10 Great Things to do in Nice

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Nice: A Beach with a View!

Two years ago I had the privilege of going to Nice. I had dreamed of visiting the south of France and experiencing the endless beaches. So I chose Nice because it was cheaper than Cannes and it was a great stopping place along our journey. It was fast-paced and relaxing at the same time as the city is so lively and packed with people but also offers serene and peaceful locations. So here were some of the best things to see and do.

Private Beach of Nice

10. Observatory: for those of you with a fascination with space or just want a peaceful place away from the city, the observatory offers a unique experience. It offers sessions that teach you about astronomy and space. Learning with a view!

9. Parc des Arènes de Cimiez: this beautiful park is a bit outside the city, but what makes it so unique is the fact that there are ancient ruins within the park. There is an abundance of ruins in the south of France that can be traced back to the Romans, so this is a great opportunity to see some Roman ruins without making the trip all the way to Rome.

8. Place Massena: this main square is very unique because of the almost tiled cement, which is painted black and white. Surrounded by beautiful pink buildings, and interesting statues that don't seem to fit with the old town look, this square is truly one of a kind.

Place Massena

7. Musée Chagall: this museum offers a great selection of the works of Marc Chagall. Famous for designing the ceiling of the Palais Garnier in Paris, Chagall is known for his use of colors and beautiful masterpieces.

6. Musée Matisse: one of the famous French painters is Henri Matisse. As one of the largest collections of his work, this museum offers a variety of works of art that with beautiful colors and wonderful scenes. For an art lover, this museum is a must.

5. The Market: in Nice, there is a market, one that runs almost every day, especially in the summer. And it is worth it to check out the fresh produce but also all the great souvenirs. With all the lavender fields in the region, there are some delightful smells!

Promenade des Anglais

4. The Beach: how can you go to Nice and not visit the beach? Sure it gets a little complicated with figuring out the beach because of all the private beaches. Each agency owns a section of the beach, and you can rent an umbrella and chair for a few hours while lounging around the beach or swimming. But for those of you on a budget, there are a few public beaches. They are always crowded, so get there early. You can find them because they're the only beaches without umbrellas. Though chaotic in the summertime, it's worth it!

3. Vieux Nice: with winding streets and small shops and restaurants everywhere, there's a lot of charm in the Old Town. From the beautifully colored buildings to the charm of the small churches, this part of the city is a picturesque southern French town.

2. Promenade des Anglais: most people have heard of this location and include it on their list of things to do in Nice. And while it is incredibly crowded, it is a nice walk full of beautiful sights and activities. The buildings along the way are in that beautiful French style. Then every couple of yards you are met with some sort of street performer, artist, or anyone trying to entertain you or sell you something. And on the other side of the buildings is a wonderful beach with beautiful deep blue water. Amazing!

Castle Hill

1. Castle Hill: right next to the city center is a huge hill. A hill so big it makes you question why you ate that extra piece of bread for lunch. You regret your decision to climb up it, even if the roads are paved and it is slightly shaded in the trees. But finally you have reached the top, and you are met with the most incredible view of Nice. Overlooking the Promenade des Anglais, you have the best view of the beach, the ocean, and the city.