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Cultural Travel Guides• Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
2 Days in Nice: Itinerary and Tips by a French Local
01/04/2026Step-by-step itinerary for 2 days in Nice, France, with suggestions of places to visit nearby for longer trips. If you are in a hurry, you can jump directly to the itinerary here.
I’ve visited Nice more times than I can count – through every season and different moods – and it still surprises me. Most visitors arrive expecting a glamorous resort city, only to discover something far more interesting: a genuinely Baroque city with an Italian soul, a food culture unlike anything else in France, and a neighborhood – Cimiez – that most tourists never reach.
Two days in Nice are enough to see the highlights, take a swim in the warmest months, and enjoy great food. This Nice itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler who wants a real weekend in Nice, not a checklist.
Nice 2-Day Itinerary: Quick Answers
Best time to visit: May-June or September-October
Getting around: Mostly walkable. Use the tram for Cimiez
Don’t miss: Castle Hill at 8 a.m., Cours Saleya market
Best meal: Socca, Pissaladière, Salade Niçoise
Day trip: Villefranche-sur-Mer or Menton
Want 3 days in Nice? See extension section below
Day 1 in Nice – Old Town, Castle Hill & the Waterfront
Wondering what to see in Nice in 2 days? Here’s my curated itinerary for the discerning traveler.
Are you planning your Nice trip last minute?
Below are some of the best Nice tours, hotels, and more!
- Book your flight tickets to Nice Airport (NCE); Book your train tickets to Nice.
- Book your transfer from Nice Airport to the city with Welcome Pickups.
Looking to travel around Nice independently? Click here for the best rental car rates in Nice.
Top Experiences and Tours in Nice:
Top Places to Stay in Nice:
- Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges (it has the best views of Nice!)
- Hotel Négresco (the most iconic, at the Promenade des Anglais)
- Hotel de France (a cute mid-range close to the beach)
- Best hotels in Nice with a pool (for the hottest months in Nice!)
Don’t leave for Nice without travel insurance!
SafetyWing Essential plan works well for long and short trips (from 5 days up). Can also cover electronics theft through their add-on.
1. Start from La Colline du Château
Let’s start this Nice itinerary bright and early from the Colline du Château. Located at one of the ends of the Promenade des Anglais, the Colline du Château – or Castle Hill in English – overlooks Old Nice and the Port.
This rocky hill once housed a fortified citadel built in the 11th century, hence the name. Today, it is a lovely wooded park, ideal for a stopover, a refreshment near the big waterfall, or even a picnic followed by a nap in the shade in summer.
This place offers incredible views of Nice, the Baie des Anges, and, in the distance, the French Alps! I always try to go early in the morning (8.a.m.), when the sun rises over the Promenade des Anglais and the Old Town. Nice under the morning light is wonderful, and you will be treated to a real festival of colors with the turquoise sea and the red roofs of Old Nice.
To reach the top of the hill, there’s a free elevator at the end of the Promenade des Anglais. However, it only opens at 10 a.m. If you go earlier, you’ll need to take the stairs – but you’ll be rewarded with the best light and a unique view almost all to yourself.
2. Visit the Cemetery of the Colline du Château
Few people know about the Cemetery of Castle Hill, considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in France. Opened in 1783 under Italian influence, it has preserved its distinctive style. You’ll find striking funerary monuments, often with a very theatrical feel, as well as elegant mausoleums. The views from here are just as impressive.
The cemetery mainly contains the graves of notable figures from Nice. Interestingly, Léon Gambetta, who was not from Nice, is also buried here.
Right next to it is the Jewish cemetery, where René Goscinny, co-creator of Asterix, is buried. Note that opening hours for this cemetery are limited, especially in winter (it closes at 4:30 p.m.).
The Cemetery of Castle Hill is located just past the waterfall. You can also reach it directly from the Old Town via the Montée Menica Rondelly, or the longer but gentler Montée du Château.
3. All the Streets Lead to Cours Saleya
This 2 days in Nice itinerary continues in Cours Saleya, the main pedestrian street. Located on the edge of Old Nice and a stone’s throw from the Promenade des Anglais, Cours Saleya is the center of Nice’s (tourist) activity, with its market and restaurants. It really looks like a large village square with its brightly colored houses, church, courthouse, and bustling atmosphere!
