How to Spend 1 Day in Nice

The capital of the Côte d’Azur, Nice is a carnivalesque and hedonistic city, where glittering Mediterranean waters abut stately promenades, and seaside elegance mingles with artistic vibrancy. One day in town is enough time to sightsee, stroll, and dine in style—here’s how to plan the perfect itinerary.

Morning: An Indulgent Tasting Tour

From its mingled French and Italian heritage to its Mediterranean bounty, it’s no surprise that Nice is host to an exceptional food scene. Get your full day of adventuring off to an indulgent start when you embark on a culinary walking tour of the city (and enjoy some sightseeing opportunities as you wander, too). Traipse through Vieux Nice (the city’s scenic old town), visit bustling markets, and sample numerous local dishes, from pissaladière (a delicious onion flatbread) to salade Niçoise.

Afternoon: Streamlined Sightseeing

After a morning exploring Nice’s neighborhoods and markets on foot, kick back and relax when you book a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Settle into a seat on the upper deck to soak up the sun and enjoy panoramic views, and discover many of the city’s top landmarks in the space of a couple hours. Wend your way past the Promenade des Anglais and the Musée Marc Chagall, see the elegant neighborhood of Cimiez, and more. Alternatively, book a Segway excursion or e-bike tour for another fun and efficient way to discover Nice’s attractions.

Evening: Take to the Skies

The French Riviera’s impeccable scenery is famed the world over, and there’s nothing quite like seeing it from the air. If you only have one day in town, make the most of your Nice excursion and cap off your adventures with a helicopter journey. Book an early evening flight time so you can see the sun setting over the Mediterranean, and watch Nice’s neon lights slowly blinking on. Upon landing, head to one of the city’s constellation of Michelin-starred eateries for a meal to remember, or sip a nightcap at one of Nice’s storied hotels, such as Le Negresco.