One Day in Nice, France- Things to Do & Itinerary

So you only have one day to spend in Nice, France – what should you do?

Don’t worry, 24 hours is plenty of time to see the sights, enjoy some delicious food, and take in the gorgeous views.

This guide will show you how to make the most of your time, from touring the old city to soaking up the sun on the beach.

So put on your sunglasses and let’s get started!

How to spend one day in Nice, France

If you’ve never been to Nice before, it’s worth spending some time getting to know the city. Nice is a fairly small city, but it’s packed with things to do and see! You can definitely cover all the major attractions in one day.

The old town is one of the most popular attractions, with its narrow streets, lovely squares, and beautiful architecture. While the Promenade des Anglais and Castle Hill offer some of the best views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Nice has the charm of a small town, but with all the amenities of a city. So, whether you’re into churches or beaches, shopping or nightlife, there’s something for everyone in Nice.

What to do in Nice France in one day

Walk around the old city and take in the architecture

Old Nice is one of the most beautiful areas in the city, and it’s definitely worth taking a walk around. The narrow streets and lovely squares are a joy to explore, and you’ll get to see some beautiful architecture along the way.

There are tons of restaurants, cafes, and bars in the old town, and the buildings are colorfully decorated, making it a photographer’s dream come true.

It’s the perfect place in Nice to take some amazing photos!

Visit the Promenade des Anglais for views of the Mediterranean Sea

The Promenade des Anglais is another must-see – this famous promenade hugs the Mediterranean coast and offers stunning views of the sea and the mountains in the distance.

This walkway expands for over 7 kilometers, so you can easily spend an hour or two here taking in the views. There are also a lot of great restaurants and cafes along the way, so it’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal or a drink.

The Promenade des Anglais is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, and it’s one of the most beautiful places in Nice. If you’re lucky, you might even see a cruise ship sailing by!

Hike up Castle Hill

Castle Hill is also a great spot for views of the city.

If you want to get an even better view of Nice, make your way up to Castle Hill. This hill is located in the center of the city, and from the top you can see Nice spread out before you.

It’s a great spot for photos, and there’s also a small castle on the summit that’s worth checking out. The hike up to Castle Hill is pretty steep, but it’s definitely worth the effort.

For those who aren’t huge fans of hiking but still want to enjoy the view, there is an elevator that will take you up to the top.

Explore the Chagall Museum

The Chagall Museum is one of the most popular museums in Nice, and it’s definitely worth a visit. This museum is dedicated to the work of Marc Chagall, one of the most famous painters of the 20th century.

The museum is housed in a beautiful old palace, and it’s filled with paintings, stained glass windows, and sculptures by Chagall. It’s a great museum for art lovers, and it’s definitely one of the must-see attractions in Nice.

Grab a drink at a rooftop bar

If you’re looking for a great spot to enjoy a drink and take in the views, head to one of Nice’s rooftop bars. There are a lot of them, and they all offer stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.

Most of these bars can get pretty expensive, but it’s definitely worth splurging for one night to enjoy the amazing views.

One of my favorite bars is at La Terrasse Restaurant, located on the roof of Le Meridien hotel. It’s one of the most popular rooftop bars in Nice, and the views are absolutely stunning.

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There’s no better way to end a day in Nice than by enjoying a drink while taking in the incredible views!

Soak up some sun on one of Nice’s beaches

If you want to enjoy the beach during your one day in Nice, head to one of the city’s many public beaches. The city has a few different beaches to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste. The weather is great all year round, but summer is definitely the best time to visit Nice‘s beaches. It’s also the most popular time – so prepare for the crowds!

The most popular beach is Plage des Ponchettes, but there are plenty of others to choose from. And if you’re looking for something a bit more active, why not go for a walk or bike ride on the bike path that runs along the beach.

No matter what you’re looking for, Nice’s beaches are definitely worth a visit.

Eat some delicious French food!

No matter what you choose to do, make sure to enjoy some of the delicious food that Nice has to offer. From seafood to pizza, there’s something for everyone. Nice has every kind of restaurant imaginable – from seaside cafes to upscale restaurants.

If you’re looking for a truly French dining experience, head to one of the city’s bistros. These small, intimate restaurants serve traditional French cuisine, and they’re a great way to get a taste of the local culture.

One of my favorite restaurants is Movida, which is a tapas bar located in the old town. The food is amazing, and the atmosphere is really cozy and charming. It’s located right along the Promenade, so you can enjoy the view while you eat.

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Take a self-guided tour through the city

A great option for visitors who want to explore Nice on their own is to take a self-guided city tour. This allows you to visit all the popular attractions at your own pace, and with your own starting and ending point. There are a few different companies that offer these tours, but one of the best is with Vox City.

This company offers a self-guided Nice city tour, that covers everywhere from the old city, to the Promenade des Anglais, and Castle Hill.

The tour starts at just $11.50 per person, and includes unlimited access to all self-guided features and itineraries for over 10 different attractions in Nice, and multilingual audio commentary in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

If you’re visiting Nice on a time crunch and want to make sure you see all the city’s main attractions, a self-guided tour is the perfect way to do it. You can customize the tour to your own interests and schedule, and since it’s self-guided you can head directly to the attractions that interest you most and skip the one’s you’re not into.

Things to do in Nice, France: Nice 1-Day Itinerary

Strapped for time and need to know what to do in one day in Nice?

This 1-day Nice itinerary will help you make the most of your time.

Morning

8am: Start your day with a breakfast of croissants and coffee at one of the local cafes. My favorite bakery in Nice is La Boulangerie du Paradis.

9am: Wander around the old city, taking in the architecture and sights. Start your day by exploring the old town, where you’ll find winding streets, charming squares, and beautiful architecture. Old Nice is one of the most popular attractions in the city. It’s filled with cafés, restaurants, and shops, so you can easily spend a few hours here.

11am: Walk along the Promenade des Anglais for some of the best views of the Mediterranean Sea. If you’re up for the hike, ascend Castle Hill for even more stunning panoramas that overlook the city.

Afternoon

1pm: Lunch at one of the many restaurants in Nice – seafood is a local favorite. Trying the seafood is a must when in Nice – from bouillabaisse to anchovies, there’s something for everyone.

3pm: Tour a garden or two, or explore one of the city’s museums. There’s a lot of history and culture to be discovered in Nice, so make sure to check out one of the museums or visit one of the city’s beautiful gardens.

5pm: Spend some time at the beach, enjoying the sun and sea. Nothing like a little rest and relaxation on the beach to end a day in Nice!

Evening

7pm: Enjoy a dinner of French cuisine, accompanied by some local wine. Make sure to try some of the classic French dishes like onion soup or steak and fries. Nice has many restaurants to choose from that offer a variety of foods, including local specialties like pizza or Pastis.

9pm: Walk around the old city and enjoy the nightlife. Old Nice is filled with bars and clubs, so take your pick and enjoy a night out on the town!

This one-day itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Nice. Whether you’re exploring the old city, walking along the Promenade des Anglais, or eating some delicious French food, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Bon voyage!