Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Nice?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Nice?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Nice, France? Most people spend at least 3 or as many as 5 days in Nice during their visit. After all, the trendy seaside destination will let you enjoy a meal at a restaurant, dance the night away, admire the wonderful scenery, and swim at the beach.
Nice is a world famous destination along the French Riviera. It's lined with pebbly beaches and iconic shopping areas. The city is famous for its popularity amongst celebrities, but casual vacationers will also enjoy visiting the many cafes and and coastal views around town. Visitors can walk down the famous and historic promenade or pop in a local eatery to try some French cuisine.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Nice? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Nice?
Three days is usually not enough time to experience the trendy seaside destination of Nice, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the chance to enjoy a meal at a restaurant, dance the night away, admire the wonderful scenery, and swim at the beach. So, you'll likely want more than three days, as many tourists set aside at least 3 or as many as 5 days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.
How to spend 3 days in Nice
Don't miss the Promenade des Anglais during your trip to Nice, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The culinary scene in Nice is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this seaside destination's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Provence Wine Tour - Small Group Tour from Cannes ($186)
- Côtes de Provence Small Group Day Trip with Winery Visits & Tastings from Nice ($157)
- Old Nice Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience ($104)
Nice is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the seaside destination, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.
The beautiful beaches await you in Nice, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Evening Private Tour for 2 in Solar Boat near Nice and Monaco ($150)
- Private Cruise Near Nice and Monaco with Solar Powered Boat ($82)
- Private Solar Catamaran Cruise in Antibes Juan les Pins ($82)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Pub Crawl Nice with Drinking Games and Optional Drink special ($22)
The public transit in Nice is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the seaside destination quite easily and affordably. There are both buses and trams.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Walking tour of Nice, the old town & the Coline du Château ($38)
- ★ Walking Tour of Old Nice and Castle Hill ($34)
- Monaco Private Walking Tour ($173)
Nice is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. A premiere destination in the French Riviera, this town is known for it's luxury, glitz, charm, and personality.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Evening Private Tour for 2 in Solar Boat near Nice and Monaco ($150)
- Walking tour of Nice, the old town & the Coline du Château ($38)
- Private Cruise Near Nice and Monaco with Solar Powered Boat ($82)
Is 4 days enough time in Nice?
Many visitors choose to spend around four days in Nice. This would give you the chance to experience this medium-sized city's highlights such as the cuisine, the nightlife, and the beautiful scenery. Since many visitors prefer to spend around three to five days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the trendy city.
Nice, France
How to spend 4 days in Nice
Having 4 days in Nice will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the seaside destination.
Nice offers a charming atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else. Spend part of the day exploring the scenery. Take some time to wander the old town and soak up the quaint personality.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Walking tour of Nice, the old town & the Coline du Château ($38)
- ★ Walking Tour of Old Nice and Castle Hill ($34)
- Monaco Private Walking Tour ($173)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Nice?
Five days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Nice, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. The cuisine, the nightlife, the beautiful scenery, and the beaches on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Nice as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding areas.
How to spend 5 days in Nice
With 5 days in Nice, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the seaside destination has to offer.
Shopping in Nice is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Luxury and Private Duo Shopping Experience on French Riviera Nice ($246)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Nice.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Nice, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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