a view of the Old Port harbor in Nice at night

Many people may be looking for things to do in Nice now that France is slowly reopening to Americans and we can travel there again. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has been difficult to visit one of the most beautiful places in the world! I’m so happy that the restaurants, shops and tourist sites are back open (for vaccinated travelers)! Southern France is one of my favorite places to visit.

Whether I am passing through Nice to somewhere else, headed out on a cruise, or centering my stay around this fantastic city in the South of France, I just love being there. Nice embodies all I adore about that part of the world. The water, the art, the access to so many other areas, the shopping, and, of course, the food. There are so many things to do in Nice! Armed with these travel tips, you’ll find the perfect destination for the whole family, a solo trip, a friend’s getaway or a couple’s adventure.


While you certainly do it all or do nothing at all, my best suggestion for things to do in Nice is to do a bit of everything. Plan time to travel to Provence and the wine country to enjoy the hills. Head over to Monaco for an entire day into the evening to take in the whole experience. Plan a rest and relaxation day hanging at the beach, and, of course, leave a lot of time to explore the city.

Check out these fab things to do in Nice France, including where to stay, play and eat in Nice France

One of my favorite things to do in Nice, or any city actually, is to simply wander. You need to plan at least 2 days to wander as there is so much to take in. Plus, you will want to have time to sit in the squares and take in all the sights and sounds of the community. Be sure to wander away from the tourist areas to see Nice as the locals do. Also, whatever you do, do not miss the farmer’s market. It is fantastic…and so french!

There are so many things to do in Nice, but don’t miss:

  1. Wandering through Farmer’s Markets
  2. Shopping 
  3. Spending a day at the beach
  4. Riding the carousel (The carousel is located on the corner of Avenue Max Gallo and Quai Des Etats-Unis.)
  5. Visiting one of the many Art Museums including Musée Matisse, Musée National Marc Chagall, or Villa Masséna Musée
  6. Going off the beaten path walking the City Squares in Vieux Nice

Things To Do In Nice| Where to Stay, Play and Eat

Where to Stay

There are two very different ways to enjoy your stay in Nice – a rental apartment/flat or a hotel.

If we are staying for more than a few days and want to be able to take full advantage of the local specialty foods, seafood and farmers market, we book a flat in Vieux Nice, or “Old Nice”. There are many ways to book these, but we tend to use AirBnB or Luxury Rentals. We have never been disappointed with either, but we always do our research before booking.

There are also many hotels that offer full apartments with the ability to use the hotel features. Just remember that most of the buildings are small and have no elevators. Do not expect a ton of bells and whistles without paying for them. Life is simple and whole in Nice and the apartments are the same, but the charm and views make up for it all.

Our go-to hotel is Hotel Le Negresco. Located across the street from the beach and a few blocks from the center square, Hotel Le Negresco is a true luxury gem. From the minute you arrive until the minute you leave, the experience is nothing short of special. Each room is unique.

Suites at the Hotel Negresco

The rooms at Hotel Negresco are big and plush.

I suggest booking your room with your travel agent, through American Express, or through your private banking services to receive the full benefits offered. Most recently, we booked a suite and were upgraded to a larger suite. We had a water view room with two small balconies that had views for days. Our suite was so well-appointed and had the period charm while maintaining the class and luxury. Upon our arrival, we had a cheese plate, bubbly, fruit and confections. Our booking also came with breakfast and dinner for two in-house.

We also love the bar with its old-world style, serving the best cocktails and light bites. Be sure you spend time exploring the entire hotel as each hall, staircase, nook and cranny offers a new delight. And above all…book some time at the spa! It is one of the truly luxurious things to do in Nice…and there are A LOT of luxurious things to do in Nice!

Where to Eat

Anywhere and everywhere! We literally have never been disappointed with any restaurant in Nice. We have made reservations and wandered into places, and every time has been fantastic. And we do prefer to wander. We get out of the tourist areas and try to be the only travelers at the restaurants we wander into.

dining in Nice France

You never know what you’ll find around the corner.

In Vieux Nice, it is hard to go wrong. Whether it’s authentic French cuisine, delicate pastries, or fresh seafood, there are plenty of options all around you.

For something different, Nice has a fantastic selection of Indian restaurants to pick from. Royal Kashmir has one of the best selections of curry, naan, and other delicious morsels that I have found in Nice. It is a short distance from Place Massena, which makes it easily accessible to everyone.

One of the things to do in Nice I always share to friends is to be sure to visit the many farmer’s markets. There is an abundance of markets throughout the city available to explore. They are bountiful with fresh produce, exotic spices, and other local delicacies that you would be remiss to pass by. Markets are perfect for a quick snack or for sampling a variety of items.

visiting farmer's markets is one of the Nice travel tips

The Farmer’s Market in Nice is one of my favorites in the world.

Not only do they have great food, but they also have other products for sale that will blow you away. Visiting Vieux Nice is definitely one of the most interesting things to do in Nice. It is home to many of these fantastic markets. If you wander the beautiful streets mid-morning, you are destined to find yourself in the middle of one.

Where to Play

While we are discussing things to do in Nice, there are some pretty fantastic places to visit nearby too. Be sure to plan one or all of these three day trips during your France visit

  • Monaco – Monaco is an adventure all in itself. I suggest heading over mid-morning and staying into the night. This day trip is best planned after a rest day, so you have the energy to head up to the castle and take in the nightlife. Be sure to check out some of our must-dos.
One of the things to do in Nice is to take a day trip to Monaco in France

A stunning view of Monaco in France.

  • Provence and a vineyard – Provence is a short drive away and the day can easily be combined with a stop at a vineyard. You can book a local driver to arrange your day. I would suggest starting by exploring the city, walking through the farmer’s market, and visiting the centuries-old churches and buildings. Grab some lunch at a local cafe and head to a vineyard for a late afternoon adventure and wine tasting.
  • Eze – Eze is unique in that the town is literally built into the side and top of a mountain. The highlight at Eze is a tasting menu meal at Chateau Eza. Be sure to book your reservation way in advance and hire a driver, so you can enjoy the wine pairing as well. I prefer the lunch tasting menu at Chateau Eza, unless you book an early dinner table in the summer. The only reason is the view, so asking for a table outside is a must.
a view of Eze in France

The village of Eze.

The rest of Eze you can see on the way in and out. Plan time from when your driver drops you off to walk to the top where the restaurant is. You will want to have time to pop in and out of the shops on your way both to and from your amazing meal.

Where to Shop

This goes without being said, but shopping is an absolute must when you are anywhere in France. It is one of my favorite things to do in Nice especially! Ranging from high-end luxury fashion to handmade local trinkets, there is a shop for everyone. One of my favorite stores is Moulin à Huile d’Olive Nicolas Alziari, a charming store located right across from the water in Vieux Nice. The array of olives and olive oils is first class. The staff is friendly, and you can’t get a better location to meander in a beautiful old store. (Not going to France anytime soon? You can buy this delicious olive oil on Amazon!) 

where to shop in Nice France

Shopping in Nice is one of our favorite activities.

Along with amazing olive oil, Nice has some of the best design and fashion stores in the world. You can truly shop until you drop. When you’ve shopped so much that you’re hungry, macaroons and other delectable candies abound in Nice. That’s the thing about southern France, while there are many official things to do in Nice, you could spend your whole vacation just wandering the streets, shopping and sampling macaroons and other pastries from these amazing little bakeries. Nice really is a shoppers paradise and perfect for those who like to vacation without a set plan for every hour.

What is your favorite part of visiting the South of France? What are your favorite things to do in Nice?