monaco day tours

One Day in Monaco: The Perfect Monaco Day Trip from Nice

The French Riviera is not only an absolute must-visit location, but it’s also a great place to use as a home base while taking day trips to other nearby towns. For instance, you could easily spend one day in Monaco as a day trip from Nice, or any nearby city!

Monaco is known for being glamorous. It’s located right on the water and is its own country, separate from France, despite technically being in a location surrounded by France. It’s filled with fantastic scenery, tropical vibes, and luxury everywhere you look.

While Monaco is exceptionally tiny, it’s filled with tons to do, but you can easily dip your toes into all that it has to offer with just a day in Monaco. Here is how to have a perfect one day in Monaco!

Disclosure: *This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Table of Contents

Are you planning a last-minute trip to Monaco?

If your trip is coming up soon and you still haven’t booked anything, we have you covered! Below you can find our top picks when it comes to hotels, tours, getting around, and more.

Best Day Trips to Monaco

• From Nice: Full-Day Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze Tour
• From Nice: Eze, Monaco, & Monte-Carlo Half-Day Trip
• From Nice: French Riviera in One Day

Best Tours and Experiences in Monaco

• Monte Carlo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
• Guided Tour of Monaco in 2 Hours
• Formula One Circuit Guided Walking Tour
• Oceanographic Museum of Monaco Ticket

Best Places to Stay in Monaco

• Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo (best luxury hotel with a 3 Michelin star restaurant)
• Le Méridien Beach Plaza (great luxury option with a private beach)
• Fairmont Monte Carlo (best mid-range option with rooftop terrace and pools)
• Hôtel de France (cheapest option to stay in Monaco)

Overview of Your One Day in Monaco Itinerary

For your one day in Monaco, you’ll be hitting all of the absolute can’t-miss attractions.

These are all of the places that you can’t visit Monaco without at least seeing once, so try to take the time to check out these great attractions during your day trip to Monaco.

You’ll start the day down near the port, and then slowly begin to explore other parts of the city that it’s most well-known for, like the casino!

Breakdown of your one day in Monaco

• Getting to Monaco

Stroll around Port Hercules

• Breakfast at Eola
• Explore the Old Town of Monaco (Prince’s Palace, St. Nicholas Cathedral, Oceanographic Museum, Port de Fontvieille Viewpoint)
• Walk along the Formula 1 Track

Monte Carlo Casino

Japanese garden, sunset at tête de chien.

• Getting back to Nice (or wherever you’re staying)

Map for your Monaco itinerary

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this one day in Monaco itinerary.

I marked all the attractions with red and I also marked some important bus stations, train stations, and car parks with green that can come in handy for your Monaco day trip from Nice. As a bonus for Formula 1 lovers, I also marked the whole F1 track with blue on the map!

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

How to Spend One Day in Monaco

Start your day bright and early by heading down to Port Hercules and taking in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Port Hercules is the main port in Monaco that has been used for thousands of years.

However, the version of it that stands today was completely redone in the early 20th century. It’s so big that it can hold around 700 different boats if it wanted to!

If you opted for taking the train for your one day in Monaco trip, then you will need to walk around 15 minutes to reach Port Hercules from the train station.

In case you decide to drive to Monaco, you can find 2 big parking lots near Port Hercules (I put both of them on the above map) where you can easily park your car.

Have breakfast at Eola

In case you didn’t have breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to treat your taste buds to some delicious food! On your way to the old town, make sure to stop by Eola , which is a 10-minute walk from Port Hercule.

Eola stands for ‘Eat Organic Live Active’, and as the name suggests, you can find all kinds of healthy dishes here like smoothie bowls, green juices, and avocado toasts.

This lovely little cafe is open from 9 am to 3 pm from Monday to Friday. Unfortunately, it’s closed on Saturdays and Sundays so if you’re spending your one day in Monaco on a weekend, you will need to look for another place to have breakfast.

Explore the Old Town of Monaco

Next, head over to Monaco’s Old Town. This is arguably one of the most picturesque parts of the city which is located up on a hill and has really great views of the Mediterranean Sea.

The easiest way to get to the Old Town is to take Rampe de la Major, which starts right after the roundabout by Place d’Armes (2 minutes from Eola). Be prepared that the road is a bit steep so it’s best to wear comfortable walking shoes.

Within 10 minutes, you will reach Place du Palais, the square in front of the Prince’s Palace and you can start exploring the Old Town!

Take some time to walk along the cobblestone streets and pop into any stores or restaurants that interest you that you may come across.

Old Town is the most historical part of the city, so you’ll find some unique architecture here that you won’t find elsewhere in Monaco.

Below you can find some of the must-visit places in the Old Town that you absolutely need to check out on your one day in Monaco.

Prince’s Palace

Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm between the end of March and mid-October Entrance fee: €10

Your Monaco day trip wouldn’t be complete without seeing where the royalty lives. The Prince’s Palace is located right next to where the Rampe de la Major ends (the road you took up to the Old Town), so you can easily make this your first stop in the Old Town.

The palace was built in the 12th century and is the home of the current prince of Monaco. If you’re lucky, you may even see the changing of the guards, which is an entertaining sight.

Because Monaco is so small and you can get reasonably close to the palace compared to royal palaces in other countries, you may even sneak a peek at the Prince of Monaco.

Although it’s a private residence, the State Apartments are open to visitors from the beginning of April until mid-October.

Inside, you can see the Palace Chapel and many majestic rooms such as the Hercule Gallery, the Throne Room, and Louise XV Bedroom, as well as numerous beautiful frescoes and old furniture.

St. Nicholas Cathedral

Opening hours:  9 am – 6 pm Entrance fee:  Free

St. Nicholas Cathedral, otherwise known as the Monaco Cathedral is one of the most important religious monuments in Monaco. The construction of the cathedral began in 1875 but it was only consecrated in 1911.

The cathedral was home to many royal events such as the wedding of Grace Kelly and Rainier III, the Prince of Monaco and now it houses the tombs of Monaco’s former princes.

The cathedral can be visited for free, which makes it one of the best places to explore if you’re visiting Monaco on a budget . If you want to go inside, make sure to dress respectfully!

Oceanographic Museum

Opening hours:  10 am – 7 pm Entrance fee:  €19

While you may not associate any type of history or museum with Monaco, you must visit this one! The Oceanographic Museum was opened in the 20th century and focuses on everything involving the ocean and marine science.

Inside the museum, you’ll find lots of aquariums, artifacts, and exhibits. Take the time to explore here because you’ll truly learn a lot. It was also founded by a relative of Monaco’s current Prince, so it has an important connection to the country itself.

You can either buy your tickets on site or book them in advance .

Port de Fontvieille Viewpoint

Just beside the Oceanographic Museum, you can find a beautiful park called Jardins de Saint-Martin.

The park already offers some incredible views over Port de Fontvieille but if you keep walking to the end of the park, you will find one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Monaco.

I hope you didn’t forget your camera at home because this is truly one of the best views you’ll see during your one day in Monaco!

Walk along the Formula 1 Track

If you’ve finished exploring the Old Town, it’s time to move to the other side of the city. It’s going to be a long walk but on the way to Monte Carlo Casino, you can do a very unique thing that you can only do in Monaco: walking along the Formula 1 Track!

Because Monaco is known worldwide for hosting the Grand Prix, you absolutely must find part of the race track route and walk along it. It’s incredibly cool to think that Formula 1 racing happens here.

To help you plan your route, I marked the entire track with blue on the map I shared above (in the one day in Monaco itinerary overview section) but if you want to take it to the next level, you join a Formula One Circuit Guided Walking Tour .

It takes around 25-30 minutes to get to Monte Carlo Casino from the Old Town on foot.

Alternatively, you can walk back on the Rampe de la Major to Place d’Armes where you can catch bus line nr. 607 or 608.

The bus will drop you off 300 meters (almost 1 mile) from the casino but sadly this way you will miss walking along the F1 track.

Your one day in Monaco itinerary wouldn’t be complete without visiting the famous Monte Carlo Casino. Fun fact: locals aren’t allowed to gamble in the casino, it’s considered to be illegal! Instead, the casino is entirely for visitors to Monaco.

The Monte Carlo Casino is said to be the most popular casino in the entire world. This is most likely because it’s featured in quite a few of the James Bond films, among other pop culture phenomena.

The casino dates back to the 19th century and is absolutely breathtaking on the inside and the outside. One thing to keep in mind when visiting the Monte Carlo Casino is that you have to be dressed nicely.

This doesn’t mean you need to wear your finest dress or tuxedo, but I wouldn’t suggest trying to enter wearing your favorite leggings and flip-flops.

If you still have some time left in the afternoon, check out a fun zen area in Monaco, the Japanese Garden. This park is near Monaco’s convention center (only a 10-minute walk from the casino) and is often used as a place for meditation and relaxation.

Stroll throughout the garden and take in the luscious greenery throughout. You’ll find that there’s a mix of both Japanese architecture and Mediterranean plant life, which makes for a really unique and uncharacteristic pairing that you’ll only find in Monaco.

Last but not least, head over to one of my favorite viewpoints to see the sunset over Monaco: Tête de Chien!

Unfortunately, this viewpoint is only accessible by car so if you opted to take the train or a bus for your Monaco day trip from Nice, sadly you will have to skip this point.

It takes around 25 minutes to reach the parking lot near the viewpoint from Monaco. Just put Tête de Chien in your Google Maps and you will easily get there!

From the parking lot, you need to do a short but relatively steep hike and in 10-15 minutes you will reach the viewpoint.

From this viewpoint, you will get an incredible panoramic view over the entire coastline and Monaco. Just be careful on the rocks and don’t go too close to the edge. Can you imagine a better way to end your one day in Monaco?

Useful Info for Visiting Monaco in a Day

Where to stay in monaco.

If you want to extend your trip and spend more than one day in Monaco, there are plenty of accommodation options available.

However, keep in mind that Monaco is known for its luxury and expensive prices, so be prepared to splurge a little on your hotel (even on a budget option).

Here are our top hotel recommendations for different budgets:

• Luxury | Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
• Mid-range | Fairmont Monte Carlo
• Budget | Hôtel de France

How to get to Monaco from Nice

Train | The easiest option is to take a speed train from Nice to Monaco. There are frequent departures throughout the day, and the journey only takes about 20 minutes. The train station in Monaco is located just a short walk from the city center.

