The Ultimate Weekend Guide to Nice, France

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, for qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I love and use. More information: Disclosure

Have you ever dreamed of escaping to the French Riviera only to find yourself short on time ? This ultimate weekend guide to Nice, France is here to be your compass to experience the best bits of the Cote d’Azur – from Nice Old Town’s colorful streets to serene Mediterranean beaches soaking up the sun and those incredible sunset views blending with Promenade des Anglais.

You’ll find all the insider info you need to plan the perfect break: how to get to Nice, where to stay while you’re there, the must-do activities, and the best day trips to nearby Riviera gems like Villefranche, Éze, Monaco, and Menton – whether this is your first time visiting or not, this guide will help you soak up the Nice charm, the Nicoise culture, and bask in the beautiful coastal scenery – all in just a couple of days.

Nice, Central Base for Exploring the Riviera

Nice is the ideal base for a mini–French Riviera escape. The city is walkable, compact, and full of seaside charm, making it easy to explore on foot while still having excellent access to nearby coastal towns.

From Nice, trains and buses connect you effortlessly to Villefranche-sur-Mer, Èze, Monaco, Menton, Grasse, and even Italian towns like Ventimiglia — making it the perfect hub for quick day trips.

Beyond regional transport, Nice is also well connected internally. The city has three tram lines that run from the city center to residential neighborhoods and the outskirts, giving you reliable mobility during your stay.

How to Get to Nice, France

Nice is as easy to reach as it is to fall in love with. Whether you’re traveling from within France or abroad, this Mediterranean gem is well-connected by various transportation options. From picturesque train journeys to quick and convenient flights, there’s a way to get here that suits every traveler.

Traveling to Nice by Plane

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is the main gateway to the French Riviera and located just 15 minutes from the city center by tram or bus. Furthermore, it’s an international airport with a growing number of direct connections from several U.S. destinations during peak tourist season, as well as many major European cities.

For travelers flying from the United States, United Airlines operated direct flights from Washington D.C.’s Dulles Airport to Nice from May through September 2025. Additionally, depending on demand, United may expand its summer service in future years.

Within France, Nice is easy to reach thanks to daily direct flights from major cities such as Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, and Caen. These routes are commonly operated by Air France, easyJet, and Volotea.

Nice is also well connected across Europe, with frequent direct flights from major hubs including London, Geneva, Madrid, Barcelona, Brussels, Lisbon, Vienna, and many more—making it a convenient arrival point for both long-haul and regional travelers.

By Train

Located in the center of the city, Gare de Nice Ville, also known as Nice-Thiers Station is in a walking distance from the vieux ville (old city) and the beach area. From a city center hotel, the train station is approximately 6-10 minutes of walking distance. Additionally, even if you have a check-in luggage to carry, it is still doable to walk from the train station to your hotel. I stayed at a hotel in the city center and I was able to walk to my hotel with my luggage and bag.

TGV INOUI trains from Marseille, Lyon, Avignon, or Cannes have direct train services to Nice. Both TGV INOUI and OUIGO trains operate multiple direct trips from Paris Gare de Lyon train station to Nice Ville train station.  Each direct journey takes approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes – 6 hours. 

How to Get Around the French Riviera 

With various transportation options to suit every budget and travel style, navigating the French Riviera is easier than you might think.

Local Trains (TER)

The TER Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) regional trains are the fastest and most convenient way to explore the French Riviera. Popular routes take only minutes — Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer in 5 minutes, Nice to Monaco in 25 minutes, and Nice to Menton in 37 minutes.

Local TER trains also offer direct services to Toulon, Cannes, Antibes, Èze, Monaco, Menton, and even across the border into Italy. The first Italian town, Ventimiglia, is just 11 minutes from Menton, making neighbor country day trips easy and affordable.

Tip: For the best coastal views, sit on the right side of the train when traveling eastbound (Nice → Villefranche-sur-Mer → Monaco → Menton → Ventimiglia).

