3 Day Nice Itinerary & Travel Guide – Cafes and Getaways
Europe . France
3 Day Nice Itinerary & Travel Guide
Last Modified: February 7, 2023
Nice is a stunning city located on the French Riviera. This sunny oasis with year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, and hundreds of years of history is a perfect weekend getaway.
Not only is Nice beautiful, but it is also close to other glamorous Cote d’Azur towns such as Monaco and Cannes. People visit Nice from around the world to soak up the sun and indulge in its cuisine.
Nice is unique due to its blend of French and Italian cultures. You will find evidence of the two through the town’s history, architecture, and local dishes.
Whether looking for a luxurious beach vacation, high-end shopping, delicious food, or a base for exploration, Nice is the perfect destination!
This Nice itinerary and travel guide is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know to prepare for your visit. I will cover how to travel to and around the city, places to stay for all budgets, and a 3-day itinerary with day trip options.
I will also cover some of the best things to do during your stay, delicious places to eat, and some must-know travel tips.
Nice is known for its year-round sunny weather. With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, there is no wrong time to go. Different times of the year have distinct advantages, such as warm weather or fewer crowds.
The best time to visit Nice and avoid the large crowds would be from April to May and September to October. You still get nice weather without the overwhelming number of tourists. Prices are also more affordable during these times.
June to September are the busiest months of the year due to the perfect weather for beach-goers. Summer is the prettiest time of the year, but it comes with high volumes of tourists and raised prices. If you plan to visit during peak season, make sure to book your accommodations months in advance and make dinner reservations, as everything books up very quickly.
Lastly is the winter months. Due to the climate on the French Riviera, the weather will still be mild during the day, but you will need layers at night. For an affordable and quiet experience, consider visiting during these months. The downside of visiting Nice in the winter is you will not be able to spend time at the beach.
A popular form of transportation through the French Riviera is the train. The Nice-Ville train station is in the northern section of the city. You can hop on a bus from the station that will take you to the old town or a short 25-minute walk.
Check rates and timetables
Rent a Car
Some people prefer renting a car and driving from city to city along the Riviera and through Provence. Driving in the cities of Cote d’Azur is not that easy, and parking can be very minimal. Renting a car is better if you plan to explore the smaller towns or surrounding countryside.
Purchase bus tickets
Fly
The Nice Airport is the best option if you travel further away. It is situated only a few miles from the city. Once in Nice, jump in a taxi, grab an Uber, or ride the airport bus to town. Buses #98 or #99 will take you straight into the city center. These are much cheaper than jumping in a taxi and are conveniently located outside the airport.
Nice itself is relatively small, so you can easily navigate on foot around the historic center. For the most part, you can get to almost everything in as little as 20 minutes on foot. Plus, you can take advantage of the beautiful weather.
Public transportation will give your feet a needed break if you plan to explore the outskirts of town. Nice has a vast public transportation system.
You can ride the Nice tram or bus around the city for only €1.50 per ticket. Tickets can be purchased on the bus or pre-purchased from one of the automated machines.
Day tickets are also available for €5 and are great options if you plan on using transportation as your primary source of transportation.
Another option is to rent a bike. All over Nice, you will find the Velo Bleu bike share. Just grab a bike from one of the stations and drop it off at another when you are finished.
Taxis and Ubers are plentiful in Nice. Uber is a little more affordable, but both options are pricey. Use either if you travel a long distance or have lots of luggage.
The city of Nice is divided into several different neighborhoods. The most popular ones include the Old Town, the New Town, the Port, and The BeachFront. Each has something unique to offer and can all easily be accessed from one another on foot.
Old Town
Old Town, also known as “Vieux Nice,” is the historic part of the city that dates back to the 1500s. The majority of this neighborhood does not allow vehicles. Most streets are for pedestrians only, which adds to its charm.
You will find an assortment of markets, cafes, shops, and restaurants here. Old Town is the perfect place to stay if you want to experience the historic part of the city and be in the center of everything.
