This city has been dubbed “Queen of the Riviera”, and with its sunny climate, postcard-perfect beaches, and dazzling Belle Epoque architecture, the best things to do in Nice are aplenty.
Planning your trip to Nice, France and don’t know where to start? I got you. Read on to discover the best things to do in Nice, the best restaurants in Nice, the best day trips from Nice, and the best time to visit the French Riviera.
Nice is perfectly situated near the border of France, Monaco, and Italy. It serves as the ideal starting point to explore the French Riviera and surrounding regions.
This comprehensive Nice travel guide will outline everything you need to know to plan your visit, from the top things to do in the city and its beautiful day-trip destinations, to getting around by train and sampling Nice’s divine cuisine.
I recommend spending at least one week in the French Riviera, but if you have more time, two weeks would be ideal!
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Quick Mini Guide to Nice
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Nice to help you plan the perfect trip!
Where to Stay
– Old Town, Promenade des Anglais
– Hotel AMMI Vieux Nice (location & value)
– Hotel Petit Palais (boutique & ocean views)
– Le Méridien (luxury, oceanfront property)
When to Visit
– I recommend visiting during shoulder season, either between May & June, or late September)
– Summer (late June-August) is PEAK
Things to Do:
– Scenic 3-wheel Drive through Nice
– Provençal Food Walking Tour
– French Riviera Luxury Cruise
When is the Best Time to Visit the French Riviera?
You’ll be glad to know that Nice enjoys pleasant weather nearly year-round thanks to its ideal location on the Côte d’Azur.
Spring and fall are the perfect times to visit to avoid the summer crowds. Aim for April-June or September-October to explore Nice at its finest.
My personal preference is visiting end of September and/or early October. The tourists are gone, the locals have returned from their August vacation, and it is just beautiful in terms of the weather!
With temperatures averaging 65°F – 75°F, it is the perfect time for sightseeing, beach going, and enjoying Nice’s legendary café culture al fresco!!
Best Things to Do in Nice, France
1. Promenade des Anglais
The postcard-famous Promenade des Anglais lines Nice’s coast with palm-dotted walkways perfect for strolling. It is 7 km wide, and you’ll definitely want to take a few days walking / exploring it.. This street is more locally known as “le prom”.
One of the most notable things to do here, is to visit Castle Hill, which offers some of the best views of Nice from atop. You will enjoy beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea, the city of Nice, and of course, the Promenade des Anglais!
Next up would be to visit the #ILoveNice sign, which is one of the most instagrammed spots in Nice!
If you keep walking on to the dock area, you’ll see yachts departing for St. Tropez and other neighboring islands. Or, you can turn back around and continue exploring the beauty of Nice- there’s no shortage of it!
2. Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Lose yourself in Old Town (known locally as Vieux Nice)—the area Nice is arguably most famous for.
Meander the winding medieval lanes while admiring the vibrantly-colored classical buildings, which are now occupied by quirky boutiques, fragrant French soap shops, and charming little cafes perfect for a mid-afternoon glass of Rose.
Sometimes, they play music in the Palais de Justice where everyone can come together to dance, it is such a a beautiful moment! Check it out below.
Don’t miss Vieux Nice gems like the ornate Baroque Cathedral, the lively fish and flower markets, and indulging in a creamy gelato at either Azzurro Artisian Glacier, or Gelateria Geribaldi, my two favorites!
Don’t forget to sample Nice’s famous Socca chickpea pancakes, Pissaladière onion tarts, or Pan Bagnat sandwiches stuffed with Niçoise tuna as you explore Vieux Nice’s culinary specialties.
Vieux Nice captures the very essence of that ‘Provençal culture and charm’, and you will definitely not be disappointed.
3. Place Massena
One could argue that Place Massena is the heart of the Nice. The plaza features beautiful bright red, yellow, and blue ground mosaics.
Towering statues represent art and music, and the streets are lined with cafes perfect for people-watching.
If you do end up going in the summer months, you’ll be lucky to see the dancing fountain shows with music! It’s definitely a sight to see.
The streets lining the Massena were created around pedestrian shopping, with stores shooting off in all directions. Take your time strolling along the cute little shops and boutiques while you look for your next best souvenir.
Place Massena makes the perfect starting point to orient yourself in Nice. From there, you can virtually walk to anywhere in Nice. Make sure to bring proper walking shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of it!
These are hands down some of my favorite and best things to do in Nice!
