Population: 951,808

Size: 27.77 square miles
Distance: 4,859.61 km

Preferred Transport: Nice tramway

Located on the stunningly beautiful Cote D’Azur, Nice is a city steeped in history, culture, and gastronomy. While it has long been associated with the wealthy and famous, this French city is now accessible to all. Whether you want to bask in the sun, explore the charming old town, or venture into the picturesque French hills in a classic car, Nice offers something for everyone.

Nice boasts a fascinating history that reflects its diverse cultural influences. It has been under Greek, Italian, and even British rule, and during World War II, it was occupied by Germans. Throughout the centuries, Nice has attracted artists, actors, and celebrities, establishing itself as a hub for art and culture. Today, it continues to captivate travelers and locals with its undeniable charm.

2-DAY NICE ITINERARY

Day One

Port of Nice

Descending from the Colline du Château, one can reach the Old Port, where luxury yachts and small fishing boats are docked. Walking around this area is a pleasant experience, as you can admire the colorful boats neatly arranged along the quay, the red and yellow buildings, and the picturesque backdrop of the Colline du Château.

La Colline du Château

This location was once home to a fortified citadel constructed in the 11th century, hence its name. Nowadays, it has been transformed into a charming wooded park, perfect for a brief stop, a relaxing break by the grand waterfall, or even a leisurely picnic followed by a nap in the shade during the summer.

The site provides breathtaking panoramas of Nice, the Baie des Anges, and, in the far distance, the French Alps! We highly recommend beginning your visit early in the morning, when the sunlight illuminates the Promenade des Anglais and the Old Town. Nice looks truly enchanting under the morning light, offering a vibrant display of colors with the turquoise sea and the red rooftops of Old Nice!

For those who prefer not to climb the stairs to reach the hill’s summit, there is a (complimentary) elevator located at the end of the Promenade des Anglais.

Place Rosetti

Located in the heart of the Old Town, Place Rosetti is home to the beautiful Sainte Réparate Cathedral. This religious structure showcases an impressive Baroque style and is worth visiting.

Despite its popularity among tourists, Place Rosetti is also an ideal spot to take a break and indulge in delicious ice cream. We have two recommendations for you: Fenocchio, situated at 2 Place Rosetti, offers an unparalleled variety of mouthwatering ice creams, although it may be a bit pricey. On the other hand, Gelateria Rossetti, conveniently located opposite Fenocchio, also boasts a great selection of flavors at a more affordable price.

Furthermore, if you want to go shopping, Maison Bremond (15 Rue du Pont Vieux) is just next to Fenocchio. This establishment is an excellent choice for purchasing local oil, olives, tapenades, anchoïades, and vinegar.

Explore Old Nice

Visiting the Old Town is another top activity to experience in Nice. Old Nice’s charm is unique and reminiscent of old-fashioned Italian towns. The narrow streets are adorned with tall buildings painted in shades of red, orange, or yellow, and you can often see laundry hanging from the windows. The green or blue shutters are usually closed to keep the heat outside, but hidden treasures are hidden behind those walls.

Don’t hesitate to enter the small churches and marvel at the countless angels, saintly paintings, and beautifully ornate marble altars set up in a genuinely Baroque style.

Once you’ve had your fill of opulent decorations, visit the Palais Lascaris located at 15 Rue Droite. This 17th-century private mansion is a true gem of Baroque art, featuring frescoed ceilings, intricate woodwork, and original furniture. Nowadays, it serves as a venue for contemporary exhibitions and houses a stunning collection of antique musical instruments displayed throughout its halls.

Cours Saleya

This itinerary in Nice, France, continues southward. In Old Nice, you won’t have to worry about getting lost because all the streets lead to Cours Saleya, the main pedestrian street.

Situated on the outskirts of Old Nice and just a short distance from the Promenade des Anglais, Cours Saleya is the hub of tourist activity in Nice. With its market and restaurants, it resembles a large village square with its vibrant colored houses, church, courthouse, and lively atmosphere!

Cours Saleya is renowned for its vibrant flower market, which occurs every morning except on Mondays. The stalls are stunning! You will also find stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables and tempting treats like biscuits, candied fruits, and marzipans. It’s a temptation that is hard to resist, so be warned!

