Are you dreaming of an ultimate getaway to the French Riviera? 3 days in Nice will be enough to soak in this coastal gem’s charm, history, and breathtaking views.
This 3 days in nice itinerary has been set to maximize your stay. It offers first-time and repeat visitors choices for hidden treasures. Let’s dive into a journey filled with amazing sights, delectable cuisine, and unforgettable experiences.
3 Days in Nice Itinerary
Nice is a beautiful city, the capital of the French Riviera, where old-world charm is perfectly mixed with modern-day elegance.
Herein, we attempt to give you an elaborate trip idea of the best experiences this beautiful city can offer and ensure that your 3 days in Nice are utilized well.
Day 1: Immerse Yourself in the Heart of Nice
Morning: A Stroll along the Iconic Promenade des Anglais
Start the day with a laid-back walk along the Promenade des Anglais, a 7-kilometer-long seaside promenade and generally synonymous with Nice itself.
The alley was constructed by the English aristocracy in the 1820s and offers great views of Baie des Anges, which is otherwise known as the Bay of Angels.
You will pass by luxury hotels, such as the famous Hôtel Negresco, which is a symbol of the glamorous past of the city. During the walk, you may see joggers, cyclists, and families who enjoy the fresh Mediterranean, the perfect place to start your day.
Mid-Morning: Explore the Historic Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Vieux Nice, or Old Town in English, is the vibrant, beating heart of Nice. Narrow, serpentine streets with patrician pastel-colored buildings and busy markets-there, history comes alive.
Begin your exploration at the Cours Saleya, the main market square. Most mornings, this is where you’ll catch the famous flower market, the Marché aux Fleurs, in full gear, along with stalls of fresh fruits and vegetables and delicacies like olives and cheeses.
Take a break and taste socca-chickpea pancake in one of the market stands; it is a favorite dish for all locals!
Get lost later in the maze of streets, stopping to admire the Baroque architecture of the Cathedral of Sainte-Réparate. The 17th-century cathedral is devoted to the patron saint of the city and is truly a marvel of Baroque art and architecture in Nice.
As you wander along, look for quaint shops selling Provençale products like little sachets of lavender, soaps, and olive oils.
Afternoon: Castle Hill Walk (Colline du Château)
After a morning of quizzing, make your way to Castle Hill, the very place where Nice’s original settlement began. Though the castle itself was destroyed in 1706 by Louis XIV, a visit is required since panoramic views of Nice, the Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding Alps can be had. You can hike stairs from Old Town, take the elevator, or make your way via the meandering path through the lush park.
Once upstairs, take your time to enjoy the park replete with greenery, fountains, and ancient remains. Don’t forget a manufactured waterfall, Cascade du Château, where one can refresh and cool down. The top views are great, especially at sunset; thus, try scheduling your visit for this golden time.
Evening: Enjoy a Gourmet Dinner in a Local Bistro
You deserve a fabulous dinner at one of Nice’s many bistros this evening. If you want a true taste of Nice, then go to a restaurant that specializes in Niçoise.
Try dishes like salade niçoise – a heavy salad made with tuna, olives, and vegetables, or ratatouille, a local vegetable stew. End your meal with a glass of rosé wine for a perfect end to your first day in Nice.
Day 2: French Riviera Glamour and Natural Beauty
Morning: Scenic Train to Monaco
From Nice, embark on your second day with a trip to Monaco, one of the tiniest but most glamorous countries in the world. The train ride from Nice to Monaco takes approximately 20 minutes, with great views down the coast.
In Monaco, visit the Prince’s Palace, the residence of the ruling House of Grimaldi. Situated on a hill, the palace has an excellent view of the harbor. It is open to the public during the summer months.
Piazzale After visiting the palace, take a walk along narrow streets in Monaco’s Old Town, called Le Rocher, a see Monaco Cathedral, where many members of the Grimaldi family Kelly included are buried.
Afternoon: Visit the Monte Carlo Casino and Explore the Eze Village
And, of course, no trip to Monaco would be complete without trying one’s luck in the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino. Even just visiting the Belle Époque architecture and interior design here is something worth seeing. James Bond fans will recognize it from several films.
