Nestled along the glistening Côte d’Azur with striking Mediterranean views, Nice has long been a premier French Riviera destination. This vibrant seaside city enjoys over 300 sunny days per year, allowing visitors ample opportunities to soak up the coastal culture and natural beauty.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Wander Vieux Nice’s Lanes | Explore Nice’s Old Town with its vibrant buildings, markets, and local specialties like socca. |
| Marvel at Matisse Masterpieces | Visit Musée Matisse to view artworks by Henri Matisse and other artists. |
| Stroll Promenade des Anglais | Enjoy scenic views along this historic seafront promenade. |
| Panoramas from Castle Hill | Offers breathtaking views over Nice and its coastline. |
| Relax at Nice’s Beaches | Spend time on the pebbly beaches along the Baie des Anges. |
| Shop at Promenade du Paillon | Browse luxury stores and admire window displays. |
| Explore Place Massena | Visit the central plaza with vibrant buildings and nearby attractions. |
| Indulge in Local Cuisine | Enjoy regional Provençal flavors in family-run bistros and Michelin star restaurants. |
| Hilltop Villages on Grand Corniche | Visit medieval villages like Èze and La Turbie for spectacular views. |
| Day Trip to Monaco | Experience the luxury and opulence of Monaco, near Nice. |
| Embrace Festival Season | Participate in local events and cultural festivals along the Côte d’Azur. |
| Golf at Belle Epoque Courses | Play golf at stunning courses with sea views. |
| Monuments to WWI & WWII | Visit memorials and sites commemorating war history. |
| UEFA Euro 2024 | Experience the excitement of Nice as a host city for soccer matches. |
| Conclusion | Enjoy the combination of cultural, historical, and leisure activities in Nice. |
Between lounging on glorious beaches, exploring ancient alleys in Old Town (Vieux Nice), and sampling Provençal cuisine made with regional olive oil, herbs and tomatoes, Nice offers an abundance of quintessential French Riviera experiences.
The coming year promises exciting new developments for Nice as the city gears up to host matches for soccer’s 2024 UEFA Euro tournament. Along with showcasing sports, Nice will spotlight its rich history and architecture for visitors from around the globe.
Whether 2024 is your first time visiting Nice or you’re coming back, there is always more to uncover across this stunning stretch of Mediterranean coastline. Here are 15 amazing things to do in Nice, France in 2024:
Wander Vieux Nice’s Charming Lanes
Name and Location: Vieux Nice, Nice, France
History and Significance: Vieux Nice refers to the historic old town of Nice, located on the French Riviera. Dating back to the Middle Ages, Vieux Nice was settled by the Greeks and later controlled by the Counts of Provence. Its narrow cobblestone streets are lined with colorful Baroque facades and retain the charm of medieval architecture.
What to Expect: Visitors can explore atmospheric winding alleys that open onto lively squares with restaurants and cafés. Historic sights include the Cathedral of Sainte Réparate and the Chapelle de la Miséricorde. Vieux Nice comes alive at night with live music and a buzzing bar scene. The authentic ambiance offers a window into historic Niçoise culture.
Visitor Information: Vieux Nice is very walkable and located right off the Promenade des Anglais. The area stays lively late into the night. Guided walking tours available. Public parking nearby but limited. Arrive early as the small streets get crowded, especially in summer. Expect closures for local festivals and events.
For your first taste of Niçoise culture, there’s no better place to begin than Nice’s captivating Old Town. Wandering aimlessly through Vieux Nice reveals new delights around every corner, from vibrantly painted buildings and fragrant flower stalls to street musicians filling quaint squares with song. The main thoroughfare Cours Saleya routinely hosts bustling markets alongside restaurants perfect for people watching.
Be sure to weave your way up and down the atmospheric side streets. You’ll uncover everything from kitschy souvenir shops to high-end boutiques and art galleries dotted amid 17th century Italianate facades. Don’t leave without trying socca, the iconic chickpea crepe specialty, sizzling away outside numerous restaurants.
