One of the most beautiful and timeless cities in Europe is Nice, France. It is recommended that you spend at least 2-4 days exploring Nice alone and if you’re wondering what to do in the capital city of the French Riviera, there are countless things for all to enjoy!

Located on the French Riviera, or the Côte d’Azur, Nice is France’s 5^th largest city. For years, it has attracted world renowned artists and it originally got its name from the Greek victory called Nike. Nice is known for its pebbly shores, colorful streets and beautiful promenade.

During June 2022, I did a big Europe trip for my 31^st birthday with a few travel bloggers. I started my trip visiting Barcelona, Spain. From there, I also got to enjoy wine tasting in the Priorat wine region of Catalonia and savored delicious paella from its birthplace of Valencia. After Spain, I made my way to the small country of Andorra, which is situated in the Pyrenees Mountains, between Spain and France. Then, I spent a full week exploring the French Riviera before ending my trip in Northern Italy.

Founded by the Greeks and later becoming a holiday destination for European elites, Nice is a city that must not be missed during a French Riviera trip. In this article, discover what to do in Nice for 2 days. My time along the French Riviera was spent with Ashley of World to Wander.

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like. During my time in Nice, Hotel Boscolo Exedra Nice hosted me for two nights.

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How Many Days in Nice:

If you’re wondering how many days you should spend in this beautiful city, I believe that following a 3-day Nice itinerary, up to 7 days, is perfect to explore the entire city and the nearby seaside towns and villages along the French Riviera.

From Nice, you can easily travel to Monaco, St. Tropez, the Provençal wineries and vineyards as well as the lavender fields! You can also enjoy 3 days in Provence before or after visiting Nice, France. The city of Nice also isn’t far from the Italy border, so you can visit beautiful cities along the Italian Riviera, such as Sanremo!

For those who are limited on time or are traveling around the Riviera, I suggest spending at least 3 nights and 2 full days in Nice, which is what I did. (I also enjoyed an additional day trip to the beautiful villages surrounding the city.) If you’re wondering what to do in Nice for 2 days, there is something for everyone to enjoy whether that be relaxing at the beach, doing a food tour or taking the train to nearby villages.

Traveling to Nice, France:

If you want to spend two days in Nice, it is easy to get to from any major city in Europe! If you’re planning on flying into Nice, you can take a short flight into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is only five miles from the city center.

From the airport, travelers can either take the bus to the city center, which is €6, or a taxi/Uber. It is also easy to rent a car from the airport, especially if you’re looking to venture around the French Riviera and Provence countryside. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner!

(One thing to note about renting a car in Europe is that you will need to have an international driver’s permit in addition to your regular license. I don’t know how the process works for other countries, but for U.S. residents, you could easily obtain one by going to your local AAA office.)

Other ways to get to Nice, France are by taking public transportation, which is what I did. The main train station in the city of Nice is Nice-Ville.

Prior to my 2 days in Nice, I spent 2 days in Marseille, France. During our time in Marseille, Ashley and I stayed in La Ciotat, so we took the train from there! From La Ciotat to Nice, we stopped in Toulon before arriving at Nice-Ville. Overall, it takes over two and a half hours to get from Marseille to Nice.

The best way to get around Nice is by walking. You can also take the tram, which is run by Lignes d’Azur. It’s one of the most sustainable ways to get around Nice and it costs €1.50 per ride, €10 for 10 journeys, €5 for a 24-hour pass or €15 for a 7-day pass.

Other ways to get around Nice are by taking a bike, scooter or using a ride sharing app like Uber.

Where to Stay for 2 Days in Nice:

During our weekend in Nice, Ashley and I stayed at Hotel Boscolo Exedra Nice. It is a 5-star, luxury and Italian style hotel situated in the heart of Nice’s Vielle Ville. From Boscolo Nice, you can easily walk to the best restaurants, beach/promenade, port and other landmarks the city is iconic for.

