What to see in Nice in 1 day - 16 most interesting places

The old French resort is often visited by tourists passing through. But all the charm of Nice will open to you only if you collect information about the sights of the city in advance. Then you can plan your time and visit exactly those places, the description of which interests you. What to see in Nice in 1 day on your own? You can do quite a lot.

English Embankment

This place should be visited first. After all, the embankment is the real "soul" of the city. It is very long - about 7 km, and, perhaps, you will pass only part of it, but you will have time to see a lot. The embankment was built in the 19th century. The desire to have such a walking area was expressed by the British, who bought plots of land near the sea. Today there are always a lot of people here, both locals and tourists. People come here to take a walk, breathe in the sea air, “to look at others and show themselves” - as the proverb says.

The embankment stretches from the Bay of Angels to the airport itself. It is here that the main attractions of Nice are located. You can also see the wonderful beauty of the villas and hotels. The embankment remembers many famous people. Friedrich Nietzsche, members of the ruling Romanov dynasty, walked here, now you can meet theater and film stars here. And of course, there are cafes and restaurants where you can have a bite to eat, and shops selling souvenirs.

Phoenix Park

A beautiful place that can be considered not only as a local attraction, but also as a place to relax. The park is located by the sea and covers an area of ​​approximately 70 thousand m2. It is both a botanical garden and a wonderful zoo and a promenade area. Here are presented 20 climatic zones - and, accordingly, the plants growing in these zones are collected. Tourists will see ferns and olives, cacti and citrus trees, cypresses, agaves and much more.

The guests are greatly impressed by the tropical greenhouse, which can be viewed all year round: the plants here are under the dome. Here are collected many orchids, as well as flowers and vines that naturally grow in the jungle. A huge number of footpaths, beautiful landscapes, air infused with the scent of flowers - all this is "Phoenix". Here you rest in body and soul. The open-air pond is inhabited by swans, pelicans, and various ducks.

Botanical Garden

Another place that is definitely worth going to if you love scenic views. The park is located on a hill. From here you can admire the Var River and the Esterel Mountains. The botanical garden also features various climatic zones. But here the plants are not only decorative. There are aromatic, medicinal, and even poisonous species here. The latter are worth getting to know in order to avoid them in nature. Scientists study the plants of the botanical garden - their life cycle, from the appearance of the first shoots to wilting.

Thus, nature has the most natural look here - you can see both young plants and old ones. It is very interesting to see trees and shrubs from the Americas, Australia and Africa. Especially impressive are the exotic sage species with very beautiful flowers. The entrance to the botanical garden is free, if you wish, an excursion can be organized for you.

Place Massena

This square, located in the city center, will make you think of Paris. It is difficult to leave here, you want to walk and look at everything. The square appeared two centuries ago. And immediately became very popular. The reason is its location: between the old part of Nice and the street that leads to the train station. Once the square was named after King Charles Albert. French troops led by Marshal Massena occupied the city in 1792.

The marshal himself was a native of Nice. Hence the new name appeared. The Payon River, which once divided the area in two, now flows underground, chained in a metal pipe. Place Massena is paved with stone slabs, light alternating with dark, so that the surface resembles a chessboard.

Previously, there was a road along which cars drove, today a high-speed tram line passes through the square, the rest of the territory is given to pedestrians. The fountain of the Sun, surrounded by bronze figures symbolizing the planets, attracts attention. Tourists are also photographed next to another composition - seated men representing the continents are placed on seven pillars. And this composition is called "Dialogue in Nice".

Albert I garden

You don't have to go far to visit this garden. It is located between the Promenade des Anglais and Place Massena. I can't even believe that such a quiet and harmonious corner can be located in the city center. This beautiful garden does not amaze with a variety of plant species, the main place is occupied by palm trees and roses.

Nevertheless, everything here is very thought out and refined, because this is one of the oldest gardens in the state, it was laid out in the 19th century, and received its present name in 1914. It was Albert I who became famous for his determination, fortitude and faith in victory during the First World War, when France fought with Germany. At first there was only a park, then sculptures and fountains began to appear.

There is a music kiosk - it was erected in the middle of the 19th century, when Nice became part of France. The Triton fountain is beautiful, the busts of famous people attract attention, the Venet Arch of black metal is unusual and beautiful. Its height is 19 m, and the arch symbolizes the harmonious connection between contemporary art and nature. You can come here with children - there is a playground for them. Numerous slides, merry-go-rounds, communication with peers - no doubt all this will appeal to your kid.

