Nice, France, on the enchanting French Riviera, is known for its vibrant art scene, Mediterranean beaches, and rich history. With colorful markets, charming Old Town streets, and a range of cultural sites, Nice offers an unforgettable experience for any traveler. Here’s your complete guide to the top 20 attractions in Nice, including nearby dining spots, ticket details, travel tips, and more!
1. Promenade des Anglais
Description: The iconic Promenade des Anglais stretches along the Mediterranean coast, offering a scenic walkway lined with palm trees, luxury hotels, and beach clubs.
History: Built in the 19th century by the English aristocracy, it quickly became a symbol of Nice and its cosmopolitan appeal.
Google Maps Link: Promenade des Anglais Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Le Galet* (try the Niçoise salad for a local taste).
Additional Tips: Free to explore; visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
2. Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Description: A maze of narrow streets with pastel-colored buildings, Old Town offers a lively atmosphere filled with markets, boutiques, and cafes.
History: Dating back to the Middle Ages, it has long been the heart of Nice, preserving its Italian influence.
Google Maps Link: Vieux Nice Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Fenocchio* (for unique gelato flavors, including lavender and fig).
Additional Tips: Visit the Cours Saleya Market in the morning for flowers, produce, and antiques.
3. Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
Description: A beautiful park with a waterfall, scenic overlooks, and panoramic views of Nice and the Mediterranean.
History: Once the site of a medieval castle, it now serves as a public park after the castle was destroyed in 1706.
Google Maps Link: Castle Hill Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Le Café de Turin* (known for oysters and other seafood).
Additional Tips: Free entry; take the free elevator if you’d like to skip the stairs.
4. Musée Matisse
Description: A museum dedicated to Henri Matisse, featuring works from his time in Nice, including paintings, sculptures, and personal items.
History: Opened in 1963, it showcases Matisse’s development as an artist.
Google Maps Link: Musée Matisse Location
Official Website: Matisse Museum Site
Tickets: €10.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Tuesdays).
Nearby Restaurants: *La Roustide* (offering French cuisine with truffle-based dishes).
Additional Tips: Free on the first Sunday of each month; best explored with an audio guide for deeper insight.
5. Place Masséna
Description: The main square in Nice, known for its red Italianate buildings, checkerboard paving, and statues.
History: Developed in the 19th century, Place Masséna is a central meeting point and hub of Nice’s activity.
Google Maps Link: Place Masséna Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Bistrot d’Antoine* (try their traditional French specialties).
Additional Tips: Visit in the evening when the fountains are lit up for a beautiful atmosphere.
6. Marc Chagall National Museum
Description: A museum dedicated to Chagall’s biblical-themed artwork, particularly his 17 monumental paintings of Old Testament scenes.
History: Established in 1973, Chagall himself helped design the layout of the museum.
Google Maps Link: Chagall Museum Location
Official Website: Chagall Museum Site
Tickets: €8.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Tuesdays).
Nearby Restaurants: *JAN* (a Michelin-starred restaurant with contemporary French cuisine).
Additional Tips: Free entry on the first Sunday of each month; the museum’s gardens are also worth a visit.
7. Nice Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate)
Description: A beautiful 17th-century baroque cathedral located in the heart of Old Town.
History: Built in the 1600s, it’s dedicated to the patron saint of Nice, Sainte Réparate.
Google Maps Link: Nice Cathedral Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Emilie and the Cool Kids* (for coffee, pastries, and a relaxing break).
Additional Tips: Free to enter, though donations are welcome; check out the ornate interior decor.
8. Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC)
Description: A museum of modern and contemporary art featuring pop art and new realism from the 1960s onward.
History: Opened in 1990, the museum showcases a variety of French and American artists.
Google Maps Link: MAMAC Location
Official Website: MAMAC Site
Tickets: €10.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Mondays).
Nearby Restaurants: *Café de la Place* (for French snacks and wine).
Additional Tips: The rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the city.
9. Port Lympia
Description: Nice’s picturesque harbor with colorful fishing boats and luxury yachts.
History: Developed in the 18th century, it remains an active commercial and recreational port.
Google Maps Link: Port Lympia Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Chez Pipo* (for socca, a traditional Niçoise chickpea pancake).
Additional Tips: Free to explore; sunset offers the best lighting for photos.
10. Palais Lascaris
Description: A baroque palace showcasing 17th-century art, furniture, and musical instruments.
History: Built by the Lascaris-Vintimille family, it’s now a museum preserving artifacts from the baroque period.
Google Maps Link: Palais Lascaris Location
Tickets: €5.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Tuesdays).
Nearby Restaurants: *La Petite Maison* (known for Mediterranean cuisine).
Additional Tips: It’s a small museum, ideal for a quick cultural visit.
11. Jardin Albert 1er
Description: One of Nice’s oldest public parks, Jardin Albert 1er offers beautiful lawns, palm trees, fountains, and views of the sea.
History: Created in the 19th century, this park is named after King Albert I of Belgium, a friend to France.
