Will you be traveling to the French Riviera for the first time soon? Undoubtedly you will be spending some time in Nice, which has the area’s main airport and is the seventh largest city in France. If you are wondering how to make the most of your time in this sunny Mediterranean city, this perfect 2 days in Nice itinerary has you covered!

Something I didn’t know about Nice before my first visit is how much it would remind me of Italy, with the warm-hued buildings of Old Town accented by giant colorful shutters and terracotta roof tiles baking in the heat. This is not a coincidence – until the mid-19th century, Nice was a border town in the Italian Kingdom of Savoy. Nearby Antibes sat fortified against attacks from Savoy on the French border.

While you’ll still see crumbling remains of former castle keeps in Nice, today this bustling metropolis is more about glitz and glamour. Think high-end shopping, classy hotels and beach clubs, and Michelin restaurants.

That doesn’t mean that everything worth doing in Nice is meant exclusively for the rich and famous. You’ll find unique museums, wonderful local restaurants, and plenty of gorgeous spots on the water perfect for basking in the sun. This 2 day Nice itinerary hits all the iconic locations that make the city a totally-bucket list worthy destination. Let’s jump in!

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The Perfect 2 Days in Nice Itinerary

Arrive into Nice

Flying into Nice? You will conveniently arrive at the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. From there you can take the L2 tram directly into the city center or grab an Uber (they are super prevalent in Nice). Of course, it is also possible to arrange private transport in advance.

Book Your Private Nice Airport Transfer Here!

Coming by train from elsewhere in France or Europe? You’ll arrive at the centrally located Nice Ville train station and can either walk, tram, or Uber to your lodging.

This itinerary works whether you arrive into Nice the day before beginning this 2 day itinerary or the morning of. If you can’t check into your hotel right away, almost all of them will be able to hold your luggage while you go explore. If you are staying in an Airbnb, you can store your luggage at the Nice Ville train station.

2 Days in Nice Itinerary: Day 1

The first thing I recommend anyone do in Nice is beeline straight to the coast to stroll the iconic Promenade des Anglais. In fact, this was the first thing I ever did in the French Riviera after dropping off my luggage.

My first trip was a solo stay at the Best Western Lakmi (you’ll be surprised how numerous and pleasant Best Westerns are in Nice). I strolled down the Jean Medicin shopping thoroughfare, past the checker board-tiled Place Masséna, towards the shimmering bright aquamarine expanse ahead.

Stroll the Promenade des Anglais

I stopped when I reached the seaside path of the Promenade des Anglais and I inhaled, paused to feel the sunshine on my face, and then exhaled into the gentle breeze. I thought, this must be la joie de vivre….

This popular pedestrian path spans 7 kilometers along Nice’s Baie des Anges and is beloved by tourists and locals alike. Frequenters of this path have the British to thank.

Aristocrats had been arriving for decades in the early 19th century to enjoy the health invigorating affects of Nice’s pleasant climate and abundant sunshine, but they lacked a proper path for ladies and gentleman of their station to stroll along the water. In 1824, the iconic Promenade des Anglais was contructed for the same comfort and enjoyment that people experience today.

For less stress on the joints and more sightseeing in less time, join a guided Nice segway tour. It promises an informative as well as gorgeous seaside ride.

Explore Old Nice

The winding streets of Old Nice (or Vieux Nice) arguably offer more charm and ambiance than any other part of the city. This is the part of town that feels the most reminiscent of Italy, with narrow alleyways, ocre facades, and oversized shutters in faded hues. It has a vibrant atmosphere with diners spilling onto the sidewalks and squares and a variety of unique shops to pop into.

As you enter Old Nice from the Promenade des Anglais, one of the first places you will likely notice is the daily flower market in Cours Saleya. This is a great place to shop for locally grown produce and flowers, and you’ll also see stands like Chez Theresa selling delicious snacks like socca (a super yummy chickpea bread).