New Town
The New Town is known as the city center. You will find many more modern buildings and shops here than in the Old Town. The New Town also has fantastic restaurants, lots of late-night spots, and nightlife.
New Town is also a shopping paradise with high-end shops and large department stores.
The Beach Front
The Beach Front area spanned both the Old Town and the New town. The Beach Front is a popular area to stay in due to its proximity to the beach. Just be prepared to pay a high price for this location. Most of the accommodations here are luxury hotels with a heftier price tag.
If you want to spend most of your time soaking up the sun and with access to hotel amenities, this may be the right place for you. Many of these hotels do also have private beaches for guests. No matter where you stay, the beach is pretty close.
Port Area
The last neighborhood is the Port of Nice. The neighborhood is a great place to stay if you want a less touristy experience. Many locals come here to hang out at the bars and enjoy the nightlife.
As a result, food and accommodations are much cheaper here than in other parts of town. The Port is further out from the city center.
Since it’s your first day in Nice, you will want to spend some time getting acquainted with the city. You will most likely stay in the Old Town or near the beach since that is where most of the action is. Once you check into your hotel, it’s time to explore.
Visit Old Nice
One of the prettiest areas in Nice is the Old Town, also known as “Vieux Nice,” which dates back to the 16th Century. Some of the most beautiful architecture and charming streets are here. Since the French did not occupy Nice until the mid-1800s, you can feel the Italian influence throughout the streets.
Half the fun is getting lost in the winding alleyways, stopping at local shops, and grabbing some delicious street food. But, of course, you could spend your entire afternoon stopping into all the shops and browsing the street vendors selling flowers and produce.
After you’ve strolled the narrow streets and gotten a feel for the neighborhood, it is time to explore some of the town’s main attractions.
While you walk around town, keep an eye out for the Nice Cathedral. Construction on the cathedral started in 1650 and took more than 200 years to complete. It is the main cathedral of Nice and has an important story behind its construction and dedication.
Although the exterior is very simple, the cathedral’s interior is intricately detailed with several art pieces. In addition, there are 10 chapels, each dedicated to a different saint and classic Baroque architectural elements. The Nice Cathedral is free to visit, so stop inside!
Shop at the Cours Saleya Market
The Cours Saleya is a large, lively square in the center of Nice. It is home to the city’s impressive farmer’s market, packed with stalls selling fresh flowers, local produce, and delicious street food.
On Mondays afternoons, the market focuses solely on antiques. Make sure to get there early for the best assortment of flowers and the first pick of the produce.
If you get hungry, this is a great place to stop for lunch or grab something to go as you make your way to some other top sites in Old Town. Le falafel is one of the best places to get falafels in Nice if you want a cheap and quick bite to eat.
Chez Rene Socca is another excellent place for street food that is very casual and also affordable. It is located in the Old Town and is a perfect place to get food while exploring the city and wandering the market.
Palais Lascaris
Head to the north end of Old Town and visit the 17th-century Palais Lascaris. The mansion is home to frescoes and Baroque furnishings, and art. Once owned by the Lascaris Vintimille family, it was turned into a museum in 1942 for the public to enjoy.
You can also find a marvelous collection of instruments from the 17th and 18th centuries. The music collection includes over 500 instruments, making it the second largest in the country.
This bustling square is located in the heart of Nice between the Old and New Town. Full of ornate fountains and lush gardens, tourists and locals alike like to come here to relax and people-watch.
You can easily find the square by looking for the famous Fountaine de Soleil fountain with a statue of Apollo in the middle. Surrounding the statue is an intricate checkerboard patterned floor and colorful red and orange buildings.
The square is another beautiful place to sit down at a cafe or relax after spending the day walking around the city.
Promenade des Anglais
Your next stop is the Promenade des Anglais. The long 5-mile path runs along the Bay of Angels and the beach. On one side, you can enjoy the view of the water, while on the other sits a line of luxurious hotels. You will find lots of people watching and street musicians along the way.
