Nice enchants with its unmistakable charm, turquoise sea, and a captivating blend of French elegance and Mediterranean flair. The city invites you to slow down and go with the flow, whether you are wandering through narrow alleyways in the Old Town, browsing vibrant markets, or strolling along the legendary Promenade des Anglais. At every turn, there is something new to discover, from hidden viewpoints and historic landmarks to irresistible local cuisine. In this article, I will take you on a journey through the Nice top attractions — the top 10 sights you simply should not miss. Get inspired and experience the diversity of this one-of-a-kind city.
Let us start with some good news: Nice is wonderfully walkable. Most major attractions are just a few minutes apart, perfect for a relaxed city stroll. The list below is organized as a self-guided walking tour; stops 1 to 10 connect naturally and take you on a scenic loop through the heart of the city. Expect a day full of photo-worthy moments, unforgettable impressions, and that unmistakable Côte d’Azur feeling. By the end of the walk, you will not only know Nice better; chances are, you will have fallen a little more in love with it too.
You will start and finish your discovery tour at Place Masséna, the vibrant heart of Nice. Sights 1 through 10 form a circular route, so after a varied walk, you will naturally return to where you began.
The remaining four highlights lie slightly north of the center and are perfect for an extra excursion, either later that day or on another one of your vacation days. These spots offer a wonderfully diverse mix: a fragrant rose garden with sweeping views, masterpieces by two world-famous artists, and a colorful Orthodox cathedral that feels like a journey to another world.
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1. Place Masséna
Welcome to Place Masséna, the beating heart of the city, where people gather, celebrate, and take in the sights. This spacious square, with its iconic checkerboard tiles, radiant red façades, and elegant arcades, is much more than a traffic hub; it is the soul of Nice. Here, the Old Town, shopping streets, the Promenade du Paillon, and the sea all converge, making it a lively meeting point at any hour.
Named after André Masséna, a Napoleonic-era French general, the square was originally laid out in the 19th century and revitalized in the early 2000s. Today, it combines classical charm with modern flair. Look up and you will spot seven illuminated sculptures by artist Jaume Plensa atop tall poles. Representing different continents, they light up in ever-changing colors at night, a modern art installation with definite photo appeal.
Whether you are listening to a street musician, enjoying one of the city’s many festivals, admiring contemporary art, or simply soaking up the energy, Place Masséna has something for everyone. Come at golden hour, when the sun paints the buildings in warm hues, and you will understand why this square is considered one of the most beautiful in southern France.
In short, Place Masséna is not just a place; it is an experience, and the perfect starting point for your day in Nice.
2. Promenade des Anglais
Turquoise waves on one side, elegant Belle Époque architecture on the other, and in between, a wide boulevard buzzing with life. The Promenade des Anglais is much more than a coastal road; it is the city’s most iconic stretch, the place to see and be seen. In the early morning, joggers run toward the rising sun. By day, walkers, cyclists, and beachgoers lounge on the famous blue chairs. Come evening, the Prom turns into a stage for musicians, skaters, and sunset watchers.
Stretching nearly seven kilometers from the airport to the port, the promenade owes its name to the English aristocrats who wintered here in the 19th century and financed this elegant walkway by the sea. The tradition of stylish seaside strolling lives on.
The Promenade des Anglais is especially charming for its mix of holiday vibe and architectural elegance: the iconic Hotel Negresco with its pink dome, palm-lined paths, and, just beyond, the winding alleys of the Old Town. Whether you hop on a rental bike, enjoy a gelato, or simply bask in the sea breeze, this boulevard invites you to slow down and savor the moment.
Insider tip: Head toward Castle Hill in the evening and grab a drink at a nearby bar; the sunset views over the Mediterranean are unforgettable.
3. Vieux Nice (Old Town)
Take just one turn and suddenly you are in another world, a maze of color, scent, and sound that feels both ancient and full of life. Welcome to Vieux Nice, the historic Old Town that is less of a place and more of a feeling. Here, pastel façades glow in the sun, laundry flutters between shuttered windows, and the air is filled with the scent of lavender, socca, and fresh bread. Built under strong Italian influence, since Nice belonged to the Kingdom of Sardinia until 1860, the Old Town’s labyrinth of alleys tells centuries of stories.
Lose yourself among artisan shops, tiny courtyards, and open-air markets. Street musicians play, restaurant chatter spills into the streets, and little surprises are everywhere, from painted religious murals to cannonballs lodged in old stone walls.
