Nice map: top 10, museums, instagrammable, walking tour, where to eat, viewpoints, nature, markets, free things to do, rainy day

10 places on the map

Top 10

1
Famous seafront boulevard along the Baie des Anges
3 tips
- Rent a bike or walk at sunrise
- Sit on the blue chairs
- Beaches have pebbles, bring sandals
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2
Colourful old town with narrow streets and Baroque churches
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Wander without a map
- Try socca
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3
Hilltop park with panoramic views and a waterfall
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Take the lift or climb the stairs
- Go at sunset
- Free entry
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4
Market square with flowers, produce and restaurants
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Go before 10 for best choice
- Try street food
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5
Grand checkerboard square with fountains and sculptures
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Visit at night when sculptures light up
- Tram stops here
- Walk toward the old town
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6
Baroque cathedral with a colourful tiled dome
3 tips
- Free entry
- Quiet escape
- Look up at the dome
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7
Picturesque harbour with colourful buildings
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Have a drink on a terrace
- Good for sunset
- Walk to Mont Boron
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8
Matisse collection in a Genoese villa in Cimiez
- Must know: Closed Tuesdays
2 tips
- Combine with the Archaeology museum
- Walk through the olive grove park
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9
Belle Époque palace hotel with pink dome
3 tips
- Look at the lobby and art collection
- Have tea in the bar
- Best photographed from the promenade
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10
Russian Orthodox cathedral with onion domes
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Admission fee small
- Beautiful interior icons
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Before you go: Nice tips

Transportation

Take tram line 2 from the airport: The tram connects Nice Airport to the city centre and port, a cheap alternative to taxis.
Ride the coastal trains: TER trains run along the coast to Villefranche, Monaco, Antibes and Cannes, ideal for easy day trips.
Use Lignes d'Azur buses: The Lignes d'Azur network reaches hill villages like Eze; buy tickets on the app or validate a card when boarding.

Security

Guard your bags: Pickpockets work crowded trams, trains to Monaco and the Promenade des Anglais, so keep valuables zipped.
Watch belongings on the beach: Do not leave phones and bags unattended on the pebble beaches while you swim.
Beware of petition scams: Decline people asking you to sign petitions or offering bracelets, as these can be distractions for theft.

Saving

Climb Castle Hill for free: Colline du Chateau offers free panoramic views of the Baie des Anges and old town.
Picnic from Cours Saleya: The Cours Saleya market sells fresh fruit, cheese and local produce for a cheap seaside picnic.
Use public beaches: Skip the paid private beach clubs and spread a towel on the free public beaches along the Promenade.

Weather/Clothing

Bring water shoes: Nice's beaches are pebbly, so water shoes or sandals make swimming and sunbathing more comfortable.
Pack for sunny summers: Summers are hot and sunny; light clothing, a hat and sunscreen are essential for days on the coast.
Layer up in winter: Winters are mild and often sunny, but evenings are cool, so a light coat and sweater are useful.

Cultural

Taste socca: This crispy chickpea pancake is a Nice street-food classic, best eaten hot from vendors in Vieux Nice.
Try authentic nicoise dishes: Sample pan bagnat, pissaladiere and a true salade nicoise, made locally without potatoes or green beans.
Say bonjour first: Greeting staff with bonjour before ordering or asking a question is expected and earns friendlier service.

Local Hacks

See the Carnival: Nice's Carnival in February features parades and the flower battles, a lively time to visit; book ahead.
Hike Mont Boron: Trails on Mont Boron offer quieter walks and views over the port and Villefranche bay.
Visit the morning flower market: Cours Saleya's flower and produce market is liveliest in the morning, before the afternoon crowds.

Nice

Top 10

Take this map with you

Before you go: Nice tips

Transportation

Security

Saving

Weather/Clothing

Cultural

Local Hacks

1-day itineraries in Nice

Place Masséna and around

Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas orthodoxe and around

Promenade des Anglais and around

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