | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Free Beaches | Eastern Promenade (near Old Port) | €0 | Budget travelers, quick dips | ⭐⭐⭐ (basic but functional) |
| Private Loungers | Opéra Plage (near Negresco Hotel) | €15-€25/day | Comfort, service, people-watching | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (worth one splurge) |
| Hidden Local Spot | Coco Beach (below Castle Hill) | €0 | Escaping crowds, rocky coves | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (my favorite find) |
Seriously, Coco Beach saved me from tourist overload. Take staircase Rampe Malserbes down from Castle Hill park. Bring water – no vendors there.
Food & Drink: Eat Like a Niçois
Forget croissants – here you eat like Italy’s cousin. Essential experiences:
- Socca at Chez René Socca (2 Rue Miralhéti): €3.50 per slice. Opens 9am-9pm (closed Mon). Chickpea pancake heaven. Squeeze table into the alley with locals.
- Salade Niçoise at Acchiardo (38 Rue Droite): €16. Family-run since 1927. No frills, just perfection. Lunch only (12-2pm), cash only.
- Wine Bars: Comptoir Central Électrique (10 Rue Bonaparte) - natural wines by €6/glass. Opens 4pm-midnight.
Warning: "Ratatouille" here isn't the movie dish. Niçoise version has no eggplant! Felt cheated until I tasted it.
Dish Price Guide (What I Actually Paid)
- Socca: €3.50-€5
- Proper Salade Niçoise: €14-€18
- Glass local rosé: €5-€9
- Seafood platter (for two): €45-€70
Beyond the Basics: Unique Activities
So what is there to do in Nice besides beaches and food? Plenty!
Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
Free panoramic views? Yes. Elevator access at Tour Bellanda (€1). Open 8:30am-8pm summer. Hike up through wooded paths if you're energetic. Best light: sunrise or golden hour.
Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Sounds random, but wow. Nice has deep Russian history. Entry €4. Open 9am-6pm. Dress modestly (shoulders covered).
Day Trips You Can Actually Do
Don't waste hours on trains. These are 30-min bus rides:
- Villefranche-sur-Mer: Bus #15 (€1.70). Tiny harbor with secret swim spots.
- Èze Village: Bus #82 (€1.70). Medieval hilltop village. Go early – paths get packed.
- Monaco: Train TER €4.10. Skip if you hate casinos/crowds.
Practical Stuff You Need to Know
Details most guides skip:
- Transport: Tram Line 1 covers most sights. €1.70 per ride. Buy tickets *before* boarding at machines.
- Safety: Pickpockets swarm Promenade des Anglais markets. My tip? Carry cash in your front pocket.
- Budget: Nice isn't cheap. Dorm bed: €35-€50/night. Hotel: €120+. Meal: €15-€30.
Free museum days: First Sunday of month! Musée Matisse and Marc Chagall Museum included.
What Is There to Do in Nice with Kids?
From experience with my niece:
- Merveilles Park (Promenade du Paillon): Free water jets kids adore.
- Nice Observatory: Guided tours Wed/Sat. €8 adults, €4 kids. Book ahead!
- Calypso Boat Tour: 1hr coastal cruise. €18 adults, €9 kids.
What Is There to Do in Nice When It Rains?
Sudden downpour? Try these:
- Musée Masséna (65 Rue de France): Belle Époque mansion. €10. Open 10am-6pm.
- Cours Saleya Covered Market: Still lively under the arches.
- Lavomatique Café (26 Rue Pastorelli): Craft beer + laundry machines. Genius.
Real Answers: Your Nice FAQ
Is 3 days enough for Nice?
Bare minimum. Two days for city sights, one for day trip.
Can you swim in Nice?
May-Oct is best. Water clarity improves July-Sept. Pebbles = turquoise water payoff.
What should I skip?
Honestly? The Chagall Museum if tight on time. Great art, but far from center. I preferred Matisse Museum.
Where's the best sunset spot?
Castle Hill or rooftop bar Le Plongeoir (60 Bd Franck Pilatte). Book weeks ahead!
Is the food expensive?
Depends. Tourist traps near Promenade: €25 pasta. Local joints in Liberation: €12 pasta. Huge difference.
What is there to do in Nice at night?
- Drinks: Les Distilleries Idéales (24 Rue de la Préfecture) - packed terrace
- Music: Shapko Bar (5 Rue Rossetti) - jazz til 2am
- Quiet: Moonlit Promenade walk
Final Thoughts: Making Nice Work for You
After three visits, here's my cheat sheet:
- Best overall experience: Morning market + Plage Publique swim + socca snack
- Most overrated: "Famous" Negresco Hotel tea (€38 for average pastries)
- Hidden gem: Port Lympia fish auction at 8am (weekdays only)
Ultimately, discovering what is there to do in Nice means embracing its rhythm. Slow mornings, long lunches, sunset strolls. Skip the checklist mentality. My biggest regret? Trying to cram too much into one trip. Nice rewards lingerers, not sprinters.
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