However, Old Nice’s tangle of streets can also feel overwhelming and warrant joining a walking tour led by a local guide for deeper insight into your surroundings. There are many options available, from history walks to food tours. Here are the most popular options for Old Nice:

Enjoy Some Apéro

After a busy morning and afternoon, it’s time to take a break. I suggest pausing to check in and get settled at your Nice hotel if you haven’t already. Otherwise, find an atmospheric location to join in on the famous French tradition of apéro. While you’ll find locations all over Nice perfect for grabbing a glass or wine and light snacks, here are some of my favorites:

• Get a table at a beach club like Bocca Mar for bubbly with a view
• Grab drinks at the Negresco bar, or one of Nice’s most exclusive hotels along the Promenade des Anglais. Note that there is often a wait and you can’t make reservations.
• The easiest option: find a terrace seat somewhere in Old Nice. La Cave du Fromager was one of the coolest spots for wine paired with light French fare that I’ve stumbled upon so far. Inside, you’ll find a literal cave with a menu that includes unique items like orange wine.

Climb Castle Hill for Sunset

For the most breathtaking view over all of Nice, climb the Lesage staircase or take the lift to the top of Castle Hill (Colline du Chateau). This beloved park is located on the northeast end of the Promenade des Anglais and offers views from the Bellanda Tower over the entire Baie des Anges.

Despite the name, there really isn’t much of a castle to speak of at the top of this hill anymore besides a few scattered ruins. At one point, an 11th century fortress stood atop the highest point, but it was destroyed at the order of Louis the XIV in 1706. Today, you’ll find paths through gardens containing exotic plants, an artificial waterfall, a playground, and a little refreshments stand.

By far, the most romantic time of day to take in the sweeping views of Nice from Castle Hill is golden hour, so I recommend looking up the sunset time in advance and arriving around 30 minutes before. Entry is free, although it’s always good to have some change on hand in case you need to use the restroom.

Dinner in Nice

There is no shortage of choices to consider when it comes to dining in Nice, from quaint pizzerias to Michelin-star restaurants. Here are a few of my favorite recommendations:

• La Taverna du 9: This small, cozy restaurant is off the main tourist radar, but has absolutely delicious pasta and seafood. The waitstaff is so welcoming and friendly and I had some of the yummiest carbonara I’ve ever tried.
• Les Sens: This is a super elegant restaurant with top-of-the-line service. It’s the sort of place where the entire waitstaff greets you at the door for your seating and every guest is treated like royalty. The menu changes weekly to highlight the freshest ingredients available. Expect a selection that is very French, but pushes the envelope beyond traditional dishes.
• Nuances: For something upscale but a bit more playful, I recommend making a reservation at Nuances. This restaurant’s kitchen is exposed to the dining room, where a blind menu that changes bi-weekly is prepared. After each course, guests are encouraged to take a guess at what they just ate (my experienced involved a lot of different purées).

I highly advise making reservations whenever possible, as the best restaurants in Nice always fill up. Also, keep in mind that most places close on Sundays and Mondays. Be sure to always check hours in advance so you can plan wisely.

2 Days in Nice Itinerary: Day 2

Your second day in Nice will be a little bit more of a choose your own adventure. Here’s why: Nice has some great art museums worth visiting, but wine lovers may prefer checking out Nice’s underrated Bellet wine region.

See Art and Ancient Ruins

Don’t leave Nice without checking out its two beloved art museums that each feature the work of prominent artists who lived in the French Riviera: Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall. It is easy to visit both by bus, tram, or on foot, as each museum is situated just off Boulevard de Cimiez.

If you only have time or energy for one artist, visit the Chagall Museum.

1. Matisse Museum

Begin your morning at the Matisse Museum, which opens around 10am, since it is the furthest out from the Nice city center. I recommend arriving a little before opening to wander the little park around the museum. You’ll see a surprising feature – Roman ruins of a 2nd-century amphitheater from the ancient city of Cemenelum.

Next, pay €12 to enter the Matisse Museum (ticket also covers the adjacent Archeological Museum of Cimiez). Housed in a late 17th-century villa, the museum has a large collection of sketchings and sculptures by Henri Matisse. However, unless there is a special exhibition, do not expect to see many of his more significant paintings.

