10 Best Things to Do and See in Nice
Exploring Nice on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Nice, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Nice. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Castle Hill
Overlooking Old Nice and the port, Castle Hill offers one of the most beautiful panoramas over the Bay of Angels and the rooftops of the city. This vast natural area invites visitors to stroll, on foot or by lift, along shaded paths, viewpoints, rest areas and ruins evoking the former castle that once stood here. You will also discover a large artificial waterfall, remarkable viewpoints and a peaceful setting, ideal for admiring the sea, the old town and the Nice coastline in all its beauty.
2. Albert 1st Garden
Albert I Garden is a pleasant green space in the center of Nice, between Place Masséna and the Promenade des Anglais. Visitors will find wide lawns, shaded paths, palm trees, and flower beds that offer a welcome break in the city. The garden also features walking areas and, depending on the season, events or cultural activities. Popular with both locals and visitors, it offers a peaceful setting just steps from the sea and Nice’s main thoroughfares.
3. Place Masséna
Place Masséna is one of Nice’s most iconic squares, right in the heart of the city. Its large pedestrian area connects the Old Town, Avenue Jean-Médecin and the Promenade du Paillon with ease, making it a very lively thoroughfare. Visitors can admire elegant architecture, façades in red and ochre tones, and a modern urban setting enhanced by sculptures and fountains. It is a pleasant place to stroll, take a break and soak up the atmosphere of Nice, among shops, café terraces and local life.
4. Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Nice
Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Nice is one of the city’s most remarkable religious landmarks, with its colorful domes, decorated facades, and Russian-inspired architecture that contrasts with the surrounding Nice style. As you discover it, you admire a living place of worship, rich in ornamental details, icons, and a peaceful atmosphere. Located not far from the city center, it appeals as much for its distinctive silhouette as for the finesse of its interior decor, offering a visit that is cultural, spiritual, and refreshingly different.
5. National Marc Chagall Museum
The Marc Chagall National Museum in Nice is dedicated to the poetic world of the famous artist and offers visitors the chance to discover an important collection of works inspired by biblical and spiritual themes. It is especially known for its paintings, gouaches, drawings, and stained glass windows, displayed in a peaceful setting that highlights the colors and symbols dear to Chagall. The museum also offers an insight into his unique style, blending dreamlike imagery, light, and emotion, making it an ideal visit for a better understanding of his work.
6. Sun Fountain
In the heart of Nice, the Fontaine du Soleil catches the eye with its monumental presence and emblematic setting, installed in a large, lively square. Visitors can discover a sculpted composition inspired by the sun, enhanced by a basin and water display that bring freshness and movement to the whole. It is a popular spot for a break in the middle of the city, to admire a striking urban landmark and enjoy the atmosphere of Nice, between a stroll, architecture, and open public space.
7. Jardin of the Cimiez Arenas
The Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez is a pleasant public park in Nice, located on the heights of the Cimiez district. Visitors can enjoy large lawns, shaded paths, and beautiful viewpoints in a peaceful setting ideal for strolling and relaxing. The garden is also appreciated for its proximity to the arenas and several cultural sites in the area, making it an ideal stop for combining nature with heritage discovery. It is a peaceful place, popular with both locals and visitors.
8. Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption
In the heart of Nice, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption stands out with its neo-Gothic silhouette and two soaring towers overlooking Avenue Jean Médecin. Inside, visitors discover a spacious, light-filled interior with tall stained-glass windows, elegant vaults, and a peaceful atmosphere ideal for contemplation. The building is just as appealing for its architecture as for its role as a landmark in the city center. It is a pleasant stop to admire an iconic religious monument and experience another side of Nice’s heritage.
9. Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Nice offers a wide journey through the major artistic movements of the 20th and 21st centuries. Visitors can discover paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs and multimedia works by leading artists, displayed in bright rooms that showcase contemporary creation. Its collection lets you explore the evolution of forms, styles and ideas, while offering a vivid view of today’s art. Located in the heart of Nice, the museum appeals to art lovers and curious visitors alike.
10. Giuseppe Garibaldi Square
Located at the entrance to Old Nice, Place Giuseppe Garibaldi is one of the city’s most iconic squares. Lined with colorful arcades and façades with harmonious architecture, it offers a lively setting with cafés, restaurants, and terraces that are busy throughout the day. Its friendly atmosphere makes it a pleasant place for a break, a stroll, or a starting point for exploring the lanes of the historic center. It is also a beautiful open urban space, appreciated for its charm and local life.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