Marvel at Matisse Masterpieces
Name and Location: Matisse Museum, Nice, France
History and Significance: The Matisse Museum in Nice holds one of the world’s largest collections of works by artist Henri Matisse. Occupying the historic Villa des Arènes, it displays paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and Matisse’s personal objects. Matisse lived in Nice for years, making the city integral to his career. The museum provides insights into his artistic evolution.
What to Expect: Visitors can admire Matisse’s famous cutouts and still life paintings. Audio guides explain how his time in Nice influenced pieces like the Jazz series. Displays contextualize different periods and styles in Matisse’s oeuvre from vivid Fauvism to experimentation with form and color. The museum recreates his studio and living areas.
Visitor Information: The Matisse Museum is open 10am-6pm Wednesday-Monday. Closed Tuesdays. Tickets are 10 EUR for adults. Located on the Cimiez hilltop, 20 minutes from the city center by tram. The gardens and terrace offer scenic views. Guided tours in English available with advance booking.
Nice and the French Riviera were beloved by a myriad of 20th century artists, but none more seminal than hometown hero Henri Matisse. The Musée Matisse houses an excellent collection by the leader of the Fauvism movement along with sculptures by fellow artists like Rodin. Wander room to room observing the evolution of Matisse’s stylistic periods.
Stand in awe before richly hued iconic cutout works like The Snail and Blue Nude II gracing entire walls, some of the most recognizable modern artworks found anywhere. Audio guides provide helpful context around developmental inspiration drawn from Matisse’s time spent living in Nice.
Stroll Down the Iconic Promenade des Anglais
Name and Location: Promenade des Anglais, Nice, France
History and Significance: The Promenade des Anglais is Nice’s famous seafront promenade stretching along the Baie des Anges. Built in 1822 as a walkway for English aristocratic visitors, it became an iconic Riviera boardwalk. Lined with grand hotels and the blue waters of the Mediterranean, it encapsulates Nice’s glamorous panache.
What to Expect: Strolling, cycling, rollerblading or dining along this scenic 2 mile seaside promenade is a quintessential Nice experience. Splendid people-watching, with views of the pebble beach on one side and stately Belle Epoque buildings on the other. Benches and lush Palm trees provide shade.
Visitor Information: The promenade runs from Place Masséna east to the airport. Beloved by locals year-round, it gets busy in summer. Bike and skate rentals available. Public parking underneath and near Place Masséna. Prepare to walk or bike long distances along its length.
No visit to Nice is complete without a leisurely walk or bike ride down the Promenade des Anglais, named after the early British tourists who started vacationing there back in 1822. Locals still call it La Prom for short. The four mile long esplanade hugs the sweeping curve of the Baie des Anges coastline offering magnificent views out over glittering Mediterranean waters.
Look one direction to see Old Town’s red-tiled rooftops rising up from the seaside, turn the other to marvel at the grandiose Negresco luxury hotel and some of Nice’s other 18th century architectural gems.
Enjoy Panoramas from Castle Hill
Name and Location: Castle Hill, Nice, France
History and Significance:
Castle Hill in Nice refers to the site of an ancient fortified settlement first established in the 4th century BC. Rising nearly 100 meters above the Baie des Anges, this strategic hilltop has origins tracing back over 2000 years. Remnants of medieval ramparts and ruins remain, providing breathtaking panoramas over Nice.
What to Expect:
Visitors can hike up steep paths or take an elevator for sweeping views of Nice, Old Town, the Promenade des Anglais, and the sea. The summit remains display foundations of the medieval castle, waterfall, historic cemetery with ornate tombs, and the 15th century Saint-Pons Abbey.
Visitor Information:
Castle Hill is located at the eastern end of the Baie des Anges. The site is open daily, entry is free. The walk up takes 10-15 minutes from Vieux Nice. The elevator runs 9am to dusk. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Visit early mornings or evening when the views are optimal and it’s less crowded.
For breathtaking bird’s eye views over Nice’s terracotta rooftops, winding cobblestone lanes and the Baie des Anges, hike or take a quick bus ride up to Castle Hill. The name pays homage to an ancient citadel that once stood on this prime elevated location though now only scant ruins remain after Louis XIV ordered it destroyed in 1706.
