3 Days in Nice: The Perfect Itinerary for Exploring the French Riviera

Posted on May 16, 2025 | Julie J. |

Nice is one of those places that just gets under your skin—in the best possible way. With its sun-soaked promenades, pastel buildings, and sparkling Mediterranean views, it’s the kind of city where you’ll want to slow down, take your time, and savor every croissant (and sunset).

Whether you’re here for the art, the beaches, the food, or a bit of everything, this 3-day itinerary is designed to help you soak up the best of Nice—plus give you a taste of the glamorous French Riviera beyond.

I lived in Nice for 3 months, and this is what I recommend doing if you only have 3 days.

In this guide, you’ll spend two days discovering Nice’s vibrant neighborhoods, markets, and seaside charm, and on day three, you’ll take one of the most scenic day trips in France with stops in Villefranche-sur-Mer, Èze, and the glittering principality of Monaco.

So pack your comfiest sandals, charge your camera, and let’s make the most of your Côte d’Azur escape!

Table of Contents show

Day 1: Explore the Heart of Nice

Morning – Old Town (Vieux Nice) & Cours Saleya Market

Start your day wandering the maze of pastel-colored buildings in Vieux Nice. It’s a sensory overload in the best way—narrow cobbled lanes, shuttered windows, and the smell of freshly baked socca (chickpea pancake) wafting through the air.

Start your stroll on Rue Droite, one of the main arteries of the Old Town, lined with art galleries, boutiques, and the beautiful Palais Lascaris, an opulent 17th-century palace-turned-museum. Don’t miss the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, the centerpiece of Place Rossetti, a charming square that’s also the perfect spot to stop for a scoop (or three) of gelato from Fenocchio, one of the best ice cream shops in town.

Other must-see spots include the Place du Palais de Justice and Place Saint-François for a quieter, more local feel. Vieux Nice is also home to some of the city’s best restaurants and wine bars—perfect for a lazy lunch or a sunset apéro.

Make your way to Cours Saleya Market to browse flowers, fruits, and local delicacies. Grab a flaky pastry or a fresh juice to fuel up.

Must-try: Socca from Chez Theresa, either from the market stand or their tucked-away kitchen nearby.

Late Morning – Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

Climb (or take the lift) up Castle Hill for the best panoramic views of Nice’s rooftops and that iconic turquoise coastline. There’s a pretty park up top, a man-made waterfall, and lots of shady spots for a quick break.

Lunch – Seaside Dining

Head down to the Promenade des Anglais and grab lunch at Le Galet, a chic beachside restaurant with great seafood and stunning views. It’s touristy but tasty—and you’re here for the view too.

Afternoon – Museums & Promenade Time

Walk off lunch with a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, soaking up the sun and maybe stopping for a dip at the beach.

If you’re up for culture, swing by the Musée Masséna (free!) for a peek into Belle Époque opulence or the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (closed for renovations at the time of writing) for something edgier.

Sunset over Nice, view from Castle Hill — View from Castle Hill

Evening – Dinner & Drinks in the Old Town

As golden hour hits, make your way back into Vieux Nice. The streets come alive with restaurants and wine bars spilling out into the alleys. For dinner, try La Rossettisserie—they do divine roast meats in a cozy setting.

Finish the night with a glass of local rosé at Les Distilleries Idéales, a popular, unpretentious bar with plenty of atmosphere.

Day 2: Beyond the Postcard – Local Favorites & Leisure

Morning – Cimiez & Roman Ruins

Start your day in Cimiez, a peaceful, elegant district with a very different vibe from the bustling Old Town.
Wander through the Monastery of Cimiez and its gardens, then explore the Roman amphitheater and ruins just next door.

You can also pop into the Matisse Museum, housed in a lovely 17th-century villa surrounded by olive trees.

Midday – Picnic or Lunch Nearby

If you’re in picnic mode, grab goodies from a local boulangerie and enjoy them in the gardens. Prefer a sit-down? Head back into the Vieux Nice to have your pick of restaurants. For something light and healthy, check out Zeni Coffee.

As your next stop is the harbor, if you’re feeling fancy, you could book a table for lunch at La Réserve de Nice, perched right over the sea.

Afternoon – Port Lympia & Art Deco Charm

Take the tram or walk down to Port Lympia, Nice’s colorful harbor. Stroll past candy-hued buildings, bobbing yachts, and little fishing boats. This is a great spot to admire Nice’s quieter side.

Walk around the Boulevard Franck Pilatte for seaside views and Art Deco architecture.