After the Monte Carlo experience, take a short bus ride to Eze, one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval villages, built on a craggy cliff overlooking the Mediterranean.
The site is well known for its stunning views, stone, and narrow, curved alleys with succulents and cacti. Then, visit Jardin Exotique, which, planted with cactus and succulents, affords panoramic views over the French Riviera.
The village also houses the Fragonard perfume factory, where you get to know a little about the art of perfume making and collect some unique souvenirs to carry back home.
Evening: Come back to Nice and take a Sunset Cruise
Return to Nice in the evening after a day of exploring and take in the sunsets with an evening coastal cruise. These generally last about an hour and offer a different perspective of the city as the sun sets over the Mediterranean. This is the magical soft light of evening when one wants time to think about the day’s happenings.
Day 3: Nice Art, Culture, and Relaxation
Morning: Matisse Museum
Spend your last morning in Nice at the Matisse Museum in the peaceful Cimiez neighborhood. Spend your last morning in Nice at the Matisse Museum in the peaceful Cimiez neighborhood.
One of the greatest artists of the 20th century was Henri Matisse. He spent a lot of time in Nice, and many of his works are on display here. It is housed in a lovely 17th-century villa surrounded by olives.
Additionally, he has a collection that includes paintings, sculptures, and personal objects that reveal how Matisse worked.
Late Morning: The National Marc Chagall Museum
To complete your cultural day out, visit the Marc Chagall National Museum, not far from the Matisse Museum. Marc Chagall is famous for his fantastically colored dream pictures.
He painted a series of pictures with biblical motifs that form the centerpiece of the museum’s collection. There’s also an exhibition of a stained-glass window. Additionally, an outdoor space with a garden in which one can sit and relax.
Afternoon: Beach Time and Nice’s Coastal Paths
And it’s time to catch a breather on one of Nice’s beautiful beaches after you have been immersed in so much art and culture. Plage Beau Rivage and Plage Blue Beach are just perfect beaches with pebbles. They are nice counterparts to the crystal clear blue waters of the Mediterranean.
If you seek a peaceful place, just walk a little along the path lining the coast to find your way to one of the less crowded beaches.
Walkers will adore the Sentier du Littoral. It has a pretty coastal path with dramatic views and hidden coves and beaches to discover. This route goes from Nice to the next town, towards Villefranche-sur-Mer. Additionally, it is a good option if you want to have some fun with nature around.
Evening: Savor a Gourmet Dinner with a View
End your last evening in Nice over a nice dinner right by the sea. Nice is noted for its gourmet dining scene, and there are lots of local restaurants with both excellent food and great sea views.
Enjoy local fresh seafood, Mediterranean flavors, and a glass of wine as you see the red ball of the sun slowly sinking into the horizon. It’s the best way to round out your 3-day adventure in Nice.
More Days in Nice?
If you have a bit more time to spare in Nice, there’s heaps more you can do to fill up your itinerary. You might even extend by one or two days as per the suggested 4-day or 5-day itinerary, where you can surely take more trips around the neighboring French Riviera.
It includes towns like Antibes, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez. Those with a week to spare will be best off with a 7-day itinerary that will let them soak in the culture, history, and natural environments that this region has to offer.
Just as well, if you are pressed for time, interestingly, in Nice, the hosts will manage to put all the most interesting things in a 2-day plan. For a whistle-stop trip, a 1-day itinerary will present the possibility to try what Nice offers and to feel hungry to come again for a larger portion.
Extend Your Stay: Spend More Time in Nice and the French Riviera
If you have more days to explore, consider adding an extra day to any one of the following designed itineraries:
- Nice Itinerary 4 Days: Take a day trip to Antibes or Cannes, which are filled with beautiful beaches, historic sites, and a taste of the local culture.
- Nice Itinerary 5 Days: Take a trip out to the perfumeries of Grasse or visit the villa called Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
- Beautiful Itinerary 7 Days: Spend a week discovering all the French Riviera, from the little gem Saint-Paul-de-Vence to the bustling streets of Marseille.
If you have less time, then do not worry, as you can enjoy the essence of Nice in 2 days or even go for a speedy visit to Nice in 1 day.
