Nice - Top Things to Do, Local Tips & Travel Planning
Local tips, videos and planning advice from locals
Is Nice right for your trip?
​​→ Best for first Riviera trip
→ Best base without car
→ Best mix beach + culture
→ Best food scene
Watch Nice with us
See what Nice really feels like — from beaches and food to the city’s must-see experiences
Things to Do in Nice
Core Nice Experiences
Nice can be experienced in many ways — but three places really define the city: the Promenade des Anglais with its beaches, the Old Town and Castle Hill.
Walking along the Promenade is a real pleasure, with beaches, beach clubs and restaurants inviting you to spend a day by the sea, enjoy lunch or have a glass of rosé. The Old Town is where you’ll find markets, small streets and shops for all kinds of tastes and local restaurants full of character. From Castle Hill, you get the best views over the city, the port and the famous Riviera coastline.
Harbour Area
The Port district is also fantastic. Right next to Coco Beach — a local favourite among people from Nice — you’ll find great restaurants such as Le Plongeoir.
​
The area is full of charming cafés (like Café du Cycliste) and small local shops, and you can even discover traces of very early human history nearby, including the Prehistoric Museum and the Prehistoric Cave (Grotte du Lazaret). Evidence from the Terra Amata site shows human presence here from around 400,000 years ago.
​
From here, you can start a beautiful coastal walk all the way to Villefranche-sur-Mer.​
Local Tip:
​In summer, you can also use the free harbour shuttle, Lou Passagin, to cross the port. The ferryman always appreciates a small tip, so don’t forget to bring some coins with you.
Two Experiences We Truly Recommend
Boat Rental
We really recommend renting a boat for a summer day on the Riviera — and you don’t even need a boating license.
You can cruise along the coast, including the famous Promenade des Anglais, and even reach the beautiful Rade de Villefranche.
It’s the perfect place to drop anchor, swim in clear water and enjoy the coastline from the sea — we had so much fun doing this.
Biking in Nice
We had an absolute blast on Alex’s Bike & Beer Tour; it’s a great way to explore Nice in a laid-back, local way!
​
By the way, Alex offers several different bike adventures around town.
​
Check out her tours and book your ride directly through her site - we’re sure you’ll love it just as much as we did!
Culture & Iconic Experiences
Nice is not only about beaches and views — it’s also a city shaped by art, history and Mediterranean culture.
From world-class museums to historic landmarks, culture is part of everyday life here.
The Carnival of Nice
The Nice Carnival is one of the most famous winter events on the French Riviera and attracts visitors from all over the world.
It usually takes place in February and features large parades, artistic floats, music, costumes and the famous flower parades along the seafront.
Even outside the summer season, the carnival shows how lively and festive Nice can be — and it’s a real highlight if you visit in winter.
Art & Museum
The city is home to museums dedicated to artists like Matisse and Chagall, as well as smaller galleries across the Old Town and beyond. The Nice Opera House is also a true cultural highlight — both for its beautiful historic building and for its excellent programme, with opera, ballet and concerts throughout the year.
Even if you’re not planning a full museum day, stepping into one cultural site can really change how you see the city.
Local Culture & Everyday Riviera Life
Culture in Nice is not only found in museums.
Markets, cafés, small bakeries and long seaside walks are all part of the local lifestyle — simple but deeply rooted in Mediterranean traditions. With some of the highest sunshine levels in France each year, life here naturally happens outdoors. People take time to go to restaurants, visit local markets and enjoy long lunches with friends. And when the sun is shining, it often feels like the whole city is out walking along the Promenade.
Historic Landmarks & Architecture
From Belle Époque façades along the seafront to baroque churches in the Old Town, Nice reflects centuries of Mediterranean history. Walking through the Old Town or along the port area shows how Italian and French influences shaped the city.