5 Unique Things to Do in Nice – Everything You Should Know

Nice is the dazzling jewel of the French Riviera that is popular for gorgeous beaches and the Mediterranean views. Nice is essentially a sun rays receiving paradise that combines the best of French elegance and the Italian flair. So, expect to witness the hidden treasures, culture that is vibrant and unique things to do in Nice.

Apart from the popular Promenade des Anglais, there are many wonderful adventures. Add the authentic experiences to the mix and you have a fantastic Nice vacation waiting for you.

A first time visitor planning to explore the Nice?

Or a traveller who is returning to the Nice to dive further deep into the culture?

Read on to know about some interesting things to do in Nice with a France Tourist Visa from UK.

5 Unique Things to Do in Nice for an Incredible Vacation

Explore the Hidden Monastère de Cimiez

One of the best places to visit in Nice, the Monastère de Cimiez is a peaceful attraction. You will come across this fascinating spot in the hills of the Cimiez, Nice.

This place is essentially a 16^th century monastery that will take you away from the busy life of the city.Step in to explore the beautiful gardens that will offer a spectacular view of the Nice. In addition to this, you can also check out the sprawling Mediterranean Sea.

While strolling around, you will get to see the historic olive groves and trees that date back 300 years!

Then, there are the adjoining church houses that have stunning artworks of the religion. The local artists pain these beautiful pieces of art. Apart from this, you can also check out the monastery cemetery of the famous artist, Henri Matisse.

Pro-Tip: Try to visit this place in the late afternoon. You will get to bask in the golden light that shines over the gardens. The best part is – Entry is free!

Visit Underground Crypts – Unique Things to do in Nice France

Underneath the beautiful streets of the Nice lies another fascinating place to explore. It is the CrypteArchéologique that has history which dates back to the Roman times.

Did you know? The local authorities discover this place in the 2007. This way when they are constructing the tramway.

You will come across this place beneath the Place Garibaldi which is in the Central Nice. Visitors will get the chance to go down the street level where they can see the historic fortifications. In addition to this, you can also see the aqueducts.

Try to opt for a Guide tour. This will help you to understand the complex history of the Nice through this historic place.

Most of the tourists usually skip this place. However, a 45 minute tour of this attraction will help you to understand more about Nice and its past!

Take a Cooking Class with Local Chefs in Nice!

Grab the chance to experience the Niçoise cuisine authentically, beyond the restaurants. The best way to do this is by joining an interesting cooking class!

You will come across many local chefs who will offer delightful cooking classes:

• Les Petits Farcis–Enjoy a hands-on cooking class with Rosa Jackson, an expert in Niçoise cuisine. The classes will enable you to go on a market tour and enjoy the lunch. As for the cooking seasons, you will learn to prepare traditional dishes. These include the petits farcis and pissaladière.
• Du Goût& Des Autres – Want to make mouth-watering pastries? Opt for this cooking class. The local chef will teach you to make different types of the local pastries!
• Atelier Cuisine Niçoise–You will come across this experience in the Old Nice. In this cooking workshop, enjoy learning the traditional recipes of Niçoise cuisine. You can relish your creations on-site or take them home!

In most of these classes, you may go on market tours to select the local ingredients. Later on, you will learn about making the dishes and also wine pairings or other complementary dishes. This makes for one of the most unique things to do in Nice that you will love!

Go to Château de Bellet –  Popular &Unique Things to do in Nice

The Château de Bellet is essentially a historic winery that you will find on the heights of the Nice. In fact, you will come across this place at the peak of the A.O.C. Bellet appellation. So, get ready to come across some fascinating views of the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea. But, that is not all!

This wine estate covers a whopping 10 hectares of land and produces quality wine. Farmers use local grape varieties like the Braquet, Folle Noire, and Rolle.

Do not miss out on the historic chapel that honours the Agnès Roissard de Bellet. Then, there are the guide tours which will enable you to go to the wine yards. In addition to this, you can enjoy the wine tastings with intimate sessions in the crypt of the chapel. So, when are you booking the France visa appointment to experience this amazing place!

Add Sunset Sea Kayaking for a Perfect Itinerary to Nice!

Want to enjoy a completely different perspective to the captivating Nice?

Go on a kayaking adventure along the coastline of the Nice. But, do this during the evening!

This way, you will get to check out the dramatic sunset views of the Baie des Anges. You will also get to paddle past he hidden coves and the stunning cliffside villas.

Opt for guided tours which will comprise of the stops at the secluded beaches. This will allow you to enjoy the swimming breaks. As for the guides, they will share interesting stories about the coastal landmarks and local maritime history!

Worrying about not having experience of the kayaking?

The expert instructors will provide all the training you need for a hassle-free kayaking experience.

Why wait anymore then? Grab your France Tourist Visa from UK now to get started on the holiday!

What to eat & Where to stay in Nice?

Dive into the Delightful Local Cuisine of Nice

The distinctive cuisine of Nice combines refinement of France with ingredients of the Mediterranean and Italian influences.

Nice has an interesting approach to the dining. The locals give this approach the name “Salade Niçoise”. This includes the use of simple ingredients to prepare the food!

