3 Days in Nice, France: ULTIMATE Nice Itinerary for First-Timers

Are you heading to the French Riverira soon and trying to figure out how to spend 3 days in Nice?

Situated along the Mediterranean, Nice is a destination that blends history, culture, and natural beauty together. I was lucky enough to spend time in Nice with my French family and got to experience this city from a local’s perspective. Now, I am sharing all the details on how to spend 3 perfect days in Nice!

In this guide, I’ll cover exactly how I recommend spending 3 days in Nice for first-time visitors. I’ll also cover all the important details you need to know before visiting Nice! This includes when to visit, where to stay, how to get around, and other frequently asked questions!

So whether you’re heading to Nice to immerse yourself in local French culture or just lay on the beach, this 3-day Nice itinerary will help you plan a fabulous trip!

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The Best 3-Day Nice Itinerary and Guide for First-Timers: How to Spend 3 Days in Nice

Ahhh, Nice, where the sun kisses the turquoise Mediterranean Sea! Located along the famous French Riviera, Nice stands as one of the most beautiful and classy cities in the region. Nice is known best for its dazzling surroundings, beautiful beaches, and local charm.

Before we get into exactly how to spend 3 days in Nice, let’s cover some important topics like why you should visit Nice, where to stay in Nice, and more!

Why Should You Visit Nice? 

Whether you’re interested in art, culture, or soaking in the atmosphere, Nice has something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a quick overview of the different things to do and see in Nice!

Beaches: Nice has many beautiful beaches with clear blue water, perfect for tanning, swimming, and relaxing by the Mediterranean Sea. This is the top reason people come to Nice!

History & Culture: Old Town (Vieux Nice) offers a glimpse into the city’s history and culture and makes for an incredible day of sightseeing. Here you’ll find palaces, churches, and historic squares!

Promenade des Anglais: The famous Promenade des Anglais is lined with palm trees and stunning views of the sea, making it a perfect spot for a romantic evening walk or a scenic bike ride.

Delicious Food: Taste the flavors of Provencal with fresh seafood, Mediterranean vegetables, and specialties like socca (chickpea pancake) and salade niçoise (tuna salad), paired with wines and pastries, obviously. 

Markets: Experience the Cours Saleya market, where you can sample fresh produce, flowers, spices, and artisanal products in a local environment!

Art & Museums: Discover the city’s artistic side with visits to museums showcasing masterpieces by artists against the backdrop of the French Riviera.

Day Trips: Explore popular villages and cities outside of Nice such as Èze, Antibes, Monaco, and Cannes. Nice is the perfect home base to embark on day trips to other areas along the French Riviera.

How Many Days Do You Need in Nice? 

You might be wondering how many days you need to spend in Nice to really experience all it has to offer.

For a simple exploration of Nice, 3 days is the perfect amount of time. This allows you to experience the city’s main attractions, eat the best local dishes, and soak up the atmosphere without feeling rushed. 

However, depending on your travel preferences and personal interests, you can certainly extend your stay to 5 or 7 days in order to see even more of Nice and its surrounding areas.

This additional time allows for more leisurely exploration, a few day trips, and a deeper look into the local lifestyle. Whichever you decide, Nice promises a memorable experience filled with French Riviera flair.

P.S. If you plan on extending your trip or starting your journey in Paris, make sure to check out my blog posts about the City of Love, like How to Spend 3 Days in Paris and 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Paris!

When is the Best Month to Visit Nice?

Thanks to its southern location along the French coastline, Nice is always a good idea! In my opinion, the best time to visit Nice, France, is generally during late spring (May) or early fall (September to October).

During these times, the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from comfortable to warm, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as sightseeing, beach-going, and exploring the city. 

Additionally, tourists and crowds are typically smaller compared to the peak summer months. Plus, you will find better deals on accommodations and activities during the shoulder seasons. 

If you are looking for the warmest temperatures and don’t mind the crowds, summer is still stunning in Nice! However, you can expect busy restaurants and higher hotel prices. This is especially true in the month of August when many Europeans take their long summer vacation!

How to Get to Nice

Getting to Nice couldn’t be easier! Your mode of transportation to Nice will depend on where you are traveling from. Here are some of the most popular and convenient ways to reach Nice!

By Plane: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is the main airport serving Nice. It offers numerous flights from major cities across Europe and beyond. From the airport, you can easily reach the city center by taking a taxi, bus, or tram.

By Train: Nice is well-connected to other cities in France and Europe by train. The city’s main train station is Nice-Ville, which is located in the city center and offers both domestic and international services. 

By Car: Nice is easily accessible by car. If you’re driving from within France or neighboring countries, you can follow the A8 autoroute, which connects Nice to cities like Marseille, Lyon, and Paris. Keep in mind that traffic can be heavy during peak travel times.

By Bus: Several bus companies operate services to Nice from various European cities. Eurolines and FlixBus are two popular options offering affordable and comfortable travel to Nice.

By Boat: If you’re coming from Corsica or Sardinia, you can also reach Nice by ferry. There are regular ferry services from the ports of Bastia and Ajaccio in Corsica, as well as from Porto Torres in Sardinia.