Google Maps Link: Jardin Albert 1er Location
Nearby Restaurants: *La Voglia* (enjoy Italian-inspired pizza and pasta dishes).
Additional Tips: Free entry; visit during the day for a relaxing break between sightseeing spots.
12. St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Description: This iconic Russian Orthodox Cathedral is easily recognizable by its onion-domed architecture and intricate details.
History: Built in 1912, it was established for the Russian aristocracy who vacationed in Nice.
Google Maps Link: Russian Orthodox Cathedral Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Le Bistrot du Fromager* (known for an extensive cheese selection paired with wine).
Additional Tips: Entry is free, but donations are appreciated; remember to dress modestly as this is an active place of worship.
13. Phoenix Park (Parc Phoenix)
Description: A large botanical garden and zoo featuring a variety of tropical plants, greenhouses, and animals.
History: Opened in 1990, the park is home to one of Europe’s largest greenhouses, containing seven different climates.
Google Maps Link: Phoenix Park Location
Official Website: Phoenix Park Site
Tickets: €5.
Hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (winter) / 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM (summer).
Nearby Restaurants: *Les Plaisirs de la Table* (for Mediterranean cuisine).
Additional Tips: Ideal for families; plan for at least two hours to explore all the garden areas and animal exhibits.
14. Blue Beach
Description: A private beach along the Promenade des Anglais, with sun loungers, umbrellas, and a beachside restaurant.
History: One of Nice’s popular beach clubs, it provides easy access to the water and a relaxed seaside experience.
Google Maps Link: Blue Beach Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Le Plongeoir* (a unique dining experience on a pier over the water, known for seafood).
Additional Tips: Rental prices vary for sun loungers; reservations recommended during summer months.
15. Monastère de Cimiez
Description: A peaceful 16th-century monastery with beautiful gardens and panoramic views of Nice.
History: Founded by the Franciscans, the monastery has served as a place of worship and contemplation for centuries.
Google Maps Link: Monastère de Cimiez Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Le Bistrot des Viviers* (fresh seafood with local flavors).
Additional Tips: Free entry; the attached garden is a serene place for relaxation and photography.
16. Cimiez Arenas
Description: An ancient Roman amphitheater located in the Cimiez district, surrounded by olive trees and public gardens.
History: Dating back to the 1st century, the Cimiez Arenas were once a central gathering place in Roman times.
Google Maps Link: Cimiez Arenas Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Brasserie de l’Union* (a local favorite for traditional Niçoise cuisine, including pissaladière, an anchovy and onion tart).
Additional Tips: Free entry; the Arenas are close to the Matisse Museum, so plan to visit both together.
17. Villa Masséna (Masséna Museum)
Description: This beautiful 19th-century villa houses a museum dedicated to the history and art of Nice.
History: Originally built as a private residence for Prince Victor Masséna, the villa later became a museum showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Nice.
Google Maps Link: Villa Masséna Location
Official Website: Masséna Museum Site
Tickets: €10.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Tuesdays).
Nearby Restaurants: *La Rotonde* (a classic French brasserie with local specialties).
Additional Tips: The villa’s gardens are free to visit and offer a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustling areas.
18. Cours Saleya Market
Description: A vibrant outdoor market offering fresh flowers, produce, local products, and Niçoise specialties.
History: Established in the 18th century, this market has been a staple of Nice’s daily life for generations.
Google Maps Link: Cours Saleya Market Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Chez Thérèse* (try local dishes like ratatouille and fresh seafood).
Additional Tips: Open every day except Mondays (when it turns into an antique market); visit in the morning for the freshest produce.
19. La Réserve
Description: A scenic viewpoint offering beautiful views of the Mediterranean and Nice’s coastline, especially popular at sunset.
History: Originally a fishing reserve, it has evolved into one of the best spots for enjoying Nice’s coastal scenery.
Google Maps Link: La Réserve Location
Nearby Restaurants: *La Réserve de Nice* (known for fine dining with a view).
Additional Tips: Free to visit; bring your camera to capture the incredible sunset views.
20. Opera de Nice
Description: The elegant 19th-century opera house hosts regular performances of opera, ballet, and classical concerts.
History: Established in 1885, it has become a key cultural institution in Nice, blending Italian and French architectural influences.
Google Maps Link: Opera de Nice Location
Official Website: Opera de Nice Site
Tickets: Prices vary by performance; check the website for booking.
Nearby Restaurants: *La Petite Loge* (a cozy spot for French cuisine, perfect for a pre- or post-show meal).
Additional Tips: Book tickets in advance as shows often sell out; dress smartly for evening performances to blend in with locals.
Conclusion
Nice offers an incredible mix of Mediterranean beauty, historical charm, and cultural wonders. With this guide, you’re equipped to explore the best spots in Nice, from panoramic viewpoints and historic sites to lively markets and local dining. Bookmark this article for your next trip, and enjoy every moment in the heart of the French Riviera!
