Nice is the natural landing point for a trip to the French Riviera. Because it's home to the main airport and train station in the region, most visitors to this part of France end up at least passing through Nice. Like any city that attracts a large number of tourists, Nice has its fair share of tourist traps. But, there are also plenty of local restaurants, bakeries, and shops in Nice that are worth your time, appetite, and money. You just have to know where to go!
If you are planning a trip and want to know where I actually eat, drink coffee, shop, and send visiting friends, these are my favorite places in Nice.
Where to Eat in Nice
In Nice, you'll find a wide range of food, from traditional French bistros with daily menus to some great Italian restaurants and lots of casual spots that work well for a quick bite before heading to the beach.
Babel Babel
Babel Babel is one of the places I return to most often with visiting friends. It sits right on the promenade with sea views, but the real reason I love it is more practical: they serve food all day, which is surprisingly rare in France. If someone arrives in the afternoon and we're hungry, but it's still a little too early for dinner, this is usually my first choice. The small plates are good, they serve natural wine, and it feels like a genuinely pleasant place to start off a Nice trip.
Villa Massenet
Villa Massenet is another good dinner option, especially if you want something a little more polished. It's close to the busy Carré d'Or area, but is a higher quality and more comfortable choice than many of the tourist-heavy places nearby. It is not the cheapest meal in town, but the setting is lovely, and the food has consistently been good.
Kalos
When I want something easy and satisfying, Kalos is a great option. Their stuffed pitas, kefta, and souvlaki are consistently delicious, and everything comes with crunchy fresh vegetables that make it feel a bit lighter and healthier than the average quick lunch. Plus, they have a large patio on Rue Bonaparte, which is great for people-watching.
Bubu Burger and Junk
I never expected to eat so many burgers in France, but here we are. Bubu Burger is well located between Old Town and the beach, which makes it convenient if you want something before or after a swim. For smash burgers, Junk is my favorite. I have had their burgers more times than I probably should admit, and they have never disappointed.
The Best Pastries and Coffee in Nice
Every day in France should start with a pastry, and Nice has a few places that are absolutely worth seeking out.
Michel Fiori
For classic French pastries, Michel Fiori is one of my favorite bakeries in Nice. It is not flashy, but they focus on doing the classics properly. The croissants and pain au chocolat are excellent, the bread is very good, and their sandwiches are fresh and affordable if you want to bring something down to the beach.
La Base Bakery
La Base Bakery is one of my favorite pastry spots anywhere in France. The pastries here are among the best I have had anywhere. I am not usually someone who gets excited about cinnamon rolls, but I could happily eat theirs every day. They also make very good bread and have a few interesting drinks on the menu.
Bonjour Amour
If you want something a little more playful or indulgent, Bonjour Amour is a lovely stop. The pastries have a French-meets-Italian feel, and it's the kind of place where everything looks tempting. Their beignets and maritozzi are especially good.
Selah Atelier
Good coffee can be a little harder to find in this part of France than many people expect, which is why I appreciate places like Selah Atelier so much. It is a beautiful café with a calm atmosphere, an extremely kind owner, and consistently excellent coffee. It is one of the first places I think of when someone asks me where to get a proper cup in Nice. It's also located in the Liberation neighborhood, which has a large local market in the mornings.
Le Country Store and Goji Goji
Le Country Store is another dependable coffee stop, especially if you want something casual and strong, plus a scone on the side. Goji Goji is best known for acai bowls, but they also make good coffee and can be a nice lighter option.
What to Do in Nice Between Meals
Of course, the main draw in Nice is the beach, but there are a few other sites worth checking out as well.
Visit Cours Saleya Market
Cours Saleya is one of the classic Nice experiences. Yes, it is touristy, but it is also beautiful and lively, especially if you are not used to markets like this. On most days, you will find flowers, produce, and local products, but on Mondays, the market turns into an antique market, which can lead to some interesting and special finds. It feels very South of France: a little glamorous, a little theatrical, and very chic.