Nice Tramway Lines

Nice has three tram lines that make getting around the city simple and efficient:

• Line 1: Connects the north and east of Nice via the city center.
• Line 2: Runs west to east, linking the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) to the city.
• Line 3: Serves St. Isidore, the Allianz Riviera Stadium, and Port Lympia.

Line 1 is the most frequent, with trams running every 4 minutes. Furthermore, Jean Médecin is the central interchange stop, where all tram lines connect.

The Line 2 airport tram stop is located just outside the terminals. Trams operate daily from 5 a.m. to midnight, with wait times ranging from 4 to 20 minutes, depending on the time of day.

The ride from the airport to the Grand Arenas stop is also free; beyond that, you’ll need to purchase a ticket.

Although Nice had no trams in the early 2000s, it now runs a well-developed three-line network and is planning a future Line 4 extension toward Cagnes-sur-Mer, west of the airport.

Rideshare (Uber/Bolt)

Uber and Bolt operate throughout Nice and are convenient for short trips around the city and larger Riviera destinations like Cannes. However, availability is limited in smaller towns such as Èze, Villefranche-sur-Mer, or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. If you need a ride from these areas back to Nice, expect longer wait times — booking in advance is recommended whenever possible.

By Bus

Nice also has an extensive bus network connecting the city to nearby Riviera towns. Regional buses are operated through the Lignes d’Azur network, which provides affordable routes to destinations like Monaco, Èze, and Menton.

The main bus station is Gare Vauban, accessible via Tram Line 1. For schedules, fares, and routes, check the official Lignes d’Azur website before your trip.

 Top Things to Do in Nice, France

Nice, the crown jewel of the French Riviera, offers an irresistible blend of history, culture, and coastal charm. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to soak up its Mediterranean magic, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences to enjoy.

Explore Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Vieux Nice, the historic heart of the city, invites you to explore its charming cobblestone streets, pastel-hued buildings, cozy cafés, local eateries, and bustling markets. Begin your morning with a stroll through the iconic Cours Saleya Market, where you can savor a freshly brewed coffee and indulge in socca, a beloved local street food that captures the essence of Nice.

Cours Saleya Market is best known for its beautiful flower stalls, but it also offers artisanal crafts, local produce, Provençal foods, fresh seafood, and antiques. The market is open Tuesday to Sunday, and its summer night market runs from mid-May through mid-September.

Located just one block from the seaside Quai des États-Unis, Cours Saleya is also surrounded by cafés and restaurants—perfect for people-watching or enjoying a casual meal.

Promenade du Paillon- Fontaine Miroir d’Eau

Completed in 2014, the Promenade du Paillon is Nice’s largest park, stretching from the Old Town to the modern city center. Located just a short walk from the Promenade des Anglais and conveniently adjacent to Place Massena, this green oasis offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city’s busy streets. Whether you’re looking to relax or simply take a scenic stroll, this park is the perfect spot to unwind

One of the park’s standout features is the Miroir d’Eau (Water Mirror Fountain), where mist jets and water sprays create a playful and refreshing atmosphere, making it especially popular with families during the summer heat. In addition to this, the promenade offers children’s playgrounds, plenty of benches, and scenic walking paths. Together, these elements make it an inviting and relaxing space for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

Place Massena 

Place Massena is Nice’s central square and one of its most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by striking red Italian-style buildings, the square seamlessly connects key areas of the city, including the Promenade des Anglais, Vieux Nice, and Avenue Jean Médecin.

Beyond its role as a major intersection, Place Massena is also the stage for many of Nice’s largest public events, such as concerts, festivals, Bastille Day celebrations, and the enchanting winter Christmas Market.

Two standout features of the square add to its charm. First, the checkerboard-style pavement creates a bold and eye-catching visual contrast, making it a favorite spot for photos. Second, La Fontaine du Soleil (Fountain of the Sun) takes center stage, showcasing a majestic statue of Apollo surrounded by five bronze sculptures symbolizing Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, and Saturn. Together, these elements make Place Massena a must-visit destination in Nice.

