Top 10 Things To Do In Nice

Top 10 Things To Do in Nice

Rauba Capeu in Nice by Cayambe- Wikimedia Commons

Nice should be on a ‘places I must visit’ list if not a bucket list. The magnificence and elegance of its buildings, coupled with the picturesque backdrop that is the French Riviera are such an experience. Nice is the second-largest city in France on the Mediterranean coast, and boasts rich culture and history. It is located on the Southeast coast of France.

It is interesting to note that  Nice was a popular vacation spot for the English aristocrats and later the Russians from as early as the 18th century! This erases any doubt that you will find interesting  Top 10 Things to Do in Nice.

Many maritime powers have over the years desired Nice for its strategically positioned port. In addition to the port, Nice is served by one of the busiest airports in France and has an efficient bus and tram service.

You will definitely enjoy unravelling the unique culture of Nice and perhaps learn a few words of Nice’s language, Nicardor or Nissart. Influences from Italy, Corsica, Spain and France are present in Nice, and as you will see blend beautifully with the culture and way of life in Nice.

Here are the top 10 things to do while in Nice.

Promenade des Anglais

The breathtaking promenade stretches along Nice’s Mediterranean waterfront. A walk along it will reveal restaurants and bars where you can have a meal and drinks as you take in the gorgeous view. The Promenade des Anglais is a favorite spot for many locals who call it ‘La prom’, it can, therefore, get crowded, but is still as breathtaking. You can catch the bus to Promenade des Anglais or by Light rail.

Colline Du Chateau

Colline Du Chateau- by Espirat- Wikimedia Commons

Castle Hill (Colline Du Chateau) was once an active military citadel but was destroyed in the early 1700s. It’s the point of the highest altitude in Nice- a fantastic viewpoint overlooking the Bay of Nice. The most popular public gardens in Nice spruce up in summer and are a sight to behold. For a magnificent view over the old town, the port and inland to the Provencal hills and the Alps, climb up to Colline du Chateau on the Eastern edge of the old town. The green space, views atop Colline du Chateau and artificial waterfall built during the 18^th century will be worth the wind-up it, which you can take via the staircase or free lift available.

Vieille Ville (Nice Old Town)

Vieille Ville- by Riga- Wikimedia Commons

Get lost in the rustic narrow colorful streets of Old town in Nice with its numerous shops, stalls, bars and restaurants. You might discover dainty souvenirs in the many traditional and modern souvenir shops while you visit the art galleries. You will also be pleased to find out that the lively cafes stay open until the early hours of the day.

Old town is the oldest part of Nice. To get there you could leisurely walk as you take in the scenery from Place Massena, the central square of Nice.

Carnival of Nice experience

The King and Queen of Carnival of Nice at Massena place- by Jesmar- Wikimedia Commons

If you are in Nice mid- February to early March, you are in time to experience one of the biggest party events in the world- the Carnival of Nice. Daily parades are held as well as other exciting events such as waiter races, cold water swims and Bataille des Fleurs or the Battle of Flowers. Besides spending Valentine ’s Day in Nice, the Nice Carnival is a great way to enjoy Nice.

Jazz music

Nice is the birthplace of Jazz in France. You can experience the Nice Jazz Festival if you are in Nice in July. The jazz festival is renowned worldwide, claimed by historians to have been brought to Nice by American expats who settled on the French Riviera. Jazz clubs are strewn across Nice, therefore can experience jazz music all year round.

Cimiez; a charming neighborhood in Nice

Roman baths in Nice- by Ermell- Wikimedia Commons

It shall be interesting to discover a neighborhood that has Roman history. Cimiez is located northeast of the middle of Nice, and is built right where the ancient Gaulish and Roman settlement of Cemenelum used to be. Here, you will find one of the most magnificent views over the center of the city. You are likely to enjoy the ruins of Cemenelum, including the archaeological museum, the Arena, Roman baths and a 1st-century paleochristian basilica built by the Romans.

Russian Orthodox Cathedral

The Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Nice- by Filip Maljkovic- Wikimedia Commons

The magnificent Nice Russian Orthodox Cathedral is a historical monument in France and is situated in Nice. It is the most important Orthodox worship religious building that is not in Russia. The cathedral has amazing architecture and is surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, which is a sight to behold.

Phoenix Park

Broméliacées by Alliot Brigitte- Wikimedia Commons

As you get into Nice it is worth visiting the Phoenix Park. It is a botanical and zoological garden located near Nice Airport in the Arenas district that charges an entry fee. For this, you will be able to see very high biodiversity of flora and fauna.

There is also a large greenhouse which has several tropical climates, tropical plants and bird species. Nature enthusiasts will love it at the Phoenix Park in Nice.

The park also has a children’s playground; families with children will get to enjoy nature while the children play. Phoenix Park in Nice is the largest enclosed park in any capital city in Europe, making it one of the top 10 things to do in Nice.

Mont Boron

Mont Boron- by- Pierre Bona

Another spot in Nice with enchanting views is Mont Boron. Located in the East of Nice, this Mediterranean forest offers scenic views. You will get to enjoy Mont Boron, photogenic Fort Mount Alban and peaceful walks with beautiful views of the Bay of angels and the Bay of Ville Franche.

Discover amazing art

Promenade Des Arts- by Txllxt TxllxT

Nice has an abundance of art in museums and takes the number two spot of the city with most museums after France. From historical artefacts, paintings from the 15^th Century, 1960’s Pop or Modern art, Nice provides an array of options in museums to visit such as Marc Chagall National Museum, the Musee Massena, Terra Amata Museum among others. The museums thoroughly enrich the list of top 10 things to do while in Nice.

A visit to Nice will be worth your while. From enjoying music, seeing amazing art and vegetation and enchanting views, Nice gives quite the diverse experience.