These days, tourists come for jaw-dropping panoramas across town and sweeping vistas further out to sea. Don’t miss the cascading waterfall fountain centerpiece amid lush Mediterranean vegetation up top either. Reward yourself with lunch or lounging at one of the panoramic cafés before heading back downhill.
Spend Lazy Days at Nice’s Beaches
Name and Location: Nice Beaches, French Riviera
History and Significance:
Nice’s beaches stretch over 7km along the Baie des Anges with public and private areas. Since the 19th century, the city’s shores have attracted prestigious guests and made Nice an iconic beach destination. Different beach areas provide options from calm waters to water sports to lounge chairs and amenities.
What to Expect:
Activities include swimming, sunbathing on pebbles or beach mattresses, beach volleyball, stand up paddleboarding, and enjoying seaside restaurants and bars. Each beach area offers distinct vibes from family-friendly to party scenes. All share the stunning blue Mediterranean as a backdrop.
Visitor Information:
Central public beaches are busiest. Private beaches charge access fees. Swim only in designated supervised areas. Services like lounge chair rentals widely available. Showers, changing rooms, and restaurants on most beaches. Walk, bike, or take buses that run along the Promenade des Anglais to access different areas.
With over seven miles of public and private beaches dotting the Baie des Anges coastline, Nice serves up endless options to enjoy sun-drenched relaxation listening to waves lap the shore. While pebbly instead of sandy, Nice’s beaches exude classic French Riviera elegance with their signature blue and white striped beach loungers and breezy beach clubs beckoning visitors to unwind in style.
Pack a picnic lunch or grab an end-of-day aperitif while watching the burnt orange sunset dip into the sea for quintessential Mediterranean memories. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Window Shop the Luxury Stores of Promenade du Paillon
Name and Location: Promenade du Paillon, Nice, France
History and Significance:
The Promenade du Paillon is a long landscaped park built in 2013 that connects Place Masséna to the new Nice tramway. Its creation pedestrianized the city center and added green space. The promenade integrates fountains, playgrounds, botanical walks, and open areas for events into the heart of the city.
What to Expect:
Visitors can enjoy the greenery and water features while people watching, resting in the shade, or letting kids play. Many shop at the luxury boutiques facing the park. Art and music events are also held there. The promenade becomes a hub of Nice’s vibrant street life.
Visitor Information:
The promenade spans about 12 acres in central Nice. Always open, well-lit and safe. Public bathrooms available. Accessible throughout for wheelchairs and strollers. Surrounded by tram stops, parking garages, bike stations, and the main tourist area. Stop by Cafe Promenade for a drink.
Connecting Vieux Nice to the city center is the gorgeous Promenade du Paillon, a sprawling green space home to fountains, children’s play areas and the modern L’Oréal Art Center. More notably however are the two parallel shopping avenues Rue de Masséna and Avenue Jean Médecin that anchor the park space in between. Known collectively as Nice Etoile, these streets are where you’ll find prestigious luxury brands and jewelry stores like Cartier, Dior and Louis Vuitton.
Even if the prices are out of reach, admiring the chic window displays and people watching the well-heeled shoppers offers great entertainment while strolling through this high-end shopping district.
Explore Place Massena and its Surrounding Attractions
Name and Location: Place Massena, Nice, France
History and Significance:
Place Massena is Nice’s main public square located in the heart of the city. Laid out in the 19th century, it was named after one of Napoleon’s marshals. Surrounded by architectural landmarks like the Opera House and grand cafes beneath arcades, it’s a hub of daily life and events in Nice.
What to Expect:
This spacious pedestrian square features towering statues representing art, industry, agriculture and the Baie des Anges view. Fountains dance to music at night. Visitors can relax at a cafe, do some high-end shopping, admire the architecture, and watch street performers.
Visitor Information:
Place Massena is bordered by Jean Medecin and Avenue Jean Jaures, two main shopping streets. Trams and buses stop nearby. Major events held here include Carnival parades, concerts, Christmas markets and more. Restaurants and bars surround the square. An essential landmark to experience.
The heartbeat of Nice centers around the vast Place Massena, a pedestrian plaza with vibrant buildings painted in bold yellow and red hues. Enjoy street performers and outdoor cafés perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. Nearby, don’t miss the magnificent Opera House with its impressive exterior colonnades and inside the Jules Cheret Fine Arts Museum to admire 19th-20th century paintings.
North beyond the parkway offers shopping at the hip time-honored Galeries Lafayette department store. Wander south a few blocks to uncover Nice’s imposing Italian architecture influences like the Chapelle de la Miséricorde and stunning Cathedral Saint-Nicholas, an unheralded Baroque architectural gem.
Indulge in Local Cuisine with Mediterranean Flair
Name and Location: Local Cuisine in Nice, France
History and Significance: Nice’s cuisine mixes Mediterranean influences from its seaside location on the Côte d’Azur. Dishes emphasize local vegetables, seafood, olive oil and herbs. Specialties like Salade Niçoise, socca chickpea crepes, and pistou soup originated in Nice. The city also retains an Italian flair from its history.
What to Expect: Cuisine highlighting seasonal ingredients like artichokes, Swiss chard, fennel and citrus. Classic dishes blend Provence and Italy like olive oil-drizzled pissaladière onion tart and pan bagnat packed with vegetables and anchovies. Don’t miss local desserts like tourte de blettes Swiss chard pie.
Visitor Information: Sample street food classics like socca at outdoor markets. Make reservations at popular restaurants. Food tours and cooking classes offer great insights into Nice’s culinary traditions. For local wines, try Bellet AOC from nearby vineyards. Markets like Cours Saleya are ideal for picnic supplies.
Dining your way through Nice provides the ultimate taste of regional Provençal flavors fused with Italian and North African influences resulting from past immigrations. For authentic local specialties like Salade Niçoise, ratatouille or seafood infused bourride stew in addition to thin crust pissaladière with salty anchovies, caramelized onions and olives, make sure to try smaller family-run bistros and brasseries tucked into Nice’s atmospheric side alleys. Cheap, cheerful and full of character—that defines much of the dining scene around Old Town.
Nice also boasts several Michelin star restaurants known for gastronomic innovation without stuffiness or pretentiousness. Wherever you choose to eat, don’t leave without trying wines from nearby Bellet, Nice’s only appellation producing mainly reds up in the hills above town.
Travel to Hilltop Villages along the Grand Corniche Route
Name and Location: Grand Corniche Route, French Riviera
History and Significance: The Grand Corniche is a scenic roadway stretching between Nice and Menton along steep cliffs over the Mediterranean. Built in the early 19th century, it provides breathtaking views from dizzying heights along the Riviera. The route connects picturesque perched villages dotted across hilltops above the sea.
What to Expect: Jaw-dropping vistas of the coastline unfurling below, with charming Belle Epoque villages to explore along the way. Photo stops overlook idyllic bays and coves. Itineraries might include Eze, La Turbie, or Roquebrune Village. The road twists through the clouds high above the glittering sea.
Visitor Information: The Grand Corniche is best explored by car or tour bus. Allow a full day with stops. Drive carefully as some sections lack guardrails. Avoid night driving. Check road conditions in winter. Carry motion sickness remedies. Bring a jacket as it’s cooler at higher elevations.
Some of the best day trips from Nice follow scenic roads twisting their way along the steep foothills of the Alps. Heading west, the Basse Corniche offers striking sea views while the Moyenne Corniche takes you through gorgeous flora and greenery. But it’s the spectacular panoramas along the Grande Corniche winding nearly 2000 feet above sea level that will take your breath away.
Here you’ll find medieval villages like Èze and La Turbie that almost make you feel like you’re walking through the clouds. After touring 13th century castles and stopping to smell the local lavender fields, reward yourself with long relaxing lunches at Michelin starred restaurants perched atop these magical mountaintops.
Take a Day Trip to Nearby Monaco
Name and Location: Monaco Day Trips from Nice
History and Significance: Located just over 20km from Nice, the principality of Monaco has been an iconic luxury destination on the French Riviera since the 19th century. Its elegant belle époque architecture, cliffside Monte Carlo casino, yacht-filled harbor and aura of glamour make it a popular and easy day trip from Nice.
