Nice, France stole my heart the moment I stepped onto its sun-drenched promenade. The Mediterranean Sea stretches out in endless shades of blue, creating a backdrop that simply takes your breath away.
The best views in Nice combine stunning natural landscapes with charming urban settings. From rooftop bars overlooking the terracotta rooftops to seaside cafés where you can sip coffee with your toes practically in the sand.
During my last visit to the French Riviera in 2024, I discovered several hidden gems worth sharing. The rooftop at Brasserie LE 65 offers spectacular views of the surrounding hills, while the café at Hotel Aston provides a perfect vantage point for admiring the Old Town rooftops and the historic Chateau.
I’ve spent countless afternoons wandering between these viewpoints, camera in hand, trying to capture what feels impossible to photograph.
What makes Nice so special is how the city blends seaside relaxation with cultural richness. One morning you might be enjoying coffee at a portside café watching boats bob in Port Lympia, and by afternoon, you’re sipping wine at a bistro with panoramic views of the entire Riviera coastline. These moments, where culture and natural beauty merge, create memories that linger long after your tan has faded.
Discovering the Charm of Old Town
Old Town Nice (Vieux Nice) captivates visitors with its vibrant atmosphere and Mediterranean character. This historic heart of the city offers a perfect blend of colorful architecture, bustling markets, and authentic local culture.
Wandering Through Labyrinthine Alleys
The narrow, winding streets of Old Town create a magical maze that I love getting lost in. Every turn reveals a new surprise – a tiny café tucked into a corner or a building painted in warm shades of ochre, terracotta, or yellow.
The streets bustle with life but remain intimate and walkable. I often find myself stopping to admire the tasteful, elegant buildings that have stood for centuries.
The crown jewel is Cours Saleya, a magnificent square that transforms into a vibrant market. In the mornings, the flower and produce stalls create a kaleidoscope of colors and scents.
By afternoon, the square transitions to a gathering place where both locals and visitors enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine at outdoor cafés.
Historical Treasures and Artisan Shops
Old Town preserves Nice’s rich history while embracing modern creativity. The area houses several historical landmarks worth exploring.
Little shops line the streets, offering everything from local specialties to handcrafted souvenirs. I’ve spent hours browsing through artisan boutiques selling Provençal soaps, handmade jewelry, and unique artwork.
The pretty squares scattered throughout Old Town provide perfect resting spots. These small piazzas often feature charming fountains or local monuments.
When exploring, don’t miss the opportunity to duck into the small, ancient churches that dot the neighborhood. Their modest exteriors often hide beautiful baroque interiors and fascinating historical details.
The French Riviera’s heart truly beats in these streets where tradition and daily life blend seamlessly.
Savoring Flavors at Seaside Cafés
The Mediterranean coastline of Nice offers an incredible fusion of French and Italian culinary traditions, best enjoyed at the charming seaside cafés that dot the famous Promenade des Anglais.
Culinary Delights by the Med
I’ve discovered that beach restaurants in Nice serve some of the most delightful coastal cuisine in all of France. The seafood salad, or “salade niçoise,” is a must-try local specialty featuring fresh tuna, crisp vegetables, and olives drizzled with olive oil.
Many seaside cafés offer a perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors. I particularly love Le Galet, where I enjoyed a light lunch watching waves crash against the shore. Their seafood risotto captures the essence of coastal cuisine.
For something uniquely local, try socca—a chickpea pancake that vendors sell right on the beach. It’s simple yet delicious, especially when paired with a chilled glass of rosé from nearby Provence.
The Italian influence is unmistakable in Nice’s culinary scene. Many restaurants serve authentic ravioli and gelato that rival what you’d find across the border.
Café Culture and Dress Code Elegance
Nice’s seaside cafés embrace a certain refined elegance that I find charming. Most beachfront establishments maintain a smart-casual dress code, especially for dinner service. I learned quickly that flip-flops and beachwear won’t cut it at the more upscale spots!
The café culture here blends French sophistication with Mediterranean relaxation. Morning cappuccinos at La Brioche Chaude near Place Garibaldi start my day perfectly. Their Italian-style coffee rivals anything I’ve had in Milan.
For afternoon refreshments, I love sipping pastis—an anise-flavored aperitif—at one of the blue chairs lining the Promenade. It’s where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy the spectacular sea views.
The best cafés combine stunning vistas with exceptional service. I recommend arriving before sunset when the Mediterranean light bathes everything in a golden glow, turning a simple coffee break into a magical experience.
Riviera Views: Azure Horizons and Beach Vistas
Nice offers some of the most breathtaking views along the French Riviera, where the Mediterranean Sea stretches endlessly in shades of blue that change with the shifting sunlight.
