3 Days in Nice, France: The Essential Travel Guide

Set on the French Riviera, Nice took me most by surprise during our two-week South of France travels. It was a city that had compelling character, unique cuisine, and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, endless sights to visit.

I found myself wishing we had spent more time visiting Nice during our time in the South of France. While we based ourselves in our preferred “village” of Villefranche-sur-Mer, we took several afternoons and mornings during the two weeks over to Nice. The perks of being only 10 minutes away meant we could pop in for a few hours at a time for a meal and some sightseeing.

Nice is no doubt an icon of the Côte d’Azur. While known for glitz-up glam at iconic hotels like Le Negresco, it also has this undercurrent of young energy and urban culture. There’s a historic neighborhood with a labyrinth of boutiques, cafes spilling into the streets, and ancient cathedrals tucked between. Then there’s the La Promenade des Anglais which draws in thousands of tourists to gaze onto the Bay of Angels.

My one regret? Not spending two nights in the city. If I could do it again, I would book two nights to simply eat my way through “cuisine Nissarde”, stroll museums, and dip in the azure waters. And while I spent around three days exploring Nice from Villefranche, there’s nothing comparable to waking up in the city itself.

So without further ado, this is my essential guide to Nice, France. The places that I savored, the destinations I saved for my next trip, and where I would stay in the classic resort city of Nice.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Nice:

Hotels

1. Hôtel du Couvent, for the best design hotel
2. Hotel Amour Nice, for the best family-friendly hotel
3. Mama Shelter, for the best design for dollar hotel
4. Casa MUSA, for the best B&B experience
5. Palais Ségurane Boutique Hôtel, for the best boutique hotel

Airbnbs

1. 1 Bedroom Apartment with Balcony in Quartier des Musiciens, for the best Art Deco charm near the Promenade
2. 1 Bedroom Apartment with Balcony in City Center, for the best walkable location at a great price
3. 1 Bedroom Apartment in Old Town with Panoramic Views, for the best location steps from Place Masséna

Travel Tip: The best way to explore the South of France is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in France is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

The Essential Nice Travel Guide

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What You Should Know Before You Arrive

Getting to Nice, France

Nice Airport is one the best connecting airports on the Mediterranean. Fly into NCE, and either take a taxi or the tram line 2 “Port Lympia” which connects the airport from Terminal 1 and 2 to the Nice Ville station via the “Jean- Médecin” station. Either way, you’re under 20 minutes depending on traffic to the city center.

How Much Time in Nice, France

For Nice itself, I would recommend three full days to maximize your time visiting sights, eating at restaurants, and time to shop. It’s one of the largest cities in the South of France with several neighborhoods to explore. This would be a wonderful addition to this French Riviera.

Getting Around Nice

The best way to get around in Nice is by foot, tram, bus, or Uber. All of these depend on where you’re going and how far it is. I used the bus several times in Nice and it was very easy and convenient. For longer distances, Uber was the most practical. For exploring the French Riviera, I highly recommend a rental car.

Rental Car Tip: I use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

Is it a Good Base for Visiting the French Riviera?

Yes and no. I think it can be a good week-long base if you’re okay with being in a busier city. I had the preference of being based in Villefranche-sur-Mer (10 minutes away) for a quieter, intimate feeling. With that said, I would still consider spending 2-3 nights in the city to explore it in addition to staying in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Should I stay in Monaco or Nice?

Nice is much better as it is way more affordable and better located. Monaco is further away down the coastline and not as connected as Nice is.

Is Nice, France Expensive?

The beauty of Nice is that there is a range of dining, hotels, and experiences that are free or paid. You can either have a super luxury trip or go on a budget.

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Where to Stay in Nice, France

While we chose to be based in Villefranche, there are several hotels in Nice that I have eyed and saved for our return trip. I think the design/experience of these boutique hotels alone would be a reason to stay in Nice.

