Whether you are planning to stop in Nice during your European holiday or just for a weekend getaway, Nice is a great city to spend a few days. There is plenty to do and see, so you won’t have a hard time filling your 3 days.
To help with the planning process, I have created an itinerary with all the must-see places.
Day One
Morning: Cours Saleya and Colline du Château
To start your day of exploring, I suggest beginning in the center of the city’s key attractions: Cours Saleya Market. Here, you can wander the stalls of fresh flowers and produce like the locals do. This is the perfect place to try a traditional Niçoise dish, Socca, a savory chickpea pancake. There are also plenty of cafes around the market that are perfect for breakfast.
The morning is the ideal time to take a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais. Admire the beautiful blue sea as you walk up to the “I Love Nice” sign, where you’ll have an unobstructed sea view. The Promenade is also a great place to run, walk your dog, or sit and relax in the sunshine.
From this point, you can either take the stairs or the elevator near Hotel Suisse to reach Colline du Château, also known as Castle Hill. Once at the top, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the Promenade des Anglais on one side and the historic Port of Nice on the other. While you’re here, you should also check out the beautiful waterfall and the castle ruins for a glimpse into the city’s history.
Afternoon: Exploring the Old Town
After exploring Castle Hill, take the stairs (or elevator) into the colorful Old Town. Wander the maze of alleyways to discover art galleries, a variety of shops, and plenty of restaurants to choose from. If you’re looking for souvenirs or local products to take home, this area is the best place to shop!
The Old Town has so many restaurants, bars, and cafes offering a variety of cuisines that it can be overwhelming trying to decide. If you’re looking to try local Niçoise cuisine, I suggest heading to Lu Fran Calin, located beside Nice Cathedral. However, if you’re in the mood for something different, explore the area and see what great places you find. After lunch, if you’re craving a sweet treat, I recommend heading to Fenochino for ice cream.
Once you’ve finished exploring the Old Town, head to the iconic Place Masséna. Your first stop should be the unique Apollo-inspired Fontaine du Soleil. From here, you’ll have a great view of the entire square. As you walk around, admire the bright red buildings and towering statues that make this square one of a kind.
Evening: Jean Médecin and Rue de France
From Place Masséna, you can follow the tram line north toward Jean Médecin, the city’s biggest shopping street. Here, you’ll find everything from clothing and shoes to jewelry, home decor, electronics, and much more.
If you’re looking to do even more shopping, head to the Nice Etoile shopping center, which has plenty of options. You can also wander the side streets of Jean Médecin for boutiques and high-end labels. Cafes are scattered along the way, offering a great place for a break from all the shopping.
To end your busy day, I suggest heading to Rue de France, just off of Place Masséna. This pedestrian-only street has plenty of great options for dinner or even a Happy Hour drink. Along the way, you’ll also find a few stores to check out if you haven’t done enough shopping.
Day Two
Morning: Garibaldi Square and Port Lympia
For the second day in Nice, we’ll start by going to Garibaldi Square, a hidden gem of the city. Lined with cafes and restaurants and surrounded by bright yellow architecture, it’s a great place to enjoy breakfast before starting your day. If you look closely at the buildings, you’ll notice that many of the architectural details aren’t real—they’re painted!
The first activity on the list is the Archaeological Crypt located under Garibaldi Square! Discovered during the construction of the tram line, this archaeological site gives you a glimpse into the city’s rich history. Descend 6 meters underground to explore the well-preserved ruins and fortifications.
After your underground adventure, head to Port Lympia to enjoy the colorful buildings and bustling atmosphere of the area. For a cool activity, follow signs for Lou Passagin, a free shuttle boat that takes you from one side of the port to the other. It offers a different perspective of the area and saves you from walking.
Afternoon: Villefranche Coastal Walk
After a relaxing morning, leave the Port and make your way to Jardin Félix Rainaud, passing by the iconic Le Plongeoir restaurant and smaller beaches. You can decide to relax on any of these beaches or continue along to start the Nice-Villefranche Coastal Walk.
If you opt for the coastal walk, follow the path from Jardin Félix Rainaud. The entire journey from Nice to Villefranche takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. You’ll pass by secluded swimming spots and picnic areas, all while enjoying the picturesque landscapes.
Evening: Rue Bonapart
After a day in the sun, head to Rue Bonaparte, also known as the Blue Street. Lined with bars and restaurants, this area offers a variety of cuisines and a unique atmosphere. It’s a great place to enjoy a nice meal or start your night out.
Around Rue Bonaparte and Port Lympia, you’ll find a huge selection of eateries, most of which open at 6:00 p.m. From Spanish tapas and cocktail bars to fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine, there’s something for everyone. This area isn’t heavily visited by tourists, especially in the evenings, so you can embrace the local atmosphere.
Day Three
Morning/Afternoon: Promenade des Angalis and Museums
For your last day in Nice, we’ll focus more on the history and culture that makes the city so incredible. If you’re looking for a picturesque location for your morning coffee, why not stop at one of the beach cafes along the Promenade des Anglais? From here, you’ll walk past a true symbol of the city: Le Negresco. Celebrities, politicians, and other influential people have all spent time in this iconic hotel.
Beside Le Negresco is the Masséna Museum, which has a great collection of artifacts, furniture, and artwork that offer a glimpse into the city’s history. If you’re an art enthusiast, I suggest visiting the Marc Chagall Museum or the Musée Matisse to explore works from two of the city’s famous artists. Other great places include the National Sports Museum and the Musée du Palais Lascaris.
Evening: Rooftop Views
For your last night in Nice, I recommend checking out one of the city’s many rooftops to enjoy panoramic sea views. My personal favorite is Hôtel Aston La Scala, which is more upscale but offers a great view of both the colorful Old Town and the sea. Alternatively, for a more laid-back atmosphere, head to Fargo on the Roof for delicious tapas and live music while you enjoy the view.
Final Thoughts
The best time to visit Nice is from May to October. However, keep in mind that July and August are the busiest and hottest months of the year. May and October are perfect because you get plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures, and fewer crowds.
Regardless of when you plan to visit Nice, be sure to book in advance and compare prices for flights and accommodations to find the best deals.