Nice, France-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

  • Morning: Arrive at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) and take a taxi or bus (#98) to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Check-in to your hotel, such as the Hotel Le Negresco or Hotel Beau Rivage.
  • Late Afternoon:
    • Visit the iconic Promenade des Anglais, a 7-kilometer seaside walkway lined with palm trees and offering breathtaking views of the Baie des Anges.
    • Stop by the Cours Saleya Market, a bustling marketplace selling local produce, flowers, and souvenirs.
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at La Merenda, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Niçois cuisine.
    • Stroll along the beachfront promenade and enjoy the sunset.

Day 2: History and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Chagall Museum (Musée Matisse), dedicated to the works of Russian artist Marc Chagall.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the historic district of Old Nice, including the Romanesque-Gothic Cathédrale Sainte-Répare de Nice and the 17th-century Palais Lascaris.
    • Visit the Archaeological Museum, which features a collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations.
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at Le Comptoir du Marché, a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 3: Beach Day and Water Activities

  • Morning: Spend the day relaxing on the beach or by the pool.
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a sailing trip around the Bay of Angels, offering stunning views of the coastline.
    • Visit the Aquatic Park, which features water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at La Rotonde, a restaurant located on the beachfront promenade.

Day 4: Day Trip to Monaco

  • Morning: Take a train ( SNCF) or drive to Monaco, a sovereign city-state.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Prince’s Palace, which serves as the official residence of the monarch.
    • Explore the Casino de Monte-Carlo, a world-famous casino and entertainment complex.
    • Visit the Oceanographic Museum, founded by Prince Albert I, which features an impressive collection of marine artifacts.
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at La Terrasse, a restaurant located on the rooftop of the Hotel de Paris.

Day 5: Markets and Shopping

  • Morning: Visit the Château Market, a bustling marketplace selling fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Galeries Lafayette, a upscale shopping mall featuring international brands.
    • Browse through the charming boutiques and souvenir shops along the Promenade des Anglais.
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Le Petit Bar**, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Niçois cuisine.

Things to Know

  • Nice is generally warm in the summer months (June-August) with average highs around 28°C (82°F).
  • The city has a mild climate in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), making it an ideal time to visit.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines during peak season (June-August).

Transportation

  • Train: SNCF trains connect Nice to other major French cities, including Paris, Marseille, and Lyon.
  • Bus: Bus #98 connects the airport to the city center.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance.

Tips and Essentials

  • Currency: The Euro is the official currency of France.
  • Language: French is the primary language spoken, but many locals also speak English, especially in tourist areas.
  • Safety: Nice is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Power: The standard voltage in France is 230V, with a standard frequency of 50Hz. Adapters are not necessary for most devices.
  • Wi-Fi: Many restaurants, cafes, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi.

Additional Tips

  • Don’t miss the stunning views from the top of Castle Hill (Cours Saleya) or the Promenade des Anglais.
  • Try a traditional Niçois salad or dish at one of the local restaurants.
  • Take a stroll along the beachfront promenade and enjoy the sunset.
  • Visit the local markets to see the fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs on offer.

Other Things to Do

  • Visit the nearby villages: Explore the charming villages of Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and Èze.
  • Take a boat tour: Discover the coastline and coves by boat.
  • Go hiking: Explore the hills surrounding Nice and enjoy breathtaking views of the city.

Accommodation Options