Bus | Another option is to take a bus from Nice to Monaco. Due to current works, bus nr. 100 that used to run between Nice and Monaco is now divided into two separate routes: nr. 607 goes to Monaco, while nr. 608 goes to Menton. The journey takes around 40 minutes and the bus will drop you off at various stops throughout Monaco.

Car | If you’re planning to do a road trip in the French Riviera, you can easily drive from Nice to Monaco. The journey takes about 30 minutes via the A8 highway. Parking is quite pricy in Monaco, however, all car parks have a daily maximum rate of around €20-30, which is not that bad if you want to spend the full day in Monaco.

Guided tours | As mentioned before, there are also plenty of guided tours available from Nice to Monaco. These usually include transportation and a knowledgeable guide to show you around. This half-day trip is one of the top-rated options!

Best time to visit Monaco

High season | The peak tourist season in Monaco is from June to August when the weather is warm and sunny. This is also when accommodations and activities tend to be more expensive.

F1 Grand Prix | The Formula 1 Grand Prix race takes place in Monaco every year in May. Unless you want to attend the race, it’s best to avoid visiting during this time as the city can get extremely crowded and prices are inflated.

Shoulder seasons | May, September, and October are considered shoulder seasons in Monaco. The weather is still pleasant, but there are fewer tourists, making it a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and save some money.

Low season | The low season in Monaco is from November to April. It may be a bit colder and rainier, but if you don’t mind the weather, this can be a great time to visit as accommodations and activities are significantly cheaper.

How to get around in Monaco

By foot | Monaco is a small city-state, so the easiest way to get around on your one day in Monaco is just by walking. It takes less than one hour to walk across the entire width of Monaco, and it’s a great way to see all the sights.

Public transportation | You can also take buses within Monaco if you don’t feel like walking. The buses are convenient and relatively inexpensive, but be aware that they can get crowded during peak tourist season.

Driving | While getting to Monaco by car is convenient, I would recommend leaving your car parked and exploring the city on foot or by public transportation.

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4 thoughts on “One Day in Monaco: The Perfect Monaco Day Trip from Nice”

Hi! Is it possible to do Monaco and Menton in one day? If I was to follow your Monaco guide above excluding the Japanese garden and sunset. Thanks

Yes definitely! You’ll have to speed things up a little bit but since they are really close it’s totally possible.

Absolutely stunning with so much details. Very well put together. After reading this, you need nothing else. Thanks for this guide, very helpful.

I’m so happy you found it helpful!

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MONACO DAY TRIP ITINERARY: Things to Do & Walking Route

Yes, if you’re only sightseeing. Not all of it, but you can see much of what it has to offer to tourists in a day. As far as countries go, the Principality of Monaco is tiny. With a territory of only 2 square kilometers, it is one of the world’s smallest states, second only to Vatican City.

We always advocate staying longer, but if for whatever reason you only have a day, fret not. It is possible to cover a lot of ground in a day, even on foot, as long as you know where to go and how to get there.

Monaco’s topography is predominantly rugged and hilly, so it can still prove challenging if you’re not fit. But the good news is, most tourist spots stand close to each other. With a few exceptions, you won’t feel it if you make several stops along the way. And there are a lot of spots that are worthy of your time.

In this post, we’ll share with you some of the best places to visit and things to do in Monaco in one day. We also added a sample day tour itinerary that you may use.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

DIY vs GUIDED TOUR

But before anything else, you need to decide whether you want to explore Monaco on your own (do-it-yourself style) or join a guided group tour. Needless to say, pulling a DIY is cheaper because it’s FREE. You’ll only need to worry about the fare and entrance fees.

But we recommend joining a guided walking tour because nothing beats learning about places on the spot. The guide also shares a lot of insights, which leads to a better appreciation of the destination, and travel tips, like where to eat cheap or where to find some secret spots. That’s what we did: we joined a group tour. (We paid for our trip!)

One downside of joining the walking tour is it’s purely sightseeing. You won’t be able to enter most of the buildings during the tour. If you want to explore a site further, you can return to it after the tour, which is pretty easy because as I mentioned, they’re all within close proximity of each other.

If you wish to join a guided tour, you can book with Klook. This is ideal if you’re coming from Nice because the meetup is at Gare de Nice-Ville. You’ll be meeting the tour guide and other participants in Nice and you’ll go to Monaco by train together.

PLACES TO VISIT IN MONACO

Whether you’re pulling a DIY or joining a guided tour, you can visit all of these attractions in a day.

• If you’re taking the group tour and you’re coming from Nice by train, you’ll be alighting at the Monte Carlo train station with your guide. Then, your group tour will most probably cover the items 5-15 on this list (unless things have already changed since our tour). After the tour, take the bus to Grimaldi Forum on your own and visit items 1-4 as you move towards the Monte Carlo train station, where you’ll catch the train back to Nice.
• If you’re traveling independently , know that these sites are arranged chronologically so you can easily use this as your route markers. If you’re coming from Nice, you can take the train or Bus 100 to Larvotto (Place des Moulins) and visit these in order.

Either way, it’s best to bring your own water bottle! I found it hard to find stores along the way. Haha.

All clear? Without further ado, here we go.

1. Larvotto Beach

Situated in the easternmost ward, Larvotto Beach is fronted by several luxurious hotels and restaurants. While it is a gorgeous beach, it tends to be crowded especially at peak hours. Monaco has only four kilometers of coastline and this is the best part of it, so beach-lovers tend to flock here.

This beach is strewn with tiny shingles (not fine sand). It has private and public areas. You can easily tell them apart because private beaches usually have a restaurant and rows of beach chairs. If you want to get comfortable, you can a chair for at least 30€ per day. Steep, I know! But everything is pricey here. Even bottled water costs a lot.

If you’re on a budget, you can chill at a public beach. Bring your own towel or mat to sit on. But it may be difficult to find a spot in peak season, which is why you should try to arrive early. In the public areas, there are toilets (free of charge) and a playground for kids. While most restaurants are costly, you can also find relatively inexpensive fast food.

Hours Open: All day, every day. Entrance Fee: FREE

2. Champions Promenade

If you’re a football fan, you’re gonna love this place. The Champions Promenade is a walkway around the Grimaldi Forum that features some of the biggest names in the footballing world.

Think of it as Monaco’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but instead of movie stars, it honors the recipients of the Golden Foot Award, which is an international recognition to an outstanding active player every year. Also, instead of handprints, the winner leaves footprints.

3. Japanese Garden

A piece of Japan in Monaco! This seaside park is situated next to Grimaldi Forum, along the Avenue Princess Grace, and is surrounded by towering buildings.

Designed by Yasuo Beppu, this zen park boasts a tea house overlooking a pond, a zen garden, and a bridge among others. It’s a relaxing oasis in the middle of the buzzing Larvotto ward.

4. Monaco Grand Prix

Any travel article about this corner of Europe won’t be complete without a mention of the Monaco Grand Prix , the most prestigious Formula One race in the world. On two weekends of May every year, everything else in the principality seems to be at a halt as the focus shifts to the race.

With its hilly terrain, narrow roads, and tight turns, Monaco’s circuit is also widely regarded as one of the most challenging, if not THE most challenging. Its features allows almost no room for error, which adds to why its trophies are highly coveted. As you explore Monaco, you’ll be seeing and crossing some of the circuit’s sections.

But the most recognizable part of the Monaco circuit is this one:

This is one of the most difficult points of the circuit. Because of the narrow road and the sharp turn, it is virtually impossible for two cars to negotiate this side by side at race speed, which is why it’s also the slowest part of the track. It’s currently called Grand Hotel Hairpin . I say “currently” because its name changes when the hotel in front of it changes names, which has happened numerous times. It used to be called Loews hairpin, Fairmont hairpin, and Station hairpin.

If you’re joining a guided walking tour from Nice, your route in Monaco will most likely start here at the Monaco Monte Carlo Train Station!

5. Monaco Stamp

Drop by the Monaco Tourism Office at the Monte Carlo Train Station for a stamp! It’s not mandatory. The principality doesn’t have a hard border, which means there are no border checkpoints, which means they don’t usually stamp passports. But it’s a great souvenir and it’s FREE.

However, consider having the stamp on a separate booklet or on an expired passport instead of your current one. Some embassies take issue with unofficial stamps. You’ll risk having your passport rejected if you have souvenir tourism stamps. Better safe than sorry.

Hours Open: Monday-Saturday 9am – 7pm, Sunday 11am – 1pm. Price: FREE

6. Monte Carlo Casino and Opera

The most well-known place of its kind in the world, it is also possibly the most famous of all the attractions in Monaco. It was opened in 1863 to save the House of Grimaldi from going bankrupt, after losing significant chunks of its territory.

After a pretty rocky start, it became the primary source of income for state and the royal family. It also turned out to be extremely profitable that the state absolved its citizens of all taxes. Today, Monegasque citizens still are not obligated to file income taxes, which is why wealthy families move here.

Even if you don’t play, visitors may enter the building and take photos in the Atrium or lobby area for FREE. The The building also houses the Opera de Monte Carlo and the headquarters of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo .

Hours open for visitors/tourists: Daily, 9am – 1pm (except during Formula 1 Grand Prix).

Last entry: 12:15 pm. As you can see, it’s a pretty small window so make sure you mind your timings when making the itinerary.

Entrance fee to the Atrium and Salle Renaissance: FREE

Audioguide tour: Adult, 17€; Minor, 6-12€, depending on age and season.

Dress code: Casual attire is allowed at the Atrium and Salle Renaissance in the daytime only. Bermuda shorts, jeans, t-shirts and sports shoes are OK. But sportswear, tank tops, faded jeans, jeans with holes, beach shorts/dresses, jogging shoes, and flip-flops are NOT allowed. Beyond the Atrium and Renaissance, a stricter dress code is observed, especially at night.

7. Port Hercules

Also known as the Port of Monaco, Port Hercules is the only deep-water port in the principality. Located in the La Condamine district, it takes up much of the state’s coastline. The harbor has been used for centuries as a major port, but its modern era began in 1926. It can shelter up to 700 boats and yachts.

