A little more about Nice and local restaurants.
Some of the 12 best things to do in Nice
Live music spots, dazzling beaches and fascinating Old Town finds – these are some of the best things to do in Nice – the French Riviera town we adore.
Call it a beach town with a dazzlingly rich heritage. Ranked as France’s fifth largest city and recently given the status of a World Heritage Site, Nice is thrumming with new-found energy thanks to a wave of massive renovations. Particularly the main train station with links to close-by quaint towns such as Antibes, and a little further the sumptuous riches of Monaco. That's if you have time of course...Nice has 10 museums, extensive city bike paths, Baroque and Belle Époque treasures and an abundance of green parks, Nice is also unpretentiously bon enfant and decidedly festive. Its central hub, Place Masséna is watched over by towering illuminated fibreglass figures, mounted on poles like benevolent lollipops, that change colour at night. The sleek tomato-red tram plays sound-designed jingles and showcases contemporary art installations. And there’s plenty to see and do, so without further ado, here are some of 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 seaside museum Musée de Préhistoire Terra Amata, built on an ancient excavation site. Highlights include a reconstituted cave, a human footprint in limestone and elephant and rhino 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
Explore the city’s best outdoor morning markets and 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. There’s also wine and cheese tasting available.
Day long dining at many cafés with the little chalk boards stating "Service Non stop" located in each of the magnificent town squares, such as Garibaldi, Masséna, and nearby at Liberation market Square.
3. Explore the Old Town
Wander through the narrow cobblestone alleys of Old Town for a glimpse at Baroque splendour: begin with jewel box museum Palais Lascaris, a sumptuous Genoese palace awash with ceiling frescoes and a balustraded staircase, or maybe light a candle at the ornate church Sainte Rita, Nice’s adored patron saint of lost causes, then head to Saint-Jacques-de-Majeur church for more gilded cherubs and marble stucco.
After dark, wander through the narrow historic streets and alleyways, now bathed in the pools of light cast by the street lamps a glow, giving off such a warm and inviting air, beaconing you to discover the romantic streets, full of local restaurants with diverse menus tempting you to discover fresh and bright Mediterranean dishes. And of course all the usual French and Italian favourites!
4. Awe-inspiring architecture
Architecture buffs, rejoice! The hilltop posh residential neighbourhood Cimiez is a treasure trove of Art Deco villas where aristocrats once wintered, but that’s not all. On the ancient site of Cemenelum the Musée d’Archéologie, features fourth-century ruins of Roman public baths, paved streets and a 4000-seat stone amphitheatre. Visit the Musée Matisse, housed in a 17th-century red ochre villa (the beautiful warm signature hue of Nice), then cross the street and admire the artist’s former home at the spectacular Belle Époque Régina Palace. Afterwards, stroll through the olive tree-shaded Cimiez gardens to the neo-Byzantine Franciscan Monastery, edged by a rose garden.
5. Look to the skies
For a pleasurable two-hour walk that includes cool scientific facts and a dazzling vista of the coast, spend an afternoon touring the Nice Observatory, perched on the summit of Mont Gros on the winding Grande Corniche in the middle of a forest. Claim to fame: Belle Époque architect Charles Garnier designed the impressive white dome with a giant telescope of this still-functioning astronomy research site.
6. Amble through Aspremont
Escape the urban hubbub and head for the hills and cool breezes of Aspremont, a tiny perched medieval village built in concentric circles, only a 15-kilometre drive north from downtown. Expect steps – lots of them – leading to a maze of flower-lined narrow streets with pretty fountains and sorbet-coloured stone houses. Beyond a smattering of shops, art galleries and a gothic church, the real draw is the mesmerizing panorama that extends to a strip of blue sea. For die-hard hikers, it’s also the starting point for a climb to Mont Chauve, crowned with ruins of a 19th-century fort.
7. Sip on the hillsides
Go west! Visit Nice’s sun-drenched hillsides and take a wine-tasting tour at one of the award-winning Le Bellet vineyards, known for their unique folle noire, a dark full-bodied fruity grape. At Château de Crémat, a turn-of-the-century crenellated brick red castle, perched 300 feet above sea level, there’s an e-bike/tasting tour where you pedal through the vineyards to work up a thirst; Domaine de la Source also holds evening jazz and classical concerts where you sample their tri-colour vintages.
8. Get arty
Immerse yourself in the whimsical objects and vibrant trash art of Ben Vautier, Nice’s revered enfant terrible of the Fluxus Movement. Swing by the MAMAC’s permanent collection for an eyeful of École de Nice classics – hypnotic deep blue monochromes by Yves Klein, colour-splashed rifle paintings by Niki de Saint Phalle and Pop Art neon works by Martial Rayasse. Contemporary artists prevail at Le 109 (new blood is a deliberate pun on cent/sang neuf, this slaughterhouse-turned-art-gallery), located in the eastern section of the city.