Day Trips from Nice, France
The Nice area holds endless possibilities for memorable day trips to complement your time in the city. It is one of the best hubs to visit the multitude of cities just a short train ride away!
These are some of the best cities in the French Riviera, in my opinion! Without further ado, here are the best things to do near Nice.
Here are top day trips not to miss from Nice:
1. Eze
Perched high on a rocky hilltop, the stunning medieval village of Eze offers some of the best views in the French Riviera. Meander its tiny stone streets, stopping to sample local olive oil or perfume.
In this adorable little village, you can find local handmade jewelry boutiques, hidden restaurants, stunning views where the mountains meet water, and the beautiful Jardin d’Éze. It is in the Jardin d’Éze where you can experience views that stretch all the way to Corsica on clear days!
You can also find local handmade jewelry boutiques, and it’s great to support local businesses! It’s the perfect excuse to buy gifts for all of your lovely friends at home.
*HOT TIP– Visit the restaurant all the way at the top, Le Nid d’Aigle, where you can try the BEST waffles or ‘gaufres’ in the South of France. (this may be a bit biased but I’ve truly never tasted a waffle this good).
Check out this stunning video of Eze Village, France
2. Menton
Nicknamed “the Pearl of France,” elegant Menton charms visitors with its sunny microclimate filled with lush gardens, grand villas, and pastel Italianate houses.
As the bordering town between Italy and France, Menton beautifully blends influences from both cultures into a quintessential Riviera package.
Top things to do in Menton:
- Stroll the seaside promenade: Walk along the promenade as you take in the absolutely stunning views of Menton. It feels like you’ve been transported to Italy, with a familiarity of Cinque Terre, yet mixed in with the cultural aspects of France. It is the perfect blend of two cultures.
- Sample fresh citrus: Menton produces some of Europe’s largest, sweetest lemons. Taste test them fresh-squeezed, in desserts like lemon tart, or during the annual Lemon Festival! This happens between February and March every year.
- Go beach hopping: You can choose from a string of pretty beaches with crystal-clear coves. There are some amazing restaurants along the beach coast to choose from, so I’d recommend grabbing some aperitif’s and glass of Rose or spritz while you’re there.
*HOT TIP– Don’t miss Menton’s famed Fête du Citron lemon festival every February, when elaborate lemon displays brighten the streets.
Not so much a secret anymore, Menton is the place to go if you want a perfect flair of Italian and French culture, cuisine, and character😍
Here’s a video of Menton’s beautiful landscape.
Another video that shows the beauty of Menton, France
3. Antibes
Antibes is an enchanting beach town that everyone should go to when visiting France.
This city enamors visitors with its large harbor brimming with billionaires’ yachts, the lively market scenes and boutiques in Old Town Antibes, and bustling music clubs and bars that keep the energy high day and night.
There is so much to do in Antibes, everything from visiting the beaches and engaging in water-sports, to sightseeing and viewing this city at panoramic views, shopping, and nightlife.
Make sure to stop at the lively Marché Provencal, where you can peruse delicious food stalls and shopping boutiques. For sightseeing, that won’t be hard as you’ll be able to marvel at plenty of yachts docked in Europe’s largest marina.
Juan Les Pins
Juan-les-pins is located VERY close to Antibes, so you will likely find yourself visiting both. The main difference between them that Juan les Pins has a wide sandy beach and is a resort town. Antibes has the Old Town with a Port as mentioned above.
A restaurant that you absolutely MUST TRY by Juan Les Pins main beach is Plage des iles. Their seafood is absolutely incredible, and I highly recommend trying the ceviche… it is absolutely to die for.
If you want to escape Nice’s rocky pebbled beaches, Antibes is just the place to do that. You can enjoy beautiful sandy beaches at Plage de la Salis, and Plage de la Gravette.
4. Other day trips worth visiting
I would also recommend checking out villages: Villefranche Sur mer, St Paul de Vence, Tourrettes Sur Loup, St. Tropez, Beaulieu Sur Mer, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, and more.
Check out this post on the 3 Charming Villages to visit in the French Riviera!
Where to Eat- Nice’s Best Restaurants
What to Expect
Nice is possibly the best city in the South of France to discover everything France has to offer in terms of delectable food and dining.
Nice’s cuisine capitalizes on the bounty of Provence including olives, aromatic herbs, seasonal vegetables, and fresh seafood, the Italian influence from across the border, AND the general touch of French sophistication, eating your way through Nice ensures that you will have a cultural and delectable dining experience.
