How to visit Nice in 1 day: beaches, museums and good addresses

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How to visit Nice in 1 day: the perfect itinerary 

We won't hide it from you: visiting Nice in a single day is a challenge, but it's entirely possible if you plan your itinerary well so you don't spread yourself too thin. Here is a suggested itinerary (the best one in our view, especially if it's your first time!)

Morning programme

Start at Port Lympia

Have a coffee at Port Lympia, Nice's harbour, then stroll along the quays to admire the yachts and fishing boats. It's a truly picturesque spot, perfect for taking pretty photos with the sea as a backdrop.

Explore the Castle Hill Park

Walk or take the lift up to Castle Hill Park. From there, you'll have a breathtaking view over the Baie des Anges, Nice's harbour and its old town. You can also see lovely waterfalls and rest for a while in the shady gardens.

Stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais

Come down from Castle Hill, then head to the Promenade des Anglais. Stroll along this iconic promenade with a view of the Mediterranean Sea. You'll find plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can have lunch with a magnificent view. Or head straight to Old Nice

Afternoon programme: 

Visit Old Nice

Go and explore Old Nice with its narrow lanes and old coloured houses. Don't miss visiting the Cours Saleya market, famous for its flowers and local produce. Take the opportunity to try Niçois specialities such as socca or pissaladière.

What to see and do in Old Nice?

• Place Rossetti with the Cathedral of Sainte-Réparate, dedicated to Saint Reparata, the patron saint of Nice
• Place Saint-François known for its fish market
• the sublime Place Garibaldi. This is one of the biggest squares in Nice, surrounded by buildings with yellow façades and home to several cafés and restaurants.
• The Chapel of Mercy on Cours Saleya. This is where you'll find the famous flower market and its food market, the ideal place to try Niçois produce. Not far away is the Nice Opera House in the Carré d'Or district.

• The Palais Lascaris from the 17th century, housing the museum of music and decorative arts. It is on Rue Droite, one of the oldest streets in Nice, with many shops and art galleries
• Rue de la Préfecture, one of the main streets of Old Nice
• The Saint-François Tower with its 288 steps and its medieval bell tower offering a panoramic view over Old Nice and its surroundings
• Place du Palais de Justice
• Avenue Jean Médecin, Nice's main shopping street

If you're visiting Nice with the family, don't miss:

• Taking the tourist train
• Going on a ride on the Belle Époque carousel on the famous Promenade du Paillon (Nice's green lung). 
• Going to see the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC) : for a dose of culture as a family.
• Spending some time on Nice beach so the children can play in the sand and swim in the sea.
• Exploring Parc Phoenix with its tropical greenhouses, a zoo and children's play areas. A 7-hectare park with more than 2,000 animals and 2,500 plant varieties. 
• Visiting the Natural History Museum

If you have a little time, plan a day at Marineland park and/or Aquasplash:

Our good addresses in Nice: 

If you're planning to visit Nice in 1 day, here is a suggestion of addresses for lunch and an afternoon snack during your stay on the Côte d'Azur.

• Marinette and its sumptuous pastries in Old Nice
• Restaurant Le Panier in Old Nice 
• La Route du Miam, Rue Molière in Nice
• L'oiseau d'été de Valentin for a drink or even a crêpe
• Azzurro, the best ice cream parlour in Nice 
• Restaurant Le Plongeoir for its panoramic view
• Restaurant Sweet Sisters with its bohemian atmosphere for healthy eating
• Restaurant JAN, 1 star in the Michelin Guide
• Place de la Gare du Sud (see photo below)

Nice: our top 10 must-sees 

1. The Promenade des Anglais

This famous promenade stretches for 7 km along the seafront with a pebble beach on one side and neoclassical Belle Époque buildings on the other. Walk to the quay with the Rauba Capeu sundial. The latter was designed by Bernard Milet, an astronomer, in 1981.

