Nice, one of the most beautiful cities on the French Riviera, is the perfect destination for a few days of relaxation…
The blue Mediterranean Sea, the long Promenade des Anglais, the colorful streets of the Old Town, local markets, excellent food, and numerous places with spectacular views make Nice a city that is easy to fall in love with.
Nice has around 350,000 inhabitants and is just the right size for travelers who want plenty to see and do without feeling overwhelmed. Nice is also an excellent base for exploring the French Riviera.
If you’re wondering what to visit in Nice, what to see during a weekend, or how to organize a three-day stay, this guide will help you create the perfect travel itinerary.
How to Get to Nice?
The easiest way to get to Nice is by plane. Nice Airport is the third-largest airport in France and is very well connected to cities around the world. Nice is also connected by French railways to all major cities in Europe.
How to Get from the Airport to the Center of Nice?
The easiest way to reach the city center is by tram line L2, which operates until 12:30 a.m. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket machines at the station. The tram ride takes less than 30 minutes.
How to Get Around Nice?
Nice is ideal for walking. Most of the main attractions are close enough to each other that you can easily combine them into one walking route.
If you need public transportation, there are two excellent tram lines that cover all the main areas you may want to visit. The bus network is also very well connected, so no part of the city is difficult to reach.
When exploring the city center, you often won’t need a car at all.
What to Visit in Nice – The Most Beautiful Attractions
Nice is not a city you need to rush through. Many of the most famous attractions are relatively close to one another, so the central part of the city can be explored very comfortably on foot.
Here are the places you shouldn’t miss.
1. Promenade des Anglais – The Symbol of Nice
If you’re visiting Nice for the first time, the Promenade des Anglais is the perfect place to start exploring the city.
The famous promenade follows the coastline of the Baie des Anges and offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. It stretches for almost seven kilometers and is lined with palm trees, beaches, and the city’s characteristic blue chairs.
The best time for a walk is in the morning or just before sunset. You can rent a bicycle, sit on one of the blue chairs, or simply enjoy the view of the sea.
Pay particular attention to the Hôtel Negresco, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and a distinctive example of Nice’s historic architecture. It is sometimes referred to as a “hotel-museum” because its interior is decorated with numerous works of art.
2. Vieux Nice – The Old Town
Vieux Nice, or the Old Town, is one of the most beautiful areas of Nice.
Narrow streets, façades in ochre, yellow, and orange tones, small squares, restaurants, and shops create an atmosphere completely different from modern Nice.
The best approach is not to follow a strict plan here. Wander through the streets, peek into the small shops, and take a break at one of the cafés.
In the heart of the Old Town you’ll also find Place Rossetti, one of the liveliest squares, known for its Baroque Sainte-Réparate Cathedral and numerous places selling ice cream.
3. Cours Saleya – The Most Famous Market in Nice
Cours Saleya is located in the Old Town and is one of the attractions you simply have to see in Nice.
It is best known for its flower market, but you’ll also find fruit, vegetables, local products, and other regional specialties.
There are numerous restaurants and cafés surrounding the market.
On Mondays, an antiques market takes place here, while during the summer there is also an evening arts and crafts market.
If you want to try local cuisine, Cours Saleya is an excellent place to start.
4. Colline du Château – The Best View of Nice
One of the best views of Nice can be enjoyed from Colline du Château, or Castle Hill.
At the top, you’ll find a park with the remains of historic buildings, greenery, and panoramic views over the Old Town, the port, and the Promenade des Anglais. The artificial “Cascade Dijon” waterfall adds a special charm to the area.
If you want the best photos of Nice, this is a place you shouldn’t miss.
You can reach the top by taking the stairs, and there is also an elevator.
Best time to visit: late afternoon, when the light becomes particularly beautiful.
I wrote more about this viewpoint here.
5. Place Masséna – The Central Square of Nice
Place Masséna is one of the city’s most recognizable squares.
Surrounded by buildings with distinctive reddish façades, it connects the Old Town with Avenue Jean Médecin and other central areas of Nice. The square leads toward the city’s main shopping street, as well as numerous excellent restaurants and cafés.
