There's a lot to see and do in this charming city on the French Riviera. From eating your way through the streets, to soaking up the sunshine poolside and on the beach, there's something for everyone!
Among the must-see places to visit in Nice is the city's Old Town. Here, winding lanes crammed with yellow-ochre buildings create a distinctly different vibe from the rest of the city.
1. The Promenade des Anglais
The Promenade des Anglais is the iconic seafront in Nice and one of the most beloved sights in France. It’s a seven-kilometre promenade that follows the curve of Baie des Anges beaches and is lined with palm trees, gardens and elegant hotels.
A stroll on the Promenade is a fantastic way to experience the local life in this charming city. Take a moment to relax on the shaded Art Deco pergolas or rest in one of the iconic blue chairs.
The Promenade also offers access to the beautiful public beach at Baie des Anges. There are both private and public sections, and you can rent parasols and sun loungers for the perfect day of sunbathing.
2. The Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas
One of the best-kept secrets in the city of Nice is the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas. This ecclesiastical building was built in the early 20th century to serve the growing Russian community in the area.
The cathedral follows the plans of a Greek cross and features a bell tower dome entirely covered in gold leaf. An Italian gilded cross accompanies each of the six bulbous domes, and the red brick facade is adorned with breathtaking mosaics.
Three generations of Tsarinas spent their winters in Nice, and the Cathedral serves as a reminder of this. Whether you visit to attend a service or just to admire the impressive architecture, this is definitely worth a stop on your tour of Nice.
3. The Villa Massena Museum
Nice is a city full of tempting attractions, from palm-lined beaches to elegant restaurants and art museums. A visit here can fill up a few days, but to truly explore the Queen of the Riviera, you should plan on staying for a week or more.
A visit to the Villa Massena Museum, located inside an imposing Belle Epoque mansion, is sure to delight Riviera aficionados. A plethora of objects from the first Victorian visitors to the roaring 1920s – including elegant printed menus, train tickets and period maps – reveal a quirky snapshot of local life.
4. The Italian Riviera
The Italian Riviera, sometimes referred to as the Ligurian Riviera, is a beautiful stretch of coast between France and Italy. Known for its pristine beaches, romantic fishing villages, and jaw-dropping cliffside towns like Portofino, the Italian Riviera offers something for everyone.
Spend a day exploring this magical coastline on a private tour from Nice. You'll explore open-air markets that are famous for their leather goods and fashion, and visit the charming village of Dolceacqua.
Take a walk along the Promenade des Anglais to catch the electric blue color of the Mediterranean Sea and people-watch at the public seating areas. You can also take a bike ride along the sidewalk to enjoy the breeze and views.
5. The Musee Matisse
The Musee Matisse is a must-see attraction for art lovers. Housed in a historic Genoese villa surrounded by lovely Italian gardens, it is home to one of the world’s largest collections of works by Henri Matisse.
The city of Nice is also a cultural hotspot and is packed with museums. To get the most out of your 48 hours here, we recommend buying a ticket that gives you access to all 10 municipal museums for just 15EUR.
Another highlight is the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, a surprisingly ornate church that looks like it could be right in St. Petersburg. Its onion domes are the perfect backdrop for a photo shoot!
6. The Candlelight Concerts
Candlelight concerts are a popular way to experience music in a special environment. They combine the music with hundreds of flickering candles to create an enchanting atmosphere that adds another dimension to each musical performance.
- Fever's Candlelight Concerts are a must-see event for classical music enthusiasts! Their performances offer a unique mix of both modern and classic pieces, composed by the greats.
- The world-renowned musicians at these concerts will enchant you with their talent and skill in stunning locations across the city. The ambiance created by the hundreds of flickering candles will make you feel transported to another realm and captivate your attention for the duration of each 60-65 minute performance.
