Last Updated on 14/09/2023 by secretmoona

Nice is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful destinations for a weekend or more. The city in the heart of the French Riviera is one of the best winter sun getaway destinations. Actually, Nice has been a winter travel destination since the 18th century! With sunshine and mild temperatures all year round, it’s fair to say that you would not take too many risks booking a trip to Nice in winter! No matter when you visit Nice (in summer and the off-season), you will find Nice has lots of things in stock, ranging from stunning promenades, delicious food, architecture, incredible art and museums. Let’s look at the best things to do and see in Nice in Winter. 

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Things to Do in Nice in Winter 

There are lots of things to do and see in Nice in winter. These are some of the many activities and attractions available to you. 

Walk along the Promenade des Anglais

Just like the Champs Elysées in Paris is the most famous avenue in France, Promenade des Anglais is the most famous promenade in France. Stretching over seven kilometres from Nice Airport to the Colline du Château and facing the sea, “Prom“, as locals call it, is one of the top things to do in Nice, whether in winter or any other season. 

Its name comes from the English Aristocrats who came to Nice to get a bit of winter sun in the 18th century. Soon, all of European high society followed them. Back in the day, the shoreline could have been better, so it wasn’t ideal for walking. Therefore, with money from wealthy aristocrats, the modest path traced along the shore, the “Camin dei Ingles“, became the famous Promenade des Anglais. You can still see the English influence as many hotels lining the promenade still have English names. 

Although the activities offered in winter might be fewer, you can still walk along the promenade and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Take a seat in one of the many benches or Nice’s iconic blue chairs and want the sound of the water crashing on the pebble beach. Winter is the best time to stroll along the promenade since summer gets way too busy. People love to take a run or cycle, too; the promenade is definitely one of the best places to run while enjoying the lovely scenery, palm trees and prestigious hotels on one side and the sea on the other.

Stroll the streets of the Vieille Ville (Old Town)

Exploring the Old Town (or Vieux Nice for the locals) is one of the main things to do in Nice. The city is one of the most beautiful cities in France, even in winter. A stroll in the historic district, wandering along the cobbled streets and alleys, and admiring the colourful buildings is an absolute favourite.

In the picturesque Old Town, you will find among the colourful architecture, influenced a little by neighbouring Italy, many important buildings such as the Opera Nice Cote d’Azur, Lascaris Palace and the Cathedral Sainte-Reparate. 

Just walk along the street and sit at one of the many eateries on Place Rossetti to recharge your batteries. While in the old town, take the time to get a cup of coffee or drink and visit some shops. Many buildings have their ground floor occupied by shops, restaurants, cafes and art galleries.

If you would like to discover the capital of the French Riviera through an audio-guided tour, check here.

Wander the market at Cours Saleya

Markets are part of France’s way of life. Every city, town and even the smallest village will have a market. Nice has several markets throughout. Not only is the market the best place for local specialities, but it’s also the place to learn about the locals and the culture of the city.

If you have to visit just one market (three in one!), head to the pedestrianised Cours Saleya Market in the Old Nice. The large market is packed with stalls selling fruits, vegetables, herbs and more. Whether you browse the stalls for things to bring home as souvenirs, such as soaps, lavender products or olive oil, strolling the market is one of the top things to do in Nice. 

The market runs alongside a flower market (or marché aux fleurs) from Tuesdays to Sundays. Wander between stalls to see the most beautiful flowers. Worth noting that the food market is held in the mornings while the flower market is in the afternoon. 

On Mondays, instead of food and flowers, you will find a flea market with all the antique items, jewellery, and books.

Visit Castle Hill Park

La Colline du Château (castle hill in English), located at the foot of the Quai des Etats-Unis, Castle Hill offers an exceptional view of the Baie des Anges, Old Nice, the port and the Alps in the distance. This is one of the best places to visit while in Nice. It is accessible on foot (by stairs or an Art-Deco-style elevator which rises to 92m), by boarding the tourist train or by car. 

The park dominates the city and is a great place to stroll, relax under the shades, or picnic. As well as experiencing amazing panoramic views of the city, you can discover the ruins of the Château de Nice and a lovely artificial waterfall. The citadel was destroyed in the 1700s by order of Louis XIV.

You can see how the city has been organised from different viewpoints. Back in the Middle Ages, there was only a castle, and then the city extended down the hill where you now have the Old Town. Similar to many old towns, the streets need to be straight. The Paillon stream, covered by the green corridor, marks the separation between the ancient and modern cities. 

Visit Nice Old Port

Located near Old Nice, the Old Port, also known as Port Lympia, is another of the best things to see in Nice. Although the port did not exist in ancient and medieval times, it is essential. It is a commercial port, fishing port, marina and a place to stroll. 

The fishing tradition is still present in Nice, and even though the port is relatively small, it is lovely to visit. The multicoloured wooden boats called pointus make it an authentic port full of charm, while the yachts remind people that it’s still the French Riviera!

The port district, the city’s central place, is full of history while remaining very current. Trendy restaurants and cutting-edge shops sit alongside antique shops giving it a pleasant yet cosmopolitan vibe.

