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Itineraries for Visiting Nice, France: 1-Day, 3-Day & 7-Day Plans
Quick Overview: Suggested Itineraries for Visiting Nice
| Trip Length | Ideal For | Highlights |
| 1 Day | Cruise stop or short visit | Old Town, Colline du Château, beach, local cuisine |
| 3 Days | First-time visitors | Beaches, museums, Old Town, day trips to nearby Riviera towns |
| 7 Days | Extended stays | In-depth Nice exploration, Riviera day trips, cultural experiences |
Nice itineraries are designed to balance sightseeing, beaches, museums, and Riviera day trips, maximizing your time in the city.
Planning a trip to Nice, France can be exciting but overwhelming. The French Riviera is packed with stunning beaches, historic streets, museums, and day-trip destinations. Whether you’re traveling from the US or Europe, a well-planned itinerary ensures you get the most out of your stay. This guide provides hour-by-hour schedules, seasonal tips, day trips, and detailed recommendations for 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day trips, making it easy to explore Nice efficiently.
Pair this guide with Best Things to Do in Nice, France, Nice Beaches Guide, Where to Stay in Nice, France, and Day Trips from Nice for a complete Riviera experience.
Table of Contents
Nice balances city life with coastal calm in a way that feels effortless.
1-Day Itinerary in Nice: Hour-by-Hour Schedule
| Time | Activity | Location | Tips |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast & coffee | Old Town (Vieux Nice) | Try a local pastry like socca or a croissant with café au lait |
| 9:00 AM | Explore Old Town | Vieux Nice | Wander narrow streets, visit boutiques and historical sites |
| 10:30 AM | Cours Saleya Market | Old Town | Check seasonal flowers, local fruits, and souvenirs |
| 11:30 AM | Colline du Château (Castle Hill) | Panoramic view | Walk up or take the elevator; great for photos |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch | Seafront café / Promenade des Anglais | Enjoy Niçoise salad or fresh seafood |
| 2:00 PM | Beach time | Blue Flag beaches or private beach clubs | Sunbathe, swim, or try paddleboarding |
| 4:00 PM | Museum visit | Musée Matisse or Musée Marc Chagall | Indoor option if hot, rainy, or tired |
| 6:00 PM | Sunset promenade | Promenade des Anglais | Capture the Mediterranean sunset |
| 8:00 PM | Dinner | Old Town or Port area | Sample bouillabaisse or local French Riviera dishes |
A 1-day itinerary in Nice combines Old Town exploration, panoramic views, beaches, museums, and local cuisine.
3-Day Itinerary in Nice, France
Day 1: Discover Old Town & Beaches
- Morning: Stroll Old Town, visit Cours Saleya market
- Midday: Climb Colline du Château for panoramic views
- Afternoon: Relax at Blue Beach or Plage Beau Rivage
- Evening: Dinner in Old Town, followed by a walk along Promenade des Anglais
Day 2: Museums & Riviera Culture
- Morning: Musée Matisse and Musée Marc Chagall
- Afternoon: Visit Cimiez Monastery & Roman ruins, explore Russian Orthodox Cathedral
- Evening: Try a cooking class or wine tasting
Day 3: Day Trip Options
| Destination | Transport | Highlights | Tips |
| Monaco | Train, 20–30 min | Prince’s Palace, Casino, Oceanographic Museum | Take a guided walking tour to cover top sights |
| Antibes | Train, 30–40 min | Picasso Museum, Old Town, beaches | Enjoy local seafood at Port Vauban |
| Eze Village | Bus or car | Medieval village, Fragonard Perfume Factory | Hike the Nietzsche trail for stunning views |
A 3-day itinerary balances beaches, museums, cultural landmarks, and day trips along the Riviera.
7-Day Itinerary in Nice, France
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening | Notes |
| 1 | Old Town walking tour | Cours Saleya Market | Dinner in Old Town | Explore boutique shops and historic architecture |
| 2 | Colline du Château & beach | Musée Matisse | Sunset at Promenade des Anglais | Optional sunrise hike for photographers |
| 3 | Musée Marc Chagall & Cimiez Monastery | Lunch in Cimiez | Evening stroll by Port Lympia | Great for art and history lovers |
| 4 | Day trip to Monaco | Casino, Oceanographic Museum | Dinner in Nice | Train is fast and efficient |
| 5 | Day trip to Cannes & Antibes | Beaches, shopping, Picasso Museum | Return to Nice | Ideal for shopping and coastal photography |
| 6 | Eze Village & Fragonard Perfume Factory | Hike along Nietzsche Trail | Wine tasting in Èze | Combine nature, culture, and gastronomy |
| 7 | Relaxation day in Nice | Optional beach or museum visit | Farewell dinner | Perfect for unwinding and revisiting favorite spots |
A 7-day itinerary allows travelers to explore Nice in depth, combining beaches, museums, cultural sites, and Riviera day trips.