Panoramas from Castle Hill
Castle Hill (Colline du Château) is my absolute favorite spot for panoramic views in Nice. I love climbing the steps early in the morning when fewer tourists are around. The reward is worth every step – a stunning 360-degree vista of the city, the Baie des Anges, and the port.
What makes this view special is that you don’t need to pay for anything – it’s completely free! The old ruins create perfect framing for photos of the turquoise Mediterranean below.
I recommend bringing a small picnic and finding a bench under the shade trees. The viewing platforms offer different angles of the coastline, and I’ve spent hours just watching boats sail across the horizon.
The morning light bathes the orange rooftops of Old Nice in a golden glow that’s perfect for photography.
Beach Lounging and Promenade Strolls
The Promenade des Anglais stretches for 7 kilometers along Nice’s coastline, offering continuous views of the azure Mediterranean. Walking this palm-lined path gives me changing perspectives of the sea’s colors – from deep blue to turquoise near the shore.
I love grabbing a spot at one of the beachside cafés and watching the sunset with a glass of local rosé. The Castel Plage and Blue Beach cafés offer prime seating right by the water.
For the best beach views without crowds, I head to Coco Beach or Reserve Beach slightly east of the main strip. The clear water reveals colorful pebbles below.
The promenade comes alive at sunset when the sea turns golden and locals gather for their evening passeggiata. The rhythm of waves against the shore creates a peaceful soundtrack for evening strolls.
Immersing in the Local Lifestyle
To truly experience Nice, you need to step into the daily rhythms that make this coastal gem so special. The local way of life blends Mediterranean traditions with French elegance in a way that’s both relaxed and refined.
Markets and Daily Life
The Cours Saleya market became my morning ritual during my stay in Nice. I’d grab an espresso from a corner café before wandering through colorful stalls of fresh produce, fragrant flowers, and local specialties. Vendors often offered me samples of socca, a chickpea pancake that’s a must-try local snack.
The pace of life here feels refreshingly unhurried. I noticed locals taking proper lunch breaks—never rushed—often stretching well past an hour. Many shops close for lunch between 12-2 PM, embracing the Mediterranean custom of prioritizing meals and conversation.
For an authentic experience, I joined locals at neighborhood boulangeries. My favorite routine was picking up a still-warm baguette and enjoying it on a bench overlooking the Promenade des Anglais.
Navigating Public Spaces in French Style
French social etiquette differs from what I’m used to at home. Entering any shop, I quickly learned to greet with a friendly “Bonjour” before asking for anything—it’s considered quite rude not to acknowledge people first.
Public transportation in Nice is excellent, with the blue tram lines connecting major areas. I purchased a Pass TER for exploring nearby towns along the Riviera. The buses were particularly useful for reaching viewpoints like Mont Boron for spectacular panoramas.
Dress code matters here! Even for casual outings, I noticed locals put thought into their appearance. Simple, quality pieces in neutral colors helped me blend in rather than standing out as a tourist.
Evening promenades along the seafront are a cherished tradition. Around 6 PM, I’d join families and couples strolling along the Promenade, sometimes stopping for an apéritif at one of the seaside cafés.
Beyond the Beach: Cultural Expeditions
Nice offers so much more than just its stunning Mediterranean coastline. The city’s rich cultural landscape provides endless opportunities to explore art, history, and music throughout the year.
Museums and Galleries Galore
The Musée Matisse sits on Cimiez Hill and houses one of the world’s largest collections of Henri Matisse’s works. I spent a whole morning here admiring his colorful paintings and paper cutouts. The museum itself is set in a beautiful 17th-century villa surrounded by olive trees and Roman ruins.
MAMAC (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) impressed me with its bold architecture and extensive collection of European and American avant-garde art. The rooftop offers breathtaking views of the city and the French Riviera.
For archaeology buffs, I recommend visiting the Musée d’Archéologie de Nice-Cimiez. It’s built on the remains of Roman baths and showcases artifacts from the ancient city of Cemenelum.
Cultural Fusion: From Jazz to Art Festivals
The Nice Jazz Festival is held annually in July. It transformed my summer visit into a magical experience. As the oldest jazz festival in France, it attracts world-class musicians to perform in the open-air venues of Place Masséna and Théâtre de Verdure.
During February, I witnessed the vibrant Carnival of Nice. The parade features elaborate floats, colorful costumes, and flower battles that fill the Mediterranean air with sweet scents.
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the September Arts Fair. Here, local and international artists display their works throughout the city’s galleries. I discovered several unique pieces from emerging Mediterranean artists during my visit.
The city’s diverse cultural scene reflects its international heritage. Influences from Italy, North Africa, and beyond create a fascinating cultural tapestry.
