Visiting Nice Old Town, or Vieux-Nice, feels a little like stepping into another era. Just a few metres from the sea and the famous Promenade des Anglais, colourful façades, narrow streets and lively little squares give the neighbourhood a very distinctive atmosphere.

This is one of the best places to experience the true identity of Nice, combining heritage, gastronomy, markets and the Mediterranean way of life.

To really discover Nice Old Town, I recommend not trying to see everything too quickly. Much of the charm of the neighbourhood lies in the details: an old doorway, a hidden shop, a colourful window or the smell of a local speciality drifting out of a bakery.

So, put on a comfortable pair of shoes, grab your camera and simply let yourself wander.

The best way to visit Nice Old Town is, without a doubt, on foot. The historic district is relatively compact, and its narrow streets are perfect for exploring without following a strict itinerary.

Start your visit at Cours Saleya, one of the most iconic places in Nice. In the morning, the market brings an explosion of colours and aromas, with flowers, fruit, vegetables and local products filling the stalls. It is also a great place to stop for a coffee or sample a few Niçoise specialities.

From Cours Saleya, continue by wandering through the small streets of the Old Town. Rue Rossetti, Rue de la Préfecture and Rue du Collet are excellent places to admire the warm-coloured façades that have become one of the district’s trademarks.

Keep your eyes open: some of the most charming discoveries are not mentioned in any tourist guide.

Continue your walk towards Place Rossetti, a lively square where you will also find the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral. From there, gradually make your way towards Castle Hill, or Colline du Château.

The climb requires a little effort, but the views are well worth it. From the top, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama over the Old Town, the Baie des Anges and the Mediterranean Sea.

If you are short on time, allow around two to three hours to discover the main sights of Nice Old Town. However, if you really want to enjoy the atmosphere, I would recommend spending at least half a day here.

It is impossible to visit Nice Old Town without talking about food. Here, cuisine is a genuine part of the local heritage, and the good news is that many specialities can easily be enjoyed while exploring the neighbourhood.

Start with a socca, a large, thin pancake made from chickpea flour and one of Nice’s most famous specialities. Served piping hot and usually sprinkled with a little pepper, it makes the perfect snack during your walk.

You can also try a pan bagnat, a round bread generously filled with vegetables, tuna, egg and olive oil.

Another must-try is pissaladière, an onion tart traditionally topped with anchovies and black olives.

And if you still have room for dessert, why not try a tourte aux blettes, or Swiss chard tart? It may sound unusual, but it is a very traditional speciality from Nice and is often prepared as a sweet dessert.

My guide tip: rather than sitting down at the first restaurant you see, take a little time to look at the menus, the products being served and the general atmosphere. Nice Old Town is full of small restaurants and food spots, but it is often worth moving away from the busiest tourist streets if you are looking for a more authentic experience.

The time of day can completely change your experience of Nice Old Town.

To make the most of the neighbourhood, I particularly recommend visiting in the morning. The streets are generally quieter, and the Mediterranean light beautifully highlights the colourful façades. It is also the best time to explore the Cours Saleya market.

Towards the end of the afternoon, the atmosphere becomes completely different. Café terraces begin to fill up, locals head out for a drink and the streets gradually become livelier.

It is a great time to wander around without a particular destination and simply enjoy the atmosphere of Nice.

During the summer, however, remember to plan your visit around the heat. The sun can be particularly strong in the city centre, so walking in the morning or towards the end of the day is generally much more comfortable than exploring in the middle of the afternoon.

Finally, do not leave Nice Old Town without simply taking a little time to stop and enjoy your surroundings. Sit down for a few minutes in one of the squares, watch the locals go by, listen to the conversations around you and admire the colourful balconies.

It is often in these simple moments that you really begin to understand the spirit of Nice.

Visiting Nice Old Town is therefore about much more than ticking monuments off a list. It means discovering a lively neighbourhood filled with food, history and local character.

Between the Cours Saleya market, the colourful streets, traditional Niçoise specialities and the views from Castle Hill, you will already have a wonderful introduction to what makes Nice such a special city.

And most importantly, leave yourself a little time to get lost. In Nice Old Town, some of the best discoveries are often the ones you never planned.

Good to know: There are several ways to reach Castle Hill. One of the easiest options is the lift located on the Quai des États-Unis / Roba Capeu side, allowing you to reach the top without having to climb the stairs or walking paths.