Top 10 things to see and do in Nice

To describe the splendour of beautiful Nice, there’s nothing quite like the Occitan hymn sung by the hearts of the people here: O la miéu bella Nissa, Regina de li flou, li tiéu vielhi taulissa, léu canterai toujou (O my beautiful Nice, queen of flowers, your old roofs I will always sing). Through these must-sees, discover the County of Nice and its delightful souls in depth. Here are the Top 10 must-sees and must-dos in Nice.

1. Celebrate the Nice Carnival

A not-to-be-missed event on the Côte d’Azur, for young and old alike!

One of the most famous in the world: the Nice Carnival! Carnival corsi and flower battles are deeply rooted in Nice’s traditions. For 15 days every February, hundreds of thousands of spectators gather to take part in this colourful celebration. The costumes are ever more beautiful and original, the floats cheeky and funny, made by carnival-goers from father to son, and hundreds of enthusiastic participants stroll between the Place Masséna and the Promenade des Anglais. A popular, family-friendly event that deserves its place in the Top 10 things to do in Nice!

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2. Experience the magic of Luminiscence

A new show in the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption

Come and see LUMINISCENCE – L’Odyssée Céleste in the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, an immersive experience not to be missed in Nice!

This 360° video mapping show, set to an original musical score, literally makes the basilica speak, telling its own story and that of Nice through the centuries. The lighting effects, choir and live organ sublimate the neo-Gothic architecture and plunge spectators into a timeless interlude.

It’s a magical way to spend a different evening on the Côte d’Azur, with your partner, friends or family. Sessions take place from 28 November 2025 in the evenings, from Thursday to Saturday.

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3. Admire the view from the Colline du Château

A must-see in Nice: the breathtaking view of the Baie des Anges from the Colline du Château.

This hill, once a military fortification, separates Old Nice from the port. Nice’s green lung, the nearly 20-hectare park is one of Nice’s favourite places for a stroll, offering breathtaking views of the city and the sea, especially at sunset. The Colline du Château is obviously one of the Top 10 things to see and do in Nice. You can get there on foot from Vieux-Nice and Place Garibaldi, by Art Deco-style lift or by the Lesage staircase at the end of Quai des Etats-Unis.

4. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais

The Promenade, one of the most emblematic and unmissable spots on the Côte d’Azur!

From Nice Airport to Port Lympia, the 8-kilometre Promenade des Anglais tells the story of Nice through its legendary hotels and unique atmosphere. The “Prom”, as the people of Nice call it, with its famous blue chairs and pebble beaches, has become one of Nice’s must-see places to meet up and take a stroll. On your way to the tip of “Rauba Capeu”, don’t hesitate to take a photo in front of the #ILoveNice structure overlooking the Baie des Anges!

5. Visit Old Nice and stroll through the Cours Saleya market

All the roads in Old Nice will lead you to the Cours Saleya!

In the heart of Vieux-Nice, you’ll reach it via the little shady streets with their ochre facades, which plunge you into the intimacy of Italian charm. The flower and local produce market on Cours Saleya exudes the authenticity, fragrance and colour of the Comté de Nice. A must-see during your stay in the Côte d’Azur capital, the Cours Saleya is the soul of Vieux-Nice. Surrounded by restaurants and bars, the Cours is a lively place in summer and winter alike. From Tuesday to Sunday, browse its traditional fruit and vegetable market every morning, and enjoy the flower market all day long.

6. Eat socca

How can you visit Nice without sampling some delicious socca?

Enjoy a slice of socca: a must-do in Nice. Among the many local culinary specialities such as farcis, courgette flower fritters and chard pie, the famous chickpea flour galette is the must-try dish in Nice, to be shared in the greatest conviviality! Socca remains one of Nice’s most traditional dishes. You can eat it on the go, wrapped in paper, as an aperitif or as a main course when strolling through Vieux-Nice or the Quartier du Port.

7. Enjoy the tranquillity of the port

What to see in Nice: the Port district, a colourful place to stroll around!

Just like the colourful dinghies moored here, you’ll love the serene family atmosphere that reigns in the Port of Nice. Like a small village, here people know each other, local craftsmen rub shoulders with small food traders… And all to the rhythm of the waves! Take a stroll along the quays and admire the colourful facades of the beautiful Italian-style houses that surround Port Lympia. For those with a sweet tooth, the Confiserie Florian is one of Nice’s must-visit addresses.

8. Take your time on the Promenade du Paillon

The Promenade du Paillon is a haven of greenery right in the heart of Nice!

From Place Garibaldi, the Promenade du Paillon is a green expanse stretching all the way down to the Promenade des Anglais.

Peace and quiet in the heart of the city, with wooden games for children, picnic areas and a water mirror for cooling off in summer.

In the Top 10 things to see and do in Nice, the Promenade du Paillon has several children’s play areas and a Caroussel.

Depending on what you fancy, you can stroll along the paths, discover rare plants, picnic on the grass or relax and read under the arbours.

9. Immerse yourself in the history of Nice at the Cimiez Arena

With its vast expanses of greenery and century-old olive trees, this garden is a haven of peace.

The gardens of the Cimiez Monastery, dotted with the ruins of its arenas, are an invitation to tranquillity. Several museums and events have taken up residence here. Just a stone’s throw from the Musée Matisse and the Musée archéologique de Nice, this magical place is a must-see during your stay in Nice. Every year in May, the Fête des Mais or “Lu Festin de Nissa” is one of Nice’s favourite family and folk events! Enjoy a real moment of conviviality and sharing, with a panoramic view over Nice and its Baie des Anges.

10. Take to the skies on Mont-Boron

Discover Mont-Boron and its unique panorama from Italy to l’Estérel!

It’s an unspoilt hill where you can take a breather over a picnic lunch in the shade of the pines, a fitness trail or a game of pétanque. At the summit, the former Mont-Alban military fort stands guard as the city of Nice’s last bastion on its border with the village of Villefranche-sur-Mer and its sumptuous harbour. From Mont-Alban, you can enjoy a unique panorama stretching from Italy to the Estérel, via the Cap Ferrat peninsula and the Alpine peaks. The Parc du Mont-Boron is one of Nice’s must-see attractions.

Week end Nice — ©COTE D'AZUR FRANCE / Camille MOIRENC

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THE TOP 10

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN NICE

By Ambassadeurs Côte d’Azur France

If you’re a Côte d’Azur lover or enthusiast, this site regularly features a selection of the best places to go and things to see and do in Nice, as well as the favourites of the Ambassadeurs Côte d’Azur France community.

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