2. Marc Chagall National Museum

After a 45-60-minute wander around the Matisse Museum, take a pleasant 16-minute stroll through the Cimiez neighborhood to the Marc Chagall National Museum (€8-10). In my opinion, the grand canvases of the Biblical Message and stunning mosaic work featured in this modest space are bound to wow you more than the contents of the Matisse Museum. Expect large paintings with bold lines and colors that reflect Marc Chagall’s Jewish faith while evoking feelings from anguish to love.

This museum also boasts a charming garden cafe right outside the main gallery that makes a great option for coffee or a light bite afterwards.

Stroll the Liberation Market

Whether you toured art museums or wineries, continue your 2 days in Nice itinerary with a stroll around the Liberation Market near Nice’s former Gare du Sud (a remnant of the opulent Belle Époque era). If you already visited the Marché Aux Fleurs in Old Nice’s Cours Saleya, the Liberation Market (closed Mondays) will feel much less touristy by comparison. You’ll see stall after stall of vibrant produce, fresh seafood, and delectable looking cheeses.

If you are coming from the Chagall Museum, the walk will only take 13 minutes. Otherwise, Uber down from the winery. If you’ve arrived in time for lunch (from 12-2pm), grab a table at a nearby restaurant like L’Instant or À la Table du Marché.

Discover a Stunning Russian Orthodox Church

For something totally unexpected, continue your walk from the Liberation Market to Saint-Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral – about a 20-minute walk. Yes, I am making sure you get your steps in today!

So what is the most important Russian Orthodox Cathedral outside of Russia doing in Nice? Its precursor chapel was erected in 1859 to accommodate a growing Russian community in Nice. After Nicholas Alexandrovich (son of Tsar Alexander II and heir apparent), died in Nice following an illness in 1865, the tsar commenced plans for a more ornate church honoring his late son, which was completed around 1912.

It does not cost any money to enter the church and look around, although donations are accepted. Afterwards, it’s about a 20-minute walk back to the Nice city center. If you’re over walking, there is always Uber to save the day.

Take a Boat Tour

After a morning of wandering around, how about finally resting those legs for a bit while taking a ride on the Mediterranean? While there are many tour options to consider (this post outlines the best ones), the simplest choice is this 1-hour tour of the Baie des Anges.

Around 3:00pm, you’ll leave from Nice’s Port Lympia (easy to reach via the tram) and ride along the coast out to the majestic villages of neighboring Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The trip is not only comfortable and easy to squeeze into a short trip, but also loaded with fantastic scenery! Expect to also hear about more than one celebrity who owns a villa perched in the hills.

Dinner in Nice

It’s time for one last dinner in Nice. Maybe it’s your night to splurge at a Michelin-starred restaurant like Le Chantecler at Le Negresco or Racines for inventive vegetarian fare.

Alternatively, Nice is a wonderful pizza city and a lot of people like to eat it right on the city’s pebbly beach (even in winter!). For something a little different try a heart-shaped pizza when dining in a Les Amoureux a few blocks back from Port Lympia. Sadly, the heart-shaped pizzas are not offered as take-out (although the offerings are delicious no matter the shape!).

Is Your Nice Itinerary Longer Than 2 Days?

If you have more than 2 days in Nice, definitely book an excursion to explore beyond the city. The French Riviera has numerous worthwhile destinations near Nice; here are just a few awesome day trip options to add on:

• Take this French Riviera in 1 Day Tour. It’s the perfect way to taste the best of everything in this stunning region with limited time.
• Add a new country to your list by visiting Monaco! You can check out the Monte Carlo Casino, tour the Formula 1 route, and even visit the Prince’s Palace.
• For a more low-key experience, visit the incredibly charming neighboring coastal village of Villefranche-sur-Mer. For an extra dose of adventure, hike there along the Sentier du Littoral from Nice to grab lunch and wander before simply taking Bus 15 back to Nice.

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That covers the best way to plan an exciting itinerary for 2 days in Nice, France. The city delivers on French Riviera glamour, convenient big city amenities, and miles of coastal beauty. A short stay filled with seaside strolls, high-end dining, and intriguing museum visits will leave you feeling re-energized and inspired!

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