Nice, France: the jewel of the French Riviera, and one of my absolute favorite places in the world.
I called Nice home for two years – and it truly changed my life forever. What started as a spontaneous move to the French Riviera turned into the beginning of everything I do today.
Nice was where I created my Instagram account, @camiexplores, simply to share little snippets of my new life by the sea – and somewhere along the way, it grew into my full-time career.
Now, as a travel planner and concierge, I’ve had the joy of helping others experience the same magic that first inspired me here.
In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite hidden spots and best things to do in Nice, France – in addition to other valuable information to your trip. Enjoy!
Oh, and if you are visiting the South of France soon and need help planning your itinerary or making reservations, make sure to check out my travel and concierge services. Also, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for more beautiful and elegant places to visit over there.
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Where to stay in Nice: My Favorite Hotels
Nice has quite a few options of lovely hotels to stay while visiting. Here are my favorites.
Hotel Le Negresco
Known as the jewel of the French Riviera, few hotels are as iconic as Le Negresco.
Opened in 1913, its pink dome and Belle Époque façade are as much a symbol of Nice as the Promenade des Anglais itself. Inside, the hotel feels like a living museum – the atmosphere is timeless, elegant, and wonderfully eccentric.
You can book your stay at Le Negresco here.
Maison Albar – Le Victoria
One of Nice’s newest luxury openings, Maison Albar brings a modern touch to the Riviera’s classic charm. The design is chic and contemporary, with soft neutral tones, marble details, and an understated elegance that feels very Paris-meets-Mediterranean.
You can book your stay at Maison Albar here.
Hôtel du Couvent
Another new opening, Hôtel du Couvent is the talk of the town – a 17th-century convent transformed into a serene luxury retreat right in the heart of Old Nice.
IExpect a Mediterranean garden, spa, and farm-to-table restaurant – a true sanctuary for those who want to experience Nice in a more soulful, intimate way.
You can book your stay at Hotel du Convent here.
Other beautiful hotels worth considering include: Hôtel Apollinaire, Palais Ségurane and Hotel Gounod.
The Ultimate List of Things to Do in Nice, France
Nice is so much more than a beach destination – it’s the perfect base for exploring the most beautiful corners of the French Riviera and Provence.
Here is my list of my favorite things to do in Nice.
No time for planning? No worries, I can design your custom itinerary according to your preferences.
1. Stroll the Promenade des Anglais
There’s nothing more peaceful than a morning walk or sunset along the Promenade des Anglais. Stretching for seven kilometers beside the sea, it’s the heart of Nice.
Grab a coffee and just enjoy the light, the calm, and the sound of the waves.
Dine Over the Sea at Le Plongeoir
Perched dramatically on the rocks near Coco Beach, Le Plongeoir has one of the most beautiful dining settings in Nice and maybe even the world.
This restaurant is in high demand, so reservations are essential. If you’d like assistance securing a table, I offer a personalized booking service – simply email me at hello@camiexplores.com and I’ll handle the arrangements for you.
2. Go Wine Tasting in Provence
Just an hour or two from Nice, Provence offers rolling vineyards, lavender fields, and elegant estates perfect for a day trip.
Spend the day tasting rosé under olive trees and enjoying long, sunlit lunches at places like Château de Berne or Château Sainte Roseline.
BOOK: Provence Wine Full-Day Tour from Nice
3. Explore the Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Lose yourself in the maze of colorful streets, where you’ll find local boutiques, charming cafés, and Provençal markets.
Stop by Cours Saleya for fresh flowers, fruit, and spices — and don’t leave without tasting socca, a crispy chickpea pancake that’s a local favorite, at Chez Theresa.
4. Climb Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
For one of the best views on the Riviera, make your way up Castle Hill.
From the top, you can see the curve of the Baie des Anges, the pastel rooftops of Old Nice, and the deep blue of the Mediterranean. Go early morning or golden hour for the prettiest light and avoid going during peak heat hours.
5. Go on a boat day
There’s truly no better way to experience the Riviera than from the sea. This boat tour is my absolute favorite. It leaves from Villefranche-sur-mer, which is less than 20 minutes from Nice, and Nicola the captain is adorable.
BOOK: Luxury boat cruise from Villefranche-sur-mer with snacks
6. Enjoy a Drink at Le Negresco
Step into the legendary Hotel Le Negresco one of the most iconic landmarks in Nice.
Order a cocktail – or a capuccino, theirs is absolutely delicious – at Le Bar du Negresco, admire the art-filled interiors, and enjoy the old-world glamour.
