20 Unmissable Attractions in Nice
Aside from its magical beaches, wonderful climate and fantastic places to eat and drink, Nice has many must-see attractions. Here’s our run-down of the top 20.
1. The Roman Amphitheatre
Founded in the 1st century, the Roman city of Cemenelum was built on the hill overlooking the sea and was home to an amphitheatre and thermal baths. The amphitheatre isn’t as well-preserved as in other French towns – like Nimes or Arles – but is beautiful in its own right.
2. Nice's Archaeological Museum
Archaeological site, Museum
3. The Musée Matisse
Museum, Art Gallery, Building
5. Boulevard Cimiez
Hotel
This grand boulevard was designed in the 1880s when people began to flock to Nice on holiday. Check out the Grand Hotel, the Majestic or Queen Victoria’s favourite, The Excelsior Régina Palace.
6. Cimiez Monastery
Monastery
7. Cimiez Cemetery
Cemetery
8. Castle Hill
Building, Hill Station, Historical Landmark, Archaeological site
9. Mont Boron
If you want a little hike, head out to Mont Boron, the hill to the east of the town centre. You can swim on the way home or take the bus back.
10. Promenade des Anglais
Resort
This is one of the most famous boulevards in France – it stretches seven miles from the airport in the west to the headland in the east. Walk a little, have an ice-cream and then a seat in one of the distinctive blue chairs.
11. Le Vieux Port (Old Port)
This is at the heart of any tourist itinerary because it looks so beautiful. Wander around the boats and stop for a coffee to take it all in.
12. Old Town
Shop
Nice is celebrated for its pastel-coloured houses and winding, cobbled streets of the Old Town. Take the time to wander the shops and “lécher les vitrines” – window shop (literally, to “lick the windows”).
13. Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate
Cathedral
Named after a 15-year-old Palestinian girl who refused to denounce Christianity in the third century, this cathedral is the oldest and most ornate of the many places of worship in Nice. Sainte-Réparate became the patron saint of Nice, after her body was – so legend goes – blown by angels to Nice across the Mediterranean.
Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, 4 Rue Sainte-Réparate, Nice +33 (0)4 93 80 07 48
14. Flower Market (Marché Saleya)
Market, French
15. Hotel Negresco
Hotel
16. La Coulée Verte
Park
Avenue Félix Faure and Boulevard Jean Jaurès are two very grand streets that begin on the seafront at Promenade des Anglais and sweep inland in a curvy symmetrical fashion. Between both roads, the whole area has been turned into a park with amazing playgrounds for kids. It’s the place to come for a couple of hours on a sunny afternoon to picnic.
17. Promenade du Paillon
In amongst the Coulée Verte, you’ll find the lovely fountains called Promenade du Paillon. It’s a great place to cool off in the summer months.
18. Museum of Modern Art (MAMAC)
Museum
19. Hotel Le Meridien Terrace
Hotel
20. La Réserve Diving Boards
La Réserve is a public beach, just a little out of town and well worth the walk. There are some old diving boards where locals still jump into the sea (even though technically it’s not allowed anymore) and it’s great fun to watch.
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