As you dream about holidaying in the French Riviera, the city of Nice hardly goes unnoticed. The fifth largest city in France is vibrant, colorful and boasts a stunning stretch of postcard-perfect coastal avenue. Nice conjures up an image of leisurely walking along the seaside and spending relaxing hours at a quaint cafe. If you are planning a holiday in Nice, rejoice, as there are plenty of things to see and do in this city of wonders.
- Check out The English Promenade (Promenade des Anglais)
A long time ago, the Promenade des Anglais was a favourite winter getaway for British aristocrats. Queen Victoria. Now, it’s one of Nice’s most popular tourist attractions, boasting 7 kilometers of impeccable views of the ocean, the city and the sky. Mention travelling to Nice, anyone who has been there would immediately recommend you to check out this world-famous attraction. The promenade stretches from Nice Airport to Castle Hill. You can rent a bike or rollerblade to check out the entire coastal boulevard. But if you are short on time or just want to do part of it, we recommend the part that goes from Nice Old Town to Negresco hotel.
- Visit Nice Old Town
The historic quarter of Nice is another famous tourist attraction in the city, and for good reasons. You will find yourself getting lost in a maze of small alleys, colorful shophouses and endless cafe terraces. Stop by for a cup of coffee and leisurely watch the world go by. When you are in Nice, be sure to check out the Cours Saleya, the famed market held in the morning (except Mondays). You will be able to find plenty of fresh, seasonal local produce and colourful flowers. On Monday mornings, you will find an open-air flea market that’s filled with exciting stalls. Check it out. Perhaps you will be able to find a unique souvenir for the holiday.
- Taste Nice local food
You can’t leave Nice without having a taste of the local cuisines. The niçois (inhabitants of Nice) are very proud of their gastronomy culture, and you will soon fall in love with it, too. A dish you cannot miss is socca, a pancake made from chickpea flour that has become one of the most famous specialties in Nice. Thin, crusty on the outside and soft, moist inside, socca is the quintessential street food of the city. Salade niçoise is another classic – a salad made of tuna, tomatoes, anchovies, hard-boiled eggs, olives niçoises, vegetables and olive vinaigrette. Alternatively, you can find the sandwich version of salade niçoise called Pan Bagnat. These are just the tip of the iceberg, as there is so much more to explore. When you are in Nice, you will be sure that your tummy will be filled with tantalizing dishes.
- Discover Nice Castle Hill park (le parc de la Colline du Château)
Located on a hill overlooking Nice Old Town, Nice Castle Hill park is where you can find some stunning viewpoints of the city, the harbour, the mountains and the Bay of Angels. Nice Castle Hill divides the city into two parts. You will see the port to the East and Nice Old Town to the West. Be sure to bring along your camera, as this is one of the best photo opportunities you can find during your Nice holiday. Apart from the viewpoints, there are a number of attractions for you to explore, such as the artificial waterfall and the ruin of a cathedral.
- Check out the Russian Orthodox Cathedral
This historical monument is easily one of the highlights of your trip to the French Riviera. A little out of the way from the popular tourist spots, The Russian Orthodox Cathedral boasts magnificent architecture and interior design. It’s definitely one of the locations where you can find plenty of Insta-worthy backdrops. It’s free to enter, but be sure to cover your knees and shoulders.
- Stoll around Mont Boron
If you are looking to spend some time away from the city, check out Mont Boron located in the East of Nice. The hill rises around 200 meter above sea level and makes an easy hiking spot. Here, you can find a number of scenic walks that give you views of the Bay of Angels and the Bay of Villefranche. The hill is also home to a number of luxury villas, one of which is owned by the famous singer Elton John. This is a great family picnic location, if you are looking for things to do with kids in Nice.
- Check out Nice Museums
Last but not least, you can’t visit Nice without checking out some of its famous museums. The city boasts a number of museums with impressive collections of artefacts. It’s a great way to learn more about arts and culture. We recommend the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Nice, The Museum of Art and History of the Massena Palace, Jules Chéret Fine Arts Museum and The Palais Lascaris. If you plan to visit multiple museums during your stay, you can get a Nice Museum Pass to gain access to all municipal museums.
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