The port is surrounded by luxurious restaurants and bars, and offices of sporting organizations like the Yacht Club de Monaco and the Société Nautique de Monaco (Monaco Rowing Club). You can also find in the area the Esplanade , Carousel Monte Carlo , and the Stade Nautique Rainier III, an Olympic-size saltwater swimming pool.

It is also quite possibly the most photographed view in Monaco. While it’s great to walk around the area, it’s best viewed from the Prince’s Palace grounds.

8. Sainte-Dévote Chapel

Although freedom of worship is guaranteed, Roman Catholicism is the official religion of state and is practiced by the biggest chunk of the population. Aside from several smaller chapels, Monaco has one cathedral and five parish churches including Sainte-Dévote Chapel , dedicated to the state’s patron saint.

Tucked under Larvotto Boulevard, this small chapel isn’t very striking at first glance. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in its history, which can be traced as far back as 1070. It has undergone several restorations and rebuilding over centuries. Monegasque tradition also dictates that the Prince’s bride must lay her bouquet here after the wedding.

In front of the chapel is a sharp bend, which is the first turn on the Monaco Grand Prix’s circuit.

9. La Condamine Market

Le Marche de la Condamine (La Condamine Market) is one of the two main marketplaces in Monaco. (The other is Monte Carlo Market.)

Established in 1880, La Condamine Market currently has two main sections: the open-air area at Place d’Armes and a covered hall. The open-air section is where you’ll find local traders selling flowers, fruits, vegetables and other fresh produce. Inside the halls, you’ll find bread and fish among others.

The best part for tourists — a relatively budget-friendly foodcourt, where you can grab quick lunch! Create your pasta dish at Maison des Pâtes (you choose the pasta and sauce) or sample a socca from Chez Roger . It’s bursting with tasty options, so make the rounds first before queuing. When you have your meal on hand, find an empty seat at one of the shared tables.

Hours open: Mondays to Saturdays, 7am – 3pm; Sundays, 7am – 2pm. Budget: 10 – 20€ per meal

By now, you’ve reached le Rocher — The Rock of Monaco, a 62-meter monolith where you’ll find Monaco-Ville, the oldest part of the city. On this giant rock stand several historic attractions including the Prince’s Palace, the Cathedral, and the Oceanographic Museum.

10. The Prince’s Palace

The Prince’s Palace (Palais du Prince) is the official residence of the Prince of Monaco. If the Rock of Monaco is a giant cake, this is the cherry on top.

It was initially a Genoese fortress constructed in 1191. Throughout the course of its history, many foreign invaders have tried to invade it. The Grimaldis , a family from Genoa in modern-day Italy, successfully infiltrated and conquered it in the late 1290s. Since then, it became their seat of power for over seven centuries up to now. Today, the Prince of Monaco still calls the palace home.

One of the most popular activities here is watching the changing of the guards, which happens every 11:55am daily. This traditional ritual has not changed in over a century! The palace grounds also offer the best view of Port Hercules!

Entrance fee: Adults 10€, Children / students, 5€. If you also plan to enter the Oceanographic Museum, you might want to purchase a combination ticket which costs 23€ (adult) or 12.50€ (minor/student).

Hours open: Daily, 10am-5:30pm/6pm

Closed: Grand Prix weekends

11. Monaco Cathedral

Monaco Cathedral is more formally known as the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate . Completed in 1903, it sometimes called Saint Nicholas Cathedral , which is the name of the country’s first parish church that used to stand at the same site.

Inside you’ll find the beautiful Carrara-marble Episcopal Throne and the Great Altar. It is also the final resting place for many members of the royal family including Princess Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III.

Hours open: May-September, 8am – 7pm; October-April, 8:30am – 6pm. Tours are not allowed during mass service.

Entrance fee: FREE

12. Monaco Courthouse

Just next to the Cathedral is a smaller but equally captivating building — the Courthouse .

Called Palais de Justice , it was constructed in 1924 out of sea tuff to match the Genovese fortress surrounding the city on the Rock. Visits or tours are not allowed, so tourists can’t enter. But you can take a photo of it from across the street.

13. St. Martin Garden

St. Martin Garden (Le Jardin Saint Martin) is a relaxing space in between the Cathedral and the Oceanographic Museum. Opened in 1816, this was Monaco’s first public garden.

It used to be adorned only by Mediterranean trees but exotic flora were later on planted. Aside from its Aleppo pine trees, this garden on the Rock of Monaco has short walking trails and a statue of Prince Albert I.

14. Fontvieille View

From the St. Martin Garden, you can have a great view of Fontvieille, the principality’s youngest district. Due to its not-so-spacious territory, Monaco has land shortage problems. One of the solutions made is to reclaim land from the sea and build another ward on it. That’s Fontvieille.

You can also visit Fontvieille if you have more time, but this day is already pretty packed.

15. Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

Called Musée Océanographique de Monaco in French, it is a marine science museum housed in a beautiful Baroque-Revival building.

It showcases over 6000 specimens within 6500 square meters. The museum was founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I, who led numerous scientific expeditions and dedicated much of his life to exploration and oceanography. He was the great-great-grandfather of the current monarch, Prince Albert II.

Walking tours usually just stay outside, but you can go inside after the tour if you wish.

Entrance fee: Adult, 16€; Minors (below 17yo), 10€; People with disabilities, 7€. If you also plan to also explore the Prince’s Palace (State Apartments), the combo ticket costs 23€ (adult) or 12.50€ (minor/student).

Hours open: Daily. October-March, 10am-6pm; April-June, 10am-7pm; July-August, 9:30am-8pm; September, 10am-7pm.

Closed: December 25 and the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend

If you’re on a walking tour, it will most probably end here. Note that walking tours are merely for sightseeing and do not cover the entrance fees to any of the sites mentioned.

After the tour, the guide will leave you to your own devices. It’s completely up to you where to go from here. You can enter the Oceanographic Museum or return to any of the sites on the Rock that you want to explore further like the Prince’s Palace.

Once you’re satisfied, walk down the hill towards Place d’Armes , where you can catch Bus 100 back to Nice.

SAMPLE MONACO DAY TOUR ITINERARY

Here’s a sample DIY Monaco day trip itinerary. This assumes you’ll be coming from Nice by bus, traveling independently, and exploring both the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince’s Palace.

To avoid the crowd, you’ll be visiting the Larvotto ward first (items #12-15 on the list above) and then you’ll be making your way to the Rock (items #1-11).

06:00 am – Travel to Port Lympia, Nice 06:25 am – Bus 100 to Monaco, 1.50€ 07:03 am – Alight at Place des Moulins or Saint Roman 07:05 am – Walk to Larvotto Beach 07:20 am – Larvotto Beach 08:30 am – Champions Promenade 08:45 am – Japanese Garden 09:15 am – Grand Hotel Hairpin 09:35 am – Get a Monaco stamp 09:50 am – Monte CarloCas i no Atrium 10:30 am – Saint Devote Chapel 11:00 am – Lunch at La Condamine Market, 15€ 11:45 am – Prince’s Palace, combo ticket: 23€ 02:00 pm – Monaco Cathedral & Courthouse 02:15 pm – St. Martin Garden 02:50 pm – Oceanographic Museum (combo ticket) 05:30 pm – Bus 100 to Nice, 1.50€ 06:30 pm – Back to Nice

If you decide to join a guided tour instead, you don’t need to worry about getting to Monte Carlo up to the Oceanographic Museum because you’ll be with your guide.

If you choose to not enter the Prince’s Palace and the Oceanographic Museum , that’s fine too. You’ll be able to save 23€. This trip will also be a lot shorter. Just make the necessary adjustments to the time.

Top Budget Hotels in Nice

If you’re spending your nights in Nice, here are some relatively inexpensive places to consider, as ranked by Agoda customers:

• Residence Lamartine – Nice. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Ibis Styles Nice Centre Gare. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Apart’hotel Ajoupa. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Boutique Hotel Neptune Nice. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• L’Alcove Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Hotel The NAP hotel by HappyCulture. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Nice Hotels!

Additional words by Joshua Berida 2020 • 8 • 20

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Monaco Itinerary & Guide

Last Updated on 15th March 2024 by Charlotte Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my  privacy policy  and  disclosure  for more information.

Set alongside the glittering French ‘Côte d’Azur,’ Monaco is a tiny principality defined by its rocky nature and miniature size. Best-known for being the home of the wealthy (around 30% of the population are millionaires), here’s your ultimate guide on how to spend one day in Monaco.

Introducing Monaco

Is one day enough time to visit monaco, explore the old town, prince’s palace of monaco, monaco cathedral, old monaco museum, sainte-dévote chapel, visit the f1 race track.

• Walk around the Ports

See the Monte Carlo Casino

Enjoy sunset at the tête de chien, how to get to monaco, french riviera tips.

Monaco is not only a country in its own right, but also a city-state, meaning that the entirety of the autonomous state also lies within the city limits. Monaco is technically a principality, meaning that the head of State is a Prince. Prince Albert II is the current head of state and has been so since 2005.

Locals are known as Monégasques, and they even have their own Ligurian dialect, that of Monégasque. With this being said, it’s worth noting that the official language of Monaco is French (though you’ll easily get by with just English).

Many of the people who reside in Monaco choose to live there because there’s no income tax, though the Principality makes up for it with high corporation tax and steep VAT rates. The aquarium of the town was directed by Jacques Cousteau for no fewer than 17 years.

Monaco is one of the smallest countries in Europe , second only to the Vatican City in Rome. The territory is around 1 square mile in size and has a population of around 40,000 inhabitants.

As such, you can easily walk across the whole of the country in roughly an hour! One day in Monaco is more than enough time to explore all that this destination has to offer.

Monaco is also incredibly expensive, with many of the bars and bistros serving up food and drink at much higher rates than elsewhere along the French Riviera. For this reason alone, you might consider not spending more than a day exploring the country!

Suggested one day in Monaco Itinerary

Of course, the true highlight of a trip to Monaco is the chance to wander around the pastel hued streets of the old town. This is one of the busiest parts of the Principality and so be sure to keep an eye on your valuables at all times!

I would personally opt to visit the old town in the morning as the afternoon gets very busy and so you’ll get more of the place to yourself if you opt to visit earlier in the day. The Old Town is also where most eateries are located.

