Recommended stay
3 nights
← Back to the home page
France
Nice
Nice offers French city life beside the Mediterranean. Its Old Town, markets, art and coastal trains make it both a destination and an excellent Riviera base.
Especially good for
Sun and seaFood and marketsArtDay trips
Best areas
Vieux Nice, Carré d’Or and Port
Transport
Tram, bus, train and walking
Airport
Nice Côte d’Azur
A little more of the place
Find your rhythm in Nice
Nice does not need a crowded itinerary. Let the old town, a local bite and the sea air be your three main plans.
An experience worth making time for
Old town and seafront
Old town and Promenade des Anglais
Pair the old town's narrower streets with the open seafront promenade. The tourist board's Nice guide offers more ideas if you want a museum or a park break.
Visitor information: Nice Côte d’Azur TourismeSomewhere to stop for food
Socca · near the port
Chez Pipo
A specific place to try socca, the local chickpea pancake. A simple food stop can fit neatly between an old-town walk and time around the port.
Visitor information: Chez PipoAbout these tips and sources
This section contains editorial suggestions based on official tourism guides and venues' own websites, not firsthand reviews. These source links are not affiliate links. Personal visits are labelled separately.
Sources for this section were checked on . Menus, opening hours, access and transport can change. Check directly before visiting; this date does not represent a full review of the rest of the guide.
Weekend plan
48 hours in Nice
Friday evening
Old Town and the sea
Walk through Vieux Nice, find dinner in its narrow streets and finish along the Promenade des Anglais.
Saturday
Market, views and harbour
Start at Cours Saleya, climb Castle Hill and continue towards the harbour. Leave time for the beach or a museum.
Sunday
The Riviera by train
Take a short train trip to Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes or Monaco, or keep the day relaxed in Nice.
Where should you stay?
Choose an area that fits the trip
Vieux Nice
Historic streets, market, restaurants and evening atmosphere.
Carré d’Or
Central between shopping, beach and transport.
Port
Restaurants, bars and a more local harbour atmosphere.
Libération
Market life and local atmosphere beyond the tourist streets.
Good to know
Small tips for an easier weekend
The beach is pebbled
Water shoes and a padded mat make the beach more comfortable.
Use the coastal train
Many Riviera destinations are easier by train than by rental car.
Check market days
Cours Saleya changes character across the week.
Photo credits
Flyferie · Zairon · CC BY-SA 4.0
Continue planning
Useful travel tools for Nice
Always compare coverage, total prices and terms with the provider before booking. Affiliate links do not change the price you pay.
Affiliate link · Car rental
Compare rental cars
Compare several rental companies and check the deposit, insurance, fuel policy and final price.
Affiliate link · Mobile data
Find an eSIM plan
Check destination coverage and compare data allowance, validity and activation rules before travelling.
Ready for more ideas?