Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
30/08/2025
Huy Phan, Pexels
Nice, a prominent city on the French Riviera, offers a harmonious blend of historical depth, vibrant culture, and remarkable natural beauty. Visitors are drawn to its stunning pebbled beaches, the iconic Promenade des Anglais, and the charming Old Town, which serves as a cultural hub and an excellent starting point for exploring the wider Côte d'Azur region.
The Old Town, or Vieux Nice, is a focal point for social interaction, with its lively lanes, numerous cafes, and restaurants providing a vibrant atmosphere. For those looking to meet fellow travelers, staying in hostels, joining organized day tours, or participating in local workshops are effective avenues. The Cours Saleya market also offers an engaging setting to immerse oneself in local life and interact with others.
Top 6 Things to do in Nice
The activities available in Nice primarily revolve around coastal strolls, historical exploration, cultural market experiences, panoramic viewpoints, and artistic immersion.
1. Strolling the Promenade des Anglais
Embarking on a leisurely stroll along the Promenade des Anglais is an quintessential Nice experience. This iconic seven-kilometer seaside boulevard, lined with palm trees and the famous blue chairs, provides breathtaking views of the Baie des Anges. One can observe the elegant Belle Epoque architecture, such as the historic Hotel Negresco and the Palais de la Méditerranée, that graces the waterfront. It is perfect for a relaxed walk, taking in the sea breeze, or enjoying a moment of people-watching.
Cost: Accessing the Promenade is free. For those wishing to cycle, bike rentals are available through Vélobleu stations, starting from as little as €1, or via services like Lime and Pony, which charge approximately €0.19-€0.23 per minute.
Transport: The Promenade des Anglais is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from most parts of Nice. Numerous public bus stops are available along its entire length.
2. Exploring Vieux Nice (Old Town)
Wandering through the winding, narrow cobblestone streets of Vieux Nice is like stepping back in time. The Old Town pulsates with life, characterized by its vibrant, pastel-colored buildings, charming squares, and hidden courtyards. Visitors can discover artisan shops, inviting cafes, and traditional Niçoise restaurants. Place Rossetti, with its impressive Sainte-Réparate Cathedral, serves as a lively hub within this historic maze.
Cost: Exploring the Old Town is free of charge. Costs for shopping, dining, or refreshments vary widely depending on personal choices.
Transport: Vieux Nice is in the heart of the city and most central accommodations are within walking distance. Public trams serve stops such as 'Opéra – Vieille Ville' or 'Cathédrale – Vieille Ville', which are conveniently close to the Old Town.
3. Visiting Cours Saleya Market
The Cours Saleya Market, situated in the Old Town, is a vibrant spectacle of local life and produce. From Tuesday to Sunday mornings, the market overflows with fresh flowers, seasonal fruits, vegetables, and regional delicacies. Mondays bring a transformation, as the market switches to a bustling antique and flea market, offering unique finds and collectibles. The lively atmosphere and aromatic scents provide an authentic taste of Niçoise culture.
Cost: Entry to the market is free, with costs only incurred for purchases made.
Transport: Located within Vieux Nice, the market is easily reachable on foot. Public transport options include trams to 'Opéra – Vieille Ville' or 'Cathedrale – Vieille Ville' stops.
4. Ascending Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
A visit to Castle Hill offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views over Nice, encompassing the Bay of Angels, the Promenade des Anglais, and the terracotta rooftops of the Old Town. While the medieval castle itself lies in ruins, the hilltop park provides a serene escape with lush gardens, a cascading waterfall, and historical remnants. It is an ideal spot for a refreshing walk or a quiet picnic while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
Cost: Access to Castle Hill and its park is free. Visitors can climb the stairs or take a free elevator located at the end of Quai des États-Unis for convenient access.
Transport: Castle Hill is easily accessible by walking up stairs from the eastern end of the Promenade des Anglais or from the Old Town. A free elevator is also available at the end of Quai des États-Unis.
5. Discovering the Matisse Museum
The Matisse Museum, nestled in the picturesque Cimiez Gardens, provides a profound insight into the artistic journey of Henri Matisse, who lived in Nice for many years. Housed within a beautifully renovated Genoese villa, the museum showcases one of the world's most extensive collections of his works, from early paintings to his final cut-outs. It offers a tranquil setting for art enthusiasts to appreciate the evolution of a 20th-century master.
Cost: Admission for adults is €10. Alternatively, a 4-day Nice Museums Pass is available for €15, granting access to all municipal museums and galleries. Entry is free for children under 18 and for EU students under 26.
Transport: The Matisse Museum is located in the Cimiez neighborhood, which is uphill from the city center. One can take Bus #5 (Rimiez Saint-George) from various central tram stops, such as Jean Médecin or Massena, directly to the 'Les Arènes / Musée Matisse' stop, a journey of approximately 8-10 minutes. A taxi or Uber from the Old Town typically costs around €10.
6. Day Trip to Eze Village
A short journey from Nice transports one to Eze Village, a stunning medieval hilltop village that offers incredible panoramic views of the French Riviera and the Mediterranean Sea. Visitors can explore its charming, winding cobblestone paths, discover unique artisan shops, and ascend to the Exotic Garden at the very top. The village's rich history and breathtaking vistas make it a memorable excursion.
Cost: Entry to the Exotic Garden costs €8 per person. Bus tickets from Nice to Eze Village are approximately €1.70 per person if using a public transport card, or potentially €4 if purchased directly from the driver for out-of-city routes. A taxi or Uber can range from €17 to €30 each way.
Transport: To reach Eze Village, take Bus #82 (towards Plateau de la Justice) or Bus #602 (towards Monte Carlo) from the Bavastro bus stop, located behind Port Lympia. The bus journey takes approximately 30 minutes. It is important to ensure you board a bus designated for 'Eze Village' and not 'Eze-sur-Mer' if you intend to visit the hilltop village.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
