Best attractions in Nice: Top 25

If you don’t know what to see in Nice, but are planning a trip to this fabulous city for sure, our review will be of great benefit to you. We’ve ranked the “best sights in Nice,” taking into account reviews and recommendations from experienced guides.

What to see in Nice first

What tours in Nice should every tourist book? In our opinion, the most interesting places in Nice are the following:

1. Promenade des Anglais

The Promenade des Anglais stretches along the Mediterranean Sea

The length of the street, arranged with the finances of the English colony, is 5 km. On the waterfront there is everything a wealthy traveler could wish - squares with exotic palm trees, casinos, the best hotels in Nice, the old palace complexes. In the 19th century the rich English were happy to buy houses in this city. Some of the buildings have survived to this day, in some cottages now you can freely enter. So, for example, the “Mediterranean Palace” of C. Dalmas is open to tourists and offers visits to a small theater, casino and hotel. A walk along the Promenade des Anglais is one of the best options for those who don’t know what to see in Nice in 1 day.



2. Hotel Negresco

Pompous Hotel Negresco on the Promenade des Anglais Steve Cadman

This 1913 hotel complex, commissioned by G. Negresco, is recognized as one of the most comfortable in the world. At one time such legendary people as Elton John, Salvador Dali, the Beatles stayed here. The hotel has an impeccable reputation, unique room interiors and special architecture. The 6-storey building was built in the Renaissance style. The main highlight of the exterior decoration is considered a huge pink dome, created by a student of Eiffel. Inside Negresco is arranged on the highest level - under the dome ceiling there is a chandelier, the analogue of which once belonged to Nicholas II, and now hangs in the Kremlin. A chic 17th-century rug used to belong to Queen Maria de Medici. The number of rooms is 145, each having its own individual style. The interiors recreate a particular era, from modern art deco to the reign of Louis the Eighth. Even if you can’t afford to book a room at the Negresco, your trip should definitely include a tour of the majestic building’s facade.



3. Old Town

Buildings of different eras in the Old Town

The central part of the city, which can be called a true paradise for fans of architecture. Most of the rare monuments and “ordinary” buildings were created in the Baroque style in the 16th-19th centuries. Go sightseeing in Nice, then relax in local cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy the finest wines of France and the tastiest national cuisine. Sites in the Old Town include the Chapel of Mercy, the Palais Justicia, Place Rossetti, the Clock Tower, and more.

4. Port of Limpia

Cruise ships and speedboats in the Port of Limpia

Nice’s gateway to the sea, adjacent to a beautiful marina and colorful waterfront. Although the number of ships here is always high, Limpia’s water is so clear that locals fish in it. The start date of construction of the port is the 18th century, but it took more than a hundred years to complete the work. The city is part of many Mediterranean itineraries, so huge cruise ships dock in Limpia quite often. Also, ferries to Corsica depart from here.

5. Massena Square

The "Sun" Fountain (Fountain du Soleil) with a marble statue of Apollo in Place Massena

One of the places to go in Nice. The square is surrounded by 19th century buildings, despite the fact that the square itself is quite modern, and even has sculptural compositions in the Pop Art style. For example, on the benches are human figures made of rubber, symbolizing the different continents of the world. And at night, neon lights up the “Sun” fountain.

Check out the gorgeous views of Nice in this beautiful video!

6. Piazza Garibaldi

The monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi stands in the center of the majestic fountain in Garibaldi Square Mirej

At the end of the 18th century this area was just a wasteland. Over time, a small flowering garden was planted here, and various buildings were erected. The landmark bears the name of the famous Italian hero - D. Garibaldi, and by its architecture is comparable to the classic piazza in Italy.

7. Cours Salei Market

Cours Saleya is a street that houses a food and flower market Miniwark

Almost all guides in Nice recommend that you must visit this famous flower market. Without buying at least a modest bouquet it is very difficult to leave. In addition to flowers and plants from every corner of Provence, you can buy authentic Provencal souvenirs (at a very reasonable price), hot bread and pastries only from the oven, cheeses and fruits and vegetables. Everything is invariably fresh, natural and flavorful.

8. Opera House of Nice

North facade of the Nice Opera House Qjafcc

The object, which is included in all the rankings of “France’s best landmarks,” is the country’s national pride. Strauss conducted here in the 19th century and staged opera productions by Massenet and Berlioz, Tchaikovsky and Verdi. The current opera house in 1885 replaced the theater, which had been destroyed by a terrible fire. It is superbly equipped, and its stage presents operas and productions of the highest performing, musical, and directing classes.

9. Museum of Modern Art

Museum of Modern Art - building with roof garden and glass corridors Fred Romero

One of the prime examples of what you can visit in Nice completely free of charge and with the whole family. There are more than 400 paintings by American and European avant-garde artists, from Warhol to the works of Yves Klein. Even the museum building itself is interesting - it is a pop-art object with combined glass towers. The building is divided into levels with permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Official website: http://www.mamac-nice.

10. Matisse Museum

Museum of Matisse in a 17th century Genoese villa Tubantia

The museum complex is housed in a 17th-century cottage on a beautiful hill. Eighteen spacious rooms display masterpieces created by Matisse during the various years of his life, as well as his personal belongings. One of the rooms is entirely devoted to paper figurines created by the extravagant artist. Let’s say at once that visiting this museum and seeing its samples will be interesting, first of all, for fans of pop-art, for other people the museum can cause extreme bewilderment.

11. Marc Chagall Museum

The creations of the master Marc Chagall in the halls of the museum Janet McKnight

The complex was not opened until 1966. Chagall himself was actively involved in the creation of the site and was personally involved in the production of some of the interior pieces (such as the blue stained glass windows installed in one of the museum rooms). There is also a concert hall on the grounds where performers of contemporary and classical music perform.

