Tourists often visit the old French resort in passing. But all the charm of Nice will be revealed to you only if you gather information about the city’s attractions in advance. Then you can plan your time and visit the places whose descriptions interest you. What to see in Nice in 1 day independently? You can manage quite a lot.
Promenade des Anglais
This place should be the first to see. After all, the promenade is the true “soul” of the city. It is very long – about 7 km, and you might only walk part of it, but you will see a lot. The promenade was built in the 19th century. The desire to have such a walking area was expressed by the British who bought plots of land near the sea. Today, there are always many people here, both locals and tourists. People come here to walk, breathe the sea air, “watch others and show themselves” – as the saying goes.
The promenade stretches from the Bay of Angels to the airport itself. This is where the main attractions of Nice are located. You can also see beautifully designed villas and hotels. The promenade remembers many famous people. Friedrich Nietzsche, members of the Romanov ruling dynasty, and nowadays you can meet stars of theater and cinema walking here. And of course, there are cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite, and shops selling souvenirs.
Phoenix Park
A beautiful place that can be considered not only a local attraction but also a place for rest. The park is located by the sea and occupies an area of about 70,000 m². It is both a botanical garden and a wonderful zoo, and a promenade area. There are 20 climatic zones represented here – and, accordingly, plants from these zones are collected. Tourists will see ferns and olives, cacti and citrus trees, cypresses, agaves, and much more.
The tropical greenhouse makes a great impression on guests; it can be viewed all year round: the plants are under a dome. Many orchids are collected here, as well as flowers and lianas that grow naturally in the jungles. Numerous walking paths, beautiful landscapes, air filled with the aroma of flowers – all this is “Phoenix”. Here you rest both body and soul. Swans, pelicans, and various ducks live in the open-air pond.
Botanical Garden
Another place worth visiting if you love picturesque views. The park is located on a hill. From here, you can admire the Var River and the Esterel mountains. The botanical garden also represents various climatic zones. But the plants here are not only decorative. There are aromatic species, medicinal, and even poisonous ones. It’s worth learning about them to avoid them in nature. Scientists study the plants of the botanical garden – their life cycle, from the appearance of the first shoots to wilting.
Thus, nature here has the most natural appearance – you can see both young and old plants. It is very interesting to look at trees and shrubs from North and South America, Australia, and Africa. Exotic species of sage with very beautiful flowers make a big impression. The entrance to the botanical garden is free, and if desired, a tour can be organized for you.
Place Massena
This square, located in the city center, will make you think of Paris. It’s hard to leave here; you want to walk around and look at everything. The square appeared two centuries ago and immediately became very popular due to its location: between the old part of Nice and the street leading to the station. Once the square was named after King Charles Albert. The French troops led by Marshal Massena occupied the city in 1792.
The marshal himself was a native of Nice. Hence the new name. The Paillon River, which once divided the square into two parts, now flows underground, encased in a metal pipe. Place Massena is paved with stone slabs, light alternating with dark, so the surface resembles a chessboard.
Earlier there was a road where cars drove; today, a high-speed tram line passes through the square, and the rest of the territory is given to pedestrians. The Sun Fountain, surrounded by bronze figures symbolizing planets, attracts attention. Tourists also photograph next to another composition – on seven pillars sit men representing the continents. This composition is called “Dialogue in Nice.”
Albert I Garden
To visit this garden, you won’t have to go far. It is located between the Promenade des Anglais and Place Massena. It’s hard to believe that such a quiet and harmonious corner can be in the city center. This beautiful garden does not amaze with a variety of plant species, the main place here is occupied by palms and roses.
Nevertheless, everything here is very thought out and refined, as it is one of the oldest gardens in the state, established in the 19th century, and it got its current name in 1914. Albert I became famous for his determination, strength of spirit, and belief in victory during the First World War when France fought against Germany. Initially, there was only a park here, then sculptures and fountains began to appear.
There is a bandstand – it was installed in the mid-19th century when Nice became part of France. The Triton Fountain is beautiful, attracting attention with busts of famous people, and the Arc de Venet made of black metal is unusual and beautiful. Its height is 19 meters, symbolizing the harmonious connection of modern art and nature. You can come here with children – there is a playground for them. Numerous slides, carousels, and interactions with peers – without a doubt, your little one will enjoy all this.