The promenade is the best place to stroll or ride your bike. It takes about 30-45 minutes to get from one end to the other by bike.
Take some stops along the way to admire the views and try out some of the beachside bars and restaurants.
Your second day in Nice will be a combination of relaxation and site seeing. But, to take advantage of the weather, head to the beach first!
Castle Hill
Your first stop for the day will be Castle Hill. Perched 92 meters high on a hilltop overlooking the bay is Castle Hill. Also known as Colline de Chateau, the viewpoint is one of the best places for photos and a must-do on your itinerary.
Besides the picture-perfect views, take some time to explore the castle gardens and ruins. Louis XIV destroyed the castle in the early 18th Century, but much of the structure remains. You can either climb up the stairs or take the elevator to the top.
Your best chance of avoiding the crowds will be earlier in the morning, which is also the coolest part of the day to visit. But, of course, you can also opt to visit later in the day!
Grab some lunch before spending the rest of the day exploring the city. Lunch on the beach at Ruhl Plage is always an excellent option if you want a water view. Just make sure to reserve your table or sunlounger in advance. For a delicious and inexpensive lunch, try Oliviera. For the best fine dining, make a stop at Restaurant JAN.
Explore Nice by Bike
One of the best ways to explore Nice is by bike. Nice has a bike-share company called Velo Bleu that has stations scattered around the entire city. For only €2 per hour (with the first 30 minutes free), bike rentals are an affordable and fun way to get around.
Visit the Velo Bleu website to register and use the code given to rent a bike at one of the stations. Then, use the bike for as long as possible and return it to another station when you finish. Simple as that!
If you don’t feel like renting a bike, you can hop on the bus to today’s attractions instead.
St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Another beautiful cathedral in Nice is the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral. It is easy to notice as its design is much different than other buildings in Nice with its onion domes and colorful facade.
The church is free to enter. However, you need to make sure you wear appropriate clothing. For example, knees and shoulders need to be covered while inside, and no photography is allowed while inside.
Since it is further out, a bike is a quick way to get there if you want to avoid walking the 30 minutes there.
There are several different museums throughout Nice. One favorite is the Marc Chagall National Museum, home to the most extensive collection of his work. Best of all, the museum only costs €8. I highly recommend purchasing the audio guide for only a couple more euros
Another well-known museum is the Matisse Museum. Matisse is a widely known painter and sculptor who spent much of his life in Nice. If you have some time, head over to the other side of Cimiez and visit the exhibits dedicated to the famous painter.
If you want to visit a museum closer to Old Town, the Musée Masséna is a terrific place. The museum is located on the Promenade des Anglais in a beautiful villa donated by the Duke of Rivoli. The museum has important artifacts belonging to prominent figures such as Napolean, an art collection, and lavish outdoor gardens.
Other impressive museums in Nice include the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the Picasso Museum, and the Renoir Museum.
You can do several different things on your third day in Nice. One option is to explore the outskirts of the city, which require public transportation or a tour. The second option is to take a day trip to a nearby town.
OPTION #1: Explore the Outskirts of the City
Visit Nice Port
Venture to the east side of Castle Hill to Nice’s port. Full of large yachts and restaurants, it is a quieter place to enjoy a meal near the sea.
One of the easiest ways to get to the port is by Tram. However, several buses will take you there as well.
If you are interested in taking a cruise around Nice, this is where most companies will pick you up.
Take an Ocean Cruise or Tour
Many different companies will take you around the Côte d’Azur. However, I highly recommend taking a boat cruise if you have the time. It is a terrific way to experience the beauty of the French Riviera while enjoying the water. Other cruises will take to some of the neighboring towns. Here are some top-rated tours:
Hike to Mont Boron
For spectacular views of Nice, take a trip to Mont Boron. The hill is 200 meters above sea level and is home to some expensive villas and a great place to relax and enjoy the view of Nice. You can hike all the way to Mont Boron or hop on buses #14 or #33 to the top.