Many of Monaco’s main attractions are hidden amongst the little pedestrianised streets of the old town and so you’ll want to set aside a good few hours in order to enjoy everything that Monaco Old Town has to offer.

Perched atop ‘Le Rocher’ (the rock), the old town’s crowning jewel is the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, which is the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco (surname Grimaldi) and began life in the 12th-century as a medieval fortress.

Today, Palace Guards stand outside of the Palace 24/7, and a Changing of the Guard (which you can watch for free) takes place every day at noon. You can visit the Palace on a daily basis for a small fee.

The centre of the square directly in front of the Palace boasts a late 20th-century bronze statue which celebrates François Grimaldi, a man who captured the area in the 13th-century after entering disguised as a monk, and whose descendants still rule the land to this day.

Monaco’s Cathedral is situated just a stone’s throw away from the Palace and is the final resting place for generation upon generation of Grimaldis. The Cathedral you see on site today is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and was constructed at the beginning of the 20th-century.

Monaco Cathedral is also the final resting place of Princess Grace of Monaco. Acclaimed Hollywood actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier in a highly publicised publicised ceremony in the mid 1950s.

The wedding led to plenty more intrigue about Monaco and its royals after Kelly met the Prince while starring in a film set in Monaco. Tragically, Grace Kelly died in a car accident in the early 1980s.

For those who are even more intrigued about the history of Monaco and how the city state came to be, there’s a free to visit Old Monaco Museum which is open exclusively on Wednesday and Fridays from 11 AM to 4 PM between June and September.

There are a variety of exhibitions on display, including ceramics, clothing, and displays detailing what Monaco was like in times gone by. In French, the museum is known as Musée du Vieux Monaco.

After a morning exploring the Old Town, I would recommend staying on Le Rocher to grab a bite to eat for lunch. If there’s one thing you should know before visiting Monaco, it’s that almost everything is very expensive and a ‘reasonably priced meal’ can still be quite pricey.

Le Rocher has the greatest concentration of bars and restaurants and will stand you in good stead for visiting the rest of Monaco. Some of the best lunch spot recommendations include La Tavernetta, Maison des Pâtes Condamine, and Le Petit Bar Monaco.

After leaving Le Rocher area, be sure to pay a visit to the Sainte-Dévote Chapel. There has been a chapel on site in some form or another since 1070, though the place of worship was heavily restored during the 16th-century. Today, visitors can see the small church which is close to the port.

Just a stone’s throw away from the Sainte-Devoté Chapel, visitors can see a statue that depicts one of the first race cars which participated in the Grand Prix. The bronze sculpture is one of several such dedicated to the Grand Prix in the city state.

Those with a particular penchant for cars will likely know that Monaco is well-known for hosting the Grand Prix. Well, since there is no actual dedicated race track, you can actually walk the route of the Grand Prix on foot since it’s just various streets of the city. Find a detailed map here.

Walk around the Port s

As I mentioned, Monaco is fairly tiny and compact, meaning that you can see almost all of the territory as soon as you arrive. One of the main attractions in the state are the ports. Monaco has two ports; Port Hercule and Port Fontvieille.

Port Hercule is a natural port located at the base of Le Rocher (the natural elevated rock upon which the old town was built) and is the best port to explore while in the city. You can easily meander along the docks, soak up the sun, and marvel at all of the different boats and yachts moored at the port.

Meanwhile, the other port in Monaco is Fontvieille, which is in an area of the city which was quite literally reclaimed from the sea. This area of the city is more residential and boasts a plethora of high rise luxury residences. This is also where most cruise ships dock close to.

While I am not a fan of gambling myself, I would say that the exterior of the Monte Carlo Casino is a must-see while in Monaco, particularly because it has served as a filming location for many top movies and TV shows over the years.

Monte Carlo is an administrative region of Monaco and it is largely centred around the casino, hence why the Casino is named Monte Carlo. The Casino was constructed after Monaco lost much of its territory to neighbouring France during the 1860s.

In order to continue drawing in crowds, the Prince of Monaco of the time commissioned a Casino. Today, rather curiously, it’s actually illegal for residents of Monaco to gamble in the Casino- use of the Casino is only reserved for visitors!

Though not technically within the confines of Monaco itself, end your day the right way by heading to the Tête de Chien for sunset. The viewpoint is perched atop of a 550 metres high rock in Southern France.

Unfortunately the viewpoint can only be reached via car and so if you’re not renting a car during your French Riviera trip then you won’t be able to enjoy the view. It is the highest point on the Grande Corniche road and offers views over the entirety of Monaco.

Easy to visit as a day trip from Nice , I would personally not bring a car to visit the city state, particularly considering that parking is often between €20 – €30 for a day. Instead, train connections to nearby cities such as Nice and Cannes could not be easier and so I personally would recommend taking the train to and from the city state.

The French Riviera (including the principal of Monaco) is in the South of France. France and Monaco use the Euro (€)

The French Riviera is best explored over the course of several days, preferably longer. Check here for our suggested French Riviera itinerary.

The main language spoken in France is French . Though you can get by with English in the more popular places along the French Riviera, it’s always a good idea to learn some of the local language. Bring along a simple phrasebook like this one to help make your travels easier.

France uses plug types, types C and E. As such, if you’re travelling from the UK, USA, Canada, and many other destinations, you’ll need to buy an adapter. I recommend buying  a universal travel adapter  that you can use for multiple destinations (rather than buying a new adaptor for each place you visit).

As one of the most popular destinations in the world, you should always consider booking your accommodation well ahead of time. Check out this website for price comparison details and detailed reviews.

Be careful with your belongings. I also highly advise to avoid wearing a backpack and to instead opt for a crossbody bag  like these ones .  I personally use a crossbody bag  by this brand  and love its shape, size, and versatility.

Enjoyed reading about how to spend one day in Monaco? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Sophie Nadeau is a full time travel writer and photographer focused on cultural experiences in Europe and beyond. When she's not chasing after the sunset (or cute dogs she sees on her travels) she can be found reading, playing video games, and going on long hikes with her husband.

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How to Easily Do a Nice to Monaco Day Trip + All to Know (2024)

Monaco is a tiny principality along the Mediterranean Sea just east of Nice, France. It’s famous for being one of the world’s most affluent countries, having beautiful harbors, and colorful buildings. And if you want to witness some of the opulence and stunning views and get a glimpse into life in the top 1%, a relaxing Nice to Monaco day trip is a must! In this post, I’ll explain the best ways to get from Nice to Monaco, places to visit, and how you can make the most of your limited time there!

🏎 No Time to Read? Here’s the Best Nice to Monaco Day Trip Tour!

Monaco and Eze Small-Group Day Trip – This is the best value full-day tour that offers you the complete package, including a tour of a perfumery in Eze!

Is It Worth It to Day Trip to Monaco From Nice? (2024)

As someone who has visited Monaco several times, a day trip to Monaco from Nice is 100% worth it. For starters, it’s an activity that can be done by anyone — whether you’re traveling with no budget, a mid-range budget, or a shoestring budget! How? Well, if you choose to travel independently, you can do a Nice to Monaco day trip for as little as $10 by paying only for the transportation costs! Alternatively, if you’re a little unsure about navigating local transportation or want a more stress-free experience, you can join one of the hundreds of guided tours from Nice to Monaco . There are barebones ones that start at as low as $50 as well as more comprehensive private tours that go for $300+. So, it’s truly an activity that can fit any person’s travel style and budget.

Not to forget, for most of us, the luxurious Monaco lifestyle is an elusive dream. However, with a day trip to Monaco, you can immerse yourself in all the glitz and glamour, even if only for a few fleeting moments. And if you’re unfazed by the ultra-rich, you can at least appreciate the stunning views of the French Riviera, the gorgeous architecture, and the lovely weather. Plus, you can essentially experience a completely new country for possibly the price of an expensive Starbucks coffee… I don’t think there are many places where you can say that! 😉 So, it’s for these reasons and my many positive experiences wandering around the streets of Monaco that I wholeheartedly believe it is worth it to day trip to Monaco from Nice!

How to Get From Nice to Monaco

The distance from Nice to Monaco is a little over 13 miles or about 21 km. Thus, with their proximity to one another , there are a couple of different ways of traveling from Nice to Monaco: with a private tour or via train.

🚌 NOTE: Technically, you can travel via bus. However, it takes 3x as long as taking the train, so it’s ( in my opinion ) not worth it.

Nice to Monaco Tours

The easiest and most hassle-free option is to go on a guided tour . With a guided tour, you won’t have to stress about navigating the public transportation system. Furthermore, perhaps the biggest benefit of taking a tour from Nice to Monaco is that you can explore the principality with a local. This means you’ll be able to gain an in-depth understanding of what you’re seeing. And, I think connecting with tour guides is just awesome in general! It’s always such a bonus to have someone local who will tell you all the true hidden gem spots that most tourists don’t know about. So, if a guided tour seems like the way to go for you, then I highly recommend checking out these two Nice to Monaco tours below.

1. Monaco and Eze Small-Group Day Trip

⭐️  RATING : 4.6 out 5 – taken by 760+ guests! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  8 hours

The  Monaco and Eze Small-Group Day Trip includes:

• Direct Pick-up from hotels in Nice
• Guided tour of a famous perfumery in the medieval village of Eze
• Walking around Monte Carlo’s bustling Old Town
• Driving around the Formula 1 Circuit in Monaco
• Seeing the Prince’s Palace & famous Monte Carlo Casino
• Small group tour limited to 8 guests

With over 760+ tourists taking this tour, this is the most popular tour that allows you to comfortably day trip from Nice to both the medieval hilltop town of Eze and the glamorous country of Monaco! To start, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Nice in a comfortable minivan. From there, you’ll cruise along the scenic coastline to the historic hilltop village of Eze, where you’ll tour a long-standing perfume factory. Then, you’ll spend the rest of the day discovering beautiful Monaco. Additionally, since this is a full-day tour, you’ll have ample time to explore the city on your own without feeling rushed! So, if you’re looking for a tour that provides you with easy transportation, guided aspects, as well as the freedom to discover places on your own, this small-group Monaco tour is for you!

“An absolutely fabulous tour! Our guide was amazing and super friendly. She made our day! All of the stops were exciting and I felt like a had insider knowledge from a local.” – Shelby D. ( seE MORE REVIEWS )

✅ 🏎 Check availability for this popular tour to both Eze and Monaco!

