25 Fun & Best Things to Do in Nice, France

The gateway to the French Riviera and capital of luxurious summertime fun in Europe, Nice is a beautiful city set on the Mediterranean Sea. Located in the southeast corner of France, where the Alps, the sea, and the Italian border converge, this area of the country is a wonderful place that is well-known around the world.

Nice isn’t difficult to get to. The Nice Cote d’Azur Airport is connected with a wide array of European destinations by both budget and full-service carriers and also has direct links to long-haul destinations like New York and Dubai. The city’s main train station has high-speed links to Paris and regional service to stops throughout the coast and into Italy.

I am lucky enough to live on the French Riviera just 15 minutes from Nice, and I’m pleased to share my take on the best attractions, the restaurant scene, and day trips not to be missed during a visit. There are endless things to do in this part of France, so it’s important to have a good idea of what you want to do during your limited stay in Nice.

Below, we’ll get into the top things to do in Nice, France. You’ll also find some tips on nearby towns (and even countries) to visit, as the beauty of the French Riviera certainly doesn’t stop in the city. Read on to properly plan your perfect Nice itinerary.

TLDR

• Most significant landmark – The Promenade des Anglais
• Best park – Castle Hill Park
• Best free activity – French Riviera Beaches
• Best activity for kids – Phoenix Park
• Best activity for adults – Day trip to Monaco
• Best food – Le Plongeoir
• Best nightlife – Waka Bar
• Best all-around accommodation – Le Meridien Nice

Best & Fun Things to Do in Nice, France

There are plenty of things to do in Nice, and even more just a short train, car, or bike ride away. Let’s take a look at some of the best of Nice and the French Riviera.

1. Castle Hill Park

Let’s start with one of the best places in Nice for views of the city and the sea: Parc de la Colline du Chateau, or Castle Hill Park. This historic monument is located on a large hill that sits between the city’s port and the old town.

There are various points to begin a walk up Castle Hill, but I find the most convenient to be at the top of Rue Rossetti in the old town. From there, it’s a leisurely stroll uphill through the Mediterranean forest, though the path is always paved. Most people capable of a moderate incline won’t find this walk to be…