Promenade des Anglais (Promenade des Anglais) — A classic first look at Nice’s seafront and the easiest way to shake off the flight with sea views and a gentle stroll.
Timing: late afternoon/evening, ~1 hour
Place Masséna (Centre-Ville) — Nice’s main square makes a good transition from the coast into the city, with lively architecture and an easy walking vibe.
Timing: early evening, ~30–45 minutes
Café de Turin (Place Garibaldi) — A well-known seafood stop for a simple first dinner, especially if you want oysters and Riviera-style shellfish.
Approx. cost: £25–40 per person
Timing: dinner, ~1.5 hours
Place Garibaldi (Old Port edge) — A handsome square to wander after dinner, close to the port and good for a relaxed evening atmosphere.
Timing: after dinner, ~20–30 minutes
Castle Hill viewpoint (Colline du Château) — If energy allows, head up for sunset views over the Baie des Anges and rooftops, one of the best arrival-day rewards.
Timing: sunset, ~45 minutes
Ease into Nice the right way: start with a gentle walk along the Promenade des Anglais, ideally from around Rauba Capeu or Opera Plage so you get the best sweep of the bay without committing to a big hike on arrival day. It’s the classic first look at the city — palms, blue chairs, shingle beach, and that wide-open sea that makes even a short stroll feel like a holiday. If you’ve landed with luggage, drop it at your hotel first and come out light; it’s an easy flat walk from most central stays, or a quick Lignes d’Azur bus ride if you’re based farther inland.
From the seafront, follow Avenue de Suède or Rue de France up toward Place Masséna, Nice’s big, elegant square where the old city and modern centre meet. The red façades, black-and-white paving, and the fountain in the middle give it a lively feel without being overwhelming — good for that first evening when you want somewhere pretty but not too “sight-see-y.” It’s also a natural place to pause for a coffee or an early aperitif if you’re hungry before dinner. By this point you’ll be walking mostly on foot; Nice’s centre is compact, and this is the kind of city where wandering the side streets is half the point.
Head on to Café de Turin on Place Garibaldi for an easy first dinner. This is one of the city’s classic seafood addresses, famous for oysters, clams, prawns, and big platters that feel very Riviera without being fussy. Budget around £25–40 per person depending on what you order; if you want to keep it simple, a half-dozen oysters and a glass of white works perfectly. It’s busy and popular, so go a little earlier if you’d like a calmer table. After dinner, take a slow wander across Place Garibaldi and toward the edge of the Old Port — this area is lovely at night, with the square lit up and just enough evening hum to make it feel alive without turning into a full late-night scene.
If you still have energy, end the night with the short climb or lift up to the Castle Hill viewpoint for sunset views over the Baie des Anges, the Old Town, and the port. It’s one of the best first-night rewards in Nice, especially in May when the light hangs around late. If you’re tired, no stress — skip it and save your legs for tomorrow, but if you do go, wear decent shoes and bring water; the steps can feel steeper than they look. The view is free, and even if you only stay twenty minutes, it gives the whole arrival day a proper “we’ve made it” feeling.
Cours Saleya Market (Vieux Nice) — Start in the old town with the market’s flowers, produce, and local buzz before it gets too busy.
Timing: morning, ~1 hour
Fenocchio (Vieux Nice) — A famous ice cream stop right in the old town, perfect for a mid-morning treat as you explore.
Approx. cost: £4–8 per person
Timing: late morning, ~20 minutes
Vieux Nice lanes (Old Town) — Wander the narrow streets for pastel facades, small squares, and the best atmosphere in the city.
Timing: late morning, ~1.5 hours
Beau Rivage Beach (Promenade des Anglais) — A convenient beach break for swimming or sunbathing without leaving the city center.
Timing: afternoon, ~2.5 hours
La Petite Maison (Carré d’Or) — A celebratory Riviera dinner spot known for bright Mediterranean dishes and a lively feel.
