Nice is the uncrowned capital of the French Riviera, where the azure Mediterranean, Belle Époque architecture and the Provençal way of life coexist in perfect harmony. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, the city draws visitors all year round, whether they seek cultural discovery or seaside relaxation. The proximity of the Italian border and French elegance create a special atmosphere you won't find anywhere else. Here are the 10 most important Nice sights you shouldn't miss.
1. Promenade des Anglais
Nice's most famous promenade runs along the seafront for about 7 kilometres and got its name from the English aristocrats who arrived here in the 19th century. On the palm-lined path, walkers, runners and cyclists share the space, accompanied by the panorama of the turquoise sea. Along the promenade line the Belle Époque hotels, including the legendary Hotel Negresco, whose pink dome is the city's icon. It's worth walking the whole stretch at sunset, when the sky turns orange and pink.
2. Old Town (Vieux Nice)
With its narrow, winding streets, pastel-coloured houses and laundry hanging on lines, Nice's medieval old town radiates a genuine southern French atmosphere. Getting lost among the Baroque churches, small galleries and local artisans' shops, you'll come to know the city's most authentic face. The old town is also a gastronomic hub, here it's worth trying socca (a chickpea pancake), pissaladière and salade niçoise. In the evening, the atmospheric restaurants and bars of the narrow streets come to life in a Mediterranean mood.
3. Colline du Château (Castle Hill)
Rising at the eastern end of the old town, where Nice's fortress once stood, this hill is now the city's best panoramic viewpoint. From the top you can see the Promenade des Anglais, the rooftops of the old town, the harbour and the distant Alps all at once. You can reach the summit by stairs, on foot, or via a free lift, the lift is at the edge of the old town, next to the Tour Bellanda. In the landscaped area, a waterfall, playground and café await visitors, making it a perfect spot for a morning break.
4. Matisse Museum
In the Cimiez district, in a 17th-century Genoese villa, the museum dedicated to Henri Matisse is housed, the artist spent the last decades of his life in Nice. The collection spans the painter's entire career, from the early works through the famous paper cut-outs to his final pieces, around 230 paintings and drawings. Around the museum stretches the olive-planted Cimiez Park, worth an excursion in itself. Admission is around €10, and the ticket is valid at the city's other museums within 24 hours.
5. Cours Saleya flower market
Running through the heart of the old town, this square transforms every day, except Monday, into a colourful flower and vegetable market, where you can get to know the scents and flavours of Provence directly from the producers. From lavender bunches to fresh herbs, local cheeses and olive oil, everything can be found at the stalls. On Mondays the flower sellers' place is taken by antiques and curio dealers. Café terraces line the market, it's worth sitting down here for a café crème and watching the morning bustle.
6. Place Masséna
Nice's central main square is the heart of the city, connecting the old town with the modern districts. The square is framed by reddish-ochre-fronted buildings, and at its centre stand Jaume Plensa's seven brightly coloured statues, the Conversation à Nice, on tall columns. The tram runs beneath the square, and around it are shopping streets, galleries and fountains. At Christmas and during the carnival, Place Masséna is the centre of the festivities, the illuminations and decorations offer a fairytale sight.
7. Marc Chagall Museum
Home to the Russian-French master's monumental biblically inspired paintings, this museum was purpose-built for Chagall's works and is one of France's most significant contemporary art collections. The 17 huge canvases treat biblical themes from the Book of Genesis to the Song of Songs, the vivid colours and dreamlike compositions create a captivating effect. The museum garden also features Mediterranean plants and a mosaic-decorated pool. Admission is around €10, and it's free on the first Sunday of every month.
8. Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges)
Nice's iconic sea bay embraces the city in a crescent shape, and got its name from angels who, according to a medieval legend, appeared here. The pebble beach isn't sandy, but the water is crystal-clear and turquoise, one of the most beautiful stretches of coast on the French Riviera. On the beaches, free public sections and private beaches are both available, the latter with sun loungers and service. Wearing beach shoes on the pebbles is recommended, you can buy them on site in the old town shops.
9. Cimiez district
Lying on Nice's northern hill, this elegant residential district is home to Belle Époque villas, olive groves and Roman-era ruins. The remains of the former Roman baths and amphitheatre, together with the archaeological museum, are free to visit. Among the district's main attractions are the Matisse Museum, the Franciscan monastery with its rose garden and the summer Jazz à Cimiez festival. From the Cimiez Park there's a beautiful view of the city, a perfect spot for a picnic too.
10. Day trip to Monaco
Just 20 kilometres away, the Principality of Monaco is a perfect day trip from Nice, reachable by bus in just 30–45 minutes for a €1.50 fare. The world's second-smallest state awaits visitors with the Monte-Carlo Casino, the Oceanographic Museum, the Prince's Palace and the Exotic Garden. Anyone can walk the streets of the Grand Prix circuit outside race days. It's worth setting off early so you can cover the main sights without crowds, the evening return by bus is convenient too.
Practical tips
- Weather: Nice's climate is Mediterranean, summers are hot and dry (28–32 °C), winters mild (10–15 °C). There's plenty of sunshine even in winter, but the Mistral wind occasionally brings a chill. In summer, sunscreen and a hat are essential.
- Transport: The city centre is compact and easily walkable. The two lines of the tram network cross the city from the airport to the harbour. With the Lignes d'Azur bus network, the other towns of the Côte d'Azur, Cannes, Antibes, Monaco, are also easily reachable.
- Money-saving option: The French Riviera Pass, in 1-, 2- or 3-day versions, offers free admission and discounts at the main sights and on public transport. On the first Sunday of the month, the city museums are free.
- eSIM tip: France is an EU member, so with an EU subscription roaming is free under EU rules. If you need a lot of data, a local eSIM plan may offer a larger allowance at a better price.
- Safety: Nice is fundamentally a safe city, but on the beach and in the old town's crowded streets, watch your valuables. On the beach never leave your bag unattended, use a waterproof phone case while swimming.