The Best Restaurants in Nice France 👇🏽
1. BOCCA
Situated in the Old Town (Vieux Nice), BOCCA Nissa is an upscale modern Italian restaurant located on the rooftop terrace of the boutique hotel Les Suites du Palais.
It has beautiful panoramic views of the city, and the ambiance is boho chic luxury. Make sure you order the homemade linguine with pesto, croquettes of salt cod, and their tiramisu for dessert. There is also a generous wine list with so many Italian varieties!
I would recommend BOCCA as an ideal spot for a special occasion dinner or a romantic meal, given the ambiance.
The restaurant describes the dress code as smart casual and prices meals at the high-end, which one should expect for this prime rooftop location and intimate dining experience. Make sure to make a reservation, as they can get pretty busy.
2. L’insolent Cafe
One of my FAVORITE cafes in France, L’insolent Cafe (previously: Volupté Anytime) is a charming and stylish cafe located on Victor Hugo in Nice’s city center. It is a popular spot for both breakfast and apéritifs after work.
You can enjoy coffee & delicious bites during the day, and wine with a more refined menu in the evening. Their food menu includes everything from paninis, sandwiches, salads and tarts to croque monsieurs and delicious pastries.
L’insolent is known for its cozy and artsy vibe, and has rustic-chic decor with vintage furnishings, exposed stone walls, and works by local artists adorning the walls.
Let’s not forget about the fact that it is an indoor-outdoor concept! The whole front portion of the cafe is made of glass walls, making it feel like you’re outside just under the trees. If you meander on back, the cafe (seemingly small at first) extends all the way back with different rooms and different ambiances to enjoy.
3. Restaurant Jan
Restaurant Jan- where to even begin? This magnificent Michelin Star restaurant is not to be missed when you are in Nice, France.
It is definitely a luxurious dining experience, but it is exactly that, an experience! If you are able to add this restaurant to your itinerary, you will not be disappointed.
Chef Jan-Hendrick opened this restaurant in 2013 to combine his love of French gastronomy with his South African roots & favorites. He only uses fresh ingredients sourced from local Côte d’Azur farms.
What did that produce? A cuisine blending the flavors, origins, and cultures through a mix of French and South African cuisine.
This is a 7-course meal that you can enjoy in an intimate setting, as there are only 20 people dining at Jan at one given time. This restaurant is a must-try, it’s truly incredible!
4. Indian Lounge
If you’re looking for delicious Indian food in Nice, this is THE spot. It is located on Rue Droite, in the Old Town on one of the side streets.
You can’t miss this restaurant because it is full of color, the seating takes up an entire alleyway practically, and you’ll be able to smell the food from a mile away! I have never seen this restaurant not packed, no matter what time of the day I go.
The food is absolutely incredible, full of flavor and every single Indian dish you could think of. They didn’t miss a thing! My favorites are the palak paneer, chicken tikka, matter paneer, chenna masala, the garlic naan, raita, and basically anything else on the menu.
The prices average the prices of other restaurants in the area, but I would say they are a bit on the higher side compared to other Indian restaurants I have eaten at in Nice. However, this should not be a deterrent as the quality of food, ambiance, and service truly surpass all expectations.
5. Banh Mei
Wow! This restaurant has to be my all-time favorite Vietnamese restaurant ever, not just in Nice! They are known for their Vietnamese Street food, and their portions are very generous.
Prepare to wait a little bit for your food as they make everything fresh and organic, and many people are usually in the queue. Nothing more than 15-20 minutes, but if you’re looking for a quick grab and go you’ll need to be patient!
You can choose to sit inside this restaurant or there are a few tables outside as well. I believe you can also do takeaway, but I personally have always eaten there.
The prices are more than fair, especially for the portion you are getting. This is a perfect restaurant to take your friends, and it’s a casual setting.
6. Lou Pilha Leva
This is your very typical French restaurant, but if you are looking to try Nice’s iconic Socca, this would be the spot!
Socca is a type of flatbread or pancake that is the speciality of Nice cuisine. It is made from chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and salt. It has a crispy texture on the outside and is soft and moist on the inside when freshly baked.
I went here with a local, and he said this restaurant services the best Socca in all of France, so I took his word for it! After trying Socca at various locations, I can say that Lou Pilha Leva makes the top of places to try it.
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