Some of the popular dishes in the Nice comprises the Socca and the Pan Bagnat. Socca is essentially a crispy chickpea pancake. It the perfect seafood to relish while exploring the Nice.

Then, there is the Pan Bagnat which is actually a portable feast. It is a typical Niçoise salad, but, in the form of a sandwich. Apart from this, you can also try out the Pissaladière. It is an onion tart that includes ingredients like the anchovies and olives. With this dish, you can experience the Provençal flavors beautifully.

Did you know? Ratatouille, the popular movie, has an iconic dish. This dish originates in the Nice, but, became popular after the movie released!

Also Read: Must try French Cuisine

Best Neighborhoods for a Wonderful Stay in Nice

There are a few wonderful neighbourhoods in the Nice that you can choose for your stay:

• Vieux Nice (Old Town) – This place charms the visitors with its winding streets and the authentic ambience. This area features a lot of the restaurants, markets and the nightlife which is vibrant. In addition to this, there are the historic buildings that are home to the boutique hotels and apartment rentals. This neighbourhoods get lively at night too. So, if this is something that interests you, then book your stay here!
• Jean-Médecin–If central convenience is what you are after, then this place might tick the right boxes. You will stay close to the shopping areas as well as the transport hubs. As for the hotels, they are modern and can become the perfect bases for exploring Nice.The neighbourhood easily balances the local character with the tourist friendly amenities and the services.
• Carré d’Or–Want a luxurious experience? This place offers many and near the designer shops as well as the upscale restaurants. The hotels in this area boast the Belle Époque architecture along with the elegant furnishings. You can easily access the beach from this neighbourhood which is another plus. The ambience will feel sophisticated and the room prices are usually on the higher side.
• Cimiez– This is an area that is full of the quiet surroundings. You will mostly stay away from the tourist centres. However, you be in a residential space featuring many museums and the captivating Cimiez Monastery. The accommodations include the family-run guesthouses and the apartment rentals boasting views of the gardens!

Make sure to check out all these important things of the Nice Travel Guide 2025 before planning your trip!

How to spend a weekend in Nice?

Day One – Go on Adventure to Explore the Nice City

Start your Nice city journey by visiting the iconic Promenade des Anglais for a relaxing sea walk. Stroll to the ours Saleya market early to see the locals bargain for the fresh produce.

Then, you can spend the morning getting lost in the charming streets of the Vieux Nice. Alternatively, you can climb the Castle Hill for the panoramic views!

In the afternoon, you can relish a delightful lunch full of the Niçoise specialties at a local restaurant. Afterwards, head over to the Matisse Museum to check out and appreciate the artworks.

You can enjoy some pre-drinks before indulging in a traditional Provençal cuisine dinner. Finish off your day with a seaside stroll under the Mediterranean stars!

Day Two – Indulge in the Coastal Experiences of the Nice!

Kickstart your second day with a delicious breakfast at a beachside café while watching the early swimmers. Then, go for a morning boat tour to check out the coastline of the Nice. You can return back to the port for a seafood lunch.

You can spend the afternoon checking out the unique Marc Chagall Museum. Later on, head over to the beautiful Orthodox Cathedral that has Russian historical connections!

In the evening, relish the aperitifs at a rooftop bar that overlooks the Baie des Anges. Cap of your day with a  memorable dinner in the buzzing Rue Bonaparte district!

Budget friendly travel in Nice France – How to plan it?

1). Affordable Accommodations–This takes up a major chunk of your budget. So, you must always for the affordable ones like the hostels or budget hotels. Some may offer the rooftop terraces and the community kitchens, which means additional savings. Airbnbs may come in handy and cheap when you compare to the pricey hotel rooms. If possible, try to stay out of the touristy areas for an affordable stay.

2). Money Saving Tips for Dining –You do not have to drain your budget for great food. Nice has something called the fixed-price “menu du jour” for lunch. This offers the exceptional value for travellers. At the Bakeries, you can find the delicious sandwiches and quiches which are ideal for the picnic lunches. Many of the restaurants may offer early-bird deals before the actual dinner hours start. Make use of all these options to save money during your Nice trip!

3). Go for Free or Low-Cost Activities ­–Most of the public beaches in Nice offer the free access to the Mediterranean sea. Even the popular Promenade des Anglais does not require an entry fee. On the first Sunday of each month, many of the museums in Nice offer the free admission. You can check out the colourful streets of the Vieux Nice without spending a cent. Want to go on an outdoor adventure? Head over to the hiking trails near the Mont Boron. Enjoy breathtaking costal view points!

Conclusion

Nice boasts much more than the famous beaches and the promenade. With careful planning, you can discover layers of the adventure, culture and authentic experiences of the Nice!

The five unique things to do in Nice coupled with some wonderful tips will ensure that you have a great time on your France vacation!

Whether you choose to go to the monasteries or enjoy kayaking, Nice has it all!

Simply use this guide to plan the best Nice trip of your lifetime. Also, do not forget to apply through a trusted France Visa Agent from London for a hassle-free visa experience. So, what are you waiting for? Kick start your Nice travel plans now!

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