Welcome to your ultimate Nice travel itinerary! If you’re planning a trip to the stunning French Riviera, Nice is a must-visit destination with its breathtaking beaches, charming old town, and vibrant culture.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family, this 4-day itinerary will guide you through the best of Nice with detailed plans for each day.
4 Day nice travel itinerary
Sure! Here’s the day overview for the Nice travel itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival and Explore Old Town Nice
- Day 2: Beach Day and Visit Museums
- Day 3: Day Trip to Monaco
- Day 4: Discover Promenade du Paillon and Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Old Town Nice
- Morning: Start your day with a walk through Vieux Nice (Old Town), a picturesque area filled with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and lively markets. Visit the Cours Saleya Flower Market for fresh flowers, local produce, and souvenirs. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the iconic Place Rossetti and stop by Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate.
- Lunch: Head to La Voglia for a delicious pizza or seafood dish (lunch cost: $20-$30). The restaurant is conveniently located near the Promenade des Anglais, offering outdoor seating with great views.
- Afternoon: Visit the Promenade des Anglais, Nice’s famous beachfront avenue. Take a leisurely stroll or rent a bike for about $10 to cycle along the promenade. Stop by Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea (entry is free, but the park is ideal for a picnic).
- Evening: Dine at La Petite Maison, known for its authentic Niçoise cuisine (dinner cost: $40 per person). Enjoy local specialties like socca (chickpea pancakes) and pissaladière (a traditional onion tart).
| Day 1 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Nice, France |
| Accommodation | Check-in to a centrally located hotel |
| Activities | Explore Old Town, Promenade des Anglais, Castle Hill |
| Transport | Walking and bike rental ($10) |
| Notes | Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the city |
Day 2: Beach Day & Museums
- Morning: Spend your morning at Plage Beau Rivage, one of Nice’s most popular beaches. Rent a lounge chair for $20-$30 and enjoy the sun and sea. For more adventurous travelers, try some water sports like paddleboarding or jet skiing (prices vary around $50-$100).
- Lunch: Eat at the beachfront café Le Galet for a fresh seafood meal (lunch cost: $25-$35).
- Afternoon: Explore Musée Matisse and Musée Marc Chagall to discover the works of two famous artists who called Nice home. Both museums have an entrance fee of about $10 each, and they’re perfect for art lovers looking to experience local culture.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxed evening by visiting Place Masséna, the heart of Nice, known for its vibrant atmosphere and lively square. Have dinner at Le Bistrot d’Antoine, a favorite for locals and tourists alike (dinner cost: $35-$45).
| Day 2 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Nice, France |
| Accommodation | Same as Day 1 |
| Activities | Beach day, visit Musée Matisse & Musée Marc Chagall |
| Transport | Walking, public transport ($5 day pass) |
| Notes | Bring sunscreen and water for your beach day |
Day 3: Day Trip to Monaco
- Morning: Take a scenic 30-minute train ride to Monaco ($10 round trip). Start your exploration at the luxurious Monte Carlo Casino (entrance fee: $17). Even if you’re not into gambling, the stunning architecture and rich history are worth it.
- Lunch: Have lunch at Café de Paris, just steps away from the casino (lunch cost: $40).
- Afternoon: Visit the Prince’s Palace of Monaco and catch the changing of the guard at 11:55 AM. Then, explore the Oceanographic Museum (entry fee: $14), which is home to fascinating marine life and exhibits.
- Evening: Return to Nice for dinner at Peixes, a seafood restaurant specializing in Mediterranean dishes (dinner cost: $45).
| Day 3 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Day trip to Monaco |
| Accommodation | Same as Day 1 |
| Activities | Monte Carlo Casino, Prince’s Palace, Oceanographic Museum |
| Transport | Train to Monaco ($10 round trip) |
| Notes | Monaco is very walkable, so wear comfortable shoes |
Day 4: Final Day in Nice
- Morning: Take a leisurely walk through the Promenade du Paillon, a beautiful urban park with water fountains and playgrounds. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful morning before heading to the Nice Cathedral.
- Lunch: Enjoy a final lunch at Chez Pipo, where you can try the local speciality socca (lunch cost: $15).
- Afternoon: Spend your last afternoon at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (entry fee: $15), a stunning villa with magnificent gardens and ocean views. It’s a short bus ride from Nice.
- Evening: For your farewell dinner, indulge in gourmet French cuisine at Le Chantecler, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Hotel Negresco (dinner cost: $100+).
| Day 4 | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | Nice, France |
| Accommodation | Same as Day 1 |
| Activities | Promenade du Paillon, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild |
| Transport | Public bus ($2 one way) |
| Notes | Plan to leave for the airport from your hotel |
Estimated Budget Overview
Here’s an Estimated Budget Overview for the Nice travel itinerary:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $100 – $200 per night |
| Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) | $40 – $70 per day |
| Local Transport (Bus/Tram) | $2 per trip or $5 daily pass |
| Day Trip to Monaco | $5 round trip (train) |
| Museum Entry Fees | $10 – $20 per museum |
| Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild Entry | $15 |
| Beach Rentals (Chair/Umbrella) | $20 – $30 per day |
| Miscellaneous (Shopping, Souvenirs, etc.) | $50 – $100 |
Total Estimated Daily Cost: $150 – $300 per day
Total for 5 Days: $750 – $1,500
How Many Days in Nice is Enough?
For a relaxing and fulfilling trip, 4 to 5 days in Nice is ideal. This gives you enough time to explore the city’s highlights, visit nearby attractions like Monaco and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and still enjoy downtime at the beach.
A shorter stay (3 days) might feel rushed, especially if you want to see everything.
Is 5 Days in Nice Too Long?
5 days in Nice is perfect if you want to fully immerse yourself in the local culture and take things at a slower pace.
It’s also great if you plan on adding more day trips, such as to Cannes or Antibes. You’ll get the best of both worlds—relaxation and adventure—without feeling overwhelmed by your schedule.
Conclusion
This Nice travel itinerary is designed to give you the best experience in this beautiful city, balancing sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural exploration.
Whether you’re visiting for 4 or 5 days, Nice offers endless opportunities to create unforgettable memories.
Enjoy the food, embrace the local culture, and take time to relax on the French Riviera. Bon voyage!