Want to Only See Monaco?

With the previous tour, you can explore both the incredibly charming town of Eze as well as gorgeous Monaco, hence why the tour is a full-day tour! But, I know some people may be short on time or only want to see Monaco. If this sounds like you, then this is the tour I recommend taking instead.

2. Trip from Nice to Monaco with a Walking Tour

⭐️  RATING : 5 out 5 | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  3 – 4 hours

The  Trip from Nice to Monaco with a Walking Tour includes:

• Friendly English-speaking guide
• Meeting your guide at the Nice Ville Train Station
• Train ticket to Monaco
• Visiting 11 different sites throughout Monaco
• Hearing the stories and history behind each attraction
• Small group tour limited to 15 people

This is the perfect tour if you looking to maximize your time in Monaco and cover a lot of ground! You will get to see and learn about Monaco’s most iconic attractions as well as the lesser-known places. And considering everything that the tour includes, the tour is well worth its price! Plus, the guides are super awesome and knowledgeable. So, if you’re looking for a comprehensive and affordable walking tour of only Monaco , check out this tour !

“ It was great value for money. Tom knows a lot about every aspect of Monaco, he is super patient. The place he suggested for us to eat was awesome. I really recommend. “ – Fernanda C. ( seE MORE REVIEWS )

✅ 🚶‍♂️ Check availability for this awesome walking tour of Monaco from Nice

🚨 NOTE: If you’re traveling with 4-6 people, I recommend booking a private tour since it’s about the same price, if not cheaper as a regular tour. Private tours are also better for those looking for a more intimate or personalized experience! This is the private tour I recommend as it has only received 5-star reviews and has been taken by over 125+ groups!

Nice to Monaco by Train

If you prefer to travel independently and don’t mind navigating the train stations on your own, then your second option is to travel from Nice to Monaco by train. The train ride is about 20 – 30 minutes and is operated by SNCF. I recommend booking your ticket ahead of time with Omio , as that’s the platform that I’ve used and trusted for all inter-Europe travel since 2019. All you have to do is click the link , input your dates, and then you’ll able to view all the different train routes.

🚂 NOTE: Don’t forget to purchase round-trip tickets ! I’ve forgotten to do that once and haha — it’s a rude awakening let me tell yah…😔

Oh! And the one thing I will say and warn you is that it can get extremely crowded and chaotic at the train stations. This is especially true if you leave on one of the early – mid-morning trains or the evening trains. My best piece of advice is that if you don’t like being pressed up against other people, and possibly shoved on accident a few times, then consider touring Monaco with a private tour that provides private transportation!

Train From Nice to Monaco Price

A train ride from Nice to Monaco costs a little over $4 USD. So round trip, you would spend about $8 USD.

✅ 🚂 Check rates and availability for Trains from Nice to Monaco

13 Things: What to Do in Monaco for a Day

Alrighty, now that you have the rundown of how to get to Monaco, let’s talk about what you can do in Monaco for a day! Oh! And just so you know… This itinerary was made with walking distance in mind. Thus, I’ve listed everything in the order I would recommend doing them to save you time and energy in walking because I hate having to crisscross all over cities. According to Google Maps, it takes about 1.5 hours to walk the entire route if you don’t stop.

🇲🇨 NOTE: I’ve created a Google Map with all the places I recommend visiting so you can follow along when you’re in Monaco! It’s at the end of this section, but you can jump to it here . 🤠

1. Place du Casino

The first place to check out is Casino Square, which is an 11-minute walk from the train station. It’s pretty much every bit of opulence as you would expect and maybe a little bit more! Outside, you’ll likely see an assortment of luxury cars parked, and the ultra-rich handing off their cars to the valets. And, of course, you then have Monaco’s famous Monte-Carlo Casino! It was originally built in 1861 and certainly lives up to the hype and attention it gets. I mean, not that I’ve seen a lot of casinos, but the architecture gives world-class Opera Houses and other famous cathedrals and churches a run for their money. Tourists are allowed to walk around some parts of the casino free of charge, but you’ll need your passport to enter.

Fun Fact: Contrary to popular belief, Monte Carlo, Monaco is not the gambling capital of the world…Macau is!

For those interested in gambling, because I mean how many times can you say I gambled at the iconic Monte-Carlo Casino, I recommend circling back at the end of the day. The reason is that there are not a lot of people inside the casino in the morning. Plus, it’ll leave you pressed for time to visit all the other places that close earlier in the day. Thus, I suggest taking pictures outside of the casino while the sun is out and the lighting is good. Then, return in the evening if you want to take part in some casino action!

💸 NOTE: I’ll tell you all the information you need to know about gambling and entering the Monte-Carlo Casino at the end of the itinerary .

2. Fairmont Hairpin Curve Formula 1

From there, move on to the Fairmont Hairpin Curve Formula 1, which is only about a 5-minute walk. There isn’t a ton to see for non-formula 1 fans as it’ll look like any ole’ road with cars traveling up and down. However, for anyone who loves Formula 1 as I do , you can see the dreaded Fairmont hairpin curve (previously Lowes hairpin) that is outside of the Fairmont Hotel. It’s crazy to imagine racing at 200+ mph and then having to deftly decelerate to about 30 mph to avoid crashing into the walls of this winding piece of road. Super impressive when you think about it and the drivers don’t smash into one another… ** cue the flashback to the 2000 Monaco GP with the 7 car pile-up ** ah yes, what exciting times lol If you want, you can technically follow the street circuit for a bit, but just be mindful of cars and traffic! Also in the area is a Starbucks and cafe if you want to grab a coffee, a quick bite to eat, or anything else to keep you energized until it’s time to eat lunch.

3. Princess Grace Japanese Garden

Another quick 5-minute walk away is the serene Princess Grace Japanese Garden! For those who don’t know, Princess Grace of Monaco is also known as Grace Kelly, the beloved American actress. She starred in several critically acclaimed films, including The Country Girl, High Noon, High Society, and a few Alfred Hitchcock thrillers. When she married Prince Rainier III in the 1950s, she gave up acting and focused on her role as Princess of Monaco and the duties that came along with that. She later died at the age of 52 after sustaining injuries in a car crash. So, as you explore the city, you’ll likely see little homages to her, the Princess Grace Japanese Gardens being one of them. Within the gardens, you’ll see a variety of plants, waterfalls, brooks, a Zen garden for meditation, and paths in perfect Japanese style. This makes it a nice place to find some peace and tranquility for a few moments in the middle of this busy metropolitan city! Overall, the garden is quite small compared (0.7 hectares) to most gardens, such as the sprawling Botanical Gardens in Montreal , but I promise it’s still worth visiting! Plus, it’s free, which can’t be said of many things in Monaco lol 🙃

4. Yacht Club de Monaco

From the Princess Grace Japanese Gardens, head towards the Yacht Club de Monaco! I recommend walking through Tunnel Larvotto since it’s part of the Monaco Formula 1 circuit. As you walk through, imagine the amount of adrenaline coursing through the drivers’ bodies as they fly through the tunnel and then deal with the G-forces of the following chicanes…🤯 And if you’re a fellow Formula 1 interested in learning about the history of the Monaco circuit while walking the full course, I recommend signing up for this amazing F1 walking tour I did! It’s led by Tom, a local who has been working in the motorsport field for decades, and he tells you everything there is to know about the iconic street circuit and its long-standing history! Seriously, he is super funny, knowledgeable, and knows how to captivate even non-F1 fans!

✅ 🏎 Check availability and rates for this walking tour around the Formula 1 circuit 🏁

Once you’re on the other side of the tunnel, you’ll see all the yachts parked in Port Hercule and instantly experience what I like to call a “wealth check.” 🤑 This is especially true because you can’t enter the actual yacht club since it’s private. But, you can walk along the dock and take pictures…maybe use them for a vision board or something lol.

5. Rue Princesse Caroline

When you’re done envisioning your dream super yacht and admiring the view, make your way over to Rue Princesse Caroline. This street is gorgeous and lined with all kinds of souvenir shops and restaurants! You’ll even find some pretty unique and mesmerizing art installations. I recommend grabbing lunch and ice cream here as you’ll have plenty of options. Plus, you’re going to want to make sure you’re fueled for the rest of what’s in store. And in case you’re wondering, I honestly thought the food and wine weren’t that expensive and there was a good selection, even some Niçoise specialties ! In fact, I distinctly remember being surprised at how reasonable the prices were and how fair the portion sizes were. You would think that one of the world’s wealthiest countries would charge the most astronomical prices, but nope. Switzerland is intent on keeping that title. 😅

6. Gateway to Rock

After you’ve filled up and are ready to keep moving, walk about 8 minutes until you reach the Gateway to Rock . This is a ramp that leads back to the top part of Monaco, so you can expect a good amount of uphill walking. I know — walking uphill isn’t fun, but keep in mind that the best views are from above! So feel free to stop often to take in the incredible views. You can even do a mini photoshoot like my friends and I did if there’s no one around. Also, you’ll get a strong sense of how compact and dense Monaco is. For example, you’ll notice that most of the buildings in Monaco are essentially skyscrapers, minus the ones in Monaco’s Old Town. This is because every square inch of space matters and is prime real estate. In terms of size, Monaco is only 499 acres or 0.76mi² in terms of area! This makes it the second smallest country in Europe, second to Vatican City. Although, both make another tiny principality I’ve visited, Andorra , look humongous! Moreover, because of Monaco’s petite size, there is nothing for them to export. They have no natural resources to offer other countries. As such, what drives their economy is tourism. This is part of the reason why it’s so easy to get in and out of Monaco, and there are large sporting events held here, such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix and ATP Masters 1000 Monte Carlo tournament. They need to attract tourists!

7. Prince’s Palace of Monaco

Once you reach the top, there are a few different things to see. The first one is the Prince’s Palace of Monaco , locally called the Le Palais des Princes de Monaco! It’s where Prince Albert II of Monaco and his family reside. From the outside, the palace doesn’t look like much of a Palace if I’m being honest lol. It’s pretty sparse, asymmetrical due to its placement on top of the cliff, and just not that visually attractive. If you’re wondering why this might be, here’s a brief look at the history. Originally, the Palace was a fortress, built in 1191 and used primarily for war purposes. However, by the end of the 13th century, the Grimaldi family took over and claimed it as their own. Pretty much since then, minus a brief approximately 20-year period where the French seized the Palace, the Grimaldi family has lived there and ruled over Monaco.