Where to Stay in Nice

Finding accommodation in Nice is easy, as there are a variety of neighborhoods and lodging options to choose from. Depending on the reason for your trip, personal preferences, and your itinerary, some locations and lodging options are likely better suited than others.

Below is an overview of different areas around the city, as well as a map with booking options!

Old Town (Vieux Nice): Known for its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and lovely atmosphere, Old Town is a popular choice for tourists. Here, you’ll find boutique hotels, guesthouses, and apartments tucked away in historic buildings. This area is ideal for those who want to be close to the beach, restaurants, and nightlife.

Promenade des Anglais: Stretching along the seafront, the Promenade des Anglais offers views of the Mediterranean Sea. This area is home to a variety of hotels, like the famous Le Negresco and Hotel Le Royal. Staying here puts you within walking distance of the beach and allows for easy access to attractions.

Port area: Le Port is a neighborhood known for its nightlife, trendy bars, and seafood restaurants. Here, you’ll find a mix of hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals catering to different budgets. Staying in this area offers a taste of local life and easy access to the port. 

Gare de Nice-Ville: If you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation and convenient access to transportation, consider staying near the Nice Ville train station. This area offers a range of budget hotels, hostels, and guesthouses, making it a practical choice for money-conscious travelers.

3 Days in Nice: A Detailed Itinerary

Now that we’ve covered all the basics, let’s get into exactly how to spend 3 days in Nice. Of course, you can alter the activities or re-arrange the days in this 3 day Nice itinerary to suit your travel style and preferences!

Day 1: Market, Castle, and Old Town 

Today is the first of your 3 days in Nice! After arriving in Nice and dropping off your bags at the hotel, it’s time to start exploring!

Start your day with a visit to the Cours Saleya market. Here, you can browse through the many stalls that sell fresh produce, flowers, and local treats. Don’t miss trying some socca, a traditional chickpea pancake.

Once you’re done at the market, make your way to the Colline du Château, a gorgeous park that sits between the port and the Promenade des Anglais. After a quick climb up some stairs (or you can take the elevator), you’ll be greeted with incredible views of the Nice coastline!!

After you’re done relaxing at the park, you can head back down and continue strolling along the famous Promenade des Anglais. Grab a late lunch or drinks along the beach and enjoy the views!

In the evening, I recommend wandering through the streets of Vieux Nice (Old Town). Here, you can explore the narrow alleys, colorful buildings, and lively atmosphere. To finish off your day, grab dinner at a local restaurant to savor some authentic Niçois cuisine. 

Day 2: Cultural and Architectural Delights + Beach

Begin your second day in Nice with a visit to the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, also known as St. Nicholas. Recognized as a national monument of France, this cathedral stands out as a unique piece of architecture in Nice!

Next, head to the Marc Chagall National Museum to see the works of artist Marc Chagall. Here, you can explore the collection of his masterpieces, including his captivating biblical paintings.

If museums and churches aren’t your thing, I highly recommend taking a free walking tour of Nice instead! This is a great way to learn more about the city from a local.

In the afternoon, it’s time to hit the beach! There are many miles of Nice coastline. However, the most popular beaches in Nice are those right along the promenade like Plage des Ponchettes and Plage Beau Rivage Beach. You can keep walking until you find one that tickles your fancy!

However, if you are looking for sandy beaches, you’ll need to head outside of Nice to a nearby town like Villefranche. All of the beaches in Nice are made of pebbles!

Once you’re done at the beach, enjoy a sunset walk along the Promenade des Anglais or do some shopping at the boutiques along the waterfront. End your day with a dinner overlooking the sea!

Day 3: Eze and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

On your last day in Nice, I recommend taking a quick day trip to the nearby village of Èze! Perched high above the sea, this tiny village dates back to the Middle Ages! It’s a quick 20-minute drive or 14-minute train ride from Nice.

Spend your morning exploring the enchanting, windy streets, visiting the gardens, and enjoying views of the French Riviera. There are places to grab lunch in Èze, but if you have a car, I recommend making a pit stop on the way back to Nice in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

The port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is so picturesque, and there are plenty of places along the waterfront to enjoy a delicious, relaxing lunch.

As you make your way back to Nice, head towards Le Port! Here, you can grab a cocktail or beer at one of the many local bars. Spend time wandering around the marina and admiring the beautiful sailboats!

In the evening, make your way to Le Reserve Beach, a local swimming spot!

I highly recommend grabbing dinner at the luxurious Le Plongeoir. This restaurant is perched on a rocky outcrop in the middle of the sea. It’s an incredible place to watch the sunset! Just make sure to grab a reservation in advance!

Other FAQ About Visiting Nice 

Before we wrap up this 3-Day Nice Itinerary, here are other tips to help finalize the details of your trip!

Final Thoughts

That wraps up my guide on how to spend 3 days in Nice, France! As you can see, Nice is so much more than beautiful beaches and picturesque views. It’s the perfect addition to a week-long French adventure!

In my opinion, 3 days is the perfect amount of time in Nice to be able to see all the main sites. If you have more time in the French Riviera, consider adding a few other day trips onto this Nice itinerary. My top picks are a day trip from Nice to Monaco or a visit to Calanques National Park!

And if you are planning a broader trip to France, make sure to check out my 7 Day France Itinerary!

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