Top Free Things to Do in Nice
Nice is a popular tourist destination – after Paris, it has the highest number of hotel rooms of any French city. Unsurprisingly then, there’s a lot to do without spending any money.
1. Play Queen Victoria on Boulevard Cimiez
Architectural Landmark
At the end of the 19th century, people began to winter into Nice from all over Europe and beyond. The grand Boulevard Cimiez was laid out in 1880 and many major hotels were built to house the crowds, like the Grand Hotel the Majestic or The Excelsior Régina Palace, which Queen Victoria loved and where she stayed twice.
2. Pay your respects at Cimiez Cemetery
Monastery, Museum
3. Promenade like the English
Architectural Landmark
4. Chill out on La Coulée Verte
Architectural Landmark
From the seafront at the Promenade des Anglais, two very grand avenues (Avenue Félix Faure and Boulevard Jean Jaurès) sweep inland in a curve. The area between the two has been transformed into a green corridor (la coulée verte) where people picnic, kids play imaginatively on huge dinosaurs, and boat structures and where everyone watches the world go by.
5. Be kooky at Hotel Negresco
Hotel
6. Climb Castle Hill
Natural Feature
There used to be a working castle on the hill above Nice. It’s a perfect opportunity for panoramic shots of the town, a place to propose, have a picnic, or just watch the passing crowds as they climb the hill.
7. Pay homage at Monument aux Morts
Historical Landmark
8. Whet your appetite at the Flower Market (Marché Saleya)
Market, French
9. Hike Mont Boron
Natural Feature
If you want a little hike, head out to Mont Boron, the hill to the east of the town centre. You can swim on the way home or take the bus back.
10. Watch the diving at La Réserve
Natural Feature
La Réserve is a public beach that is popular with locals. It’s a fair walk out of town but worth it to watch the locals jump into the sea from dilapidated diving boards. The authority has banned it but they still do it.
11. Wander the Old Town and Le Vieux Port (Old Port)
Architectural Landmark
Like many of the coastal towns along the French Riviera, Nice’s Old Port is a must-see and forms the lifeblood of the city. It’s where people go to look at the boats. Then take the time to wander Nice’s pastel-coloured houses and cobbled streets of Old Town. It might be touristy but it’s where you’ll find celebrated architecture and family-run restaurants that have been here for years.
12. Learn Nice's legends at Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate
Cathedral
Nice is also home to a plethora of gorgeous views that you can see for free. Check out the Culture Trip guide to the best panoramic vistas in Nice.
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