Nice sits on the French Riviera between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps. The city was founded by the Greeks around 350 BC and named Nikaia. Today it is the fifth-largest city in France with 343,000 residents. Nice receives 5 million visitors each year. The Promenade des Anglais stretches 7 kilometres along the Baie des Anges. The old town, Vieux Nice, has streets dating from the 17th century. The food market at Cours Saleya has operated since the 19th century. Nice offers the best of the Riviera without the prices of Cannes or Monaco. The city has 20 museums, 15 beaches, and 300 restaurants. This guide covers the essential experiences in Nice for 2026.

Promenade des Anglais: A 7-Kilometre Waterfront Walkway

The Promenade des Anglais was built in 1822 by English aristocrats wintering in Nice. It runs 7 kilometres along the Mediterranean coast. The walkway is 12 metres wide in most sections. Cyclists and rollerbladers use the dedicated 3-metre lane. The public beach along the promenade is made of smooth pebbles rather than sand. Bring a thick mat or rent a sunbed for 20 euros per day (as of 2026). The famous blue chairs along the promenade are free to use. The Hotel Negresco was built in 1913 and has 119 rooms. It has been a historic monument since 2003. The promenade was badly damaged by storms in 2018. The city spent 45 million euros on repairs. The best time to walk is sunrise when the light hits the Baie des Anges and turns the water turquoise. The full walk one way takes 90 minutes at a leisurely pace.

Vieux Nice: 17th-Century Streets and the Cours Saleya Market

Vieux Nice, the old town, covers 25 hectares between Castle Hill and the port. The streets follow a Roman grid pattern. The buildings are painted in warm ochre and terracotta colours. The shutters are always green, a local tradition dating from the 18th century when green paint was the cheapest available. The Cours Saleya market operates daily except Monday. The flower market section has 50 stalls selling fresh flowers from the Riviera. A bunch of roses costs 5 to 10 euros. The food market section has 30 stalls selling olives, cheese, and produce. Socca, a chickpea pancake, costs 3 euros from street vendors. The Palais Lascaris was built in 1648 and has 15 rooms of original furniture. Entry costs 5 euros. The Cathedrale Sainte-Reparate was built between 1650 and 1699. The old town has 20 churches, 30 art galleries, and 100 restaurants.

Castle Hill: A 93-Metre Park with 360-Degree Views

Castle Hill rises 93 metres above Nice. Despite the name, no castle remains. The original fortress was built in the 12th century and demolished in 1706. The park was created in 1828. It covers 19 hectares. There are 7 viewpoints offering panoramic views of the city, the port, and the Alps. On clear days you can see all the way to Antibes, 12 kilometres away. The waterfall was built in 1885 and drops 30 metres. The climb from the old town has 130 steps. A free elevator near the Opera House takes visitors to the top in 30 seconds. The park has 2,000 trees and 5,000 shrubs. Entry is free. The park is open from 8 AM to 8 PM in summer and 8 AM to 6 PM in winter. The best time to visit is sunset when the light turns the Baie des Anges gold.

The Matisse Museum: 236 Works by Henri Matisse

The Matisse Museum opened in 1963 in the Cimiez district. It is housed in a 17th-century Genoese villa. The museum holds 236 works by Henri Matisse. Matisse lived in Nice from 1917 until his death in 1954. He painted over 1,000 works during his time on the Riviera. The collection includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, and 57 paper cut-outs. The museum also holds 950 photographs, 200 objects, and Matisse’s personal library. Entry costs 10 euros (as of 2026). The museum is surrounded by the Cimiez olive groves. The nearby Cimiez Monastery was built in the 16th century. The Roman amphitheatre dates from the 2nd century AD and seated 5,000 spectators. The museum receives 200,000 visitors per year. It is closed on Tuesdays.

Day Trips from Nice

Nice serves as the perfect base for exploring the French Riviera. Monaco is 20 minutes away by train. A one-way ticket costs 4.50 euros. The Monte Carlo Casino was built in 1863. Entry costs 17 euros. Antibes is 15 minutes by train. The Picasso Museum holds 245 works donated by the artist in 1946. Entry costs 10 euros. Cannes is 30 minutes by train. The Palais des Festivals has 25 meeting rooms and seats 2,300 in the Grand Auditorium. The Lerins Islands are 20 minutes from Cannes. A ferry to Ile Sainte-Marguerite costs 17 euros return. Eze is 30 minutes by bus. The Jardin Exotique sits at 429 metres above sea level. Entry costs 6 euros. Saint-Paul-de-Vence is 30 minutes by bus. The Fondation Maeght has 12,000 works of modern art. Entry costs 16 euros. These day trips add variety to a Nice stay without changing accommodation. The France guides page has recommended itineraries.

Would you spend your days on the Promenade des Anglais or exploring the old town of Nice? 🌊

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