Opera House
The Opera House can be seen from the outside – the building itself is very beautiful. And if you have time – try to attend one of the performances. The most famous artists in the world perform on stage. The theater is located in the city center, near the promenade. It began to be built at the end of the 18th century, initiated by Marquis Alli-Maccarani, a great opera lover.
Almost immediately, the theater became very popular – both in Nice and beyond. Unfortunately, a century later, during a performance of “Lucia di Lammermoor,” a fire broke out, causing significant damage to the building. It took several years to restore it. The theater reopened its doors to the public in 1885. The old building is shaped like a horseshoe, symbolically bringing good luck.
On the walls, you can see paintings and frescoes. The first performance after reconstruction was the opera “Aida.” In the 20th century, the theater’s area was expanded. Fans of opera music still hurry here to enjoy the voices of famous performers, masterfully executed decorations, and the theater’s atmosphere.
Hotel Negresco
The famous hotel has long been a symbol of Nice. It was built in 1913 – and it’s hard to list all the famous people who have stayed there since. Among the guests of “Negresco” were Ernest Hemingway and Coco Chanel, the most famous actors and artists of their time.
The hotel was liked by Marlene Dietrich and Salvador Dali. The beautiful white building resembles a palace. Its rooms and apartments are unique – no two are alike. Various styles are represented here – from Louis XIII to modern times. Beds with canopies neighbor flat-screen TVs.
In “Negresco,” there are excellent restaurants and bars – you can visit them and admire the interiors. You will feel like you are in a museum. And, of course, the dishes and drinks here are the most exquisite. If something interests you – ask, the staff speaks Russian. Walking near the hotel, you might meet one of its famous guests.
Old Town
This is the oldest part of Nice, a real labyrinth of narrow streets. Small restaurants, artisan shops, art exhibitions – what isn’t here! Keep in mind that it is most convenient to walk here: a car won’t pass, and you will often have to lift and lower a bicycle manually on the stairs.
The old part of Nice forms a triangle between Castle Hill, the promenade, and Garibaldi Square. This is where the city was located in the 17th century. Women washed clothes in the Paillon River, there was a market, shops, and residential houses. Two lives still run parallel here – that of the locals and tourists. Residents of the old part of Nice go to bed relatively early, closing windows with shutters.
In the morning, the housewives go to the market, and shop owners open their doors. Tourists walk here until late at night. They are fascinated by the beauty of the buildings, the romance of narrow streets, and the charm of old churches. It is always cool here, even in hot summer a fresh breeze blows. It’s worth visiting the Lascaris Palace or climbing the Bellanda Tower, which serves as a viewing platform.
Saint Reparata Cathedral
A magnificent Catholic cathedral located in the old part of Nice. It is topped with a Latin cross, reminiscent of Italy. The elegant facade is designed in the Baroque style, with a dome covered with tiles. The cathedral was built on the site of an old church dedicated to the same saint. It was consecrated at the end of the 17th century, and the facade was given its current appearance in the 19th century. The bell tower was added in the mid-18th century. Be sure to go inside the cathedral, it is also very beautiful.
Rich decor, a dome symbolizing paradise – all this makes a big impression. Saint Reparata is considered the patroness of the city. She was killed for her Christian faith in Palestine, and her body, resting in a boat, ended up in Nice with the help of angels. Therefore, one of the bays in the city is named the Bay of Angels. Above the altar, which appeared here in the 17th century, you can see the image of Saint Reparata. The cathedral also has 10 exquisite chapels decorated with beautiful paintings and frescoes.
Flower Market
The market is located on Cours Saleya street. It opens early in the morning, but note that on Mondays, various antique items are sold here instead of flowers. This is also very interesting. On all other days, you can walk through the market, enjoying the aromas of flowers, spices, fruits, and fresh bread.
If you come here early in the morning, you can buy unopened buds, the freshest vegetables and fruits, and buns straight from the oven. If you appear in the evening, you will get goods at a significant discount. Here they sell cut flowers, bulbs, seeds, and seedlings. A great variety of exotic spices are offered. Nearby there are cafes and restaurants where you can have a snack.
A useful tip – even if you see goods that interest you at the entrance, do not buy them immediately, walk around the entire market, bargain. There are so many temptations here that in a couple of minutes you may be left without a penny in your pocket.
