Tourist Attractions in Nice

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Nice

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Nice

Initially, Nice became famous as a winter resort. The aristocracy from Russia, England and other European countries, where the winter months were not characterised by mildness, came here. Gradually, this cosy town turned into a fashionable and desirable place, a real pearl of the French Riviera.

Nice is the coveted Côte d’Azur, the centre of fashionable hotels, expensive clubs and restaurants. Holidays in Nice are preferred by wealthy tourists or travellers who appreciate comfort, excellent service and high standards.

The capital of the French Riviera can boast not only beaches and entertainment. It is a beautiful city with many historical buildings, pretty streets, magnificent promenades. Architecture lovers will definitely have something to see during a trip to Nice.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Nice

Promenade des Anglais

 4.8/5

1128 reviews

The city’s main promenade, the symbol of Nice and the centre of the local establishment. The promenade stretches for 6 kilometres along the bay with the poetic name “Bay of Angels”. The name of the place goes back to the XVIII century, when wealthy Englishmen began to come to Nice to survive the cold winters. The pavement of the seafront has seen many famous people from F. Nietzsche to members of the Romanov imperial family.

Le Negresco

 4.6/5

5135 reviews

Neoclassical luxury hotel located on the Promenade des Anglais. It is a symbol of the entire Côte d’Azur. The hotel was opened in 1913, among its famous guests are Coco Chanel, M. Dietrich, E. Hemingway. An original ceiling of a medieval castle was used to decorate the Louis XIV salon (one of the hotel rooms). The design of the hotel’s luxury suites is unique, each room has an individual name and interior.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

old nice

 0/5

Quarters located by the seafront, with buildings dating from the XVI-XVII centuries, which make up the historic centre of Nice. The area of the old town is small – only a couple of square kilometres. The place is a labyrinth of narrow stone streets steeped in medieval romance and enveloped in the atmosphere of refined French antiquity. The historic centre is home to most of the sights.

Port Lympia

 4.6/5

642 reviews

The city’s maritime gateway, which adjoins a picturesque promenade and a busy marina. Despite the abundance of yachts and other vessels, the water in the harbour bay is so clear that fishermen are often seen here. The harbour was begun in the middle of the XVIII century and construction lasted more than 100 years. Cruise liners often moor here, as Nice is included in most Mediterranean routes.

Place Masséna

 4.6/5

9277 reviews

The square was built during the XIX century. Now it is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Nice. The place was named in honour of A. Massena, a talented and successful French commander. Around the square there are many interesting architectural objects, in the southern part there is a fountain “Sun” with a 7-metre statue of Apollo in the middle.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Place Giuseppe Garibaldi

 4.4/5

2887 reviews

At the end of the eighteenth century, Piazza Garibaldi was a large vacant lot that began to be built up in 1780. Gradually the wasteland turned into a lively neighbourhood, and in 1869 a picturesque little garden was laid out here. The place was named in honour of the Italian national hero Giuseppe Garibaldi. This was not done in vain, as the architecture of the square resembles a typical Italian piazza.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Marc Chagall National Museum

 4.4/5

5554 reviews

The gallery was created with the direct participation of the artist himself, who lived in the vicinity of Nice in the 1960s of the XX century. The building was erected on the ruins of an old estate, designed by architect A. Ehrman. Chagall worked on the design of the garden and on the stained glass windows. The museum was opened in 1973. Visitors can admire the master’s creations influenced by the study of Biblical texts.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM

Musée Matisse

 3.9/5

4705 reviews

The exposition of the museum is dedicated to the work of the famous painter A. Matisse. It exhibits not only the master’s paintings, but also his personal belongings. The collection is located in a Genoese villa of the XVII century. The maestro lived in Nice for almost 40 years, many of his works are picturesque landscapes of the incomparable French Riviera, which are currently exhibited in the museum. Matisse himself is buried nearby in the grounds of the monastery.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Modern and Contemporary Art Museum (MAMAC)

 4.1/5

4251 reviews

The gallery was created in 1990, designed by architects A. Vidal and I. Bayar. Vidal and I. Bayar. According to the standard concept, the Museum of Modern Art exhibits works of art from the second half of the 20th century. Of particular interest are the works of contemporary artists who are residents of Nice, such as Armand, César or Klein. The museum building itself is an interesting art object with a roof garden and glass corridors.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice

 4.2/5

1044 reviews

The collection is housed in a historic 19th century mansion built in neoclassical style for the Russian Countess Maria Kochubey. The collection mainly includes works by French artists of the second half of the 19th century, but there are also works from the Classicist and Renaissance periods. In the Museum of Fine Arts you can admire canvases by Sisley, Degas, Moss, Dufy, Monet and Chéret.

Open time

Asian Arts Museum

 4.5/5

1412 reviews

The small building of the museum was erected at the end of the 20th century according to the project of Japanese architect K. Tange. The idea to create such a place came to the mind of the mayor of Nice J. Madsen, who successfully served in this position for five terms. The collection contains about 200 exhibits brought from Japan, China, India and Tibet. The museum building is located on the bank of a small artificial lake in one of the city parks.

