Call it a beach town with a dazzlingly rich heritage. Ranked as France’s fifth largest city and recently anointed the status of a World Heritage Site, Nice is thrumming with newfound energy thanks to a wave of massive renovations. With an array of museums, extensive city bike paths, Baroque and Belle Époque treasures, and an abundance of green parks, Nice is both unpretentious and festive. Its central hub, Place Masséna, is watched over by towering illuminated fibreglass figures that change color at night. Moreover, the sleek tomato-red tram plays sound-designed jingles and showcases contemporary art installations. There’s plenty to see and do, so without further ado, here are the best things to do in Nice.
1. Uncover Nice’s Fascinating History
Find out what Riviera life was like 400,000 years ago at the seaside museum Muséede Préhistoire Terra Amata, built on an ancient excavation site. Highlights include a reconstituted cave, a human footprint in limestone, and hunting weapons made from beach stones. Then, grab a pan bagnat (salade niçoise on a roll) picnic and follow the rocky customs footpath from Coco Beach to the Cap de Nice, alongside deserted turquoise coves.
2. Try Nice’s Tastiest Spots
Go native and explore the city’s best outdoor morning markets. Sample emblematic niçois finger food from socca (a paper-thin chickpea pancake sprinkled with pepper) to pissaladière (caramelised onion tart) washed down with some local rosé. Olive oil and cheese tasting is also a must. Alternatively, consider a cooking class to learn to whip up the locals’ favourite lunch – stuffed vegetables and a delicious Swiss chard torte spiked with rum and raisins.
3. Explore the Old Town
Wander through the narrow cobblestone alleys of Old Town for a glimpse of Baroque splendour. Begin with Palais Lascaris, a sumptuous Genoese palace awash with ceiling frescoes and a balustraded staircase. Light a candle at the ornate church Sainte Rita, Nice’s beloved patron saint of lost causes, then head to Saint-Jacques-de-Majeur church for more gilded cherubs and marble stucco. After dark, there’s a hidden courtyard patio bar, Le Bethel, where you can enjoy drinks in a serene atmosphere bathed in candlelight.
