The 13 best things to do in Nice

What is it? Nice’s modern art museum, home to a vast collection of pop art, realist art and more, from the 1950s to the present day. You’ll find pop art legends Andy Worhol and Roy Lichtenstein here, to name a few, as well as realist artist Yves Klein, who lived in Nice. 

Why go? Not only are MAMAC’s exhibitions always great, but the building itself is a marvel. You’ll find outdoor sculptures, three floors of artwork, and a rooftop exhibition space where you can catch fantastic views over the city. Oh, and a general ticket is just €10. 

What is it? This 7km paved promenade was paid for by wealthy English expats who liked to wander along the seafront in the 1800s (hence the name). Hundreds of years later and the view is just as beautiful.

Why go? Mooch along this stretch to soak up the sights of the gorgeously blue Mediterranean sea, stopping at one of the many bars and restaurants by the beach along the way. ‘The Prom’, as it is known to locals, is where the Nice Carnival takes place every February.

What is it? Matisse lived in Nice for nearly 40 years, and this museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of his work.

Why go? Trace the career of one of France’s most famous artists, with paintings, drawings, sculptures and his famous paper cut-outs all on show at Musée Matisse. Matisse died in Nice in 1954, and you can also visit his grave in the Monastère Notre Dame de Cimiez cemetery, near the museum.

What is it? This historic hotel on the Promenade des Anglais is more than 100 years old. With its pastel-pink, domed roof, it’s an iconic building you can’t miss.

Why go? A room here will set you back at least a couple of hundred quid per night, but there’s no need to stay at the hotel to experience it. The bar shakes up awesome cocktails with everything from Old Fashioneds and Negronis to their own signature creations, including the ‘Royal Negresco’ with Kirsch, raspberry syrup and Champagne.

What is it? Le Gout de Nice is, technically, a souvenir shop, but at its heart is a mission to educate visitors on the three terroirs at the region’s heart: the famous coast, the hinterland, and the Alpine landscape. 

Why go? It feels like a disservice to call Le Gout de Nice a souvenir shop when the only products on display come with a piece of Nice’s soul. Each product is emblematic of the region, produced by locals to a rigorous standard and chosen by a selection committee through a strict application process. You won’t just find any old olive oil for sale: you’ll find lemon confit from Menton lemons; tapenade made from olives from La Domaine Lessatini grown 15 minutes from town; or beer brewed at the edge of the Mercantour National Park.

Nearby: Head into old town for the newly-renovated Le comptoir du Marché, or for Lavomatique, though bookings are recommended.

What is it? The south of France might be better known for its wine, but hopheads rejoiced when Beer District opened and brought craft beer to the city. 

Why go? With 16 microbrews on tap and loads of bottled beers from all over the world, beer lovers are spoiled for choice here. Not sure what to go for? Staff are happy to advise, and they’ll offer samples too. Cheers to that.

What is it? A chic, hidden bar somewhere in the port district. Can you keep the secret?

Why go? If you can find it, Zitto is a lush space with decadent cocktails. While the drinks menu changes with the seasons, ask the barkeep for a surprise, and he’ll make it for you based on your preferences. There’s a mocktail menu with just as much attention paid to it as the boozy option, so everyone can enjoy the hush, luxe atmosphere.

What is it? Founded in 1947, this is one of the city’s oldest wine bars. With local wines and varieties from across France, this is the place to be if you want to sample the region’s finest booze.

Why go? Some of the wines at Cave de la Tour are available by the glass, but once you find your favourite, you might be tempted to stay for a bottle. Luckily, they also serve tasty food to soak up all that booze. Nab a seat under the shady terrace and settle for the long haul.

What is it? An incredible flower market in the Old Town dating back to 1897. These days, there is also fruit, vegetables and street food, but it’s the impressive floral display you’ll see all over your Instagram feed.

Why go? Even if you don’t buy any flowers, you can happily mooch around Marché Cours Saleya admiring all kinds of flora. There are also plenty of things to buy that can travel home without wilting – dried herbs and spices, unusual teas and dinky jars of tapenade – as well as bread and pastries to munch on as you wander.

What is it? The local cuisine is more than just Nicoise salads, y’know? This cute spot in old town specialises in socca, a Niçois pizza-style snack made from chickpea flour and cooked in a huge stone oven.

Why go? One of the oldest socca shops in Nice, Chez Theresa is an institution. You’ll find her name in Cours Saleya and at her eponymous shop in town. The oven is original, used to bake bread as far back as 1867, and still preparing socca today. There may be a line but, especially in the cooler months, the crispy, savoury snack is worth it.

What is it? Nice is home to some incredible pre-historic sites, even if they get skipped over for famous beach clubs. This particular site, discovered in the 1960s, dates back over 400,000 years. 

Why go? At Musée Terre Amata you’ll find some of the earliest evidence of human homes seen anywhere on earth, and the earliest evidence of the domestication of fire. Not only does it offer insight into how our earliest ancestors lived, it also displays bones of hunted animals and tools carved from stones very similar to the ones we see along the Promenade des Anglais today.

Nearby? Foam, Gigi, and Maison F are all along the Quai des Deux Emmanuels and all have exceptional menus with tables outside to enjoy the sunshine.

What is it? Colline du Château translates to ‘castle hill’, and while the medieval castle was destroyed by Louis XIV in 1706, the hill still stands. And at 93 metres above sea level, it offers glorious, panoramic views over the city.

Why go? Tackle the climb to the summit of this hilltop park, and you’ll be rewarded with sweet views along the way. You’ll pass an impressive waterfall and, once you reach the top, there’s a lovely park where you can rest your legs. Settle on the grass for a picnic or grab a bite from the café, and if you don’t fancy the climb, there’s even a lift you can take.

Nearby? The café at the top of the hill offers light refreshments, and is the perfect spot for a typical after-lunch espresso. 

What is it? Nice’s old town, recognised by UNESCO in 2021, is more ancient than it seems. Dating back to the third century BC, Nice’s old town was likely settled by the same Greeks that settled Marseille. 

Why go? Though it may not be at its geographic centre, culturally, old town is the heart of Nice. With winding streets and colourful, towering buildings, getting lost in old town can easily transport you back in time. While you may know well the main streets, the best spots in old town are down back streets and tucked around corners, so don’t hesitate to lose yourself! It’s not very big, so you’ll easily find your way.

Where to eat nearby: While there are so many exceptional options, try Marinette for brunch, Chez Acchiardo for typical Niçois, or Banh Mei for a Vietnamese-French fusion with a curated natural wine selection.