Place Masséna is the perfect starting point for a walk through the Old Town and for enjoying the Mediterranean atmosphere.
From Place Masséna, walk to Place Garibaldi. Then continue through the gardens of the Promenade du Paillon. Here you’ll see plenty of tourists and children having fun around the fountains.
If you’re visiting Nice with children, this is an attraction you definitely shouldn’t miss!
6. Port Lympia
The port is surrounded by buildings painted in the typical colors of southern France. Among the boats, you’ll see everything from small traditional boats to luxurious yachts.
Walking around the port is a real pleasure, thanks to the many restaurants and bars where you can stop for a break.
I wrote more about this port here.
7. Museums in Nice
Nice has much more to offer than the sea and beaches. Art lovers will be particularly interested in the Musée Matisse and the Musée National Marc Chagall.
These museums are also a great option on rainy days or for travelers who want to learn more about the city’s cultural history.
8. Visit Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral
The Russian Orthodox church, located on Avenue Nicolas II near the railway station, has delighted visitors with its domes, rich frescoes, and ornate altars since it was built in 1912.
It is considered one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches outside Russia.
9. Masséna Palace
Located along the famous Promenade des Anglais, this elegant 19th-century villa combines magnificent architecture, history, and Mediterranean charm.
Today, it houses the Musée Masséna, where you can discover more about the rich history of Nice and the French Riviera.
10. Beaches in Nice
The beaches of Nice are characterized by pebbles rather than sand.
Along the coastline, you’ll find numerous public and private beaches, so it’s easy to combine sightseeing with some relaxing time by the sea.
You don’t have to spend an entire day at the beach. Even a quick swim or an hour of relaxing by the Mediterranean can be the perfect break between sightseeing stops.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Nice?
Nice is a destination you can visit all year round, but the best time depends on what you want from your trip.
Spring is excellent for walking and sightseeing because temperatures are generally not too high. Summer is the best choice if you want swimming, beaches, and a true Mediterranean holiday, although you should expect larger crowds.
Nice is famous for having more than 300 sunny days a year.
Outside the summer season, however, the weather can be more unpredictable. On the other hand, the city is quieter and better suited to sightseeing without the crowds.
Where to Stay in Nice?
For your first trip to Nice, accommodation in the central areas of the city is the most convenient.
However, the best advice I can give is to stay close to the two main tram lines and you’ll be just fine.
How Many Days Are Enough for Nice?
If you’re wondering how many days you need for Nice, the answer depends on your travel style.
- 1 day is enough to see the most important attractions.
- 2 days are ideal for your first weekend in Nice.
- 3 days allow you to explore the city in greater detail and take a day trip to the surrounding area.
- 4–5 days are an excellent choice if you want a slower-paced holiday, more time at the beach, and several day trips.
If you’re visiting the French Riviera for the first time, I would choose three days in Nice.
Is Nice a Good Base for Exploring the French Riviera?
Yes. From Nice, you can easily organize day trips to Villefranche-sur-Mer, Èze, Monaco, Cannes, Antibes, and other destinations along the coast.
I have written more about my visit to Monaco here. I have also written more about my visit to Cannes here.
Conclusion – Is Nice Worth Visiting?
If you’re wondering whether Nice is worth visiting, the answer is definitely yes.
Nice has everything you need for a perfect holiday on the French Riviera: the sea, beaches, a historic center, art, great food, panoramic views, and an excellent location for exploring the surrounding towns.
Nice is also a great choice for wheelchair users, particularly because the Promenade des Anglais is mostly flat and accessible. A walk along the seafront is a great option, while the Old Town and the hillier parts of Nice require some consideration due to cobblestones, slopes, and more difficult terrain.
The city also has accessible public transportation. With a little planning, Nice can be a very pleasant destination for wheelchair travelers as well, especially if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday by the sea.
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Have you visited Nice?
Did I miss anything?
Travelled and enjoyed,
Marko Veličković
