Founded in 350 BC, Nice was originally a Greek settlement which eventually fell under Roman rule. Though today it is in France, Nice enjoys the cultural influences from its time as part of the Greek and Roman empires.
While Nice is primarily considered a summer getaway, it is actually a year-round destination. Mild winters make Nice a perfect place to visit all year (the Nice Carnival is held in February), but the best beach time is definitely during the hot, summer months. Nice enjoys a beach that is over four miles long and is one of the largest cities in France. Can this city be done in just a day? You bet! Here’s our plan for seeing a bit of everything Nice has to offer in just one day.
Cours Salaya Market
Start the day here to avoid the crowds. Come hungry and sample some of their delicious regional food from the vendors who sell everything from fresh fruits and veggies to tourte de blettes (chard, raisin, and pine nut pie). Bonus: On Mondays, there is a flea market, where any number of things, including vintage clothing and secondhand trinkets, are available for purchase.
Vieille Ville (Old Town)
After breakfast, take a walking tour of the charming Old Town section of Nice. Don’t miss the Italian architectural influences as you see colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and 17th century squares. Sights in Old Town include the City Courthouse, the Cathedral of Saint Reparata, and the Place Rossetti Square.
Rue Massena
By this time, you’ll probably have worked up an appetite for lunch. Make your way over to Rue Massena, which is filled with restaurants, taverns, and pizzerias. Want something light? Try tapas at Flavio da Milano. What about seafood? Seek out Boccaccio. La Pizza Cresci has amazing pizza, and La Villa d’Este has a variety of dishes to choose from.
Afternoon Options
Once you have eaten your fill, you may want one of two options: Walking around and doing some shopping or a lazy afternoon at the beach. From Place Massena to the train station, Avenue Jean Medécin has several stores to peruse as well as Nice Etoile, a large shopping mall. While strolling down this street, though, don’t miss the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Nice, a twin-towered church with amazing stained glass.
Maybe neither shopping nor the beach is your thing. If that’s the case, Nice has you covered with its museums and architecture. Artists like Chagall and Matisse each have museums housing their work, or you can take in the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which hosts works by several artists. Conversely, consider climbing the Castle Hill (or take the elevator), a former citadel now known for its stunning sunset views.
Promenade des Anglais
At night, this place comes alive. Find a spot for a drink and dinner with a background soundtrack of waves. Relax and people watch as you round out your bustling day in Nice.
Rich history, gorgeous beaches, amazing food, and mild weather all make Nice the ideal place to visit most any time of the year. A day in Nice is exhilarating since there is so much to see and do; however, with the right plan in place ahead of time, you can do it!
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