Nice Things to Do – Attractions & Must See

Nice Things to Do

Nice, France is one of the largest cities along the Mediterranean Sea. The clear waters, long promenade and many markets in this vibrant city make it an ideal place from which to explore the entire Southern part of France.

Nice is the coast. It’s also a city with lots of influences ranging from the Italian to the Spanish and many other places in between. Once part of Italy, today is has an older section with shops, a long boardwalk by the shore and an authentic French feel.

The Promenade Des Anglais

Nice was such a popular destination for the English, they have their own namesake. The Promenade des Anglais stretches across much of the city. This is the place to go to stroll on a hot day in between a dip in the sea by the famous Belle Epoque hotels. Come back at night when it becomes a soft, warm haven with lots of restaurants directly on the boardwalk.

The Beaches

Be aware that some beaches here are private. For public sunning and access to the waters, try the Opera beach. Private beaches are a splurge but they can be worth it as you’ll get access to seating and even a private pool. Many people recommend the Beau Rivage. Keep in mind that the beaches here are not the soft sand you might find elsewhere. They have large pebbles so bring comfortable, waterproof shoes.

Vieux Nice

French for Old Nice, this is the oldest part of the city. It starts at Place Massena. Some of the streets are wide but many are very narrow so be careful walking here. The Cours Seleya is the local market. Grab fresh fruit and vegetables with some regional cheese, ham and bread for a wonderful lunch. Or try the many places offering moule frites or mussels and fries with lots of dipping sauces. At one end lies the house where Matisse lived for a few years. If you go up the hill from the old town, there’s a museum with many of his brightly colored prints.

Parc de la Colline du Château

After you’ve had a chance to see Nice from the sea and the Old Town, you might want to head up the hill for a look at the entire area. Right next to the old town is the area’s biggest public park. You can climb up the park via a few sets of stairs or take an elevator for a small fee. Up the hill, you can walk around in a shaded public park. There’s a nice playground for the little ones to explore while you sit. There’s the remains of an ancient castle on the site as well as many mosaics. On a hot day, dip your fingers in the waterfall and the fountains scattered all over the park.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Nice.