Visit Nice in 2 days

Where to Stay in Nice

With only two days in Nice, location is the single biggest time-saver: choose a base that keeps your must-see sites — the Palais de Justice, the Palais de la Préfecture, Quai Napoléon 1er and the Chapelle de la Visitation — within easy reach so you spend your time exploring, not commuting. Nice is compact and layered: a sunny seafront, a bustling old town and quieter residential hills, so a smart pick means more leisurely café stops and less sprinting between sights.

The city is organised along the coast and up into gentle hills. The long seafront and the Promenade give you instant orientation: to the south the beach and sea, inland the grid of shops and tram lines, and to the north the quieter, museum-filled slopes. Everything is pleasantly walkable — a short morning stroll can take you from a patisserie to the Palais de la Préfecture, or from the tram hub to a port-side lunch — which makes a central location especially useful for a brief stay.

For a two-day visit, favor neighbourhoods that place the landmarks at your doorstep. Stay around the central shopping axis (near Jean Médecin/Carré d'Or) for quick access to the Palais de Justice; choose the charming lanes of Vieux Nice if you want to be immersed in historic streets and close to the Palais de la Préfecture; pick the lively harbour area of Port Lympia to be steps from Quai Napoléon 1er and waterfront cafés; and if you prefer peaceful, green surroundings for mornings near the Chapelle, the serene heights of Cimiez are ideal. The beachfront neighbourhoods along the Promenade des Anglais are unbeatable for views and early-evening walks.

Transport is straightforward: the tram links the airport and main train station to the city centre, buses thread the neighbourhoods and the main train station (Gare de Nice-Ville) puts regional rail within reach. For a short stay, prioritise proximity to a tram stop or the station and confirm walking times on a map — Nice’s compactness rewards sensible placement.

Finally, be practical and kind to yourself: in summer insist on air-conditioning, in older buildings ask about elevators, and consider an inner-courtyard room if you value quiet. For two days, location trumps extras — choose a comfortable base near the sights you care about, book a flexible rate, and you’ll turn a short visit into a confident, relaxed Nice experience.

Getting Around Nice

Nice is delightfully easy to explore because the city’s public network is compact, frequent and well-signed — you quickly stop feeling like a tourist and start moving like a local. The Lignes d'Azur system combines a modern Tramway, a dense network of Bus lines and regional trains, and most stops are a short walk from the main sights. Stops are usually announced and displayed on-board, English appears on many machines, and the seafront promenades make walking between nearby points very pleasant — you’ll often find the fastest route mixes a stroll with a short tram or bus ride. 🚇

A practical tip: buy a single Ticket when you start your day, or save money with a 10‑ticket Carnet or a 24‑hour pass if you’ll be hopping around. A single ride is normally around €1.50 and is valid for transfers for about 75 minutes; the carnet and day passes bring the price per trip down considerably. You can buy fares at tram stop machines, some tabacs, via the official app, or with contactless bank card payment on many trams — just remember to validate your paper or digital ticket before you travel to avoid fines. 🎫

Use Google Maps (or the Lignes d'Azur app) to plan door-to-door journeys: it shows tram lines T1/T2, bus numbers, real-time departures and walking times, which is especially handy for reaching higher neighborhoods like Cimiez. If you’re heading between specific spots — say from Quai Napoléon 1er to the Palais de Justice or up to the Chapelle de la Visitation — Maps will give you both a scenic walking option along the port and a faster public-transport route that combines tram and bus connections. Save offline maps for longer days out or if your data is limited. 🗺️

You’ll save money by mixing walking with public transport: many central trips are short enough to enjoy on foot, and the carnet/day pass is ideal if you’ll take three or more rides. For day trips beyond the city, the TER regional trains can be more economical than a long bus or taxi, and children/seniors often get reduced fares — always check before buying. Taxis and rideshares are convenient late at night, but public transport covers most hours and is far kinder to your travel budget.

I remember arriving at Quai Napoléon 1er with a friend and deciding to visit both the Palais de Justice and the Chapelle de la Visitation in one afternoon. We walked along the harbor to a nearby tram stop, hopped on to Jean Médecin, validated a carnet ticket and then took a short bus uphill to Cimiez — the whole trip, with a coffee stop, took under an hour. It felt effortless: clear signs, friendly drivers and beautiful views made navigation fun, not stressful. You’ll find the same — a little planning, a validated ticket and enthusiasm will have you exploring Nice like someone who’s done it before.

What to Pack for Nice

Nice is a place where you’ll spend hours wandering from Belle Époque façades to the pastel streets of Vieux Nice and the Promenade des Anglais. I always pack light but smart for a 2-day trip: practical items that keep me comfortable during long days (I’ve been out 10+ hours photographing architecture and once walked nearly 12 miles in a day). Below are the essentials that have saved me more than once, with why each matters.

1. Comfortable walking shoes (required): On my first visit I wore new sneakers and regretted it by noon—blisters and sore arches after about 12 miles of wandering between palaces and viewpoints. Bring broken-in shoes with good sole support, e.g., New Balance 574 or Ecco Soft 7. WHY: Nice’s streets are a mix of cobblestones and promenades; supportive shoes keep you exploring all day without swapping plans for a pharmacy stop.

2. Cross-body bag: I prefer a zippered cross-body that sits in front when I’m in crowded spots like Cours Saleya—once I noticed someone trying to unzip a backpack behind me. WHY: Petty theft happens where tourists gather; a close, secure bag keeps your wallet, phone, and camera safe while staying hands-free for photos.

3. Weather-appropriate layers and a light scarf: Mornings can be cool, afternoons warm and breezy off the sea. I always pack a lightweight sweater, a breathable T-shirt, and a thin scarf that doubles as sun protection or a neck warmer. WHY: Mediterranean weather shifts fast—layers let you enjoy both bright sunlight and chilly sea breezes without lugging a heavy coat.

4. Power adapter (Type C/E) and plug guide: France uses 230V and Type C/E plugs—on my second trip I forgot the adapter and had to hunt one down. WHY: You’ll need it to charge cameras and phone chargers in your hotel; adapters are cheap but waste time when you’d rather be on the square.

5. Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh): I was out 10+ hours once photographing façades and my phone died halfway through; a 10,000 mAh pack got me through the day. WHY: Between map use, photos, and checking museum/monument info, your battery will drain—portable power keeps your plans on track.

6. Optional but handy: compact umbrella or refillable water bottle: I carry a small travel umbrella in spring for surprise showers and a 500 ml reusable bottle in summer to stay hydrated while walking. WHY: Quick rain showers happen, and water stops can be few when you’re hopping between squares and viewpoints—these small items make long days much easier.