Official website: https://en.musees-nationaux

12. Museum of Fine Arts

Stairs at the Museum of Fine Arts in a historic 19th-century mansion Dennis Jarvis

City Museum of 1928, created by the graphic artist and painter J. Cherèt. The exhibitions are housed in an exquisite Neo-Renaissance mansion. In addition to the works of J. Cheré, one can see the paintings of French and Italian masters of the 17th and 18th centuries, paintings and sculptures of the 19th century. The number of examples is constantly growing, thanks to the financial “injections” of the authorities and private citizens.

13. Asian Art Museum

Entrance to the Asian Art Museum in the Phoenix Park Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

The modestly sized 20th-century house displays about various 200 objects from Tibet, India, China and Japan. The museum is located in a city park on the bank of an artificial body of water.

Official website: http://artsasiatiques-en

14. Massena Museum

Park opposite the main entrance of the Massena Museum Cayambe

When talking about the best attractions in Nice and all of France, this museum is never overlooked. Its rare exhibits include 19th-century café menus, porcelain from the 9th-12th centuries, and things that belonged to B. Napoleon. In addition to the direct exhibits, the gardens scattered around the building are of interest - they are included in the state’s list of natural wonders.

15. Palace of Justice

Monumental building of the Palace of Justice trolvag

A grand, classical 19th-century building. The palace is a huge hit with young people, who come here with food and drink, and relax on the huge stone steps. Often street performers are organized in the square in front of the building.

16. St. Nicholas Cathedral

General view of St. Nicholas Cathedral BrittLysaa

One of the most large-scale churches of Orthodoxy abroad in the Russian Federation. The site was erected on the site of the death of the heir to Alexander the Second. Inside is an icon of Nicholas the Wonderworker that belonged to the emperor. Since 2011 the owner of the cathedral is our country, before that it belonged to the Orthodox Association of Nice.

Official site: http://www.sobor.fr/

17. Notre Dame Basilica

The light facade of Notre Dame Basilica is finished in gilt LimeWave Photo

An architectural masterpiece in the neo-Gothic style. The largest and most beautiful church in the country, and at the same time the newest (completed in 1868). Unique decorations include a giant Gothic rose on the stained glass windows, sculptures of the Virgin Mary, and a copy of Murillo’s masterpiece, The Holy Family.

Official website: https://notredame-nice.com

18. Cathedral of St. Reparata

The temple is named after Saint Reparata Finoskov

A cathedral cathedral created in honor of St. Reparata, the main protector of the city. Construction began in the 17th century and the facade and interior have been renovated several times (the current style is Baroque). It is recommended to visit the local mass, in particular for the wonderful sounds of the three organs (the acoustics in the halls is excellent). Every year the townspeople celebrate St. Reparata’s Day: a grand procession begins from her temple to repeat the sorrowful path of the great martyr.

19. Church of Notre-Dame-du-Port

The Church of Notre-Dame-du-Port or Church of the Immaculate Conception is erected near the port Jesmar

The church is located near the port in a prosperous and quiet area of Nice. The facade of the building was created by Febwer. Inside the church you can see paintings by E. Costa.

20. Monastery of Cimieux

Simier Monastery in a magnificent medieval park

A 16th-century Franciscan church nestled in the middle of a medieval park. The interior decoration is sumptuous and expensive: the main hall is decorated with a carved wood altar covered with gold leaf. The main sanctuary is a stone cross from the 15th century. On the square there is a burial place with Matisse’s grave. The Franciscan museum complex is open to visitors.

Attractions in Nice: what else to visit in Nice?

We have told you about the main attractions of Nice in brief. In addition to them, your close attention deserves such objects as:

21. Nice Observatory

Nice Observatory on Mont Grosse Hill ClaireL28

A hilltop building created by Garnier and Eiffel. The structure is adorned by a rotating 24-meter dome. It was originally owned by the Sorbonne University. However, after the 1st World War it fell into disrepair and there were no funds for its reconstruction. Today’s observatory is both a landmark and a working science center.

Official website: https://www.oca.eu/en/

22. Fort Alban

Fort Alban in a hilly area within the Mont Baron Park FrancoisMignard

A 16th-century fortification reached by elevator. Visitors are invited to see the guardhouse, the walls of which were painted by hand. In the fort there is a multimedia system that shows the history of the whole of Nice and specifically of Alban. In good weather you can see Corsica from the fort, on cloudy days you can observe the Alps and the panoramas of the city.

23. Monument to the victims of the First World War

View of the Monument to Victims of World War I at the foot of the Castle Hill

Monumental complex on the Castle Hill. In addition to the monument itself, there are the remains of an ancient castle and an equally ancient cemetery. The war memorial was created in memory of 4,000 citizens of Nice who died in the 1st World War. The monument with the names of the dead is decorated with original bas-reliefs in the form of sailors, airmen, engineers and soldiers.

24. Phoenix Park

Flowering Phoenix Park Daniel70mi Falciola

A spacious park area located in the west of the city. It is recommended to come here for a relaxing holiday with colorful flowerbeds and fragrant Mediterranean flora. The seven hectares of land are divided into 12 plots, each with its own theme.

Official website: http://www.gardener

25. Castle Mountain

Castle Mountain Surroundings of Nice from Castle Mountain Simon

There’s a 19th-century watchtower, a ruined 11th-century temple, and the ruins of a fortress structure on the mountain. In addition, there is the grave of Alexander Herzen (Chateau Cemetery), a botanical garden with a waterfall and a park.

We are sure that those sights of Nice, photos with names and descriptions of which you have just seen, aroused your interest. When you come to the city, be sure to visit them. Read also about Sights of Marseille and be inspired for your further trip to France.

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