Cours Saleya is also known for its colorful flower market, which takes place every morning except Monday: the stalls are gorgeous! You will also find stalls of fruits and vegetables, without forgetting the stalls of biscuits, candied fruits, marzipan, and Chez Theresa, the best socca in town . . . a temptation difficult to resist, you are warned!
4. Get Lost in Old Nice
Exploring the Old Town is another of the best things to do in Nice. Old Nice has an incomparable charm reminiscent of small Italian cities. Its narrow streets are lined with tall buildings colored red, orange, or yellow, with the laundry hanging from the windows. The green or blue shutters are often closed (it’s hot outside!), but be sure that small treasures are hidden behind the walls.
Push the doors of the small churches and admire hundreds of angels, paintings of saints, and the oh-so-Baroque marble altars.
When you have had your dose of gildings and stuccos, visit Palais Lascaris at 15 Rue Droite. This 17th-century private mansion is a gem of Baroque architecture with frescoed ceilings, woodwork, and original furniture. Today, it hosts contemporary exhibitions and a beautiful collection of old musical instruments staged across the halls.
TIP: Get the most out of Nice’s Old Town with this top-rated Nice Walking Tour by a certified guide.
5. Baroque Perfection at Place Rosetti
In the center of the Old Town, there’s Place Rosetti, with the pretty Sainte Réparate Cathedral. This religious building is also in Baroque style and is well worth a short visit.
Even if it is very touristy, Place Rosetti is also the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a good ice cream. For this, I recommend two addresses: Fenocchio (2 Place Rosetti) offers an unbeatable choice of delicious ice creams, but it’s rather pricey. Gelateria Rossetti, just opposite, also has a good selection and is cheaper.
And if you are in the mood for some shopping, next to Fenocchio, there’s Maison Bremond (15 Rue du Pont Vieux), an excellent address to buy local products such as oil, olives, tapenades, anchoïades, and vinegar.
6. Stroll Along the Promenade des Anglais
When you visit Nice, you cannot miss the legendary Promenade des Anglais, which stretches seven kilometers along the Baie des Anges. It is a charming place for a stroll late in the afternoon, especially between the (also legendary) Hôtel Négresco and the Colline du Château.
Admire the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea and enjoy the sea breeze, which makes the hottest days of summer more bearable. Here, you have some of the fanciest beaches on the French Riviera which are also the most touristy.
You will also see some stunning hotels and buildings along the Promenade. The legendary palatial Hôtel Négresco is worth the detour alone: just like the Sacher Hotel in Vienna, the Ritz in Paris, or the Astoria Hotel in Brussels, Hôtel Négresco is one of the legendary luxury hotels in Europe and the symbol of the French Riviera.
Day 2 in Nice – Cimiez, Museums, and Beach Time
7. Explore the Cimiez Neighborhood
The second day of this two days in Nice itinerary also starts from the heights, from Cimiez Hill. This neighborhood is full of treasures, like the archaeological site surrounded by olive trees over 2,000 years old!
The ruins of the ancient Roman city, with its thermal baths and amphitheater, belong today to the Archaeological Museum (160 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez), but you can get a glimpse from outside. Also, there’s the Cimiez Monastery (Place Jean-Paul II Pape) and its pretty gardens, which is a popular spot amongst the neighbors for a Sunday stroll.
To get to Cimiez from the Old Town, take Bus 5. When I stay near the train station, I like to walk, as it allows me to admire the neighborhood’s elegant architecture. Along the way, be sure to notice the former Hotel Regina (73 Boulevard de Cimiez), which once served as Queen Victoria’s residence during her visits to Nice.
Matisse Museum or Chagall Museum?
In Cimiez, you will find the Matisse Museum (164 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez, closed on Tuesdays), located in an elegant 17th-century building surrounded by olive trees. Henry Matisse (1869-1954) was a revolutionary and influential artist of the early 20th century, best known for his Fauvist style’s expressive color and form. In 1917, he relocated from Paris to Nice, where he spent the rest of his life in this neighborhood.
An alternative for this morning is to visit the Musée National Marc Chagall (Avenue Docteur Ménard, closed on Tuesdays), not far from the Musée Matisse. Marc Chagall (1887–1985) was a world-famous Russian-French painter and graphic artist. From 1966, he lived with his second wife in Saint-Paul de Vence, near Nice, where he died. The particularity of this museum is that it was conceived and opened by Chagall himself, and it hosts a beautiful collection of works related to religious themes. Here, you can have a quick lunch (snacks and light bites) in the museum’s beautiful garden.