2. Castle Hill

At the end of the Promenade des Anglais and the Quai des États-Unis, where the sundial is, you have this sublime park with a panoramic view over the harbour and the Baie des Anges. This is where the cannon shot you hear every noon is fired. The park is home to peaceful gardens with waterfalls and historic ruins of a 12th-century castle.

3. Old Nice

Get lost in the lanes of the historic district with its squares, lively markets, bars and restaurants. The Clock Tower, the Palace of the Dukes of Savoy or the Palais Rusca, find a little higher up everything there is to see in Old Nice. 

4. The Marc Chagall National Museum

Head to the Cimiez district and admire an exceptional collection of works by Marc Chagall, including his famous biblical paintings. Find "Genesis and Exodus" or the "Song of Songs". The museum offers an immersive experience in the artist's poetic, colourful world.

5. The Matisse Museum

Located in the Villa des Arènes in Nice, this museum traces the life and work of Henri Matisse. Explore his paintings such as Storm in Nice, his drawings, engravings and sculptures. You can also admire the sublime stained-glass window: The Tree of Life. Throughout the visit, discover the artistic evolution of this 20th-century master. An unmissable place when you come to the French Riviera. Not far away is the Nice Archaeology Museum.

6. The Russian Orthodox Cathedral

Located in the Cimiez district, discover this architectural jewel inspired by Moscow's churches. This Russian Orthodox cathedral is adorned with coloured domes, friezes, stained-glass windows and magnificent icons. It is a place of unique spirituality and beauty, one of the largest built outside Russia.

7. Port Lympia

Stroll along this picturesque marina, also called the Port of Nice. Take time to sit on the café and restaurant terraces along the quay. A chance to admire the stunning view of the maritime activity. From the port of Nice, set off on a day crossing to Sainte-Marguerite island, the Corniche d'Or or the Lérins Islands.

8. Place Masséna with its red façades

The nerve centre of Nice, this square is surrounded by elegant arcades and coloured buildings with a black and white chequerboard and in the centre, this sublime Fontaine du Soleil. It's an ideal starting point for exploring the city with its fountains and contemporary statues representing the seven continents. Most events take place on this square, as do the floats of the Nice Carnival. 

9. The Jardin Albert 1er

Discover this 3-hectare haven of peace in the middle of the city. We love its vast lawns, fountains and varied flora. It is one of the oldest gardens in Nice. The perfect place to recharge in peace after a day of sightseeing. In this garden, you'll find the famous Nice Jazz Festival.

10. The Nice Carnival 

Experience one of the biggest carnivals in the world, with its parades of flower-covered floats, flamboyant costumes and flower battles. A festive and colourful event that brightens up the city every winter (see the official dates and programme here). Nearly 100,000 flowers are handed out to visitors to parade near the Jardin Albert 1er. Find out more here.

Other activity ideas for visiting Nice in 3 days or more 

Planning a stay on the French Riviera and looking for a more cultural visit? We've gathered the most beautiful museums in Nice: the Musée Masséna, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC) and of course the Museum of Fine Arts.

If you have time, you can also go and see: 

• the Charles Nègre Photography Museum
• the National Sports Museum and Allianz Riviera Stadium 
• the Museum of Asian Arts

In the Jean Médecin district, visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption with its neo-Gothic architecture and magnificent stained-glass windows. 

Want to discover Nice's beaches? You have: 

• Beau Rivage Beach opposite the Jardin Albert 1er, 
• La Réserve Beach, 
• Coco Beach, 
• Carras and Lenval beaches 
• or Castel Beach at the foot of Castle Hill.

For excursions, go hiking in Mont Boron Park to admire sublime panoramic views over the city of Nice and the Alpes-Maritimes, with the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop. Another option, we suggest a visit to the Bellet vineyards to taste local wines and learn more about winegrowing in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. 

