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What to do in Nice, France

There’s something truly magical about Nice, France! I fell in love with it immediately and I know it’s a city I know we will return to for years to come. Every corner of Nice invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and soak in la belle vie. If you’re planning a trip to Nice and the French Riviera, here are all of my tips for Nice and here are my French Riviera tips! Here are all our tips on what to do in Nice!

Nice Itinerary

Rather than setting an exact itinerary for you, I recommend planning your days based on where you choose to stay. Nice is wonderfully walkable, so cluster activities by neighborhood to make the most of your time. You can see most of the top attractions in Nice in a day or you can slowly meander.
Be sure to use my 17 Things to do in Nice and my Best Day Trips from Nice guide to help!

Airport/Train Stations

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) – Only about 15–20 minutes from the city center. You can take a taxi, Uber, tram, or even a bus.
Nice-Ville Train Station – Centrally located and the perfect hub for exploring the rest of the French Riviera by train.

Hotel

We stayed in this Airbnb and LOVED it! We would stay here again in a heart beat! We could walk to the train station, Old Town, and the beach easily!

Restaurants

Nice is filled with delicious food! With kids we often make notes of restaurants we are intrigued by in advance, but often end up eating at a restaurant that looks good and is nearby when we get hungry. Occasionally we plan our days around restaurants we want to end up at, but when traveling with kids we give ourselves more flexibility. Below are restaurants that were recommended to us or restaurants we found and enjoyed!
- Family Friendly
  - Papilla
    A dessert-focused spot with a friendly manager and delicious ice cream, ideal for families. Reviewers praise the welcoming vibe, making it a hit with kids.
  - Polly And Cie
    Known for great salads and a cute, family-friendly atmosphere. The kind staff and approachable menu make it suitable for families.
  - Le Bedouin – Chez Michel
    A Moroccan and Mediterranean restaurant with dishes like couscous, meatballs, and lamb kebabs that appeal to all ages. Its casual setting is great for families.
  - That’s Amore
    An Italian restaurant with high-quality pizza and a small, friendly atmosphere, perfect for family meals.
- Fine Dining
  - Le Chantecler
    Located in the iconic Le Negresco hotel, this Michelin-starred restaurant, led by chef Virginie Basselot, offers artfully plated dishes with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
  - JAN
    A Michelin-starred restaurant blending South African and French cuisine, led by chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen. Offers a 7-course tasting menu with artistic presentations.
  - Les Agitateurs
    A Michelin-starred gem near the port, known for creative dishes like sweet leeks with truffle and bone marrow. Chef Samuel Victori’s poetic menus elevate the dining experience.
  - Pure & Vy
    A Michelin-starred restaurant with a focus on inventive seafood dishes and an extensive natural wine collection. Owner Vanessa Massé was named Sommelier of the Year in 2021.
- Local Favorites
  - La Merenda
    Run by former Michelin-starred chef Dominique Le Stanc, this tiny Old Town bistro serves authentic Niçoise dishes like pissaladière, daube, and socca. No reservations, cash only.
  - Le Bistrot d’Antoine
    A popular Old Town bistro serving hearty French cuisine with Niçoise touches. Known for scallops with sun choke puree and ox cheek pot au feu.
  - Chez Acchiardo
    A family-run restaurant in Old Town, offering Niçoise and French dishes like beef daube and salade Niçoise. Known for its generational charm and local clientele.
  - Lou Pistou
    A cozy spot known for fresh, local Niçoise dishes like artichoke salad and pissaladière. The menu changes to reflect seasonal ingredients.
- Classic
  - Chez Davia
    A charming bistro since 1953, offering modern twists on Niçoise classics like soupe au pistou and osso bucco. Run by chef Pierre Altobelli, continuing his family’s legacy.
  - Le Bistrot de Serruriers
    A cozy Old Town bistro serving classic French dishes with a Niçoise touch, using market-fresh ingredients. Known for warm service and a home-like atmosphere.
  - Olive et Artichaut
    A Bib Gourmand bistro in Old Town, blending Niçoise classics with creative dishes like peaches roasted à la plancha. Chef Thomas Hubert emphasizes local produce.
  - Cafe de Turin
    A historic seafood restaurant at Place Garibaldi, known for fresh oysters, shellfish, and Niçoise classics. Its lively, unpretentious vibe is timeless.

Transportation

Train {very easy & affordable to use!}
Taxi
Walk {my favorite way to see any city}

Recommendations

17 Things to do in Nice
10 Best Day Trips from Nice
What to do in Nice with kids
What to Pack for Nice (You don’t want to forget to pack this for the French Riviera)

Other

Note that a lot of things are closed on Sunday in France. So grab a croissant & some breakfast goodies on Saturday to enjoy Sunday morning- just in case!

More posts about Nice can be found here or the French Riviera here