Moreover, if you want to link your tour to another city, then consider the French Riviera 3-day itinerary. Find out how many days in Nice and Monaco are perfect for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to Do in Saint-Tropez?
Despite its reputation for luxury yachts and celebrities, Saint-Tropez offers far more than glitz and glam. Once a humble fishing village, it’s now a magnet for art lovers, beachgoers, and foodies.
Top things to do in Saint-Tropez:
- Stroll through La Ponche, the old town, with cobbled alleys and pastel-hued houses.
- Relax at Pampelonne Beach, home to chic beach clubs like Club 55 or Nikki Beach.
- Visit the Citadel for panoramic views and the Maritime Museum.
- Shop the Place des Lices market (Tuesdays and Saturdays) for Provençal goods.
- Check out the Annonciade Museum, showcasing early 20th-century art from Signac, Matisse, and more.
Pro Tip: Visit in shoulder seasons like May or September to avoid the crowds and get more out of this iconic Riviera town.
Is Nice Expensive to Visit?
Yes and no—it depends on how you travel. Nice can be pricey if you stay at luxury hotels on the Promenade des Anglais or dine exclusively at Michelin-starred restaurants. But it can also be incredibly affordable for budget-conscious travelers.
Breakdown:
- Budget travelers can find hostels or 2-star hotels starting at €40–€70 per night.
- Public transport (bus and tram) is efficient and cheap—just €1.70 per trip.
- Dining ranges from €10 street-side crêpes to €100 fine dining tasting menus.
Tip: Buy a French Riviera Pass if you’re visiting multiple attractions; it saves money and time.
Is Villefranche-sur-Mer Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Located just a 15-minute train ride from Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most charming coastal towns on the Côte d’Azur. It’s quieter than Nice, with a picturesque harbor, colorful old town, and a relaxing local vibe.
Why it’s worth your time:
- Its crescent-shaped beach is one of the most scenic on the Riviera and less crowded than Nice’s pebbly shore.
- The Old Town is Instagram gold—imagine pastel walls, shutters, narrow alleys, and sea views.
- Chapelle Saint-Pierre, painted by Jean Cocteau, is a hidden artistic gem.
Have lunch at a waterfront bistro and watch the yachts bob in the bay. It’s the kind of spot that makes you want to miss your return train on purpose.
What is the Main Strip in Nice?
The Promenade des Anglais is Nice’s beating heart—a scenic seafront boulevard stretching 7 kilometers along the Mediterranean. Originally built in the 19th century for English aristocrats wintering in Nice, today it’s a hub for both locals and tourists.
What you’ll find on the Promenade:
- Iconic hotels like Le Negresco
- Joggers, rollerbladers, and buskers
- Blue lounge chairs facing the sea (ideal for sunset)
- Access to private and public beaches
- Cafés, ice cream vendors, and live music in peak season
Whether you walk, bike, or simply lounge, the Promenade offers the best views of the Baie des Anges.
How to Visit Èze from Nice?
Èze, perched dramatically on a cliffside overlooking the French Riviera, is a must-visit from Nice—and it’s pretty easy to get to.
Your options:
- By Bus: Take Bus 82 or 112 from Nice’s Vauban station (about 30–45 minutes). This drops you off near the village entrance.
- By Train: Take a TER train to Èze-sur-Mer, then hike up the Nietzsche Path (1.5 hours uphill) for a sweaty but scenic experience.
- By Car: A 25-minute drive via the Moyenne Corniche road, with epic sea views along the way.
- Guided Tour: Many day tours from Nice include Èze, Monaco, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence in one day.
Once there, wander the medieval stone streets, visit the Fragonard Perfumery, and climb to the Jardin Exotique for mind-blowing views.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Your 3 Days in Nice
This 3 days in nice itinerary includes all the major details one needs to explore Nice from end to end. From the sun-kissed Promenade des Anglais to the charming streets of Old Town, from Monaco’s glitz to the serenity of Eze, your journey will be one full of unforgettable experiences. Nice is a town with which every visitor leaves their heart behind, and this guide shall help you experience its magic to the fullest.
This includes both short-term and long-term trips that guests may have, to maximize their time in Nice. Now pack your luggage, get your cameras ready, and embark on a journey of charm, culture, and beauty that is the French Riviera!
