Last summer I visited Nice, France during my first ever solo trip. It’s a great European solo travel destination because there are ENDLESS things to do, it’s easy to get around, and the city is small and safe. Along the French Riviera there are a bunch of towns that are worth visiting, including Monaco (yes, it’s own country), Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Menton, Villefranche, Eze and Antibes, all within an hour from Nice. You can even take the train to Ventimiglia, Italy, which is only 45 minutes away. These nearby gems make Nice an ideal female solo travel destination for those looking to explore.
This is the EXACT French Riviera itinerary I followed when I solo traveled to Nice, France and I would recommend it for other first time solo travelers.
Accommodations
Firstly, let me share my accommodations. I stayed at two different hostels, mainly because I couldn’t afford to stay at the good one for all 4 nights! (Bougie budget traveler problems) I found the hostels to be a bit more expensive that other places in Europe, ranging from 25-60 for one night. So I decided to split my time between an expensive hostel and a cheap hostel. For me, being a solo budget traveler is all about balance!
Hostel 1: Hostel Ozz
Cost: About €52 per night.
This hostel is vibrant, modern, and has a fantastic social atmosphere. Rooms are clean and comfortable, and there are curtains on the beds. It’s centrally located, making it easy to access Nice’s main attractions. The common areas are great for meeting fellow travelers. The only downside is the high price per night.
Hostel 2: Hi Hostel Nice Camelias
Cost: About €25 per night.
This hostel is much more basic. The rooms are not the cleanest and there are no curtains on the beds, but it was comfortable enough. It’s located in a quieter part of town, but still within walking distance of the sights. The staff is friendly and helpful, and there’s a lovely garden area where you can relax. The breakfast included in the stay is a nice bonus for budget-conscious travelers.
The 4-day French Riviera Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Nice & Explore the Old Town
Check into your accommodation and spend your first day exploring the Old Nice Town. Start by walking through Plaza Massena, the heart of Nice, with its beautiful fountains and impressive architecture. visit the Nice Cathedral, a stunning example of Baroque architecture, and spend some time wandering through the outdoor markets. These markets are brimming with fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious street food, providing a perfect introduction to the flavors and culture of Nice. If you have time, sit at the beach and go for a swim at sunset. Nice’s beaches are pebbly but beautiful, and the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea is always breathtaking.
Day 2: Day trip to Monaco
Take the train from Nice to Monaco. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs €5. When you arrive in Monaco, head up the hill to the Palais Princier de Monaco, which costs €10 to enter. Inside, you can explore the State Apartments and get a sense of the opulence and history of the Monaco royal family. If this isn’t your thing, just take pictures outside and watch the changing of the guard, which happens daily at 11:55 AM. It’s a brief but impressive ceremony.
Walk along the water to the Musee Oceanographique de Monaco (€20), which is a must visit in Monaco! It’s a mix between a museum and an aquarium, and it houses various marine life exhibits, from colorful coral reefs to deep-sea creatures. I loved learning about Monaco’s historical commitment to marine conservation. And the rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the Mediterranean, making the €20 entry fee worth it.Â
Keep walking along Monaco’s waterfront, past the Port Hercule, filled with luxurious yachts and sailboats. Eventually you’ll make it to the Monte Carlo casino. It’s free to walk in the atrium, where you can marvel at the grandiose architecture and interiors. If you’re feeling lucky, you can try out the slot machines or tables, but be aware that there is a dress code in certain areas.
My favorite part of the casino was this mirrored ball in front, perfect for taking a fun selfie! As a solo traveler who hates asking strangers to take my picture, I love any opportunity to take a mirror selfie, especially with a famous building in the back! There’s also two gardens right across from the casino, Jardin du Casino and Jardins de la Petite Afrique, with lush plants & views of the casino.
Want to stay connected while abroad?
As a solo traveler, staying connected to the internet is one of my biggest priorities. I always want to be able to find my way around if I get lost or be able to deal with emergencies if necessary. I don’t like to depend on finding wifi, so I always buy eSIMs when traveling internationally. It’s a lot easier than having to buy a physical SIM card, which aren’t compatible with most phones these days.Â
I use the app Airalo, where you can download eSIMs for 200+ countries. My biggest tip – download and activate the eSIM before you board your flight, so you’ll have internet as soon as you arrive.
DAY 3: Beach day in Nice!
Spend day 3 relaxing and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. Bring a towel to the beach or reserve a deck chair at one of the beach clubs (€20-30). I opted to get a chair because the beach is very rocky and not very comfortable to sit on with just a towel. The beach club gave me access to a bathroom and served food, so I could stay there all day. I decided to bring a little picnic of bread, cheese and fruit from the supermarket and ate that for lunch!
For sunset, hike up to Collins de Chateau for an amazing view of Nice and the sun setting along the coast of the Mediterranean. The hike is short but steep, and the panoramic views from the top are spectacular. You can see the entire city of Nice, the blue waters of the Mediterranean, and the surrounding hills. The sunset I saw here was one of the best of my life!
DAY 4: Day trip to Eze
On Day 4, you have a few options for how to get to the enchanting village of Eze.
Take the train to Eze Sur Mer (€3). Then, take bus #83 up to Eze Village. Alternatively, you can hike up the mountain on Nietzche’s path. This is a strenuous, 1.5 mile trail that takes about 1 hour, but the views of Cote d’Azur are breathtaking! If you love hiking and a bit of adventure, I recommend taking this way.
If you see this sign you know you’ve found the trail…
If you want to skip the train all together, you can also take a bus directly from Nice’s Valbaun bus station to Eze Village.
Once you get to Eze, head straight to the magical Le Jardin Exotique (€7). This exotic garden is perched on a cliffside, filled with cacti, succulents, and other rare plants. The views from the garden are stunning, offering a unique perspective of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding coastline.
Then, walk around the small medieval village, which feels like stepping back in time. The narrow, winding streets are lined with charming stone buildings, art galleries, and small boutiques. Each corner you turn reveals another picturesque scene, making it a photographer’s paradise.
Again, if you want a challenge, hike down Nietzsche’s path to Eze Sur Mer. There’s a lovely beach, La Plage d’Eze, where you can take a swim to cool off from your hike. From there you can take the train back to Nice from Eze Sur Mer.
Guided Tours
If you are interested in doing a guided tour of the French Riviera, check out these options that depart from Nice. Some go to both Monaco and Eze in one day, which is perfect if you’re short on time!
This is how I spent my time solo traveling in Nice, where I truly fell in love with the French Riviera! The mix of vibrant city life, relaxing beach days, and adventurous day trips made for an unforgettable experience. Nice is an excellent destination for beginner solo travelers, with its friendly locals, safe environment, and endless activities to fill your days. So, pack your bags and get ready for an incredible solo adventure in Nice, France!
Looking for more solo travel destinations? Check out these posts!
5 Cities that are Perfect for First-Time Female Solo Travelers
A Solo Female Traveler’s Ultimate Guide to Guatemala
A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Mexico City: Where to Stay & 6 Must-Read Tips
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I love Nice, and this post took me back! I didn’t get the opportunity to visit Eze, though, and it looks like it was a fabulous day trip option!