We only had a few hours in Antibes during our French Riviera road trip last summer, but it stole my heart almost instantly.
Tucked between Cannes and Nice, this gorgeous seaside town has that perfect blend of charm, character, and coastal beauty that makes you want to drop your bags and stay a while. I already can’t wait to go back and explore it properly.
From its cobbled old town and colourful markets to golden beaches and a museum dedicated to Picasso himself, Antibes offers something for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re here for the art, the history, the sunshine, or just a really good wander, this place delivers.
In this guide, I’m sharing some of the best things to do in Antibes, including a few hidden spots you might otherwise miss. If you’re planning a trip to the French Riviera, make sure this little gem is on your list.
Best Things to Do in Antibes
1. Visit the Picasso Museum
Picasso didn’t just pop into Antibes for a holiday, he actually lived and worked here for a while, and you can still feel his presence at the Picasso Museum. It’s set inside the old Grimaldi Castle, perched right on the edge of the Med, and the whole place has this lovely mix of ancient stone, sea air, and creativity.
The museum itself isn’t huge, which I think adds to the charm. You’ll find sketches, paintings, and ceramics he made while living here, and even if you’re not usually one for art galleries, the space itself is worth a visit; sunlight streaming through the windows, the sound of waves outside, and that view across the bay.
It’s calm, a bit magical, and feels a world away from the usual hustle of sightseeing. One of those places that lingers in your mind long after you leave.
2. Stroll Through the Old Town (Vieil Antibes)
Vieil is the kind of place where you can let your curiosity lead the way. The old town is full of twisty little streets, colourful shutters, and the sort of shops you end up wandering into without meaning to. Think olives, soaps, spices, and old postcards you didn’t know you needed.
There’s always something happening, whether it’s a street performer playing a tune, or a tiny gallery showing off local artists.
It’s got that lovely mix of history and daily life that makes it feel alive, not frozen in time. You’ll pass locals chatting in cafés, smell fresh bread from hidden bakeries, and maybe end up with a scoop of gelato you hadn’t planned on.
Honestly, there’s no real agenda here, just stroll, sip, browse, and take it all in. That’s the charm of it. Vieil Antibes invites you to slow down and just enjoy the moment.
3. Relax on the Beaches
If you’re in the mood for a beach day, Antibes makes it easy. La Gravette is just steps from the old town and perfect for a quick swim if you don’t want to stray too far. It’s family-friendly and protected by a curved sea wall, so the water stays calm.
If you’re after something a little more low-key, head over to Plage de la Salis. It’s got a more laid-back feel and plenty of room to spread out without being shoulder to shoulder with other beachgoers. Then there’s Cap d’Antibes, where you’ll find hidden coves and little stretches of sand tucked between the rocks.
It feels a bit like finding a secret. There’s no fancy scene here—just bring a towel, maybe a book, and take it easy. Whether you stay for an hour or all day, beach time here is simple and sweet.
4. Explore Fort Carré
Fort Carré is one of those places you stumble on and wonder why more people aren’t talking about it. It’s a big stone fortress perched on a hill with a view that stretches right across the bay. Getting up there involves a bit of a walk, but nothing too intense, just enough to earn that extra croissant later.
Once you’re at the top, it’s calm, breezy, and surprisingly quiet.
You can walk along the ramparts, poke around the old towers, and take in the same sea views soldiers once kept an eye on. It’s not overly polished or touristy, which honestly adds to the charm. No crowds, no loud groups, just you, the sea, and a bit of history.
If you’re in the mood to slow down and enjoy some space to yourself, Fort Carré is an easy win.
5. Visit the Provençal Market
This is peak Antibes; cheese, flowers, cured meats, and locals shouting (in a friendly way). Try the socca if you see it.
Bonus: It’s covered, so you’re good rain or shine. Locals come here not just to shop but to chat, to taste, to catch up on the gossip. The colours are bright, the smells are amazing (hello, fresh lavender and ripe tomatoes), and the vibe is just easygoing.
