France

Things to do in Nice

Nice is the most practical base on the French Riviera: trains reach Monaco in about 20 minutes and Cannes in about 30, and the airport is a tram ride from the centre. Between trips, eat socca and pissaladiere in Vieux Nice, climb Castle Hill for the view over the Baie des Anges and visit the Matisse and Chagall museums.

  • Monaco, Eze and La Turbie day trip
  • Vieux Nice and Cours Saleya food walk
  • Riviera coast boat trip
  • Matisse and Chagall museums

Experiences in Nice

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Boat toursSee the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing.Outdoor and natureHikes, kayaks and nature trips within easy reach of the city.Wine toursCellar visits and tastings in the wine areas close to the city.

Top-rated experiences in Nice

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Highlights

  • Monaco, Eze and La Turbie day trip
  • Vieux Nice and Cours Saleya food walk
  • Riviera coast boat trip
  • Matisse and Chagall museums
  • Bellet vineyards tasting
  • Coastal path hike to Villefranche

Best time to visit

May, June and September give warm sea and fewer crowds than July and August, when hotel prices peak. The Carnival in February and the Monaco Grand Prix in May fill hotels months ahead.

Getting around

The old town and the Promenade des Anglais are walkable, and two tram lines cover the rest, with line 2 running straight to the airport. Coastal trains and buses link Villefranche, Eze-sur-Mer, Monaco and Menton.

Local tips

  • The Cours Saleya market sells flowers and produce Tuesday to Sunday, while Monday is given over to antiques.
  • Eze village is steep and cobbled, so wear proper shoes and go early before tour coaches arrive.
  • Nice's beaches are pebbles, not sand: water shoes make swimming much more comfortable.

Day trips from Nice

  • Monaco
  • Eze
  • Saint-Paul-de-Vence
  • Cannes and Antibes
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Nice?

The most booked experiences in Nice are Monaco, Eze and La Turbie day trip, Vieux Nice and Cours Saleya food walk, Riviera coast boat trip and Matisse and Chagall museums.

When is the best time to visit Nice?

May, June and September give warm sea and fewer crowds than July and August, when hotel prices peak. The Carnival in February and the Monaco Grand Prix in May fill hotels months ahead.

How do I get around Nice?

The old town and the Promenade des Anglais are walkable, and two tram lines cover the rest, with line 2 running straight to the airport. Coastal trains and buses link Villefranche, Eze-sur-Mer, Monaco and Menton.

Do I need to book tours in Nice in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Nice?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Turin155 km awayGenoa155 km awayMilan248 km awayPisa252 km away