Open time

Villa Masséna Musée

 4.5/5

2469 reviews

The collection is located on the territory of the neoclassical palace located on the English Embankment. The building was erected at the very beginning of the 20th century. The mansion was named in honour of André Massena, a marshal of the Napoleonic era. In 1919, the military leader’s heir presented the palace to the state and wished to have a free museum on its territory. The authorities gladly accepted the gift, and since then the Massena Museum has opened its doors to the public.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Palais de Justice

 4.1/5

82 reviews

A monumental building in classical style, located in the historic centre of Nice. It was erected at the end of the 19th century on the site of an old Dominican monastery (the monastery was destroyed during the French Revolution). The building is very popular with local youth, in the evenings dozens of people are placed on the stone steps with drinks and food. Sometimes street musicians perform in the square in front of the Palace.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Opéra de Nice

 4.5/5

2115 reviews

The stage building is located in the grounds of the old town. Since its foundation in 1826, the theatre has been considered one of the best provincial opera houses in France. Unlike the capital’s Opéra Garnier, tickets here are sold at more democratic prices. The local company is made up of very talented actors. The repertoire mainly consists of classical productions of musical works by famous authors.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice

 4.6/5

7682 reviews

One of the largest Orthodox churches in Western Europe. The cathedral was erected on the site of the mansion where the heir to the Russian throne Nicholas Alexandrovich (son of Alexander II) died. During his journey, the Tsesarevich fell ill and died in Nice. At the will of his father, a chapel was erected in memory of the young man. At the beginning of the XIX century, the Orthodox community, in need of a large church, began the construction of a full-fledged church.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 2:00 – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 2:00 – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 2:00 – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 2:00 – 5:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 2:00 – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice

 4.6/5

4441 reviews

The cathedral of Nice, which was built and lit in 1699. The building continued to be added to until 1903. The church is named after Saint Reparata, a young Christian martyr who was put to death by the Romans for her faith. It is believed that the saint’s body was placed in a boat and set free to travel the Mediterranean Sea. Eventually the boat docked on the shores of Nice.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 6:00 PM

Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Assomption

 4.6/5

2622 reviews

The church building is one of the main attractions in Nice. The basilica was erected in a graceful neo-Gothic style in the middle of the 19th century according to the project of Ch. Lenorman. The light façade is decorated with gilding, which gives the church a smart and festive look. Notre Dame de Nis was built immediately after the city was annexed by France. From the outside, the temple resembles the famous Cathedral of Our Lady of Paris.

Open time

Monday: 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM

Notre-Dame du Port

 4.3/5

654 reviews

The church was built very close to the harbour, which is why it became known as the “harbour parish” when it was built in the mid-19th century. The church used to be surrounded by modest fishermen’s houses, but now it is a quiet and respectable urban area. The church façade was designed by J. Fébvre. Febvrom. The interior is decorated with works by E. Costa. The church has a second name – the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Open time

Cimiez Monastery

 4.6/5

1180 reviews

A 16th century Franciscan monastery surrounded by a magnificent medieval park (the oldest on the Côte d’Azur). The interior of the monastery cathedral is decorated with a carved wooden altar, which is covered with gold leaf. The church also houses a 15th century stone cross. On the territory of the monastery there is a small cemetery with the grave of A. Matisse. There is a museum of Franciscan monks for tourists.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Côte d'Azur Observatory

 4.7/5

316 reviews

The observatory is located on the hill of Mont Grosse. It was designed by H. Eiffel and Ch. Garnier. The structure is topped by a rotating dome 24 metres in diameter. Originally the observatory belonged to the Sorbonne University, but after the First World War the building was in disrepair for a long time, and only in 1988 there was some revival. In addition to being a scientific institution, the observatory serves as a popular tourist attraction.

Open time

Fort du Mont Alban

 4.5/5

1362 reviews

The fort is located in the east of Nice in a hilly area within the Mont Baron park. The fortress was built in 1560 for defensive purposes to prevent enemy attacks from the sea. The architectural complex is a reference example of French military architecture. Some of the buildings are quite well preserved. The hill on which Alban stands offers a fabulous view of the Bay of Angels.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers of 1970

 4.7/5

3567 reviews

Monument of 1928, dedicated to the victims of the First World War. The monument is perfectly visible from both the sea and the seafront. Surprisingly, this war memorial, located in quiet and peaceful Nice, is one of the most imposing in all of France. It reaches 32 metres in height. The stone slabs of the memorial bear the names of the citizens of Nice who fell during the fighting.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Marché Aux Fleurs Cours Saleya

 4.5/5

3982 reviews

Kour Saleya is the street where the city’s food and flower markets are located, as well as an antique market once a week that attracts antique lovers from all over the neighbourhood. In addition to a huge variety of flowers, there are also cheese, vegetables, wine, spices and other foodstuffs. The market is quite crowded during the daytime hours, so it is better to come between 6.00 and 8.00 am.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Parc Phœnix

 4.2/5

10275 reviews

A fragrant flower park located in the western part of Nice. On its territory you can enjoy the view of lush Mediterranean flora, stroll among the colourful flowerbeds and relax your soul. There are many picturesque parks in Nice, but Phoenix takes a special place among them. It is favoured by both locals and tourists. The park is spread on the territory of 7 hectares, its space is divided into 12 thematic zones.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Colline du Château

 4.7/5

20851 reviews

Back in the 12th century there was a fortress on top of the hill, hence the name Castle Hill. You can climb the hill either by taking the stairs from the Suisse Hotel or by using the winding footpath. There are several viewing platforms on the top, from where tourists can admire the neighbourhood of Nice, the view of the azure marina and the beauty of the city’s well-maintained promenades.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM