Sightseeing in Nice: so much to see and so little time!
To help you refine your itinerary, here are our picks on what to see in and around Nice, including insider tips on the more standard sights, suggestions on more obscure sightseeing fare, and a few stories to liven things up!
Museums
The Cote d’Azur boasts a wealth of amazing museums, from art (Matisse, Chagall, Picasso…) to history (Roman ruins, the Garibaldi Crypt, cave man digs…) to nature (the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco…).
Here’s our rundown of the best art museums and the most interesting history and science museums, including how to get there, closing days, prices and museum passes, what not to miss and what else to see while you’re there.
Churches
Old Nice has 9 churches in just a single square mile, and from the most opulent to the most obscure, each has its own quirks and surprising stories. Here’s what’s behind all that stained glass…
Best Gardens
From manicured French estates, flowery Italian-style gardens, a lush botanic jungle, a forested oasis, to cactus and even a little-known bird sanctuary; here’s where to find your secret garden in Nice.
Best Views in Nice
The best views in Nice and farther up the coast: some are free, some need a car, some come with a drink, some are best suited for a picnic, and some are even Michelin-starred. Including best bus rides for stupendous scenery.
Monuments
There are some pretty interesting back stories behind some of Nice’s monuments, including the Apollo statue at Place Massena, the Chateau (that has no chateau!), the Catherine Segurane monument, and more… Click here for the quick Fascinating Facts on Nice that will give you the lowdown on the major sights and the must-sees that you might otherwise miss.
Cemeteries
If you’re game to go off the well-worn tourist path, don’t miss the stunningly beautiful Cemetery on the Chateau, which is like an ethereal sculpture garden, and then the very poignant Jewish cemetery next door including the new Wall of the Deported.
Up on Cimiez, behind the Monastery, you’ll come upon a beautiful little hillside cemetery, where you can find Matisse’s surprisingly sober tomb as well as that of artist Raoul Dufy.
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Photo credits: Matisse Museum by Tubinata, Sainte-Reparate by Rudolf Simon, Villa Massena by Georges Jansoone, all licensed under Creative Commons. Sainte-Rita church, View from Hotel Maybourne, Apollo statue by Best of Nice.