Old Town: Tours and Guided Visits

The city of Nice lives up to its nickname of “Nice the Beautiful” with its colorful buildings, green spaces and curve of turquoise shoreline. But one of the most beautiful areas of this city is Vieux Nice, its oldest quarter.

Ancient and rich with culture, Nice's Old Town is a charming locale on the French Rivieria. An ideal way to enhance your visit to this welcoming city is with an Old Town tour in Nice.

Here's all you need to know about Old Town tours, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Nice.

What are the best Old Town tours in Nice?

Free walking tour

Follow a passionate guide to the best spots in Old Town on a free walking tour. Guides on free tours are often locals with deep knowledge of the area, and it is typical to tip them generously at the end of your experience.

Self-guided tours

For less than €10, embark on a self-guided tour of Old Town. Take a traditional tour with a downloadable audio guide, or try one of the off-beat game tours of the city that you can download.

Fun for people of any age, follow a clever storyline with clues and puzzles filled with history and culture that hit all the must-see sites in Old Town.

Old Town and Castle Hill tours

See the best of Old Town as well as the delights of Castle Hill on these guided walking tours. The summit of the hill is accessible by walking or by elevator, where panoramas, ruins and cemeteries await you.

Old Town food tours

Discover Nice on an Old Town food tour, with stops at markets, shops and restaurants for tastes of southern French specialties. Visit the top sites and savor local wines, olive oils, pastries and Nicois street foods like pissaladiere and socca.

Private tours

Avoid crowds, move at your own pace and enjoy the full attention of a guide on a private walking tour of Old Town in Nice. You can book a tour for just yourself or for a larger group.

Which places are seen?

Place Massena

Although technically outside of Old Town, many tours meet up at Place Massena, a striking square that sits next to the district.

The black and white checkered pavements encircled with red, curved buildings surround the Fontaine du Soleil, a fountain honoring the Greek god Apollo. Wander the arcades for souvenirs or local flavors.

Castle Hill

Overlooking the port and Old Town, Castle Hill offers some of the best views in town. Stretch your legs on the moderate walk up a paved and shaded path. Take a break for photos at the waterfall before you reach the top.

The fort at the summit was built as a military citadel and stood from the 11th to the 18th century.

Cours Saleya

Best known for its market, Cours Saleya is a pedestrian street hemmed in by pastel-colored Baroque buildings. The colorful striped awnings of the market and open-air cafes lend a festive air to the street.

Famed for its fresh flowers, you can also find fresh produce and local products at the market on Tuesdays through Sundays. Browse its Monday antiques market or its nighttime artisanal market to find the perfect souvenir.

Place Rossetti

Lively Place Rossetti is a popular meeting spot with numerous cafes and restaurants. Some of the best gelato in Nice is found here as well as the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice.

Originally established 1,000 years ago, the current cathedral building dates to the late 1600s. Take in its Italianate facade and distinctive bell tower.

Port de Nice

If you choose to take a boat trip in Nice, you will likely leave from the Port de Nice. Cruise ships dock here among an impressive array of yachts and sailboats as well as more humble fishing boats. Its picturesque setting is enhanced by nearby Castle Hill and the tall, stucco buildings that overlook the port.

How much do Old Town tours in Nice cost?

Self-guided Old Town Nice tours cost around €6 to access the app for the tour. If you choose a free guided walking tour, it is customary to tip the guides between €10 per person to €30 per person.

Old Town and Castle Hill tours cost from €30 per person to €45 per person, depending on group size. A food tour of Old Town can cost around €80 per person. Private tours cost from around €100 per person.

What is included?

Sightseeing tours in Old Town Nice include the expertise and commentary of a guide who can provide you with additional tips to make the most of your stay in the city. Some private tours include transportation with pickup and drop-off at local hotels.

Where does it start?

Old Town Nice tours typically start at the Fontaine du Soleil in Place Massena or at the foot of Castle Hill. Some tours meet in Albert I Gardens, just steps away from Place Massena.

How long does it last?

A self-guided tour of Old town can last about 1.5 hours, while walking tours can last between 2.5 and three hours. Old Town food tours last 4 hours, giving you time to savor the tastings.

When is the best time for an Old Town tour in Nice?

Old Town tours in Nice are a great way to orient yourself at the beginning of your stay and learn tips to help you plan your time in Nice.

While a tour in Nice is delightful in any season, the shoulder seasons, March to April and September to October, are beautiful and less crowded.

Are there any combos available with Old Town tours in Nice?

Old Town and Nice city tours

Make a more extensive tour of Nice with a morning or afternoon tour. Explore Old Town on foot with a guide, and travel by car to the farther reaches of the city.

See Cimiez’s Roman ruins and the former palace of Queen Victoria. Marvel at the architecture of central Nice, and breathe the sea air along the Promenade des Anglais.

What other sightseeing tours can you do in Nice?

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

Travel tips

• Wear clothing and shoes that are 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.