72 Hours in Nice

Annie Koop

---

Nice, France is known for its stunning views, authentic attractions and colourful architecture. With picture-perfect beaches and such rich history, it’s no wonder that Nice is one of the most popular vacation spots in France. If you love beach holidays but want some bustle and brisk during your time abroad, this guide is for you!

Are you looking to take a trip to this charming city but don’t know where to start? No need to worry! I’ve created the ultimate 3-day itinerary for you, complete with must-see attractions, restaurant suggestions, and even an optional day trip. Here’s how to spend 72 hours in Nice.

Nice: Day 1

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so grab some at Emilie and the Cool Kids. The cozy café has two locations in Nice, and I recommend visiting the ‘Vieux-Nice’ (Old Town) location. This way, you’ll be steps away from many of the spots that your first day has in store. Plus, you can’t go wrong with a latte and a delicious bagel!

Next, spend the next few hours on a free walking tour of Nice, which will take you through Old Town and the city centre. You’ll learn all about Nice’s history and spot some of the best local attractions with a local tour guide. After the tour, make your way back to Place Massena, the city’s busy centre. From here, you can window shop down Avenue de Verdun or Jean Médecin.

After all that exploring, lunch is calling your name at the Hippopotamus steakhouse on Felix Faure. This French grill serves Instagram-worthy plates, and the upbeat decor sets the cheery mood.

Next, visit the stunning Basilique Notre-Dame de Nice. The religious structure holds an incredible amount of history and value, and offers a special educational experience to visitors.

Then, take in the art of the Musée Masséna, which is located on the Promenade d’Anglais. Entry is just 15 euros per visitor. For an additional small fee, the museum offers guided tours by reservation, only 2.50 euros for a group of two and 6.20 euros for three or more visitors.

Have dinner at Le Frog on the Promenade. This is your chance to try the most notorious French dishes: snail and frog legs. Many tourists surprisingly find both entrees incredibly tasty.

Nice: Day 2

Start your second day in Nice at HOBO Coffee in Old Town. After all, you can never have too much French coffee, right?

Then, take a stroll through Old Town and experience the daily life of the locals. Take your time and window-shop to your heart’s content. I recommend stopping by the Saint-Reparate Cathedral, a grand interior tucked between the neighbourhood’s colourful architecture.

Make sure to visit Old Town’s flower market, or the Marché aux Fleurs Cours Saleya, which offers countless rows of beautiful bouquets and greenery. You’ll find vendors with handmade souveniers scattered through the market as well. If you wanted to, you could spend an entire day here – but keep in mind that the market is closed on Mondays, and closes at 5:30pm from Tuesday to Sunday!

For your midday meal, stop by Attimi, which is an Italian pizza restaurant between Old Town and Massena. For around 13 euros, a massive margherita pizza fit for a king should quell your tourist appetite. After lunch, hike up the steps of Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the French Riviera. Your Instagram will love the colourful sights of the Promenade, and so will you.

Spend your afternoon on the beach – that is, if it’s warm enough! If you’re visiting Nice around April through September, you’ll experience warmer temperatures than visitors during the October through March months. The more adventurous travellers may not mind the cooler weather, so if you’re not afraid of a little wind, visit the beaches of Castel Plage anyway!

For dinner, head to Movida, a tapas bar close to the beach with views you just can’t beat. Treat yourself with cocktails and tapas on one of the terraces overlooking the Riviera.

Various: Day 3

To get the most out of your trip to France, I recommend taking a day trip to either Saint-Tropez, Cannes, or Monaco. The South of France has a great rail system, and you’ll most likely take a train from the Nice-Ville station. I’d encourage reserving tickets ahead of time through the Trainline app.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is great for boating activities and time spent on the water. There are dozens of beach clubs in the area, motorboats for hire, and countless upscale bars perfect for a classy night out. Consider stopping by the Place des Lices Market, Chappelle Sainte-Anne and the Saint-Tropez Citadel Museum.

If you want to spend the day in Saint-Tropez, I suggest booking a tour like this one through Expedia or asking your hotel if they offer transportation there. This is because there isn’t a direct train or bus route to the area. But not to worry! Joining a group tour is loads of fun anyway.

Cannes

Cannes is the “Hollywood of Europe”, and if you’re visiting France in May, this is an absolute must. Why? The Cannes Film Festival, of course! During the festival, you can watch some of the films for free at the open air cinema on Mace Beach. In the likely event that your trip isn’t during the Cannes Film Festival, though, there’s still plenty to do in the city. Visit the Le Vieux Port, Museum de la Castre, and the Notre-Dame d’Esperance.

Cannes is 30 minutes away from Nice by train, and round-trip tickets are around £10.

Monaco

Monaco is my personal favourite on the list. It’s technically a country, but the micro-state is so small that you can drive from one end to the other in just 10 minutes. I recommend a stroll through Casino Square, marvelling at the Hotel de Paris, and visiting the many gardens that the principality has to offer. The Japanese Gardens is a personal favourite. If you have time, pop over to the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince’s Palace.

Monaco is about 25 minutes away from Nice by train, and round-trip tickets are around £6.