My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Nice:

1. Hôtel du Couvent (my first choice for design) — I don’t think there is a better-designed hotel in Nice than Hôtel du Couvent. As part of the Luxury Collection group, this 5-star hotel sits at the base of Colline du Château. With exquisite gardens, the 88 rooms are chic with natural tones and feel incredibly intimate to the design. This is my first choice for Nice.
2. Hotel Amour Nice (my first choice for families) — The bright airy rooms give you a taste of what a French Riviera villa feels like. It’s a great choice set in the heart of Nice and footsteps from the hotel’s private beach. There’s a lovely hotel restaurant on site as well which is very convenient for family travelers looking to keep things in one spot.
3. Mama Shelter (my first choice for best design for dollar) — Mama Shelter group is well known across Europe for their young, hip, and energetic design that radiates through the hotels. Mama Shelter Nice is no exception, and with a location right in Old Town, you can’t beat the prices.
4. Casa MUSA (my first choice for a B&B experience) — This quaint bed and breakfast is a gem only minutes away from Plage Lido. The grounds and rooms transport you as if you’re staying in your own well-designed home in Nice. This is a boutique property, where only a few guests are onsite each day.
5. Palais Ségurane Boutique Hôtel (my first choice for a boutique hotel) — Set with 43 suites, Palais Ségurane exudes a chic, elegant design. It’s not far from the MAMAC, putting you within walking distance of many sights in Nice. It’s a boutique hotel, and some rooms even have a terrace overlooking Nice.

My Top Picks fro the Best Airbnbs in Nice:

1. 1 Bedroom Apartment with Balcony in Quartier des Musiciens (my first choice for charm and location) — A bright, compact apartment in a 1930s Art Deco building with elevator, south-facing balcony, and AC. The Quartier des Musiciens is one of Nice’s most beautiful neighborhoods, and you’re a short walk from both the Promenade des Anglais and the train station.
2. 1 Bedroom Apartment with Balcony in City Center (my first choice for value) — A clean, modern apartment with a sunny balcony right in the heart of the city. Place Masséna and the Promenade des Anglais are both a 10-minute walk, and a tram stop is one block away. A solid pick if you want a central base without the hotel price tag.
3. 1 Bedroom Apartment in Old Town with Panoramic Views (my first choice for Old Town) — A cozy top-floor apartment right at the edge of Vieux Nice with panoramic views of the Coulée Verte. You’re two minutes from Place Masséna, Cours Saleya, and the beach. The host’s local recommendations are a highlight guests mention again and again.

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The Best Things to Do in Nice (Nice France Guide)

Go for A Stroll from Vielle Ville to La Promenade des Anglais

Start your morning in Vielle Ville, combing through the winding streets that make up the old town. A good starting point is Place Central where narrow cobblestone streets make their way down to the waterfront. You can make your way past the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice where the baroque church has incredible organs and a stunning interior. Afterward, head to La Promenade des Anglais —one of the most incredible attractions of the city. 7 kilometers of paved walkway right along the Bay of Angels provide the most scenic views of the Mediterranean. Sit back on one of the iconic blue chairs here, and enjoy some people-watching.

Have a Beach Day

Nice is renowned for its beaches that are near minutes from the old town, and home to incredible beach clubs. Most of the beaches are large pebbles (so keep this in mind) and are easily accessible. Plage Blue Beach, Plage de la Réserve, and Plage Beau Rivage Beach are the ones just off the seaside promenade. If you’re looking for a beach club with a restaurant, the most iconic are the Blue Beach Club and the Plage Beau Rivage Beach Club. At either, you can reserve a lounge chair, and umbrellas, and eat seaside. The most family-friendly is the Ruhl Plage Beach Club, which has its very own saltwater children’s pool.

Travel Tip: The French Riviera is home to some of the most incredible beaches. Check out this guide to the best French Riviera Beaches you can’t miss in the South of France.

Walk Up the Colline du Chateau

Towering over Nice, the famous landmark of Castle Hill is one of the best spots to go for a long hike/walk for stunning panoramic views. There are several parks, green spaces, and historical sights within the park. My favorite spot that we made it to was the “Point de vue Colline du chateau” and the waterfalls not too far from the main Historic Park. It can be quite hot, so be sure to pack water or grab one up at the snack shop.

Visit the Markets

Nice is home to many incredible markets. Let’s start with the main Marché Aux Fleurs Cours Saleya (open every day but Monday) which is what lines the street parallel across from the water. You’ll find fresh produce, flowers, and stands selling Niçoise cuisine like socca.

Every Monday in Cours Saleya is the iconic Marché des Antiquaires, which is very well known for its antiques, vintage items, and collectibles. If you don’t make it here, head to Les Puces de Nice (flea market) in Place Robilante, which sells a bit of everything. It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00.

