The stunning coastline of Nice, France is mesmerizing as you make your way from the airport to the city center and you instantly get a feel for the vibrant atmosphere. When I visited Nice, I spent my days walking along the famous Promenade des Anglais, taking in the breathtaking views of the azure Mediterranean Sea. The charming Old Town, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings, was a delight to explore. I enjoyed visiting the vibrant markets, where I sampled local delicacies like socca, crepes and Nicoise salad. The rich cultural heritage of Nice was evident in its uncountable museums and art galleries, showcasing works by renowned artists. The warm and mostly sunny weather added to the overall experience, as I relaxed on the beautiful pebble beaches of the French Riviera.
Quick Scroll Links:
Some attractions and things to do when visiting Nice:
This iconic seafront promenade, translates to Walkway of the English, is a must-visit attraction in Nice, stretching for more than 7 km along the Bay of Angels. It's a great place to take a stroll, bike ride, or just relax on the beach.
This historic neighborhood is filled with narrow winding streets, colorful buildings, and charming cafes. It's a great place to explore and soak up the local culture.
Visit this fountain that begins as a beautiful large reflective sheet of water across the ground, great for photos and randomly provides a water show with spurts of water spraying upward at different heights. Located in the Promenade du Paillon, just West of Old Nice.
This hilltop park offers stunning views of the city and the sea. It's a great place for a picnic or to watch the sunset. The entrance is located on the eastern side of Old Nice and has quite a few steep steps to get up to the top if I remember correctly.
This museum is dedicated to the work of the famous French artist Henri Matisse. It features a collection of his paintings, sculptures, and drawings.
This museum houses a collection of works by the Russian-French artist Marc Chagall, including his famous Biblical Message series.
Admire this Roman Catholic Basilica situated in the center of Nice, showcasing its beautiful neo-gothic style architecture which is accentuated with lighting at night.
Some local foods and drinks to experience while in Nice:
Local Food of Nice Salade niçoise
This is a traditional salad that originated in Nice. It typically includes lettuce, tomatoes, boiled eggs, anchovies, olives, and tuna.
This is a type of flatbread made from chickpea flour. It's a popular street food in Nice and is often served with black pepper.
This is a vegetable stew that originated in the Provence region of France. It typically includes tomatoes, onions, eggplant, zucchini, and peppers.
Very thin and delicious pancake often accompanied with a filling such as chocolate, honey, nut spread or whipped cream.
Local Drinks of Nice
Rosé wine
This is a popular type of wine in the Provence region of France, which includes Nice. It's a light and refreshing wine that pairs well with seafood and other local dishes.
Pastis
This is an anise-flavored liqueur that is popular in the south of France. It's often served as an aperitif, mixed with water and ice.
Some local Nice restaurant recommendations:
You will notice many Italian restaurants in Nice given its close proximity to the Italy border and possibly due to some of the history behind Nice and Italy.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Crepes every chance I could while in Nice, I had to taste test at both restaurants and street vendors while on the go. One of my favorite crepes was the chocolate filled Crepe at a place called Le Goût des Crêpes
- Link to local restaurants of Nice
Additional summary:
Nice, located on the French Riviera, is a charming city with a rich history, stunning architecture, delicious food, and a vibrant culture. The city has a long and diverse history, having been ruled by the Greeks, Romans, and Moors over the centuries. Its architecture is a blend of traditional Mediterranean and French styles, with landmarks like the Castle Hill and the Promenade des Anglais that attract visitors from around the world. French cuisine is world-renowned, and Nice is a food lover's paradise with popular dishes like socca, ratatouille, and salade niçoise that are sure to please your palate. Nice's culture is celebrated in its many festivals and events, such as the Carnival of Nice and the Nice Jazz Festival, that showcase the city's unique traditions and customs. The city is also home to numerous art museums and galleries, and has a vibrant music and theater scene. Its location on the French Riviera, with its sparkling waters and picturesque beaches, is also a major draw for visitors. Whether you're looking to explore Nice's history, indulge in its delicious cuisine, or experience its vibrant culture, the city offers an abundance of experiences that are sure to enchant and delight visitors.