As you walk through Place Massena, do not forget to look up and appreciate the seven illuminated kneeling figure sculptures of Catalan artist Jaume Plensa. These seven sculptures represent each of the seven continents of the world. What appears to be a modern artistic expression of the place as the sun sets gives way to a magical spectacle as the seven sculptures light up in various colors.

Promenade des Anglais

Along the promenade, you’ll pass some of Nice’s most iconic landmarks, including the elegant Hotel Negresco from Belle Epoque and Villa Massena. The promenade also hosts major events throughout the year, such as marathons and triathlons.

On my last visit, I watched the Ironman World Championship—a memorable experience, though certain access points to Promenade des Anglais were temporarily limited.

Climb to Castle Hill for Panoramic views of Nice and Sunset

For the most breathtaking panoramic views of Nice, I always make my way up to Castle Hill (Colline du Château), located between Old Nice and Port Lympia. Whether you climb the steps or take the elevator, the journey is absolutely worth it. Every time I’ve visited Nice—at least three times now, in different seasons—this has been my must-visit spot. No matter if it’s spring, summer, or winter, the sweeping views over the Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges) never fail to leave me in awe.

Castle Hill, named after the ruins of the medieval fortress that once stood here, has evolved into a vibrant public space. It features a park, scenic lookouts, lush gardens, and an impressive 19th-century artificial waterfall. In June, the hill often comes alive with outdoor concerts and local food stands. During my recent visit, I had the unforgettable experience of enjoying live music while savoring fresh socca, all with the stunning backdrop of Nice below. It’s moments like these that make Castle Hill a place I return to again and again.

How to get to Castle Hill?

• Elevator: The easiest way up. It’s free and located on Rue des Ponchettes.
• April–September: 8:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
• October–March: 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
• Stairs: The Lesage Staircase (Escalier Lesage) on Quai des États-Unis offers a scenic but steep climb—around 30 minutes depending on pace. Avoid midday in summer; mornings or late afternoons are more comfortable.

Enjoy Local Nicoise and Provencal Cuisine

Nice offers a rich mix of local Niçoise cuisine, Provençal dishes, fresh seafood, and international flavors. From waterfront dining to cozy spots tucked away in Old Town, the city provides endless options for indulging in its culinary delights. Whether you’re savoring a meal at a seaside restaurant or enjoying the charm of a hidden bistro, you’ll find no shortage of places to experience a memorable dinner. To top it all off, many of these dining spots offer the perfect setting to watch a stunning seaside sunset, making your meal even more unforgettable.

Where to Eat in Nice ?

Here are a few recommended spots to try local specialties:

• La Vague -Excellent seafood and French dishes. Try the grilled octopus, seafood pasta, escargots, seafood salad, or bouillabaisse.
• Le Siècle-Located near the Promenade des Anglais, this restaurant is great for classic French dishes like canard (duck), loup de mer (sea bass/branzino), and a fresh Niçoise salad.

• La Rossettisserie (Old Town)-A cozy spot offering traditional French comfort foods. Try socca (a chickpea-based flatbread), pissaladière (a Provençal onion tart with anchovies), and their selection of roasted meats—beef, veal, or lamb.
  

Seaside Lunch & Beach Break

Embrace the relaxed joie de vivre of the French Riviera by starting your day with a seaside brunch, followed by a few blissful hours on the beach. Nice offers an abundance of inviting spots where you can savor delicious food and unwind by the calm Mediterranean waters.

Just a few blocks from the public Ponchettes Beach, Popote Bistro is a charming and convenient choice for brunch before heading to the shore.

Plage Beau Rivage on the Promenade des Anglais offers beachside dining with a restaurant and a private beach to relax after your meal.

Another excellent option is Bocca Mar – known for its stylish vibe and as the perfect place to enjoy a coastal brunch or lunch before settling in for some beach time, with the sea breeze in your hair of course.

