When talking about Nice, the simple fact of being a city on the French Riviera is a good reason to find it appealing. We could say that the city is divided into two areas, clearly shown by the character of the buildings, streets, etc. The modern area of Nice is well known for its classic wide avenues, parks, gardens and pedestrian areas, together with the presence of the principal shops of the city, which makes it an attractive commercial area. On the other hand, the old area of the city has more charm, with attractive facades and fully refurbished buildings in an intricate balance with one another. Don’t forget to take a stroll down the impressive Maritime Promenade, which is known as Promenade des Anglais: here you can find the famous Hotel Negresco, which was built in 1912 and nowadays is the highlight of the city.
And, among other things, just let yourself appreciate the special light in Mediterranean cities, a clear reflection of the blue sea… no wonder the name was given to the French Riviera coast, Côte d’Azur (blue coast). In one word, Nice is a Mediterranean city with authentic charm.
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Do not miss
Garibaldi Square
Garibaldi square, Place Garibaldi, is a monumental representation of Baroque architecture of great interest. It is located between the old quarter and the port of Nice, making it a good place to start out sightseeing. It was built between 1782 and 1784 as a symbol to commemorate the arrival of the sovereigns of Sardinia from Turin, and it was known as Piazza Vittorio in honour of King Victor Amadeus III of Sardinia. In the centre of the square, a monument dedicated to Garibaldi who was the architect of the Italian Unification is found. This monument was built in 1891 by Etex and Gustave Deloye.
Palace of the Prefecture
Formerly, the Palace of the Prefecture in Nice was known as the Royal Palace (Palais des Rois Sardes). It was built in the early seventeenth century as the residence of the sovereigns and Dukes of Savoy when spending time in Nice. Currently, the building is used as an administrative centre of the Prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes.
Opera of Nice
The opera of Nice was built where the Municipal Market was formerly stood, which was completely destroyed by a fire in 1881. The building is a clear example of the architecture that was developed during the Second Empire and was opened in 1885. The construction was carried out by the architect François Aune, a pupil of Gustave Eiffel. Some elements, both outside and inside the building, have undergone changes over the years. The theatre was declared a Historical Monument in 1993. It now offers a comprehensive program of opera, as well as classical music concerts, ballet, cultural activities for young people, etc.
Promenade des Anglais
Promenade des Anglais is a walkway that runs along the Bay of Nice and, together with Hotel Negresco, is one of the most significant and popular icons of the city known throughout the world. It was built in 1860 by the English Reverend Lewis Way and was officially opened in 1931.
It extends over nearly 6 km with small islands filled with palm trees and flowers along the way. Walking through this place, you can see the famous Hotel Negresco, currently considered a National Monument, the Museum of Fine Arts or the Casino Ruhl, among other notable buildings.
Notre-Dame Basilica
This Gothic-style basilica is the oldest church in Nice and is situated in the heart of the new town, and was built once the city had become part of France. The building, constructed by architect C. Lenormand, dates back to the years between 1864 and 1868. It has wonderful stained glass windows of the late nineteenth century, the work of C. Champigneulle.
A visit to Grasse
Located amidst the beautiful countryside of Provence is where Grasse city can be found. Without a doubt, it has an international reputation for being the world’s capital for the perfume industry. Perfume lovers can take a guided tour through some of its factories or perfume shops and even participate in workshops. A stroll through the old quarter is also highly recommended.
Eating out
Restaurant Le 22 Septembre
This restaurant offers specialties of local cuisine. It also has a very attractive wine list from small producers.
Chez Rene Socca Restaurant
Located in the old quarter of Nice, Chez Rene Socca restaurant is somewhat peculiar. There are two counters, one reserved for those who wish to taste the dishes on the menu and another for those who want to eat pizza or socca (a chickpea crepe and a specialty of Nice). There is normally a fairly long queue… but don’t despair, it usually moves quick and quite often there is a place to eat on the premises, as many people order takeaway.
Balico Lou Restaurant
Balico Lou restaurant is one of the best choices to enjoy authentic food from Nice. You can choose from various starters, fresh fish, homemade pasta and their famous desserts. The atmosphere is simple and friendly and the food will certainly not let you down.
La Grange Restaurant
Taking a glance from the outside, the La Grange restaurant in Nice has nothing special about it; rather it is a simple establishment. The place is small, with about seven or eight tables or so, and it’s surprising the detail and thoroughness that the manager goes to in this restaurant. For meals, you can choose between different dishes, including salad, pasta, fish or meat.