What to Expect: Options for visiting Monaco from Nice include taking the train, joining a guided tour or driving yourself along spectacular coastal roads. Don’t miss sights like the Prince’s Palace, the Oceanographic Museum and the Grand Prix racetrack. Dine overlooking the harbor before returning.
Visitor Information: Trains run frequently between Nice and Monaco, taking under 30 minutes. Guided tours allow more sightseeing flexibility. Consider an evening trip to see the casino and nightlife. Valid passports required to enter and exit Monaco. Purchase sightseeing passes to save on attractions.
No French Riviera itinerary is complete without venturing 25 minutes east of Nice by train or car to sip champagne among high rollers and superyachts in Monaco. This glitzy sovereign city-state packs luxury, wealth and excess into less than one-square mile.
Put on your finest threads to feel like you fit in and make your way to Place du Casino to gawk at exotic cars parked outside the legendary Monte Carlo casino and Opera House. Walk further uphill through the immaculate gardens fronting the Prince’s Palace of Monaco for the ultimate taste of royal opulence overlooking the Mediterranean. After all, no other territory in Europe can boast itself as secure of a tax haven as Monaco!
Embrace Festival Season on the Côte d’Azur
Name and Location: Festivals of the French Riviera
History and Significance: The French Riviera has long hosted myriad cultural festivals for arts, music, dance and entertainment. Nice Carnival traces back to the Middle Ages as a celebration before Lent. Events like the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco’s Grand Prix showcase the area’s glamorous image. Festivals infuse energy and arts into the region year-round.
What to Expect: Extravagant parades and costumes at Nice Carnival in February. Film premieres and celebrity spotting during Cannes in May. The Monte Carlo Tennis Masters and Monaco Grand Prix in summer. Classical concert series in magical hilltop settings. DJ shows and nightlife during the Fête du Citron.
Visitor Information: Check online event calendars to coordinate trips with your interests. Book lodging and transportation far in advance during major events when demand spikes. Reservations at restaurants and nightlife spots also fill quickly. Expect crowds and road closures around any festival venues.
Throughout much of the year, Nice and surrounding coastal towns celebrate a continuous lineup of events and cultural festivals. These serve as excellent opportunities for visitors to embrace vivid traditions and soak up the festive atmosphere overflowing into streets and squares along the Côte d’Azur.
In Nice alone, highlights range from February’s Carnival parade kicking off just after Menton’s famed citrus float processions nearby to August’s Festival of Fire honoring Saint Napoléon by lighting up the summer sky with dazzling fireworks above Baie des Anges. Whenever you visit, chances are good live entertainment and revelry will be found!
Play a Round at Iconic Belle Epoque Golf Courses
Name and Location: Belle Epoque Golf Courses, French Riviera
History and Significance: The French Riviera has historic golf courses dating back to the late 19th century belle époque period. Courses like the Old Course in Cannes or Monte Carlo Golf Club were played by aristocrats and celebrities drawn to the region’s mild winters. Their layouts and clubhouses retain old world elegance and prestige.
What to Expect: Iconic courses with impeccably manicured fairways, sea vistas, historic architecture, and an upscale country club atmosphere. Play a round amidst the refined refinement of another era. Some offer accommodations and fine dining. Tee times should be booked well in advance, club dress codes apply.
Visitor Information: Prices range from 80-200 EUR for 18 holes depending on the course, with lower twilight rates. Rental clubs available. Soft spikes required. Valid handicap certificate or letter of introduction from home club often requested. Caddies and lessons can be booked.
With over 50 stunning golf courses dotted from Menton all along to Cannes, it’s no wonder the French Riviera attracts avid golfers from across the globe. While it’s easy to drop buckets of money playing at many elite private clubs, Nice offers several fairways open for public booking often with impressive sea views providing distraction during those frustrating bogeys.
Two of the most beautiful Belle Epoque era layouts worth experiencing include Old Course Cannes-Mandelieu from 1901 that once hosted European opens and Nice Golf Club tucked away in lush gardens up in the mountains north of downtown since 1928. Expect an abundance of mimosas to take the edge off any bad shots!
Pay Your Respects at Monuments to WWI & WWII History
Name and Location: WWI & WWII Monuments in Nice, France
History and Significance: As a strategic city on France’s southeast coast, Nice has several monuments commemorating the sacrifices made during the World Wars. Memorials such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Monument aux Morts honor those who perished defending France through some of its darkest hours.
What to Expect: Touching tributes across Nice recognize the heavy toll suffered in the region during wartime. Plaques, cemeteries, statues, churches, and ruins stand testament to the struggles faced. Visitors can pay respects while learning about the city’s place in pivotal moments of history.
Visitor Information: Major monuments are concentrated in the Colline du Chateau area and Cimiez Cemetery above the city. Many can be visited along with other Nice attractions. Maps indicating WWI and WWII sites are available at the tourism office and some hotels. Walking tours also cover related history.
Beyond bronzing yourself at the beaches or the high life in Monte Carlo, Nice has a somber side found in numerous monuments commemorating the tragedies from 20th century wars. Walk up Castle Hill to the war memorial site honoring over 4600 French colonial troops killed fighting in World War I, their remains buried below in the cemetery. Downhill near Place Massena lies circular Place du Palais de Justice and the moving Monument to the Thousands Deported honoring victims murdered by Nazis during WWII occupation.
A short drive west up winding roads clinging to steep mountainsides will bring you to Levens village home to the Monument to the Maquis du Mont Agel, an important headquarters for the French Resistance during WWII. Remembering war dead through these tributes reminds that fun-loving Nice has endured its fair share of hardship over time.
Experience Excitement as a Host City for UEFA Euro 2024
Name and Location: UEFA Euro 2024, Nice, France
History and Significance: In June and July 2024, the city of Nice will host soccer matches as part of UEFA Euro 2024, one of the biggest sporting events in Europe. The Allianz Riviera stadium will hold five matches total during the competition. Hosting continues Nice’s history of major sporting events.
What to Expect: Electric crowds, fan festivities and a buzzing atmosphere can be expected in Nice leading up to and during matchdays as fans from across Europe descend on the city. Matches will spotlight high-stakes international soccer along with cultural celebrations.
Visitor Information: Book accommodations early if traveling for matches. Allianz Riviera is 4km north of the city center, accessible by tram or shuttle. Seats will be in high demand. Prices not yet announced. Experience the thrill of top-tier football in an iconic Riviera setting!
In case a trip to the French Riviera alone didn’t already guarantee excitement enough, the city of Nice will provide extra thrills in 2024 as one of the prestigious host cities for UEFA Euro soccer tournament matches. Getting swept up in the anticipatory energy and pride is sure to make for an electric atmosphere even for non sports fans. Expect lively crowds filling bars, public squares and the Allianz Arena stadium to support their home teams during each nail-biting match up.
If your travel dates overlap, be sure to book accommodations and tickets to any matches or related events well in advance as capacity crowds from across Europe converge on Nice. But skillful as the soccer players will prove on the field, the beautiful backdrop of Nice and its fanatically proud locals will surely steal the scene!
Conclusion – An Unforgettable Trip to Nice Beckons
With tempting Mediterranean views, exceptional cuisine and world class museums coupled with upcoming international sporting events, Nice shines particularly bright in 2024 as the quintessential French Riviera destination. You may arrive seeking sunny beaches, glamorous waterfront promenades and all that coastal elegance promises, but you’re certain to leave equally enthralled by the rich culture, poignant history and joie de vivre atmosphere woven into everyday life here.
Use this guide to the top things to do in Nice 2024 as a starting point while making sure to leave blank pages in your itinerary for aimless wandering and happenstance discoveries between main attractions. From ancient alleys in Old Town to prestigious hotels and boutiques built during the 19th century tourism boom, let hidden gems around every corner spark your own adventures. Whether dipping your toes into sparkling azure waters or raising a toast high with new friends, create memories to last long after leaving Nice behind.