Beaches in Nice

Most of the beaches in Nice are pebble beaches; however, you’ll also find a few sandy ones nearby, along with some excellent public beaches to explore.

• Beau Rivage is one of the largest private beaches in Nice, offering plenty of space to relax. In addition to its pebbled shoreline, it features a section of artificial sand, making it a unique spot to enjoy the sun and sea.
• Centenaire is a fantastic public beach conveniently located close to the city center. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick dip or a lazy afternoon by the water, this beach provides the perfect setting to unwind.

• Marinières – The main beach in Villefranche-sur-Mer just a 5 minute train ride from Nice. It’s famous for its fine, tiny pebbles that feel like sand under your feet.

Planning a day trip? Read my guide on How to visit Èze and Villefranche in One Day from Nice for transport tips, viewpoints, and timing.

Shopping – Avenue Jean Medecin, Galeries Lafayette Nice Massena

No trip to Nice would be complete without exploring Avenue Jean Médecin, the city’s main shopping street and vibrant hub of activity. As you make your way down this bustling avenue, you’ll be greeted by a diverse mix of French and international stores, including well-known names like Monoprix, FNAC, Promod, Yves Rocher, and Etam. In addition to its shopping appeal, the street is lined with stunning buildings that beautifully showcase Nice’s architectural charm, making it a treat for both shoppers and architecture enthusiasts.

What makes Avenue Jean Médecin even more appealing is its accessibility. With all tram lines passing through, it’s one of the easiest areas to reach, no matter where you’re staying in the city. Conveniently located just across from one of the tram stops, you’ll find the iconic Galeries Lafayette Nice Massena. This five-story department store is a shopper’s paradise, offering a carefully curated selection of luxury and contemporary fashion brands such as Saint Laurent, Gucci, Maje, and Kookai.

Whether you’re indulging in a shopping spree or simply browsing, this lively district offers something for every traveler. With its seamless blend of convenience, variety, and charm, Avenue Jean Médecin is a shopping destination that truly captures the essence of Nice.

Where to Stay for a Weekend in Nice

Choosing the perfect place to stay is key to making the most of your weekend in Nice. Fortunately, this vibrant city offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s style and budget. From luxurious beachfront hotels along the Promenade des Anglais to charming boutique stays in the heart of Old Town, there’s something for everyone. For those seeking convenience, staying near Nice Ville Train Station provides easy access to transportation, while travelers looking for a more tranquil experience might prefer the quieter neighborhoods on the city’s outskirts. No matter where you choose to stay, you’ll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore the beauty and charm of Nice.

 Hotel Recommendations

If waking up to stunning sea views is your dream, the Promenade des Anglais offers luxurious beachfront hotels that put you right by the Mediterranean. For a unique and picturesque vibe, consider staying near Port Lympia, where colorful buildings and a lively marina set the scene. Each area has its own appeal, ensuring you’ll find the perfect base for your Riviera adventure.

• Luxury Hotels – Hotel Negresco, Hotel La Perouse -with sea view
• Midrange Hotels – Hotel Rossetti (Vieux Nice), Palais Saleya (Vieux Nice), Le Meridien Nice ( Le Promenade des Anglais), Hotel Apollionaire Nice 
• Budget Hotels – Hotel de France (Vieux Nice), Hotel le Royal Vacances Bleues,ibis Styles Nice Centre Gare

Nice is the perfect destination for a memorable weekend on the French Riviera. From exploring Vieux Nice  to strolling the Promenade des Anglais, the city offers countless ways to enjoy its culture and coastal charm. Additionally, you can relax on stunning beaches, enjoy Niçoise and Provencal cuisine, and soak in panoramic seaside views. With all these experiences combined, this weekend guide gives you everything you need to make the most of your time in Nice. Ultimately, with its sunshine, vibrant neighborhoods, and laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere, Nice is a place you’ll want to return to again and again.

To finish, here’s a short video capturing the views of Nice, France that make it such a perfect weekend destination.

https://youtu.be/i-2qTI4j_8A