Budget Bliss in Nice: The Ultimate 3-Day Guide

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

21 June 2023

A budget-friendly trip to Nice, France can still be enjoyable and memorable. Enjoy cheap eats at the colorful street markets, picnic on the rocky beach, and explore the free museums and galleries. Stay in affordable Airbnb accommodations or book hostels to save on lodging expenses.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Old Town

  • Start your day with a visit to the colorful market in Cours Saleya.
  • Stroll through Vieux Nice, wandering vibrant streets and quaint alleyways.
  • Get lost on purpose in the narrow streets and romantic squares of the old town.
  • Take a break at a cozy cafe to enjoy a coffee and croissant while people-watching.
  • Head up to the Castle Hill for stunning panoramic views of Nice.
  • Where to stay: Hotel de la Fontaine. Located in the heart of Old Town, this budget hotel is a short walk from all the action.
  • Where to eat: Chez Pipo. Enjoy a traditional socca, a thin crepe made with chickpea flour, at this iconic Nice eatery.
Day 2

Live Like a Local

  • Head to the Port to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, surrounded by yachts and fishermen.
  • Take a stroll along the famous Promenade des Anglais and watch the locals play boules.
  • Grab a picnic lunch of fresh baguettes, cheese and wine and head to the beach.
  • Spend the afternoon enjoying the sun, sea and sand at Castle Beach.
  • In the evening, explore the trendy neighborhood of Liberation, full of chic bars and local eateries.
  • Where to eat: La Roquette. This hidden gem in Liberation offers creative Mediterranean cuisine at affordable prices.
Day 3

Art and Culture

  • Start your day with a visit to the stunning Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.
  • Walk through the picturesque gardens of the Parc Phoenix and admire the exotic flora and fauna.
  • Explore the charming neighborhood of Cimiez, home to the Roman ruins of Cemenelum.
  • Visit the Matisse Museum, showcasing the works of the legendary artist who once called Nice home.
  • End your day with a glass of rosé at a rooftop bar overlooking the city.
  • Where to eat: Jan. Enjoy a feast of local flavors, using only seasonal and organic produce, at this intimate Michelin-starred restaurant.
  • Nice is a city of charm, culture, sunshine and stunning scenery, and with this 3-day itinerary, you'll experience the best the city has to offer on a limited budget. Vive la France!

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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