Are you popping into Nice, France for a quick trip or simply want to spend one day in this sunny city before exploring elsewhere in the French Riviera? This beautiful Mediterranean metropolis is the fifth largest city in France and delivers on miles of shimmering coastline, Michelin-quality dining, and excellent public transportation. While planning an itinerary for just one day in Nice is a tall order, it’s definitely doable!
While Nice is certainly worth visiting for more than just a day (I am still discovering new hidden gems here after several visits), it is possible to have a wonderful experience in 24 hours. It just requires some solid planning and masterful time management. Don’t worry – this one day in Nice itinerary covers all of that!
Are you ready to make the most of one day in Nice, taking in its shimmering coastline and impressive art scene? You’ll be amazed how much you’ll cross off your Nice bucket list in short order, but we haven’t a second to waste. On y va!
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The Ultimate One Day in Nice Itinerary
Morning: Promenade des Anglais & Castle Hill
9:00am: Breakfast
Start your day with an authentic French breakfast at La Femme du Boulanger, one of the city’s most popular restaurants. This charming rustic establishment uses locally sourced ingredients to prepare delicious homemade French dishes, the most famous being flavorful tartines (fancy toasts).
3 Rue du Commandant Raffalli, open every day 9am-11pm
10:00am: Place Massena
Next, it’s time to visit an iconic central point in Nice: Place Massena. Reach this stunning square with an 8-minute stroll along the Promenade du Paillon, one of Nice’s most beloved green spaces.
Since 1840, lively Place Massena has joined Old Nice with newer parts of the city, like the high-end resorts along the Promenade des Anglais and the Jean Médicin shopping thoroughfare. It’s the perfect place to linger for a moment to people watch and take photos of the red-toned architecture, checkerboard-colored pavement, and the iconic Fontaine du Soleil.
10:10am: Promenade des Anglais
In my opinion, a stroll down Nice’s Promenade des Anglais should be top of the list for any visitor, even for a one day in Nice itinerary.
This 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) pedestrian path is lively year-round. Built in the 1800’s for British aristocrats in town for some sunshine, the previously wild and rugged coastline became a fashionable spot for a promenade. Whether for leisure or sport, visitors and locals alike still enjoy this path in much the same way today!
Facing the water, turn left and keep walking past a variety of beach clubs and sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea towards Castle Hill ahead. There will be just one detour before a short climb.
Related: 27 Best Things to Do in Nice France
10:20am: Marché aux Fleurs
After strolling the Promenade des Anglais for about 10 minutes, you’ll notice a few archways across the road to your left. Take a quick detour through the archways to reach Nice’s Cours Saleya, which is where the famous Marché aux Fleurs is held daily (except Mondays).
This flower market has run since 1861 and is one of the best places to experience Nice’s lively atmosphere and local offerings. Residents have long done their shopping here and tourists can peruse the stalls selling fragrant bouquets, local arts and crafts, snacks, and authentic souvenirs.
10:45am: Castle Hill
Want the best views over Nice’s rooftops and the Baie des Anges? Castle Hill (Colline du Chateau) is the place to go. Return to the Promenade des Anglais, turn left, and walk straight at the hill (it’s directly ahead and impossible to miss).
The stairs up to the Bellanda Tower begin near the intersection of the Promenade des Anglais with Rue des Ponchettes. There is also an elevator available next to the stairs, although it often has a line during busy times. Access to the park and elevator is free, but keep some euros on hand in case you need to use the bathroom.
Once on the tower, be prepared to snap a bunch of photos of Old Nice’s orange terracotta rooftops contrasting against the turquoise sea. Afterwards, wander Castle Hill for a bit to discover more scenery, remnants of 11th-century castle ruins, and a manmade waterfall.
Another Option for Seeing Nice in 1 Day: Join a Walking Tour
It might suit you better to replace this entire morning with a walking tour led by a local guide. This has the benefit of helping you see more places in less time with the bonus of deep insights into your surroundings and gems you otherwise might have missed. Here are the top options to consider (okay fine, one is a bus):
- Most Popular: Walking Tour of Old Nice & Castle Hill
- Best for Foodies: Small-Group Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties & Wine Tasting
- Kindest on the Legs: Nice City Segway Sightseeing Tour
- Best for Coastal Scenery: Hop-On Hop–Off Bus Tour (I think it’s easier to see Nice on foot, but this tour has the added benefit of a coastal trip out to neighboring Villefranche-sur-Mer. Consider an evening ride before dinner for pure sightseeing pleasure.)
Afternoon: Vieux Nice, Fine Art, & Sea Views
We’ve only just scratched the surface of Nice’s most famous attractions, but the day is still young. Grab an espresso if you need it to keep your energy up because it’s time to explore one of the most intriguing neighborhood’s in the city: Old Nice (or Vieux Nice).
11:45am: Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate
Begin your explorations at Place Rossetti in the heart of Old Nice, where Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate casts a shadow on the diners and tourists below. Enter this beautiful 17th-century baroque cathedral to find an array of ornate paintings and sculptures that will transport you back to another era.
Afterwards, head back out onto Place Rossetti but don’t stick around for lunch at these tourist traps. Atmospheric as it is, better food can be found by wandering just a little beyond this popular square.
12:00pm: Wander Old Nice
For the next hour, take some time to wander the twisting narrow cobblestone streets of Old Nice at your leisure. Notice the charming buildings that date back to when Nice was part of the Italian kingdom of Savoy. Although Nice joined France in 1860, the ocre facades and faded colorful shutters feel reminiscent of architecture you might find over the Italian border (which is a mere 19 miles away).
As you wander these romantic lanes, make sure to pop into some local shops to find unique clothing, artwork, and food items like artisanal hazelnut spread (yum! – much better than Nutella) to bring home.
1:00pm: Lunch in Place Garibaldi
Welcome to the oldest square in Nice, where I encourage you to stop for a bite to eat. 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.
Be sure to look around to notice the trompe-l’oeil creations on the buildings around you. Some of the facades are not quite what they seem!
Whichever place you choose, I recommend trying the local socca (essential, if you ask me), pissaladière, or one of the best pizzas in Nice. Afterwards, catch the next bus (or Uber) from the square to the swanky Cimiez neighborhood.
2:00pm: Admire Art by Famous French Masters
It’s time for a change of pace to visit one of Nice’s wonderful art museums. You have two choices (personally, I’d pick the first one):
- Marc Chagall National Museum: This museum can be reached in around 25 minutes by walking or 15 minutes via bus 33 (you’ll need a Lignes d’Azur card). While Chagall was born in today’s Belarus, he later became a French citizen a created some of his most significant works in France (he is buried in Saint-Paul-de-Vence). You can see the bright big canvases of the Biblical Message at this museum – a moving collection inspired by his Jewish faith.
- Matisse Museum: As the Matisse Museum is just up the road from the Chagall Museum, it can also be reached in 15 minutes on bus 33, but walking will be more like 40 minutes. The museum’s coolest features are that it’s housed in a 16th-century villa and neighbors ruins from the Roman city of Cemenelum. Otherwise, you’ll find some sketches and sculptures by Matisse inside, but not much in the way of his paintings (unless a special exhibition is running).
Note that both museums are closed on Tuesdays.
4:00pm: Get on the Water
It’s late afternoon now, but you still have time for one critical Nice activity: spend time by the sea. You once again have two options (note that the second requires arriving by 3pm):
Go to a Beach Club
The best way of partaking in the French tradition of apéro in Nice is going to a beach club like Bocca Mar. Alternatively, the uniquely situated restaurant, Le Plongeoir (reservation required), is a dreamy place to sip rosé with a view.
Spend the next hour or so resting your legs and soaking up the lingering rays of the strong Mediterranean sun with the gentle sound of waves crashing along the pebbly shore as a backdrop.
Join a Boat Tour
If you can make it to Nice’s Port Lympia by 3pm, you can catch this popular 1-hour sightseeing cruise of the Baie des Anges out to Villefranche-sur-Mer. The gorgeous harbor of Port Lympia is worth seeing in itself, but the scenery from the boat is even more majestic.
Consider getting lunch at the Chagall Museum’s charming garden cafe instead of at Place Garibaldi or opting for Uber instead of the bus to save time. An Uber from the Chagall Museum takes only 12 minutes vs 30 minutes by bus!
Evening: Dinner at Chez Pipo & Nice Nightlife
It’s time to finally relax and recap all that you saw and experienced by capping off your one day Nice itinerary with traditional eats at a long-running Nice establishment.
7:30pm: Chez Pipo
While there are endless options for high-quality dining in Nice, I recommend visiting Chez Pipo. This local institution has been serving up traditional Niçoise cuisine for over 40 years. Choose from an array of delicious dishes such as socca, pistou soup, and pan-bagnat (Niçoise salad sandwich).
13 Rue Bavastro, open for dinner 5:30 to 10pm, closed Mondays and Tuesdays, does not take reservations for groups less than 8
9:00pm: Enjoy Nice’s Nightlife
Not quite ready for the night to end? Continue exploring the cobbled streets of Nice in search of some live music and good wine (the French Riviera is known for its rosé!). Old Nice is full of charming spots with outdoor seating perfect for people watching.
If you feel like a little extra partying, check out one of Nice’s many trendy bars (just look for places filled with locals) or even go to a pub crawl like this one (perfect for meeting new people!).
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. Maybe you are sneaking this trip in and don’t want to break the bank or maybe you want to go all out for one night. Either way, there are plenty of excellent hotels in convenient locations to choose from in every budget.
Here are some top suggestions:
- Hostel Villa Saint Exupery Beach (Budget): 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.
- Hôtel Nice Azur Riviera (Mid-range): Located in the heart of Nice, this hotel offers modern, comfortable rooms. It’s within walking distance of the beach and has a wonderful rooftop bar with amazing views.
- Hotel Le Negresco (Splurge): If you are looking to have a luxurious stay in Nice, you are in for a treat: this city has many wonderful high-end hotels to choose from. The iconic five-star Hotel Le Negresco features some of the best amenities in town – rooms with a view, Michelin dining, a spa, private beach area, and fitness center.
Related: 15 Best Hotels in Nice, France
Where To Go After Your One Day in Nice
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, Èze Village, Cannes, or even Italy.
If you have time after spending one day in Nice, I highly recommend selecting some of these other destinations to explore:
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 like this one is the easiest way to see all these places in one day.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Visit St. Paul de Vence, one of the oldest and best-kept 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 Café de la Place, or marvel at the works in Galerie Maeght.
Menton
Located near the Italian border, Menton is definitely worth visiting. With its adorable pastel-colored old town and stunning views of the Mediterranean, Menton makes a dreamy day trip and relaxing change of pace from Nice.
Saint-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.
Gorges of Verdon
Explore the largest gorge in France on this 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.
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I hope this one day in Nice itinerary helped you plan an amazing adventure in this gorgeous city. Remember, no two days will be alike and there is no perfect way to fill 24 hours in Nice. It’s impossible to soak in every ounce of beautiful architecture, beach clubs, and shades of brilliant blue sea that Nice offers in one day, so don’t try!
I hope you leave this wonderful city feeling fulfilled and as enamored with it as I am. Chances are you’ll be back for more!