8. Place Masséna
Elegant Place Masséna is one of the most iconic landmarks in Nice and a lively hub for public events throughout the year. It forms a graceful link between the Italian charm of Old Nice and the refined, “modern” city shaped during the Belle Époque.
Take time to admire its elegant façades, the striking Fountain of the Sun, and the vibrant atmosphere that animates the square throughout the day. At certain times of year, a Ferris wheel is installed here, offering memorable views over the city.
From here, you can tailor your stroll to your interests. Head north along Avenue Jean Médecin, the city’s principal shopping avenue, lined with department stores and upscale boutiques. Alternatively, enjoy a more tranquil stroll along the Promenade du Paillon, a lush green corridor in the heart of Nice. As its name suggests, the promenade covers the course of the Paillon River, which flows into the sea a little further on. Opened in 2013, the park transformed what was once a bus station, a parking area, and a McDonald’s into a vibrant public space. With its playful water features, gardens, and shaded walkways, it offers a delightful path leading toward Place Garibaldi, and, a little farther on, the picturesque Port Lympia.
9. Afternoon on the Beach
A couple of hours of relaxation by the sea is the perfect way to round off 2 days in Nice. Along the French Riviera, the beach is an essential part of daily life, and Nice is no exception, offering a variety of beaches to suit different tastes, from lively stretches to more peaceful spots.
Take a look at my guide to the best beaches in Nice to help you choose your favorite. If you prefer comfort, consider a central private beach like Blue Beach, where you can rent a sunbed and enjoy full service by the water. For a more local experience, head east to Plage des Bains Militaires, which offers a lovely spot for swimming with a beautiful view of the iconic bar Le Plongeoir. On your way back, stop at the Old Port (Port Lympia) for an ice cream or an apéritif.
Locals often take their first dip around Easter, and the swimming season can last well into late October thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate. One small note of caution: jellyfish can appear earlier than you might expect. On my last visit in May, I had already spotted a few, so it is always worth checking the water before going in.
If you are visiting Nice in winter, you can swap beach time for this scenic e-bike guided tour or a visit to the picturesque town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. This lovely town is just a quick 10-minute train ride away, but taking this boat tour is even more fun and offers beautiful views along the way.
Weekend in Nice: Where to Eat
For a weekend in Nice, I recommend staying in the city center, where you’ll find a wide selection of restaurants and eateries to suit every budget.
Not sure what to try? Check out my ultimate guide to the best food in Nice. For the full experience, pair these local dishes with local wines – rosés from Provence or reds from Bellet AOC, Nice’s own appellation, produced in the hills just above the city. It’s one of those small pleasures that turns a meal in Nice into a truly local experience.
LA ROTONDE: Apart from its 2-Michelin-star restaurant, Le Négresco has a brasserie, La Rotonde, where you can taste refined dishes with a reasonable bill at the end of the soirée. The dishes are delicious, and the decor – an old reconstructed carousel – is wonderful.
LE CYLIANO: This brasserie with an outdoor terrace has an interesting menu with Provencal accents. It is at 13 Cours Saleya.
LE SAFARI: This restaurant at 1 Cours Saleya is an institution of Old Nice, offering a menu full of delicious local specialties. Pizzas are very popular here, as well as the outdoor terrace.
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Here are some more good restaurants in Nice, offering delicious local food, perhaps followed by one of the best ice creams in Nice.
Extending Your Stay: Best 3 Days in Nice Itinerary
If you can add an extra day to your Nice itinerary and spend three days, there are many wonderful day trips from Nice to picturesque villages, impressive châteaux, or even Monaco.
The picture above features Menton, one of the best places near Nice. It’s a coastal city near the border with Italy very easy to reach from Nice by train.
Finally, explore the famous Corniches of the Riviera, Cannes, Antibes, Eze, and Monaco. It sounds like the lifestyles of the rich and famous! I love this tour for the images it invokes in my memory – the Cathedral where Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier, the red carpet area of the famous Cannes Film Festival, and Billionaires Quay in the old walled Provençal city of Antibes. And you can see it all in a single day!
And there you have it, what to do in Nice for 2 days, with some extra options to extend this Nice itinerary. Nice is the perfect starting point for a French Riviera road trip, but also a destination for itself and I’m sure it will only take two days for you to fall in love with it. Bon voyage!