Opera theatre

The opera house can be viewed from the outside - the building itself is very beautiful. And if you have time, try to get to one of the performances. The most famous artists of the world perform on the stage. The theater is located in the city center, not far from the embankment. Construction began at the end of the 18th century, initiated by the Marquis Alli-Maccarani, a great connoisseur of opera.

Almost immediately, the theater became very popular - both in Nice itself and beyond. Unfortunately, a century later, while the opera Lucia de Lammemour was staged on the stage, there was a fire that caused great damage to the building. It took several years to recover. The theater opened its doors to the public again in 1885. The old building is shaped like a horseshoe. This is symbolic - a horseshoe brings happiness.

Paintings and frescoes can be seen on the walls. The first performance staged after the reconstruction was the opera Aida. In the 20th century, the theater area was expanded. And as before, fans of opera music rush here to enjoy the voices of famous performers, masterfully executed decorations and the very atmosphere of the theater.

Hotel "Negresco"

The famous hotel has long been a symbol of Nice. It was built in 1913 - and it is difficult to list all the famous people who have stayed there since then. Among the guests of "Negresco" were Ernest Hemingway and Coco Chanel, the most famous artists and painters of their time.

Both Marlene Dietrich and Salvador Dali liked the hotel. The beautiful white building resembles a palace. Its rooms and suites are unique - no two are alike. Various styles are presented here - from Louis XIII to modern times. Four-poster beds sit side by side with flat-screen TVs.

Negresco has excellent restaurants and bars - you can visit them, and at the same time admire the interior interiors.You will have the feeling that you are in a museum. And, of course, the most exquisite dishes and drinks are served here. If you are interested in something - ask, the staff speaks Russian. Walking around the hotel, you may meet some of its famous guests.

Old city

This is the oldest part of Nice, it is a real labyrinth of narrow streets. Small restaurants, artisan shops, exhibitions of artists - so many things here! Please note that it is most convenient to wander here on foot: the car will not pass, and every now and then you will have to raise and lower the bike manually up the steps.

The old part of Nice is a triangle between the Castle Hill, the embankment and Place Garibaldi. It was here that the city was located in the 17th century. Women washed clothes in the Payon River, there was also a market, and shops, and residential buildings. Until now, there are two parallel lives - the local population and tourists. The inhabitants of the old part of Nice go to bed relatively early, shutting their windows.

And in the morning the hostesses go to the market, the shop owners open the doors. Tourists walk here until late at night. They are mesmerized by the beauty of buildings, the romance of narrow streets, the inexpressible charm of old churches. It is always cool here, even in hot summer a fresh breeze blows. You can advise to go to the Lascari Palace or climb Bellanda Tower, which should be used as an observation deck.

Cathedral of Saint Reparata

Magnificent catholic cathedral located in the old part of Nice. It is crowned with a Latin cross, which makes us remember Italy. The elegant facade is decorated in the Baroque style, the dome is covered with tiles. The cathedral was built on the site of an old church dedicated to the same saint. It was consecrated at the end of the 17th century, and the facade was given its present appearance in the 19th century. The bell tower was added in the middle of the 18th century. Be sure to visit the cathedral, inside it is also very beautiful.

The rich decor, the dome, symbolizing paradise - all this makes a great impression. Saint Reparata is considered the patroness of the city. She was killed for her Christian faith in Palestine, and her body, resting in a boat, ended up in Nice with the help of angels. Therefore, one of the bays in the city is called the Bay of Angels. Above the altar, which appeared here in the 17th century, you can see the image of St. Reparata. There are also 10 exquisite chapels in the cathedral, decorated with beautiful paintings and frescoes.

Flower market

The market is located on Cours Saleya street. It opens early in the morning, but one must take into account that on Mondays they sell not flowers here, but various antiques. This is also very interesting. On all other days, you can wander around the market, enjoying the aromas of flowers, spices, fruits, fresh bread.

If you come here early in the morning, you will be able to buy buds that have not yet blossomed, the freshest vegetables and fruits, buns fresh from the oven. Show up in the evening - get goods at a significant discount. Cut flowers, bulbs, seeds and seedlings are sold here. They offer a great variety of overseas spices. Nearby there are cafes and restaurants where you can eat.

