Is Nice Worth Visiting? 10+ Reasons you shouldn’t miss

If you wondering about the question “Is Nice Worth Visiting ?” while you are planning your French Riviera in this post I’ll try to share all the reasons why I chose to visit Nice.

Nice was my first destination from Frankfurt for my French Riviera Itinerary, I planned to make Nice as a base and cover all the places around Nice as day trips mostly. (I talked about that in my post Day trips from Nice France)

Nice is a perfect blend of natural beauty, a beautiful promenade, and a lovely beach to soak yourself during summer.

You have colorful markets and many art museums and galleries that you can explore during your trip so let’s dive in and find all the reasons why Nice should be on your bucket list.

Is Nice Worth Visiting?

Yes, Nice is worth visiting and is a perfect place to start your French Riviera Itinerary. It is also a good point to stay around 3-4 days and cover all the places around Nice.

But in case you don’t have that much time then you can check my guide about What to do in Nice in One Day which has an easy-to-follow one-day itinerary for Nice along with Google Maps for free.

10+ Reasons Why You Should Visit Nice

1. The Beautiful Scenery

One of the first things that struck me about Nice was its breathtaking scenery. Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps, this city boasts stunning landscapes that will leave you in awe. From its crystal-clear turquoise waters to its rolling hills covered in lush greenery and vibrant flowers, every corner of Nice is a feast for the eyes.

One popular scenic spot in Nice is Castle Hill (Colline du Château), which offers panoramic views of the city and coastline.

As I made my way up to the top of Castle Hill through winding paths lined with blooming flowers and ancient ruins, I couldn’t help but feel like I was stepping back in time. Once at the summit, I was rewarded with an incredible view that stretched as far as my eyes could see.

2. The Rich History and Culture

Nice has a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. Over time it has been influenced by various cultures including Greek colonizers who founded Nikaia (the ancient name for Nice), Roman conquerors who established it as an important trading port called Cemenelum during their reign over Gaul (modern-day France), Italian rulers during medieval times when it was part of Savoy Kingdom before becoming French territory again under Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule.

Today visitors can explore historical landmarks such as Place Masséna – one square where many important events took place throughout history like royal processions or military parades. Another must-visit is the Musée Matisse, which houses an extensive collection of works by the famous French artist Henri Matisse.

3. The Delicious Food

No trip to Nice would be complete without indulging in its mouthwatering cuisine. The city is known for its fresh seafood, flavorful herbs and spices, and a wide variety of local dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.

One dish that I highly recommend trying is Socca, a thin pancake made from chickpea flour and olive oil. It’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a unique flavor that is both savory and slightly nutty.

Another must-try is Salade Niçoise, a refreshing salad made with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, anchovies, hard-boiled eggs and tuna.

When it comes to dining out in Nice, there are plenty of options to choose from. One restaurant that stood out to me was La Petite Maison – a charming eatery located in the heart of Old Town.

Their menu features traditional Provençal dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

4. The Charming Old Town

Speaking of Old Town (Vieux Nice), this area of Nice is like stepping into a postcard from another era. With its narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings adorned with flower-filled balconies and charming boutiques selling local crafts and souvenirs – it’s no wonder why this part of town has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nice.

As I wandered through the maze-like streets of Old Town, I couldn’t help but feel enchanted by its old-world charm. Every corner seemed to hold a hidden gem waiting to be discovered – whether it was stumbling upon an ancient church tucked away behind an unassuming doorway or finding myself surrounded by locals enjoying their morning coffee at one of the many quaint cafes dotted throughout the area.

5. The Stunning Beaches

Nice is blessed with a coastline that stretches for miles, offering visitors an array of stunning beaches to choose from. Whether you prefer a sandy beach where you can relax and soak up the sun or a pebble beach where you can take a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters, Nice has it all.

One of my favorite beaches in Nice is Plage de la Promenade des Anglais. This iconic stretch of coastline is lined with palm trees and offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

As I lounged on my beach towel, listening to the sound of waves crashing against the shore, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of tranquility wash over me.

6. The Vibrant Nightlife

When the sun sets in Nice, the city comes alive with its vibrant nightlife scene. From trendy bars and clubs to live music venues and theaters, there’s something for everyone to enjoy after dark.

One popular spot among locals and tourists alike is Wayne’s Bar – a lively establishment located near Place Masséna that offers an extensive selection of cocktails and hosts regular live music performances.

Another must-visit is Bay Side – a unique bar tucked away in Old Town that specializes in absinthe-based drinks. (You can also view the 360 video of this on their website )

7. The Famous Promenade des Anglais

No visit to Nice would be complete without strolling along the famous Promenade des Anglais. This iconic promenade stretches for 7 kilometers along the coast and offers stunning views of both land and sea.

As I walked along this historic promenade, I couldn’t help but be captivated by its beauty. From its elegant Belle Époque architecture to its palm-lined boulevards and charming cafes overlooking the sea – every step felt like a journey through time.

8. The Art Museums and Galleries

Art lovers will find plenty to admire in Nice’s thriving art scene. The city boasts numerous museums and galleries that showcase a wide range of artistic styles and periods.

One museum that I highly recommend visiting is the Musée Marc Chagall. This museum houses the largest collection of works by the renowned Russian-French artist Marc Chagall, including his famous biblical paintings.

Another must-visit is the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC), which features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.

9. The Colorful Markets

For a taste of local life in Nice, be sure to visit its colorful markets. These bustling hubs are filled with fresh produce, aromatic spices, handmade crafts, and more.

One market that I particularly enjoyed exploring was Cours Saleya Market in Old Town. Here you can find everything from vibrant flowers to delicious local delicacies like socca and pissaladière – a traditional Provençal onion tart.

Another market worth checking out is Marché de la Libération, which offers a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, meats, and seafood.

10. The Accessible Location

Nice’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring other parts of the French Riviera. With its well-connected transportation system including trains and buses, it’s easy to take day trips to nearby towns such as Cannes or Monaco.

During my stay in Nice, I took a day trip to Eze, Monaco, and Monte Carlo and later moved to Antibes – a charming coastal town located just 20 kilometers away.

It was fascinating to explore its historic old town with its narrow streets lined with colorful buildings and visit the famous Picasso Museum housed in Château Grimaldi.

If you don’t want to plan anything I would highly recommend you to check out this trip which I took from Nice

11. The Warm and Sunny Weather

One of the biggest draws for visitors to Nice is its warm Mediterranean climate. With mild winters and hot summers characterized by plenty of sunshine throughout the year – it’s no wonder why this city has become synonymous with relaxation and outdoor activities.

I visited Nice during the summer months and was greeted with clear blue skies and temperatures that soared into the high 80s.

It was the perfect weather for lounging on the beach, exploring the city’s many attractions, and enjoying al fresco dining at one of its charming outdoor cafes.

Final Thoughts: So is Nice Worth Visiting?

Nice is a travel destination that offers something for everyone. From its beautiful scenery to its rich history and culture, delicious food, charming old town, stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, famous Promenade des Anglais, art museums and galleries, colorful markets, and accessible location – there are countless reasons why this city should be on your travel bucket list.

So pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through Nice.

Whether you’re a history buff looking to delve into the past or a food lover eager to indulge in local delicacies – this city has it all.

Trust me when I say that once you’ve experienced the magic of Nice firsthand, you’ll understand why it has captured the hearts of so many travelers before you.

Still planning your French Riviera Itinerary check out my other guides from France.