Nice Old Town & Castle Hill Walking Tour with Local Food

Summary

Wander narrow streets, taste pissaladière, climb Castle Hill for city views

You’ll walk through Nice’s colorful Old Town with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Taste homemade pissaladière at the flower market, climb Castle Hill for sweeping views over the city and sea, and pick up honest tips so you can skip tourist traps later. Expect laughter, real flavors, and those small moments you remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice in Nice’s Old Town would be the way the air smells—like sea salt mixed with something sweet and a little yeasty. We met our guide, Antoine, right by Place Masséna. He waved like he’d been waiting for us all morning. The square was buzzing but somehow he made it feel like we belonged there, not just passing through. I kept getting distracted by the color of the buildings—pale yellows and faded reds—and the way locals greeted each other with that quick double kiss. It’s louder than I thought, in a good way.

We wandered into these skinny streets where you can almost touch both sides if you stretch your arms out (I tried; Antoine laughed). He pointed out an old bakery that’s apparently older than his grandmother, which is saying something. At Cours Saleya Flower Market, the scent changed completely—suddenly it was fresh basil and oranges everywhere. There was this woman selling lavender sachets who winked at me when I tried to pronounce “pissaladière.” I probably butchered it, but she handed me a slice anyway. Warm dough, onions so sweet they barely tasted like onions anymore… Honestly, I still think about that bite.

After that we started climbing up to Castle Hill. It’s not a huge hike but my legs felt it after all those market stops (worth it though). The view at the top hit me harder than expected—blue sea on one side, red rooftops tumbling down on the other. Antoine told us stories about pirates and old kings while some kids played football nearby. The wind up there smelled sharp and clean, nothing like down below in Vieux Nice. We stood quiet for a minute just looking out—I kind of wished I could bottle that feeling.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Walking tour of Old Nice and Castle Hill

• Start at Massena Square
• Explore Cours Saleya Flower Market
• Visit Nice Old Town streets and squares
• Discover local delicacies including Pissaladière
• Walk along Promenade des Anglais
• See the port of Old Nice and Belanda Tower
• Climb to Castle Hill for views and history

Top questions

How long does the walking tour of Nice last?

The tour typically lasts around 2 to 3 hours depending on group pace and questions.

Is food included on this Nice walking tour?

Yes, you'll taste traditional pissaladière at Cours Saleya Flower Market during the tour.

Does this tour include Castle Hill?

Yes, climbing Castle Hill is part of the itinerary with time to enjoy panoramic views.

Are private tours available?

Private tours can be arranged if requested in advance with NiceFunTours.

Is this walking tour suitable for children or strollers?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and infants or small children can ride in a stroller.

Will we have a local guide born in Nice?

Yes, guides are locals born and raised in Nice who share personal insights and stories.

What main attractions are covered on this tour?

The route includes Place Masséna, Cours Saleya Flower Market, Old Town (Vieux Nice), and Castle Hill.

What’s included

Your day includes an easy meetup near Place Masséna with a local guide born in Nice; strolls through Old Town’s lively streets; tasting homemade pissaladière at Cours Saleya Flower Market; stories along Castle Hill; plus plenty of tips so you’ll know where to eat after your walk wraps up.