Nice Tips; Top 20 Things to See and Do in Nice

Nice Tips: The Top 20 Things to see and Do in Nice and the French Riviera

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Here are our top 20 Nice tips. They are things we strongly suggest you consider whenever you visit Nice (weather permitting..you can't ski in August!). But to get the lowdown right now you'll also want to check out our What's On in Nice page to get a feel for the sporting and cultural activities during your stay.

These Top 20 Tips are in no particular order - we hope they give you some inspiration!

Nice Tip 1. Climb the Colline du Chateau - the small hill nestled between Nice Old Town and the Port is a haven of greenery, with walks, parks and breathtaking views. It is perfect for family picnics and ballgames and also for romantic strolls. Don't fancy the climb? There is a lift down at the foot of the hill near the sea-front.

Nice Tip 2. Old Town Wander - the Old Town of Nice is made for strolling and window shopping. The maze of narrow streets and pastel coloured buildings is atmospheric and charming. There are plenty of arty shops to buy gifts in and numerous cafes and bistros to re-fuel.

Nice Tip 3. Flower and Antiques Market - the daily flower and fresh produce market is held every morning except Mondays on Cours saleya in Nice Old Town. It looks and smells wonderful! The Cours saleya itself is fringed with cafes to grab a coffee and watch the World go by. Another must see is Monday's antiques market - held in the same place as the flower market, the antique market is fascinating and vibrant.

Nice Tip 4. Olive Oil tasting at Oliviera

- Oliviera restaurant is in the old town. Nadim the English speaking owner has a passion for olive oil - an infectious passion for olive oil. Stop and have a meal there and experience the single-variety olive oils in little taster portions between courses. Nadim is hugely knowledgeable about his subject and tells great stories too.

Nice Tip 5. Club sandwich on the roof of the Meridian - the Meridian Hotel sits proudly on the Promenade des Anglais and while staying there may be a somewhat charmless experience the roof-top restaurant is beautiful. Open to non-residents our tip is to take the lift up there order a glass (or two) of wine and a club sandwich for lunch and enjoy the panoramic view.

Nice Tip 6. Afternoon tea in the Negresco - the Negresco is the most famous Nice hotel and afternoon tea in the wood-panelled bar is a wonderful throwback to the belle-epoque era.

Nice Tip 7. Sunset aperitifs on the beach - various bars and restaurants operate actually on the beach. The prices are stiff but the atmosphere is wonderful - get a seat, west-facing at sunset, sip your chosen tipple and enjoy the sky as it changes colour.

Nice Tip 8. Try your luck at the Casino - with two casino's in Nice (Palais Mediterranee and Casino Ruhl) and of course the famous Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco you have a choice of places to try and "break the bank". You will need your passport to gain entry and the posher private rooms will demand a smart dress code.

Nice Tip 9. Go to the Opera - Nice's Opera house is on Rue St Francois de Paule in the Old Town. It is sumptuously decorated in red velvet, gold paint and lit with crystal chandeliers. It attracts top names in opera, classical music and ballet.

Nice Tip 10. Exotic gardens in Eze - Only 10 minutes from Nice, Eze is one of Provence's prettiest perched villages. Eze's striking crowning glory is its exotic gardens that surround the old castle. The views are incredible. Out of the very highest season, the gardens can provide a beautiful and tranquil place to stop and ponder.

Nice Tip 11. Villefranche beach - the sandy strip of beach beneath the posh village of Villefranche has come a long way since it was a haven for navy sailors and their "girlfriends". Stunningly picturesque and classy!

Nice Tip 12. Walk around Cap Ferrat - Cap Ferrat is a lush peninsula that juts out into the cote d'azur between Villefranche and Beaulieu. It is a home to many millionaires mansions. There is s beautiful if rocky 7 or 8 mile walk around the headland with numerous stopping off points.

Nice Tip 13. Rollerblade the Promenade des Anglais - You can hire rollerblades from a shop on the sea-front in the Old Town and then off you go. The Promenade des Anglais is wide, flat, beautiful and long enough to get a good workout.

Nice Tip 14. Ice cream from Fenocchio's - In the cathedral square of Place Rossetti in the Old Nice, Fennochios offers a bewildering and mouthwatering selection of the finest ice creams. What flavour to try? Peach, cinnamon, ginger, tiramasu or "Tia Maria"? Slurp!

Nice Tip 15. Johnny's Wine Bar - just up from Fenocchio's on Rue Rossetti is the small and friendly music venue that is Johnny's. Go there twice and jovial Canadian host Johnny will remember you and greet you as a friend. The music is free (just drop a few euros in the ice-bucket) and the drinks some of the best value on the Riviera.

Nice Tip 16. Day trip skiing - with many ski resorts within a short drive of train trip the sunny coastal city of Nice is a great if unlikely winter sports centre. Access to the slopes is easy and convenient with several ski-trains and ski-buses running eager locals up to the Alps.

Nice Tip 17. Rent a sun-lounger on the beach - most of the Nice beaches have free public access but every now and then you deserve a touch of luxury - so rent a cushioned sun-lounger and enjoy the waiter service and the little strips of Hessian carpet down to the waters edge! If you also have a set menu lunch the price isn't too exorbitant.

Nice Tip 18. Villa Ephrussi-de-Rothschild - built for Beatrice de Rothschild in the early 1900s, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is dominates teh entrance to millionaire's row on cap Ferrat. Built extravagantly in the Italian style the villa houses a large art collection and is surrounded by 7 hectares of gardens. The themed gardens alone are worth the trip. Beautiful.

Nice Tip 19. Hit the shops! - Nice has some spectacular shops: the finest designer labels are to be found around the pedestrianized zone to the west of the Old Town. Also try Rue d'Antibes in Cannes - Cannes answer to Oxford Street or Rodeo Drive.

Nice Tip 20. People watch - everyone comes to Nice: the aristocracy, film stars, models, sport stars, captains of industry, cool students, city-break lovers, musicians, artists ... and YOU! Pavement cafe culture is a big part of Nice life, so get yourself an espresso (or glass of wine) put on your shades and sit back and watch.

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