What to do in Nice if you only have a few days? In my opinion, there's no need to check off every sight. Nice is a city best explored on foot: through Vieux Nice, past the markets, a quick stop by the sea, and plenty of good food in between. I've visited regularly and have tried many spots in and around Nice. Here’s where I’d spend my time if I had three days.
Nice in a Nutshell: What I Wouldn't Miss
For first-timers: Vieux Nice and the Cours Saleya
For the views: Colline du Château
For walking: Promenade des Anglais
For seaside lunch: Blue Beach
For a day trip: Èze or Saint-Paul-de-Vence
For excellent dining: Le Plongeoir or La Merenda
The Top Sights in Nice
Four spots I’d always include on a first visit.
Vieux Nice and the Cours Saleya are the heart of the city. Narrow streets, colorful façades, and a market that sets the tone every morning. Grab a socca from one of the stalls and wander without an agenda. The market is there daily, with antiques replacing it on Mondays.
The Promenade des Anglais is the seven-kilometer-long boulevard along the water. Perfect for a morning walk or a bike ride toward the harbor. Rental bikes are available in various places.
Colline du Château isn’t a castle but a hill, offering views over Nice’s rooftops, the harbor, and Baie des Anges. Walk up from Vieux Nice or take the lift. Early morning or late afternoon is best.
Musée Matisse and Musée National Marc Chagall are the two museums I’d visit first if art’s on the agenda. Nice has more than ten museums, but these two suit the city best. View museum tickets and tours in Nice →
What Would I Do with Three Days in Nice?
Day 1: Start your first morning in Vieux Nice and keep it unplanned, just explore and roam. Have lunch and reserve the afternoon for the Promenade des Anglais.
Day 2: I’d reserve the morning for a museum. The Musée Matisse or the Chagall Museum, depending on your preference, both are easily manageable in a morning without feeling rushed. Spend the afternoon at a beach club: rent loungers, grab a bite, and let the beach speak for itself.
Day 3: I prefer visiting Colline du Château early to avoid the crowds. Then head to Place Masséna for a stroll and shopping in the area. If time allows and no other day trips are planned, take the train to Èze. A half-hour ride and you’re in a completely different landscape.
Day Trips from Nice
Èze
Èze is a medieval village perched on a rock above the sea, reachable in half an hour by car or bus. The views are spectacular, and the village is compact enough to see in a morning. Go early, before the day-trippers arrive. Learn more about such villages on the Côte d’Azur in my article on Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Ventimiglia on Friday
If you have a Friday free, I’d recommend the market in Ventimiglia over the usual day trips to Cannes or Monaco. Just over the Italian border, less than an hour by train, and there’s a large market with Italian products, fresh vegetables, local cheese, and lots of clothing and bags. Bring some cash and enjoy a delicious Italian meal at a beachside spot afterward. This is precisely the kind of excursion I’d choose Nice as my base for.
How Many Days Do You Need for Nice?
For me, Nice is the ideal destination for a long weekend. It’s easy to fly to and the tram takes you straight to the city from the airport. I’d personally stay for three nights. This gives you enough time to explore Nice, enjoy good food, and not cram everything into one day. Have more time? Even better. You can add a trip to Èze, Villefranche sur Mer or Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Where to Eat in Nice
A few spots I always recommend.
Casa Fuego for an evening that’s a bit more lively than your average bistro.
La Merenda for those who want to enjoy good French cuisine, which isn't always a given in Nice. This is a charming little place you really need to know about.
Paper Plane for breakfast or lunch, a great spot that doesn’t top every guidebook list.
And L'Italien, a deli where you can pick up something tasty if you’d rather have a picnic than sit at a table.
Le Plongeoir deserves a special mention: a restaurant in an old diving tower by the harbor, literally above the water. Perfect for lunch, even if you just come for the view.
My complete selection of twelve restaurants in Nice, including addresses for the evening, can be found in my restaurant article for Nice.
Where to Stay in Nice
Nice offers a good range of boutique hotels, scattered throughout the city. Location matters here: those wanting to stroll to the Old Town restaurants at night are best choosing a hotel in or near Vieux Nice. Those who prefer more tranquility and don’t mind a five-minute tram ride have more choices.
My personal hotel selection for Nice can be found in my article on boutique hotels in Nice, featuring 11 addresses I’d personally consider. For those pondering Hotel Amour Nice: it’s a unique spot with its own beach club on the Promenade. Learn more in my article on Hotel Amour Nice.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Do in Nice
What are the best sights in Nice?
Vieux Nice with the Cours Saleya, the Promenade des Anglais, and the view from Colline du Château. These are the three spots I’d always include. Add the Musée Matisse or the Chagall Museum if art is on the agenda.
How many days do you need for Nice?
Three nights is my ideal minimum. It gives you enough time to explore the city, enjoy good food, and take a day trip to Èze or Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Is Nice good for a day trip?
From other Côte d'Azur locations, yes, but Nice deserves more than one day. If you only have a day, I’d choose Vieux Nice in the morning, a seaside lunch, and Colline du Château in the afternoon.
What’s the best time to visit Nice?
Any time of the year. May and September are ideal: good weather, less crowded than July and August, and everything is open. In the summer, Nice is busier, but the beach and outdoors are at their best.
Can you combine Nice with other places on the Côte d'Azur?
Yes, easily. Nice is a perfect base for day trips to Èze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and the Friday market in Ventimiglia. The tram takes you quickly from the airport, and from there, the train or bus will get you up and down the coast.