Castle hill

The Castle Hill can be reached by lift, by a special small train or on foot. The height of the hill is less than 100 m, so even children can “climb”. But you will be rewarded with a wonderful view of Nice. Napoleon the Third, having visited here, claimed that he had never seen a more beautiful landscape. From here you can see: the bay, the embankment, the port and the city itself.

There is no castle here, although once it really was and played an important role in the defense of the city. In the middle of the 16th century, it was besieged by French-Turkish troops, later the Duke of Savoy restored and strengthened the defenses. But the troops of Louis the Fourteenth in the early 18th century turned the castle into ruins. In 1830, a park was laid out on the hill - by order of the King of Sardinia Charles. Felix. Over the years, the place has become more and more beautiful.

Today there are many alleys, trees create shade, you can sit on one of the benches, breathing in the aromas of flowers and pine needles. There are also cafes that always sell refreshing drinks and sweets for children. There is also a beautiful large waterfall, the ruins of the fortress walls have been preserved. The hillside cemetery, where many famous people are buried, is also worth visiting. For example, Alexander Herzen.

Church of Notre Dame de Nice

This is a relatively "young" landmark, the church appeared here in the middle of the 19th century, when Nice ceased to be an Italian city and became a French one. The new authorities wanted to add something elegant and sophisticated to the city landscape. Therefore, Notre Dame de Paris, one of the main symbols of Paris, became the prototype of the new cathedral. The cathedrals are really similar, but, of course, there are enough differences.

The church, located in the center of Nice, is made in the neo-Gothic style, its towers rise up to 65 m, they can be seen from anywhere in the city. There is an elegant Gothic rosette between the towers. The stained-glass windows, which depict one of the main Christian holidays - the Assumption of the Virgin, are also beautiful. Also, music concerts are often held in this church. You may be able to get to one of them.

Church of Notre Dame du Port

Another beautiful church is the Immaculate Conception, built in the middle of the 19th century. Its location - on the shore - determined the composition of the parishioners. Fishermen and their families who lived nearby began to come to the services. Today the temple is very popular with tourists. It was built in the classical style - a portico, large columns ... Here you can see a very beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary, as well as look at the series of paintings "The Way of the Cross". Presumably, their author is Emmanuelle Costa. Beautiful palm trees grow near the old building.

Cruise port

This is the real sea gate of the city. The berths are located next to the beautiful waterfront. Yachts and luxury cruise ships dock here. Moreover, the water here is so clean that you can fish. Nice, from the moment of its formation it needed its own port. Its construction began in the middle of the 18th century under Karl Emmanuel III. And they have been building port facilities for almost 150 years.

Pools, breakwaters appeared here, a convenient road was built to the future port from year to year. Later, the territory was expanded, a lighthouse appeared here. It was destroyed during the Second World War and later rebuilt. Its modern height is 21m. In addition to the lighthouse, here you can admire the very picturesque yachts and fishing boats, as well as the old buildings that surround the port. There is also the Church of Notre-Dame-du-Port. There are many monuments nearby.

Museum of Contemporary Art MAMAC

This museum, if you visit it, will forever remain in your memory. It was opened in 1990. The works of contemporary artists are presented here. The architects of the museum gave it the shape of four towers connected by glass passages. The height of the towers reaches 30 m. Many tourists do not even manage to find the entrance right away.

The paintings and sculptures presented here are amazing. Funny aliens, the Loch Ness Monster, a dress made from empty bottles and more. If you come to Nice with children, be sure to take them with you.

Marc Chagall Museum

Its full name sounds unusual "National Museum" Biblical message of Marc Chagall ". This is due to the fact that Chagall donated 17 paintings to France, which are illustrations for the Old Testament. In addition, other paintings by the artist can be seen here.The museum was opened in the summer of 1973 at the initiative of the writer Andre Malraux.

The building is built of stone and surrounded by a garden. Pictures of religious content are placed in three rooms, in the first room - in cold colors, in the second room - in warm colors, in the third - in mixed colors. There is also a concert hall and a shop selling reproductions of Marc Chagall's paintings.

As you can see, there are a lot of attractions in Nice, and if you do not have time to see everything in 1 day, there will be a reason to come to this wonderful city again.

Nice route for 1 day on the map