Another reason why this Palace is nothing like the other European palaces is because of Monaco’s lack of space. There’s no place or space to build a new palace, which means this one has been in use for over 700 years by the same family! Meanwhile, other European powers were able to erect new palaces whenever they pretty much wanted to. Hence why other palaces in places like Stockholm or Oslo look much more impressive. If you want to visit, the palace is seasonally open to the public from April until mid-October. Some of the places you’ll have access to include the State Apartments, several Italian Renaissance frescos, and my personal favorite, The Cars Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco for any car lovers and Formula 1 fans out there! You can book tickets on the official site .

8. Panoramic View of Monaco

Right next to the Prince’s Palace is one of two amazing viewpoints! This one is the first one you’ll technically encounter from the ramp and is on the left side when your back is to the Palace. Here, you’ll get an amazing view of the city, all the yachts packed in the harbor, as well as the Mediterranean Sea in all its glory! This is a great spot to take some really beautiful photos and just admire the beauty of Monaco.

9. Vue panoramique sur Fontvieille

Then, on the other side of the Palace, you’ll find another viewpoint. It’s the same kind of vibes haha, but still absolutely delightful to spend a few moments admiring. The only difference is that you’ll be overlooking a different harbor, which has a different set of yachts! Cause there’s never enough space for all the super yachts of the hyper-wealthy! Tough problems…I know!

10. Cathédrale de Monaco

Just a 5-minute walk away from the Palace and two previously mentioned viewpoints is the Cathédrale de Monaco or Saint Nicholas Cathedral. This beautiful cathedral dates back to 1875 and is constructed out of white stone from La Turbie, which is a nearby commune. It’s the official cathedral for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Monaco and features stunning Romanesque architecture, which in my brutally honest opinion, is more impressive than the Palace Additionally, several members of the Grimaldi family have been laid to rest here, including Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III. Visitors are welcomed free of charge, but you do have to cover your shoulders. Inside there is a lot of artwork, sculptures, frescos, and a great altar! So, it’s worth spending a couple of minutes walking around inside, especially with its fantastic price tag — ✨ free ✨! 😉

11. Museé Océanographique de Monaco

Another spot you won’t want to miss out on visiting is the Museé Océanographique de Monaco , which is essentially a museum and an aquarium rolled into one! Inside, you’ll get to see a wide range of sea creatures, including lots of jellyfish, turtles, vibrant coral reefs, and even a few endangered species! There’s even a section that has a bunch of waste inside the aquarium. This is meant to show the impact of pollution and climate change on our environment, and a part I appreciate. And of course, like most places in Monaco, the location of the museum features lovely views of the coast! Speaking of, you can catch a great view of Monaco’s cityscape on the top floor terrace when you’re done walking around the main museum and aquarium areas! The museum is open every day from 10 AM – 6 PM and is well worth a visit!

✅ 🐠 Purchase your ticket for the Museé Océanographique de Monaco!

12. Frame – Photo Point

Before you make your way back to the Casino or train station, I recommend walking another 5 minutes to the Frame! It’s a massive frame with a marvelous view of the French Rivera, which makes for a lovely place to take a couple of pictures. There are also some nice benches to rest on because I’m willing to bet your feet are ready for a break like mine were. Also, this isn’t that important or anything but try and use the water faucets that are near one of the benches. 😂 Maybe my friends and I are just dumb or something (very possible), but for the life of us, we couldn’t figure out how to get a consistent stream of water! Do you just spin the handle consistently? Or is there a sweet spot you have to hit? I don’t know, but it was pretty amusing! Oh! And if you wanna see something that’s kind of cool and mildly creepy, try to walk by the Manteau de la Conscience by Anna Chromy on your way over from the Museé Océanographique de Monaco! It’s just a small art piece that reminds me of the ghosts in A Christmas Carol.

13. Gamble at Monte Carlo Casino

By now, it’s probably early evening if not nighttime, making it the perfect time to have some fun! So, the last stop for this one-day in Monaco itinerary is the Monte Carlo Casino where you can try your hand at the slot machines, tables, or whatever your gambling pleasure may be! To enter, you will have to be dressed appropriately, this means you have to look relatively well put together. For example, I discovered the hard way that flip-flops are not allowed inside…🙃 Additionally, there is an entrance fee to play casino games. When I went, it was €17, but that’s subject to change. I’d also like to point out that I think it’s a little funny that they make you start at a €17 deficit before you even hit the slot machines or tables… * bank account cries *. You can see the most up-to-date information on the rules for entering the casino here on the official site.

Fun Fact: Citizens of Monaco, also known as people who are Monegasque, are not allowed to gamble in the casinos! This is probably because they know that the ultra rich will no longer be the top 1% if they gamble away all their money!

Map of One Day in Monaco Itinerary

As promised, here is a map showing you the locations of all the places I just recommended above. You can use it to follow along the itinerary I created or use it to form your own walking route as you explore Monaco!

🇲🇨 NOTE: I know there are 14 numbers, but #4 is just there for navigational purposes. It’s only a tunnel that I recommend walking through on your way to the Yacht Club de Monaco from the Princess Grace Japanese Garden!

Best Time to Visit Monaco

If you have some flexibility in your schedule, the best time to visit Monaco is during May, June, September, and October. During these months, the average high temperature is in the 60’s to mid-70s °F so it’s quite pleasant. There are also fewer crowds since it’s technically shoulder season and you’ll hopefully avoid all the throngs of people that make their way over during the summer.

I visited Monaco in June and September, and both times it was delightful. The weather was perfect and everything was flourishing. Of course, though, Monaco is an incredibly beautiful place regardless of the weather, so no matter when you go, you’ll be sure to have a great time!

🇲🇨 NOTE: If you’re like me and want to splurge a little to spend a night or two in Monaco, here are the most opulent hotels in Monaco that will make your money and time worth it!

Tips for Visiting Monaco

To ensure you have the best possible experience while discovering Monaco, here are a few things to keep in mind!

• 🛂 Bring Your Passport: You are crossing country borders and while there isn’t a formal passport check at the train station or if you go on a private tour, you will be asked to show your passport if you want to see the inside of the Monte Carlo Casino. This includes if you want to see the free areas.
• 👗 Wear Nicer Clothes: I recommend wearing nicer clothes. I mean aside from fitting in better and creating a more realistic illusion that you could live here, you won’t be turned away from fancy restaurants or the Monte-Carlo casino 🙂

• 👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes: Unless you plan on spending all your time at the casino or sitting down, make sure you wear very comfortable shoes. Monaco is mountainous and there’s lots of uphill walking. Remember, the goal is to leave with more money than you entered with, not with less money and blisters!
• 💧 Bring Water: Stay hydrated by bringing a reusable water bottle! You’ll likely be walking around a fair bit, sweat a little, and want to avoid dehydration. As mentioned earlier, there are water faucets around the city.
• 🍎 Bring Snacks: Similarly to water, bring snacks! Monaco is known for its seafood and fine dining but it can get a bit pricy. I recommend packing some snacks like granola bars or fresh fruit from a grocery store in Nice and taking it with yah. You never know when hunger will strike.

Where to Stay in Nice

In case you haven’t booked your housing, I recommend checking out these places in Nice. They are based on my personal experience as well as my extensive outside research and diving deep into *guest reviews*. I know not everyone has time to go down the rabbit hole or spend hours researching, so hopefully, this makes it easier for you 🙂

Low-Cost Stays

• The Deck Hotel by Happy Culture — lovely 4-star hotel near beach | ⭐️ 9 / 10
• Hotel de France — highly rated, affordable 3-star hotel | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10

Mid-Range Stays

• La Pérouse — 4-star hotel with pool | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
• Hotel Nice Côte D’Azur — 4-star hotel w/ terraces | ⭐️ 9 / 10

Luxury Stays

• Hotel Palais Saleya — amazing 4-star hotel near Castle Hill | ⭐️ 9.6 / 10
• Le Negresco — iconic 5-star hotel along Promenade des Anglais | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10

You can also use these buttons to go directly to your favorite booking platform and find housing yourself.

Alternatively, feel free to utilize the map below to scroll around. It shows you all kinds of housing options across various booking platforms with current prices and their exact location. For the most up-to-date prices, I suggest entering your travel dates 🙂

Nice to Monaco Day Trip: FAQ

Even though Nice and Monaco are quite comparable to one another , Monaco is well worth visiting! No place in the world does it like Monaco. And while this post outlines how to day trip, I would say it’s even worth splurging for a luxurious weekend getaway at one of their opulent hotels if you want to immerse yourself in the extravagant lifestyle of the hyper-rich! This is what I did and it was unforgettable in all the best ways!

As this post explains, you can easily day trip to Monaco from Nice by either going on a guided tour or riding the local train !

The distance from Nice to Monaco is about 13 miles or almost 21 km.

There isn’t a small boat that you can line up for to go from Nice to Monaco… But, you can ride a ferry from Nice to Monaco . Or, you can opt for a little boat tour along the French Riviera , such as this private tour that sails off the coast of Nice and Monaco . There are options yanno! 🤠

The train from Nice to Monaco is very scenic! With a window seat, you can admire the turquoise coastline and see the local houses dotting the mountainside.

Honestly, I didn’t think Monaco was that expensive . If anything, my friends and I thought it was cheaper than most large cities in Europe, such as Paris , Geneva , and Milan , which were worse. I only spent $14 on a salad bowl for lunch, just to give you an idea haha.

Wrap-Up: Nice to Monaco Day Trip (2024)

Monaco is famous for its stunning coastline, high-end fashion, obscenely rich residents, and, of course, the iconic Monte Carlo Casino. And if you’re staying in Nice , popping over to Monaco is an easy excursion you won’t want to miss out on! After all, wandering through the beautiful streets of this extravagant country was one of the highlights of my trip to Europe, and it’s something I often recommend to all my friends visiting Nice. Not to mention, whether you’re traveling to Nice on a strict budget or desire a more stress-free visit , you have plenty of options for doing a Nice to Monaco day trip! Regardless of which way you decide to travel to Monaco, I hope this post has been insightful and wish you a wonderful time exploring the French Riviera!