From the moment we arrived at Boscolo Nice, Ashley and I were amazed by how historic it was! The outside of Boscolo Hotel featured stunning Italian architecture and the interior had all white and gold details. Overall, the hotel is perfect for all types of trips – honeymoons, girl’s trips, family vacations, solo getaways and couple’s holiday, etc.

What is nice about staying at Boscolo Nice during your France summer trip is that there are 112 rooms for you to choose from; two restaurants; a rooftop pool and bar; a wellness center with an indoor pool, fitness facility, spa and Hammam (Turkish bath), plus so much more! Boscolo Hotel is also a wonderful location for a wedding in Nice.

Staying at Boscolo Hotel in Nice:

I adored staying at Boscolo Hotel during my 2 days in Nice. I stayed in the Deluxe Room with Terrace that included a balcony with beautiful views of the iconic central Boulevard of Nice. I loved how open our room was and that it included a lot of natural light during the day!

Our room also had two double beds, an en-suite bathroom, elegant details and sophisticated white furnishings.

In addition to where we stayed, the other rooms and suites you can choose from are the Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Exclusive Room, Exclusive Room with Terrace, Junior Suite, Executive Suite, Grand Suite Duplex and the Presidential Suite.

Amenities at Boscolo Nice:

Since Boscolo Hotel is situated in the pearl of Nice, it is recognized as one of the favorite meeting places for the elite. This incredible hotel boasts two wonderful restaurants that are directed by iconic Italian chefs who curate special menus for different events and occasions.

Two restaurants located at Hotel Boscolo Exedra Nice are Angelo Terra d’Italia and Genesi Italian Restaurant. From handcrafted dishes made with truffles to mouthwatering focaccia plates, you will not go wrong with what you choose to eat at Boscolo’s restaurants.

If you’re pondering on where to eat between the two restaurants, Angelo Terra d’Italia is great for dinner and Genesi is the perfect brunch spot!

My favorite aspect of staying at Boscolo Hotel in Nice was that it had a rooftop pool and bar called Bclub Rooftop! I loved how you were able to relax with your feet in the water while enjoying a morning coffee or afternoon cocktail.

Whether you’re swimming in the pool, sunbathing or enjoying a delicious pasta dish, you can admire breathtaking, 360-degree views of the city and nearby mountains at Bclub Rooftop! It sure is a wonderful spot to be during summertime on the French Riviera!

In addition to the rooftop pool, there is also an indoor pool that includes a hydro massage tub. I suggest treating yourself to a spa treatment at Boscolo during a weekend in Nice! You can enjoy the Hammam, a therapeutic massage and a well-needed facial!

Boscolo Nice will also put together gift boxes for guests who are visiting on special occasions like a honeymoon, babymoon, birthday, etc. The hotel will also book unforgettable experiences for you and your loved ones, such as a private Ferrari sightseeing tour, a private day trip to Monaco and tours around the French Riviera.

This incredible Nice hotel also has a reserved area at the famous Ruhl Plage beach for guests to enjoy on a beautiful summer day. All guests can rent a bike to take around the city as well!

What to do for 2 Days in Nice:

The city of Nice attracts over 10 million tourists each year. From incredible art collections to pristine beaches and renowned restaurants to great shopping, below is the perfect 2 day Nice itinerary for you to follow during your French Riviera trip.

Things to do in Nice:

Enjoy Rosé and Crepes in a Charming Square:

A trip to France is not complete without having some crêpes! A crêpe is an ultra-thin pancake that is a staple to this beautiful country and can either be served sweet or savory. I personally like mine sweet with Nutella, strawberries, bananas and white chocolate sauce. It’s the best!

If you’re pondering on what to do for breakfast during your 2 days in Nice, France. I recommend visiting Le Kalice. It’s located in Place Rossetti, in front of the beautiful Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate de Nice. It’s also a great place to visit if you’re looking for an afternoon snack! Ashley and I made our way to this spot one afternoon to enjoy some sweet crêpes with rosé.