Do not follow a map. Let instinct guide you. Stand at the counter for a quick espresso, try a slice of socca, peek into a cool church interior, and take your time.
Vieux Nice is like a living postcard, and perhaps the most enchanting place in the city to get lost.
4. Cours Saleya & Flower Market
The scent of fresh lavender drifts through the air, ripe tomatoes glow in vibrant reds, and a group of Brazilian acrobats entertains the crowd; welcome to Cours Saleya, the lively market square at the heart of Nice’s Old Town. From early morning, this colorful square hums with life: vendors calling out their wares, the clink of coffee cups on café tables, and the swirl of colors and scents that make every visit a sensory delight.
Most famous is the Marché aux Fleurs, the historic flower market that has been here since 1861. From Tuesday to Sunday, Cours Saleya transforms into a fragrant sea of roses, mimosas, lilies, and exotic blooms. But it is more than just flowers; you will also find fresh produce, local cheeses, olives, socca, and the region’s famous candied fruits. And on Mondays, it is all about vintage charm; the space turns into a charming flea market where you can hunt for antiques, curiosities, and hidden treasures.
Framed by baroque façades and shaded arcades, Cours Saleya captures the art de vivre like few other places: sipping espresso in the sun, people-watching from a terrace, and soaking up the effortless joy of the Riviera lifestyle. In the evening, the square transforms once more into a buzzing promenade lined with open-air restaurants and bars, ideal for dinner under the stars.
Good to know! The flower market runs Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For the freshest blooms and best photo light, come early.
Hungry for something hearty?
Do not miss Chez Theresa, a tiny, legendary stall right in the middle of the market. Here you will find true Niçoise comfort food: crispy socca, savory pissaladière, rich pan bagnat drizzled with local olive oil, and sweet-salty tourte de blettes. Open daily except Mondays.
Craving something sweet instead?
Then I highly recommend the enchanting Café Angéa. My personal highlight is the giant macarons filled with creamy ice cream, a combination I can hardly imagine being more perfect.
5. Sainte-Réparate Cathedral
Tucked within the colorful maze of Old Town alleys, Sainte-Réparate Cathedral rises gracefully over Place Rossetti, a peaceful square where children play, pigeons flutter, and locals linger over coffee. Step into the sun-drenched square and you will be greeted by the cathedral’s elegant cream and ochre façade, topped with a tiled Baroque dome that gleams in the Mediterranean light.
Inside, the cathedral is a treasure of 17th-century Baroque splendor: gilded altars, intricate frescoes, soaring marble columns, and a light that changes mood and color throughout the day. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Réparate, the city’s patron saint, an early Christian martyr said to be buried beneath the altar. Despite its opulence, the interior feels serene and welcoming, offering a moment of peace amid the Old Town’s vibrant buzz.
A visit in the late morning is especially magical, when the sunlight pours through the stained glass and casts colorful patterns across the stone floor.
Good to know! Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
6. Rue Droite
Despite its name, Straight Street, Rue Droite is anything but straight, and that is precisely its charm. This winding alleyway in the heart of Vieux Nice takes you deep into the soul of the Old Town. Here, ochre-colored buildings with faded shutters lean in close while cobblestones crunch underfoot. The air is a mix of lavender, soap, espresso, and sea breeze.
Once a major medieval thoroughfare, Rue Droite has retained its historical character. Today, it is lined with galleries, soap shops, artisan studios, and crumbling façades that tell stories centuries old.
One of its highlights is the Palais Lascaris, see the next section, a beautifully preserved noble residence with frescoed ceilings and a rare collection of musical instruments. But even without stepping inside, the street itself is a joy to explore; accordion music echoes through the alleys, laundry flutters above, and a cozy café always seems to appear just when you need one.
Rue Droite is not a street you simply walk down; it is an experience. Take your time, look up, pause often, and you will discover the essence of Nice in every detail.
7. Palais Lascaris
Tucked away in the winding alleys of Nice’s Old Town lies a hidden gem that dazzles with opulent splendor and Baroque charm: Palais Lascaris. Step through its heavy doors and you are instantly transported to another era; grand frescoes, delicate stucco ceilings, and rich tapestries speak of aristocratic elegance and centuries of grandeur. Built in the 17th century, the palace once served as the residence of the noble Lascaris-Vintimille family. Today, it is not only home to beautifully preserved period furniture and artworks, but also one of Europe’s most remarkable collections of historical musical instruments; more than 500 rare pieces await discovery.
