Things to do in Nice

From scenic coastal walks along the Promenade des Anglais to historic hilltop viewpoints at Castle Hill, the many things to do in Nice unfold against a Riviera setting of sunlit rooftops and the Mediterranean’s calm blue edge. Golden light settles over terracotta lanes as the city reveals its relaxed pace, inviting slow exploration, pauses at scenic spots, and seaside moments shaped by French coastal charm. Nice allows itineraries to stay structured without feeling rigid or fast-paced. Guided walks through Vieux Nice, dedicated time at Castle Hill viewpoints, and open hours along the Promenade des Anglais fit smoothly into a single day, while still leaving evenings free for markets or waterfront cafés.

Many France tour packages feature Nice as a Riviera base, typically covering guided Old Town walks, time along the Promenade des Anglais, visits to Castle Hill viewpoints, and day trips toward Monaco or nearby coastal villages. Europe tour packages that include Nice often balance structured sightseeing with free hours for markets, waterfront cafés, and coastal viewpoints, allowing travellers to experience the city at a comfortable, unhurried pace rather than as a brief pass-through stop.

It’s during these unstructured moments, between scheduled stops and scenic routes, that Nice begins to feel less like an itinerary and more like a place to settle into. The soft sound of waves, the inviting promenades, and the warm ambience of the city promise countless moments that stay with you long after your visit.

15 Things to do in Nice

1. Wander the Port of Nice

If you begin your journey by exploring the harbour, you’ll quickly see why many travellers highlight the port as one of the relaxed things to do in Nice during a coastal getaway. Boats sway gently against the docks, and colourful façades create a warm backdrop that feels wonderfully Mediterranean. As you move along the waterfront, you witness fishermen preparing for the day, cafés opening their doors, and sunlight gliding across the water in shimmering patterns. The area offers many quiet corners where you can pause, enjoy a pastry, or simply admire the view. Spending time here allows you to settle into the rhythm of the city in a way that feels effortless and inviting.

2. Explore Vieux Nice (Old Town) on Foot

Vieux Nice invites you to wander through its maze of narrow alleys, vibrant storefronts, and sunlit squares. Walking here feels like stepping into a living tapestry woven from history, color, and culture. Exploring Vieux Nice is among the most rewarding things to do in Nice, France, with its colourful lanes, lively squares, baroque architecture, and historic facades.

The scent of fresh socca drifts through the lanes, local artisans display handmade treasures, and Baroque churches stand tall. Nearly every street offers something distinct, from the flower stalls and food vendors of Cours Saleya to historic landmarks like Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate and the small cafés where locals gather daily.

3. Walk the Promenade des Anglais

With the sea stretching beside you and palm trees lining the path, walking the Promenade des Anglais feels like one of the city’s most freeing experiences. Early in your stroll, you may witness joggers moving in steady rhythm, cyclists gliding past, and travellers pausing to photograph the shimmering water. Continue a little farther and you’ll see locals gathering on blue chairs to enjoy the sunlight, creating a scene that captures the Riviera’s relaxed spirit. Walking along the Promenade des Anglais easily becomes one of the cool things to do in Nice, France, as the wide seafront path, open Mediterranean views, and iconic blue chairs invite you to slow down and enjoy the Riviera atmosphere.

4. Visit Castle Hill for Panoramic Views of Nice

Castle Hill rises above the city like a natural lookout, offering terraced gardens, shaded paths, and panoramic viewpoints that allow you to marvel at the entire coastline. As you make your way upward, waterfalls, leafy small corners, and historic ruins add layers of discovery to the journey. Reaching higher viewpoints along Castle Hill highlights why visiting Castle Hill is among the top things to do in Nice, France, rewarding visitors with expansive views of the coastline. Once at the top, the red rooftops, curving bay, and sparkling Mediterranean unfold below, creating a sweeping vista worth every step.

5. Take a French Riviera Coastal Cruise

A coastal cruise lets you witness Nice from a refreshing new angle, gliding along turquoise water that reflects sunlight in soft waves. At the start of the journey, the city slowly recedes, revealing cliffs, coves, and elegant villas hugging the shoreline. As the cruise continues, you pass secluded coves, dramatic cliffs, and waterfront villas, with onboard commentary highlighting key coastal landmarks along the route. By the time the French Riviera Coastal Cruise concludes, the experience stands out among the must do things in Nice, offering relaxed sailing, uninterrupted Mediterranean views, and a closer look at the French Riviera coastline.

6. Go for a Monaco & Èze Day Trip

Venturing from Nice toward Monaco and Èze feels like stepping into a cinematic coastline, where cliffside roads reveal sharp turns and breathtaking vistas. The Moyenne Corniche drive towards Monaco highlights cool things to do in Nice, such as coastal road trips, panoramic viewpoints above Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and sea views along the Riviera. Monaco dazzles with luxury yachts and polished avenues, while Èze invites you to wander stone paths scented with warm hillside air. Each stop offers rich culture, stunning viewpoints, and memorable discoveries. The route between Nice, Monaco, and Èze unfolds through dramatic cliff edges, panoramic sea overlooks, and historic hill towns, making the travel time as rewarding as the destinations themselves.

