Fancy a sunny weekend getaway that let’s you visit two countries in one trip?
Discover the perfect weekend itinerary in Nice and Monaco with this detailed Nice travel guide. Find out the best things to do in Nice from strolling the Promenade des Anglais and exploring the Old Town, to a day trip to Eze and glitzy Monte Carlo.
I share my top hotel pick, must-see attractions, transport tips, and dining recommendations. Whether you love seaside views, culture or luxe vibes – you’ll find out the top things to see in Nice over 2 days.
Contents
- About Nice
- How to Plan a DIY Weekend in Nice
- Hotel Le St Paul
- Nice and Monaco Weekend Itinerary
- Day 1 – Explore Nice
- Day 2 Day Trip to Maonaco & Eze
- Top Things to See in Nice
- Old Town (Vieux Nice)
- Promenade des Anglais
- Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
- Cours Saleya Market
- Matisse Museum
- Day Trip to Monaco and Eze
- Highlights of Monaco
- Casino Monte Carlo and Grand Prix Circuit
- Where to Eat in Nice
- Nice France Travel Tips
- Final Thoughts of our Weekend in Nice and Monaco
- Nice Travel Guide F.A.Q.
- Related Posts
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About Nice
From the viewpoint at Castle Hill, Nice stretches out below in a sea of terracotta rooftops, palm-lined promenades and white-pebbled beaches against the deep blue Mediterranean.
Located on the French Riviera in the Côte d’Azur, Nice makes a perfect base for exploring nearby hotspots such as Monaco, Eze, St Tropez, the lavender fields of Provence, and even Italy.
How to Plan a DIY Weekend in Nice
✈️ Flights
Nice International Airport (NCE) is conveniently located just 15-20 minutes from the city centre.
We found cheap flights on Skyscanner with EasyJet for a 3-night break in April.
Try Skyscanner to find the best deals available for flights.
🌟 Travel Tip: Try to fly in early on day 1 and out late on day 3 or 4 to maximise sightseeing time.
Hotels in Nice
Nice offers accommodation for every budget – from around £65 per night in budget hotels to £400+ for luxury stays.
We stayed in ‘Hotel Le St Paul’, booked through Booking.com.
Hotel Le St Paul
Originally built as a seminary by the Bishop of Nice, this beautiful waterfront property has been sympathetically converted into a boutique hotel and restaurant.
We paid £398 for 3 nights including breakfast in a luxury sea-view room. It’s about a 30-minute walk into the centre, passing the marina and its gleaming yachts.
🏩 Check availabilty for Hotel Le Saint Paul
Nice and Monaco Weekend Itinerary
Day 1 – Explore Nice
Morning: Free walking tour around the Old Town with GuruWalk. A great introduction to the city’s history and culture.
Lunch: Enjoy a leisurely at La Clare Fontaine in the lively square of Place Rossetti.
Afternoon: Climb Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for panoramic views, visit the waterfall and relax at the café.
Evening: Cocktails back at the hotel, followed by dinner at La Petite Cocotte – a charming bistro serving rustic French cuisine.
Day 2 Day Trip to Maonaco & Eze
Morning: Visit the Matisse Museum – although small, it offers an insight into his life in Nice. Alternatively, visit the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC) for a broader collection.
Afternoon: Join a half-day trip to Monaco and Eze via GetYourGuide. The tour includes scenic viewpoints over Villefranche-sur-Mer, a visit to the medieval village of Eze, and a guided tour of the Fragonard perfume factory.
Evening: In Monaco, stroll through the Old Town to see the Prince’s Palace and Monaco Cathedral, then visit the Casino de Monte Carlo and drive the Grand Prix circuit before heading back to Nice for dinner by the harbour.
Top Things to See in Nice
Nice is a major tourist destination and has many attractions. We decided to go on a free walking tour of the city, with Guru Walking Tours, so that we could learn about its history and discover places we could revisit.
Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Wander through colourful narrow streets lined with pastel façades, cafés and gelaterias. Don’t miss the Opera House, Cathedral Sainte-Réparate, and the charming Cours Saleya Market nearby.
🌟Travel Tip: Go early in the morning to enjoy the market without crowds and try the local snack socca (a chickpea pancake).
Promenade des Anglais
This world-famous 7 km seafront promenade was built in 1822 by the British so they could enjoy seaside strolls in style. Today, it’s lined with grand hotels, beach clubs and restaurants.
🌟 Travel Tip: Rent a bicycle or e-scooter for a fun way to explore from the Port of Nice to the airport. At sunset, the promenade buzzes with joggers, musicians and people-watching opportunities galore.
Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
Although the original castle no longer exists, the hilltop park offers stunning panoramic views over the Baie des Anges, plus a man-made waterfall and café.
You can climb the steps or take the lift from the seafront entrance if you prefer an easier option.
Cours Saleya Market
Nice’s lively daily market sells flowers, produce, and local delicacies. It closes by early afternoon, so plan to visit before lunch.
