The beautiful city of Nice, located on the heart of the French Riviera (or Coté d’Azur, as the French call it), is the fifth largest city in France, an economic and cultural hub, and a fantastic base for exploring the region due to its extensive public transportation system.
With its stunning Mediterranean coastline, fabulous food, unique art, and vibrant culture, Nice is a favorite destination for travelers from all over the world and definitely one of the jewels of the Riviera.
So, you only have one day in Nice and want to make the most of it?
While we definitely think Nice is worth visiting for more than just a day (personally, I’ve been living here for months now and I am still in the honeymoon phase), it is possible to have a wonderful experience in 24 hours.
In this guide, you will find a complete itinerary with all the must-see attractions and things to do in Nice.
In addition, we have also added some excellent lunch spots, local markets, and other local secrets to fill your one day in Nice with wonderful memories. On y va!
Planning a trip to the South of France? Then make sure to join my Facebook group for the best tips, places, and hotels on the French Riviera.
Who is this one day in Nice guide for?
This itinerary was made with a first-time visitor in mind. We’ve included the most popular attractions and restaurants but also tried to add some local tips that you won’t find in regular travel guides. Read about why Nice is worth visiting here.
READ: 35 Best things to do in Nice, France
If you have been to Nice before and are looking for something more off-the-beaten path, we recommend you check out our selection of alternative activities here.
Planning a trip to the South of France? Then make sure to join my Facebook group for the best tips, places, and hotels on the French Riviera.
The Ultimate Nice in a Day Itinerary
What to see in Nice France in one day: Itinerary Overview
Morning: Breakfast at La Femme du Boulanger + Place Massena + Promenade des Anglais + Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya + Castle Hill
Afternoon: Cathedrale Ste-Reparate + Vieux Nice + Place Garibaldi + Beach Time
Evening: Dinner at Chez Pipo + Music in the Streets of Nice
Keep reading for a detailed explanation of the itinerary.
Morning: Breakfast at La Femme du Boulanger + Place Massena + Promenade des Anglais + Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya + Castle Hill
Start your day with an authentic French breakfast at La Femme du Boulanger, one of the city’s most popular bakeries. Then, wander around the majestic Place Massena and take some pictures of its opulent architecture before heading over to the world-famous Promenade des Anglais.
Take in the sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea as you walk along this historic avenue before stopping at Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya. This colorful outdoor market is filled with fresh produce, flowers, souvenirs, and more! (attention: the market is closed on Mondays.
Continue your journey up to the top of Castle Hill and marvel at the stunning views of Nice’s Old Town and Port.
La Femme du Boulanger (Adress: 3 Rue du Commandant Raffalli)
La Femme du Boulanger is a lovely rustic restaurant that uses locally sourced ingredients to prepare delicious French dishes. The restaurant is most famous for its delicious tartines (toasts), brunch, and french staples such as duck in orange sauce, lamb, and ratatouille.
Place Massena
Place Massena is the central square in Nice and a great spot for people-watching.
It’s surrounded by an array of grandiose buildings, most notably the imposing Palais Massena and the iconic Fontaine du Soleil.
Promenade des Anglais
The Promenade des Anglais is one of Nice’s most iconic attractions. Take a stroll along the seven kilometer (4.3 miles) long avenue that runs along the Mediterranean Sea and admire its stunning views and vibrant atmosphere.
Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya
The Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya is one of the best places to experience Nice’s lively atmosphere.
This picturesque outdoor market has been around for centuries and is filled with local produce, arts and crafts, flowers, and souvenirs.
Castle Hill
No visit to Nice would be complete without taking in the sweeping views of Old Town from atop Castle Hill (Colline du Château).
This hilltop park is a great spot to take photos or simply admire the wonderful architecture of the city below.
Afternoon: Cathedrale Ste-Reparate + Vieux Nice + Place Garibaldi + Beach Time
Now that you’ve seen some of the city’s most famous attractions, it’s time to explore its hidden gems.
Start by visiting Cathedrale Ste-Reparate, a beautiful baroque church nestled in Nice’s Old Town.
Then, stroll around Vieux (Old) Nice and take in its old-world charm as you wander through its narrow streets.
Next, stop at Place Garibaldi for a bite to eat (I recommend trying the local socca, pissaladiere, or one of the best pizzas in Nice) before heading down to the beach for some relaxation and sunshine.
Spend the remainder of your afternoon soaking up the Mediterranean sun and enjoying the gentle sound of waves crashing along the shore or alternatively visit the wonderful Musée Matisse.
✈️ Need help planning your trip to the French Riviera?
Cathedrale Ste-Reparate:
Cathedrale Ste-Reparate is a stunning baroque church located in the heart of Nice’s Old Town. Inside, you’ll find an array of ornate paintings and sculptures that will transport you back to another era.
Vieux Nice:
Vieux (Old) Nice is the city’s oldest and most charming area. Wander around its narrow cobblestone streets and take in the sights, smells, and sounds of this vibrant neighborhood. You’re sure to find some hidden gems tucked away here!
Place Garibaldi:
Place Garibaldi is one of Nice’s main squares and home to a variety of restaurants, cafes (read about the best cafés in Nice here!), boutiques, and shops. It’s also a great spot for people-watching, as locals and tourists alike come to soak up the atmosphere.
Musée Matisse:
The Musée Matisse in Nice is a beautiful museum devoted to the work of French painter Henri Matisse.
It gathers one of the world’s largest collections of his paintings in the world.
Evening: Dinner at Chez Pipo + A glass of Rosé Wine
End your one day in Nice with a delicious dinner al fresco. We recommend visiting Chez Pipo, a local institution that serves up traditional Niçoise cuisine. Then, explore the cobbled streets of Nice in search of some live music and some good wine (the French Riviera is known for its rosé!).
Later, if you feel like partying, check out one of Nice’s many trendy bars or even go to a pub crawl (which I highly recommend especially if you want to meet new people).
BOOK: Riviera Bar Crawl Nice
Chez Pipo (address: 13 Rue Bavastro)
Chez Pipo is a local institution that has been serving traditional Niçoise cuisine for over 40 years.
Choose from an array of delicious dishes such as ratatouille, brandade de morue (salt cod), and pan-bagnat (Niçoise salad sandwich).
What About a Walking Tour of Nice?
A walking tour of Nice is one of the best ways to experience all that this beautiful city has to offer with the help of a local guide that knows all of Nice’s best-kept secrets.
Not only will you get to explore some of its most iconic attractions like Old Nice and Castle Hill, but also discover some hidden gems along the way.
BOOK: Walking Tour of Old Nice and Castle Hill
Looking for Some Other Options For Seeing Nice In a Day?
Nice Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties & Wine Tasting
Treat your taste buds to the flavors of Provençe on a walking food tour in Nice.
Explore the old town, or Vieux Nice, with a gastronomic guide, and enjoy different samples of regional favorites, including locally produced French wine.
Visit the finest markets, delis, and specialty food shops in town and learn how locals shop and prepare meals on a daily basis.
Nice City Segway Sightseeing Tour
Roll through the charming sights of the French Riviera on a fun Segway tour of Nice!
Ride a gyropode Segway past highlights of the beautiful seaside town, including the Promenade des Anglais, Place Massena, and the vibrant Cours Saleya flower market.
Learn about Nice’s rich heritage from your expert guide and its anecdotes. Appreciate the pleasure and the fun of riding on gyropode Segway! With the 2-hour tour, take the heights from Castle Hill and enjoy its spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city.
BOOK: Nice City Segway Sightseeing Tour
1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise to Villefranche Bay from Nice
See Nice, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and Villefranche-sur-Mer on a sightseeing cruise along the French Riviera.
Admire the coastal towns, lush landscapes, and millionaire villas from the glittering sea.
BOOK: 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise to Villefranche Bay from Nice
1 or 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Nice Bus Tour
Explore Nice according to your own schedule and interests with a 1-day or a 2-day pass for the open-top hop-on and hop-off sightseeing bus. J
ump off and on as often as you like to see sights such as Place Garibaldi, Promenade des Anglais and more.
BOOK: 1 or 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Nice Bus Tour
Where to Stay for One Day in Nice, France
If you are only staying in Nice for a day, then booking the right accommodation is key. There are plenty of excellent hotels to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury stays.
These are some of my favorites:
Budget
If you are on a budget, then Hostel Villa Saint Exupery Beach might be a great choice for you. I stayed in this hostel during my first two nights in Nice and it was a great experience. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the location is ideal – just minutes away from the beach.
Also, they organize plenty of events and it’s a really good place to meet people.
Mid-range
Hôtel Nice Azur Riviera is located in the heart of Nice and offers modern, comfortable rooms. It’s within walking distance of the beach and has a wonderful rooftop bar with amazing views.
Splurge
If you are looking to have a luxurious stay in Nice, you are in for a treat: this city has many wonderful luxury hotels to choose from. My favorite is, of course, the iconic Hotel Le Negresco.
This five-star hotel features some of the best amenities in town – from fine restaurants to a spa and fitness center. but Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée and Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa are also extraordinary options.
READ: 15 Best hotels to stay in Nice, France
How to get around in one day in Nice
Getting around Nice is easy – the city has great public transportation and is connected by a tram system.
You can also rent a bike from one of the many rental shops around town.
However, my favorite way of getting around Nice is by simply walking. The weather around here is wonderful most days of the year and walking is a great way of finding hidden gems around town.
Where To Go After Your Day in Nice – Day Trips And More
One of my favorite things about Nice is how easy it is to explore the surrounding area. There are plenty of day trips and longer excursions that you can take from Nice, such as a visit to Monaco, Eze Village, Cannes, or even Italy.
Read: 24 Best things to do in Cannes
If you have time during your one day in Nice, I highly recommend exploring some of these other destinations:
St Tropez and Port Grimaud
Witness the stunning landscapes of the French Riviera on a day trip from Nice. Sail from Saint-Tropez, admire the fishermen’s houses on the canals of Port Grimaud, and see the Massif de l’Esterel.
BOOK: Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud Boat Tour
Gorges of Verdon
Explore the largest gorge in France on a full-day trip from Nice to Verdon.
See the crystal clear blue waters of the Verdon River and admire the stunning rock formations that make this region so special.
BOOK: Gorges of Verdon and Fields of Lavender Tour
Èze, Monaco and Antibes
Èze, Monaco, and Antibes are some of the easiest places to visit from Nice as they are all located less than one hour away.
A guided tour is a great way of seeing all these places in one day.
BOOK: From Nice: French Riviera in One Day
Menton
Located near the Italian border, Menton is definitely worth visiting.
With its picturesque old town and stunning views of the Mediterranean, Menton is perfect for a day trip from Nice.
Saint Paul de Vence
Visit St. Paul de Vence, one of the oldest villages in France and home to some of the most beautiful views of the Côte d’Azur. Stroll through its cobbled streets, relax with a coffee at Le Petite Provence or marvel at the works in Galerie Maeght.
BOOK: Half-Day Saint Paul de Vence and Wine Tasting Tour from Nice
Conclusion: What To Do in 1 Day in Nice, France
That’s a wrap!
We hope this one-day itinerary helped you plan your trip to Nice. Remember, no two days in Nice will be alike—the city awaits with endless possibilities for discovery, exploration, and adventure.
I hope you love this wonderful city as much as I do. Happy travels!
Oh! And if you are visiting the South of France soon, join my Facebook group for more hidden gems and travel tips. Happy travels!
Plan the perfect trip to the French Riviera
🗺️ Book guided tours through Get Your Guide and Viator.
🛏️ Find the perfect hotel on Booking.com.