Discover the architecture 

Nice is a beautiful city to explore for anyone interested in architecture. The city has a rich architectural heritage, three to be precise: Baroque, Belle Époque, Neo-classical and Art-Déco. 

The Baroque style first appeared in the 16th century when the city expanded and spread at the foot of the castle hill and lasted until 1792. During that time, palaces, mansions and churches were built. The Palais Lascaris, now housing the Musée de France, is a remarkable example of the Baroque period. Within the streets of the Old Town, you will admire many religious buildings influenced by this architectural style, such as La Chapelle de la Miséricorde in Cours Saleya or the Cathedral of Sainte-Réparate. 

The Belle Époque style took place from 1855 to 1914. It’s the most eclectic of types, with villas, palaces and hotels with different designs. The wealthy owners gave architects free rein to build the most beautiful properties. 

The néoclassical style began at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. The type is a mix of classicism and Baroque. This style can be seen at Place Masséna or the iconic luxury hotel Le Negresco, one of the best boutique hotels in Nice.  

While strolling around the city, the style you will see the most is the Art-Déco style. This style first appeared after World War I and can be seen in many areas, such as the Promenade des Anglais and Boulevard Victor Hugo! The Palais de la Méditerranée is an excellent example of the style. Inaugurated in 1929, it was a casino, restaurant and theatre. The building is now occupied by a luxury hotel managed by Hyatt Regency.

People watch at Place Masséna & Avenue Jean Médecin

Place Masséna and Avenue Jean Médecin are the heart of Nice. Place Masséna is the city’s main square, with tons of space to wander and rest. Cafes and restaurants line the square. 

At the centre of the square, going toward the Old Town, you will find the famous fountain called Fontaine du Soleil (Sun Fountain). It is often the meeting point for locals. The statue of Apollo at the centre of the fountain symbolises the sun, and the bronze statues around him represent the planet.

Further up the square, you will find several statues on top of street lamps. This art installation is called the Buddhas by Jaume Plensa. These statues representing kneeling men glow in the dark, so be sure to visit Place Masséna in the evening. 

Avenue Jean Medecin is a shopping street in Nice. You can find all the major chain stores such as H&M, Zara, or the Galeries Lafayette department store. And just like Place Masséna, it is filled with brasseries, fast food chains etc.

Discover Nice’s museums

Culture is omnipresent in Nice. With 19 museums and art galleries, Nice has the highest number of museums in the South of France. During your trip to Nice, you can visit a few, especially on a rainy day. Among the museums to see, we recommend:

• Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art – The Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC) houses works from more than 300 artists, including Yves Klein. 
• Palais Masséna – This museum, housed in a lovely Neoclassical-style villa right on the Promenade des Anglais, is worth a visit. Not only is the place beautiful, but it will tell you the history of Nice through paintings, artefacts, photographs and old posters of Nice. The museum also has a lovely garden, perfect for afternoon relaxation. 
• Musée National Marc Chagall – This museum houses works from Russian / French artists. The collection includes more than 1000 paintings, prints, drawings, sculptures, mosaics and many more. However, the most crucial piece is the collection of 17 paintings with biblical themes, divided into the New and Old Testaments.
• Musée Matisse – The Matisse Museum houses the most extensive collection of art from Henri Matisse. The French painter lived in the city until his death in November 1954. Visitors are amazed by this museum even before enticing inside: the villa is just a beautiful piece of architecture. Inside, people can enjoy a wide range of paintings, drawings, prints and photographs from the artist himself.

Enjoy the best panoramic views of Nice

Nice offers breathtaking views of its old town and coastline. You could go to many places to experience those views; most are free.

• Panorama de la Baie des Anges – Such a lovely place with fantastic sea views. Boulevard Carnot’s viewpoint on the low corniche offers a breathtaking view of the Baie des Anges and the port of Nice.
• The Castle Hill to admire the Baie des Anges. The park and hill of the former castle of Nice are the best places to enjoy a panoramic view of Nice. The views are spectacular from the Old Town to the Promenade des Anglais and Old Port! Make sure to stop by the castle, the tower and the cemetery!
• Mont Boron follows up from Castle Hill Park and offers an even better and broader panoramic view of Nice. Venture up to the Fort of Mont Alban to view Nice and the Alps on one side and Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat on the other. 
• Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée – The hotel’s restaurant, “Restaurant Le 3e”, the terrace offers a lovely view over the promenade.

Enjoy the food from Nice 

While in Nice, don’t miss out on sampling some local cuisine. Among the must-try dishes, you will find, of course, the Niçoise salad. The authentic version is made with hard-boiled eggs, anchovies, tuna, olives, lettuce, tomatoes, green beans and olive oil. Several restaurants serve the dish, including pan bagnat and a salad niçoise sandwich. Another dish to try is the socca, a cooked chickpea pancake. You can taste it at Chez Theresa at Cours Saleya market. The last dish worth trying is the pissaladière, a flatbread (similar to a pizza) with toppings such as onions, anchovies and olives.  You can take a

Posted by secretmoona

Hi there! I'm Mayi. Welcome to my blog SecretMoona! I hope to share with you the hidden secret of places I visit.