Nice is the capital of the French Riviera (“Côte d’Azur” in French). If you only have time to visit one place in this famous French region, Nice is the place to be. It is a charming Mediterranean city with plenty of things to do and places to explore. That is why it is the perfect place to base yourself during your trip to the French Riviera. This way, you will have the opportunity to find more accommodation options at better prices. There are many nearby places that you can easily visit as day trips. In this article, you will find the 8 best things to do in Nice, France.
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8 Best things to do in Nice – France
1-Watch the sunset on the Promenade des Anglais
You cannot fully experience Nice without watching its magical sunsets on the famous “Promenade des Anglais. It is considered one of the best coastlines not only in the South of France, but also in France. The magical pastel colors of the sky and the turquoise color of the water create a unique setting. It is also a very romantic place, perfect for romantic evenings with your other half. There are many different activities you can do on this beautiful coastline, such as strolling along the Promenade, going down to the beach, or having a drink or a meal at the waterfront bars or restaurants. However, if you are a sports fan, you can easily go cycling, jogging, or just walking. The views along the way will leave you in awe.
2-Walk around the area of the Negresco Hotel
Hotel Negresco is one of those cases where a hotel constitutes an Instagrammable place in the city, and for good reason. Located on the Promenade des Anglais, it is a photogenic hotel that attracts tourists and photography enthusiasts. In case you want to photograph it with empty streets, we advise you to get there as early as possible. The area around the hotel is amazing, with huge palm trees, charming buildings, and magnificent ocean views.
3-Enjoy a morning on the Promenade des Anglais
In case you want to spend a relaxing morning on Nice’s coast, the Promenade des Anglais is your best option. There are many free spots where you can enjoy your morning coffee. Nothing could be a morning dip in these amazing waters during the summer months. The beauty of this beach is shocking. However, it is one of the most crowded places during the peak summer season. So, try to get there before 10 am. We also highly recommend taking a sightseeing tour. It is one of the best ways to get to know a new city and have fun.
4-Go to Castle Hill of Nice (Colline du Château)
The Castle Hill of Nice (“Colline du Château” in French) is a must-see place. It offers the best panoramic view of Nice. To access this location, you have to climb the stairs or take the free elevator (located at the end of the Promenade des Anglais). It is worth your effort, as the view over Nice and the endless blue will truly reward you. At the top, there is also a small park with a waterfall. Here you will find a little café and toilets. The best time to go is before sunset to enjoy this stunning view under the pastel colors.
5-Visit the Place Masséna
Place Masséna is located in the heart of Nice and is considered the most photogenic square in the city. It has a checkerboard pattern on the ground, a fountain, and the bright red building around. If you want to take beautiful photos or just take a walk without crowds, we can strongly advise you to come before 8 am. Since it is located in the center, you can easily get there from Gare de Nice (train station), Promenade des Anglais, and Notre Dame de Nice. Galleries Lafayette is within walking distance if you want to go shopping.
6-Stroll through the Phare of Nice
The Phare of Nice is another gorgeous place to enjoy the azure waters of Nice. You will find it just a few meters from the Old Port of Lympia. It is a quiet place where locals and travelers alike enjoy the tranquility and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. However, it gets more crowded in the evening. The Phare of Nice is one of the best sunset spots. You can easily grab a drink and enjoy the sunset from there.
7-Explore the old town of Nice
You cannot leave Nice without visiting its old town. The colorful old houses, the narrow alleyways, and the palm trees make it one of the most picturesque old towns in France. You can start your day there, enjoying a delicious French breakfast with fresh croissants and hot coffee, and then get lost in its little streets. The old town is one of the busiest places in Nice, as there are many small businesses such as cafés, restaurants, stores, boutiques, etc. Business owners open their businesses quite early. So, plan to go early if you want some relaxing moments enjoying its authentic beauty (same if you want to take pictures).
8-End your day in the Old Port of Nice
After watching the sunset on the Promenade des Anglais, you can easily walk or use public transport to reach the Old Port of Nice, called ” Port de Lympia”. It is very beautiful late at night with the lights and yachts in the marina. There are many restaurants nearby to enjoy your dinner, and the cozy atmosphere.
Useful tip: If you can spare some extra time in Nice, we highly recommend adding Villefranche-sur-Mer to your itinerary. It is a unique town, located only a few kilometres from Nice. It is easy to get there, either by local buses, car, or on foot. Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most colorful, picturesque, and charming places on the French Riviera. It consists of a wonderful old town and a charming port where you can enjoy a delicious seafood meal. It also offers some of the best panoramic views of the Côte d’Azur.
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed this detailed list of the best things to do during your vacation in Nice. If you have more time available, you can easily add more things to your list, such as wine tasting or taking the ferry to nearby islands. Whatever you plan to do, Nice will not disappoint you.
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