Dreaming of a Nice getaway but only have a day to spare? It’s all possible. The capital of the Côte d’Azur is overflowing with treasures that can be enjoyed in just a few hours. To make your life easier, Tour Azur has designed turnkey itineraries to suit all travelers: cultural strolls, panoramic strolls or gourmet discoveries, the choice is yours! And if you prefer to explore at your own pace, we also share our best addresses and tips for putting together your own tour.
Nice's 5 must-sees in a day
Naturally, the choice is a tricky one, so we’ve selected five exceptional locations for you.
The old town
Vieux-Nice is the historic heart of the city, known for its narrow streets, ochre facades and lively atmosphere. It is home to emblematic sites such as the Cathedral of Sainte-Réparate, the Palais Lascaris, and the Adam and Eve house, the only vestige of the ancient tradition of painted houses. The Cours Saleya, famous for its flower market and local produce, is a must-see.
📌Note: Cours Saleya market Tuesday to Sunday (6am-1.30pm) and flea market Monday (7am-6pm).
Place Masséna
This is the center of Nice, linking the old town with the new districts. Its characteristic architecture, with red facades and elegant arcades, is inspired by the Piedmontese style. The square features the Sun Fountain, dominated by a statue of Apollo. Since 2007, seven luminous statues by Jaume Plensa have dominated the square. The Albert 1er garden adjoins the square.
The Promenade des Anglais
Created in the 19th century, the Promenade des Anglais runs for almost 7 km along the Baie des Anges, linking the airport to the port. Lined with palm trees, it offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean on one side, and Belle Époque and Art Nouveau buildings on the other.
To the east, it continues with the Quai des États-Unis, which leads to the Rauba Capeù sundial. To the west, the promenade continues beyond Nice, towards Saint-Laurent-du-Var and Cagnes-sur-Mer.
Port Lympia
This is the other name for Nice’s main port. Surrounded by typical colorful facades, it’s a mix of traditional fishing boats, yachts and ferries. It’s a lively place where restaurants, cafés and shops rub shoulders. At the far end of the harbor, La Réserve, an old fishermen’s quarter, offers a more peaceful atmosphere. From the port, a path leads to the Colline du Château.
Castle Hill
Formerly a fortress destroyed in 1706, Château hill is now a verdant park offering one of the finest panoramas of the Baie des Anges and Port Lympia. It is home to historic relics, an artificial waterfall and peaceful gardens. The site is ideal for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
To get there, you have a choice: on foot, there are several staircases from Vieux-Nice (montée Montfort, montée Eberlé) or the port. An elevator is available at the junction of rue des Ponchettes and quai des Etats-Unis. It operates every day, except when maintenance is required. A tourist train (approx. 12 euros) departs from the Promenade des Anglais and climbs the hill.
📌Note: the park is open from 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (October-March) and until 8 p.m. (April-September).
Three perfect itineraries for a one-day visit to Nice
There’s something for everyone.
The must-see itinerary
Start the morning with a stroll through Vieux-Nice. Stroll the aisles of the Cours Saleya market, where you can smell the fragrance of flowers and taste local specialties such as socca or pissaladière. Take the opportunity to admire the Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, a Baroque jewel.
In the late morning, head for the Colline du Château. After a short (but intense) climb, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Baie des Anges and the rooftops of Nice. It’s the perfect place to take some great photos.
In the afternoon, head for the famous Promenade des Anglais. On foot or by bike, this stroll offers superb panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the majestic facades of Belle Époque hotels such as the Negresco. For those wishing to relax, a break on the beach is an ideal option.
To round off the day in style, head to the Lympia harbor to admire the sunset. It’s also a great place to dine in pleasant surroundings overlooking the boats.
An itinerary for lovers of culture and history
Start the morning with a stroll through Old Nice. Stop off at the Palais Lascaris, a former 17th-century aristocratic residence housing an impressive collection of antique musical instruments and beautifully restored frescoes. Continue your stroll through Place Garibaldi, known for its elegant arcades and distinctive yellow facades, before climbing up to the Cimiez Monastery.
At lunchtime, a number of restaurants in the Cimiez district allow you to enjoy a quiet, leafy setting before continuing your tour.
The afternoon is devoted to art. You can choose to visit the Musée Matisse, the Musée Marc Chagall or the MAMAC (Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain).
To round off this cultural day in style, head back down to the city center and stroll around Place Masséna, where the neo-classical architecture contrasts with the liveliness of this emblematic square. In the evening, enjoy a show at the theater or the Opéra de Nice.
📌Note: the 4-day Nice Museums Pass (€15) offers unlimited access to all municipal museums and galleries. Even a one-day pass can be worthwhile, depending on which museums you want to visit.
The itinerary for nature lovers and relaxation enthusiasts
Start your morning with a morning stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, admiring the architecture of the iconic hotels. After this warm-up, head for the Colline du Château to stroll through the shady park and listen to the soothing sound of the waterfall. The descent takes you to Port Lympia, less touristy than the center, where colorful boats and ochre facades provide a picturesque backdrop.
At lunchtime, you have two choices: a picnic in the hills, buying local produce at the Vieux-Nice market before climbing up, or lunch at a seaside restaurant.
The afternoon is devoted to relaxing and exploring the coast. Depending on your mood, you can choose to bask on a quieter beach, such as Coco Beach. For a more active option, a hike along the Sentier du Littoral in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat will reveal secret coves and spectacular panoramas. Finally, for a unique experience, embark on a boat excursion.
In the late afternoon, climb up to Mont Boron, a peaceful spot with breathtaking views, ideal for admiring the sunset in complete serenity.
Of course, if you prefer to draw up your own itinerary, here are the places to visit in Nice, according to your interests.
Nice's magnificent museums
Nice is home to a large number of museums on a variety of themes.
Art museums
Nice is a city of art and inspiration, which has attracted many major artists. Its museums present collections that include classical masterpieces as well as modern and contemporary trends, with :
- The Matisse Museum,
- The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC),
- The Marc Chagall National Museum,
- Jules Chéret Museum of Fine Arts,
- The Musée International d’Art Naïf Anatole Jakovsky,
- Villa Arson,
- The Charles Nègre Museum of Photography.
🎨Tour Azur tip: the Musée Matisse houses one of the largest collections of works by the artist, who lived in Nice for many years. Housed in a magnificent villa, it allows visitors to discover the evolution of his style. What’s more, it’s located on the magnificent hill of Cimiez, not to be missed. The museum is open every day except Tuesday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and tickets cost €10.
History and heritage museums
History museums allow you to discover the evolution of Nice over the centuries and explore local life in different eras.
The Villa Masséna houses a museum dedicated to the history of Nice, particularly during the Second Empire. It features collections on urban planning and aristocratic life in Nice.
The Palais Lascaris is a former aristocratic palace transformed into a museum. It features a rich collection of antique musical instruments and sumptuous period decor.
The Musée de la Résistance Azuréenne retraces the history of the Second World War on the Côte d’Azur, through testimonies, documents and historical objects.
Finally, the Prieuré du Vieux Logis offers an insight into the monastic life and religious traditions of the region. It features period furnishings and a collection of sacred objects bearing witness to the daily life of monks in days gone by.
Archaeology and science museums
The Nice region has been inhabited since prehistoric times and boasts an exceptional archaeological heritage.
The Musée d’Archéologie de Nice, located on the Cimiez site, traces Nice’s ancient history through Roman remains, including the thermal baths and amphitheatre of ancient Cemenelum.
The Terra Amata Museum of Prehistory, set on a prehistoric site discovered in 1966, displays traces of the region’s earliest inhabitants.
Finally, the Natural History Museum is Nice’s oldest museum, with a rich collection of fossils, minerals, naturalized animals and plants from the region.
National Sports Museum
The Musée National du Sport deserves its own category. Nice is home to one of the few museums in France devoted entirely to sport. This interactive venue traces the history of major competitions, showcases athletes’ performances and displays objects emblematic of the sporting world,
📌Opening hours and prices: tickets from €8 to €16, depending on service. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm (September-May) and 10am to 6pm daily (June-August).