Grab a basket and try a little of everything, maybe some tapenade or a slice of socca if it’s hot off the pan. Don’t stress about finding the perfect souvenir either, there’s always something that catches your eye, whether it’s a handmade ceramic dish or a chunk of cheese wrapped in brown paper. You’ll probably leave with more than you planned, and that’s kind of the fun of it.
Definitely one of the best things to do in Antibes, just take your time, talk to the vendors, and soak in the whole experience.
6. Walk the Old Town Ramparts
Walking the ramparts is one of those simple pleasures that somehow feels timeless. You’re not rushing, you’re not checking your phone every five seconds, you’re just moving along the old stone walls, catching glimpses of the sea on one side and the terracotta rooftops on the other.
The light shifts throughout the day, and if you go in the late afternoon, it’s golden and soft and kind of magical. Locals stroll here too, maybe with a dog or a baguette tucked under their arm, and the occasional street musician adds to the vibe without being pushy. It’s not a big loop, but that’s part of the charm.
There are benches to sit on, nooks for snapping photos, and spots where you can just lean on the wall and watch the boats come and go. Slow, easy, beautiful. That’s the ramparts for you.
7. Enjoy a Day at Port Vauban
Spending a day at Port Vauban is a must and one of the best things to do in Antibes. It’s home to some of the biggest yachts you’ll probably ever see up close, some of them so fancy they look like floating hotels.
There’s a quiet kind of buzz around the marina: locals walking their dogs, sailors doing boat stuff, and travelers sitting on benches just watching the world go by. It’s easy to lose time here. Maybe you stop for a drink at a little café, watch the sunset bounce off the water, or peek into a few shops tucked along the waterfront.
The boats are fun to look at, sure, but it’s really the atmosphere that makes it worth hanging around. Chill, a little glam, and very Riviera. You don’t need a yacht to enjoy it.
8. Take a Bike Ride Along the Coastal Path
The coastal path (Sentier du Littoral) around Antibes is one of the nicest ways to see the town without feeling like you’re on a mission. Rent a simple bike, and just cruise. You don’t need to be super fit or decked out in gear.
The path is gentle, scenic, and full of small moments: the smell of pine trees, locals out for a walk, wildflowers growing in scruffy patches, and maybe a cat lounging in the shade like it owns the place.
There are benches along the way if you feel like stopping, and the views are pretty much nonstop Mediterranean blues. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch sight of sailboats out in the bay or kids jumping off rocks into the sea.
It’s mellow, easy, and feels like you’re slipping into the town’s rhythm without trying too hard. That’s what makes it one of the best thing to do in Antibes!
9. Explore the Cap d’Antibes
Cap d’Antibes is hands down one of the best things to do in Antibes if you love a bit of nature, a bit of luxury, and a whole lot of coastal beauty. This little peninsula has it all, quiet beaches, lush gardens, and a sprinkling of seriously fancy villas tucked behind the trees.
One of the best ways to explore it is on foot. The coastal path (Sentier du Littoral) winds around the edge, giving you knockout views of the sea and plenty of spots to stop and just soak it all in. It’s peaceful, scenic, and a great way to escape the buzz of the town for a while.
If you fancy a peek into the past, Villa Eilenroc is worth a visit. It’s an old-school estate with beautiful gardens and that grand, Riviera feel. Or, if you’re in the mood for a bit of indulgence, there are beach clubs and restaurants dotted around where you can sip something cold and pretend you live there.
Cap d’Antibes is the kind of place you’ll want to return to with a picnic and no plans. It’s elegant, quiet, and full of little surprises along the way.
10. Discover Villa Eilenroc
Villa Eilenroc is one of the best things to do in Antibes if you’re up for a touch of elegance with your coastal stroll. Perched above the sea on the Cap d’Antibes, this 19th-century villa is all about grandeur – sweeping views, manicured gardens, and that quiet, timeless feel that makes you slow down and take it all in.
