Want to explore Nice over a weekend? Tour Azur, a provider of all-inclusive tours and transfers on the French Riviera, shares its best tips for enjoying the city in two days.
On the program:
- A realistic 2-day itinerary to see the best of Nice.
- 15 not-to-be-missed places to visit, combining sea, culture and panoramic views.
- Practical advice: transport, beaches, budget and tips.
💡We’ve also written an article for you on exploring Nice in one day.
Our Top Picks for Planning Your 2-Day Trip to Nice
1 The Castle Hill
This large 19-hectare garden is both a place for strolling and a natural lookout point. It features:
- a waterfall,
- vast lawns,
- games for children
- a few archaeological remains.
- the Bellanda Tower.
Shaded walkways lead to spectacular vantage points.
👉 Free access. Open from 8:30am to 8pm in summer, and until 7pm in winter. We have written a full article at this location! It’s THE favorite among our customers.
2 Promenade des Anglais
The “Prom’” stretches nearly 7 km along the Baie des Anges. Lined with palm trees, it’s the perfect spot for a stroll or simply relaxing by the sea. A bike path runs the entire length of the route, from the port to the airport, and even allows you to continue on to Cagnes-sur-Mer or Antibes.
What’s there to see?
- The Negresco Hotel,
- The Palais de la Méditerranée, an Art Deco masterpiece,
- The Masséna Museum, housed in a Belle Époque villa;
- The Nice Opera,
- Les Ponchettes,
- The famous blue chairs,
- Rauba-Capeu Wharf.
👉 We’ve written another article about this place!
3 Place Masséna
The heart of Nice, Place Masséna is striking for its red arcaded facades and its vast paved esplanade. It is home to the Fontaine du Soleil and Jaume Plensa’s stunning light sculptures.
💡Tour Azur’s tip: At night, you can see the statues change color—it’s breathtaking!
4 Promenade du Paillon
Nicknamed the ” green corridor “, the Promenade du Paillon runs for almost a kilometer through the center of Nice. With its playful fountains and water mirror, large lawns, play areas and shaded walkways, it’s a breathtaking space in the heart of the city.
5 Place Garibaldi
Nice’s oldest main square, recognizable by its yellow facades and arcades, is now bustling with cafés and arcaded restaurants.
💡Tour Azur’s tip: Take a look at the windows on the buildings—they’re trompe-l’œil, a Nice tradition designed to balance the architecture.
6 Port Lympia
Less crowded than the Promenade des Anglais, the port of Nice is lined with colorful facades in shades of ochre and red. There, you’ll see both imposing yachts and “pointus,” those small traditional fishing boats.
💡Fun fact: This harbor basin was dug in the 18th century in a marshy area called Lympia, named after a nearby spring.
7 Cimiez monastery and gardens
The Cimiez neighborhood is beautiful—all our guests say so! Behind the walls of the Franciscan monastery, you’ll find a cloister and a small museum that tells the story of the friars’ lives.
❤️ But the real highlight is outside: terraced gardens overlooking the entire city, adorned with rosebushes and century-oldolive trees.
8 Matisse Museum
In Cimiez, the Villa des Arènes houses the Matisse Museum. There’s no fixed path here: we move from canvas to paper cut-outs, from sculptures to drawings, and follow the artist’s growing freedom step by step.
👉 Ticket 12 euros (includes access to the Musée d’archéologie-Cimiez). Open every day except Tuesday from 10am to 6pm in summer, and until 5pm in winter.
9 St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral
You’d never expect to come across Moscow in the heart of Nice, and yet… With its green and gold domes, Saint-Nicolas Cathedral looks like a fairytale setting. Built for the Russian community in 1912, it’s one of the city’s most exotic monuments.
❤️ What our customers say: The interior design is exceptional!
👉 The cathedral is open daily (9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2 p.m.–6 p.m.), but is closed to tourists during Masses, ceremonies, and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Part of the cathedral is free to visit, and another part requires an admission fee.
10 Mont Boron
Climbing Mont Boron, a wooded hill that rises to just over 190 meters above sea level, means suddenly leaving the hustle and bustle of Nice behind and finding yourself surrounded by pine trees.
👉 Arrive at Mont Alban Fort, the fortress atop Mount Boron, at sunset, when the Mediterranean turns orange.
❤️ What our guests say: The view is incredible; you feel like you’re far away from the city—it’s magical!