Nice's most beautiful parks and gardens
There are plenty of them in Nice, with over twenty to choose from. Tour Azur presents a selection of three must-see places.
The Promenade du Paillon
This 12-hectare open-access urban park, also known as the Coulée verte, runs through the city center, linking Place Masséna to the Théâtre de Verdure. It is equipped with children’s play equipment and misting devices for cooling off in summer. The water mirror with its dynamic jets is one of Nice’s most photographed attractions.
Phoenix Park
Located near the airport, this 7-hectare botanical and wildlife park features a large tropical greenhouse with exotic plants, as well as areas dedicated to birds, reptiles and small mammals. It also offers play areas and entertainment for families.
📌Opening times and prices: adults €5.50, teenagers (aged 12-18) €3.20, children free. Open daily from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm (April-September) and from 9:30 am to 6 pm (October-March).
The garden of the Cimiez Monastery
This historic garden adjoining the Franciscan monastery is one of the oldest in Nice. It retains its original layout, with an orchard, vegetable garden and pergolas covered with climbing roses. Admission is free and the garden is open daily from 8am. Closing times vary according to the season: 7pm (April, May and September), 8pm (June-August), and 6pm (October-March).
It’s right next to the Musée Matisse, the Musée d’archéologie de Nice and the Cimiez arena garden.
📌Good to know: Nice also boasts several other green spaces that are well worth a visit: the Parc du Ray is a modern urban space that promotes relaxation and conviviality. Further south, the Jardin Botanique offers an immersion in the heart of the Mediterranean, with plants from all over the world. The peaceful Parc Chambrun features an elegant “temple of love”, the remains of a former bandstand. Finally, the Parc d’Estienne d’Orves, a vast wooded area, offers shady paths and a magnificent panorama of the city.
Not-to-be-missed Nice monuments
Saint-François Tower
Formerly the bell tower of the Franciscan convent, this 42-metre-high tower is one of Nice’s oldest buildings. After climbing more than 300 steps, it offers a spectacular panorama of the city’s rooftops, port and sea.
📌Times and prices: Saturday and Sunday, 9:30am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. Price €5.
Saint-Nicolas Cathedral, also known as the Russian Church of Nice
Considered one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches outside Russia, this cathedral, inaugurated in 1912, bears witness to Nice’s aristocratic past, which welcomed many Russian winterers in the 19th century.
With its golden and blue bulbous domes, richly decorated interior and typical Moscow-style architecture, it’s a must-see for its originality and historical significance.
Place Garibaldi
With its trompe-l’œil yellow facades, elegant arcades and Garibaldi statue, it’s a place steeped in history, marking the transition between Old Nice and the new districts. It’s also a lively space, surrounded by terraces and close to the Port Lympia.
Our practical tips for a successful day in Nice
Eating out in Nice
Don’t leave Nice without trying these typical dishes: socca, an oven-baked chickpea galette (Chez Pipo, Lou Pilha Leva); petit farcis niçois, vegetables topped with a savory stuffing; pissaladière, a thin tart with onions, anchovies and olives; daube niçoise, a beef stew simmered in red wine.
If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to visit typical markets and snack bars, such as the Cours Saleya market.
With a bigger budget, why not eat in a Michelin-starred restaurant? Nice is currently home to 8 restaurants that have been awarded one or more stars by the Michelin guide, such as Flaveur (innovative cuisine) Jan (Franco-South African blend) or Pure & V (modern gastronomy, natural wines).
Transport and logistics
Getting around Nice by car can be complicated by heavy traffic and a lack of parking, especially in high season. We recommend using the park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city, which can be reached by tramway.
The Lignes d’Azur network offers an efficient tramway system with three main lines, linking the airport, the city center and the port. Buses serve Nice’s neighborhoods and hills. A ticket costs €1.70 for a single trip, and day passes are available.