Built for a wealthy Swiss gent (Eilenroc is actually an anagram of his wife’s name, Cornelie—love that), the villa is a proper Riviera gem. Inside, it’s full of beautiful frescoes, period furniture, and rooms that feel like they’ve barely changed in a century. But it’s the gardens that really steal the show. Think rose-scented paths, ocean views, and the kind of peaceful corners you could sit in for hours.
They also host art exhibitions, concerts, and the odd cultural event, so there’s often something going on. But even on a quiet day, it’s worth the wander. Bring your camera, wear comfy shoes, and enjoy pretending you’re in your own French period drama for an hour or two.
11. Visit the Espace Mer et Littoral
If you’re wandering the Cap d’Antibes and fancy a little detour with a sea breeze and a splash of marine discovery, the Espace Mer et Littoral is well worth a visit. Housed inside the historic Graillon Tower, this coastal spot used to be home to the old Naval and Napoleonic Museum, but it’s since had a complete glow-up and now focuses on the local marine environment.
Inside, you’ll find a small but fascinating aquarium showcasing Mediterranean sea life, perfect if you’re curious about what’s swimming just offshore. The exhibits are all about local ecology, conservation, and coastal heritage, with interactive displays, virtual dives, and rotating educational content for all ages.
It’s not a huge space, but that’s part of the charm. The setting is lovely, especially if you catch it on a quiet day. And if you’re up for a bit more adventure, they also run guided coastal walks, snorkeling sessions, and family-friendly workshops during the warmer months.
Whether you’re travelling with kids, into marine life, or just looking for something different from the usual tourist stops, this place offers a peaceful, educational, and slightly off-the-beaten-path experience. Plus, the sea views from the tower aren’t too shabby either.
12. Explore the Cimetière Marin
One of the quieter, more reflective things to do in Antibes is a visit to the Cimetière Marin, the town’s peaceful seaside cemetery. Set high on the cliffs with sweeping views of the Mediterranean, it’s not your typical tourist stop, but it’s definitely one of the most moving.
Built in the early 1900s, the cemetery is the final resting place of artists, writers, and local figures whose stories are etched into beautifully sculpted headstones and old marble crosses. It’s calm, contemplative, and full of character. More like an open-air museum than anything gloomy.
The combination of art, history, and that endless sea view makes it a surprisingly memorable spot. Whether you’re drawn to the architecture, the stories, or just want a quiet moment away from the crowds, visiting the Cimetière Marin is easily one of the best things to do in Antibes.
13. Enjoy Local Festivals and Events
If you really want to get a feel for the town, one of the best things to do in Antibes is time your visit with a local festival or event. There’s always something going on—music in the streets, art exhibitions, food fairs, craft markets—you name it. It’s one of those places where culture just sort of spills out onto the pavements.
The Antibes Jazz Festival is a big one. It pulls in musicians and jazz lovers from all over and gives the town a brilliant buzz. But even outside the big events, summer evenings are full of open-air concerts, street performers, and local exhibitions that make wandering the town feel like you’ve stepped into a live show.
Markets pop up with regional goodies, and you’ll often find little craft fairs or foodie events that are as much about chatting and soaking up the vibe as they are about shopping. If you want to experience Antibes at its most alive, get yourself to a local festival. It’s the kind of energy you won’t forget.
14. Take a Cooking Class
If you’re a foodie—or just love a hands-on experience—joining a cooking class is easily one of the best things to do in Antibes. The town’s food scene is full of Provençal and Mediterranean influences, and getting stuck into a local class is a great way to learn the secrets behind those flavours.
You don’t need to be a whizz in the kitchen either. These classes are relaxed, fun, and open to all levels. You might find yourself whipping up a classic bouillabaisse, making fresh tapenade, or trying your hand at socca, always using fresh, local ingredients straight from the markets.
