The Perfect Day Trip to Nice, France: A Complete Guide

Explore Castle Hill

Begin your day in Nice at Castle Hill (AKA Colline du Château). Once a military citadel, this expansive hilltop park towers over Nice, offering amazing views of the city and the vibrant blue water.

Walk up the stairs and make a stop at Bellanda Tower, where you can enjoy clear views of the city. Next, continue up the stairs and stop at the Point de vue Colline du Château viewpoint and the famous waterfalls, known as the Cascade du Château. 

Keep in mind that the journey up to Castle Hill requires a climb up a few hundred stone steps. You’ll want to wear comfortable and supportive shoes!

Wander Through Old Town & Shop at the Local Markets

Make your way back down the stairs and walk over to Old Town, AKA Vieux Nice. The scenic historic quarter features beautiful architecture and narrow passageways, and is also home to some of the city’s best restaurants, cafes, and shops. 

There are markets in Old Town Nice that are absolutely worth checking out. This includes daily markets on Cours Saleya. On Monday, this street is home to an antiques market, and Tuesday through Sunday there is the food and flower market. 

Old Town is also the perfect place to try a Nice specialty: socca, a chickpea flatbread. A few socca spots in the area include Chez Thérésa, Tutti Quanti, and Chez Rene. 

If you’re more in the mood for something sweet, it’s worth stopping by Fenocchio for some ice cream. There are two locations in Old Town, but I recommend stopping at the shop on Place Rossetti. This lively square is located in the heart of Vieux Nice, and is home to the magnificent Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice, a baroque cathedral that dates back to the 17th century. 

Stop for Lunch

If you didn’t fill up on socca and ice cream, there are numerous lunch places in and around Old Town. Here are a few of my top recommendations: 

• Café Marché – a charming brunch spot in the heart of Old Town serving pancakes, egg dishes, bowls, and more.
• La Popote d’Ondine Blacas – a super cute brunch and lunch restaurant in the Jean-Médecin neighborhood. They have a great selection of toasts, bowls, and more, as well as many vegan options. 
• Paper Plane – a popular vegan restaurant in the Jean-Médecin neighborhood that serves savory pancakes, bowls, toasts, and more.
• Castel Plage – a stunning waterfront restaurant and beach club with a Mediterranean menu (advanced reservations are highly recommended!).

Stroll Through Place Massena

After lunch, walk over to Place Massena – the main square in Nice. This bustling square is famous for its red neoclassical buildings and distinctive black and white checker pavers. Place Massena is also home to the famous Fontaine du Soleil, which depicts the Greek god Apollo. 

Choose Your Museum: Chagall or Matisse

There are numerous museums in the city, with two of the most popular options being the Marc Chagall National Museum and the Matisse Museum, both of which are located in the Cimiez neighborhood. I recommend choosing one of these museums to explore during your day trip!

The Chagall Museum is entirely dedicated to the work of the modern artist. The collection primarily features his religious-inspired works, and also includes preparatory work that he donated to the museum. You’ll see paintings, stained glass, mosaics, and so much more. 

The Matisse Museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of the artist’s work. There are pieces across different mediums that he created throughout his life. 

Both museums are currently closed on Tuesdays, but you can refer to the museum websites for the most up-to-date schedules. 

Not feeling these museums? Consider booking a Nice food tour or going on a sightseeing boat excursion along the Mediterranean Coast! 

Enjoy a Late Afternoon Walk Along Promenade des Anglais

Next, make your way back towards the beach for a stroll along the bustling Promenade des Anglais. This paved walkway stretches along the beach, offering beautiful unobstructed views of the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll also find stairs going down to the beach along the Promenade if you’d like to get closer to the water. 

End Your Day with Dinner in Town

Finish off your perfect Nice day trip with dinner! There are plenty of great restaurants in Nice, but here are a few of my recommendations: 

• Le Plongeoir – an iconic (and very photo-worthy) seaside Mediterranean restaurant situated on a rock pillar right in the water. 
• Bocca Nissa – a Mediterranean restaurant in Old Town offering incredible tapas and great cocktails. I recommend reserving a table on the rooftop!
• Bocca Mar – a sister restaurant to Bocca Nissa, this scenic beach restaurant is the perfect spot if you want to enjoy dinner by the water. 
• Téta Marie – an amazing Lebanese restaurant with a charming interior. I highly recommend ordering a side of the spinach triangles!

Additional Things to do in Nice, France

If you’d like to customize this Nice itinerary, here are a few additional recommendations on things to do in the city:

• Hang Out at a Nice Beach Club: If the weather is warmer, it’s definitely worth spending some time at one of the beach clubs! Be sure to book your reservation in advance. Some options to consider include Blue Beach, Ruhl Plage, Bocca Mar, and Castel Plage
• Explore Other Museums in the City: There are many more museums in Nice, including Villa Masséna, the National Sports Museum, the Asian Arts Museum, and the Charles Nègre Photography Museum.  
• Go on a Sightseeing Boat Tour: If you’d like to get out on the water, consider booking a sightseeing cruise. This excursion departs out of Port Lympia and goes along the coast.  
• Explore Local Eateries with a Food Tour: Nice has an amazing food scene. If you’re a foodie, consider booking the incredibly popular No Diet Club food tour, where you’ll get a chance to snack on pan bagnat, socca, macarons, and more.