As you wander through the lavishly decorated rooms, you can almost hear the faint notes of a harpsichord or the clink of fine glassware. A true showstopper is the monumental curved staircase, adorned with intricate wrought-iron railings, a striking example of Baroque architecture. Palais Lascaris is a hidden treasure for those who want to experience history in style, a fairytale-like setting that reveals new details with every visit and sends you back out onto the street with a sense of wonder.
8. Colline du Château (Castle Hill)
For one of the best views of Nice, all its colors, curves, and coastal splendor, head up to Colline du Château. Even the short climb is a joy; the sea breeze rises to meet you, the city slowly fades below, and after just a few minutes, you are rewarded with a panoramic vista that is nothing short of spectacular. Red rooftops, pastel buildings, the sparkling bay, and the winding Promenade des Anglais stretch like a ribbon along the shoreline.
At 93 meters high, Castle Hill is not only a scenic lookout but also a place steeped in history. A massive fortress once stood here, built in the 12th century to defend the city. In 1706, Louis XIV ordered its complete destruction. Today, only a few stones remain, so few that it takes just seconds to stroll through the ruins.
But the hill offers more than views; leafy parks, shaded benches, a charming waterfall perfect for a photo stop, and winding paths invite you to explore. It is worth visiting at any time of day; early mornings are calm and peaceful, while evenings offer golden light and a magical atmosphere. If you would rather skip the climb, a free elevator at the end of Rue des Ponchettes provides an easier way up, check current hours of operation.
A tip for food lovers:
Bring a picnic and enjoy it under the trees; everything tastes better with a view of the sea. Prefer something spontaneous? There is a small snack cart near the elevator offering cold drinks and light bites.
9. Port Lympia (Port of Nice)
Boats bob gently on glittering water, seagulls wheel above the masts, and pastel-colored houses reflect in the calm bay; Port Lympia, Nice’s historic harbor, is a place to arrive, unwind, and dream.
Built in the 18th century, the harbor remains an active part of city life, welcoming yachts, tour boats, and early-morning fishermen alike. It is named after the Lympia spring, which once flowed nearby and helped transform the area into a natural port. Today, the quay is lined with inviting restaurants and cafés, perfect for an Aperol Spritz at sunset with the sea as your backdrop.
One of the loveliest sights is the contrast between the traditional pointus fishing boats and sleek modern yachts, all framed by the harbor’s vibrant red, ochre, and orange façades that make every photo postcard-worthy.
10. Promenade du Paillon
In the very heart of Nice, where the hum of the city meets swaying palm trees, a green ribbon of life unfolds: the Promenade du Paillon. Stretching between Place Masséna and the MAMAC museum, currently closed, this 12-hectare urban park runs like a breath of fresh air through central Nice. Built in 2013 over the now-covered Paillon River, it is a modern, open space made for strolling, relaxing, and people-watching.
Water trickles, fountains leap from the ground, and smiling faces reflect in the giant Miroir d’eau, a walkable water feature with 128 playful jets. Imaginative wooden animal sculptures attract climbing children, while adults lounge on the grass or meander beneath shady trees, passing olive, eucalyptus, and citrus plants from around the world.
Good to know! The park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., until 9:00 p.m. in winter.
11. Musée Matisse
Even from the outside, it is a work of art, a deep red 17th-century villa with green shutters, nestled among olive trees in a quiet park. Step inside and you are greeted by a vibrant celebration of color and form; Musée Matisse is a tribute to one of the giants of modern art, and a quiet treasure for art lovers and curious wanderers alike.
Henri Matisse lived in Nice for over 30 years and once said, “When I realized that every shadow in Nice is blue, I could not leave anymore.” That love for light, color, and the city itself runs through every room of this intimate museum, which opened in 1963. The collection spans his entire artistic journey, from classical portraits to bold cutouts, playful collages, sculptures, and handwritten notes.
One of the real joys of visiting is seeing how Matisse’s work evolved, from detailed sketches to the exuberant simplicity of his famous Jazz series. There is a quiet magic in walking through this space, compact, charming, and rich with inspiration.
Tip: Pair your visit with a walk through nearby Parc des Arènes de Cimiez, home to Roman ruins, a peaceful Franciscan monastery, and yet more Mediterranean beauty.
Good to know! The museum is in the Cimiez district and is open daily except Tuesdays. Hours vary by season:
• November to March: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• April to October: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
12. Monastère de Cimiez
High above the city, on the peaceful hill of Cimiez, lies one of Nice’s most poetic places, the Monastère de Cimiez. The journey there, past grand villas, ancient olive groves, and Roman ruins, is part of the charm. Then, all at once, you arrive at this timeworn Franciscan monastery, perched quietly above the sea.
