Nice, France: What to do [2023]

January

What to do in Nice in January:

The cool weather in January makes beach going difficult, so you are best off focusing on the museums.

The Musee des Beaux-Arts de Nice is a great art museum that features works from many different periods and styles. The Musee Matisse is another worthwhile art museum that is dedicated to the work of famed artist Henri Matisse. For those interested in history, the Musee National Message Biblique Marc Chagall tells the story of the Bible through the artwork of Marc Chagall.

If you're still not tired of the museums, Palais Lascaris, built in 17th century, is a musical instrument museum that houses over 500 different artefacts. Many rare instruments and other items are here on display.

For something a bit different, spend some time at Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, one of the city's oldest and most famous churches.

Finally, to see the sights without having to walk around outside, take a bus tour. Some of the landmarks will see are the Nice Cathedral, Nice Opera House and more.

February

What to do in Nice in February:

It's cool but manageable in Nice in February.

In late February (or early March), the city of Nice bustles with activity as the Carnival comes to town. There are bands, parades, and fireworks, as well as some traditions, such as the burning of the king. The event usually lasts for around 2 weeks, and there's no shortage of things to do.

In addition to Carnival, you can enjoy the top museums (such as the Musee Matisse and the Musee National Message Biblique Marc Chagall). You can also enjoy strolling the old town and visiting parks, although some will still be closed for the season.

For an overview of the city, try a Segway Sightseeing Tour. While riding on a gyropode Segway, you can see landmarks such as the Promenade des Anglais, Old Town and more.

For ski aficionados, hop on the Nice Ski Bus. This bus takes you from the beach in order to visit the Valberg ski resort. At the ski resort, you can do lots of things like snowboarding, skiing or even a hike.

Check out our article on what to wear and what to pack for Nice in February.

March

What to do in Nice in March:

In March, you may be able to catch the tail end of Carnival, depending on the year. You can also attend the Race to the Sun bicycle race. It's still a bit early for beachgoing, and many parks are still closed, but it's a great time to stroll the city and visit the museums.

See the city's highlights on a Segway Sightseeing Tour. While riding on a Segway, you can see landmarks such as the Promenade des Anglais, Old Town and more.

Finally, for a memorable meal, consider a Taste of the Mediterranean experience. Your hosts, Christophe and Nicolas, invite you into their home to cook you a nice three-course meal. Aside from eating local cuisine, beer and wine beverages are also provided.

Check out our article on what to wear and what to pack for Nice in March.

April

What to do in Nice in April:

In April, the parks open up and spring gets into season. You can do the Cliff Walk along the coast or see thousands of species of plants in the Parc Phoenix.

Tennis fans should check out the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters Tennis Tournament, a quick trip from Nice. Early round tickets are usually more affordable.

A more offbeat event to consider is the Nice Tattoo Festival. This is a festival for tattoo lovers. You can go to get new tattoos for yourself, or meet up with talented tattoo artists from around the country.

If you have some extra time, take a train tour through the Alps. In this tour you will see some of the best locations that the region has to offer.

Check out our article on what to wear and what to pack for Nice in April.

May

What to do in Nice in May:

By May, most of the city's attractions are open. If you're lucky, you can get tickets to attend the nearby Cannes film festival.

For the rest of us, check out the the Dime-on Music Festival. This event is held at the olive grove on Cimiez hill, which is an historic site. You can expect to see and hear both local and international artists at this festival.

Race car fans might want to hop a short train or bus ride and attend the annual Monaco Grand Prix. You will get a chance to see some of the best Formula 1 racers in the world racing in a great looking location. A unique experience to enjoy if you are into motorsport racing.

In the evenings, walk the beaches (although it's still too cold to get in the water), and enjoy the beautiful parks in the area, including the Colline du Château, a former castle with an amazing view high above Nice.

Finally, experience the local cuisine with a walking food tour. While walking with a tour guide, you will visit the city's best food shops and delicatessens. Not only that, but you can sample lots of different food and wine!

Check out our article on what to wear and what to pack for Nice in May.

June

What to do in Nice in June:

By June beaches start to fill up in Nice, and summer tourists begin to fill the city. You have plenty of options for activities this month.

There are music festivals all over France in June and July, but you'll probably spend most of your time on the beach.

If you do have time for other activities, check out the Fete du Port. This is a free local festival featuring food, music, dancing and even some fireworks. A great fun event to go to in the Summer months.