The little tourist train departs from the Promenade des Anglais, crosses Old Nice, then climbs up to the Colline du Château for a panoramic view. A fun way to discover the city without too much walking, ideal for children.
Tour Azur's private tours for your visit to Nice
A private tour allows you to discover a site in exclusivity, accompanied by your loved ones and a personal driver-guide. The latter accompanies you to each site to enrich your experience with detailed explanations.
If you’d like to explore Nice la Belle, we’ve designed a tour to suit you.
Unusual Nice
Let us tell you about its main places of interest, anecdotes and legends. Get off the beaten track and discover the must-sees: meet the heroes of Nice and the people who have left their mark on history.
What’s more, Tour Azur guarantees you a journey combining comfort and elegance aboard top-of-the-range vehicles. Choose from our Mercedes Luxury Vito Tourer and Mercedes Prestige Class V minivans or a Porsche Panamera sedan, all equipped with leather seats and optimum air conditioning.
Why choose Tour Azur for your visit to Nice?
For over 25 years, we’ve been accompanying travelers in their quest for escape.
The benefits of a guided tour
Opting for Tour Azur means choosing an exclusive way to discover Nice, quite different from a simple cab ride. Our highlights :
- Excellence: we are committed to offering premium service to make your Côte d’Azur getaway an unforgettable experience.
- Know-how: our passionate team ensures that every detail contributes to a smooth and enjoyable journey.
- Experience: thanks to feedback from our customers, we have fine-tuned our offer to provide you with a tailor-made immersion experience.
Professional drivers and expert guides
Our drivers don’t just drive you: they are also qualified guides.
Selected for their impeccable conduct, their command of foreign languages and their in-depth knowledge of the Côte d’Azur, they have undergone demanding training to become true ambassadors for the region.
Book your 1-day tour of Nice with Tour Azur
Planning your tour with Tour Azur is quick and easy. Our team, available 7 days a week, will get back to you within 24 hours to finalize every detail. Contact us now!
Nice promises an unforgettable experience. At Tour Azur, every aspect of your trip is carefully thought out to help you discover the city at its best. Book your tour now and let us guide you through its hidden treasures and must-sees. The adventure starts here!
Is the Nice Carnival an interesting event?
You bet! The Nice Carnival is one of the biggest and most spectacular in France. Every February, the city comes alive with parades of beautifully decorated floats, colorful flower battles and dynamic street performances. It’s an ideal event for families, culture lovers and those looking for a joyful atmosphere in the middle of winter. Day and night, the Place Masséna and the Promenade des Anglais are packed with entertainment.
Is Nice worth a day trip?
Yes, Nice is perfect for a day trip. The city combines Mediterranean charm, historical heritage and magnificent panoramas. In just one day, you can sample the essence of Nice, but the urge to return will surely be irresistible!
Is it possible to visit Nice for free?
That’s right! Nice offers many free activities. Start by exploring the Promenade des Anglais and Vieux-Nice. For a breathtaking view of the city, climb the Château hill: it’s free and the panorama is spectacular. Art lovers will be delighted to learn that several municipal museums, such as the Musée Matisse and the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain, are free for EU residents. As for nature, the Phoenix park and Albert 1er garden are perfect green spaces for relaxing. Finally, a sunset on the beach is the perfect way to round off a day in Nice, without spending a cent.
What do you recommend visiting on the Côte d'Azur?
Immerse yourself in history with a visit to the Saint-Tropez Citadel, an emblematic monument offering panoramic views over the Mediterranean. Stroll along the legendary port of Saint-Tropez, a meeting point for yachting and glamour enthusiasts. For lovers of Monaco, explore the 9 must-see attractions and hidden treasures of the principality or plan your trip by discovering the best time to visit Monaco. Film buffs will appreciate a visit to the Musée de la Gendarmerie et du Cinéma de Saint-Tropez while perfume lovers will be enchanted by the Fragonard perfumery in Grasse. Finally, let yourself be tempted by an unforgettable experience at the prestigious Monte-Carlo Casino or a full day of exploration following our guide to Monaco in 1 day.