Wineries
You know it's rosé all day in the South of France, but there is actually a local wine appellation in Nice, AOP Bellet. There are only a handful of wineries in this appellation, but they are close enough to the center of Nice to visit in an afternoon. Château de Cremat is the easiest to reach in a cab, and they have a lovely terrace where you can sit and enjoy a glass or a tasting.
Museums
Nice also has its fair share of art museums. The Matisse museum is particularly interesting for art lovers. There is also an Asian Arts Museum, as well as the Chagall Museum and the city's Fine Arts Museum.
Walk Through the Port or Up to Colline du Château
I often take visitors for a walk around the Port to look at the boats and enjoy that more open, breezy part of the city. Another favorite is Colline du Château, where you can get sweeping views over Nice and the sea. It is one of the best viewpoints in the city and a good reminder of just how beautifully positioned Nice really is.
Spend Time at the Beach
The beach is one of the biggest draws in Nice, but it helps to know what to expect. These are pebble beaches, and not the gentle kind. Bring water shoes unless you enjoy suffering. If someone is dreaming of soft sand, I usually suggest Antibes instead. And if the mood is more beach club than public beach, Cannes is a good option. Nice does have beach clubs too, and some are perfectly pleasant, but if you are already paying for a lounger, I think Cannes has the edge.
Where to Shop in Nice
I am not a huge shopper, but there are a few places in Nice that I genuinely think are worth browsing.
Trésors Publics
This is one of my favorite places for souvenirs in Nice because the products actually feel useful and well made. They showcase "Made in France" brands from all over the country, making it a good alternative to the usual generic tourist gifts.
Côtes et Lin
If you want linen clothing that helps you look like you belong on the Riviera, Côtes et Lin is a good stop. The pieces are stylish, simple, and fairly priced for the quality.
Good Design Store
Good Design Store is worth a browse for anyone who likes home goods, books, ceramics, or thoughtful design objects. It is the kind of store where you will probably find something you did not know you needed.
The Best Apéro and Gelato in Nice
Some places in Nice are better for a drink than a full meal, and that distinction matters.
Le Plongeoir for Apéro
Le Plongeoir is one of the most photographed places in Nice, and understandably so. It sits dramatically on a rock in the sea and looks exactly like the sort of place people imagine when they think of the Riviera. But while the restaurant gets all the attention, the smarter move is often the small bar on the lower level. Come around 5 p.m. for apéro, and you get the setting, the sea, and all the atmosphere without committing to dinner there.
Barrique, Rouge, and Les Beaux Joueurs
For wine bars, I like Barrique, Rouge, and Les Beaux Joueurs. All three are good options depending on your mood and where you happen to be in the city.
Azzurro and Cesar Milano
Gelato is serious business, and Nice has no shortage of options. My picks are Azzurro in Old Town, which is cash only, and Cesar Milano on Jean Médecin. Both are worth knowing about, especially after dinner or a long walk.
Easy Day Trips from Nice
One of the best things about staying in Nice is that it works so well as a base. Some of the prettiest towns on the French Riviera are easy to visit from here.
Saint-Paul de Vence
If I have a visitor who is interested in art, I almost always suggest a day-trip to Saint-Paul de Vence. The village itself is beautiful, with views stretching from the mountains to the sea, but the bigger draw is the concentration of galleries and the long artistic history of the place. A meal at La Colombe d'Or is a must. Over the years, artists like Picasso and Matisse exchanged works for meals or stays here, and today the property is filled with extraordinary original art.
Antibes
Antibes is one of my favorite day trips from Nice, and in my opinion, one of the most beautiful places in this part of France. It would honestly be a shame to come to the region and not see it. The Old Town is gorgeous, Le P'tit Cageot is a good dinner option, Lilian Bonnefoi is worth a pastry stop, and Gusto is my all-time favorite gelato in the area.
Monaco
Monaco makes for a fun day trip simply because it still feels novel to go to another country "just for the day." My favorite stop there is Seaside Juicery for coffee or something lighter, and for lunch by the water, Giacomo is a good choice.