2 Days in Nice: A Budget-Friendly Adventure

Experience the charm of the French Riviera without breaking the bank in Nice.

21 June 2023

A trip to Nice, France on a limited budget can still be enjoyable and memorable. Start by staying in a budget-friendly hostel or Airbnb, visit the local markets for affordable meals and snacks, and explore the city's free attractions such as the stunning Promenade des Anglais, the old town, and the Musée National Marc Chagall. Don't forget to take advantage of the city's amazing beaches which are free to access and enjoy.

Travel plan

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Day 1

A stroll down the Promenade des Anglais

  • Check into Hotel 64 Nice, a stylish and budget-friendly hotel just a stone's throw away from the Promenade des Anglais
  • Start your day with a croissant and coffee at La Prom' Café, a quaint little café with a beautiful sea view
  • Take a leisurely stroll down the Promenade des Anglais and admire the stunning views of the Mediterranean sea
  • Visit the colorful and bustling Cours Saleya market to soak up the vibrant energy of Nice
  • Have a delicious lunch at Chez Pipo, a cozy restaurant known for its traditional Nice cuisine, especially socca a chickpea-flour crepe
  • End your day with a glass of wine and some people watching on the terrace of Le Méridien hotel, overlooking the Promenade.
Day 2

Exploring Old Town

  • Enjoy a breakfast of fresh croissants and coffee at Café de Paris, a classic café in the heart of Nice
  • Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Old Town, admiring the colorful buildings and the lively atmosphere
  • Visit the beautiful Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate, a Baroque-style cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of Nice
  • Stop for a traditional Italian-style pizza at Pizzeria Da Acchiardo, a family-run restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere
  • Take a journey back in time and visit the Musée Matisse, a museum dedicated to the works of the famous artist, Henri Matisse
  • End your day with a glass of wine and some tapas at La Cave de la Tour, a cozy wine bar in the heart of Old Town.
  • Nice is a city that oozes charm, character and joie-de-vivre. From the stunning views of the sea, to the colorful streets of Old Town, it's a place that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Nice, France by plane is to fly into Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, which is located about 6 kilometers southwest of the city center of Nice. Many airlines offer flights to the airport, including Air France, Ryanair, and EasyJet. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus, taxi, or train to get to your final destination.

Car

If you have access to a car, driving to Nice can be a scenic and enjoyable experience. The A8 motorway connects Nice with major French cities like Marseille and Paris. However, traffic can be heavy during peak travel times, so it's best to plan accordingly and avoid rush hour traffic.

Train

If you are traveling from within France, you can take a train to Nice Ville train station, which is located in the heart of the city. The train station is served by TGV high-speed trains and regional TER trains, with connections to major cities like Paris, Marseille, and Lyon. The journey time varies depending on your starting location.

Boat

While there are no direct ferry services to Nice, you can take a cruise to the nearby port cities of Marseille or Cannes and then transfer to Nice by train or car. Some popular cruise lines that stop in these cities include MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean. Alternatively, you can take a yacht or sailboat and dock at Nice's Port Lympia or Port de Nice marinas.

Bus

If you are on a budget, the best option to get to Nice by bus is to take a coach from major cities like Paris or Marseille. Eurolines and Flixbus are two popular bus companies that offer routes to Nice from various locations throughout Europe. The journey time can be long, but it's an affordable option for those looking to save money on transportation.

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