Besides the million-dollar villas, Mont Boron is also home to an old military fort used in the 16th Century. You can also explore Mont Boron Forest Park, with over 11 km of trails and lush vegetation.
One of the best reasons to visit Nice is it makes a perfect home base for visiting other towns in the Cote d’Azur. This area of France is full of delightful little towns situated along the water and nestles into the surrounding hilltops.
Not only that, but Nice is very close to the Italian border. The following towns are within a 30-40 minute bus or train ride from Nice.
Monaco
Monaco is one of the most famous towns on the French Riviera. Known for its wealthy inhabitants, million-dollar yachts, exclusive resorts, and world-class casinos, it is no wonder Monaco is on most people’s itineraries. This luxurious city is also home to the annual Monaco Grand Prix at the end of May.
Due to its Mediterranean climate, Monaco can be visited year-round. Only a short 25-minute train ride from Nice, I highly recommend you take a trip. Monaco is very small, so one day is plenty of time to sightsee.
Because of the sheer expense of everything here, most people visit Monaco for the day. It is more than enough time to explore the city and take in some of the main sites. Take some time to ogle at the megayachts in the marina and walk around the old streets.
While you are in Monaco, stop by Palace square. Here you will find the Prince’s Palace, Oceanographic Museum, and Saint Nicholas Cathedral. Grab some food and drinks in the Old Town, enjoy the beautiful harbor views, and even stop by the Monte Carlo Casino.
Known primarily for its film festival, Cannes is another glamorous city that is a quick trip from Nice. Unlike Nice’s pebble beaches, Cannes is full of sandy beaches stretching along the Mediterranean. Enjoy lounging on the beach and dipping in the sparkling blue water.
Some of the best beaches around include Croisette Beach, Plage Mace, and Plage du Casino. The city also has terrific restaurants, luxury hotels, and shopping streets. It is pricier here, so expect to spend much more on your meal.
One thing to see in Cannes is the Allee des Etoiles where you will find handprints of hundreds of movie stars. The Allee des Etoiles is France’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Another area to explore is the Promenade de la Croisette.
The path stretches about 2 miles along the coast. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade with many lively beach clubs and bars along the way. The Palais de Festival hosts many concerts and events for visitors and locals to enjoy during summer.
Antibes
Antibes is located between Nice and Cannes. This destination is known for its variety of public beaches and centuries of history. One of the most interesting sites is the 16th-century rampart and fort that remains. Either spend the day here or stop for a short time before continuing your trip to Cannes.
Stroll around Old Town, enjoy beautiful sea views, and stop by Port Vauban, where some of the biggest yachts in the world dock. Another popular attraction in Antibes is the Picasso Museum.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
This vibrant seaside port town is located between the Cap de Nice and the Cap Ferrat peninsula. Villefranche-sur-Mer sits on a hillside with a bustling waterfront full of delicious restaurants.
Stroll along the winding streets, admire the colorful buildings, relax at the port, and watch the boats come in and out of the harbor. If you have time, hike the 50 minutes to Fort du Mont-Alban. This building sits above the town and offers magnificent views of the Cote d’Azur.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
The fortified village is an art lovers paradise that sits high on top of a hill. Here you will find both contemporary and modern galleries scattered throughout the city. The famous painter Chagall called this charming place home for 20 years.
Ask for the free shuttle to the Fondation Maeght Museum if you have time. The entrance to both the indoor and outdoor exhibits is just €16. The outdoor collection includes a large sculpture garden and labyrinth.
Although Saint-Paul-de-Vence is connected primarily with the art world, other activities exist. The city also has some beautiful streets to get lost in, historic churches, homey shops, and views of the Cote D’Azur.
Hey, I’m Ally! Welcome to Cafes and Getaways. I’ll be sharing details on my latest travel destinations, as well as tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure.
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