Nice is one of the most beautiful cities in France. During the Roman period, it served as the capital of France. It was also a part of the Kingdom of Sardinia. It is often counted as a favorite holiday destination as the deep blue waters of Cote d Azur has along with the Mediterranean climate have always attracted tourists from all over the world. Termed as a lonely planet, where people can spend quality time with their loved ones, Nice boasts of 18th-century vibes with the old town rests. Nice has a cosmopolitan culture, but the fact that its existence dates back to the 4th century has made the city a hub for the history lovers. Though it often gets shadowed with cities like Paris and Cannes, planning a holiday here will be nothing less than a treat in nature’s lap. So, here is a list of the best places to visit in Nice that you can cover on your holiday this year.
11 Places To Visit In Nice
Nice has a lot of places to explore when you are visiting there, but this list has mentioned some of the must-visit places.
1. Marc Chagall National Museum
First on the list of places to visit in Nice is Marc Chagall National Museum. It is one of the most famous museums in Nice that features paintings, mosaics, etc. The construction of this museum commenced in the year 1970 on a vast plot of land. The museum exhibits a great collection of Russian painter named Marc Chagall. Chagall participated in the project of building the museum and decorating the same with a stained glass window and mosaic works. The painter is very famous for its figurative works. The main attraction of this museum is that it holds 12 paintings that illustrate Genesis and Exodus. All these paintings are hung on the walls along in a three diamond layout. You will also come across 105 engravings that are based on biblical stories.
Location: 36 Avenue Dr. Menard, 06000 Nice, France
Entry fees: None
Timings: 10.00 AM – 6.00 PM
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2. Musee Massena
This place was originally built as a holiday home for Prince Victor d Esslin. He was the grandson of one of Napoleon’s generals. This building is constructed lavishly. This place is also considered as one of the most iconic architectural landmarks of this city. The building was constructed between the years 1898 to 1901. The structure of this building imitates a neoclassical style and architecture is the main highlight of the place. The building was built by a Danish architect named Hans George Tersling. He was also responsible for erecting other important buildings during the belle époque. The ground floor is sometimes utilized for official occasions.
Location: Nice, France
Entry fees: 10-20 Euros
Timings: 10.00 AM – 6.00 PM (except Tuesday)
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3. St. Nicholas Cathedral
It is said to be a very orthodox church that has been built by the Royal family mainly for the Russian community who has been exiled to the French Riviera. The construction of this church began almost during the mid of 1800 when the Russian upper class along with the Tsars visited the French Riviera during the winter period. The structure of the church was built in Old Russian style, but certain elements give this Cathedral its own identity. There is a big garden that surrounds the whole church. It contains some rare species of flora. A few years ago, the church was closed for some renovation work and on 19th December 2015, the church was opened for the visitors. If you are planning to explore France on your next vacation then you must explore St. Nicholas Cathedral as it is one of the best places to visit in Nice.
Location: 2 Avenue Nicholas II, Nice, France
Entry fees: None
Timings: 9.00 AM – 6.00 PM
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4. Parc Forestier Du Mont-Boron
Covering a large area, it is a hilltop forest featuring large picnic areas, trees, places for exercise, hiking trails, etc. This park covers about 57 hectares of Mediterranean plants that include olive trees and Alesso pine. If you are tired of daily life, then this park can be the best place where you can sit and relax for some time. This park and the forest will lead you to the Fort Alban. It is a 16th-century castle that is well preserved till date. There is also a 1.5 km fitness trail that can be used by the tourists.
Location: 4 Boulevard Maurice Maeterlinck, 06300, Nice, France
Entry fees: None
Timings: Open 24 hours
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5. Fine Arts Museum
Built during the 19th century, the Fine Arts Museum is counted among the top places to visit in Nice. The museum was opened in the year 1928 and consists of a huge collection of pictorial works. The collection of the museum retraces the history of art and sculpture that date back from the 16th to the 20th century. The collection also includes some of the sundry Italian works that are intriguing. One can gain a lot of information about the ancient art and culture that prevailed in the early days. It can be a great place for the students who are doing research work on the ancient arts and architecture of France.
Location: 33 Avenue des Baumettes, 06000 Nice. France
Entry fees: 10-20 Euros
Timings: 10.00 AM – 6.00 PM
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6. Castle Hill Of Nice
Castle Hill of Nice is one of the main attractions of this place. It consists of the ruins of defensive walls, an artificial waterfall along with an elevator that is built into the rock. The Castle Hill divides the seaside part of Nice into two main parts. One is the eastern part with the port and the second one is the western part with the old town of Nice. It was during the 4th century, when there was a Greek settlement took place in this place that was named Nikaia. The artificial waterfall present here was built at the end of the 19th century. You can get a stunning view of the old port of Nice from this place. Never miss visiting this place once you are at Nice.
