Nice, The Capital of the French Riviera, is one of the most popular destinations in France. And it does not surprise as it’s a city bursting with unique vibrancy, delicious cuisine and magnificent sunsets. 

In a nutshell, Nice offers a beautiful place to walk around. However, if you have only a limited time and want to discover its most famous attractions, you can take a self-guided walking tour of Nice. This tour is an ideal way to get acquainted with the city and find out more about the most important historical and architectural changes it has undergone. Our audio guide and the map are the best way to explore Nice, France. 

Whether you want to plan a trip using our resources or integrate some of our guides into your vacation plans, you’ll have everything you need in order to get the most out of any trip to Nice and nearby areas.

What is the main itinerary of our self-guided tour of Nice?

This self-guided walking tour of Nice is designed for those who want to explore the city on foot. If you are planning a trip to Nice and want to get the most out of your visit, this is the guide for you!

You will start the tour at Place Massena and make your way towards the old town, stopping along the way at some of Nice’s most famous sights like the Opera House, Cours Saleya Flower Market, Palais de Justice, Castle Hill, Promenade des Anglais and more! You will finish the tour in a balcony on top of the Castle hill which will open a wonderful view of the Port Lympia.

Place Massena

Place Masséna is one of the most important places in Nice. It is a large square, surrounded by arcades and is home to many shops and restaurants. A statue of Apollo stands in the middle of the square.

The square has always been a meeting place for locals and visitors alike — this is where people go when they want to meet up with friends or have a good time with friends or family. It’s also where you’ll find several different shops selling everything from clothes to souvenirs or food items such as pastries or cakes!

The Opera House

The Opera House is located in Old Nice, close to the Promenade des Anglais and its gardens. It has 1,700 seats and is one of the largest opera houses in France. It also hosts concerts by local orchestras and ensembles such as the Orchestre de la Côte d’Azur or Les Talens Lyriques from Lyon.

Cours Saleya & Flower Market

Nice’s Cours Saleya is a traditional fruit and vegetable market that dates back to the 18th century. It’s one of the best places to find local produce in France, with vendors selling everything from fruit and vegetables to seafood, cheese, honey and flowers.

Cours Saleya is located on the eastern edge of Vieux Nice, just off the Promenade des Anglais. It can be accessed from Place Rossetti or from Avenue de la Republique.

The market operates Monday to Saturday from 7am to 1pm and 3pm to 7pm (closed Sunday).

Palais de la Préfecture

The Palais de la Préfecture of Nice is a complex of buildings in the center of the city that houses the city hall and other administrative services. The main building was constructed between 1852 and 1856 under the direction of architect Jacques-Ignace Hittorff. It is one of the most important examples of 19th-century architecture in Nice.

Palais de Justice

The Palais de Justice, built between 1872 and 1890, is one of the most impressive buildings of Nice. The construction was entrusted to architect Visconti and was completed in 1891. It is located on the Place du Palais de Justice, which is named after it, in the center of the city.

The building was designed as a symbol of authority, justice and order. It is built on a neoclassical style with marble columns and pilasters, as well as bas-reliefs by various artists.

The building has an inner court with monumental stairs and a tower at its entrance. On each side of the main facade there are two statues representing mythological figures: Minerva on the left side and Hercules on the right side.

Promenade des Anglais

The Promenade des Anglais is one of the world’s most famous promenades. The wide and long boulevard runs along the seafront, starting at the foot of Castle Hill and ending at the airport.

The Promenade des Anglais was built in 1822 by Mayor François-Joseph-Dominique Peyron. 

The promenade has always been a place for people to enjoy themselves, whether through walks or drives in carriages. It is lined with palm trees and shaded by parasols over its entire length.

The Castle Hill

The Castle Hill (Colline du Château) is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nice, France. The hilltop offers a scenic 360° panorama of the city and the surrounding area.

The Castle Hill was originally built by the Greeks who occupied the city of Nicea. It was later rebuilt by the Romans and then again by Charlemagne. The castle was destroyed several times since then, but it has always been rebuilt by each new ruler.

Port Lympia 

The port Lympia is one of the most popular attractions in Nice. This is where one can find the best views of the city. The port Lympia is also a great place to visit during the day time or at night time.

The port Lympia is situated on top of a hill overlooking the city and has some amazing restaurants and cafes to stop off at while you are exploring Nice. 

There are many different types of boats that operate out of this port. 

What will you need to enjoy your self guided walking tour of Nice?

You’ll need a good pair of walking shoes and a bottle of water. You might want to bring an umbrella too, as you may get caught in the rain.

This self-guided walking tour of Nice is designed to show you the best of the city in 2 hours. 

You’ll want to start early at 10 a.m. to avoid traffic and summer heat. 

Sunscreen and water! The weather in Nice can change quickly from hot and sunny to cool and cloudy. Rain is not uncommon, so bring an umbrella just in case.

Audioguide and map that you will use throughout the tour. They will be provided by us.

Is it worth it to take a self-guided tour of Nice?

Nice is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are many tours on offer to help you get the most out of your visit.

The self-guided walking tour is a great option for those who prefer an independent approach, but still want to see some of the best sites in the city. 

If you’re traveling on your own or with friends, this walking tour is a great way to explore Nice at your own pace while learning about some of its most famous attractions along the way.

The tour takes about two and a half hours, and is best suited for people who want to explore the city on their own. Although there are no guided tours, you will receive an audio guide for free from Riviera Bar Crawl Tours.