Updated : 2 February 2026 at 10:03
You are spending your holidays on the French Riviera and planning a weekend in Nice ? Discover our day-by-day itinerary, with a bonus : a coastal walk offering spectacular views. Colorful façades, iconic squares and museums, pebble beaches and delicious local food: you’ll quickly fall in love with this seaside city infused with the spirit of Provence. Visiting Nice in 3 days is absolutely doable on foot. The seafront, Old Town and most major landmarks are all close to one another. So, are you ready to experience the Niçois art of living ?
Useful Websites for Visiting Nice in 3 Days
Find the best flight deals with Skyscanner
Compare accommodations with Booking
Rent a car at the best price with DiscoverCars
Book unique activities with GetYourGuide
Where to stay in Nice ?
In the Old Town : Apparthôtel AMMI offer great value for money. The studios are cozy, well equipped, and perfectly located for exploring the old Nice.
By the sea : We especially love Hotel La Pérouse for its stunning views over the Promenade des Anglais, as well as Le Méridien and its seafront rooftop.
In a nearby neighborhood : Apollinair Hotel is ideally located close to major attractions, with beautiful and spacious rooms.
DAY 1: MUST-SEES WHEN A VISIT OF NICE IN 3 DAYS
1. Wander Through the Old Town
We start the day exploring the historic heart of Nice. As we often say on this blog, the best way to discover a city is to get lost in its streets! You’ll be charmed by the lively atmosphere, colorful red-orange-yellow buildings, artisan shops and sunny squares where it’s lovely to relax. In short, a true village within the city.
2. Highlights Along the Way
During your stroll, you’ll pass through Cours Saleya and the Miséricorde chapel, Lascaris Palace on Rue Droite, Place Rossetti and the Sainte-Réparate Cathedral.
– Gourmet Break –
Stop by Fenocchio on Place Rossetti for excellent homemade ice cream with countless flavors. Across the street, Azzurro is less well known but just as delicious.
Don’t miss the “Tour de l’Horloge” and Saint-François place with its lively fish market.
– Panoramic View –
Climb the 288 steps of the Saint-François Tower. The reward is a breathtaking panoramic view over the city, the sea and the green corridor known as the Coulée Verte. An amazing landscape! all the infos here.
Take your time exploring the historic center, an absolute must if you plan to visit Nice in 3 days.
– embellish your visit –
Perfume workshops, food tastings or Segway guided tours are great ways to make your stay even more memorable.
3. The Promenade du Paillon & Massena Place
Your Old Town visit naturally leads into the Promenade du Paillon, a refreshing green space and the city’s green lung. Water mirrors, fountains and mist sprayers make it especially pleasant in summer. Follow the walkway to Place Masséna, Nice’s most iconic square, recognizable by its black-and-white paving and seven illuminated statues titled Conversation.
4. The Famous “Promenade des Anglais”
Head down to the sea and admire Nice’s most famous postcard view: the Promenade des Anglais. This world-famous avenue is lined with beaches, palm trees and legendary hotels such as the Negresco and the Palais de la Méditerranée. Locals call it “La Prom’,” and it’s perfect for cycling, jogging or simply sitting on one of the iconic blue chairs while gazing at the sea.
Feeling hot ? Take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters of the Bay of Angels. Choose between private beaches with sunbeds or public pebble beaches, no sand stuck to your towel !
– Cocktail Time –
Enjoy sunset drinks on one of Nice’s many rooftops. The rooftop of Le Méridien offers spectacular views over the bay, while the Moon Bar boasts stunning views of Castle Hill, the Promenade du Paillon and the sea.
DAY 2: A TYPICAL PROVENCAL MARKET AND MORE
1. Strolling Through Cours Saleya Market
Open every day except Monday, this traditional market is a must-visit. Flowers, sun-ripened fruits and vegetables fill the air with color and fragrance. Take the opportunity to taste local specialties such as socca, farcis niçois and pissaladière, freshly prepared at small stalls.
– Local Food Discovery –
Join a guided Old Town food tour to taste local specialties and regional wines.
