Nice

Musee Matisse
164, ave des Arenes de Cimiez
''+33'' (0)4 93 81 08 08
free entrance
daily except Tu, 10am-16pm
Busses 15,22,17,20

Charming collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures in 17th century Genoese villa

Parc Phoenix
405 Promenade des Anglais
+33 4 92 29 77 00
€2
daily, Apr-Sep, 9:30am-7:30pm, Oct-Mar: 9:30a-6:30pm

2500 different plants in botanical garden and tropical glass house. Also various animals.

The Colline du Chateau overlooking the Baie des Anges and harbour offers a spectacular vantage point overlooking the city. Not much is left of its ruined castle besides crumbling walls. Still, climbing up the stairs to reach the platforms 90 metres above Nice is well worth the view. There is also an ascenseur lift which will take you three quarters of the way up. Be aware that the castle "park" closes at around sunset. Expect to be escorted outside if you stay longer.

Nice is also known for several museums, entry to most of which as of July 2008 is free. Some of the most famous are in Cimiez, the older, upper part of the city which in a previous century was a favourite of Queen Victoria, including:

Musee et Site Archeologiques de Cimiez
''+33'' 0493815957
free entrance, €3 guided tours
daily except Tu, 10am+6pm
Next to the Matisse museum

The ruins of the Gallo-Roman settlement in Cimiez, plus a museum with nice documentation on Gallo-Roman life but mostly not in English. Activities for children.

Museum of Asian art
405, Promenade des Anglais
''+33'' (0) 492 293700
free entrance
Just across the street from the airport

Indian, chinese, southeast asian, and world art in great architecture on a lake

The old town Vieux Nice beneath the hill is a maze of streets and alleys, with many picturesque houses, boutiques and home to the daily flower and fruit market of the Cours Saleya.

Near the central bus terminal, there is also the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art MAMAC with four connected towers featuring modern and contemporary artists and their sculptures, paintings, and conceptual installations. Its open-air roof terraces offer one of the best panoramas of the city.

To the west, there is the Musee des Beaux-Arts housing an excellent collection of pastels and other works by Jules Cheret, among other artists.

Cliff Walk — If you go past the old port probably 15 minute walk heading east toward Monaco, there is a little pathway that leads from Coco Beach along the side of the cliff, the "Sentier Littoral" which you can follow around Cap de Nice half way to Villefranche, but be prepared for several hundred steps up to rejoin the road. It’s a very beautiful walk and you will find mostly local people using it.