With some extra time in Marseille (and an extra day on our Eurail Pass), we decided to seize the opportunity and take a day trip to Nice! While Nice isn’t a small city and could easily keep you enchanted for days, I managed to explore many of its highlights in just seven hours.
The architecture of Nice immediately transported me back to Italy. Wandering through the old city’s alleys, I was reminded of Venice, while the warm yellow and orange hues brought me back to the Amalfi Coast. It all made sense when I learned that Nice was part of Italy until just 140 years ago!
I actually spent the majority of my day in Vieux Nice, the historic old town, which is impossible to miss with its iconic architecture and proximity to the beach. I highly recommend this vibrant area, known for its narrow pedestrian streets, colorful buildings, and charming squares.
Avenue Jean Medecin
Nice’s layout is refreshingly efficient. After a short walk from the train station, we arrived at Avenue Jean Médecin, the main shopping street. From here, continuing straight takes you to Place Masséna and just a bit further, to the beach.
Avenue Jean Médecin is famous for its shopping, offering everything from high-end boutiques to quirky local stores. While Jordan and I didn’t indulge in any shopping due to our already-overpacked bags, it’s a great spot to explore if you’ve got the space. A pro tip: save shopping for the end of your visit since you’ll pass back through this street on your way to the train station!
Place Massena
At the end of Avenue Jean Medecin, you will find the Place Massena, a massive plaza that immediately catches your eye with its checkerboard flooring and pink-hued buildings.
In the center of the square, you’ll find the striking Fountaine du Soleil (Fountain of the Sun), with its towering statue of Apollo surrounded by smaller sculptures symbolizing the planets. It’s a breathtaking spot and, in my opinion, one of the most photogenic locations in Nice.
Promenade de Anglais
No trip to Nice is complete without a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, the city’s iconic seaside walkway. Whether you spend five minutes or an entire afternoon here, it’s worth the visit. The promenade is a lively hub where you’ll see street performers, joggers, roller skaters, and locals enjoying their day with coffee in hand.
Vieux Nice
Vieux Nice, also known as the old town in English, is everything you could ever want out of a European old town. There’s not much to do here except get lost and amazed by the fantastic architecture in the winding streets. Make you way through by following your eyes, ears and heart, along the way finding palely of cafes, bakeries and gelaterias.
In Vieux Nice you will also find the Cours Saleya Market, where you can get fresh produce, flowers, and socca, a traditional Nicois snack made of chickpea flower. I did not get the chance to try it, but the line for socca in the market was long which should tell you how good it is. Definetly get yourself some socca from the market or from another vendor inside Vieux Nice for a nice snack to enjoy whilst walking up the Promenade or up on top of castle hill.
Castle Hill
After walking a bit around the city, the next thing to do in Nice is head up Castle Hill (or Colline du Chateau in French) for panoramic views of the city. It is quite the hike, so be prepared and fill up your water at one of the public fountains before heading upwards. You will find a lot of lookout spots, and if you keep climbing, you will find a large green area with people practicing yoga, playing football or having a picnic in the sun.
On your way back down the hills, be sure to check out the artificial waterfall for a great picture! I could see this being a very refreshing spot to cool off in the mist during the summer after your long hike uphill.
Halfway down the hill, you can also visit the cemetery on the hill, Cimetière du Château. This cemetery offers panoramic views of the city and elaborate memorials. Visiting was a very nice moment of silence while taking in the ornate gravestones and monuments.
La Plage
After our trek up and down Castle Hill, I was ready for some well-earned relaxation. I headed to the beach for an iconic French Riviera activity: an afternoon siesta.
Life continued around us as we rested on the pebbled shore. Above us, a pianist on the promenade lulled us to sleep, while nearby, beachgoers sketched, napped, and simply enjoyed the moment.
Museums
Like most places in France, or honestly in Europe, Nice has a myriad of fantastic museums. Any of them would be a fantastic way to round out your day in Nice! I wrapped up my day at a photography museum near the beach, drawn in by an exhibition titled “The Anthology of Vivian Maier.”
Maier, a street photographer whose work only gained recognition after her death, inspired me deeply. The collection of her candid, evocative images inspired me to kick my photography journey into the next gear.
Though I only had seven hours in Nice, the city left an impression far beyond its size or duration. Between the picturesque old town, panoramic views, and tranquil beach moments, Nice manages to charm every visitor. Whether you have a few hours or a few days, it’s a destination worth savoring.
Looks very very nice in Nice! You've made me want to go there!
Looks so beautiful and peaceful there! Love the scenic views and architecture!