11 Cours Saleya
In the heart of Old Nice, the Cours Saleya is a riot of colors and scents. Every morning, the market stalls are overflowing with flowers, fruits, and vegetables. On Mondays, it’s the antique dealers’ turn.
👉 This is a must-visit spot for strolling around and soaking upthe atmosphere of Nice; but if you really want to do some shopping, you’re better off heading to the Marché de la Libération, which is more authentic and affordable.
12 Palais Lascaris
This superb, remarkably well-preserved 17th-century Baroque mansion houses a collection of antique musical instruments. But the real highlight isthe architecture and interior design of this aristocratic residence.
👉 Open every day except Tuesday, from 10am to 6pm. Admission €7.
👉 Bonus: just a stone’s throw away, rue de l’Ancien Sénat preserves the last washhouse in Vieux-Nice.
13 Beaches in Nice
Various beaches line the Baie des Anges for more than 7 km. Here, there’s no fine sand—just large pebbles! Some beaches are public and free (Plage du Centenaire, Plage du Ruhl,Plage de l’Opéra,Plage des Ponchettes, Plage de Carras, etc.), while others are private, with lounge chairs and restaurants right on the water.
👉 Don’t forget to bring water shoes – they make swimming so much more fun!
Our itinerary suggestions to visit Nice in 2 days
The idea is to build two days respecting the geographical logic and rhythm of a traveler who wants to enjoy.
Day 1, the heart of Nice
Morning: Old Nice
- Cours Saleya: Start your day in the lively atmosphere of the market.
- Chapel of Mercy: right next door, a hidden Baroque gem.
- Lascaris Palace: As you walk up Rue Droite, take a moment to explore this aristocratic mansion.
- Place Masséna: Walk through the Old Town to reach Nice’s most iconic square.
- Lunch around Place Masséna or on Cours Saleya.
Afternoon
- Paillon Promenade: Take a leisurely stroll up the “green corridor.”
- Promenade des Anglais on foot or by bike.
- Nice’s beaches: a swim or a relaxing break before or after your walk.
Day 2, hills and panoramas
Morning: stroll between town and port
Start the day in the park of the hill of the Château, to enjoy one last time the panorama of the Baie des Anges. Then head back down to Place Garibaldi, with its distinctive yellow facades, before reaching Port Lympia. Lunch around the harbor: grilled fish and Niçoise specialties on the menu.
For the afternoon, we offer two options, depending on your preferences.
Afternoon nature and fresh air option
Climb Mount Boron—a pine forest with a surprising sense of tranquility—all the way to the Mount Alban Fortress. The view from there is breathtaking. On the way back, stop at St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral. Its colorful domes and icon-covered interior contrast with the hustle and bustle of the city.
Afternoon culture option
Visit the monastery and its terraced gardens in Cimiez. Right next door, the Matisse Museum lets you trace the artist’s evolution through paintings, drawings, and cut-outs. End your day at the Marc Chagall Museum: the “Message” room immerses you in a colorful and spiritual world that leaves no one indifferent.
Practical information for a 2-day visit to Nice
How to get to Nice
Good news: All roads lead to Nice!
- By car: The A8 highway connects Nice to the major cities of the French Riviera and the rest of France.
- By train: The Nice-Ville train station serves TGV, Intercités, and TER trains, offering fast connections from Paris, Marseille, or Italy. However, there is also a second station, located next to the airport, called the Nice Saint-Augustin station.
- By boat: The port of Nice, also known as Port Lympia, is the closest. The region also has 8 marinas in the surrounding area.
- By plane:Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport is the third-largest in France.
Our chauffeur-driven car service is ideal for planning your personalized itinerary.
What to see and do in the area
If you’ve got an extra day or two, the Côte d’Azur is full of nuggets accessible by train, bus or car from Nice:
- Villefranche-sur-Merjust 10 minutes away, a seaside village with a splendid harbor and a picturesque port.
- Èze, a medieval village offering breathtaking views and an exotic garden.
- Monaco30-minute train ride from Nice.
- Antibesa charming old town surrounded by ramparts, with a giant marina and the Picasso museum.
- Cannesworld-famous for its festival.
- Menton, the “Pearl of the Riviera,” renowned for its gardens and its laid-back atmosphere.
👉 And for nature lovers: the Mercantour National Park is accessible as a day trip, offering a journey through hilltop villages and alpine landscapes.
Where to stay when visiting Nice?
There’s no shortage of hotels and short-term rentals between individuals. Instead, we suggest you review these few criteria to determine where to stay:
- Convenient location: Old Nice and the harbor are perfect for getting around on foot.
