Bonjour Nice La Belle!
With your clear air, soft Mediterranean light, beachfront promenade and seductive Italianate old quarter, your status as one of France’s top tourist destinations is secure. However, your beauty and glamour can come with a price tag to match.
But here’s the good news. Visitors can enjoy your attractions without spending a single euro.
So don that sunhat, sunglasses and an air of sophistication, and discover five fantastic free things to do in Nice in one day.
My Favourite Free Things to Do in Nice, France
I visited Nice with a group of friends to celebrate the 50th birthday of a friend who was living there at the time. When we weren’t eating and drinking, we managed a surprising amount of sightseeing, including a day trip to Monaco.
These were my favourite free things to do in Nice. If you need it, here’s a map to help you on your way. Just click here or on the image itself to send to your phone.
1. Wander around the old town (La Vielle Ville)
With its warren of pedestrianised alleys crammed with local shops, galleries, restaurants and boutiques, NIce’s old town (La Vielle Ville) is enchanting. The best thing that you can do is wander without an agenda.
A good starting point is the food and flower market in Cours Saleya. From here, head down one of the streets leading away from this square.
There’s no chance that you will get lost. The old city does not cover a large area and you will always find your way back to the seafront or one of the main squares. If you are not pressed for time, explore as many streets as possible.
The old town’s Italianate architecture is no accident.
Nice has been part of France only since the Treaty of Turin in 1860. Italy ceded the city to repay French assistance in their defence against the Austrians. All street names are in French and Nissart, the local dialect of Nice and Monaco.
2. Visit the Cathedrale Sainte-Reparate
The religious heart of Nice, the Cathedrale Sainte-Reparate, was completed in 1699. It is in Place Rosetti in the Old Town and its cupola, clad in brightly coloured tiles, is a city landmark. Inside, it is in-your-face grandiose Baroque with ten ornate chapels dedicated to different saints.
But who was Saint Reparte?
She was a 15-year-old girl who lived in Palestine in the third century. Condemned to be burnt alive for her religious beliefs, she was saved by the rain only to be beheaded. It is said that her soul turned into a dove and flew away.
Her mortal remains were placed in a boat which was blown by angels’ breath across the sea to arrive in Nice. This is how the Baie des Anges (Angel Bay) gets its name.
3. Climb up to Castle Hill (Colline du Chateau)
Dominating the eastern side of the old town of Nice, Castle Hill is something of a misnomer.
The original Chateau de Nice has long since crumbled away, and you are left with a park area at the hill’s summit. At 92 meters above sea level, there are panoramic views of the old town and Promenade des Anglais to the west, and Nice Port to the east.
To get there, it’s an easy climb along 200 or so steps, passing an artificial waterfall (Cascade Dijon) to reach the hilltop plateau. There is also a free lift that will take you most of the way. But where’s the fun in that?
4. Watch the world go by in Place Masséna
One of the best free things to do in Nice – or in most cities come to that – is to watch the world go by. At the heart of Nice, adjoining the old town and the beach, Place Masséna is where it’s happening.
With its sublime Sun Fountain, red terraced buildings and black and white marble mosaic floor, it is a great arena for people-watching. Just linger over a drink on the terrace of one of its many restaurants or cafes.
Or if you are in the mood for window shopping, check out the stores along Jean Médecin Avenue, which bisects Place Masséna and is Nice’s main shopping street.
5. Take a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais
Built in the 1820s and running the length of the Baie des Anges (the Bay of Angels), the Promenade des Anglais is Nice’s main artery.
Couples stroll hand in hand. Joggers pound its 7km length. Rollerbladers and skateboarders weave through families taking in the sea air.
If active pursuits aren’t your thing, sit in one of the iconic chaises blueus (blue chairs) under the shade of a pergola or palm tree. Or admire the public art, including a mini Statue of Liberty.
Unless you choose to have a drink at one of the many cafes lining the beachfront, this won’t cost you a cent.
Relaxing on one of Nice’s public beaches is also free. But a word of warning; Nice does not have the Med’s best beach. It is pebbly – not much sand here folks – which makes lounging and getting in and out of the sea uncomfortable.
A thick mat to lie on and water shoes are the order of the day. Also in the summer months, the beach is rammed with locals and visitors alike.
How Long Do You Need in Nice?
You could easily spend a week exploring Nice, soaking up the sun on its 7 km-long beach and taking day trips to nearby towns and Monaco. However, one day in Nice is enough time to take in the city’s highlights and to get a sense of its old-school glamour.
Getting There
Nice is well served by air, road and rail links. Nice airport is 7km from the city centre. It is also a popular stop for Mediterranean cruises.
Thanks to an extension to the city’s excellent tram system, you can take the tram between Nice airport and the city centre. Pick up the tram in front of Terminal 1, gate A0 or Terminal 2, gate A2.
Tram line 2 runs between Nice Airport and the Jean Médecin stop in the city centre. The journey time is 24 minutes from Terminal 1 and 28 minutes from Terminal 2. If you need to get to the Old Town, simply change onto tram line 1 here and alight at either Opéra – Vieille Ville or Cathédrale – Vieille Ville.
Trams run roughly every 8 minutes. Check the timetable here.
The No. 12 bus leaves from the Aéroport / Promenade” stop in front of Terminal 1 (on the southern carriageway nearest the airport) and stops at the Promenade des Anglais, the Place Masséna and the Vieille Ville.
Getting Around
As many places of interest in Nice are relatively close together, it is easy to walk between them. However, if you want to travel further afield, or your accommodation is not central, Nice’s integrated bus and tram system is your best bet.
Find out all you need to know about using public transport in Nice here.
Alternatively, why not use Nice’s growing network of cycle paths and rent a bicycle for an eco-friendly way of seeing the city? The distinctive Vélobleu self-service bikes, available from over 160 bike stations, make this super easy.
Electric bikes are also available.
PS. If you’ve found this Nice travel guide helpful, Pin it to read later!
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.
Thank you for this. I live here in Nice for the past 10 years and it is always new to me to see Nice. There are a lot to be surprised when you visit Nice. I wilive and be old and die here in Nice.
Lucky you! Nice must be a great place to live. When I visited, a friend was teaching out there and showed me around.
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment :)