What to do in Nice

[ActiveTraveler]

If my cruise stops in Nice, can I spend a whole day there and not get bored? I don't like to shop until I drop or drink alcoholic beverages, so I need a lot to do that is not related to shopping and wine. My interests are fancy architecture, museums, aquariums, floral gardens, castles, and cathedrals. I am single and will be traveling only with my mom or alone. This will be my first cruise and trip to Europe.

[Susan-M]

The "Ports" section of Cruise Critic has a very good overview of many ports that you would probably find quite helpful. Here's the link to the one for Nice:

http://www.cruisecritic.com/ports/newport.cfm?ID=120

 

For other Western Med ports: http://www.cruisecritic.com/ports/area.cfm?area=42

[alexandra cruiser]

still not enough time, take the hop on hop off bus, located right on main street...can see city and decide what you want to see....many museums,old town,marina,etc....great cafes,scenery,...sugest you get a guidebook and decide ahead of time what interests you...even hav old ruins to explore on scenic hill above city for architecture buffs...great town and much to explore.....oh, also google nice tourism for lots of info...:D

[Fblack]

Think about spending a few hours in Eze. Not that far away and interesting.

[hubofhockey]

If my cruise stops in Nice, can I spend a whole day there and not get bored? I don't like to shop until I drop or drink alcoholic beverages, so I need a lot to do that is not related to shopping and wine. My interests are fancy architecture, museums, aquariums, floral gardens, castles, and cathedrals. I am single and will be traveling only with my mom or alone. This will be my first cruise and trip to Europe.

 

There are two things on your list that I'm hitting in my limite time there.

 

Chagall Museum

Cours Saleya - Flower Market

 

There is also the Matisse Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. Also Promenades des Anglais, Old Town. I wish we had more time at the port of Monaco. We are going to Course Saleya and then to the Chagall Museum and heading back around noon because our stop is so brief.

[Destin Mom]

We have spent several months in Nice over the past ten years. My first instinct is to say 'absolutely...stay in Nice!'; however, when I look at your interests, it makes me want to recommend Monaco as well. Monaco has beautiful gardens, a palace, a fantastic aquarium, casino and cathedral (both in Montecarlo). Depending on how much time you have and how much effort you want to put forth for the aquarium and cathedral, I might split my time between the two given your interests. I would hit Monaco first since it is the furthest point (assuming Nice is your port city). Note that adding Monaco will introduce transportation issues- are you comfortable taking buses/ trains? Would you rather spend a focused day in one place as opposed to trying to see two places?

 

In Nice, either take the stairs or the elevator up to the top of Le Chateau- gorgeous views, great walk and ruins. This will bring you right down into Old Town. I would wander around and have lunch at a cafe. If you can get there early enough, you can hit the flower market. There is a great small museum in Old Town called Lascaris Palace- two for one- palace and museum and geographically desirable. I would go for a stroll down the Promenade des Anglais and call it a day. You could cut out Monaco and spend the whole day in Nice and have plenty to do. As others have noted, there are other great museums- Chagall and Matisse; some cathedrals, etc. It is a balancing act to see as much as you can enjoyably and given it is your first trip, there is something to be said for slowing down to smell the roses.

 

I agree with Fblack, Eze is amazing but think it might be too much for your first visit. Best of luck with your plans and have a great trip.

[krillsister]

Check out what day you will be in port and make sure the museums are open in Nice. On the day we tender in Villefrance, the musuems in Nice are closed :(

[ActiveTraveler]

Thanks for all the replies! I am trying to figure out which cities are the best to stay in for a couple days before and after the cruise. I plan to spend a whole day in one city since I am terrible at hurrying and don't like to move fast so I probably will not get to visit Eze and Nice in the same trip. But I definitely want to stop at Monte Carlo if possible.

[travelite]

We have spent several months in Nice over the past ten years. My first instinct is to say 'absolutely...stay in Nice!'; however, when I look at your interests, it makes me want to recommend Monaco as well. Monaco has beautiful gardens, a palace, a fantastic aquarium, casino and cathedral (both in Montecarlo). Depending on how much time you have and how much effort you want to put forth for the aquarium and cathedral, I might split my time between the two given your interests. I would hit Monaco first since it is the furthest point (assuming Nice is your port city). Note that adding Monaco will introduce transportation issues- are you comfortable taking buses/ trains? Would you rather spend a focused day in one place as opposed to trying to see two places?

 

In Nice, either take the stairs or the elevator up to the top of Le Chateau- gorgeous views, great walk and ruins. This will bring you right down into Old Town. I would wander around and have lunch at a cafe. If you can get there early enough, you can hit the flower market. There is a great small museum in Old Town called Lascaris Palace- two for one- palace and museum and geographically desirable. I would go for a stroll down the Promenade des Anglais and call it a day. You could cut out Monaco and spend the whole day in Nice and have plenty to do. As others have noted, there are other great museums- Chagall and Matisse; some cathedrals, etc. It is a balancing act to see as much as you can enjoyably and given it is your first trip, there is something to be said for slowing down to smell the roses.

 

I agree with Fblack, Eze is amazing but think it might be too much for your first visit. Best of luck with your plans and have a great trip.

 

Thanks for this post. I have one hotel night in Nice before joining a river cruise. Your suggestions are perfect for a relaxing day in Nice. Any suggestions for what not to miss along the river, Arles>Macon?

[Rami077]

We are sailing into Villefranche and want to see Nice. Has anyone used the bus transportation to travel from Villefranche to Nice? Where is the bus stop in Villefranche to get to Nice?

 

Thanks for your help.