7. Spend a Day at a Beach Club
Nice has a mix of relaxed beach clubs and they are all nice in different ways, but my favorites are La Plage du Negresco, Le Galet and Ruhl Plage.
8. Visit the Port of Nice
Wander through Le Port, one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. You’ll find colorful buildings, trendy cafés, and local restaurants like Les Amoureux for pizza or Peixes for Mediterranean seafood.
It’s also a great spot to go out at night.
9. Spend a Day in Monte Carlo
Just 30 minutes away, Monte Carlo is the ultimate of glamour.
Visit the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo, stroll the yacht-lined port, and enjoy a Michelin-starred lunch at Elsa or dinner overlooking the sea at La Mome.
BOOK: Full-Day Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze Tour from Nice
10. Visit the Gorges du Verdon
Often called the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” this natural wonder is about a two-hour drive from Nice — and absolutely worth it.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and spend the day gliding through turquoise water.
BOOK: Gorges of Verdon and Fields of Lavender Tour
11. Discover Antibes and Cannes
In Antibes, visit the Picasso Museum, walk along the old ramparts, and grab a dinner at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc.
In Cannes, explore Le Suquet for a taste of the old town, shop along La Croisette, and enjoy beachside dining at Lucia Beach Club or La Môme Plage.
Again, if you’d like help securing the best beach clubs, restaurants, or hotels in Nice and beyond, you can contact me at hello@camiexplores.com — I’ll personally handle all the arrangements for you.
12. Visit Saint-Tropez for a Day
Take a day trip (by car or private boat) to Saint-Tropez, a must for anyone exploring the Côte d’Azur.
Stroll the colorful port, browse chic boutiques, and enjoy lunch at Gigi, Jardin Tropézina, or La Petite Plage. If you can, stay for sunset – it’s pure magic.
BOOK: From Nice: St Tropez & Port Grimaud Full Day
13. Go on a Food Tour
Discover the heart of Niçoise cuisine on a guided food tour – the perfect mix of culture, flavor, and fun.
Taste local specialties like pissaladière, pan bagnat, Provençal cheeses, and handmade sweets, all paired with regional wines. This one is my personal favorite.
14. Do Pilates at La Parenthèse
One of my favorite wellness spots in Nice, La Parenthèse is a serene studio where locals go for Pilates and relaxation.
The classes are small, the atmosphere is calm, and all teachers speak English. I miss this place!
15. Brunch at Café Fino
A local favorite for a reason – Café Fino serves one of the best brunches in Nice. Expect avocado toasts, pancakes, açai bowls, and perfect coffee and matcha.
16. Try the Best Croissant at Pistache
If you ask me where to find the best croissant in Nice, I will answer Pistache in a heartbeat.
Their croissant is flaky, buttery perfection – and their pistachio version is dangerously good too.
17. Visit the Local Art Museums
Nice has long inspired artists — and you can see why. Visit the Musée Matisse, Musée Marc Chagall, and MAMAC (Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain) to experience the city’s creative side.
18. Take a Day Trip to Eze and Villefranche-sur-Mer
Just minutes from Nice, these two villages are postcard-perfect and definitely worth a visit.
Eze is a medieval hilltop village with panoramic views – don’t miss the exotic gardens and lunch at Château Eza.
Villefranche is all about charm and color, with pastel houses, a small beach, and lovely waterfront restaurants.
19. End the Day with Sunset at Coco Beach
Skip the crowds and head to Coco Beach, a local favorite just past the Port.
Bring a bottle of rosé, some snacks, and watch the sun sink into the Mediterranean.
20. Have Sushi and Drinks with a View at SEEN by Olivier
Located on the rooftop of the Anantara Plaza Hotel, SEEN by Olivier is my go-to spot for sushi, cocktails, and beautiful views of the Mediterranean.
21. Enjoy a Michelin-Star Dinner
Nice’s fine dining scene is world-class. For a truly special evening, book a table at JAN — South African chef Jan Hendrik’s Michelin-starred restaurant blending elegance and creativity.
Pure & V offers a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired experience, while Le Chantecler at the Negresco is classic French gastronomy at its finest.
22. Enjoy a Cocktail in a Speakeasy at Zitto
Hidden in the Port area, Zitto is Nice’s trendiest speakeasy — intimate, elegant, and perfect for a late-night drink. The cocktails are creative, the music is good, and it feels like a true local secret.
That’s a wrap! I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best things to do in Nice. For more places to visit in the French Riviera, make sure to follow me on Instagram. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out for a custom itinerary or restaurant reservations.