7. Explore the Museums of Cimiez Hill

Cimiez Hill rises gently above the city, welcoming you to peaceful gardens, Roman ruins, and museums that celebrate the artistic soul of Nice. Exploring the Matisse Museum and nearby archaeological exhibits on Cimiez Hill reflects some of the top things to do in Nice, France. Here, sunlight filters through olive trees, guiding you from gallery to gallery with a sense of slow discovery. Cimiez Hill is also known for its rose gardens, open terraces, and shaded walkways that connect the museums and historic sites.

8. Undertake a Perfume-Making Workshop at Molinard in Nice

Inside the Molinard perfume studio in Nice’s Old Town, you step into an aromatic space where glass bottles line the counters and carefully curated fragrances fill the air. Learning to create a personalised scent using Mediterranean-inspired notes makes this workshop one of the more distinctive things to do in Nice beyond sightseeing. Guided by trained perfumers, you are introduced to fragrance composition, from selecting base notes to balancing floral and citrus accords. The session highlights how ingredients such as orange blossom, jasmine, lavender, and local citrus define the region’s perfume heritage, and you leave with a custom-made bottle that serves as a meaningful souvenir of your time in Nice.

9. Experience a Segway Tour Along the Nice Seafront

Gliding along the shoreline on a Segway feels lively and effortless, with each curve revealing a different angle of the city’s blue horizon. With sea views and palm-lined paths all around, this Segway tour is one of the top things to do in Nice, France, combining fun and sightseeing. Palm trees sway gently overhead, and coastal views stretch out in soft colours as you follow your guide through scenic routes. The Segway tour glides past the Hôtel Negresco, local cafés, and seaside viewpoints, offering a complete and immersive promenade experience.

10. Enjoy a Coastal Caves Boat Tour

A coastal caves tour carries you across clear Mediterranean waters where cliffs rise dramatically above hidden openings shaped by time. Early in the journey, the guide highlights landmarks such as Cap de Nice and Baie des Anges, making the Coastal Caves boat tour one of the cool things to do in Nice, France, for nature lovers. As the boat enters echoing caves, sunlight reflects in shifting blues that dance across the cave walls. The experience feels both calming and thrilling, offering rare perspectives of the Riviera’s geological wonders while the sea moves gently beneath you.

11. Indulge in Snorkelling in the French Riviera

The Riviera’s clear, shimmering water invites you to dive beneath the surface and witness marine life moving gently around rocky coves. Swimming past vibrant reefs and schools of fish, you quickly see why snorkelling here ranks among the top things to do in Nice, France, along the French Riviera. Schools of fish glide past, sea grass sways softly, and quiet underwater pockets offer peaceful moments of discovery. Snorkelling here feels refreshing and immersive, giving you a vibrant look at the coastline’s natural beauty while you float in warm, calm Mediterranean waters.

12. Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour of Nice

A hop-on hop-off tour lets you explore the city with total ease, stopping whenever curiosity calls. Passing landmarks from Mont Boron viewpoints to the Promenade des Anglais, this open-top tour highlights many of the top things to do in Nice, France, including historic streets, gardens, and coastal vistas. The open-top ride offers breezy panoramas, while recorded commentary reveals the stories behind historic landmarks. You can pause at museums, markets, gardens, or seaside paths, choosing your own pace while taking in sweeping city scenes. It’s an effortless way to experience Nice with comfort and spacious views.

13. Explore Cours Saleya Flower & Food Market

Cours Saleya awakens your senses with bright blossoms, fresh produce, and local treats displayed under striped canopies. Sampling local treats, chatting with artisans, or watching chefs prepare regional dishes are among the things to do in Nice, France, that give visitors a hands-on taste of the city’s culture. Fresh produce, local olives, and warm pastries fill the stalls, as market sellers greet visitors and offer tastings. Every section of the market reveals something vibrant, giving you a peek into daily life and Mediterranean culture.

14. Visit the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Nice

Stepping toward the cathedral, you see its ornate domes rising with quiet grandeur against the Riviera sky. Inside, rich icons, glowing murals, and soft candlelight create an atmosphere of reflection. Visiting the Russian Orthodox Cathedral is one of the things to do in Nice, France, where its domes, icons, and candlelit interiors offer a unique sensory and cultural experience. The cathedral feels serene and deeply historic, offering a peaceful pause from the city’s coastal energy while allowing you to appreciate Nice’s diverse cultural influences.

15. Sunset Experience at Coco Beach

Coco Beach welcomes you with rugged rocks, gentle tides, and a sunset that paints the coastline in warm amber tones. Experiencing the twilight at Coco Beach is one of the things to do in Nice, France, bringing together quiet seaside moments with panoramic views of the Riviera coastline. Locals gather on the rocks, swimmers move through the water in slow strokes, and waves create rhythmic echoes against the shore. This spot offers a peaceful, unhurried end to the day, letting you enjoy the Riviera in its most calming light.