How many days do you need in Nice?

Planning a trip to Nice and wondering how long you should stay? The answer depends on how much of the city (and its surroundings) you want to explore. If you're after a weekend of sightseeing or looking to take a deep dive into the local culture, this guide will break down how many days you need in Nice, with sample itineraries of how to spend those days. 

How many days do you need to see Nice?

You’ll need at least three full days to get a solid feel for Nice. That’s enough time to check out the essentials—Old Town, the beach, a couple of museums, and of course, the local food. But if you’re after a slower pace or you want to explore beyond the city, five to seven days is better. With those extra days, you can easily use Nice as a home base for day trips to places like Monaco, Antibes, or Èze. Plus, art lovers will find plenty to keep them busy in the city’s galleries and museums. If you’re visiting in February, keep the Nice Carnival in mind.

2 days in Nice

Two days isn’t a ton of time, but it’s enough to hit the highlights and soak in the atmosphere. It’s a great option if you’re in the area for just a short trip.

Suggested itinerary

Day 1: Old Town & waterfront

Start your day in Vieux Nice at Cours Saleya Market, where you’ll find fresh flowers, produce, and a whole lot of local charm. For breakfast, try socca, a traditional chickpea flatbread, at Chez Thérésa. It’s been a go-to for years and gives you a taste of Nice’s history. Once you're fueled up, explore the winding streets of Old Town and check out Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, with its impressive meridian line that tracks time with sunlight.

In the afternoon, make your way up to Castle Hill for views of the city and the Bay of Angels. Then take a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais. This stretch of beachfront was built by English aristocrats in the 1800s, and it’s still one of the best places to just take in the view. For dinner, head to La Rossettisserie for some classic Provençal food. Afterward, Wayne’s Bar is a good spot to grab a drink, it’s been around since 1991 and is still as lively as ever.

Day 2: Modern Nice & port

On your second day, start at Place Garibaldi, one of Nice’s most iconic squares, known for its yellow-ochre buildings. From there, visit MAMAC (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art), where the focus is on art from the 1950s onward. As you walk east, you’ll pass through the Quartier des Antiquaires, a neighborhood once home to furniture makers, but now full of vintage shops and artisan studios.

Head down to Port Lympia, where the harbor has been around since the 1750s. Take a coastal walk to get some great views of the Mediterranean and pass by Plage de la Reserve, a quieter beach where the locals hang out when they want to escape the crowds. Finish the day with dinner at La Merenda, a humble spot where Chef Dominique Le Stanc serves classic Niçois dishes. It’s simple but so good—just don’t expect to pay with your phone or credit card here.

3 days in Nice

With a third day in Nice, you’ll be able to explore more of the city’s history and its surrounding areas. This extra day lets you get into some of the quieter, less touristy spots.

Suggested itinerary

Day 3: Northern Nice

Take Bus 15 up to the Monastery of Cimiez, which was built in the 9th century. The monastery’s gardens are peaceful and have great views of the city. Nearby, you’ll find Roman ruins, including an amphitheater that was once used for gladiatorial contests.

From here, head to the Chagall Museum, which has the world’s largest collection of his biblical-themed works. It’s a good place to take your time and enjoy his use of color and light. After that, visit the Matisse Museum, located in a 17th-century villa where Matisse lived. The villa has many of his works, as well as objects that appeared in his art.

End the day with dinner at Restaurant Jan, where South African chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen creates dishes with Mediterranean and African influences. The restaurant occupies a former motorcycle repair shop.

4 days in Nice

If you have a fourth day, take advantage of it by heading out of the city for a day trip. There are some great spots nearby worth visiting.

Suggested itinerary

Day 4: Day Trip

Catch an early train to Villefranche-sur-Mer, a small fishing village with narrow streets and medieval houses that run down to a deep natural harbor. Visit the 16th-century citadel, which now has art collections and a couple of museums. Don’t miss Rue Obscure, a covered medieval street that was used as a passageway and shelter for fishermen.

From there, follow the coastal path to Cap Ferrat, a peninsula that was once known for its wealthy residents. The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a highlight, with nine gardens inspired by different cultures. It’s set on a narrow strip of land with water on both sides, and it has a really beautiful view of the sea.

Head back to Nice for dinner at Le Safari, a place that’s been serving traditional Niçois dishes for decades. For some live music to end your night, stop by Le Shapko, a jazz bar that’s been hosting local musicians since 1998.

Where to stay in Nice

Nice has a range of neighborhoods, so it’s easy to find the one that suits your style best. Here are a couple of choice favorites, but for a better look, see our guide to the areas of Nice.

Vieille Ville (Old Town): best for first-timers

Vieille Ville is the heart of Nice, with narrow, winding streets that really showcase the city’s history. It’s perfect for first-timers because you’re right in the middle of everything. You’ll want to check out the Cours Saleya market, where locals sell fresh flowers, produce, and regional specialties. The area is full of charming restaurants serving Niçois dishes, quirky boutiques, and beautiful buildings. Plus, you’re within walking distance of top attractions like the Opera House and Castle Hill, and the beach is only a short stroll away.

Cimiez: best for families

Cimiez is a more peaceful residential area, which I think is perfect for families. This neighborhood was once a favorite of aristocrats, and you can still see the influence in the Belle Époque architecture and lush gardens. Kids will love exploring the ancient Roman ruins, and parents can check out the Matisse Museum housed in a 17th-century villa. The wide boulevards and expansive Cimiez Gardens give kids plenty of space to run around, and while it’s a little further from the beach, it has great bus connections to the center. Plus, you get a more authentic experience here with weekly markets and local cafes.

Promenade des Anglais: best for luxury

If you’re looking for a taste of luxury, the Promenade des Anglais is the spot. This area is all about relaxation and indulgence, with its palm trees, beachfront hotels, and stunning views of the Mediterranean. You’ll find high-end shopping, great restaurants, and some of Nice’s most famous hotels, like the Hotel Negresco. The beach is right there, with private beach clubs offering excellent services. In the evenings, you can take a stroll along the promenade and enjoy the performers and beautiful sunsets. It’s more expensive than other areas, but the views and amenities make it worth it. 

Things to know before going to Nice

If it’s your first time in Nice, you might want to note that the city runs on a Mediterranean schedule, so expect long lunch breaks and late afternoons. The beach is mostly pebbled, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes. Summer can get crowded, so consider visiting in spring or fall for better weather and fewer tourists. 

Daily budget

If you're on a budget (€70-100 / $75-110 per day), you’ll be able to stay in hostels or shared Airbnbs, eat local street food like socca, and use public transport. A weekly transport pass will save you some money, and visiting in the shoulder season means better deals and fewer crowds.

For a mid-range budget (€150-250 / $165-275 per day), you can stay in three-star hotels or private apartments, eat at nice local restaurants, and do things like visiting museums or taking a guided tour. This is the most common budget range, especially during peak season.

If you’re splurging (€350+ / $385+ per day), you can enjoy beachfront hotels, Michelin-star dining, and private tours. You’ll also get access to exclusive beach clubs and top-tier services.

How to get around

Nice’s public transport system is easy to use and covers the major spots around the city. The tram has three lines, with Line 2 connecting the airport to the port. Buses reach farther areas like Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. A multi-day transport pass is a good option for saving money. The city center is pretty walkable, and you can stroll along the 14 mile Promenade des Anglais, which runs right along the coast. If you want to bike, there are Vélo Bleu stations around the city, though some parts are hilly. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available, but they’re a bit on the pricey side.

How to get to Nice

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is just 12 mile from the city center and serves as the main entry point, with flights from many European cities and seasonal routes from North America and the Middle East. The tram ride from the airport costs just €1.50 one-way. If you're coming by train, high-speed TGV trains get you to Paris in about 5.5 hours, and there are frequent regional trains to places like Cannes, Antibes, and Monaco. If you’re driving, the A8 autoroute connects Nice to Italy and other cities in France, though parking in the center can be expensive.

Plan your trip with Rough Guides

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