La Maison de Marie
This lovely restaurant is located in a courtyard, with access from the famous pedestrian street Rue Masséna. You can choose to dine outside on the terrace or in one of the two interior rooms. The chef, Alain, is an expert of Provençal cuisine, so you have the chance to try authentic dishes of the region prepared in an original avant-garde manner.
Chez Pipo
Chez Pipo is a small cafe in Nice that is known to be home to the best soccas in the city (a local specialty that is eaten with your hands). In the middle of this café there is an oven, which is particularly suitable for cooking the socca, and on either side there are tables and chairs to enjoy meals. It also has a small outdoor terrace.
Out shopping
Nice Flower Market
The Flower Market is an attractive market located along Cours Saleya in the old quarter of Nice. In addition to flower stalls, it also sells fruit, vegetables… which gives this market a special colour.
Jean Medécin Avenue
The Jean Medécin Avenue in Nice cuts across the modern part of the city from north to south. This is where a large number of shops selling clothes, shoes, jewellery, sports shops, etc. are concentrated. Moreover, this is where the major fashion retailers are.
Galeries Lafayette in Nice
It couldn’t be any other way, Galeries Lafayette also exist in Nice, a chain department store spread throughout France. Located near Place Massena (Massena Square), inside we can find clothes for men, women, jewellery, perfume, shoes … well, everything that can be found in a good department store.
Old Nice – shopping
The old quarter of Nice, in addition to its famous Flower Market is also full of small shops of all kinds, where undoubtedly you can buy typical souvenirs of the city.
Rue de la Liberté
Along Rue de la Liberté in Nice there are plenty of shops. Here, above all you can buy clothes, shoes, etc. On this street is where Arche is located, which is one of the most popular shoe stores in France.
Nightlife
Promenade des Anglais
Promenade des Anglais is one of the best locations in Nice to go out at night. This area of the city has everything: hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, cinemas, etc. For those who want to live up the glamour of Nice, Hotel Negresco and the casino are two highly recommended options, but be aware that prices are quite high.
L’Ambassade
The most “chic” people of Nice go to L’Ambassade. Get on your best clothes, as everyone usually dresses very smart at this bar. Dare yourself to try one of their cocktails and burn out the dance floor.
Butterfly Nightclub
To enjoy the evening out in Nice until the wee hours of the morning, it is best to go to a nightclub. The Butterfly nightclub guarantees good music of various genres. Well-known DJ’s perform here, to the delight of the assistants. Until 00:30 a.m., girls enter for free.
Vieux Nice
The old quarter of the city of Nice offers a wide variety of bars and clubs and is a good area to start the evening. For those seeking a more relaxed evening, here you can make a good start by having dinner then follow it up by having a drink in one of the premises located along Cours Saleya.
Ma Nolan’s Irish Pub
Ma Nolan’s pub is located in the old quarter of Nice, between the Flower Market and the Opera. The establishment maintains the essence of a traditional Irish pub where you can have something to drink, take a dinner break, watch a game of football or enjoy live music.
Public events
Concerts in Nicaïa Palace
Since 2001, the most celebrated artists worldwide have played on the stages of Nicaïa Palace (Palais Nicaïa) in Nice: Pavarotti, Johnny Hallyday and U2 among many others. For those who are going to spend a few days in this city, it is worth checking out the program because you’ll find something interesting for sure: music, circus, comedy and more. The site has 9,500 square meters and 2 stages at different locations, one inside and another outdoors.
San Bertoumiéu Festival
The festival of San Bertoumiéu takes place in the old quarter of Nice. Over a few days, more than 80,000 visitors come to know a little more about the cultural heritage of the city: craftsmen, winemakers, chefs and many others come together here. Visitors will see traditional games like mourre or vitou, taste culinary delights from the region and all of this whilst listening to traditional music. Perhaps the best part of this festival is the environment that is found in the old streets of Nice, which gives the atmosphere a peculiar charm.
Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes
This sporting event is held every year with its starting point at Promenade des Anglais, and finishes in Cannes. The course is 42.195 km long and each year more and more athletes participate in this exciting race. In the 2009 edition, the amount of participants reached up to 10,000. One of the main attractions of this competition is the landscape that the participants see, full of different sceneries and a colourful outlook. In addition to the race, a number of activities are run in parallel that turn the streets of Nice into a true melting pot where both the young and old enjoy.
Tourist Information Offices
Get further information from the tourist offices in Nice.