Where to stay in Nice? The best districts 

Stay in Old Nice 

We love this historic district for its lively atmosphere and its proximity to the main sights and tourist attractions (Cours Saleya, Promenade des Anglais, etc.)

Stay in the Jean-Médecin district 

Ideal for exploring the city or if you plan to go shopping

Sleep in the Cimiez district

We especially love its more residential atmosphere. In addition, this elegant district is home to many museums such as the Matisse Museum, as well as sublime gardens. It's also easy to get to the city centre.

What to do around Nice? 

If you're visiting Nice in 1 day and want to explore the surroundings, here is a suggestion of the best excursions on the French Riviera.

Visit Saint-Tropez

Its legendary bell tower, its port, its town hall and its colourful lanes… who hasn't heard of Saint-Tropez! Go for a day to visit this legendary waterside village, as well as Port Grimaud, called the Venice of the south of France. A great day not to be missed!

Head to Cannes, Antibes and the Lérins Islands 

Want to stroll along the Croisette like a film star? Take a tour of the Palais des Festivals or take time to explore the Old Port of Cannes. Take the opportunity to take a trip to the islands of Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, famous for their sublime beaches, hiking trails and historic monasteries.

Near Cannes, there are many towns to visit: Antibes, Saint-Paul de Vence, Beaulieu-sur-Mer with the Villa Kérylos, etc. 

• One-day tour of the Côte d'Azur (Saint-Paul de Vence, Antibes, Monte Carlo, etc.)
• Visit to Villa Kérylos in Beaulieu-sur-Mer

Go to Grasse 

The world capital of perfume, you can discover its famous perfumeries, such as Fragonard and Molinard, and even create your own fragrance. 

Stroll through its picturesque medieval lanes, visit the Notre-Dame-du-Puy cathedral and enjoy the panoramic views of the Côte d'Azur.

Explore Èze, Monaco and Monte Carlo  

Head to the Italian border to visit this small perched medieval village. Get lost in its cobbled lanes, craft shops and spectacular views over the Mediterranean.

See Provence and the Gorges du Verdon 

Explore Provence with its lavender fields and charming perched villages such as Gordes and Roussillon. Experience the Provençal dolce vita. Then dive into the spectacular beauty of the Gorges du Verdon, the biggest canyon in Europe, by hiking or kayaking on its turquoise waters.

• Explore the Grand Canyon of Europe and its lavender fields
• One-day tour of the Gorges du Verdon

Visit the Italian Riviera

Discover the enchanting beauty of the Italian Riviera by exploring charming coastal towns such as Ventimiglia, San Remo and Bordighera. A chance to explore their lively markets, enjoy a walk along the beaches and eat good pasta with clams in typical trattorias.

FAQ: visiting Nice in 1 day 

Our answers to your most frequently asked questions 

How to get to Nice?

If you plan to arrive by plane, you have Nice Côte d'Azur airport, well served by many domestic and international flights.

By train, you'll probably arrive at Nice-Ville station, accessible by TGV from Paris and other major French cities.

Finally, getting to Nice by car is very easy, just take the A8 motorway.

Is one day enough in Nice?

Visiting Nice in 1 day is doable, but you won't see everything! We recommend allowing 2 or 3 days instead, and above all keeping a few days to explore the surrounding villages (Èze, Saint-Paul de Vence, Antibes, etc.).

Which place is really nice in Nice?

As mentioned below, you have the Promenade des Anglais and the old town. Don't miss climbing Castle Hill to get an overview of Nice and the Baie des Anges. 

Where to go for a walk in Nice?

Don't miss strolling through the Old Town (Old Nice), visiting the Cours Saleya market and discovering charming squares such as Place Rossetti. You also have the Jardin Albert 1er and Port Lympia, for a peaceful walk among the yachts and fishing boats.

Our article on "Visiting Nice in 1 day" ends here. We hope this list of ideas will help you plan your stay in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. All that's left is to wish you a great trip and plenty of good vibes 😎