Discover More About France

• 🏰 Toulouse : Staying in Toulouse and looking for fun activities to add to your itinerary ? Travel to the historic city of Carcassonne . This UNESCO heritage site has the world’s most well-preserved medieval fortress and will transport you back hundreds of years!
• 🗼 Paris: Thinking of heading to Paris but unsure if it’s right for you? Here’s what most blogs won’t warn you about and what to consider about the French Capital before you go! And if you need some recommendations, a couple of my favorite activities over the years include visiting Monet’s gardens , touring the Paris Opera House , and exploring this little museum !
• 🍷 Lyon: Are you a lover of wine headed to Lyon? Be sure to do a bit of wine tasting in the famed Beaujolais wine region !

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Kristin is the founder of Global Travel Escapades, a blog dedicated to helping travelers explore beautiful destinations and planning their wildest travel dreams. She has explored 30 countries and is on a mission to visit 50 by age 30. Along the way, she has lived in places like sunny San Diego and the vibrant French capital! Ultimately, Kristin hopes her passion for adventure, delicious food, and all things F1 & tennis inspires others to plan their next travel escapade!

One Day in Monaco Itinerary – Top things to do in Monaco

Ah, Monaco. A city-state of yachts, Formula 1, and James Bond. This is Europe’s haven for the rich, but at the same time a very popular destination for tourists. So if your travels bring you here, you will most certainly have a lot to see and enjoy. True, the place is a tad expensive, but if you’re spending only one day in Monaco, this can easily be managed and mitigated. Just relax and soak everything in because you will be visiting a very special place, indeed.

What’s the best time to visit Monaco?

Monaco is located on the French Riviera, so the climate can’t really get much better than that. Therefore, you can easily visit it all year round. However, do keep in mind that it can get quite hot during summer and that summer is the peak tourist season around here. Therefore, the best time to visit Monaco may be spring – it’s not that hot, and there is less rain than in fall.

Monaco is also host to numerous globally recognized events. Sports fans probably immediately think of the famous Monaco Grand Prix, a Formula 1 race that has been held since 1929 and is one of the most prestigious races in the world. You can also visit the International Monte Carlo Circus Festival in February, the Monaco Yacht Show in September, or the Monte Carlo Summer Festival. There is always something going on here!

A few facts about Monaco

Monaco is what is known as a microstate – it has less than 40,000 residents, and only about a quarter of them are actually of Monégasque nationality. In fact, when it comes to sovereign states, only Vatican City is smaller: Monaco only covers two square kilometers. The currency used in Monaco is the euro even though the country is not formally a part of the European Union.

Unsurprisingly, this country has the lowest poverty rate in the world. This might have something to do with the fact that they have the highest GDP on the planet and the highest percentage of millionaires and billionaires.

The reason why rich people flock here – Monaco charges absolutely no income tax and has never done so.

Politically speaking, Monaco is a monarchy, and its current head is Prince Albert II.

One Day in Monaco Itinerary

So, here we are, in what is probably the richest place on Earth. One day in Monaco promises to be full of jaw-dropping sights, so plan your time carefully to get a full sense of this unique destination. With this itinerary, you will get to see the best sights and spend a perfect day on the French Riviera. Let’s go!

Upon arriving in Monaco, the one thing that many people want to do is head to the famous Monte Carlo Casino . You can tour the casino starting from 10 AM, whereas the games can be played from early afternoon. So, if you’re not planning on playing and just want to have a look around, it’s best to do this first on your one day in Monaco.

Enjoy a breakfast with a view

To start your one day in Monte Carlo, it’s best to take it easy with a nice breakfast. Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is a perfect place for that, not just because it fits into this itinerary impeccably.

Enjoy the Mediterranean sun along with a delicious meal and a cup of coffee and soak in the majestic surroundings of this place. Oh, and don’t be surprised if you see a celebrity or two – many famous people love to stop by!

Hop over to Casino Monte Carlo

Right next door is the famous Casino Monte Carlo, so you will be able to start sightseeing right after breakfast. Keep in mind that the tours start at 10 AM (up until 1 PM), while the casino is not actually open yet and is getting ready for another day of excitement. Still, you are more than welcome to go inside and take a look.

The interior is nothing short of stunning, while the building was built back in 1863. There is an Opera Hall inside that mimics the one in Paris, and all the gambling rooms are jaw- droppingly beautiful. No wonder James Bond is a frequent guest of this place in his movies. Should you want to play in the casino on top of touring it, note that the place opens for players at 2 PM.

Take a walk to the Oceanographic Museum

Once you’re done with the casino, take a stroll to the Oceanographic Museum. The best route is through Monaco Ville, i.e. the Old Town. Lovely narrow streets and loads of shops make this trip well worth it, plus you can stop and see the town hall and the National Council building.

Once you enter the museum, you will see why many consider it to be one of the best such museums in Europe. The aquarium has more than 6000 species, including various sharks, turtles, and many, many more. It is interesting to know that the museum was founded in 1910 as a place for Prince Albert I to drop off things from his various expeditions.

Sit down for an amazing lunch

After all this sightseeing, you must be pretty hungry, so it’s time to find a place for lunch. Fortunately, a place like Monaco has plenty of amazing choices!

La Note Bleue is an excellent example – located on a beach, this restaurant provides a beautiful setting for your meal as well as excellent food. Oh, and the prices are pretty reasonable for Monaco.

MayaBay is a great choice for those of you who love Thai food, whereas Bella Vita serves delicious Italian classics, including pizzas and pasta.

French and Italian cuisine dominate and permeate Monaco’s food scene, so you are by no means limited in your search for a good meal. Feel free to explore, you won’t be disappointed!

Take a look at Saint Nicholas Cathedral

Go back to the Old Town once you’re done with your lunch and find Saint Nicholas Cathedral. This beautiful piece of architecture was built in 1875 and houses the tombs of deceased princes, and actress Grace Kelly has also been laid to rest here, seeing how she married Prince Rainier and thus became the Princess of Monaco.

On top of that, the cathedral has an altarpiece from the beginning of the 16th century on top of some other beautiful details. Seeing how entering the cathedral is free, it would be a shame to miss out on this opportunity.

Relax on Larvotto Beach

After a whole day of sightseeing, there’s nothing better than relaxing on a beautiful Mediterranean beach, and Larvotto Beach is just the thing! This wonderful strip of white sand and pebbles is surrounded by various shops and eateries, so you have plenty of options on how to spend your time here.

Don’t be afraid to jump straight in (unless you had something to eat, that is) because the water is crystal-clear and perfect for a swim. Best of all, this is a completely public beach, so everyone can enjoy it. You can hop on a bus, take a taxi, or simply take a stroll to get here.

Plan your night out

Going out in the evening in Monaco is a very special experience. After all, this is where the jet set from all over the world can be seen. So, expect to find some fancy (and expensive) places, many of which will have a dress code.

Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo comes highly recommended, and the same can be said for La Rascasse. They both offer great food and drinks, with excellent DJs taking care of the music.

Jimmy Z’s deserves to be mentioned too, since it’s been around for more than 50 years and has become probably the most iconic club in Monaco. Many celebrities can often be found here, so consider yourself lucky if you manage to get in.

Of course, one can always go and play in the illustrious Monte-Carlo Casino if money is not a problem, but Bar Amércain is also a fantastic evening venue. Looking like something from the Roaring Twenties, this bar oozes class, and the interior and the live jazz music really create a remarkable experience.

Where to stay in Monaco?

Le Méridien Beach Plaza

22 Avenue Princesse Grace, MC 98000 Monte Carlo, Monaco

Seek out Le Méridien Beach Plaza . This hotel is on the water and has numerous amenities that you will enjoy the entire time that you’re staying there. Your room could have a view of the water and you can order amazing room service.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Hotel Columbu s Monte Carlo

23 Avenue Des Papalins, 98000 Monte Carlo

Hotel Columbus was recently renovated and now is a great and affordable (when compared to the competition, anyway) option for a stay in Monaco. A fantastic swimming pool with loads of greenery around it is something everyone is bound to enjoy, plus the view is great. The rooms are spacious and fairly luxurious, and the hotel restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. All in all, a great place to stay.

Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo

Place du Casino, Monte Carlo City Centre, 98000 Monte Carlo

If you really want to live it up, Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo is really hard to beat. Located in a building from mid-19h century, this hotel will captivate you with luxury and class from the moment you step foot inside it. I mean, it has its own wine cellar! Two swimming pools are also available, and the rooms feature marble bathrooms and are exquisitely decorated. Oh, and pets are allowed, too.

Hotel de France

6 Rue de la Turbie, 98000 Monte Carlo

If you’re trying to stay in Monaco without spending a pretty penny, then check into some of the hostels. Hotel de France in Monaco is an inexpensive option that is still central to many of the elements of the city. That way, you can spend more money on enjoying the area and culture and less money trying to find lodgings that come with a lot of benefits.

Day trips from Monaco

The location and size of this tiny sovereign state are perfect if you want to go on day trips from Monaco and cross the border into other countries. And there is quite a lot to see, so here’s a few suggestions that are bound to interest you.

A wonderful city on the south of France, Nice is only about half an hour away from Monaco, which makes it an ideal destination for a day trip. This is what the French Riviera is all about, and you will get to enjoy some spectacular food, art and a vibe that is modern and slightly glamorous but always inviting. One day in Nice is just what the doctor ordered!

The second largest city in France certainly has a lot to offer, and it’s really not that far from Nice. Just continue along the coast westwards and you’ll get there in about two hours. One day in Marseilles can be spent in a variety of ways, enjoying shopping, famous museums, incredible restaurants and sights, but you can also get out of town a bit to explore Provence.

But you can also head east from Monaco and cross the border into Italy. Once you do that, head to the lovely little town of San Remo. The vibe here is something amazing, with loads of colours, friendly locals and great wine wherever you turn. Also, should you be here in winter, you may want to arrange so that you can go and visit the famous San Remo Festival.

Back to the French Riviera for the last of our day trips from Monaco. Cannes is a city of art and culture, famous for its film festival. You may want to avoid that festival, though, as the prices blow up and the city is swarmed by visitors. But during the rest of the year, one day in Cannes is an absolute treat, with one of the most beautiful promenades in the country.