Fun fact: Artist Henri Matisse first began painting here while recovering from appendicitis – his first works depicted the flower market view from his window!
Matisse Museum
While the museum doesn’t contain many of Matisse’s major works, it’s located in a beautiful 17th-century villa surrounded by olive trees. Combine it with a stroll through the Cimiez district for a relaxed morning.
🌟Alternative: The Modern and Contemporary Art Museum is very interesting.
Day Trip to Monaco and Eze
As we were so close to Monaco, we thought it would be fun to go on a trip to Monte Carlo which we found on GetYourGuide.
👉 Check out Monaco Trip on Get Your Guide
The trip also includes a few other stops and a visit to the Fragonard perfume factory.
The tour company pick up your group in a small air-conditioned minibus. You have a few photo stops to enjoy panoramic views of Nice and Villefanche-sur-Mer. There is a stop at the medieval village of Eze where the staff give you a tour of the perfume factory.
Monaco Tour Stops
- Prince’s Palace: Catch the daily changing of the guard.
- Cathedral of Monaco: Visit Princess Grace Kelly’s resting place.
- Casino de Monte Carlo: Even if you’re not gambling, the building’s opulence is worth a peek.
- Monaco Harbour: Spot superyachts and luxury cars – we even saw a McLaren on the Grand Prix circuit!
Fun Fact: Monaco residents aren’t allowed to gamble in the casino, and the red-brick pavements mark the border between Monaco and France – quite literally where taxes begin and end!
Highlights of Monaco
In Monaco, you can walk around the old town, to see the Prince’s Palace and the non-Romanesque cathedral.
We learnt about the tax breaks that the residents benefit from and the fact that the residents are not actually allowed to gamble in the famous casino. All the pavements in Monaco are red brick. There is literally a visible divide of where you pay tax and don’t pay tax!
Casino Monte Carlo and Grand Prix Circuit
It was interesting to see the expensive sports cars parked outside the Casino Monte Carlo square and the luxury boutiques. We also drove along the Grand Prix circuit where the spectator stands were in the process of being built.
Where to Eat in Nice
Foodies will not be disappointed with the cuisine – with a huge choice of eateries including Michelin Star restaurants.
Nice cuisine blends French sophistication with Italian warmth, which for me, is the perfect combination. Expect seafood, pasta and local olive oils. Nice is also home of the niçoise salad – my favourite.
🍽 ️Our Restaurant Recommendations:
- 🥗 La Clare Fontaine – Great for a casual lunch and Salade Niçoise.
- 🍷 La Petite Cocotte – A cosy bistro in the Old Town offering seasonal dishes and good value.
- 🍕 Le Safari – Popular with locals and tourists alike for Mediterranean dishes on Cours Saleya.
- 🍦 Fenocchio Glacier – Try unusual ice-cream flavours like lavender or rosemary.
🌟 Travel Tip: Many restaurants close between 2-6 pm, so plan lunch early. For dinner, reservations are recommended even in low season.
Nice France Travel Tips
- Language: French is spoken everywhere, but most people in hospitality speak English.
- Currency: Euros. Cards widely accepted.
- Tipping: Optional; rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated.
- Safety: Nice is very safe, but as with any busy tourist area, keep an eye on your belongings.
- Beach tip: Most beaches are pebbled – bring water shoes if you plan to swim!
- Weather: Expect 300 sunny days a year; pack sunscreen even in spring.
Getting About
🚶 By foot: The Old Town, harbour and promenade are all walkable.
🚋 By tram: Line 2 runs from the airport to the city centre (around €1.70).
🚅 By bus/train: Take Bus #100 from Nice Port to Monaco for just €2.
🚗 By car: Parking is limited and expensive – avoid driving unless you plan to explore beyond the city.
Final Thoughts of our Weekend in Nice and Monaco
We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend in Nice and Monaco – it’s the ideal short break combining seaside charm, art, and luxury. Flights from the UK are usually inexpensive, though restaurants and hotels can be pricey (though still cheaper than London or Paris).
With its rich history, Mediterranean sunshine, and endless photo-worthy spots, Nice is one of Europe’s most beautiful city-break destinations.
📍 Planning a trip yourself? Save this Nice Travel Guide for your itinerary!
Nice Travel Guide F.A.Q.
How far is Nice from Monaco?
About 20 km (12 miles) – around 25 minutes by train or 45 minutes by car/bus.
Is Nice safe for tourists?
Yes, very safe. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas, so keep valuables close.
Do I need cash?
Most places accept cards, but it’s handy to carry small change for markets, cafés and public toilets.
Can you swim in Nice?
Absolutely! The water is clean and calm. Just remember it’s a pebble beach, not sand.
When’s the best time to visit Nice?
April-June and September-October offer the best balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Can I do Monaco and Eze in one day?
Yes – they’re often combined on half-day tours. If you’re self-driving or using public transport, start early to make the most of the day.