Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been here before, Old Town Nice (Vieux Nice) will pull you in with its charm. From boutique shopping and cozy cafés to flower markets and sea views, this neighborhood is a maze of color, flavor, and history — and we’re walking you through it, the relaxed way.
Let’s break it down by category to make your day easier:
- 🛍️ Blue: Shopping spots
- 🎨 Green: Activities and attractions
- 🍽️ Red: Restaurants
- ☕ Orange: Coffee and chill zones
Start at the Corner: Sweet Treats and Local Flavors
Begin your journey at Alziari, one of the region’s oldest traditional olive oil producers, founded in 1868. Just nearby, Auer, a legendary Swiss-founded confectionery from 1820, offers a stunning interior and handmade chocolates, candied fruits, and local almond delicacies — a must, even if you don’t have a sweet tooth.
Next door, you’ll find one of the few bakeries in the old town, Janu, perfectly positioned near the sea and the opera. Across from it is a local sandwich shop known for fresh and filling bites.
A Must-Visit Restaurant (If You Can Get In)
Just before you hit the famous Flower Market, take a quick detour to a hidden gem of a restaurant that serves fresh, authentic Niçoise cuisine. Heads-up: they’re closed on weekends, only accept cash, and require online bookings — but that’s part of the charm.
Explore the Flower Market
The Cours Saleya Flower Market is open every morning (except Mondays) until around 1 PM. It’s not just flowers — you’ll find perfume stands, Provençal fabrics, summer dresses, handmade accessories, and plenty of street food.
Try local bites like socca (a chickpea pancake baked in a woodfired oven), pissaladière (a Niçoise onion tart), or grab a slice of pizza topped with olives and anchovies. Too busy? No worries — most of these vendors also run proper restaurants tucked in the nearby alleyways.
Don’t Miss the Small Gems
Right by the market is the Photograph Museum — small, but beautifully curated. It opened in 2016 and regularly features top-notch exhibitions. At the time of our visit, it was showcasing work by Jacques Lowe, known for his iconic photos of JFK.
Cross the street and you’re at the beach. Take a breather, enjoy the sea breeze, and maybe grab a bite or a coffee at one of the beachfront cafés. There are at least three within walking distance — perfect for a midday recharge.
Souvenirs & Style
Want something truly French to take home? Look for boutiques offering local handmade candies, retro-inspired jewelry, and Niçoise accessories. One shop specializes in designs using the iconic “blue chair” of Nice — you’ll find prints, aluminum jewellery, and Riviera-themed posters.
Café Breaks & Rooftop Views
Don’t skip the rooftop cafés. One of our favorite stops was above a small concept store with a large rooftop seating area — ideal for a coffee or rosé in the sun.
Further into the old town, head to Hobo Café, a cozy spot with trendy decor and a laid-back vibe. Or visit La Crêperie, run by a French-British couple serving up savory galettes made from buckwheat flour and sweet crêpes for dessert.
For Ice Cream Lovers
No visit to Old Town Nice is complete without a scoop from Fenocchio, the most famous ice cream shop around. They offer wild flavors like basil-tomato, chewing gum, and olive, but also classic hits like violet and chocolate. Something for every palette!
Culture & History
Don’t miss the Cathedral Sainte-Réparate, built in the 17th century. It features stunning baroque architecture and is open daily.
Another favorite is Castle Hill (Colline du Château). This green oasis sits between the old town and the port and offers some of the best panoramic views in Nice. If you’re not up for the stairs, there’s a free elevator just beside the Promenade des Anglais.
Vintage Shopping & Local Fashion
Explore second-hand boutiques and vintage stores throughout the old town. Some carry curated fashion starting at €10 — with occasional luxury pieces like Chanel shoes or designer dresses.
There’s also Palais Lascaris, a historic 17th-century noble residence turned museum — perfect if you’re into baroque art and antique instruments.
Wrap Up Your Day on a Balcony
As the day winds down, head back to the Promenade for a drink. Many small cafés have balconies with epic sunset views. We were lucky to grab one of the tiny balcony seats and enjoy the golden hour with a glass of wine. Pure Riviera magic.
Final Thoughts
There’s so much packed into Old Town Nice — and we barely scratched the surface. From hidden cafés and unique souvenirs to lively markets and coastal walks, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to explore slowly.
If you enjoyed this guide, check out our other videos/posts on Nice, including the upcoming neighborhoods that locals are loving right now.
Have a favorite spot in Old Town? Let us know in the comments below!