France · Trip plan
4 days in Nice & the Côte d'Azur
The Promenade des Anglais, Monaco and the flower-throwing Nice Carnival.
- Best time
- Oct – Nov, Feb – May
- Ideal length
- 4 days
- A day, mid-range
- $250 per person
- Trip for two
- about $2,000
Planning a 4-day trip to Nice & the Côte d'Azur? Here's a day-by-day Nice & the Côte d'Azur itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
The Riviera's mild winter (13–15°C and sunny) draws Europeans south, and the Nice Carnival and Menton Lemon Festival fill February.
Nice is the capital of the French Riviera, with Italian-influenced food, a colourful old town and easy day trips along the coast.
- Jan
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May: a good time to go
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct: a good time to go
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec
Winter: 8–15°C, often sunny.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Nice & the Côte d'Azur
- 01
Promenade des Anglais
Seven kilometres of seafront along the Baie des Anges.
- 02
Vieux Nice
Narrow lanes, the Cours Saleya flower market and socca stalls.
- 03
Monaco
Monte Carlo's casino and the Prince's Palace, 20 minutes by train.
- 04
Èze
A medieval village perched above the sea.
Day by day
Nice & the Côte d'Azur itinerary for 4 days
- D1
Day 1: Vieux Nice
- Morning
- Cours Saleya flower and food market, with socca hot from the oven.
- Afternoon
- Walk up Castle Hill for views over the bay and the old town's terracotta roofs.
- Evening
- Stroll the Promenade des Anglais at sunset, then dinner in Vieux Nice.
The market is closed on Mondays (antiques day).
- D2
Day 2: Monaco
- Morning
- Train to Monaco and watch the changing of the guard at the Prince's Palace.
- Afternoon
- Oceanographic Museum and the Monte Carlo Casino.
- Evening
- Back to Nice for dinner.
Dress smartly to enter the casino's gaming rooms.
- D3
Day 3: Èze and Villefranche
- Morning
- Bus up to Èze's medieval streets and exotic garden.
- Afternoon
- Lunch in Villefranche-sur-Mer's harbour.
- Evening
- Carnival parade in February, or a seafood dinner.
The Nietzsche path from Èze to the sea is a steep hike.
- D4
Day 4: Home
- Morning
- Musée Matisse in Cimiez.
- Afternoon
- Lunch.
- Evening
- Fly home.
Tram 2 goes to the airport.
Shorter or longer
Nice & the Côte d'Azur in 3, 4 or 6 days
3 days in Nice & the Côte d'Azur
Follow days 1 to 3 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
6 days in Nice & the Côte d'Azur
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Strasbourg.
What it costs
Nice & the Côte d'Azur trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 4 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120 | $960 |
| Mid-range | $250 | $2,000 |
| Luxury | $600+ | $4,800 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Nice & the Côte d'Azur is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Nice & the Côte d'Azur for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Nice & the Côte d'Azur
Socca
A crispy chickpea pancake from the market.
Salade niçoise
The real one has no potatoes.
Pissaladière
Onion and anchovy tart.
Getting there
How to reach Nice & the Côte d'Azur
- Travel
- Nice Côte d'Azur airport is 20 minutes by tram from the centre.
- Getting around
- Trams, buses and coastal trains.
- Coastal trains link Nice, Villefranche, Monaco and Menton cheaply.
- Book Carnival grandstand seats for the flower battles.
Before you go
What to pack for Nice & the Côte d'Azur
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Swimwear and flip-flops
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Nice & the Côte d'Azur trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Nice & the Côte d'Azur?
4 days are enough to see the highlights: Promenade des Anglais, Vieux Nice, Monaco. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 4-day Nice & the Côte d'Azur trip cost?
Roughly $120 a day per person on a budget, $250 mid-range and $600+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $2,000 for 4 days.
What is the best time to visit Nice & the Côte d'Azur?
Oct – Nov, Feb – May. The Riviera's mild winter (13–15°C and sunny) draws Europeans south, and the Nice Carnival and Menton Lemon Festival fill February.
Where should I stay in Nice & the Côte d'Azur?
Budget: Hostels near Vieux Nice (Old Town), from about $40 a night. Mid-range: Hotels near the Promenade (Carré d'Or), from about $200 a night. Luxury: Hôtel Negresco (Promenade des Anglais), from about $500 a night.
How do I reach Nice & the Côte d'Azur?
Nice Côte d'Azur airport is 20 minutes by tram from the centre.
Is 3 days enough for Nice & the Côte d'Azur?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 3 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 4 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Nice & the Côte d'Azur?
Winter: 8–15°C, often sunny.
What food should I try in Nice & the Côte d'Azur?
Socca: A crispy chickpea pancake from the market. Salade niçoise: The real one has no potatoes. Pissaladière: Onion and anchovy tart.
How do I get around Nice & the Côte d'Azur?
Trams, buses and coastal trains.
You might also like
More trips like Nice & the Côte d'Azur
- BrazilRio de Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer, Copacabana and the world's biggest Carnival.
Dec – Mar5 days · from $80/day - New South Wales, AustraliaSydney
The Opera House, Bondi and the world's most famous New Year's fireworks.
Oct – Apr5 days · from $130/day - Florida, USMiami
Art Deco South Beach, Little Havana and Art Basel in winter sun.
Dec – Apr4 days · from $160/day