Even if you aren’t in the mood for crêpes, I still suggest visiting Place Rosetti, grabbing some refreshing crème glacée (ice cream) or a beer and enjoying live street performers!

Climb Castle Hill and Admire Views of Nice:

If you want to know what to do for 2 days in Nice that will give you a great workout, I recommend doing the hike up Castle Hill and enjoying the incredible views of the Old Town and port!

Located a little over 300 feet above sea level, Castle Hill once boasted the Citadel that was in use between the 11^th and 18^th Centuries. After being destroyed in the early 18^th Century, the only thing left of the fortress are its ruins, located at the top of the hill.

The best way to get to Castle Hill in Nice is by climbing the steps that are easily accessible from the Promenade des Anglais. If you plan to do this hike, I recommend bringing water with you because there are a lot of stairs to climb. You will also need to take a breather or two as you make your way up.

In addition to accessing Castle Hill from the promenade, you can also hike it from the port. There is also an old elevator to take locals and visitors up to the scenic hill!

Savor Incredible Dishes at the Best Restaurants in Nice:

From incredible street food to fine dining, the food scene in Nice is not to be missed out on! Nice is the perfect destination to enjoy delicious seafood, fresh Italian cuisine, socca (which is a chickpea pancake) and French Riviera-style pizza!

Below are the best restaurants to eat at during your 2-day Nice itinerary:

La Voglia: Since Nice, France is close to the Italian border, it is a must to enjoy at least one Italian dinner in the city! The most authentic Italian restaurant to eat at in Nice is La Voglia that is located in the party section of the Old Town, on rue Saint-François de Paule.

During our time at La Voglia, Ashley and I enjoyed Chianti with the seafood spaghetti, which this restaurant is famous for. It was one of the best seafood pasta dishes I’ve ever had!

Les Pêcheurs: A weekend in Nice is also not complete without enjoying some fresh seafood overlooking the magical port! Les Pêcheurs is home to Nice’s famous bouillabaisse spot and specializes in seafood platters, homemade foie gras and more!

I had dinner at Les Pêcheurs on my own one evening and savored the bouillabaisse. It was incredible! This restaurant is also one of the most romantic places to go in Nice!

Chez Theresa: If you’re a foodie and are wondering what to do in Nice for 2 days, I recommend visiting the most popular spots to try socca (Chez Theresa is one of them)! As a staple to the Riviera, socca is a chickpea flatbread or pancake. It is nice to have with tomatoes and a glass of rosé.

Nice is the best city to enjoy socca and three incredible places to savor this delicious delicacy are at Chez Thérésa, Chez Rene Socca and Chez Pipo. What is nice about all these socca restaurants are that they provide a rustic feel that will bring you back in time!

Shop in Place Masséna:

Your 2 day Nice itinerary should not exclude walking through the famous Place Masséna. This historic square is where you can find Nice’s most prominent statues like the Fountain of the Sun. It is also the main square that boasts the city’s Carnival celebrations in February!

What is cool about the Place Masséna is that it is built over the Paillon River that unites the new city from the old section! An awesome place to visit in this area is the Masséna Museum where you can learn more about the history of Nice and see the bridge that connected Old Nice from the rest of the city.

Right off the Place Masséna is where you’ll find some of the best shopping in Nice! From women’s fashion stores to skincare shops, you won’t have a difficult time finding the best for your shopping needs.

In addition to stores like Zara and L’Occitane, Nice boasts the Magasin Galeries Lafayette, where you can find high-end fashion retail stores like Gucci, Hermès, Dior, Chanel, Lacoste, Michael Kors and more. (It’s Nice’s version of New York’s 5^th Avenue!)

Stroll through the Colorful Streets of Nice’s Vielle Ville:

Another one of the best things to do during your 2 days in Nice is to wander through the colorful streets and alleyways of Nice’s Old Town! One of my favorite things to do is wake up early and enjoy the quiet neighborhoods before the crowds start to flood them.

