Imagine you are traveling around the South of France and you have to visit Nice, but you only have 24 hours to explore the city. What will you do? Is that enough time? Don’t worry—this post will give you all the information you need to make sure you see the highlights of the city.
Nice is a very walkable city, especially when it comes to the top sites. So put on your comfy shoes and get ready to explore.
The Morning
Cours Saleya & Port Lympia
A day exploring Nice should always start with a visit to the Cours Saleya flower market. Wander through the market, filled with fresh flowers, local produce, and even baked goods. This is the perfect place to grab breakfast, which you can enjoy on the promenade while taking in the incredible sea views.
Next, stroll along the Promenade des Anglais toward the “I Love Nice” sign. From here, you’ll get a view of the entire promenade and the Old Town, all the way to the airport. Continue walking until you reach Port Lympia, known for its colorful architecture and luxury yachts.
From here, you have two options:
- You can climb the stairs and follow the path to Colline du Château at the top of the hill, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views and explore castle ruins.
- Or, you can continue on to Garibaldi Square.
Afternoon
Garibaldi Square, Colline du Château & Old Town
If you chose Garibaldi Square, you’ll discover one of the iconic sites of the city. Here, you can explore the archaeological site, which takes you to the city ruins beneath the square. Garibaldi Square is also the starting point for the Old Town.
If you opted to go to Colline du Château, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views from various viewpoints. There’s also a playground, a café, and castle ruins where you can learn some history about Nice. On the opposite side of where you climbed up, you’ll find stairs that lead you down to the Old Town.
Spend the afternoon wandering through the colorful maze of streets and alleyways. The Old Town is filled with wine caves, art galleries, restaurants, and so much more. It’s a great place to find a cozy spot for lunch or escape the heat of the summer sun while you explore.
Evening
Place Masséna, Rue de France & Le Negresco
In the evening, head to Place Masséna to experience the unique charm that makes this area an iconic part of the city. If you’re in the mood to shop, you can make your way down Jean Médecin, the busiest shopping street in Nice.
However, if shopping isn’t on your agenda, take a stroll down Rue de France, a pedestrian-only street lined with restaurants, bars, cafés, and even a few boutique shops. This is the perfect place to treat yourself to a happy-hour drink or enjoy a nice dinner. Along the way, you’ll find a wide range of restaurants serving Mexican, Italian, and even Brazilian cuisine.
No trip to Nice is complete without visiting the impressive Hôtel Negresco, which you’ve likely seen on souvenirs sold throughout the city. The Negresco has welcomed politicians, celebrities, and many other influential figures over the years, helping to make Nice the tourist destination it is today.
To end your day in Nice, take a leisurely stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, from Le Negresco back to the Old Town. Walk past beach clubs and restaurants as you soak in the atmosphere of the city. The promenade is also a fantastic spot to watch the sunset, especially on warm summer evenings.
There you have it—a full, action-packed day exploring the colorful city of Nice. By visiting all the main attractions, you’ll understand why Nice has become the summer hotspot it is today.