City Tours in Nice

The ancient city of Nice, on France’s Côte d’Azur, has occupied one of the most beautiful corners of Europe since 350 B.C. Its layers of history include Greek, Roman and Italian influences.

Witness Roman ruins, baroque churches, and swanky hotels rubbing shoulders along the rocky shoreline. A city tour in Nice is a wonderful introduction to this Mediterranean gem.

Here's all you need to know about city tours, some of the most remarkable sightseeing tours in Nice.

What are the best city tours in Nice?

Self-guided “scavenger hunt” tours

Take in a new city in a quirky way. Complete a scavenger hunt in Nice with a storyline that takes you to Nice’s top landmarks. Once you’ve initially accessed the hunt with an internet connection, you can continue using the guided program without internet access.

Pedicab tours

Hop in a pedicab by yourself or with a buddy for a fun way to see Nice. Pedicabs are quiet, eco-friendly and can reach parts of town that are difficult to get to in a car.

E-Bike tours

Expand your travel range on an electric bike tour in Nice. With the help of a small motor, pedal up Nice’s hills and maneuver through narrow lanes as you follow your guide to the top attractions in town.

Small-group guided tours in Nice

With no more than other eight people, a small-group tour in Nice is an affordable way to see the city while avoiding crowds. The 3-hour small-group tours are also available as shore excursions. Included is round-trip transportation from Nice hotels or the port.

Private guided tours in Nice

Whether you want a professional’s help touring Nice solo, or if you are planning a fun outing for a group, a private city tour can be a great option. With large enough groups, private tours can be as or more affordable than other tours.

Which places are visited?

Vieux Nice

Meandering brick streets and sun-baked plazas lined with ancient pastel buildings await you in Vieux Nice, the oldest quarter of the city. Enter the Cathedrale Sainte Reparate whose 17th-century structure occupies a religious site dating back 1,000 years.

Browse the market on the Cours Saleya, and cool off with the town’s best gelato in Place Garibaldi.

Promenade des Anglais

Running along Nice’s rocky beaches is the Promenade des Anglais, a vibrant pathway from the eastern and western parts of town as well as a hangout for locals and tourists.

People-watching on the promenade is prime, and its raised vantage point over the beach makes for delightful views. Stop for photos at “La Chaise Bleue,” an art installation featuring an oversized blue chair balancing on two legs.

Place Massena

A common starting point for guided tours in Nice, Place Massena feels like the point where “real Nice” begins. The place’s black and white checkered pavements and red stucco buildings encircle the Fountain of the Sun, a common landmark for tour meet-ups.

Flanking the square are the Albert I Gardens and the Miroir d’Eau, a fountain and splash pad. The southern opening of the place leads you to the Promenade des Anglais, public beaches and beach clubs. Just a few steps away is Vieux Nice.

Castle Hill

At the summit of Castle Hill are the ruins of a citadel built in the 11th century. A walk up the hill’s paved pathway to the top is worth the effort for the peerless views and photo ops you will find.

Along the path is a picturesque waterfall. An elevator is also available for people with mobility issues. Enjoy shady trees, a playground and a cafe as a break from sightseeing. Along with ruins of the fort, two historic cemeteries sit at the top.

Cimiez

Perched in the hills overlooking the city and coastline is Cimiez, a district boasting palatial homes, art museums and the Jardin de Cimiez. The garden is an archeological park dotted with Roman ruins and was once the site for the Nice Jazz Festival.

How much do city tours in Nice cost?

Self-guided tours of Nice cost €5 per access and consist of downloadable audio guides or maps with clues if you choose a scavenger hunt. Access can be shared with others in your group.

Pedicab tours in Nice cost from €25 per person to €30 per person for a 30-minute ride. Electronic bike tours lasting 2.5 hours cost €40 per person. Small-group guided tours cost €55 per person and include round-trip transportation from hotels and to sites outside of the center of the city.

Private guided tours in Nice cost from €40 per person for groups of 7 to 8 people to €370 per person for a single traveler.

What is included?

All Nice city tours are fully-guided and take in the top sites in town. Higher-end tours include round-trip transportation from your hotel or the Port of Nice.

Where does it start?

Nice city tours start at the Fontaine du Soleil in Place Massena or in Albert I Gardens. Small-group and private tours provide door-to-door transportation from Nice hotels or the cruise port.

How long does it last?

City tours in Nice last from 30 minutes for pedicab tours to 4 hours for tours to points beyond the city center.

When is the best time for a city tour in Nice?

A tour in Nice can be pleasant at any time of year. Avoid crowds by booking a tour in spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). Taking a city tour of Nice at the beginning of your stay is a great way to get acquainted with the town. You can also get advice from your guide on how to fill the rest of your visit.

Are there any combos available with city tours in Nice?

City tour of Nice and specialty food tasting

Tour the best of Nice with a guide who will enhance your visit with the tastes of southern France, such as on a wine tasting in Nice, as well as sampling cheeses and olive oils. On Nice food tours, enjoy its specialties like “socca” while you learn about this ancient city.

Villa Rothschild and Nice city tours

Let a guide usher you to the top locales in Nice followed by a trip into the Provencal countryside to Villa Rothschild, a 19th-century mansion surrounded by manicured gardens.

What are the other sightseeing tours in Nice?

• Segway tours in Nice
• Walking tours in Nice
• Hop-on hop-off bus tours in Nice
• Scooter tours in Nice

Travel tips

• Wear shoes and clothing appropriate for an active day.
• Some churches do not allow you to enter if you are wearing sandals or a baseball cap.
• For food tours, let your tour provider know of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking.