“One day in Nice” is a free sightseeing plan for visitors to Nice. The route I have proposed leads through the most important of Nice’s tourist attractions. You will have to prepare yourself for a long walk, but the reward will be a relaxing rest on the beach. Shall we…?

Our “One day in Nice” trip starts in Massena Square (Place Massena). This is the most important square in the city, as you can reach many of the attractions from here. After visiting the square, go east along Paillon Promenade, under which a river of the same name flows. This is one of the favorite places of Nice’s inhabitants for relaxation and walking. On your right you will have a row of tenement buildings that hides the Old Town.

After a 10-15 minute walk you will reach Garibaldi Square, another important place on the city’s map. Right next to the entrance of the square, in the tenement house on the left, there is a grocery store called Monoprix. It’s not the cheapest, but it will allow you to get well stocked-up. For today’s tour you will surely need some water, and perhaps a sandwich.

One day in Nice is a long walk around the most important places in the city

After visiting Garibaldi Square, go on to the Old Town of Nice – the main focus of the trip. Just behind the legendary Café de Turin, you will find a narrow street that leads to it. Within the Old Town of Nice you can easily get lost in the maze of narrow streets that are filled with restaurants, florists, shops, and the galleries of local artists, but if you follow where your feet take you, you will surely get a feel for the atmosphere of this place.

One day in Nice: Paillon Promenade

One day in Nice: Paillon Promenade

The Old Town is a good place for a nice French lunch, which is served between noon and 2 PM. You must, however, expect to pay between 15 and 30 euros per person, depending on the place and the dishes. If you prefer to save your money, buy a sandwich or a salad earlier, and eat it like other people – sitting on benches, or walls, under the palms. I assure you that it will not be “embarrassing”!

From here you’ll be able to take great photos with an azure sea in the background!

After eating, go towards the Promenade des Anglais and Nice’s Castle Hill (where, in fact, there is no castle). You can take the elevator or the stairs. Here there are some interesting points to visit: an artificial waterfall, the observation deck above it (this is where you will be able to take the best and most recognizable photos of Nice!), and an observation deck for the Old Port in Nice (on the other side of the hill). At the top is a cafe where you can buy a coffee (remember that coffee in France means espresso!), ice cream, and other snacks. A visit to Castle Hill may take up to one and a half hours depending on your involvement.

The last point on the trip is a walk along the famous Promenade des Anglais towards the airport. Just go as far as you like. Perhaps you will reach the Hotel le Negresco, and if not then at least the Monument of the Century with its Nike sculpture on a high pedestal. From here you have just a few steps to get back to Massena Square and close the loop. There is a McDonald’s restaurant nearby (for those who wish to be economical), and also restaurants on the beach (for owners of definitely thicker wallets). You can also buy wine and cheese and sit on the beach for free, admiring the azure Bay of Angels. Alternatively, take a look at the tourist street, rue Massena, which is full of restaurants with cheaper prices than those on the beach.

The full itinerary can be found on the map below: