Day 1: Promenade, Old Town & Castle Hill in a Day
Promenade des Anglais & Vieux Nice
Start with a walk along the Promenade des Anglais — the iconic seafront boulevard hugging the Baie des Anges. The Mediterranean is an impossible shade of turquoise. Turn into Vieux Nice (Old Town) through the Cours Saleya flower and produce market (Tue–Sun until 1pm). The sensory overload of lavender, socca vendors, and stacked olives is pure Provence. Grab a pan bagnat (Niçois tuna sandwich, €5–7) for breakfast.
Castle Hill & Port
Climb (or take the free elevator near Tour Bellanda) to Colline du Château — Castle Hill park with panoramic views over the old town, port, and the curving Baie des Anges coastline. There's a waterfall and shaded paths. Descend to the Port of Nice (Port Lympia) — a photogenic harbour ringed with pastel buildings and seafood restaurants. Lunch at Le Safari on Cours Saleya for socca (chickpea flatbread, €3) and salade niçoise.
Sunset Drinks & Niçois Dinner
Head back to the Promenade for sunset — the sky over the Baie des Anges turns gold and pink in a display that never gets old. Pre-dinner drinks at the rooftop bar of Hotel Aston La Scala on the edge of Place Masséna for panoramic views. Dinner in Vieux Nice at Chez Pipo on Rue Bavastro — legendary socca cooked in a wood-fired oven since 1923, with local rosé wine by the carafe.