One other market to consider visiting if you have the time is the Libération Market in Place Charles de Gaulle held Tuesday to Sunday. It’s mostly known as the local market, where you’ll find regional fresh products, baked goods, and fresh fish.

Hit the Museums

Museums are numerous in Nice. The most famous is the Matisse Museum set high up in the Cimiez Neighborhood and home to many works of Henri Matisse. Another wonderful museum is the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC) in Places Yves Klein, home to more modern and contemporary art like pieces from Andy Warhol and Yves Klein.

For those who enjoy more classic art like Monet and Renoir, head to Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice set in a stunning 19th century villa. Musée Marc Chagall is a classic for all of the work from Marc Chagall like stained glass and paintings. And finally, another favorite find was the Musée de la Photographie Charles Nègre, a museum dedicated to the art of photography.

Travel Tip: The Nice Museum Pass is 15 euros and includes access to dozens of museums across Nice. Well worth the price if you plan to do 2+ museums in town. The pass does not include the Marc Chagall Museum.

Take a Tour

There are many incredible tours to consider joining while in Nice. Here are the ones I bookmarked that were well-rated:

1. NO DIET CLUB Food Tour (This is the one I wished we had done.)
2. Mediterranean Coastal Sightseeing Cruise from Nice
3. Monaco, Monte Carlo, Eze Half Day from Nice Small-Group Tour
4. Walking Tour of Old Nice and Castle Hill
5. Half Day Afternoon Walking Food Tour with Dinner

See the Neighborhoods

You’ll likely spend the bulk of your time in and out of Vieux Nice (Old Town) but there are several other neighborhoods to consider strolling through. Cimiez (Queen Victoria’s old neighborhood) is a popular neighborhood for its grandeur, home to the Matisse Museum, the Roman ruins in the Archaeological Museum, the Cimiez Monastery, and its lovely gardens. Nice Harbor (Port Lympia) just over Castle Hill is another favorite, it has so many incredible antique shops, lovely seaside strolls, and great dining. For those looking to indulge in high-end shopping, make your way to Jean Médecin where Avenue Jean Médecin has all of the stores.

Take A Day Trip

These are the easiest day trips from Nice you can consider taking. I’ll share a few that I think are worth going to. A must-see is the medieval village of Èze, home to the incredible Le Jarin Exotique. Just over the big hill, don’t miss a morning in Villefranche-sur-Mer for its pastel-colored hues, charming old town, and wonderful main beach. A bit further afield, the journey to Menton is well worth it to visit “the Pearl of France.” Find beaches, incredible dining, and historic sites in Menton.

For a more detailed day trips guide, read The Easiest Days Trips from Nice, France.

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Where to Eat in Nice

Chez Thérésa

A must-stop is at least once at the old-world venue, Chez Thérésa, known for Nissarde traditional dishes. The first is socca (grilled chickpea flatbread made with olive oil) and then Pissaladière which is a focaccia-style flatbread with usually caramelized onions, anchovies, and olives.

Rouge, Restaurant – Bar à vin

My favorite meal of the time in Nice was at this small tapas bar, Rouge. Featuring an insane wine choice, paired with savory tapas. The fried ravioli and seared squid were so amazing.

Chez Acchiardo

The spot for more traditional Niçoise cuisine, like the Niçoise salad, traditional daube (beef stew), and more. The line can get long but it’s worth coming to.

Brasserie de Castillon – Taproom

Another favorite meal inside the tucked-away Brasserie de Castillon. A wonderful selection of classic dishes (even a burger) paired with their house-made brews.

HOBO Coffee & Kitchen

A classic breakfast-to-brunch spot that spills out onto the street, HOBO is a good one for all things classic breakfast. It’s also a good spot to grab a cup of coffee.

Marinette

Coffee, breakfast, brunch, and afternoon tea are all great choices here. Stunning interior space, no reservation spot in town.

Le Plongeoir

Le Plongeoir is one of the most photographed restaurants in town (do you recognize it?). Come here for Mediterranean food, cocktails, and a beautiful oceanside dining experience.

The Service Course Nice

Tucked in a very quiet corner of Old Town, The Service Course was a nice spot to get an iced coffee. It’s inside a bike shop as well, so have a peruse after.

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