- Atmosphere: fairly festive and lively in the city center, quieter in Cimiez or around Mont Boron.
- Budget: The Promenade and the Carré d’Or are expensive; the train station and Libération are more affordable.
- Convenience: Check for nearby tram or bus stops to avoid complicated trips.
Getting around the city
- On foot The center is easy to visit.
- Tramway Three lines cross the city. Line 2 links the airport directly to the center in 25 minutes.
- Bus Bus: useful for reaching the hills (Cimiez, Mont Boron) or neighboring towns.
- Vélo The Vélobleu service offers self-service bicycles, ideal for cycling along the Promenade des Anglais.
- Car Not recommended in the city center (heavy traffic, expensive parking). Recommended only for exploring the hinterland.
- Cabs and VTC available but expensive compared to public transport.
- Private chauffeur service by Tour Azur.
Nice regularly hosts major sporting events, such as the IRONMAN. For participants traveling with their own equipment, Tour Azur can arrange transportation for athletes and their gear, including bicycles.
Visiting Nice in 2 days in any situation
Couple
Stroll through Vieux-Nice hand-in-hand, climb the Château hill for sunset, then end the day with dinner by the sea or on the Cours Saleya.
In the family
Plan breaks in the Parc de la Colline du Château (playgrounds) or on the Promenade du Paillon (water mirror, green spaces). Alternate short visits with moments of relaxation on the beach.
When it rains
Head for the museums: Chagall, Matisse, or the Palais Lascaris. For a gourmet break, take refuge in the covered market halls of the Marché de la Libération.
💡If you’re planning to visit the MAMAC, it’s closed for works until 2028, but the collections are being redeployed around the area in the meantime.
Free of charge
Nice is easy to discover without spending a cent. In fact, most of the places we’ve suggested are free, with the exception of museums and a few private beaches.
On foot
It’s definitely doable, but keep in mind that Nice is a city with a lot of elevation changes. While it’s easy to stay near the sea, other places like Mont Boron or the Cimiez Monastery—which are higher up—are less accessible if you’re not in good shape. We’ve written a comprehensive article on exploring Nice on foot.
Visit Nice in 2 days with Tour Azur
Whether for personal or business travel, our private transfer service is at your disposal.
Tour Azur offers a range of services to suit holidaymakers and business travelers alike:
- Transfers: for a stress-free journey to your hotel or holiday destination, our drivers will meet you directly at the airport or station.
- Chauffeur-driven vehicle: whether you’re planning a day of sightseeing, a business meeting or a special evening out, you can count on a tailor-made service, with a private chauffeur at your disposal.
- Private excursions: discover the Côte d’Azur at your own pace, in a prestige vehicle, accompanied by a driver-guide who knows the region like the back of his hand.
- Shared tours: for a more convivial and economical option, Tour Azur also organizes excursions in small groups with a driver-guide.
FAQ
What are the top 10 things to do in Nice?
Take our list, and remove :
- Mount Boron.
- Musée national Marc-Chagall .
- Place Garibaldi.
- Chapelle de la Miséricorde.
- Promenade du Paillon.
Is Nice worth it?
Yes, without hesitation. Between the sea and the hills, Nice combines beaches, panoramic walks and Baroque heritage. The city is easy to explore on foot or by streetcar, and offers an atmosphere that’s both Mediterranean and cosmopolitan. You’ll see a lot in just two days, but Nice is also an ideal base from which to explore the entire Côte d’Azur.
How long does it take to visit Nice?
- 2 days are enough to discover the essentials: Old Nice, Castle Hill, Promenade des Anglais and one or two museums.
- 3 to 4 days allow you to add Cimiez, Mont Boron and the beaches.
- A week is ideal if you also want to explore the surrounding area.
👉 Nice can be visited in a weekend, but it’s even better if you have a little more time.
Visit Nice in 3 days
Combine what you didn’t have time to do in 2 days:
- If you’ve chosen Mont Boron, add Cimiez and its museums.
- If you’ve chosen Cimiez, take a nature walk on Mont Boron.
Another option is to spend the day on an excursion outside of Nice:
- Villefranche-sur-Mer (10-minute train ride),
- Èze (hilltop village+ exotic garden),
- Antibes (Old Town + Picasso Museum).
- Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat (Villa Ephrussi)
- Gourdon or Saint-Paul-de-Vence, charming medieval hilltop villages.
