Nice is an ideal city to explore on foot, and a two-to-three day plan is enough to see its essence while leaving room to relax on the beach.
Day 1: The Promenade des Anglais and the beach. This famous seafront walkway, stretching about 7 kilometers along the Baie des Anges, was built in the early 19th century and named after the wealthy English community that made Nice their favorite winter resort — today it's the city's most iconic feature. Spend the morning walking or cycling its length, stopping at the iconic Hotel Negresco with its famous pink dome, opened in 1913 and still embodying the grandeur of the Belle Époque. In the afternoon, relax on one of the free public beaches (bring a mat, since most of Nice's beaches are pebbly rather than sandy) or try one of the paid private beach clubs if you want extra comfort with loungers and umbrellas.
Day 2: The Old Town (Vieux Nice) and Castle Hill. Wander the narrow lanes of old Nice, where buildings in shades of yellow and orange reflect the strong Italian influence on the city's architecture (Nice was part of the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont until it joined France in 1860 via popular referendum). Don't miss the morning Cours Saleya market (Tuesday through Sunday), with its colorful flowers, spice scents, and fresh local produce. After lunch, climb Castle Hill (Colline du Château), site of Nice's old citadel, demolished in 1706 on Louis XIV's orders and now a beautiful public park offering one of the best panoramic views over the city, the Baie des Anges, and the old town together, plus a small waterfall and a historic cemetery worth a stop.
Day 3 (optional): A trip to nearby Riviera villages. If time allows, take the local train (which hugs the coastline with stunning views) to Cannes, famous for its film festival, or to Villefranche-sur-Mer, the quiet coastal village very close to Nice that's worth a short visit. Another great option is a trip to Grasse, the world capital of perfume, where you can visit historic perfume houses like Fragonard or Galimard for free tours explaining how luxury perfumes have been made since the 18th century.
Practical tips: the tram and buses are enough for getting around Nice itself, but renting a car or using the regional train (TER) opens up much wider Riviera exploration. Bring comfortable shoes for walking on the pebble beaches and the old town's narrow lanes, and start your day early in summer to beat the heat and midday crowds.