Location: Nice, France
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7. Place Garibaldi
This place is one of the largest squares and the best place to visit in Nice. It is a short walk from Musee d Art Moderne d Art Contemporain. The building was designed during the 18th century. This square has a modern and urban feel. This is because it is located at the junction of four traffic thoroughfares and is crossed by a tramline. There is a statue of the famous Vice president name Garibaldi. He was an Italian freedom fighter who did a lot for this country. The architecture is also a highlight of the square, which you would appreciate. It is on the edge of the old town. There are various types of café’s lines up where you can enjoy a sip of coffee with a soothing ambiance accompanying you.
Location: 1 Place Garibaldi | Place Garibaldi, 06300 Nice, France
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8. Nice Etoile
It is located in the Nice City Centre. A great number of cafes and eateries line up the street. Most of the shops sell branded products. If you are planning to buy something for your loved ones then it can be the best place for shopping. Apart from this, you can also shop for some local products from the shops that are located inside the shopping center. There are a number of reputed restaurants that are famous for selling local foods. You should taste the ice-cream and coffee as they taste different here. You can access the free wifi facility that is available in this place.
Location: 30 Avenue Jean-Medecin, 06000 Nice, France
Timings: 10.00 AM – 7.30 PM
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9. Marche A La Brocante
It is the best antique market, that is famous for selling different types of ancient products and jewelry. If you are passionate about costume, jewelry, leather bags or silk scarves, then it can probably be the best place for shopping such items. Linen table cloths and sheets are also found in abundance here. Real antique and porcelain products are available in this market. You can get them at a very reasonable price. It is best to visit this market during the early morning. As the day passes, this place becomes quite crowded. Most of the vendors start wrapping their shops around 3.00 PM. Try to complete your shopping at that time. There are ample café around the market. So, you can easily take a break.
Location: Cours Saleya, 06300 Nice, France
Timings: 7.00 AM – 4.00 PM
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10. Place Massena
Nice is a city of a distinctive culture and one can have an insight into that culture at Place Massena, which happens to be the city’s largest square. This place is a center of the main gatherings and events for the community living here. One of the major highlights of the square is the 17th-century architecture that covers the places from each side. Post the construction of tramway transportation, the square serves as the pedestrian zone. There is one art installed in the square from a Spanish artist named Jaume Plensa. The pieces of the art comprise of sculptures at the top of the pillars. There is also a large fountain with an Apollo statue in the very middle of the square.
Location: 13 Place Massena, 06000 Nice, France
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11. Vieux Nice
Vieux Nice otherwise known as Vieux Ville is an old town of the city that is spread from the bottom of the Castle Hill to the Place Massens, which the main square of the city. You will get medieval vibes here and the ambiance will take you to the history when Nice was an independent Italian state. The streets are adorned with gold paint, red tile roofs, and Italianate facades. You can even visit any of the many cafes and eateries that are lined up in the streets.
Location: Old Nice Nice, France
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Nice is a beautiful city that is located on the banks of the French Riviera. There are ample things to see in this place. Apart from the museums and shopping places or churches, you can also come across various small seaside towns that are beautiful and charming. If you want to explore the pastoral region of Provence, then it is best to visit the countryside of Nice. Make sure that you explore all these places to visit in Nice on your vacation to Nice.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Visit in Nice
What places can you visit from Nice?
La Trinite, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, La Gaude, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Carros, Vence, Moneghetti, Fontvieille, etc. are some of the popular cities near Nice to explore.
How to reach Nice?
Nice has its airport, Nice Cote d’Azur Airport, which is located merely 8 km from the main city. Being an international airport, anyone can reach there directly from any part of the world. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or a bus to reach the main city.
Is it safe to visit Nice during Covid?
You need to follow all the mandatory travel guidelines mentioned by the authorities to ensure a safe travel experience. Avoid crowded places and keep sanitizing your hands after touching surfaces. Maintain social distancing and remain masked in public places.
What are the major attractions in Nice?
Being a popular city in France and perched on the banks of the French Riviera, the place is filled with historical monuments and intricate architecture. Marc Chagall National Museum, Castle Hill of Nice, and Vieux Nice are some of the major tourist attractions of the city.
What is the ideal duration of the trip to spend in Nice?
Nice has a lot of things to experience and places to explore. So a 3 days trip should be planned to cover all the important parts of the city.
Which is the nearest airport to Nice?
Nice houses its own airport, known as Nice Cote d’Azur Airport, which is merely 8 km away from the main city of Nice.
What are the must-try dishes of Nice?
When visiting nice, you must indulge in local food tasting spree, and some of the must-try dishes are Socca (aka, Farinata), Pissaladière, arcis Niçois (aka, Les Petits Farcis), and Salade Niçoise.
What are some other nearby cities to Nice that are famous tourist destinations?
Nice has a lot of nearby cities that are famous for tourism and some of them are Turin (Italy), Lyon, France, and Milan, Italy.
How many museums are there in Nice?
Nice hosts 3 museums, these are the Museum of Asian Art located, the Franciscan Monk Museum, and Villa Arson.
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Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
