Welcome to the sunny streets and stunning coastline of Nice, a French Riviera paradise that keeps luring me back for new Mediterranean adventures. If you are in the midst of planning your own visit, perhaps you are wondering how many days in Nice you need for the perfect trip?
The question of how many days to spend in Nice is a common one, given the city’s own array of activities and close proximity to other awesome French Riviera towns. It can be a delicate balance between immersing yourself in all that Nice has to offer and finding time to discover seaside glamour beyond its borders.
In this blog post, whether it’s your first visit or you’re coming back for more, I’ll help you figure out how many days in Nice will allow you get the most out of your stay. Let’s dive into how you can tailor your Nice itinerary to match your time and expectations.
How Many Days Do You Need in Nice?
Deciding how many days to stay in Nice mostly depends on what you wish to get out of your trip. However, I do have a general guideline that can help with planning your visit.
Short on time? Answers may vary, but having been to Nice several times now, here is my quick and dirty opinion. One day will suffice, two days is ideal, three days offers bonus sightseeing but is unnecessary if you are hoping to explore elsewhere in the region as well. Basically, two days in Nice is the sweet spot and I wouldn’t suggest any more than that during a first-time French Riviera visit.
If you are staying in the French Riviera for a long weekend of 3-4 days, I suggest spending no more than one full day in Nice before exploring elsewhere. If you are staying for more like 5-7 days then two days is perfect. If you are spending 8-10 days in the Riviera, it could be nice to have one more slower day in Nice to enjoy the beach clubs or check out its own Bellet wine region.
Basically, base the amount of days you spend in Nice on how much time overall you are spending on the Côte d’Azur.
Short Stay: 1-2 Days in Nice
With such a short stay in Nice, your sightseeing options are pretty limited. With a mere 24 hours, simply follow this exciting one day in Nice itinerary to get the most of your time.
With two days, it’s usually easiest to spend another day in Nice. However, you may prefer to stick with the above one-day itinerary and explore a neighboring town like Villefranche-sur-Mer the next day. This Best of the French Riviera full-day tour is also quite popular – why pick one city to visit when you can quickly see them all?
What to See in 1 Day
1-2 days in Nice is enough to get a crash course in what makes this French Riviera city so special. In just one day, you can do the following:
- Stroll down the splendid seaside Promenade des Anglais and maybe even stop in for a drink at a beach club.
- Spend a couple hours wandering through the Old Town (Vieux Nice), with its narrow streets, vibrant markets, and the beautiful Cours Saleya. Definitely get in line for some socca at Chez Theresa.
- Climb Castle Hill around sunset for sweeping views over the orange clay rooftops of Old Nice.
- Dine out at a unique Nice restaurant, like JAN, Les Sens, or Le Plongeoir.
What to Add-in with 2 Days
With one more day, take advantage of one of Nice’s many walking tours and check out one of the city’s wonderful art museums:
- See large vibrant canvases by French master Marc Chagall at the Marc Chagall National Museum. Afterwards, enjoy a light lunch at the museum’s quaint garden cafe.
- Take a historical walking tour of the Old Town or join a food tour to try specials like socca and pissaladière.
Related: The Perfect 2 Days in Nice Itinerary
Moderate Stay: 3-5 Days in Nice
With 3 to 5 days, you can dive deeper into what Nice has to offer and even explore beyond its borders:
- Explore sights in Nice’s ancient Cimiez neighborhood – once the location of the ancient Roman city of Cemenelum. Visit the Musée Matisse nestled alongside scattered ruins at the adjacent Musée d’Archéologie and visit a 9th century monastery where Henri Matisse is buried.
- Uber to a winery or take a half-day tour of Nice’s own esteemed Bellet wine region. Château du Crémat is the most intriguing choice for a stand-alone winery visit.
- Hop on the #15 bus from Port Lympia to the quaint neighboring village of Villefranche-sur-Mer to admire its pastel facades and stroll along its ultra-calm bay. Even better – walk to Villefranche from Nice via the coastal path.
- Treat yourself to a leisurely day lounging by the sea at one of Nice’s many beach clubs.
- Take an easy train ride to nearby cities of interest like Monaco to visit a new country or Antibes to take in sea views from its medieval ramparts.
- Experience more of the local cuisine by taking a cooking class to learn how to make Niçoise specialties.
Related: 33 Best Things to Do in Nice, France
Longer Stay: 6+ Days in Nice
If you have the luxury of time, spending 6 or more days in Nice allows you to thoroughly enjoy the city at a relaxed pace and explore the French Riviera extensively:
- Visit another Nice museum like the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC) or Villa Masséna along the Promenade des Anglais.
- Visit additional towns and cities along the Riviera, such as Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Saint-Tropez, or Menton.
- Consider inland excursions to the Provence region for striking landscapes like lavender fields, the Gorges du Verdon, or vineyards during a full-day wine tasting tour.
- People watch and savor the art of doing nothing in one of Nice’s many cafés.
- Engage in outdoor activities like hiking from Èze-sur-Mer to Èze Village along the Nietzsche Path, taking a boat tour from Nice, or seeing gorgeous Mediterranean views along the Cap d’Antibes.
✈️ Coming to Nice soon? It’s time to book your tours
Related: 15 Best Tours in Nice, France
My Advice: Have Nice As a Base to Further Explore
My advice is always pick one base in Nice for exploring the rest of the French Riviera, as it is more affordable and an easy jumping point to places like Cannes, Monaco, Antibes, Menton, etc.
Basically, choosing how many days to stay in Nice will depend on how many day trips and places around the city you are looking to explore. Just remember – you’ll never be able to see everything in one trip, so don’t stress about squeezing everything in! You can always return.
Related: 12 Most Intriguing French Riviera Villages to Visit Immediately
Is a Week in Nice Too Long?
A week in Nice is not too long, especially if you plan to soak in all the city has to offer at a relaxed pace or explore the surrounding French Riviera. Nice itself is rich in attractions and activities, from its museums and galleries to its charming Old Town and vibrant food scene.
Additionally, Nice is an excellent base for day trips to places like Monaco, Antibes, Eze, and even across the border into Italy. If you enjoy immersing yourself in local culture and lifestyle, a week will allow you to experience Nice without rushing.
Where to Stay in Nice
Hotel Le Negresco
An iconic hotel known for its stunning Belle Époque facade, extensive art collection, and sumptuous interior decor. It’s directly on the seafront, offering some of the best views of the Mediterranean. The hotel houses the famous Chantecler restaurant, awarded with Michelin stars, providing an exquisite dining experience.
Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée
Combining modern luxury with art deco elegance, this hotel features spacious rooms with panoramic views of the sea or the city. It offers a third-floor terrace with an outdoor pool, an indoor pool, sauna, and Turkish bath, ensuring a relaxing and luxurious stay.
Boscolo Nice
Located in a beautifully restored historic building in the heart of Nice, this hotel offers luxury with a contemporary twist. The white marble interiors and a stunning lobby set the tone for an elegant stay. It features a spa, fitness center, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views.
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The ideal length of your stay in Nice depends on your interests, whether they lean more towards cultural exploration, leisure, or adventure. Regardless, Nice serves as a fantastic base to explore both the city’s own rich offerings and the wider French Riviera, providing a fulfilling experience for any duration of visit.
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