If you want to know what to do for 2 days in Nice that will support small businesses, such as local farmers, bakers, artists, etc., I suggest visiting one of the markets! One of Nice’s most famous outdoor markets for fresh produce and flowers is the Cours Saleya. Every Monday, there is a special antiques market where you can purchase souvenirs, trinkets and talented arts and crafts.

In addition to the markets, there are other lovely home good stores, boutique fashion shops, bakeries, ice cream joints and bars to visit in Nice’s Old Town!

Relax at One of the Beach Clubs in Nice:

Another one of the most memorable things to do during your French Riviera vacation is to enjoy the best beach clubs in Nice. The Plage de la Pierra au Tambour runs from the port of Nice through Antibes and there are a lot of renowned beach clubs along the Mediterranean coast.

Even though there are plenty of great beach club options in the Côte d’Azur, one of the best Nice tips I can give you is to actually enjoy the beach clubs in the city. They are conveniently located off the Promenade des Anglais and offer the best services!

The beach club that Ashley and I visited during our sunny Nice days was Opéra Plage beach club. It is the oldest beach in Nice and one of the most affordable clubs in the city.

Opéra Plage beach club is open from 9am to 8pm everyday during summer in Nice. It costs €23 for a day at the beach with an umbrella and cabin included, €19 for a half day on the beach with an umbrella and cabin included and €230 for a 12-day pass. If you want an umbrella/lounge chair directly facing the water, it will cost around €28 for the day.

In addition to the beach club, Opéra Plage also has a waterfront terrace to enjoy great cocktails, seafood, pasta, grilled meats and more. You can also experience beachfront services too and enjoy your food and drinks right from your lounge chair! I had an Aperol spritz with a fresh octopus dish for lunch and it was perfect.

Other wonderful clubs to enjoy Nice’s beaches are below:

• Castel Plage: A fun and swanky beach restaurant that is perfect for those in their 20s and 30s.
• Ruhl Plage: The perfect family-friendly beach club that includes a restaurant and salt-water children’s pool.
• Blue Beach Club: A popular beach club that draws locals.
• Plage Beau Rivage Beach Club: Recognized for having the best restaurant along the promenade.

In addition to the beach clubs, Nice also has a public beach to enjoy if you’d rather just bring your own towel to sit on and come and go as you wish.

Walk Along the Promenade des Anglais:

One of the most beautiful and iconic seafronts in France is the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. It was named after the English people who paid for it to be established. It starts at the airport and goes through the heart of the city, but it forms part of the Route nationale 98 that runs between Toulon and Menton.

Some of the best things to do on Nice’s Promenade des Anglais, during your 2 days in France, is to simply walk it; enjoy beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea; listen to talented musicians play; admire stunning artwork and grab a drink at one of the bars overlooking the beach.

Back in the early 1800s, you could easily spot European aristocrats and royalty strolling the Promenade des Anglais.

Visit Museums in Nice, France:

If you’re wondering what to do in Nice for 2 days and it rains, I recommend visiting a museum! For art and history lovers, you will not be bored if you include visiting a museum during your Nice, France itinerary. Below are some great ones to check out in the city:

Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC): One of the best art museums in France is the MAMAC. It’s dedicated to both modern American and European works from the 1960s to present day.

Villa Masséna Musée: As mentioned above, the Museum Masséna is a must-visit spot in Nice. Situated on the Promenade des Anglais, the Villa Masséna was the winter home of Victor Masséna. Nowadays, it is a historical museum that showcases what life was like in the late 19^th Century in Nice.

Musée Matisse: French Painter Henri Matisse was one of the most well-known artists and you can view his work in a 17^th Century villa. The Musée Matisse was where Henri Matisse lived from 1917 to his death in 1954.

Explore the Churches in Nice:

Roman Catholic is the predominant religion in France and just like every other major city in the country, Nice boasts a plethora of beautiful churches and places of worship to admire.