Approx. cost: £45–70 per person
Timing: evening, ~1.5–2 hours
Head into Cours Saleya Market as early as you can, ideally by 8:30–9:00, before the tour groups and lunch crowds arrive. This is the heart of Vieux Nice, and in May it’s exactly the kind of place that makes the city feel alive: stalls piled with herbs, tomatoes, apricots, olives, and flowers, with cafés around the edges doing strong espresso and people-watching. If you want a simple breakfast, grab a coffee and something flaky nearby, then keep the market itself for a slow wander rather than trying to rush it — about an hour is perfect. From here, everything in the old town is walkable, so there’s no need for transport.
Next, swing by Fenocchio for a mid-morning gelato; it’s one of those very Nice rituals, and it works perfectly as a little reset before more wandering. Expect around £4–8 per person depending on what you choose, and if you’re torn, the fruitier flavours feel especially right in warm weather. After that, drift through the Vieux Nice lanes without a strict route — just follow the narrow streets, pop into tiny squares, and let the pastel facades, laundry lines, and shuttered windows do the work. The best part is the looseness of it all: you can spend an hour and a half here easily, especially if you pause for photos, browse little boutiques, or stop for a drink in the shade.
By the time the sun is strongest, head back toward the seafront for Beau Rivage Beach. It’s one of the easiest beach stops in the city center, so you don’t need to overthink logistics — it’s a straightforward walk from the old town, and the transition from medieval lanes to Riviera beach is half the fun. This is a good place for a proper swim or just a long lie-down with a book; if you want a lounger and service, expect to pay more than on the public pebbles, but the convenience is excellent. Aim for about 2.5 hours here, and bring proper beach shoes if you’re sensitive to the stones — the Promenade des Anglais is lovely, but the shoreline is still classic Nice pebbles.
Finish with dinner at La Petite Maison in the Carré d’Or for a polished, celebratory end to the day. It’s one of the Riviera’s best-known dining rooms, so book ahead if you can, especially in May when terraces and prime early sittings fill fast. The menu leans bright and Mediterranean — think tomatoes, courgettes, grilled fish, and big, generous salads — and the atmosphere is lively without feeling stuffy. Budget roughly £45–70 per person, more if you lean into wine and dessert, and it’s an easy taxi or tram ride from the beach if you’d rather not walk. If you have energy afterward, take a short post-dinner stroll through the lit-up streets nearby rather than trying to squeeze in anything else; this is a good day to keep it relaxed and let Nice do the rest.
Jardin Serre de la Madone (Menton hills) — A quieter, greener start to the day with subtropical planting and a calm change of pace from the coast.
Timing: morning, ~1–1.5 hours
Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange (Menton Old Town) — The hilltop church gives you a beautiful historic focal point and nice views over the town.
Timing: late morning, ~45 minutes
Les Halles de Menton (Central Menton) — Ideal for a relaxed lunch stop with local produce, cheeses, and quick bites in one place.
Approx. cost: £12–20 per person
Timing: lunch, ~1 hour
Plage des Sablettes (Menton seafront) — A relaxed beach stretch with calmer water and a softer pace than Nice.
Timing: afternoon, ~2 hours
Mirazur (Garavan) — A bucket-list dinner if you want to splurge, with one of the Riviera’s most famous dining rooms and garden views.
Approx. cost: £250+ per person
Timing: evening, ~2.5–3 hours
Jardin botanique Val Rahmeh-Menton (Garavan) — If you prefer a lower-key evening add-on instead of a long dinner, this botanical garden is a lush end to the day.
Timing: late afternoon, ~1 hour
Start in the hills at Jardin Serre de la Madone, which is one of those places that feels completely different from the coast even though you’re only a short ride away. Give yourself a slow 1–1.5 hours here: the paths are shaded, the planting is lush and subtropical, and in May it’s usually in that sweet spot where everything is green without the full summer heat yet. It’s best to go as soon as you arrive in Menton so you’re there before the day gets too warm; if you’re coming up by taxi or local bus from the station, allow a little extra time because the climb into the hills is part of the experience.
From there, head down toward the old town for Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange. The walk is a pleasant way to get your bearings, with narrow lanes and little glimpses over the rooftops as you climb. The basilica itself is worth lingering at for about 45 minutes: the baroque interior is dramatic, and the square outside gives you one of the nicest views over Menton’s pastel centre and the sea. It’s usually open in the daytime, though service hours can affect access, so if the doors are closed just enjoy the square and come back later for the exterior and viewpoint.
