- The city was part of the Duchy of Savoy for centuries before being annexed by France in 1860, resulting in a distinct Niçard dialect and culinary identity separate from the rest of France.
- Nice has the highest density of museums in France outside of Paris, owing to its status as a historic refuge for avant-garde artists during the 20th century.
- The famous Promenade des Anglais was funded and initiated by British tourists in the 1820s to provide work for locals during a harsh winter that had ruined the citrus harvest.
- The city's 'Flower Market' (Cours Saleya) operates under a specific municipal regulation dating back to the 19th century, ensuring it remains exclusively for horticulture and fresh local produce.
- Nice is home to the world's first tram network to utilize a ground-level power supply system, eliminating the need for overhead lines in historic city center areas.
About Nice
Nice serves as the primary gateway to the French Riviera, defined by its blend of Italianate architecture and Mediterranean coastal geography. The city is famous for the Promenade des Anglais which stretches along the Baie des Anges, providing a direct link to landmarks like the Colline du Château. Beyond the coast, the urban landscape features significant religious architecture such as the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice and the historic Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice. Modern public infrastructure, notably the extensive Promenade du Paillon, successfully connects the old town with newer central districts.
Highlights of Nice
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Provides the most famous panoramic vantage point of the Baie des Anges and the city's red-tiled roofs.
Temples
Features opulent interiors and Russian Orthodox architecture that reflect the city's historic connection to the Russian aristocracy.
Museums
Showcases a vast collection of fine art and expansive themed gardens overlooking the Mediterranean.
Museums
Houses the world's largest public collection of works by Marc Chagall, specifically focusing on his biblical themes.
Temples
Stands as the centerpiece of the Old Town, exemplifying 17th-century Baroque architecture.
Parks
Connects the city center through a series of reclaimed urban park spaces and mist-generating fountains.
Beaches and ponds
Serves as the primary maritime hub for both luxury yachts and regional ferry connections.
Venues
Hosts major sporting events and serves as the primary modern stadium for the OGC Nice football club.
Top things to do in Nice
The 563 highest-rated places in Nice, ranked by travellers.
1
Museums
The Musée océanographique de Monaco is a world-renowned marine science center founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I, a pion...
2
Parks
Colline du Château is a historic hilltop park overlooking the Baie des Anges and the Vieux Nice district. It occupies th...
3
Historical places
The Prince's Palace of Monaco serves as the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco and has been the seat o...
4
Parks
Jardin Exotique d’Èze is a terraced botanical garden situated at the highest point of the medieval village of Èze. The s...
5
Parks
Jardin Albert 1er is one of Nice's oldest public parks, situated at the eastern end of the Promenade des Anglais. It fea...
6
Museums
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a Belle Époque residence situated on the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula overlooking the...
7
Temples
The Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice is the largest Russian Orthodox cathedral outside of Russia. Commissioned by Tsar N...
8
Zoos
Parc Phœnix is a 7-hectare botanical garden and zoo located at the western end of the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Its...
9
Museums
The Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco houses nearly 100 historic vehicles collected by Prince Rainier III...
10
Venues
Allianz Riviera is a multi-use stadium in Nice, France, featuring a design that prioritizes natural ventilation and sola...
11
Historical places
Castello di Dolceacqua is a 12th-century ruined fortress situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the Nervia Valley in...
12
Museums
The Marc Chagall National Museum houses the Message Biblique cycle, a series of seventeen paintings illustrating Genesis...
13
Beaches and ponds
Port Lympia, known as Nice Port, is an 18th-century maritime hub featuring a unique blend of neoclassical pastel buildin...
14
Parks
The Princess Grace Japanese Garden is a 7,000-square-meter Zen-inspired retreat located along the Mediterranean coastlin...
15
Temples
Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice is a 17th-century Baroque cathedral situated in the heart of Vieux Nice. Its architec...
16
Temples
The Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Assomption is the largest church in Nice, constructed between 1864 and 1868. Designed by a...
17
Parks
Jardins Biovès is a linear urban park in central Menton, situated between the Casino Barrière and the town's seaside pro...
18
Parks
The Promenade du Paillon is a 12-hectare urban park built over the covered Paillon riverbed in central Nice. The space f...
19
Parks
The Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez is built around the ruins of a Roman amphitheater dating back to the 1st century AD. Loc...
20
Museums
Fondation Maeght is a private non-profit art foundation located on the Colline des Gardettes in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. The...
21
Museums
The Matisse Museum in Nice holds one of the world's most significant collections of Henri Matisse's work, chronicling hi...
22
Parks
The Exotic Garden of Monaco features a vast collection of rare succulent plants and cacti from arid regions across Afric...
23
Temples
The Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, also known as Saint Nicholas Cathedral, serves as the primary burial site for the...
24
Places of interest
Place Garibaldi is an expansive 18th-century square located at the junction of Nice's Old Town and the modern city cente...
25
Parks
Parc du Mont Boron is a 57-hectare protected forest located on a limestone plateau overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and...
26
Beaches and ponds
The Vieux Port de Menton serves as the primary maritime gateway for the town, situated at the base of the historic old c...
27
Museums
Villa Masséna is a neoclassical Belle Époque residence located directly on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Built betw...
28
Venues
Palais Nikaïa is a major multi-purpose concert hall and arena located in western Nice, serving as the city's primary ven...
29
Venues
The Opéra de Nice is a landmark 1885 performing arts center situated in the heart of Old Nice, designed by architect Fra...
30
Historical places
The Château Médieval de Roquebrune is the oldest feudal fortress in France, dating back to the late 10th century. Built...
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Nice on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Nice
May to June or September to October, offering warm Mediterranean weather without the peak density of July and August.
3-4 days to explore the central historic districts, coastal sites, and nearby hilltop villages.
The city features a highly efficient tram network (Lignes 1, 2, and 3), complemented by extensive local bus routes and high walkability within the city center.
Stay in Vieux Nice for historic charm and proximity to markets, or the Carré d'Or neighborhood for proximity to the coast and high-end shopping.
Considered an expensive destination, particularly during peak summer months, though mid-range options exist away from the immediate waterfront.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 563 curated attractions in and around Nice, ranked by traveller ratings.
Musée océanographique de Monaco is the highest-rated place to visit in Nice right now.
The largest category is temples, with 151 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Rome, Milan, Galatina.
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