Budget-Friendly 4-Day Itinerary Exploring Nice, Monte Carlo, Cannes, and Monaco in October

Day 1: Explore Nice

Nice, France on October 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Emilie's Cookies

Start your day with affordable and tasty pastries and coffee at this local bakery, well reviewed for budget travelers. Opens from 7:30am.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:30am

Promenade des Anglais

Walk along this famous seaside promenade for free, admiring Mediterranean views and local street performers. Perfect for a refreshing morning stroll.
EUR0, 1h30m

11:15am

Old Town (Vieux Nice) exploration

Visit charming narrow streets and local markets such as Cours Saleya market to experience local culture and pick affordable souvenirs. Free to explore.
EUR0, 2h

1:15pm

Lunch at Lou Pilha Leva

Enjoy traditional Niçoise socca and other local specialties at this budget-friendly takeaway spot popular with locals.
EUR10, 1h

2:30pm

Colline du Château (Castle Hill)

Climb or take the elevator to the castle hill park for panoramic views of Nice and the coast. The park is free to visit.
EUR0, 1h30m

4:15pm

Relax at Plage de la Réserve

Spend some time on this public pebble beach in Nice, ideal to rest and soak up the atmosphere. Free public access.
EUR0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Chez Pipo

Try the famous Niçoise specialty, pan bagnat or socca, at this affordable traditional eatery. They close around 9pm.
EUR15, 1h
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Day 2: Monaco & Monte Carlo Day Trip

Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco on October 2, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Nice to Monaco by train

Catch an early TER train from Nice Ville to Monaco Monte-Carlo station, just 20 minutes away and very economical (about EUR4 one-way).
EUR4, 0h30m

8:15am

Visit Monaco Old Town and Prince's Palace

Explore the picturesque Old Town and the Prince's Palace exterior, free to admire the architecture and views. The palace interior is about EUR10 if interested.
EUR0, 1h30m

10:00am

Stroll the Exotic Garden of Monaco

This beautiful garden opens at 9am and costs EUR14, offering stunning views and exotic plants, worth the moderate entry fee.
EUR14, 1h

11:30am

Lunch at Café de Paris Monte-Carlo

Opt for a budget-friendly light meal or snack at this iconic café located near the Casino, prices vary but affordable options exist during lunchtime.
EUR15, 1h

12:45pm

Monte Carlo Casino Exterior and Gardens

Admire the famous Casino building and wander the surrounding public gardens which are free to visit, perfect for photos and relaxation.
EUR0, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

Open 10am to 7pm, entry fee is around EUR16. Explore the impressive marine life exhibitions and aquarium unique to Monaco.
EUR16, 2h

4:15pm

Return to Nice by train

Catch an afternoon train back to Nice for a 20-minute affordable trip.
EUR4, 0h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at La Petite Syrah, Nice

Enjoy authentic French cuisine on a budget in Nice’s Old Town with set menu options around EUR20.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 3: Day Trip to Cannes

Cannes, France on October 3, 2025

8:00am

Travel Nice to Cannes by train

Take a convenient 30-minute TER train from Nice to Cannes with ticket prices around EUR7 one-way.
EUR7, 0h30m

8:45am

Morning walk on La Croisette

Enjoy the scenic seaside boulevard lined with luxury hotels and beaches; free to walk and perfect for morning photos.
EUR0, 1h

9:45am

Visit the Old Town (Le Suquet)

Explore the historic quarter with narrow streets, local shops, and the castle viewpoint for panoramic views over Cannes.
EUR0, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at La Femme du Boulanger

This affordable restaurant offers traditional French bistro food with good portion sizes and friendly prices, perfect for budget travelers.
EUR15, 1h

12:45pm

Relax at public beach (Plage du Midi)

Spend your afternoon at Cannes’ free public beach, soaking up some sun or strolling along the Mediterranean coast.
EUR0, 2h

3:00pm

Visit Cannes Film Festival Palace exterior

Check out the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès where the famous Cannes Film Festival is held, it's free to admire the building and walk around the nearby area.
EUR0, 0h45m

3:45pm

Train back to Nice

Return train from Cannes to Nice, taking about 30 minutes at affordable cost.
EUR7, 0h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Boulangerie Pâtisserie Cappa

Grab a casual and budget-friendly dinner consisting of sandwiches, quiches or croissants from this well-rated bakery in Nice.
EUR8, 1h
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Day 4: Nice & Surroundings

Nice, France on October 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Marché

Affordable breakfast spot offering fresh coffee and pastries near Nice’s central market, opens at 7am.
EUR5, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Marc Chagall National Museum

Open from 10am; entry is about EUR8. Experience beautiful artworks by Chagall inspired by the region.
EUR8, 1h30m

11:15am

Visit Matisse Museum

Located in the Cimiez neighborhood, open 10am-6pm, ticket about EUR10. A good cultural stop to explore Matisse’s works in an attractive villa and gardens.
EUR10, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Chez Thérésa

Enjoy a cheap and tasty pizza or salad at this popular pizzeria in Nice, budget-friendly and open until late afternoon.
EUR12, 1h

2:15pm

Explore Cimiez Roman Ruins and Gardens

Free to explore the impressive ancient Roman ruins and peaceful gardens in the Cimiez district, perfect for a quiet afternoon walk.
EUR0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Final stroll and souvenir shopping in Nice Old Town

Spend your last afternoon picking up affordable local products and souvenirs from markets or shops in Old Town.
EUR0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at L'Authentic

Round off your trip with classic French cuisine at moderate prices in a cozy setting before your departure.
EUR18, 1h30m
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