For lunch, keep it easy at Les Halles de Menton. This is the kind of place locals actually use, so it’s perfect for a casual meal rather than a sit-down production: grab cheese, charcuterie, focaccia, salads, or something simple from the counters and eat well for around £12–20. It’s a good reset point after the hilltop start, and you can spend an hour here without feeling rushed. Afterward, it’s an easy stroll down toward the water for Plage des Sablettes, where the pace drops right off. This is Menton at its most relaxed, with gentler water than you often get elsewhere on the Riviera and enough space to just sit, swim, or wander the seafront for a couple of hours.
If you’re in the mood for a proper splurge, book Mirazur well ahead and make the evening about it — this is one of the Riviera’s destination dinners, so think of it as the main event of the day rather than just supper. Expect a long, polished dinner with garden views and a bill of roughly £250+ per person, so it only really makes sense if you want a once-in-the-trip treat. If you’d rather keep things lighter, swap that for a calm late afternoon at Jardin botanique Val Rahmeh-Menton instead, which is beautiful in softer light and works nicely as a final wander before heading back to your base. Either way, keep the evening unhurried; Menton is at its best when you let it stay slow.
Train ride along the Côte d’Azur (Menton to Monaco/Nice coastal line) — A scenic, easy transfer day activity that keeps the pace light while showcasing the Riviera coastline.
Timing: morning, ~45 minutes each way
Monaco-Ville (Monaco) — The old town gives you the best compact walkable introduction to Monaco’s dramatic setting.
Timing: late morning, ~1–1.5 hours
Prince’s Palace of Monaco (Monaco-Ville) — A marquee sight with strong views and a sense of Monaco’s royal identity.
Timing: late morning, ~45 minutes
Le Petit Port (Monaco) — A casual waterfront lunch option where you can pause and enjoy the harbor atmosphere.
Approx. cost: £20–35 per person
Timing: lunch, ~1 hour
Casino Square (Monte Carlo) — The glamorous heart of Monaco, worth a short visit for the architecture, people-watching, and atmosphere.
Timing: afternoon, ~45 minutes
Cap d’Ail coastal walk (Cap d’Ail) — End with a scenic seaside walk for a quieter Riviera feel and excellent coastal views.
Timing: late afternoon, ~1.5 hours
Take the TER train along the Côte d’Azur from Menton toward Monaco in the morning, when the light is soft and the sea is brightest. This is one of those routes where the journey is part of the day: sit on the sea-facing side if you can, and keep your camera ready as the line hugs the shoreline between little stations and sudden flashes of blue water. Tickets are usually only a few euros on SNCF Connect, and the ride is short enough that you can stay relaxed rather than rushing. Once you arrive, head uphill into Monaco-Ville, the old town perched on the Rock, where the streets narrow, the pace slows, and the whole principality suddenly makes sense on foot.
Give yourself time to wander the lanes around Monaco-Ville before arriving at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. This is the Monaco people picture, but it feels best when you approach it casually: a bit of climbing, a few viewpoints over the harbor, and then the formal grandeur of the palace square. If you’re here around late morning, you may catch the changing of the guard at 11:55 on most days, which is the one bit worth timing if it fits your pace. Entrance to the palace state apartments is seasonal, so check ahead if you want to go inside; otherwise, the exterior, terraces, and views are enough for a first visit.
For lunch, keep it easy and sit down at Le Petit Port, right by the water in Monaco. It’s the kind of place that works well after a walking morning: nothing too fussy, just a harbor lunch with yachts bobbing nearby and a clear sense that you’re in the middle of the Riviera. Expect around £20–35 per person depending on what you order; a simple pasta, salad, or fish dish is usually the sweet spot if you want to stay sensible. Service can be a bit brisk in Monaco at lunchtime, so don’t overthink it — just enjoy the view, hydrate, and give yourself a proper pause before the afternoon shift from old-town charm to full glamour.