By the way, if you have not yet decided on gifts for your loved ones, it is worth looking for them here. The amazing plants sold at the Flower Market can decorate the windowsills or garden plots of your friends.
Castle Hill
You can reach Castle Hill by lift, a special small train, or on foot. The height of the hill is less than 100 meters, so the “climb” is manageable even for children. You will be rewarded with a wonderful view of Nice. Napoleon III, who visited here, claimed that he had never seen a more beautiful landscape. From here you can see: the bay, the promenade, the port, and the city itself.
But there is no castle here, although there once was one, playing an important role in the city’s defense. In the mid-16th century, it was besieged by Franco-Turkish troops, later the Duke of Savoy restored and strengthened the fortifications. But the troops of Louis XIV turned the castle into ruins in the early 18th century. In 1830, a park was laid out on the hill by order of King Charles Felix of Sardinia. Over the years, this place became more beautiful.
Today there are many alleys here, trees create shade, you can sit on one of the benches, inhaling the aromas of flowers and pine. There are also cafes where refreshing drinks and sweets for children are always sold. There is a beautiful large waterfall here, and the ruins of the fortress walls remain. It is worth visiting the cemetery on the hillside, where many famous people are buried. For example, Alexander Herzen.
Notre-Dame de Nice
This is a relatively “young” attraction, the church appeared here in the mid-19th century when Nice ceased to be an Italian city and became French. The new authorities wanted to add something elegant and refined to the city’s landscape. Therefore, the prototype of the new cathedral was Notre-Dame de Paris – one of the main symbols of Paris. The cathedrals are indeed similar, but of course, there are enough differences.
The church, located in the center of Nice, is built in the Neo-Gothic style, its towers rise to 65 meters, visible from any point in the city. Between the towers, there is an elegant Gothic rose window. The stained-glass windows depicting one of the main Christian holidays – the Assumption of the Virgin Mary – are also beautiful. Musical concerts often take place in this church. You might be able to attend one of them.
Notre-Dame du Port Church
Another beautiful church is the Immaculate Conception, built in the mid-19th century. Its location – on the shore – determined the composition of the congregation. Fishermen and their families, living nearby, started to come to the services. Today, the temple is very popular among tourists. It is built in a classical style – a portico, large columns… Here you can see a very beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary, and also look at a series of paintings “The Way of the Cross.” Presumably, their author is Emmanuel Costa. Beautiful palms grow near the old building.
Cruise Port
This is the real sea gate of the city. The piers are located next to the beautiful promenade. Luxury yachts and cruise ships dock here. The water is so clean that you can fish. Since its founding, Nice needed its own port. Its construction began in the mid-18th century under Charles Emmanuel III. The port facilities were built for almost 150 years.
Pools, moles appeared here, a convenient road from the city was built to the future port. Later the territory was expanded, and a lighthouse appeared here. It was destroyed during World War II and later restored. Its modern height is 21 meters. Besides the lighthouse, you can admire the very picturesque yachts and fishing boats, as well as the old buildings surrounding the port. The Notre-Dame du Port church is also located here. There are many monuments nearby.
MAMAC Museum of Modern Art
This museum, if you visit it, will remain in your memory forever. It was opened in 1990. Works of contemporary artists are presented here. The architects of the museum gave it the shape of four towers connected by glass passages. The height of the towers reaches 30 meters. Many tourists even find it hard to locate the entrance immediately.
The paintings and sculptures presented here amaze the imagination. Funny aliens, the Loch Ness monster, a dress made of empty bottles, and much more. If you came to Nice with children – be sure to take them with you.
Marc Chagall Museum
Its full name sounds unusual “National Museum of Marc Chagall’s Biblical Message.” This is related to the fact that Chagall gifted France 17 paintings which are illustrations of the Old Testament. Additionally, other paintings by the artist can be seen here. The museum was opened in the summer of 1973 at the initiative of writer André Malraux.
The building is made of stone and is surrounded by a garden. The paintings of religious content are displayed in three halls; in the first hall – in cold tones, in the second hall – in warm tones, in the third – in mixed tones. There is also a concert hall and a shop selling reproductions of Marc Chagall’s paintings.
As you can see, there are many attractions in Nice, and if you don’t manage to see them all in 1 day – you will have a reason to come back to this wonderful city again.