2. Admire the View from Castle Hill
This is the best place for breathtaking views over Nice and the Promenade des Anglais. Located between Old Town and the port, the “Colline du château” or Castle Hill is a large green park with shaded paths, reconstructed ruins and a refreshing waterfall.
You can walk up or take the free elevator on the seafront side (Rue des Ponchettes), which brings you near Bellanda Tower.
From the top, the view over Nice’s rooftops and the turquoise sea is unforgettable.
– Guided Tour –
For deeper insight into the city, we highly recommend a guided tour of Old Nice and Colline du chateau.
3. Admire the “Pointus” at the Port
Continuing from the Promenade des Anglais, you’ll reach Nice Harbor. Beyond luxury yachts, its charm lies in the colorful fishing boats known as pointus. Surrounded by yellow and ochre buildings, the port feels authentic and picturesque.
– Lou Passagin Shuttle –
The free electric pointu shuttle crosses the harbor, saving you a long walk around. Find all the practical information on this website.
4. Cross Place Garibaldi and visit MAMAC
Just north of Old Nice, Place Garibaldi stands out with its trompe-l’œil yellow façades and inviting cafés; perfect for lunch or a drink.
Nearby is the MAMAC (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art). Currently closed for renovations until 2028, it remains one of our favorite museums in Nice, known for its bold architecture and collection featuring artists like Yves Klein, Andy Warhol and Nikki de Saint Phalle.
DAY 3: HIKING THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COASTAL TRAIL
1. Practical Informations
The Coastal Path, also known as the Sentier des Douaniers, starts at the Port of Nice (here) and leads to Villefranche-sur-Mer (about 2 hours one way). This medium-difficulty hike covers 5–6 km with 200 m of elevation gain and is suitable for children and pets.
– TIP –
Download the GPS track via the Decathlon app.
2. Inviting Swimming Coves
Much quieter than the Promenade des Anglais, this trail follows the sea almost the entire way. From the very beginning, you’ll overlook rocky coves and stone platforms bathed in crystal-clear blue water; perfect for a swim. Scenic viewpoints over Nice and the Mediterranean accompany you all along the path.
3. A Varied Trail with Stunning Views
You’ll walk above small coves, climb and descend steps through beautiful natural scenery, pass remnants of a former military bunker etc.
In the second part, you will stroll through fragrant Mediterranean vegetation like mimosa, thyme and rosemary. Elegant villas line the coast, including the striking Palais Maeterlinck.
Just before reaching Villefranche-sur-Mer, the path reveals a spectacular rocky cove with the remains of an old structure carved into the stone.
4. The Prestigious Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer
At the end of the trail, the view over the crystal-clear bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer and the wild coastline of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is simply stunning. Continue along the port toward the old town and the Citadel.
With its narrow streets, colorful façades, ornate monuments and sparkling sea, Villefranche-sur-Mer is utterly charming.
After a well-deserved refreshment at a harbor café, you can return the same way; or take the train or bus back to Nice.
– Snorkeling in the Bay –
Take advantage of your stay to live this original experience ! Departing from Nice, a guide will take you by boat to the bay of Villefranche. You can then dive and observe the underwater fauna in a depth of 2 to 6 meters. Accompanied or independently, this excursion is accessible to everyone and will allow you to admire the many species of fish in the harbor.
More Things to Do during a visit of Nice in 3 Days
The village of Eze-sur-mer 
The Nice Carnival
– Our Opinion –
Nice, with its Italian-flavored Old Town, is an essential stop on any road trip through French Riviera and Provence. It’s an iconic city with countless attractions, both inland and along the coast.
What we love most is simply wandering through Old Nice. It truly feels like a small village, with colorful façades, a relaxed lifestyle, Provençal shops, fragrant markets and sunny squares perfect for enjoying a drink.
And you, what do you enjoy most when visiting Nice ?
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Thank you for this post about Nice city, I’m going there for the weekend in march and I can’t wait! I noted all your good tips ☺️
Great thank you for your feedback, if this post can help you plan your weekend there, we are delighted ☺️