3 Days in Nice Itinerary
French Riviera glamour with a Monaco day trip
Nice is the perfect base for exploring the French Riviera with children. The city combines Belle Epoque elegance with pebble beaches, vibrant markets, and easy access to Monaco and the hilltop villages of Provence. Three days gives you time to enjoy the famous Promenade des Anglais, explore the colourful Old Town, and take a memorable day trip along one of Europe's most scenic coastlines.
Day 1: Promenade des Anglais & Old Town
Day 1: Beach Life & Vieux Nice
Promenade des Anglais
Start with a stroll along Nice's famous seafront promenade. Rent bikes or scooters (available along the prom) or walk the palm-lined boulevard taking in the azure Mediterranean.
Castle Hill (Colline du Chateau)
Walk or take the free lift from the seafront to this hilltop park. The views over Nice, the port, and the coastline are spectacular. The playground and waterfall keep kids entertained.
Lunch in Old Town
Descend into Vieux Nice (Old Town) for lunch. Try socca (chickpea pancake), pissaladiere (onion tart), or salade nicoise at a cafe on Cours Saleya.
Cours Saleya Market
This famous flower and food market runs every morning except Monday. In the afternoon, explore the narrow lanes of Old Town with their Baroque churches and colourful buildings.
Beach Time & Ice Cream
Return to the beach for late afternoon swimming - the sea is warmest in the evening. Finish with ice cream from Fenocchio in Old Town - they have over 100 flavours including lavender and olive.
Beach Essentials
Nice's pebble beaches are beautiful but hard on bare feet. Water shoes are essential. You can rent loungers and umbrellas at private beach clubs (20-30 EUR per set) for more comfort.
Day 2: Monaco Day Trip
Day 2: Princes, Cars & Ocean Wonders
Train to Monaco
Catch the train from Nice Ville station to Monaco Monte-Carlo. The journey hugs the coast with stunning views. Sit on the left side heading east for the best scenery.
Monaco Old Town & Palace
Walk up to Monaco-Ville (the Rock) to see the Prince's Palace and old town. Watch the changing of the guard at 11:55am daily. The palace apartments are worth visiting for glimpses of royal life.
Lunch on the Rock
Several restaurants in Monaco-Ville offer lunch menus. Try Castelroc for views or any of the cafes near the palace.
Oceanographic Museum
One of Europe's finest aquariums, built into the cliffside. Shark lagoon, touch pools, and spectacular ocean views. Jacques Cousteau directed this museum for 30 years.
Monte Carlo Casino & Gardens
Walk to the famous casino square for photos and people-watching. The surrounding gardens and cafe terraces are pleasant for families. Spot the supercars!
Return to Nice
Take the train back to Nice. Grab dinner in Nice's Old Town or along the port area where seafood restaurants line the waterfront.
Monaco on a Budget
Monaco is expensive but visiting does not have to break the bank. Pack a picnic, enjoy free attractions like the palace exterior and gardens, and admire the yachts and cars for free.
Day 3: Museums & Hilltop Villages
Day 3: Art, Mountains & Perched Villages
Matisse Museum or Marc Chagall Museum
Nice has excellent art museums. The Matisse Museum in Cimiez showcases his colourful works in a beautiful villa. The Chagall Museum has stunning biblical-themed paintings.
Cimiez Gardens & Roman Ruins
The Cimiez neighbourhood has lovely gardens, Roman arena ruins, and a Franciscan monastery. Great for a wander and play.
Lunch in Cimiez or Old Town
Return to Old Town for lunch or try one of the restaurants in Cimiez. A pizza and salad lunch keeps costs manageable.
Day Trip to Eze Village
Take bus 82 from Nice to this stunning medieval perched village. The exotic garden at the summit has cacti and panoramic views. Wander narrow lanes and admire the crafts.
Phoenix Park & Asian Arts Museum
This botanical garden near the airport has greenhouses, animals, and play areas. The adjacent Asian Arts Museum is free and family-friendly.
Final Evening in Nice
Spend your last evening with aperitifs on the Promenade, dinner in a restaurant overlooking the sea, or a final stroll through the twinkling lights of Old Town.
Create your personalised Nice packing list with our free tool.
Build My Packing ListPractical Tips for Nice with Kids
- Language - French is the main language. Tourist areas have English speakers but basic French phrases are appreciated.
- Currency - Euro. Cards widely accepted except at markets and small vendors.
- Sun protection - The Riviera sun is strong. Factor 50 sunscreen, hats, and UV swimwear are essential.
- Water - Tap water is safe to drink. Refillable bottles save money and plastic.
- Beaches - Public beaches are free but pebbly. Private beach clubs offer loungers, umbrellas, and facilities.
- Transport - Trams and buses are efficient. A day pass costs 5 EUR. The Ligne d'Azur app helps plan journeys.
Where to Stay with Kids
Best areas for families:
- Promenade des Anglais - Seafront location, easy beach access, many hotels have pools
- Vieux Nice (Old Town) - Charming but narrow streets can be tricky with pushchairs, great atmosphere
- Carre d'Or - Central, upmarket area between beach and station, excellent restaurants
- Cimiez - Quieter residential area, gardens and museums, requires transport to beach
Apartment Living
Self-catering apartments with balconies overlooking the sea offer the best family experience. Markets provide fresh breakfast ingredients and picnic supplies.
Budget Guide
Nice is moderately expensive but cheaper than Paris. A family of four can expect:
- Accommodation - 100-180 GBP/night for a family room or apartment near the beach
- Meals - 60-100 GBP/day (socca and market food keep costs down)
- Attractions - 30-50 GBP/day for family entrance fees (many attractions are free or cheap)
- Monaco day trip - 80-120 GBP including train, museum, and lunch
Free Museums
All Nice municipal museums are free on the first Sunday of each month. Under 18s get free entry anytime.
Getting There
Nice Cote d'Azur Airport is France's second busiest and has direct flights from most UK airports. Flight time is around 2 hours. Budget airlines like easyJet offer competitive fares, especially outside school holidays.
From the airport, tram L2 runs to the city centre in 25 minutes for just 1.50 EUR per person. Taxis cost around 35-40 EUR to central Nice.
Planning a trip?
TravelOS helps families plan trips together. Join the waitlist to be first to try it.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.