Late Afternoon – Beach Break or Museum Time

Back toward central Nice, take a break at Blue Beach, one of the city’s better-known beach clubs, where you can rent a lounger, or just chill on the pebbles at Plage Beau Rivage.

Not a beach person? Visit the Marc Chagall Museum, known for its colorful biblical-themed works and serene setting.

Evening – Apéro in the New Town (Carré d’Or)

As the sun starts to dip, head into the Carré d’Or neighborhood—a chic area full of boutiques, bistros, and elegant squares. Start your evening with a rooftop cocktail at Bella Ciela Nice or a glass of wine at La Part des Anges (bonus: they also sell bottles to go).

blue chairs of the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France. — *The iconic blue chairs of the Promenade des Anglais*

Dinner – Bistronomy or Seafood

Treat yourself to a memorable meal. For modern French fare with flair, try Bistro d’Antoine (book ahead!). If seafood is calling your name, Peixes is a cool, Mediterranean-style spot that locals love.

Day 3: Fairytale Day Trip – Villefranche, Èze & Monaco

Must-read: Best Day Trip Ideas from Nice

Morning – Villefranche-sur-Mer: Postcard Perfect

Hop on the TER train from Nice Riquier or Nice Ville—just 10 minutes later, you’re in Villefranche-sur-Mer, one of the prettiest seaside towns on the coast.

Wander through its narrow pastel alleys, walk the scenic waterfront promenade, and peek into the tiny, frescoed Chapelle Saint-Pierre.

If you fancy a café stop, grab a seat at any of the cafés on the harbor—it’s perfect for coffee with a view.

⏰ Time needed: 1.5–2 hours
🚉 How to get there: 10-minute train from Nice, runs frequently

Midday – Èze: Hilltop Magic & High Views

Next stop: Èze! From Villefranche, take Bus 82 or 602 (make sure to check the schedule, they don’t run often). It’s a windy 30-minute ride, but the views? Chef’s kiss.

Climb through the medieval village, popping into artisan shops and galleries, and don’t miss the Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotique) for unreal views over the Mediterranean.

If you’re splurging, have lunch at the dreamy Château Eza, where you’ll dine on terraces that seem to float above the sea.

⏰ Time needed: 2–3 hours
🚌 How to get there: Bus 82/602 from Nice or Villefranche (check current schedules). If you arrive at the train station in Èze, you’ll have to hike up to the village.

Afternoon to Evening – Monaco: Glitz, Gardens & Golden Hour

From Èze, catch Bus 602 or hop a train from Èze-sur-Mer to Monaco-Monte-Carlo.

Welcome to Monaco, where the yachts are massive, the casino is iconic, and the air smells faintly of designer perfume.

Visit the Old Town (Monaco-Ville), stroll through the Saint-Martin Gardens, and take in the views from the Prince’s Palace. If you’re into cars, the Collection de Voitures de S.A.S. le Prince de Monaco is fun and flashy.

Grab a drink at Café de Paris, then head back to Nice by train—about 20–25 minutes.

⏰ Time needed: 3–4 hours
🚆 How to get there: Bus or train from Èze-sur-Mer; direct trains from Monaco to Nice

Travel Tips for Visiting Nice

Getting Around: Nice is super walkable, especially the Old Town and Promenade des Anglais. But if your feet get tired, the tram system is excellent and budget-friendly. Just grab a rechargeable ticket card at any station.

Airport to City Center: The tram (L2) is the easiest and cheapest way to get from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport to the city center—about 25 minutes and just €1.70!

What to Pack: Sunscreen, comfy shoes, and a reusable water bottle. Even if you’re not hitting the beach, Nice gets sunny year-round and there’s a lot of strolling involved.

Language Tip: While many people speak English, a few French basics go a long way. A friendly bonjour never hurts!

Watch for Closures: Some shops, markets, and restaurants close for a few hours in the afternoon (especially on Sundays or Mondays), so plan your meals and shopping accordingly.

Budgeting: Nice isn’t the cheapest destination on the Riviera, but it’s definitely doable on a moderate budget. Picnic on the beach with local market goodies, grab a socca for a snack, and enjoy scenic strolls for free. Museums like MAMAC and Palais Lascaris are also affordable.

Safety: Nice is generally safe, even at night. That said, stay alert in busy areas like the train station and markets where pickpocketing can happen. Keep an eye on your bags and avoid leaving valuables on the beach while swimming.

Tipping: Tipping isn’t required in France—service is included in the bill—but it’s customary to round up or leave a euro or two for good service at cafés and restaurants. A little extra is always appreciated.

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