Things to Do in Nice
50 curated spots from Nice itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Modern art museum in Peggy Guggenheim’s former home on the Grand Canal, showcasing 20th‑century masters and a sculpture garden.[4]
2h · $20-25
Cours Saleya Market
Browse flowers, produce, and regional snacks, then wander the surrounding lanes for a first taste of Nice.
1h 30m · Free
Promenade des Anglais
Stroll or rent bikes along the 7km seafront path with pebble beaches and azure Mediterranean views.
1h 30m · Free
Promenade des Anglais Stroll
Walk the palm-fringed seafront path from Jardin Albert 1er to Plage des Ponchettes.
1h 30m · Free
Bellet Wine Tasting Tour
E-bike or small-group tour to organic vineyards (tram + short bus, 30 min).
3h · $110
Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
Ascend to this historic hilltop for 360-degree panoramic views of Nice, the Baie des Anges, and the surrounding coastline; explore ruins and lush gardens.
2h · Free (elevator €1)
Colline du Château (Castle Hill)
Walk or take the lift up to the park for panoramic views over Nice, the harbor, and the Baie des Anges; ideal for photos.
1h 30m · Free
Doge's Palace
Self-tour Gothic halls, Bridge of Sighs, and prisons—enter early for light on golden facades.
2h · $30 or Free (exterior)
Gallerie dell’Accademia
Explore Venice’s premier art museum with works by Bellini, Titian, Veronese, and Tintoretto; don’t miss the views from the nearby Accademia Bridge.
2h · $18-22
Murano Island
Vaporetto to glass factories, watch demos, shop studios (15-min ride from Fondamente Nove).
3h · $10 vaporetto + Free demos
Musée Matisse Nice
A world-class museum housed in a 17th-century villa showcasing the remarkable works of Henri Matisse, including paintings, sculptures, and paper cut-outs in an intimate setting.
2h · $12-15 per person
Musée National Marc Chagall
Spend a calm morning with Chagall’s vivid works, then take your time with the garden or museum café if you want a pause.
1h 30m · $12 or less
Rialto Market
Browse the historic fish and produce market in the morning, watching restaurant buyers and locals shop among vivid displays.[4]
1h · Free
St. Mark’s Basilica
Visit the glittering Byzantine basilica, mosaics, and, if available, the terrace overlooking St. Mark’s Square; book a timed entry to minimize waiting.
1h 15m · $5-20 depending on options
St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's Palace
Visit the glittering 9th-century basilica with Byzantine mosaics and the adjacent Gothic Doge's Palace. Allow 2-3 hours combined. Book skip-the-line tickets online. Best morning light for interior photography is 9-11 AM.
3h · $32 (combined ticket)
Accademia Bridge & Zattere
Start at Accademia Bridge for Grand Canal photos (best east view of palazzi/Salute dome); walk Zattere promenade to Punta della Dogana for Giudecca lagoon shots—golden hour sunset ideal, less crowded southern tip.
2h · Free
Albert I Gardens & Promenade du Paillon
Stroll manicured gardens, fountains; indoor photo alternatives if overcast.
1h · Free
Bacari Bar Hop
Spritz and cicchetti crawl in cozy wine bars.
2h · $10-15
Blue Beach Lounge
Private beach club; loungers, sea dips (15-min walk arc).
2h · $30
Burano Island
Continue by vaporetto to Burano to photograph its intensely colorful houses, canal reflections, and lace shops along the main streets.[4][6]
2h 30m · Included in vaporetto pass or ~$10-15
Burano Island Color Walk
Take Vaporetto Line 12 from Fondamente Nove to Burano and spend a relaxed few hours wandering its canals lined with brightly painted houses and small lace shops.
2h 30m · $8-20 (vaporetto passes)
Campo Santa Margherita & Social Wine Hour
Sit at a campo-side table, order spritz and cicchetti, people-watch locals, enjoy the rustic piazza energy. Most lively Friday–Sunday evenings.
1h 30m · $15-25 per person (drinks & snacks)
Cannaregio Evening Walk
After dinner, wander along Fondamenta della Misericordia and nearby canals, enjoying relaxed bars, reflections, and local life.