Below is a list of picturesque churches to see during your 2 days in Nice:

• Cathédrale Sainte- Réparate
• Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas a Nice
• Eglise de Sainte Jeanne D’arc
• Eglise Saint Jean-Baptiste – Le Voeu
• Eglise Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur

Enjoy the Best Day Trips from Nice:

Not only is Nice one of the most wonderful cities to enjoy during a European summer, it’s in a great location along the French Riviera to explore other seaside villages and beach towns. During my time in Nice, I got to visit Chateau d’Esclans, which is the winery that produces Whispering Angel, along with Menton, Monaco and Villefranche-Sur-Mer.

Discover the best day trips from Nice, France.

Here is a complete list of day trips that you can easily enjoy from Nice by train:

• Menton, Monaco and Villefranche-Sur-Mer: Starting with Menton being the furthest east, near the border of Italy, it is a colorful village that will remind you of Cinque Terre! Enjoy the beaches, get lost in the colorful streets and enjoy delicious food at this lovely Riviera village!
  
  Next, Monaco is a small country on the French Riviera that is known as a playground for the rich and famous. It’s renowned for the Grand Prix and Monte Carlo Casino!
  
  Lastly, Villefranche-Sur-Mer is a small resort town that is also a charming spot to stroll through, have a relaxing beach day and enjoy taking it easy at a picturesque wine bar.

• St. Tropez and Chateau d’Esclans in La Motte: Renowned for its famous beach clubs, nightlife and resorts, St. Tropez is a posh coastal town that attracts mega yachts and A-list celebrities.
  
  Located less than an hour north of St. Tropez is the winery that produces one of our favorite rosé wines – Whispering Angel! Chateau d’Esclans is a beautiful Provençal property where you can wine taste and learn all about the process and production of different rosés.

• Èze, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Villefranche-Sur-Mer: One of the most fairytale communes along the French Riviera is the town of Èze. From exploring beautiful chateaus to incredible shopping, you will be charmed by this quaint spot from the moment you step foot off the train.
  
  Recognized as the second most expensive residential location after Monaco, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a luxurious village that boasts beautiful vegetation, private beaches and five-star resorts. In fact, a great spot to visit in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, which is a Four Seasons property!
  
  Another village to visit from Èze and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is Villefranch-Sur-Mer, since it is in the same vicinity!

• Cannes and Antibes: A French Riviera trip is not complete without visiting the famous city of Cannes. It is famed for the international film festival and draws celebrities from all over the globe. Overall, Cannes is filled with beautiful beach clubs, high-end hotels and red-carpet events.
  
  Antibes is another beautiful city on the sea that cannot be missed when you’re traveling around the Côte d’Azur. It features the 16^th Century Fort Carré, luxury yachts, grand villas and a fun nightlife scene!

• Valensole and Gorges du Verdon: Even though the lavender fields of Provence are closer to the city of Marseille versus Nice, it is still worth doing a day trip to Valensole to see the endless lavender fields during the summer. Valensole is a 2.5-hour drive from Nice and you will need to rent a car!
  
  In addition, Gorges du Verdon (or Verdon Gorge) is another epic spot to visit on a day trip, especially if you’re visiting the lavender fields. On the Lac de Sainte-Croix, you can rent a paddle boat, kayak, cliff jump, swim and sunbathe. It is such a fun spot during summer in France!

• Sanremo, Italy: A great spot to visit on the Italian Riviera, near the France/Italy border is Sanremo. It is known for its music festival and is filled with beautiful gardens, great beaches and a picturesque Russian church!

Now that you know the best things to do in Nice, here are other awesome places to visit in France.

A Fairytale Getaway to Alsace, France

A Day in Beaune, France

A Day in Champagne

Planning an epic European vacation? Find more Europe travel tips here.

I hope you all enjoyed discovering what to do for 2 days in Nice, France. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

Basic Facts of France:

Currency: Euro, Capital: Paris, Time Zone: Central European Standard Time

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