Start your trip in the heart of Nice, walking the famous Promenade des Anglais. A seaside promenade with palm trees and the blue Mediterranean Sea in the background. Take a moment to relax and enjoy the sun on one of the many blue chairs available near the beach. Head down to Castel Plage, a chic beach club right on the shore and indulge in delicious seafood.
Take a scenic bus ride from Nice Ville train station to the peninsula of Cap Ferrat. Known for its millionaire estates, the peninsula is home to the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, an opulent mansion with scenic views and impressive art collections that mustn't be missed. Take a stroll around the gardens and get lost among lovely waterfalls and ponds. Head over to lunch at L'Escale, a waterfront restaurant serving contemporary French cuisine.
The charming Albert I Garden is just next to the Massena Museum, a museum displaying Nice's history, art and the famous "Plein Air" painting movement. Discover the historic fountains and greenery of the garden or walking up the stairs and investing some time at the bench-terrace overlooking Place Massena. Have lunch at La Rotonde, a lovely brasserie serving classic French food.
Take bus number 14 from Nice Ville train station to Parc du Mont Boron. Go hiking with spectacular views over the town and harbor, a nice picnic spot on a day packed with busy stations. Hike down to the Villefranche sur Mer, and visit Institut de Francais, a famous language school with a wide range of courses available. Walk over to Poincare, a seaside brasserie serving contemporary French food.
The Matisse Museum houses the works of the artist Henri Matisse in a 17th-century villa. Explore the delicate sculptures and vibrant painting while surrounded by centuries-old olive trees. Then, head up to the Cimiez Monastery, a Franciscan monastery that dates back to the 16th century. Spend some peaceful time attending one of their services and experience the breathtaking views. Enjoy a late lunch with a view at Terrace at Le Chantecler, serving Mediterranean cuisine.
Spend a day wandering around Old Town Nice and exploring its quaint cobblestone streets and colorful buildings while tasting local cuisine. Shop at your leisure on the rue Paradise street in the shopping district. Then, walk up Castle Hill to get the best panoramic view of Nice. After, stroll down to enjoy lunch at Le Bistro du Fromager, a cheese-forward bistro.
Your last day at Nice should be full of sun and surf. Spend some time relaxing on the private beach of Lido Plage which is accessible just at the start of the famous Promenade des Anglais street. Rent a Boats.org motorboat and explore the nearby turquoise waters for the day. Before your flight, have your last meal at Comptoir Central Électrique, serving chic Mediterranean cuisine.
The most common modes of transportation in Nice are trams, buses or bicycles. The tram is the easiest and most comfortable way to get around the city while buses are recommended while touring the suburbs. Uber and traditional taxis are also widely used. A tram or a bus ride in Nice costs around £2, and a taxi ride from the airport to the city centre costs around £25. A six-day bike rental costs around £30, and a one-day boat rental costs around £120.
If you have additional time in Nice, you can check out the glamorous Cannes or Antibes. If you have less time, try to shorten your visit to Cimiez Monastery, Villefranche-sur-Mer or shorten your beach and boat day fares by one hour or two. You can also skip visiting both the museums or cap off the trip by taking a gastronomy tour around Old Town Nice.
The Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport (NCE) sits 7km southwest of the city center. It's the second-busiest airport in France, serving year-round direct flights to Europe's major destinations. Taxi rides from the airport to city center cost around £25.