1h · Free
Cannaregio Jewish Ghetto & Streets
Explore world's first ghetto, quiet canals—free explore for serendipitous photos/nightlife bars.
2h · Free
Castello Backstreets and Arsenale Exterior
Wander the narrow canals and modest campi behind the Arsenale, photographing laundry lines, boats, and quiet corners; view the historic Arsenale gates from outside.
1h 30m · Free
Castle Hill & Gardens
Ascend via elevator or stairs to waterfall gardens and 360° sea views; explore Colline du Château park.
2h · Free
Castle Hill & Waterfall
Hike to panoramic views, waterfall; best sunset photography angles.
1h 30m · Free
Castle Hill Park
Ride or walk up for panoramic views, shaded paths, and a gentle nature break above the city.
2h · Free
Castle Hill Viewpoint
Ascend for panoramic Bay of Angels vistas; explore ruins and waterfall (10-min walk from Promenade).
1h 30m · Free
Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate
Baroque interior; discreet photos.
1h · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Chez Pipo
Classic Niçois socca (chickpea pancake) and pissaladière in casual setting.
1h · $25-40 per person
La Voglia
A dependable Italian-Mediterranean lunch spot for pasta, salads, and easy midday dining.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Acchiardo
Family-run Niçoise classics like pithivier; historic bistro feel.
1h · $40-60 per person
Fenocchio
Legendary gelato with 100+ flavors like lavender; post-market treat.
30m · $10-15 per person
Osteria Enoteca San Marco
Contemporary wine bar and restaurant just off the square; order a tasting of Venetian starters and a bottle of local wine.
1h 30m · $35-50 per person
Al Timon
Popular canalside bacaro and osteria known for cicchetti, grilled meats, and lively yet relaxed atmosphere along a small canal.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
All'Arco
Cicchetti stand with tiny bites like sarde in saor and baccala mantecato.
45m · $12-20 per person
Flaveur
Creative tasting menu with sea views.
1h 30m · $60-80 per person
Le Chantecler
Michelin-starred elegance in iconic hotel; order Niçoise tasting menu with rosé.
1h 30m · $70-90 per person
Café du Cycliste
Fresh pastries, coffee, and sea views; cyclist-chic vibe (15-min walk from Old Town).
45m · $20-30 per person
Jan
Modern Niçois; ravioli niçois (2-min walk).
1h 15m · $35-50 per person
Osteria Al Squero
Rustic canalside spot near Zattere; order cicchetti (small plates) like baccalà mantecato and spritz.
1h · $12-20 per person
Osteria Enoteca Ai Artisti
Try **bigoli in salsa** (thick pasta with anchovy sauce) and seasonal veggies—cozy post-sightseeing spot.
1h 30m · $18-25 per person
Pasticceria Tonolo
Classic Venetian pastry shop near Campo Santa Margherita; order a cappuccino with a cream-filled cornetto or a fritella if in season.
45m · $7-12 per person
Susanna
Hidden cooking class spot: hands-on **cicheti-making** and fresh cornetti with lagoon coffee.
2h · $20-25 per person
Trattoria al Gatto Nero
Classic Burano trattoria with a terrace right on the canal; order the risotto di gò (lagoon fish risotto) or mixed grilled seafood with a crisp white wine.
1h 30m · $35-50 per person
Al Covo
Elegant restaurant focusing on market-fresh ingredients. Menu rotates daily; request vegetable courses and pasta dishes without shellfish when booking. Reservations essential.
2h · $45-70 per person
All’Arco
Tiny, always‑busy bacaro famed for cicchetti topped with seasonal seafood and spreads; expect to stand at the counter or outside.
45m · $10-20 per person
Alle Testiere
Intimate, reservation-only seafood restaurant with only 9 tables. Prepare with shellfish allergy warning in advance. Menu changes daily; chef can prepare pasta with fresh fish (not shellfish), vegetable courses, and meat options.
2h 30m · $60-90 per person
Antiche Carampane
Tucked‑away seafood restaurant in a quiet corner; order the mixed fried seafood and whatever fish is recommended that day.
1h 30m · $35-50 per person