For a look at the jet-set life, hop a ferry from Nice to St Tropez. The ferry traverses the French Riviera to St Tropez on a full-day trip. St Tropez offers grand restaurants, stores and more.

Check out our article on what to wear and what to pack for Nice in June.

July

What to do in Nice in July:

July is peak tourist time for Nice, where the beaches are full and activities are in full swing. If you can't get a spot on the beach, consider attending one of the music festivals (such as the Nice Jazz Festival), or take in some of the museums.

To take advantage of the nice Summer weather, you might want to take a Cruise Trip from Nice. In this trip you will get to see the beautiful Mediterranean coast from the water. You will also get to hear about the French Riviera's rich history.

Movie fans will want to check out the Open-Air Cinema on Cimiez. This is a free event, and many of the films are shown in English.

Check out our article on what to wear and what to pack for Nice in July.

August

What to do in Nice in August:

August is packed in Nice. For a break from sun bathing,stroll the old town, where you can still find a tourist-free corner. You can enjoy the outdoor markets, or take in some culture at one of Nice's smaller museums.

For an overview of the city, try a Segway Sightseeing Tour. While riding on a gyropode Segway, you can see landmarks such as the Promenade des Anglais, Old Town and more.

Consider splurging and booking a private boat tour. August has the perfect weather for you to travel by boat as you take a tour of the French Riviera. Your trip starts from Nice as you head to either Monaco or Cannes.

For something different, you might want to attend the Cannes Festival of Pyrotechnic Art. You can see various awesome fireworks from the seafront featuring pyrotechnics from Poland, Norway, Italy, Canada, Switzerland and France. Music from film soundtracks also accompany the show.

Check out our article on what to wear and what to pack for Nice in August.

September

What to do in Nice in September:

September is shoulder season in Nice, so crowds disappear and the beaches become empty. You can generally still enjoy some sunbathing on the beach.

If you're up for a challenge, enter the Prom Swim Open Water Swim. This is a swim across the Nice waterfront. Races include 1km, 2km, 5 km and 10km. There is even a 500m race for kids.

For something less active, attend the annual Cannes Yachting Festival. This is a 5 day event featuring around 600 different boats, including motor yachts, superyachts, catamarans, tenders and sailing yachts.

And don't miss a wine tour. This is a private wine tour so you will only be accompanied by your friends or family members. Aside from getting a behind the scenes view of wine making, you will taste several different wines as well.

Check out our article on what to wear and what to pack for Nice in September.

October

What to do in Nice in October:

By October, many of Nice's outdoor activities begin to shut down. The cooler weather means that you can still walk the Promenade des Anglais, but you will need a light jacket or windbreaker.

The Nice Opera season is in full swing, so it's a great time to see a show, and of course, you can always check out the museums.

Film fans should check out the Nice Short Film Festival. Even though the films aren't long, this does not mean that they lack in quality. Around 40 films are are showcased, and many are open to the public.

And make sure to try your hand at fragrance making at a perfume workshop. This is a workshop that takes place at the Molinard perfume boutique. You will learn more about how perfume is made and you can even take home a vial of perfume that is hand-made.

Check out our article on what to wear and what to pack for Nice in October.

November

What to do in Nice in November:

November is still a good time to do outdoor activities. But you should plan to spend time at the museums, such as Musée Masséna, or the beautiful religious buildings, such as Monastère de Cimiez.

Spend some time browsing at the Cours Saleya Market. This is a nice market at the heart of Old Town and there are tons of things on sale. There's flowers, food, and lots more on offer here for most days.

To get a taste of the local nightlife, do a bar crawl and clubbing event. This is a bar crawl where you'll visit different venues and do some after hours clubbing.

Finally, visit the Marc Chagall National Museum. This museum houses many of Chagall's biblical-themed works. Many of these are famous large paintings. The outside of the museum also has a nice garden for you to look at too.

Check out our article on what to wear and what to pack for Nice in November.

December

What to do in Nice in December:

December is cool and rainy, so you will spend much of your time indoors. There are several museums, both large and small, to visit, as well as the opera.

Don't miss the Nice Christmas Markets. Aside from ice rinks and a big Ferris Wheel, there are many shops in Nice that sell Christmas ornaments, food and more.

For outdoor fun, go ice skating in Monaco.

Finally, consider a Guided Tour by electric Pedicab. You get to explore the city thanks to a knowledgeable guide. You will see the likes of attractions, bars, restaurants and other places that the city has to offer.

Check out our article on what to wear and what to pack for Nice in December.