Tips for Planning Your Nice Itinerary
- Start early for popular attractions to avoid crowds
- Mix indoor and outdoor activities depending on weather
- Use public transport for day trips to Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes
- Plan beach time in the morning or late afternoon in summer to avoid peak sun
- Reserve tickets for museums and tours online for faster entry
Seasonal Adjustments for Itineraries
| Season | 1-Day | 3-Day | 7-Day |
| Spring | Enjoy flower markets and garden tours | Include Menton Flower Festival day trip | Add coastal hikes and early beach visits |
| Summer | Arrive early to beat beach crowds | Focus on morning sightseeing and afternoon beaches | Include Riviera nightlife and boat trips |
| Autumn | Enjoy wine harvest events | Visit vineyards near Antibes | Combine museums with mild weather walks |
| Winter | Replace beach time with museums or indoor attractions | Attend Nice Carnival if February | Include indoor cultural tours, quieter day trips |
Snippet tip: Adjust your itinerary according to seasonal weather, festivals, and crowd levels to maximize your experience in Nice.
Hourly Budget-Friendly Tips
- Breakfast: €5–10 for a café pastry & coffee
- Lunch: €15–25 per person for casual seafront café
- Dinner: €25–50 per person at local restaurants
- Museum entries: €10–15 per adult; check online for combined tickets
- Public transport: €1.50–2.00 per bus or tram ride
Family-Friendly & Special Interest Options
Families:
- Beaches with shallow waters like Blue Beach
- Parc Phoenix for gardens and animals
- Musée des Beaux-Arts for short museum visits
Art Lovers:
- Extra galleries: Palais Lascaris, Galerie des Ponchettes
- Street art tours in Old Town
Adventure Travelers:
- Coastal hikes from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Paddleboarding or sailing on Mediterranean waters
Detailed Day Trips from Nice
| Destination | Transport | Travel Time | Highlights | Best Season |
| Monaco | Train | 20–30 min | Prince’s Palace, Oceanographic Museum | Spring, Summer |
| Cannes | Train | 40–50 min | Beaches, La Croisette, Film Festival | Summer, Autumn |
| Antibes | Train | 30–40 min | Picasso Museum, Old Town, beaches | Spring, Summer |
| Eze Village | Bus/Car | 20–30 min | Medieval village, Fragonard Perfume Factory | Spring, Autumn |
| Saint-Paul-de-Vence | Car | 30 min | Art galleries, historic streets | Autumn, Spring |
Nice is an excellent base for day trips along the French Riviera, offering beaches, cultural experiences, and scenic villages.
FAQ – Itineraries for Visiting Nice
1. How many days are enough to see Nice?
3–4 days is ideal for a balanced trip including beaches, Old Town, and museums. 7 days allows for Riviera day trips.
2. Can I visit Monaco or Cannes in one day from Nice?
Yes! Trains and buses make day trips to Monaco (20–30 min) or Cannes (40–50 min) convenient.
3. Is one day enough to see Nice?
One day allows for a condensed itinerary of Old Town, Colline du Château, beaches, and dinner, but you’ll miss museums and day trips.
4. Are these itineraries for visiting Nice suitable for families?
Yes! Beaches, parks, and museums are family-friendly, and day trips can be adapted for children.
5. Can I do these itineraries in winter?
Absolutely! Replace beach time with museum visits, indoor activities, and festival events like Carnival.
6. Should I book tours or explore independently?
Both work but depending on your personal preference. Self-guided itineraries offer flexibility; guided tours are great for art, history, and day trips.
7. How should I adjust itineraries for visiting Nice by season?
Spring: Plan to Include flower markets, gardens, coastal hikes
Summer: Prioritize early morning beaches, sun protection
Autumn: Enjoy Wine festivals and cultural events
Winter: Visit Museums, indoor attractions, and Carnival in February
Before You Leave
Whether you have one day, three days, or a full week, these Nice itineraries help travelers make the most of the French Riviera. Combine them with Nice Beaches Guide, Day Trips from Nice, Best Time to Visit Nice, and Food & Restaurants Guide for a complete, stress-free, unforgettable trip.
Explore all our Nice guides for planning, lodging, dining, beaches, day trips, and seasonal tips.
Pages That Support This Guide
To help with deeper planning, this page connects to detailed guides such as:
