Touch down in Nice, drop your bags, splash some water on your face, and step straight into the city’s rhythm. No time to waste. First stop? Breakfast at Café de Turin, where locals swear by the freshest oysters and the strongest coffee. If that feels too ambitious, a simple croissant and espresso at a nearby boulangerie will do. Take your time, let the caffeine kick in, and soak up the morning buzz as the city slowly comes to life.
Time to walk it off. Stroll through the Old Town, where pastel-coloured buildings and bustling markets create a scene straight out of a postcard. The winding alleyways, adorned with flower-laden balconies, reveal unexpected treasures at every turn. Peek into Cours Saleya Market, where vendors tempt you with sun-ripened fruit, artisanal cheeses, and lavender sachets. Grab a slice of socca, Nice’s irresistible chickpea pancake, hot off the griddle, and munch as you explore the labyrinthine streets that seem straight from another century.
A museum visit feels responsible, so head to the Marc Chagall National Museum for a dose of dreamy, colourful masterpieces. Spend some time deciphering the artist’s symbolism or simply get lost in the vivid hues and fluid brushstrokes. If art isn’t your thing, the nearby MAMAC (Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain) offers a modern, edgier alternative, with bold installations and avant-garde exhibits that challenge perceptions.
Cultural nourishment complete, lunch awaits. Settle in at La Merenda, where there are no reservations, no fuss, just traditional Niçois dishes like daube (slow-cooked beef stew) and pissaladière (onion tart) served with rustic charm. Tables are squeezed together, adding to the communal warmth, and the lack of pretension makes the experience even more delightful. If you’re in the mood for seafood, head to Le Safari and tuck into a generous plate of grilled prawns or a perfectly prepared bouillabaisse.
The afternoon deserves something scenic. Take the coastal walk up to Castle Hill for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Baie des Anges. The climb may be a bit of a workout, but the reward is worth every step. Let the sea breeze carry away any residual stress, and take in the sight of boats bobbing in the marina below. On your way down, stop at one of the hidden gardens nestled within the park for a moment of solitude.
Dinner calls for something atmospheric. Head to Le Bistrot d’Antoine, where the menu changes daily, the wine flows generously, and the staff treats you like an old friend. Opt for a hearty dish like rabbit stew or pan-seared duck, and let the robust local red complete the experience. If you fancy something a little livelier post-dinner, slip into a jazz bar or find a rooftop terrace for a final nightcap with a view over the twinkling cityscape. Perhaps a post-dinner promenade along the Promenade des Anglais to round off the night? The sea at night is hypnotic, the waves whispering promises of another visit.
Wake up ready for round two. Brunch is non-negotiable, and a visit to Paper Plane ensures you start the day right with a healthy yet indulgent spread. Their avocado toast and homemade granola are legendary, but if you’re craving something a little more decadent, the pancakes are a must. Then, an experience unique to Nice: a stroll through the Cimiez district, where Roman ruins and grand Belle Époque mansions tell the city’s layered history. Spend some time admiring the mosaics in the Roman amphitheatre, imagining the spectacles that once took place there, before heading over to the Matisse Museum nearby.
Lunch should be street food or a hidden gem. Fenocchio’s gelato in Place Rossetti is legendary, offering flavours like lavender, rosemary, and even tomato-basil. If gelato isn’t quite enough, find a family-run trattoria serving steaming plates of Niçoise-style gnocchi or a fragrant seafood risotto. A final stroll along the Port of Nice, watching fishermen mend their nets and yachts setting sail, brings a sense of peace before departure.
There’s always time for one last coffee. Settle into a charming café, let the last few moments sink in, and make a silent vow to return. It’s almost time to leave, but there’s always room for one last drink at Wayne’s Bar, toasting to a city that just gave you 48 hours of perfection.
Pack up, take one last look, and promise yourself you’ll be back. And this time, for longer.
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