Visiting Nice: Top 10 things to see and do

Welcome to Nissa La Bella I have lived on the French Riviera for many years and Nice is definitely one of my favorite cities. You plan to stay in the region and visiting Nice Are you looking for the must-see and do-not-miss things to do in Nice?
Perfect, this article is made for you!

I already mentioned some tips in other blog articles if you want. Visit Provence, visiting Cannes, my favorite villages in the Azur region, But also of secret beaches on the Côte d’Azur, Not to mention The ski resorts of the Côte d’Azur. Today I return to the littoral to tell you a little more about this city that I really like.

I love its gentle way of life; I love going for a walk early in the morning on the Promenade des Anglais still deserted and taking advantage of the first light of day.

Nice is a lively and dynamic city with numerous cultural and sporting events every year.

Nissa la Bella moves all hours of the day and especially at night! The city is cosmopolitan, shines internationally and captivates with its historical, cultural and architectural heritage. Yes, Nice has all the assets to to charm travelers who come to meet him...

Here are my favorites and my tips for visiting Nice

Strolling along the promenade of Anglais

There’s nothing like starting your stay with a beautiful morning walk along the Promenade des Anglais to reach the solar dial plaza at Rauba Capeu. Along the way, have breakfast on the terrace or «take away» and enjoy it on one of the famous terraces. blue chairs From Prom’. You’ll surely see many joggers, cyclists, families and seniors coming to enjoy this magical setting.

You will also be able to admire the beautiful facades of the hotels that have stood the test of time. Among them is the famous Negresco, the West End and the Westminster of the Belle Époque style, or the imposing one Palace of the Mediterranean Art Deco style.

By the way, if you want to find accommodation, you can also opt for one of the Rental in Nice either in the picturesque center, or in the heights of the city.

Getting lost in old Nice

After your stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, enter Old Nice through one of the Ponchettes gates to arrive directly at the most famous square of the old town: the Cours Saleya. 

This pedestrian path is known for the food market animated, the flower market, The cafes’ terraces (crowded at the end of the day), the Yellow House, the Chapel of Mercy and the prefectural palace.

You can enjoy a beautiful view of the entire Saleya Cours by climbing the few steps of the staircase located next to the restaurant Le Grand Bleu. And speaking of restaurants on the Saleya Cours… I advise against them!

There is a rule that applies to many tourist cities to identify restaurants to avoid:
– To be picked up on the street
– The menu translated into all languages –
see dozens of entrée dishes and desserts in the menu.

Continue your walk in Old Nice by taking the Rue Droite. This is the former main axis of the neighborhood, once used by merchants and fishermen to deliver the fish market to the fishers. Place Saint François. During the crossing, you will be able to observe the architecture of the Lascaris Palace. A jewel…

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Place of the Palais de Justice and also on the Place Rossetti, Located in the heart of Old Nice, known for its Cathedral of Sainte Réparate, its cafes and its ice cream shops: Fenocchio (very popular with tourists thanks to its wide selection of perfumes) and Gelateria Azzuro (the best glacier in my opinion!)

Taking in the view from the Château Hill

Another symbol of Nice, and not the least: the Colline du Château. It is from here that the city developed over the centuries. From the 11th to the 18th century there was a military fortress overlooking the old city. You can admire one of the most beautiful views of the city!

It can be accessed by:
– Car from the port via a road that winds its way up to the summit
– On foot, passing through the old Nice
– Taking the elevator located on the Promenade des Anglais side
– Gyropode Segway (for more sensations) with the agency Mobilboard Nice who proposes to visit Nice in an original way
– Small tourist train
– Bike for the more sporty ones!

I recommend you to take advantage of several points of view:
– Bellanda Tower
– The artificial waterfall
– The Belvédère
– The view of the harbor from Nice and Mont Boron (near the playground)

Admire the Russian Orthodox Cathedral

Yes, you can make your friends and family believe that you spent a short weekend in Russia, because this religious building contrasts so much with the Mediterranean landscape.

Classified Historical Monument, The cathedral is the most important building of its kind outside of Russia. In other words, it is definitely worth a visit! A guided tour is organized every day at 2:00 p.m.

Taste the Nice specialties

You can't visit Nice without tasting the local specialties that are undeniably part of the city's culture. Local heritage Here are the specialties to try:
– The socca
– La pissaladière
– The little stuffed ones
– The turnip with leek
– The shit of can
– The Niçoise salad
– La Pan Bagnat

If you are looking for a good restaurant where to enjoy the specialties of Nice, visit the site the Nice tourism office where the list of restaurants labeled Cusine Nissart

My favorite: the restaurant Acchiardo, located on Droite Street (old Nice)

Doing business at Liberation

I recommend that you head to the Liberation Market, located on Malausséna Avenue, early in the morning; it’s the ideal place to soak up the lively atmosphere of Nice. 
It is near the tramway that the farmers welcome you; you will have the opportunity to try the specialties of the region. local producers Like honey, various cheeses, oils, as well as fruits, vegetables, flowers and delicious fish.  

The market is open every day, except Monday, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to get acquainted with Mediterranean culinary art.

Good deal: The best pan bagnat in Nice They can be found at Tintin, a kiosk located at 3 Place du Général de Gaulle 

Strolling along the Promenade du Paillon

This 12-hectare park runs through the center of Nice, along the Old City, following the same route as the Paillon underground river. It begins at the height of the MAMAC museum, It goes through Place Masséna and ends at the height of the theater of greenery Located a short walk from the Promenade des Anglais.

The ideal place to relax and take a little walk as a couple, with friends or as a family (children’s play area). In the summer, everyone can enjoy the coolness of the garden, especially at the height of the trees. mirror of water and giant mist sprayers. In winter, there is the Christmas market and the Ferris wheel that allows you to enjoy a beautiful view of the city’s rooftops.

Taking a sunbath on the rocks of Coco Beach

Meet me on foot at Coco Beach By bypassing the port of Nice. This is the coastal road that leads from the other side of Mont Boron to Villefranche sur Mer. The panorama is exceptional and the setting is very relaxing.

At the bottom of the road, after the restaurants Le Plongeoir and La Réserve, there are many rocks on which you can lay your towel for a short nap and a swim in the crystal-clear water. This is the ideal place to relax when you want to visit Nice.

Admire the 360° panorama from Mont Boron

Borrow the forest road that leads to the from the Mont Alban From which you will have a 360° panoramic view of the Bay of Anges on one side and Villefranche-sur-Mer on the other… It’s breathtaking!

When you leave, don't forget to take a «nature» break in the Forest park of Mont Boron, There are 11km of trails that cross 57 hectares of pine trees and other endemic areas in the region.

Have an aperitif on a Nice rooftop at sunset

In recent years, many Nice hotels have redesigned their terraces / roof top To enjoy lunch, aperitif and dinner with breathtaking views of Nice. Personally, I recommend the aperitif at sunset; the light is exceptional.

I recommend the rooftop bars of the following hotels:
– Le Méridien View of the Bay of Angels
– Boscolo Plazza : sea view, promenade du Paillon
– Aston Hotel View of the promenade du Paillon, old town
– AC Hotel Nice by the Mariott Group : sea view, city