View Map

France

Things to do in Nice

Located on the breathtaking French Riviera, Nice offers plenty of things to do. With its Mediterranean charm and timeless elegance, it’s the perfect place for a luxury escape. With its sun-soaked beaches, vibrant markets, and relaxed coastal vibe, you are sure to be able to explore its rich history and authentic French character.

Whether you want to discover museums, immerse yourself in the city’s culture, or relax on the beach, you will love all the things to do in Nice, whether you are travelling solo, in a couple, or with family, there are plenty of experiences to enjoy.

Driving from Calais to Nice takes around 11 and a half hours, and we guarantee you will enjoy the scenic journey, especially with so many lovely places to stop off at on the way.

You can even enjoy all that scenery leisurely when you upgrade to one of our Flexi tickets! Our Standard Flexi and Fully Flexi tickets give you greater flexibility with your departure time to travel with added peace of mind. Book one of our ferries to France now and start planning that road trip to Nice today!

Get a Quote

CQF

Calais

DVR

Dover

Morning	01:55	04:25	06:50	09:15
Midday	11:40
Afternoon	14:05
Evening	18:55	20:50	23:40

Book from € 126

See More Times

1
Nice old town
2
Cultural sites
3
Seafront
4
Activities

Things to do in Nice

Things to see and do in Nice

One of the most popular things to do in Nice is to explore the Old Town, or Vieux Nice, a maze of cobbled streets and narrow passageways with a choice of bars and restaurants tucked around every corner.

As you walk around, you’ll find lots of places to eat and drink in Nice, including several cafés in Place Rossetti. From here, you can admire the Cathedrale de Sainte Reparate, one of the architectural gems of the French Riviera.

One of the best things you can do in Nice is take a wander down the Promenade des Anglais to the Cours Saleya flower market, where you can browse and buy fresh produce, food, and antiques. Parallel to the promenade, you will find the Rue de France, a pedestrianised shopping street where you can enjoy a little retail therapy.

Cultural Things to do in Nice

Visiting Nice is popular, as it has long earned its reputation as a hub for creatives. If you love art and design, you will feel right at home here.

If you're looking for places to visit in Nice that combine art, history, and culture, start with the Musée Matisse on Cimiez Hill, where you can view some of Henri Matisse’s most celebrated works. This famous artist once lived in the city. Nearby, explore ancient ruins at the Roman Archaeological Museum, then take a peaceful walk through an olive tree grove leading to the beautiful Franciscan Monastery and its gardens. Another must-see on the list of places to visit in Nice is the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain, a striking modern art museum between the Nice Theatre and the Museum of Natural History.

With impressive architecture everywhere you look, visiting Nice offers some of the grandest buildings to see. The vibrant yellow Chapelle de la Miséricorde is a fantastic example of Baroque construction, while the Cathédrale Saint Nicolas is a truly impressive sight.

Top Things to do in Nice

Unsurprisingly, one of the top things to do in Nice is to take the opportunity to relax and catch some rays on the long pebble beach that stretches along the Baie des Anges coastline.

Next to the shore, the palm tree-lined Promenade des Anglais is one of the longest and most famous seafront paths in the world, stretching 4km along the waterside. You can walk, cycle or even roller-skate along the entirety of this smooth esplanade, making it a perfect thing to do in Nice with your family.

If you fancy trying something a bit different, give stand-up paddleboarding a go and find yourself rewarded with a different view of the city from the stunning waters of the Cote d’Azur while you benefit from a great workout. Whatever you choose to do there is lot to do down the seafront so why not book your Dover to Calais ferry now!

Activities in Nice

Some of the best activities in Nice are those which help you to see all that the city has to offer, including travelling around on a Segway or electric bike, or jumping on board the handy hop-on-hop-off bus, all of which will give you the chance to listen to a guide who will tell you all about the city.

For something a bit different, but still one of the best things to do in Nice, you should head to a perfume creation workshop where you will be taught how to match different scents and can make a 50ml bottle of perfume to take away with you.

There are so many amazing things to do in Nice, and you can discover them for yourself by booking your Dover to Calais crossing today and planning your perfect trip to the French Riviera. Start your trip to Nice in style by adding our Club Lounge onto your ferry tickets today!

Top Ten Things to do in Nice

With so many different things to do in Nice, it can be hard to decide which are the best places to see. Below is our list of the top 10 things to do that shouldn’t be missed.

1. Stroll the Promenade des Anglais

Take in the Mediterranean views along this iconic seaside promenade. Perfect for a morning walk, bike ride, or sunset photo.

2. Explore Vieux Nice (Old Town)

Wander the narrow streets filled with colorful buildings, local markets, artisan shops, and charming cafés. Don’t miss the bustling Cours Saleya Market.

3. Visit Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

Climb (or take the lift) to this historic park for panoramic views over the Bay of Angels and Old Town. A must for photographers.

4. Relax on the Pebble Beaches

Enjoy the sunshine at one of Nice’s public or private beaches. Bring water shoes—these are not sandy!

5. Discover the Musée Matisse

One of the top cultural places to visit in Nice, this museum on Cimiez Hill celebrates the life and works of Henri Matisse, who lived in the city.

6. Tour the Russian Orthodox Cathedral

The St. Nicholas Cathedral, with its stunning onion domes, is one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches outside Russia.

7. Admire Art at the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC)

This modern art museum houses works by Yves Klein and other major contemporary artists—ideal for art lovers.

8. Walk through the Roman Ruins and Franciscan Monastery

Explore the Roman Archaeological Museum and tranquil monastery gardens surrounded by olive trees in the Cimiez district.

9. Enjoy Local Cuisine

Try regional specialties like socca, pissaladière, and salade niçoise at traditional bistros and seaside restaurants.

10. Take a Day Trip to Èze or Monaco

Nice is an excellent base for exploring the French Riviera. Hop on a short train ride to the medieval hilltop village of Èze or the glamorous city of Monaco.

FAQs:

1. Where is Nice?

Nice is a coastal city in southeastern France, located on the famous French Riviera between Cannes and the Italian border. It faces the Mediterranean Sea and is part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Known for its sunny climate, turquoise waters, and elegant architecture, Nice is a popular gateway to the Côte d’Azur. With plenty of things to do in Nice, it makes it a perfect location for exploring southern France.

2. Is Nice Worth Visiting?

Yes, Nice is absolutely worth visiting. It combines stunning Mediterranean scenery, historic charm, world-class museums, and a relaxed Riviera atmosphere. The city offers a great mix of beaches, culture, art, and gastronomy. Whether you enjoy strolling through markets, exploring museums, or day-tripping to Monaco or Èze, when you visit Nice there is something for everyone.

3. What Are Some of the Best Things to Do in Nice?

With plenty of places to see in Nice, some of the best places include, walking down the Promenade des Anglais, exploring the colourful Old Town, and enjoying views from Castle Hill. Why not relax on Nice’s pebble beaches and wander the Cours Saleya Market. Don’t miss the Russian Orthodox Cathedral or the Roman ruins in Cimiez. Nice also makes an excellent base for day trips to Monaco, Èze, and Cannes, all just a short ride away. So don’t hesitate to book your ferry to France today!

Similar destinations

France

Brittany

France

Lyon

France

See all destinations