6 Unique Experiences to Try in Nice
Category : Leisure ideas / Tourism
Do you think you know Nice like the back of your hand? Think again! Nice isn’t just about the Promenade des Anglais and year-round sunshine. Behind its postcard-perfect façade, the city hides quirky stories, surprising anecdotes, and unique experiences that few visitors ever discover. Whether you’re a regular on the Baie des Anges or visiting for the first time, these little-known gems will show you a whole new side of Nice! Ready to uncover secrets even some locals don’t know about?
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1. Have a Drink in a Hidden Bar in the Old Town
Welcome to Bethel, a one-of-a-kind bar tucked away inside a church in Nice’s Old Town. If you walk past this church without a second glance, you might be missing one of the city's best-kept secrets! To get there, step through the chapel, walk down an 18th-century corridor, and prepare to be amazed by the unique atmosphere of this hidden gem.
Part bar, part relaxation space, Bethel offers a timeless escape. Chess games, books, lively conversations… It’s a secret haven for the curious and those who love discovering unusual spots.
2. Hear a Cannon Blast Every Day at Noon
If you’re strolling through Nice around lunchtime and suddenly hear a loud explosion, don’t panic! It’s completely normal (unless you’re a tourist who jumps every time… or even some locals, let’s be honest!). According to legend, in 1861, Thomas Coventry, a Scottish aristocrat, requested that a cannon be fired every day at exactly noon to remind his wife to return from her morning walk. A charming story… but completely distorted!
In reality, Coventry was a passionate astronomer and timekeeping enthusiast who noticed that Nice lacked a standard time reference—church bells rang at different hours, creating confusion. He came up with the idea of firing a daily cannon blast at noon, allowing everyone to synchronize their clocks. More than just a quirky tradition, this marked Nice’s entry into modern timekeeping. Today, at precisely 12:00 PM, a marron d’air (a loud firecracker) is fired from Castle Hill. So, next time you hear it, don’t be alarmed—it’s just Nice’s way of saying bon appétit!
3. Explore Nice Through a Treasure Hunt
Looking for a fun and unique way to discover Nice? City Tour Game offers an interactive and immersive adventure through the city. Guided by Marcel, a witty and knowledgeable virtual companion, you’ll embark on a playful journey full of surprises.
Visitez Nice de façon ludique et interractive avec City Tour Game - Crédits City Tour Game
How Does City Tour Game Work?
Simply download the dedicated app and choose your route. Once you start, you’ll receive riddles and challenges to solve, each leading you to a different landmark in Nice. Every correct answer unlocks historical anecdotes and exclusive local tips, enriching your experience along the way. The game is both educational and entertaining, taking you to iconic spots like the Promenade des Anglais, Cours Saleya, and hidden alleys of the Old Town. As a bonus, Marcel will point you toward great local food spots—perfect for a delicious break or an Instagram-worthy selfie!
Ideal for families, groups of friends, or solo explorers, this treasure hunt transforms sightseeing into an engaging and mysterious adventure. And don’t worry—there won’t be any tricky questions about the difference between a pissaladière and an onion tart!
The Hôtel Khla Insider Tip: As a guest at Hôtel Khla, you get an exclusive 15% discount on your City Tour Game adventure with the promo code KHLA15. Book directly on www.citytourgame.com, with prices starting from just €8 per person. Don't miss this fun and interactive way to explore Nice!
4. Cross the Port for Free on a Traditional Pointu with Lou Passagin
Les pointus du port de Nice - Crédits Summer Hotels
If you're looking for a charming and practical experience, hop aboard Lou Passagin, a traditional pointu boat that lets you cross the port of Nice for free. It may not be a luxury yacht from the Cannes marina, but it's a delightful way to enjoy an authentic slice of local dolce vita!
This iconic wooden boat connects Quai Lunel to the opposite shore, offering more than just a shortcut—it's an immersive glimpse into Nice’s bustling port life. As you glide across the water, you’ll pass by fishermen, sailors, and perhaps even a few overly curious seagulls. Best of all, you’ll avoid an 800-meter detour on foot, which is always a plus when the Mediterranean sun is shining bright!
Availability: This free service runs from May to September, making it the perfect seasonal treat for visitors wanting to experience Nice in a truly unique way.
5. Discover an Underground Archaeological Crypt by Taking the Tram
Nice hides some unexpected treasures… right under your feet! You might not realize it, but beneath Place Jacques Toja, an impressive medieval crypt lies waiting to be explored. Discovered in 2006 during tramway construction, this hidden gem showcases remarkably well-preserved fortifications that highlight Nice’s strategic importance throughout history.
Descending the stairs into the crypt feels like stepping back in time. Picture Nice in the Middle Ages, with towering ramparts and narrow, winding streets. This site was once a key part of the city's defense system before being buried for centuries—until the tramway project unexpectedly unearthed it!
Practical Info: Visits are by reservation only and take place on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. A fascinating journey into Nice’s past for just €8 (€3 for reduced rates). Don’t miss this rare chance to explore the city’s medieval roots!
6. Become the Hand of a Sundial
Le cadran solaire du Quai Rauba Capeu - Crédits Summer Hotels
If you’re strolling along Quai Rauba Capeu, take a break and try out Nice’s human sundial. No metal hands or intricate mechanisms here—your own shadow tells the time! Simply stand at the center of the rosace painted on the ground and watch as the sun reveals the solar time right in front of you.
But here’s the fun part: this sundial was designed for someone 1.70m tall. If you’re taller, you might need to crouch a little, and if you’re shorter… well, let’s just say you now have the perfect excuse for being late to apéro! A playful and unique experience, plus an excellent reason to pause and soak in the breathtaking view of the Baie des Anges.
Stay at Hôtel Khla to Discover Nice’s Hidden Gems
To fully immerse yourself in the Niçoise experience and explore the city's best-kept secrets, Hôtel Khla is the perfect place to stay. Ideally located in the heart of Nice, it allows you to discover the city on foot, soaking in its charm without wasting time on transportation.