Nice · Itinerary
4 days in Nice with a full day in Antibes
Use four days to give Nice a slower rhythm and take one proper day trip. This route separates the old town from the harbor, leaves space around a museum visit and sends you west to Antibes for ramparts and a different beach. You can move the Antibes day to suit the weather without unraveling the rest of the plan.
Day 1: Settle into the old town
- Morning
- Begin at Place Masséna and walk into Vieux Nice through its western lanes. Browse Cours Saleya, then continue to Place Rossetti and Rue Droite, stopping wherever a church or small shop catches your attention.
- Afternoon
- Keep the afternoon for the waterfront between Opéra Plage and the central Promenade. Swim if conditions suit, or take a level walk with breaks in the shade instead of adding another major sight.
- Evening
- Return to the old town after the beach. Walk through Place du Palais de Justice before dinner, then use the broader streets toward Place Masséna for a straightforward route back to your accommodation.
- Dinner
- Choose a Niçois restaurant for petits farcis or vegetable dishes, with socca at Chez Theresa earlier if you want a snack.
Day 2: Cimiez at an unhurried pace
- Morning
- Travel to Cimiez for Musée Matisse after checking the official opening information. Give the collection a full morning rather than combining it with another museum, then step outside into the olive grove.
- Afternoon
- Explore the Roman remains and walk toward the monastery gardens if open. Return downhill by bus, leaving the late afternoon free for a rest or a short walk through the streets of Musiciens quarter.
- Evening
- Walk to the Promenade des Anglais for sunset, starting near Jardin Albert Ier. Turn back whenever you like, then eat around Carré d'Or so the evening stays easy after the hill outing.
- Dinner
- Look for a restaurant serving grilled fish with seasonal vegetables, or choose a simple pasta dinner in Carré d'Or.
Day 3: Antibes market, ramparts and a swim
- Morning
- Take a regional train to Antibes and walk from the station toward Port Vauban and the old town. Head to the Marché Provençal area, checking market days beforehand if browsing the stalls is a priority.
- Afternoon
- Follow the ramparts toward the Musée Picasso. Visit if its opening hours suit, or continue to Plage de la Gravette for a swim. Keep enough time to walk back to the station without rushing.
- Evening
- Return to Nice for a quiet dinner near your base. If you still want a walk, choose a short loop through Place Masséna and the seafront rather than another cross-city outing.
- Dinner
- Have lunch in an Antibes old town restaurant serving fish or a seasonal vegetable tart, then keep dinner in Nice simple.
Day 4: Castle Hill and the eastern waterfront
- Morning
- Climb Colline du Château before the warmest part of the day. Take the paths between the bay and harbor viewpoints, then descend toward Port Lympia rather than returning by the same route.
- Afternoon
- Walk around the harbor and continue toward Boulevard Franck Pilatte for a quieter stretch of waterfront. Bring water and turn back before you become tired, particularly if you have an evening departure.
- Evening
- Spend your final evening around Place Garibaldi and Rue Bonaparte. Choose dinner first, then take a short harbor walk if time allows, keeping luggage collection and onward travel in mind.
- Dinner
- Visit Chez Pipo for socca, then choose a nearby restaurant for ravioli or a vegetable dish if you need dinner.
Tips
Tips for 4 days in Nice
- Check Antibes museum and market opening days before choosing your day trip, especially outside the busiest summer months.
- Use public beaches when you want a flexible swim, and reserve loungers only for a day you intend to spend by the water.
- Carry water on the eastern waterfront, where returning to your starting point can take longer than expected.
Questions
4 days in Nice with a full day in Antibes
Is four days too long for Nice?
Four days suit a slower visit with museums, swimming and a day trip. You can spend less time moving between sights.
Why choose Antibes for the day trip?
Antibes combines an old town, ramparts, a market area and a beach within walking distance of its station.
Can I replace Antibes with Monaco?
Yes. Give Monaco the full day and allow for steep streets and station exits when planning your walking route.
Should I hire a car for four days?
This itinerary works with walking, buses and regional trains. A car adds parking arrangements without helping much on these routes.
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