Place Masséna

Before heading to the Promenade des Anglais, it would be worthwhile to make a quick stop at the elegant Place Masséna, which serves as the city’s main square and a venue for various public gatherings. Situated at the terminus of the Paillon Promenade, the square’s checkered flooring and red-ochre buildings contribute to its charming appearance.

In addition, Place Masséna marks the beginning of Avenue Jean Médecin, the primary shopping street in Nice, featuring upscale boutiques and department stores.

For those craving another sweet treat (because, let’s face it, you’re on vacation!), consider visiting Papilla at 3 Rue de l’Opéra. This site is between Place Masséna and the Promenade des Anglais. Their ice creams are delightful; you can savor them while enjoying the seaside view!

Promenade des Anglais

The iconic Promenade des Anglais is a seven-kilometer stretch along the Baie des Anges. This is a delightful location for an afternoon stroll, situated between the renowned Hôtel Négresco and the Colline du Château.

Take in the stunning turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea and relish the refreshing sea breeze, which provides relief on the hottest summer days. While the area boasts some of the most upscale beaches on the French Riviera, swimming may not be ideal due to the pebbled beach.

Along the Promenade, you’ll encounter impressive hotels and buildings showcasing Nice’s distinctive architecture. The legendary Hôtel Négresco, a palatial gem, is a must-see attraction. Like the Sacher Hotel in Vienna, the Ritz in Paris, or the Astoria Hotel in Brussels, Hôtel Négresco is one of Europe’s luxury hotels and a symbol of the French Riviera.

By the time you finish these sites and everywhere in between, I bet the night must have caught up with you. A day is never really enough to explore this city. There’s a lot to see and enjoy. Take your time, get some rest, and prepare for the next.

Day Two

Cimiez Neighborhood

On the second day of this two-day itinerary in Nice, France, we begin our journey at the elevated Cimiez Hill. This charming district is a treasure trove, boasting an archaeological site enveloped by ancient olive trees that have stood for over 2,000 years!

The remnants of the ancient Roman city, including its thermal baths and theater, now belong to the archaeological museum. Although you can only catch a glimpse from the outside, it is still a sight. Additionally, the Cimiez Monastery and its picturesque gardens are a beloved destination for locals, who often take leisurely Sunday strolls there.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Begin your journey at Cimiez Hill and go to the train station for a quick 8-minute ride to Villefranche-sur-Mer, a charming harbor town in France. Villefranche-sur-Mer is a perfect destination for a day trip from Nice or even just a few hours if you combine it with a visit to Eze.

Explore the Old Town’s picturesque streets adorned with stunning Baroque architecture. Don’t miss out on visiting the Chapel of Saint Pierre, decorated by Jean Cocteau in 1957, the Rue Obscure – an underground street constructed in the 13th century for soldiers’ convenience, and the Citadel established by the Duke of Savoy in 1554 to safeguard the harbor. While at the harbor, take in the breathtaking views of the Cap Ferrat peninsula, home to some of the most magnificent palaces on the French Riviera, such as the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.

COST OF TRAVEL IN NICE

Nice stands out as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in France, so prices tend to be higher than in other cities in the country. While not as exorbitant as Paris, it is still pricier than neighboring Marseille, so it’s important to be mindful of your expenses. Visiting during late autumn or winter may offer slightly lower prices, but they will still be relatively high compared to peak summer rates.

To save money, consider staying in a hostel or accommodation with cooking facilities. Dining out in Nice can be costly, so preparing your meals can help cut expenses. The advantage of Nice is its walkability, reducing the need for frequent public transportation use. However, additional costs such as museum entrance fees and day trips to Monaco and Eze should be considered. Early planning can give you a clearer picture of your budget. The only other major expenses to consider are guided tours and travel souvenirs, which can add up depending on your choices.

Also See: Everything you wanted to know about mega city

HEADING OUT TO THE NEXT DESTINATION: GENOA, ITALY

Leaving behind the azure waters and bustling streets of Nice, we began our journey to the next destination—Genoa. The lively streets of the Old Town and the scenic Promenade des Anglais left us spellbound by their beauty and charm, fueling our anticipation for the adventures to come.

As we bid farewell to the French Riviera and shift our focus towards the enchanting scenery of Italy, we are filled with anticipation for the exciting adventures and discoveries that await us. Join us on this journey as we venture from the sun-drenched shores of Nice to the ancient cobblestone streets of Italy, embracing the allure, rich history, and vibrant atmosphere each destination offers.