Inside the thick stone walls, you will find serenity: a church adorned with Gothic frescoes, a lovingly tended garden filled with roses and boxwood hedges, and a peaceful cloister where time seems to pause. Wander through the garden and the view stretches across the city to the sea, tranquil, timeless, and utterly beautiful.
The small adjoining museum tells the story of the Franciscan order and showcases religious artworks spanning several centuries. In the nearby cemetery, you will find the final resting place of Henri Matisse, who loved Nice so deeply that he chose to be buried here.
Good to know! The monastery is open from Tuesday to Sunday, typically from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
13. Musée Marc Chagall
A deer floats across the sky, angels swirl in radiant blue, and biblical stories unfold like poetic dreams; welcome to the Marc Chagall Museum, where every room feels like a window into the artist’s soul. Nestled in a peaceful garden in Cimiez, this light-filled museum was designed with Chagall’s personal involvement, a heartfelt gift to a city he cherished.
Opened in 1973 during his lifetime, it houses the largest public collection of Chagall’s works. At its center is the Biblical Message cycle, a series of monumental paintings in which Chagall blends his Jewish heritage, love of nature, and unmistakable style into a vibrant visual language that is symbolic, dreamlike, and deeply human.
One unforgettable highlight is the room of twelve stained-glass windows, where colored light shimmers across the walls like liquid art. Outside, a tranquil garden and lily-filled pond invite quiet reflection, a perfect pause after such a rich artistic journey.
Good to know! Open daily except Tuesdays.
• November to April: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
14. Russian Orthodox Cathedral Saint-Nicolas
Suddenly, amid palms and Belle Époque villas, you stumble upon a scene that seems plucked from a Russian fairy tale: the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, with its turquoise onion domes, golden crosses, and richly patterned façades. An architectural jewel and the largest Russian Orthodox church in Western Europe stands here in Nice.
Built between 1903 and 1912, the cathedral was funded by Tsar Nicholas II as a symbol of the deep ties between Russia and the French Riviera, a favorite winter destination for Russian nobility. Even today, it remains the spiritual heart of the Russian community in Nice.
Step inside and you will be transported; gilded altars, hand-painted icons, the scent of incense, and the hushed reverence of sacred ritual. Every detail, from the frescoed ceilings to the polished woodwork, tells a story of faith, tradition, and transcendent beauty.
The cathedral lies just beyond the main tourist bustle, tucked into a small park, ideal for a reflective walk after your visit. Tip: Do not forget to look up; the ceilings alone are worth the trip.
Bonus Tip: Cap de Nice & Sentier du Littoral
If you are craving a break from the city’s energy, this coastal path offers a slice of pure Mediterranean magic. Starting from the harbor, the Sentier du Littoral hugs the shoreline around Cap de Nice, winding past rugged cliffs and offering uninterrupted views of the endlessly shifting sea.
If you are up for a longer walk, follow the trail all the way to Villefranche-sur-Mer, a postcard-perfect town with a rare gem on the Côte d’Azur, a sandy beach. The bay here, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful in the entire region. The colors of the water alone are worth the trip.
Getting back to Nice is a breeze; both buses and trains run frequently and are easy on the budget. I always use Google Maps to navigate the Côte d’Azur; schedules tend to be accurate, and public transport is generally punctual and straightforward.
Conclusion
Nice is so much more than sunshine and sea, though there is absolutely nothing wrong with indulging in both. It is a city full of life, layers, and surprises, where history meets modern flair and every corner tells its own story. Whether you are wandering through the Old Town, admiring the view from Colline du Château, or strolling along the coastal path to Villefranche, each moment reveals a new facet of this enchanting city by the sea. Take your time, explore some of the Nice top attractions, follow your curiosity, and let Nice work its magic.
Bon voyage and happy exploring!
Francesca
This article contains affiliate links. If you book something through them, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It is a wonderful way to support my blog; thank you.
When selecting experiences to share, I made sure they are not only highly rated by travelers but also diverse in style, to offer you a wide variety of impressions, moods, and unforgettable moments.
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Feel inspired? Dive deeper on my website, where you will find even more local tips, favorite hidden corners, and inspiration for your stay in Nice and along the Côte d’Azur. Have questions or need help planning your trip? I would love to hear from you; just reach out.
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