Nice in 5 Hours – What to See in the hearth French Riviera

You know what’s the best thing about traveling? When fate (and cheap flights) throw an unexpected adventure your way.
That’s exactly what happened with my half-day in Nice – a beautiful city on the French Riviera, just a stone’s throw from Monaco.

If you’ve read the previous chapter of Flying Easterner about Monaco, you already know that I had to be back in school by September 4th – after a summer of working and traveling through Sardinia.

After spending the weekend in Monaco and staying in an Airbnb in Nice, it was time for the final stop: heading home.
Luckily, I had booked a flight from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport to Budapest, with a departure just after 3:00 PM – giving me almost five hours to explore Nice before takeoff. And honestly, it would’ve been a shame not to make the most of it.

Morning in Nice and a Quick Trip to “Russia”

I set an earlier alarm so I could make the most of the day. By “early,” I mean around 9 a.m., when I was already strolling through the center of Nice – specifically, I arrived at Nice-Ville train station, right in the heart of the city. It was perfect, since my Airbnb was near a different station close to the airport (Saint-Augustin), so everything was just a quick ride away.

My first stop? Something you probably wouldn’t expect in France: Cathedral of Saint Nicholas of Nice. And let me tell you – the moment I saw it, I felt like I had teleported straight to Red Square in Moscow. Colorful onion domes, detailed decorations reminiscent of St. Basil’s Cathedral, and an overall Russian vibe that felt totally out of place in southern France – and that’s exactly what made it so captivating.

Heads up, though – the surrounding area is a bit… shady. I walked there from the station under bridges and through some local streets, and the vibe was definitely more gritty French reality than postcard Riviera.

This Russian Orthodox cathedral was built in the early 20th century for Russian aristocrats who used to spend their winters on the Côte d’Azur. It’s actually the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedral outside of Russia, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate. Inside, you’ll find iconostases, gold decor, candles – everything straight out of an Orthodox film set.

It’s honestly something that’ll leave you speechless in Nice. And the best part? It’s free to enter – just watch out for opening hours and dress appropriately if you want to go inside. I didn’t make it in myself, unfortunately.

French Gothic and a Touch of Modern Art

But surprise: Nice has its own Notre-Dame too. It’s called the Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, and even though it’s smaller than its more famous sister in Paris, it doesn’t fall short when it comes to style.

Gothic architecture, two symmetrical towers, and beautiful stained glass windows – the whole structure feels incredibly majestic, especially when you realize it’s standing right in the middle of a modern city.

The basilica was built in the second half of the 19th century and is the largest church in Nice. It’s located right on Avenue Jean Médecin – the city’s main artery, full of shops, cafés, and… trams. And this very street will take you all the way down to the beach, which just so happened to be my next destination.

But first, you’ll pass through Place Masséna – Nice’s main square, and one you’ll fall in love with at first sight.
It’s famous for its black-and-white checkerboard tiles and colorful historic buildings. Trams run through the middle of the square, and above your head float… weird glowing guys? 😄 Yep – those poles with colorful sitting figures are part of an art installation called “Conversation à Nice” by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. The sculptures represent the seven continents, and at night, they light up.

And that “yellow gorilla”? That was probably part of a temporary exhibit – Nice frequently rotates its public art installations, often making you wonder if you’ve somehow stumbled into a modern art gallery by accident.

Fontaine du Soleil, the Beach, and the Climb to Colline du Château

If you think you’ve already made it to the beach – hold on. First, take a quick stop at the Fontaine du Soleil (Fountain of the Sun). It sits right at the end of Place Masséna and is one of the most photographed spots in Nice. The highlight of the fountain is a 7-meter-tall statue of Apollo, surrounded by marble figures representing planets and ancient gods. It was originally built in the 1950s, then removed, and later fully restored – today, it shines bright and proudly anchors the entire square.

Now – finally – to the beach. As soon as you spot the azure blue sea and the long coastal stretch of the Promenade des Anglais, you’ll probably feel hyped. But be warned – this isn’t your typical sandy getaway. The beach in Nice is made of stones – not soft sand, but serious round pebbles that make both walking and lying down a bit of a struggle. My feet hurt just looking at them. But when I later headed uphill to my next stop, I realized the upside: those stones keep the water crystal clear. Perfect for snorkeling or just a quick refresh.

Next, I climbed up to the Colline du Château, or Castle Hill. You won’t find an actual castle there anymore, but what you do get is a green city park full of peace, views, and good vibes. Locals come here to relax, jog, or practice yoga.

On the way up, I stopped by the manmade waterfall – a refreshing boost for both your face and your mood. On a hot day, it’s a gift from the gods.

Colline du Château offers views you’ll never forget – from the harbor to the old town and the endless sweep of the promenade. Find a shady bench under the trees, catch your breath, and enjoy the feeling that even half a day in Nice can give you memories for a lifetime.

Through the Harbor to the Monument – and Off to the Airport

After a bit of rest on Castle Hill, it was time to head back down – the clock was ticking, and I needed to be at the airport by around 1 p.m. I made my way to the other side of the hill, toward the port of Nice, which feels a bit less touristy than the Promenade, but still has its own charm.

Along the way, I stumbled upon a striking monument that made me pause for a moment – the Monument aux Morts de Rauba-Capeù, a massive memorial to soldiers who fell in World War I. Carved directly into the rock face, it’s both impressive and solemn – a place many might overlook, but one that’s absolutely worth a short stop. Its size and location by the sea give it a powerful visual impact, and if you’ve got a moment, sit nearby and reflect – not every travel experience has to be about photos and beaches.

From the port, I headed to the Port Lympia tram stop. First, you need to buy a city card from a ticket machine – it costs around €2, and you can top it up as needed. It’s especially useful if you plan to return to Nice someday – the card is reusable and valid on both trams and buses.

And here’s the best part: trams in Nice also run underground! Yes, like a metro. Line L2 takes you straight from the port directly to the airport, no transfers, no stress. A perfect way to end a half-day adventure.

Journey back home

There it was, waiting under a palm tree – my parked plane, ready to take me home after more than two months of adventure. The flight from Nice to Budapest took less than two hours, but my journey wasn’t over just yet. I still had a three-hour bus ride from the airport, and finally made it home just before midnight.

And the next morning? Straight to school. Yep – that’s what it looks like when reality hits back. But honestly? That’s what I call traveling to the max.

And where did I go next? I’ll just say this – it was another one of Europe’s pricey destinations. If you don’t want to miss the next part of the story, follow me on Instagram and subscribe to the newsletter. It’s going to be worth it!

Cross your boundaries – that’s where the treasure you’re seeking is hidden.

Flying Easterner