After lunch, make your way to Casino Square in Monte Carlo. The walk down is part of the fun: you’ll move from the quieter stone lanes of Monaco-Ville into polished boulevards, formal gardens, and then the polished, slightly surreal world around the casino. The square is really about atmosphere — grand façades, expensive cars, people in linen and sunglasses, and that unmistakable “this is Monaco” feeling. You don’t need long here; 30–45 minutes is enough for photos, a look at Casino de Monte-Carlo from outside, and a slow lap around the square. If you want a coffee stop, nearby cafés along Avenue des Beaux-Arts are convenient, but the key is not to linger too long — the next part of the day is best when you save some energy for the coast.
End with the Cap d’Ail coastal walk, which gives the day a softer finish after Monaco’s polish. This stretch is ideal in late afternoon because the heat has eased, the sea turns more reflective, and the path feels calmer once you leave the busier central areas behind. You can enter from the Cap d’Ail side and follow the shoreline at an easy pace for about 1.5 hours, stopping often for views back toward the cliffs and coves. It’s a good final Riviera scene: less showy than Monte Carlo, more natural, and exactly the kind of walk that reminds you why this coastline works so well for a relaxed trip. Bring water and decent shoes, and if you’ve still got energy at the end, linger somewhere seaside for one last look at the light before heading back.
Nice Port (Port Lympia) — A calm final-morning area for coffee and a last look at the boats before heading to the airport.
Timing: morning, ~45 minutes
Boulangerie Jeannot (Old Town / Castle Hill area) — A good breakfast stop for pastry, coffee, and a simple final Nice meal.
Approx. cost: £8–15 per person
Timing: breakfast, ~30–45 minutes
Parc de la Colline du Château (Castle Hill) — One last viewpoint for sweeping city-and-sea photos without needing a full hike.
Timing: morning, ~45 minutes
Marché aux Fleurs / Cours Saleya return visit (Vieux Nice) — A final wander for souvenirs, snacks, or one last gelato before departure.
Timing: late morning, ~45 minutes
Aéroport Nice Côte d’Azur transfer stop at O’Petit Nice (Near airport / Promenade area) — A practical final lunch near your route out, keeping the day simple and stress-free.
Approx. cost: £15–25 per person
Timing: lunch, ~1 hour
Start your last day by heading down to Nice Port (Port Lympia) while the marina is still calm and the light is soft on the water. It’s the nicest place in town for a slow coffee and a proper final look at the boats without any rush; grab something simple at Café du Port or Le Marlin and sit outside if you can. This is also one of the easiest places to decompress before the airport — flat, walkable, and far less hectic than the main seafront. From the port, a gentle 10–15 minute stroll inland takes you toward breakfast.
Make Boulangerie Jeannot your breakfast stop for a very Nice kind of final meal: a pastry, coffee, and maybe a savoury bite if you want to leave well fed. Expect around £8–15 per person, and it’s worth going early enough to avoid the mid-morning rush. After that, wander up toward Parc de la Colline du Château for one last big Riviera view; you don’t need to turn it into a hike — just take it at an easy pace and enjoy the sweep over the bay, the port, and the terracotta roofs. If you’re feeling lazy, the lift is the sensible option, and if you’re carrying bags it’s absolutely the move.
Head back down into Vieux Nice for a final loop through Marché aux Fleurs / Cours Saleya. Even if you already saw it earlier in the trip, it’s worth one more pass on departure day for edible souvenirs, olive oil, herbes de Provence, candied fruit, or a last gelato from Fenocchio if you want something sweet for the road. Give yourself about 45 minutes here and don’t overplan it — this is the bit where you just drift, browse, and maybe pick up one last snack for the journey out. Then make your way toward the airport side of town with plenty of buffer; the whole point of this day is to stay calm.
Finish with a practical lunch at O’Petit Nice near the airport / Promenade area so you keep the last part of the day simple and stress-free. It’s the right call before a flight: easy seating, no complicated detour, and a meal that should run around £15–25 per person. If your flight is later, this gives you time to eat properly without feeling stranded, and if you’re cutting it closer, it’s still a decent final stop before heading straight on to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.