It’s not just about the food, either. Cooking classes here are social, laid-back, and a lovely way to connect with fellow travellers over a shared meal (and maybe a glass of local wine). If you’re looking to do something a bit different while soaking up the culture, this one’s a winner..
15. Explore the Natural Reserves
If you’re craving a bit of fresh air and open space, exploring the natural reserves around Antibes is one of the best things to do in Antibes. The area is full of scenic spots where you can swap the café crowds for coastal trails, sea views, and the occasional curious seagull.
The Esterel Massif is a standout—those dramatic red hills are just stunning against the blue of the Med, and the hiking trails range from gentle walks to more challenging climbs, all with panoramic views that are well worth the effort.
Closer to town, the Cap d’Antibes Natural Park is another gem. Think shaded paths, rocky coves, and quiet corners that feel miles away from the buzz of the Riviera. It’s perfect for a morning walk, a bit of birdwatching, or simply sitting on a rock and listening to the waves.
Whether you’re after an adventure or just some space to breathe, these nature spots offer a beautiful break from the bustle—and show a different side of Antibes that’s well worth exploring.
16. Visit St. Nicolas Church
If you’re wandering through the old town and fancy a quiet moment away from the buzz, popping into St. Nicolas Church (Église Saint-Nicolas) is one of the more peaceful things to do in Antibes. Tucked in among the narrow streets, this lovely little church is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture, with intricate stone details and stained-glass windows that catch the light just right.
Inside, it’s calm and cool, with religious paintings, sculptures, and a real sense of history. Even if you’re not particularly religious, it’s one of those places where you can sit for a minute, breathe, and soak up the atmosphere.
Whether you’re into architecture, history, or just enjoy ducking into quiet corners during your travels, St. Nicolas Church is a simple but meaningful stop.
17. Enjoy a Spa Day at a Local Hotel
Even if you’re not staying in one of the more luxurious hotels around Antibes, you can still treat yourself to a little spa time, most places welcome walk-ins or day guests.
After a day of walking around the markets, climbing the fort, or strolling the coastal path, slipping into a calm, quiet spa can feel like the perfect reset. We’re talking eucalyptus steam rooms, warm stone massages, maybe a dip in a pool if you’re lucky.
Some places even offer rooftop treatments with a sea view, which is just next-level relaxing. You don’t need a reason! Just carve out an afternoon, switch off your phone, and let someone else take care of you for a bit. Whether it’s a massage to ease those tired feet or a facial that leaves you glowing, a spa day in Antibes is one of those simple, quiet joys that makes a trip feel like a real escape.
18. Take a Photography Tour
For photography lovers, joining a photography tour is easily one of the best things to do in Antibes, and honestly, it’s high on my list for next time. These guided tours take you through the most photogenic corners of the town, from the colourful markets and cobbled streets of the old town to the dramatic coastline and sleek marina views.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just enjoy snapping with your phone, a good guide can help you see the town in a whole new way, pointing out hidden angles, secret spots, and the best times of day to catch the light just right.
What I love about the idea is that it’s not just about the photos, it’s about slowing down, noticing the details, and seeing familiar places with fresh eyes. Plus, you come away with some pretty special memories on your camera roll.
Definitely something I’ll be booking when I go back.
Best Things to Do in Antibes- Summary
Antibes really does have that special mix of old-world charm, cultural richness, and coastal beauty that keeps you coming back for more. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there’s always something new to discover, from the artistic treasures of the Picasso Museum to the peaceful gardens of Villa Eilenroc, the buzz of the Provençal Market, or the quiet trails along Cap d’Antibes.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Antibes, whether you’re here to explore, unwind, eat your way through the town, or just soak up the Riviera sunshine. It’s a place that manages to feel both timeless and alive, elegant without being stuffy, lively without being overwhelming.
Whether you’re popping in for the weekend or planning a longer escape, Antibes has a way of getting under your skin. I’m already dreaming about going back, and if it’s not on your list yet, it should be.
