17 Things to Do in Nice, France

Nice, France is one of those magical cities that truly has it all — sparkling turquoise water, colorful Old Town streets, delicious food, and a pace of life that invites you to slow down and savor the moment. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying for a week, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Here are 17 things you should do in Nice — from iconic must-sees to charming little experiences that will make your trip unforgettable.

1. Stroll the Promenade des Anglais
Take a morning or sunset walk along this beautiful seaside promenade. Rent a bike or scooter if you want to cover more ground, and don’t forget to stop for photos of the glittering Mediterranean.

2. Climb (or take the elevator) to Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
Enjoy breathtaking views over Nice, the harbor, and the sea. Be sure to check out the waterfall at the top and the playground if you’re traveling with kids.

3. Get lost in Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Wander the narrow, colorful streets, browse local shops, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

4. Visit the Cours Saleya Market
From fresh flowers to juicy fruit and Provençal specialties, this market is bursting with color and flavor. Tuesday-Sunday the market is filled with flowers and food until around 1:30 pm, Monday the market is filled with antiques & flea market items, and in the summer there is often a craft market. So check depending on your dates to see what you can find!

5. Relax on the beach
Nice’s beaches are unique with smooth pebbles instead of sand. Pack water shoes, rent a lounge chair, and take a dip in the crystal-clear water.

6. Sample gelato at Fenocchio
This famous ice cream shop has over 90 flavors — everything from lavender to Nutella. We tried multiple flavors and loved them all!

7. Take a ride on the Petit Train de Nice
This little tourist train is a fun way to see the city, especially if you’re traveling with kids or want to save your feet. While we didn’t do this train in Nice, we did it in Menton and loved it!

8. People-watch at Place Masséna
This lively square is surrounded by beautiful buildings and features striking sculptures and fountains. This square is charming and worth walking through!

9. Explore Nice Port
A charming harbor filled with colorful fishing boats and sleek yachts. Perfect for an evening stroll. We enjoyed ice cream by the big fountain in the square!

10. Play at Promenade du Paillon
Kids will love the splash fountains and playgrounds in this gorgeous urban park.

11. Have a picnic with a view
Pick up fresh bread, cheese, and fruit from a local market and enjoy lunch overlooking the sea.

12. Try socca
This chickpea pancake is a local specialty — crispy on the outside, soft inside, and delicious with a sprinkle of pepper.

13. Go shopping!
From high-end shops (or consignment shops) to local artisan markets, Nice has something for every style.

14. Admire the architecture
The mix of Belle Époque buildings, pastel shutters, and intricate balconies makes every corner picture-worthy.

15. Visit the Nice Cathedral
A beautiful baroque church tucked in Old Town, perfect for a quiet moment of reflection.

16. Take another day trip
From Nice, you can easily visit a plethora of charming towns— each offering its own slice of Riviera magic. See my day trip recommendations here.

17. Savor a leisurely French meal
Order a glass of rosé, linger over multiple courses, and enjoy the art of slow dining. The food in Nice is divine!

18. Get on the water
Rent a boat and explore the coastline! The view of Nice from the water is stunning!

17. Enjoy a day trip!
There are so many cities worth visiting in the French Riviera! Be sure to go exploring!

We loved Nice! It was big enough that we always had something to do, but small enough to not feel overwhelming. Nice has a way of making you slow down, savor every detail, and fall in love with the rhythm of life on the French Riviera. Whether you spend your days exploring every corner or simply relaxing by the sea, you’ll leave already dreaming of your return.

@realchloebarnold If you intend to do the French Riviera with kids, you 100% have to do this ! We found Denisse France being incredibly kid, friendly #nice #nicefrance #f#frenchrivierac#cotedazurn#nicewithkidsw#whattodoinnice ♬ som original – Andressa Rassam

@realchloebarnold

HIGHLY recommend visiting Nice, France with kids. Here are our tips on what to do in Nice & our favorite playgrounds if you’re visiting Nice with kids: • Playgrounds- Nice has some of the coolest playgrounds I’ve ever seen! And it was too fun to watch our boys play with kids from around the world- even when they didn’t share a common language. Our favorites were the Promenade du Paillon (Coulée Verte) and Parc de la Colline du Château (Castle Hill)! • Promenade des Anglais — This iconic seaside walkway is perfect for sunset strolls, people-watching, and views of the turquoise Mediterranean. • Old Town (Vieux Nice) — Wander the narrow, colorful streets lined with markets, gelaterias, and Provençal boutiques. • Castle Hill (Colline du Château) — hike for panoramic views over Nice, the port, and the Baie des Anges. The view is stunning and our boys hiked it twice! It’s not too big of a hike. • Cours Saleya Market — The market is really pretty when in full swing! Enjoy the fresh flower, fruit, and vegetable market- plus there is an antique market on Mondays. • Place Masséna — Nice’s main square with its striking checkerboard tiles, fountains, and art installations. It’s really stunning and the boys loved the checkerboard tiles! • Musée Matisse — dedicated to Henri Matisse, who lived in Nice; set in a beautiful 17th-century villa. We didn’t make it inside, but heard great things! • Musée d'Art Moderne et d'Art Contemporain (MAMAC) — modern and contemporary art with rooftop views. Again, we didn’t make it inside, but heard great things! • Nice Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate) — a baroque masterpiece in the heart of Old Town. There was a concert going on when we arrived, so we only saw it from the outside. But it was beautiful and the square it is located on is beautiful. • Port Lympia — stroll the harbor lined with colorful buildings and watch yachts and fishing boats. We grabbed ice cream and enjoyed it in the square nearby. • Parc de la Colline du Château Playground & Waterfall — a fun spot for families with a waterfall and green space. The boys loved the waterfall! • Parc Phoenix — botanical garden and zoo-like park with exotic animals and plants (great for kids). • Baie des Anges Beaches — relax on Nice’s famous pebbled beaches or rent a lounge chair at a beach club.

♬ Original sound Travel with kids realchloebarnold – Chloe B Arnold •travel & SoCal

What would you add to this list?