9. Listen up
Think music for every taste: held on the terrace of an ancient dungeon-turned-gallery overlooking the port, the weekly free concerts at the Jazz’Art Lympia Festival feature a mix of swing, soul, blues and rock. A younger bronzed and beautiful crowd flocks to Amour Plage, an uber-hip private beach on the Promenade des Anglais where ambience heats up to a powerful beat with cutting-edge live DJs. Catch some top-notch performances at the recently opened Le Stockfish, a tiny concert hall, located on the St Jean d’Angely campus, or go for the grandiose, at the recently renovated jewel box Opera in Old Town.
10. Go bargain hunting
Pick up vintage bargains at the weekly Monday flea market, the Marché de la Brocante spread across the Cours Saleya, a joyous jumble of country antiques, rare 1950s travel posters which some of us will remember from our childhood, silver cutlery, Art deco mirrors, Bakelite jewellery and grandma’s linens. At the newly opened boutique, Ma Cabane, you may also stumble upon a lovely pair of silver candlesticks, an attic-sale painting or precious porcelain. Aficionados shouldn’t miss a visit to the city’s portside antique district for upscale gems. Best bet: the chestnut tree-lined rue Ségurane, where you’ll also find sleek contemporary-style homeware and furniture at the "Good Design Store".
11. Find a new favourite pastime
If you’re looking to experience joie de vivre niçois style, try a rigorous rowing or catamaran training class at the Club Nautique at the port (cnnice.fr, five lessons, minimum), the city’s oldest club, inaugurated in 1894. A less strenuous option is recharging your magnesium levels with a relaxing organic seaweed marine massage at the Anantara Plaza Nice Spa. Or, for a guaranteed adrenalin rush, book a seat at OGC game, Nice’s beloved football team, and cheer them on with the local fans.
12. A few recommendations for places to eat
Although the choice of foods and number of cafe's restaurants and bars seemingly endless. With well prepared vibrant coloured superbly fresh local vegetables, seafood brought in daily from the beautiful azure blue sea by the many generations of niçois fisherman, and meats from the wonderful heritage breeds of southern France. The kiss of the Mediterranean sun breathing flavour into the produce. Without further delay.
Here are a few of my favourites...
Polly et cie,
A pretty and eclectic family run establishment, with niçois dishes and firm french favourites lovingly prepared and served, nothing too much trouble and only a short walk away. They also sell clothing and accessories a little like the quaint shops in the UK adding to the mismatch of antique tables and homely atmosphere. Be sure to book in advance!
Le Bistronome,
Juste opposite Polly et cie with hearty well prepared dishes of local cuisine, and the firm European favourites with a french twist, welcoming staff and well known for their tempting desserts, so be sure to leave a little room! Also often fully booked so reservation is recommended.
L'écurie
Situated a short tram ride away in the old town. Classic french cuisine with Italian favourites mixed in. Jovial waiting staff who know their trade, reservation not required but has a small que of diners at peak times, although the staff deal with this in a rapid fashion, guiding you to a typical Parisian table and chair set on the pretty cobbled frontage.
Indian lounge
This is also situated in the old town, with a very vibrant decor and all the usual favourites of classic indian cuisine. Friendly english speaking staff serving well presented curries, including the british favourite; chicken tikka masala. Outdoor and indoor booth dining with an interior indian decor extravaganza!
Cresci
A classic Italian restaurant, with rapid service from the many waiters. situated just off place Massena, its claims to fame in photos on the walls depicting visits from the prince of Monaco with his wife, and even a visit from the very famous Charls Aznavour and Edith Piaf
A high class restaurant with silver service and classic high quality french cuisine to match. Definately a place to visit to treat yourselves; for a birthday or anniversary dinner.
Yose
A very unusual South American reataurant, with interesting flavour combinations to suit the more adventurous of us. Inventive cocktials to tantilise your palette also await. Just an easy few tram stops away.
Arlequin Glacier
Absolutly the best Italian ice cream parlour on the cote d’azure; with high quality ingredients and a myriad of flavours. They also sell larger quantities of their ice creams to take home and enjoy on a warm summer evening on one of our terraces!
Le Cessole
In the street just behind the apartments. This little classic french cafe serves all the usual french favourites; with outdoor and indoor dining. A very kind and accomodating owner will make sure your visit is pleasant and memorable.
Bistro K
Again in the street just behind the appartments. A kosher Jewish family run restaurant; serving their traditional hearty cuisine in an inviting setting.
O Saveurs du Marché
Also in the street just behind the apartments. A classic french restaurant serving an ever changing menu; which is dependant upon the fresh produce the local market has to offer.
Also in the street just behind the apartments. Wonderful crisp and fresh Pizzas cooked rapidly and to perfection, with the options of dining in, take away, or ordering online or by phone.
Also in the street just behind the apartments. The local bakery we all absolutly need! With the option of dining in. Serving all the usual french favourites, croissants, pain au chocolat, sandwiches, quiche, coffee, cakes, fancies, and much more. All freshly made throughout the day.