Visit Nice in 2 days:
the perfect itinerary on the French Riviera
Visiting Nice in 2 days is the ideal way to discover the essentials of the capital of the French Riviera, with its museums, markets and seafront. This Mediterranean city is easy to enjoy on foot. With smart itinerary tips and a central stay in Nice, you can explore Old Nice and reach the top attractions in Nice within a minute walk. In this travel guide, we share a clear day itinerary and a complete two-day plan: the sights worth seeing, the panoramic views, the best places and practical tips to plan your trip. For these two days in Nice, base yourself at the Hôtel Vendôme. Take your time, stroll at your own pace, and soak up the light and colours of the Côte d'Azur. Whether it is your first tour of the Riviera or a return trip, this guide helps you stay and explore the city with ease, so you make the most of every hour in the south of France.
Day 1: Vieux Nice, the markets and Castle Hill
From the Hôtel Vendôme, ideally located downtown, start your day in the historic heart of the city, in Old Nice. With its ochre façades, narrow streets and southern atmosphere, this neighborhood sets the tone from the morning. Wander through each street and lane, step into a baroque church or the Chapel of Mercy, stop on Place Rossetti in front of Sainte-Réparate Cathedral, admire the Lascaris Palace, then treat yourself to a first ice cream in the sun.
Then head to the Cours Saleya market and its famous flower market, with stalls of fruit and vegetables, an iconic place where the colours and scents of Provence sum up the Niçois way of life. It is the perfect place to taste local specialties: a slice of socca, a pissaladière, a pan-bagnat or a real Niçoise salad, on the go or at a table nearby. Another tasty option is the Libération food market, more authentic, where you will find the producers and the flavours of the South.
In the afternoon, climb Castle Hill (Colline du Château). Reachable on foot, by lift or along an olive-shaded path, the château park gives incredible panoramic views over the Baie des Anges, the rooftops of the old town and Port Lympia. The view from the top, near the Bellanda tower and the waterfall, is one of the best in town, perfect for a photo. Then go down to Port Lympia to admire the colourful quays and stroll along the boats.
For an aperitif, head to Place Garibaldi and its arcades, or the Palais de Justice square, for a glass of wine outside before dinner in the old town. In the evening, the streets come alive: it is one of the liveliest spots to enjoy the local cuisine in a warm atmosphere, a real experience for any traveler.
Day 2: the seafront promenade, Place Masséna and the museums
Start your day two by the sea and with culture. Begin with a morning walk along the Promenade des Anglais, facing the Mediterranean. This iconic avenue can be enjoyed on foot, by bike or on roller skates, between the beach huts and the Belle Époque palaces. Go down onto the pebbles to touch the water, then head back towards the Quai des États-Unis and the Ponchette.
Reach Place Masséna, a true open-air lounge with its red checkerboard and fountains, then stroll along the Promenade du Paillon, a landscaped garden that crosses the city. Nearby, the Albert 1er garden brings fresh air and shade. From the Ponchette to the Paillon, this promenade is a pleasure at any time, and Avenue Jean Médecin and its shops bring you easily back to the boutiques.
The second half of the day is ideal for the museums and art. Visitors are spoilt for choice, including the Matisse Museum, the Marc Chagall National Museum which holds an incredible collection, the MAMAC devoted to modern and contemporary art, the Masséna Museum in its Belle Époque villa, or the Museum of Fine Arts. Art lovers will also spot street art across the city. In Cimiez, do not miss the monastery gardens and their centuries-old olive trees, a peaceful haven with a magnificent view, as well as the Roman ruins and the nearby cemetery where the artist Matisse rests.
Children will also love Phoenix Park, its gardens and its animals. If you have time, finish with scenic views from Mont Boron or Cap de Nice. In the evening, treat yourself to a last glass at the bar of the Hôtel Vendôme before heading up to your room on the upper floors: a wonderful way to end these two days, just steps from everything.
A little history and heritage
Nice has a rich history, shaped by centuries of influences. The former capital of the County of Nice, joined to France in 1860, it has kept a remarkable French heritage, from the baroque old town to the Belle Époque villas of the 19th century. This history can be read in its monuments, its churches and its façades, once admired by Queen Victoria. Historic sights and monuments punctuate every neighborhood: taking the time to understand them means you truly visit Nice, France, beyond the postcards. From the old town to the elegant avenues, every corner tells a story, and a slow wander reveals painted ceilings, hidden courtyards and lively little squares that give the city its unique charm.
Around Nice: day trips on the Riviera
In two days, you can also treat yourself to a getaway outside the city. From the train station, the train runs along the coast and serves beautiful spots; book your train tickets in advance in high season. Villefranche-sur-Mer and its bay are among the prettiest, with turquoise water and an old port worth the detour. Continue to Cap Ferrat and its coastal paths, or to Saint-Paul-de-Vence and the hilltop village of Èze, beautiful perched villages of the Alpes-Maritimes. Cap Ferrat, Monaco and Monte Carlo, Cannes, Antibes and Menton also make perfect day trips, easy to reach by train or bus. Perfume lovers will head to Grasse. A great way to discover the Côte d'Azur at your own pace, each destination with its own character.
Why choose Hôtel Vendôme in Nice
Choosing Hôtel Vendôme means staying in a central, and well-connected hotel, ideal for exploring Nice, enjoying the coastline, discovering cultural attractions, and planning day trips across the South of France. Whether for a single night, a perfect weekend, or a longer stay, the hotel offers an authentic base to experience the vibrant charm of Nice, with exclusive deals on our website when booking your stay.
