After the tragic events on Bastille Day in Nice, the Global Traveler staff reflects on some of our favorite places in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Regardless of what kind of traveler you are, the city’s French Riviera charm is unmistakable. Here are a number of breathtaking spots to visit as we stand with the people of France during a difficult time.
The Promenade des Anglais is an iconic seaside boulevard lined with luxury hotels and shops on one side and the shimmering waters of the Baie des Anges on the other. Lining the Promenade, the Hôtel Negresco is perhaps the most famous luxury hotel in Nice, presiding over bustling shoppers, tourists and sunbathers with its distinctive Belle Époque façade.
The Cours Saleya is a lively market district filled with vendors, cafés and historic architecture. From fresh flowers and seasonal produce to antiques and regional crafts, the market’s colorful awnings and charming buildings make it a delightful place to browse, eat and soak up local life.
For a glimpse into Nice’s Roman past, climb up to Cimiez. This hillside neighborhood features an archaeological museum and Roman ruins dating back to when wealthy Roman families made the area their home. In the 15th century, monks established a monastery on these grounds; the monastery still stands and is tended by Franciscan friars. The manicured monastery gardens are peaceful and well worth a visit.
To travel even farther back in time, head to Castle Hill (Colline du Château), the site where Greek settlers first inhabited what is now Nice. The park atop the hill offers sweeping panoramic views of the coastline and city below, plus the atmospheric remains of two churches, an old cemetery and a handful of cafés and eateries where you can pause and enjoy the scenery.
The Promenade du Paillon sits in the heart of Nice and is a relatively recent addition to the city’s public spaces, having been completed in 2013. This narrow urban park provides broad swaths of greenery, interactive fountains and wide promenades that create a refreshing, family-friendly corridor between the Old Town and the modern districts—making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
The Garden of Albert I (Jardin Albert I) blends palm trees, well-kept lawns, fountains and sculptures within a generous public square. An outdoor theater hosts concerts and cultural events during the warmer months, while high-end shops and historic churches are only a short walk away, adding to the area’s appeal as a cultural and leisure hub.
Just a short stroll from these gardens is Place Masséna, Nice’s main square and a central meeting point for the city. With its strategic location, Place Masséna offers easy access to the waterfront, nearby parks and shopping streets. It serves as a convenient starting point for exploring both the Old Town (Vieux Nice) and the more modern neighborhoods, and it remains a popular place for dining, entertainment and connecting to public transport.
Whether you linger at a café on the Promenade, wander the colorful lanes of the Cours Saleya, or take in the views from Castle Hill, Nice offers a blend of history, culture and coastal beauty that rewards every kind of traveler. These neighborhoods and public spaces capture the spirit of the city and invite visitors to experience its enduring charm.