Best Things to Do in Nice, France Year-Round

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Jan 22, 2025

Nice, located on the French Riviera, offers Mediterranean views, history, and culture. It’s a place where the sun kisses the sea and every season offers its unique magic.

Are you planning a trip and wondering what things to do in Nice year-round? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to explore what it has to offer.

Sunset over Nice with a skyline of hills and city lights reflecting on the water

Photo by Marcus Löfvenberg on Unsplash

Top Things to Do in Nice Year-Round

What to do during spring in Nice?

Spring in Nice is truly a magical time as the city awakens after the quieter winter months and there are plenty of things to do. The weather is just perfect for exploring, with flowers blooming everywhere, creating a truly lovely backdrop for your trip.

Why not start with a gentle walk or bike ride along the iconic Promenade des Anglais? This famous 7-kilometer boulevard, created in the 19th century, is part of the city. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy beautiful Mediterranean views.

Best Things to Do in Nice

Image by Prosag-Media from Pixabay

You’ll also find plenty to do if you like parks and gardens, as this season brings them even more color and life. Make sure you check out places like the magnificent Parc Phœnix with its themed gardens and the impressive ‘Green Diamond’ greenhouse. It costs only €5.50 for adults and kids can even enter for free.

Things to do in Nice: Parc Phoenix

Cette photo a été prise par André ALLIOT ., CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you want culture, don’t miss the Marc Chagall National Museum. There, you can explore his amazing, biblical-themed masterpieces. For a really authentic experience, consider renting a bike, there are lots of options and cycling along the coastline offers a fantastic and unique way to enjoy Nice’s beauty.

What to do during summer in Nice

Summer is a truly fantastic time for soaking up the best of the French Riviera, a haven for both relaxation and fun! The days in Nice offer endless things to do by the Mediterranean Sea.

First off, you absolutely have to enjoy the gorgeous beaches that line the coast. Here, you can unwind on the famous pebble beaches with a good book. Or, you can refresh yourself with a dip in the clear waters. The average water temperature is a comfortable 23°C (73°F) in summer, so, you are set for a pleasant experience. You have access to free beaches like “Plage Publique de Beau Rivage”, or many amenities at one of the numerous private beaches for a small fee.

A bustling pebble beach in Nice with sunbathers and turquoise waters.

Dennis G. Jarvis, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

When the sun goes down, Nice completely changes once again, becoming a hub of energy and fun that extends into the early morning hours. In addition to all the awesome bars and clubs, the summer season is also well-known for hosting great events such as the “Nice Jazz Festival”. The “Place Masséna” or the “Théâtre de Verdure” plays host to various top musicians during the month of July.

To really explore this place to its fullest make sure you take time to discover the old town, “Vieux Nice”. Stroll the little streets lined with local boutiques and Baroque churches. You can not go home without tasting all the food on offer, like Socca and Pissaladière from places such as “Cours Saleya market”!

Things to do in Nice: A live performance at the Nice Jazz Festival

Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

And it is always worth taking time to appreciate all that the Bay of Nice has to offer by experiencing some of the many boat tours or water sport options available such as jet skiing, or sailing and of course, the views can’t be beat.

What to do during autumn in Nice?

As the summer crowds start to fade away, Nice becomes a more tranquil destination. To start with, make sure you visit the iconic Castle Hill (Colline du Château), where you will find peaceful calm among some breathtaking views overlooking Nice. There is a gentle path you can follow to get up to the top or for a slightly easier way you could use the free elevator at Rue des Ponchettes. It’s a super spot for getting some unique pictures or even just a place to sit and take everything in.

A cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery in Nice, France.

Fraselpantz at en.wikipedia, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Autumn brings tasty treats like mushrooms, chestnuts, and figs to restaurants and markets. You can even try some local wine from the unique “Bellet region”!

On the art and culture side, make sure you visit the Matisse Museum. It houses a truly unique and vast collection of art pieces by the great artist “Henri Matisse” himself and will allow you a greater understanding of his own story, all set within a grand villa and surrounding tranquil gardens.

Finally, autumn in Nice provides a great opportunity to explore its history. You can also explore its Baroque churches, such as the Nice Cathedral. Take your time and just get lost wandering through the Old Town (Vieux Nice) as there are always unique buildings and landmarks to discover at every corner!

What to do during winter in Nice?

Winter in Nice boasts a milder climate compared to most other cities that have a similar latitude. Meaning you can be comfortable all the time during this lovely “off-season” break. In fact, the average temperature during winter in Nice is 7.9°C (46.2°F) to 14.1°C (57.4°F). It’s a welcome change if you’re coming from much of Europe!

First up, make plans to experience the incredible Nice Carnival, as this is one of the most renowned events during winter worldwide! Taking place in 2025, from February 12 to March 2, and is based on the theme “King of the Oceans”. Some other important events during winter are the “Grand Charivari” and also the “Flower Parades”. This makes it a truly unique and special winter vacation experience for everyone looking for the best things to do in Nice.

A live performance at the Nice Jazz Festival stage featuring a band

Jesmar, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There are still plenty of ways you can enjoy the great art and history too, Nice has numerous museums such as the Museum of Archaeology, with extensive archaeological exhibits that attract the interest of visitors. Always take time to visit the interactive museums. The “Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC)” is a great place to start.

Pro Tip: To top it all off, go on a day trip to the French Alps to do some skiing and snowboarding, it's not too far from the coastline, with some nearby destinations like "Isola 2000".

Expert Tips for for Visiting Nice in France Year-Round

The best way to enjoy everything it offers is to explore on foot. If you want to see more local areas, use the efficient trams and buses!
You will also not want to miss out on experiencing some of the local cuisine: the popular Socca or the Pissaladière, explore so many local restaurants such as Les Garçons and Le Bistro du Fromager.
A few basic phrases in French can help you connect with locals. They appreciate it if you try and add authenticity to your trip.
Try planning a trip to the markets early in the morning and don’t forget to take an evening stroll along the Promenade des Anglais so that you will fully experience the local culture, above all else remember to take your time, have lots of fun, and embrace all the adventures along the way!

What is the best time to visit Nice in France?

Nice is truly a year-round destination with enjoyable weather throughout the whole calendar! For some peace and quiet, try the shoulder seasons. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are best. They have milder temperatures and smaller crowds. It’s completely up to you when you choose to visit, it is all about personal preference and the things you want to do in Nice.

A panoramic view of the Mediterranean coast and nearby villas

Photo by AH Morgan on Unsplash

Where to Do Shopping: Local Markets or Luxury Boutiques?

Nice offers you everything when it comes to shopping, whether it be local markets or some of the great global luxury outlets. For more local unique purchases remember our suggestions and make sure you experience the “Cours Saleya” market within “Vieux Nice”, where you’ll find fresh produce, unique artisan crafts, and lots of other local delicacies. It is an ideal spot to grab some authentic mementos! If however, it is a more high-end shopping experience that you prefer then places such as “Avenue Jean Médecin” and “Rue Paradis” are the places for you, here you’ll be surrounded by the very best of designer and luxury brands.