There’s something undeniably enchanting about Nice — a city that feels like the lovechild of Parisian elegance and Mediterranean warmth. Set along the sparkling Côte d’Azur, Nice is a place where sun-soaked days blend effortlessly with old-world charm and a dash of Italian flair. Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend escape or the beginning of a longer Riviera adventure, Nice invites you to slow down and savor every moment.

First Impressions: Azure Dreams and Historic Streets

I drove along my boyfriend from Monaco to Nice and we reached Nice at night, so we decided to directly check in the Hotel and start sightseeing the next day early morning. The first impression of driving and reaching the city at night is like gliding into a painting — the sea stretches endlessly, bluer than blue, while the terracotta rooftops of the city glow in the sun. The Promenade des Anglais welcomes you like an open arm, its curve hugging the coastline, lined with palm trees, grand hotels, and sun-loungers facing the sea.

But Nice isn’t just about beachside beauty. Venture a few streets inland and you’ll find yourself wandering through Vieux Nice — the Old Town — a maze of ochre-colored buildings, shuttered windows, and cobbled lanes. It’s vibrant, alive, and full of stories.

One perfect day here is all it takes to fall under its spell. Here’s how I spent mine.

8.00 AM: Woke up with beautiful view & breakfast in city centre

We stayed in city centre in Hotel Helvetique which is really a nice hotel considering the location and price we paid for it, even though we did not have any breakfast included and there was no private parking in Hotel. But there was a very big public parking nearby (300m walk to a mall).

After waking up, we quickly decided to go out for breakfast in city centre, on the way to our car parking. It is definitely a delight to have a coffee and croissant in France.

10.00 AM: Started Drive to Colline du Chateau

This place Colline du Chateau is a castle hilltop having beautiful panoramic view from the place where castle of Nice once stood. It allows a 360 degree view of the entire city and sea. There are some steps to be climbed but it is absolutely worth it for the view, park and amazing waterfall at the top.

02.00 PM: Drove back and reached back to visit Old Town

On our way back, we took a stop at Cours Saleya Market which is a lively daily market in Old Town, bursting with fresh produce, flowers, and local delicacies. 

After having quick lunch at a Local Bistro, we quickly started our stroll in Old town. A short stroll inland led us to Vieux Nice, the city’s charming old quarter. This labyrinth of narrow streets bursts with pastel-colored buildings, Baroque churches, and open-air markets. We treated ourselves to a scoop (okay, two) of gelato from Fenocchio, a legendary local spot offering every flavor imaginable. 

The Old Town offers some wonderful sights including:-

• Place Masséna
• Promenade du Paillon
• Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas
• Avenue Jean Medecin
• Garibaldi Square
• Place Rossetti

06.00 PM: Sunset and evening at Beach

At midst of evening, we decided to walk to beach side of Blue Beach. We descended just in time for sunset on the pebbled beach. Locals gathered with guitars and wine, the sky painted in rose and gold. I kicked off my shoes and let the Mediterranean lap at my feet, the colors of the day slowly dissolving into night.

Evenings in Nice are relaxed but lively. The city hums with conversation as people gather at terraces and wine bars. Street performers play music in the squares. Whether you’re dining at a cozy bistro or sipping cocktails by the sea, there’s a softness to the nights here — a sense that time slows just enough to let you breathe it all in.

9.00 PM: Dinner at Old Town

As you explore, you’ll notice how Italian influence blends seamlessly with French culture. You’ll also find great Italian Food in French Traditional Restaurants. For dinner, we choose a traditional Restaurant in Old Town called ‘La Voglia’ which has amazing food and great Wine.

Other Amazing Places in Nice, France which we are not mentioned above & we saw the next morning before reaching Airport are as under:-

• Musée Matisse
• Marc Chagall National Museum
• Port Lympia
• Parc Phoenix
• Monastère de Cimiez

Tips, Tours and Recommendations

When you’ve more than one day in Nice, I highly recommend doing following activities since they add excitement to your trip.

A. Day trip to Monaco– If you’re in Nice, you cannot miss visiting world’s second smallest yet a rich and luxury country which stuns you in every way. You can visit my another blog post on Discovering Monaco: The 2nd Smallest Country in the World, Yet a Luxury Haven, to know more about Monaco.

Alternatively, if you are short in time then you can also take this half a day tour to Eze, Monaco, & Monte-Carlo for just 35-40 euros and I can assure every penny is worth it in this tour. Here is your recommended tour- From Nice: Eze, Monaco, & Monte-Carlo Half-Day Trip.

B. Cannes, Antibes & St Paul de Vence– Another not to be missed places. I am sure you must have heard Cannes because of its Film Festivals but these three places has so much more to offer especially the bread taking views from the hilltop village of Saint Paul de Vence. If you don’t have your private/rented vehicle, then I will recommend to visit three of the most iconic destinations along the French Riviera on a shared or private half-day tour from Nice to Cannes, Antibes, and the hilltop village of Saint Paul de Vence. Here is your recommended tour- From Nice: Cannes, Antibes & St Paul de Vence Half-Day Tour.

C. Sunset Boat Tour: Only if I had known about this tour, I would have definitely taken this one but by the time I came to know about this tour, it was sold out. Nonetheless it remains in my bucket list for next visit to Nice. But if you’ve time then I recommend you to set sail for a stunning sunset boat tour along the French Riviera while enjoying delicious snacks, wine, and the breathtaking view of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat and Villefranche as the sun dips below the horizon. Here is your recommended tour- Nice-Sunset Boat Tour with Wine and Local Snacks.

D. Nice Basilica Light & Sound Show:– You can elevate your visit to Nice with an extraordinary show that combines history, video mapping and live music, all in one of the most beautiful churches in France- Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption basilica with brand new immersive creation: The Celestial Odyssey. You can enjoy live choir show from just 15 euros or digital choir show which costs approx 12 euros. Here is your recommended tour- Nice Basilica: New Sound and Light Show – LUMINISCENCE.

Final Thoughts: Nice is More Than Nice — It’s Irresistible

Nice is one of those rare cities that captures your heart quietly, then keeps it. It’s not flashy, though it’s stunning. It’s not overly polished, but it’s effortlessly chic. It has just enough history to fascinate and just enough sea breeze to make you forget the clock.

Whether you’re here for art, sunshine, culture, or cuisine — Nice delivers, again and again.

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