Things to do in Nice for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appAll self-guided activities
There's more than just memorabilia inside the Musée National du Sport. Their huge collection of trophies, equipment, posters and more showcase how humans have risen to physical challenges – some dating back as far as the 16th century – visitors will find reels of classic moments of triumph and even paintings. Look out for bicycles that existed long before the yellow jersey was skin-tight, a classic Formula 1 car, and the sailboard of the first man to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
Dive deep into the sea of beauty, and discover the unique charm of Nice! Start your journey with an exploration of Nice's British influence at the Anglican Church on the Promenade des Anglais, and be prepared to see more hints of this culture on your way. Apart from this, though, Nice has a precious legacy of its own: the tour will take you to such memorable historical places as the Croix de Marbre, where the peace of Nice was signed, and mesmerizing churches, wonderful to gaze at. Nice has a lot of fans among the famous people, and the Hotel Negresco is a great proof of that, having played host to a great number of cinema stars, politicians and culture influencers. Learn why the great painter Matisse decided to reside in Nice for so long and what attracted him to his house here. Find out about the passionate love the very Queen Victoria had of Nice, and discover the garden named after her husband - Prince Albert. Explore Le Vieux Nice, or the Old Town, full of gorgeous edifices and marvelous places such as Place Massena or Place du Palais. The spirit of both French and Italian culture thrives on these squares, luring you to taste the cuisine nicoise or to go shopping around. Get ready for a breathtaking experience that Nice has to offer, and you will remember it for long! Discover the capital of the French Riviera guided by your own self-guided audio tour!
This self-guided audio walking tour explores the elegant seafront and historic heart of Nice. It is ideal for first-time visitors who want a clear route, vivid local atmosphere, and a mix of grand architecture, leafy public spaces, churches, markets, and old squares. Your route begins at Le Negresco on the Promenade des Anglais, where the white Belle Époque facade and pink dome set a glamorous tone. From there, you continue past the Crypte de Nice area and the Palais de la Méditerranée, then pause at the white marble cross and Holy Trinity Church. The walk carries you into Jardin Albert 1er and across broad Place Massena, with its red facades, checkerboard paving, and lively fountains. Next, you move into the narrower lanes of the Old Town through Place du Palais de Justice and Cours Saleya, famous for striped awnings, flowers, and produce stalls. The route then threads past the Church of St. Rita, Place Rossetti, and the richly decorated Palais Lascaris, before continuing through Place Saint-François to finish at arcaded Place Garibaldi. Along the way, the most memorable moments include the shimmer of the Baie des Anges beside the promenade, the contrast between open squares and tight ochre streets, the scent of flowers and fresh fruit in the market, and the warm Baroque details that make Old Nice feel both theatrical and intimate.
This self-guided audio walking tour explores the seafront and historic heart of Nice, making it a great fit for first-time visitors who want a clear introduction to the city’s character. If you enjoy sea views, local markets, grand architecture, and narrow old streets, this route gives you a vivid first look at Nice. The walk begins on the Promenade des Anglais, where palms, bright facades, and the wide curve of the Baie des Anges set the scene. From there, you pass the Centenary Monument near the waterfront before heading into Old Nice, where ochre walls, shutters, and tight lanes create a completely different mood. The route continues to the Opéra de Nice, then into the lively market street of Cours Saleya and on to Place Rossetti, a square framed by cafes and the baroque cathedral. The tour ends at Colline du Château, rising above the old quarter and the shore. Along the way, you will experience the contrast between Nice’s elegant seaside frontage and its older Italian-flavored core. The most memorable moments include the glitter of the bay, the scent and color of the market stalls, the close-packed streets of Old Nice, and the sweeping view over red rooftops and the Mediterranean from the hilltop park.
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About Nice
The best walking tours to do in Nice are:
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Insider tips for visiting Nice
MP3CityGuides is a local guide who has been publishing tours since 2022 for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Nice on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Nice.
When I’m in Nice, I slip away from the Promenade and head for the Parc du Mont Boron paths above the port: the pine shade, old military tracks and sudden sea views feel wonderfully local. One of my favourite attractions in Nice is the little Coco Beach area, where people sunbathe on flat rocks and swim in startlingly clear water. In Vieux Nice, I often duck into the Palais Lascaris, a baroque mansion many visitors miss. If you’re planning tours in Nice and wondering what to see in Nice beyond the obvious, I’d also recommend the Russian Orthodox cemetery at Caucade for its history, silence and extraordinary setting.
I usually recommend late May to early June or September for the sweetest version of Nice. The sea is warm enough, the light is gorgeous, and Nice feels far less squeezed than it does in peak August, when locals often escape the city. February can also be brilliant if you want to visit Nice during Carnival season, but book early and expect busy streets around Place Masséna. In my travel guide Nice notes, I always say mornings matter here: even in summer, the Cours Saleya flower market and the port are best before the heat builds. That timing makes everyday things to do in Nice much more enjoyable.
When I’m in Nice, I find the most enjoyable things to do in Nice start with the everyday rhythm of the city: an early walk along the Promenade des Anglais, then coffee in Cours Saleya before the market gets crowded. For classic attractions in Nice, I’d pick the climb up Castle Hill for the harbour view and the Belle Époque grandeur of the Negresco from outside. If friends ask me what to see in Nice, I also send them into Vieux Nice for socca and quiet church interiors rather than just shopping. Many tours in Nice follow the same route, but I prefer lingering around the port as fishermen unload the morning catch.
If I had to time a trip, I’d visit Nice in February for Carnival, especially the evening parades and the flower battles on the Promenade des Anglais; locals know to arrive early for a good view near Jardin Albert 1er. In my travel guide Nice notes, I also rate June highly for the Fête de la Musique, when squares and side streets across Nice fill with free live music. September brings the heritage weekend, when elegant villas and normally closed buildings open their doors, which is one of my favourite things to do in Nice. I’d also keep an eye on port-side festivals tied to saints’ days and neighbourhood traditions.
I usually tell friends to give Nice at least three full days, and four is better if you want the city to sink in. In my travel guide Nice notes, one day disappears into Vieux Nice, Castle Hill and the market around Cours Saleya; another is perfect for the port, Cimiez and a slow museum stop. If you only visit Nice for a night or two, you’ll skim the surface and miss the city’s quieter rhythm in the early morning and at aperitif time. For me, the best things to do in Nice aren’t rushed: swimming, wandering old lanes, and lingering over lunch while the light changes across the bay.
When I visit Nice, I always start with socca, the thin chickpea pancake baked in a blistering oven and best eaten hot with plenty of pepper. Nice is also proud of pissaladière, with sweet onions, anchovies and olives, and the true salade niçoise, which locals treat seriously. In my travel guide Nice notes, I always mention pan bagnat for a beach lunch and petits farcis if you want something more homely. One of my favourite things to do in Nice is browse Cours Saleya in the morning, because you can see the ingredients that define the city’s cooking: tomatoes, basil, courgette flowers and superb olive oil.