Extra tips for visiting Monaco

If you’re going to visit Monaco, then it’s a good idea to think about making friends. According to the experts , not only can friendships turn into something long-term and fun, but they can lead to new adventures that you’d never have otherwise.

Monaco is a one-of-a-kind place and the people who come here are instantly more interesting for having stopped by. Whether you are an individual looking for a full vacation or you’re just spending the day, there is so much to do in this city that you’ll want to keep coming back. Fortunately, people on all budgets can find something fun to do, but it’s better to come with a full wallet. All in all, as long as you like warm air, a summery breeze, and interesting people, you’ll be all set to have a great experience!

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If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Monaco Itinerary, feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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The Perfect Monaco Day Trip from Nice

Last Updated on March 6, 2024

by Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Monaco is a principality on the French Riviera near France’s border with Italy, which is why a Monaco day trip from Nice is the perfect excursion. World famous since the marriage of Grace Kelly to the Prince of Monaco Rainier III in 1956, Monaco is the epitome of wealth and riches.

Easily accessed within 20 minutes from Nice , come marvel at the yachts, admire the street fashion and gaze on, or get involved, at the roulette tables of the Monte Carlo Casino. Whether you’re seeing Monaco on a budget or there to splash out, you can’t miss this bite-sized beauty.

Table of Contents

How to Get from Nice to Monaco

There are a few different ways to travel from Nice to Monaco, and each route gives a stunning perspective as you arrive.

By Organised Tour

If you don’t want to travel alone, or just prefer being part of a group, there are a few options of organised tours for a Nice to Monaco day trip.

You can take this full-day tour , where you’ll drive along the windy coastal roads, stop by the historic village of Èze, visit the Fragonard perfume factory and take in the views of Monte Carlo.

Alternatively, you can revel in the glitz and the glamour with this night-time tour from Nice! See the stunning buildings of the belle époque lit up spectacularly, as you drive to Monaco, and see the principality in another light.

If you’re short on time you can also go on a half-day tour to see the highlights but that won’t leave a lot of time to explore on your own. Alternatively, if you’d like your own guide, then consider booking this private day tour from Nice.

One of the best ways to visit Monaco from Nice is by train. You can buy your tickets online or at the central Nice-Ville train station, or Nice-Riquier, slightly further out of the city.

It takes you on a 20-minute journey along the incredible coastline and through the stunning French town of Èze.

The trains are spacious and clean and start from 05.40 every morning, but keep in mind that the last train back from Monaco on weekdays is 21.05, so don’t leave it too late if you intend to get the train back as well. You can view train schedules here .

Note that it is also possible to visit Monaco via direct train from other towns along the French Riviera, such as Cannes and Antibes.

It’s very easy to get to Monaco from Nice by bus and you get the chance to experience the beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea from the winding coastal roads as well.

Zou! run regular schedules, beginning early in the morning in the Normandy Square and leaving approximately every 15 minutes. You’ll also need to download the Zou! application to reserve your ticket online.

Since Monaco is all about showing off, what better way to arrive in the super-rich microstate than by boat into the glamorous harbour with yachts on all sides?

You can take a ferry from Nice to Monaco harbour, leaving at 09.30 daily, and returning at 17.00 so you can comfortably spend one day in Monaco exploring the streets or casinos.

The journey takes around 45 minutes and gives you an incredible view of the palace atop of the rocky hill and the sparkling city adjacent. You can book tickets here .

Given the many public transport options, it’s not necessary to rent a car, however, it does of course grant you the freedom to visit at your own leisure.

There are three main roads if you want to drive from Nice to Monaco; the A8 toll road through the hills, the M6007 through Èze, and the M6098 along the coast; each route has spectacular views over the Mediterranean as you arrive in the swanky seaside state.

There’s a 24-hour car park in Place d’Armes, near the palace, so you can easily leave the car and walk into the city rather than struggle to find a parking spot in the narrow streets.

If you need to rent a car for your trip you can browse Rentalcars.com which compares prices across major companies.

Monaco Day Trip Itinerary

At just 202 hectares, you can see most of what Monaco has to offer in one day as it’s all very close together.

The most striking points of the Monaco skyline, as you arrive by car, train or ferry, are the Prince’s Palace of Monaco (home to the Grimaldi family), the Hercules Port, and the Opera House, and these are, rightly, the most important stops on your visit.

The train station and port are central, so you can easily start at either end of the country. However, it makes sense to start in the old town if Monaco and watch the Palace’s changing of the guard before heading down for lunch near the port and finishing with an evening in the casino.

There are, of course, plenty of museums, activities and things to do in Monaco that you’ll spot as you walk along the streets from stop to stop; just take in the scenery and enjoy! You can also take a historical walking tour if you have travelled here independently.

Le Palais des Princes de Monaco and Monaco-Ville

The first stop on your day trip to Monaco from Nice should undoubtedly be the quaint, colourful streets of Monaco-Ville – also referred to as Le Rocher – perched on top of the large rock to the South.

As you walk up the ramp towards the Prince’s Palace – once a fortress overlooking the city -, you’ll see an impressive gateway, and an even more impressive panoramic view of Monaco, with the Port Hercule front and centre.

At the top, you’ll also have a view of Monaco’s only other Port, Fontvieille, looking south towards the AS Monaco football stadium. The streets in Monaco-Ville are few but pretty, with souvenir shops, cafés, museums and art shops tucked away around corners.

The very informative Museum of Old Monaco is in this district, or you can visit Saint Nicholas Cathedral, or Cathédrale de Monaco. Many of the princes of the almost 800-year Grimaldi reign have been laid to rest in this cathedral, including Prince Rainier III and his wife, Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco.

Entry to the cathedral is free, however, visitors must have their shoulders covered and no shorter than knee-length shorts to enter.

At 11.55 every day, you can see the Palace’s changing of the guard ceremony. A wonderful sight, the guards, head to toe in white perform a slick routine to change shifts, much to the enjoyment of visitors.

You can visit the palace from April to October. You can buy tickets for the palace here , as well as tickets to see the Prince’s car collection and the Oceanographic Museum . Other highlights in the palace include the State Apartments and the Throne Room.

Port Hercule

Walking back down the ramp, Port Hercule is next on your one day in Monaco itinerary. As you walk around the harbour, you’ll pass a race car statue dedicated to Juan Manuel Fangio, the first post-war winner of the Monaco Grand Prix as part of the Formula One World Championship.

This road around the port is part of the world-famous Grand Prix race track, so it’s definitely worth following for F1 fans.

In the city streets of La Condamine district to the left, with the harbour on your right, you can find plenty of eateries for all tastes and budgets, so stop and have lunch in the sunshine, or keep it in mind for the evening.

You can also sit in the Brasserie de Monaco and watch the yachts come and go or try to spot celebrities as sportscars enter and exit the dock. It’s the perfect place for people-watching.

Continuing along the road around Port Hercule, you’ll begin an incline, with beautifully ornate buildings to your left and the incredible yachts of the super-rich to your right.

There is a perfect panoramic view of the port from the observation deck with the Tebe in Costume statue, although the view is so outstanding it’s tempting to take a new photo every few steps.

Follow the road up to reach one of the most lavishly decadent areas you’ll ever see.

Casino and Opera de Monte Carlo

From your previous stop, walk along the Boulevard des Moulins until you reach the Monte Carlo District.

The Monte Carlo district is one of the most opulent areas of Monaco, with the famous Casino standing proud at the head of the Place de Casino and the Opera de Monte Carlo just behind it. Whether you decide to go in them or not, the buildings of this area are beautiful and definitely worth a visit when in Monaco for a day.

Walk along the promenade in front of the 19th-century opera house and enjoy overlooking the sea and ornamental gardens. Within the gardens, there is a small walkway dotted with footballers’ footprints, so you can walk with the stars, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Didier Drogba, to the legendary Diego Maradona.

The opera house has many different cultural events throughout the year, with operas, concerts, choirs and recitals all part of their regular schedule. You can see what’s on here . 

Passing back through the Parc Spélugues, you’ll find the main attraction in Monaco: the Casino de Monte Carlo.

Built with the opera house in the 19th century, this building was influential in creating the rich hub that Monaco is today. All kinds of people come from all over the world to try their chances at the tables in such a famous location, so it’s no wonder that entry can be quite strict.

Walk around the square and marvel at the sports cars that pass through the square, glance over the luxury fashion brands in the windows of the small shopping centre or sit in the Café de Paris and take it all in. There’s plenty to see in the area, so before you head to the opera or the casino, have a good look around.

If you want to go to the casino in the afternoon, the dress code is more relaxed than in the evenings, although you should still dress relatively formally, and trainers or sandals and shorts are generally forbidden.

In the evening, suits and cocktail dresses are the best choices to guarantee entry, however, you can go in the late afternoon before the evening crowd show to make sure you can get in if you’re wearing more casual clothes. Then you can simply sit at a table and try your luck or wander around with your cocktail and see how the other half live!

Have more time?

While it is very small, there is actually plenty to do over one day in Monaco. Whether you have your own car and want to explore the surrounding area further, or simply want to cover every inch of Monaco, there’s a great deal to get your teeth stuck into.

Museums in Monaco

If you’ve decided that Monaco in a day is just not enough, there are a number of brilliant museums in the microstate, covering everything from cars to the oceans, to modern art.

Visit the Francis Bacon Art Museum to get an in-depth look into the troubled painter’s life through his early works and personal belongings

Look in at the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco – Villa Sauber to see a huge collection of contemporary art, or join in with one of their workshops

Head back to the Oceanographic Museum to explore Prince Albert’s collection or see the 6,000 marine creatures in the aquarium

Marvel at the huge collection of vintage cars in the Collection Automobiles de S.A.S. le Prince de Monaco in Port Hercule

Sport in Monaco

You could also take a couple of tours to learn more about popular sporting events in Monaco that have a huge cultural significance.

For instance, you could walk the 3.3km Monaco Grand Prix race track with a tour guide to learn about the history of the race. Alternatively, take a guided tour around AS Monaco’s home ground, the huge Stade Louis II.

Near to Monaco, and easily reachable by train and bus, is the small town of Èze. This hilltop destination provides stunning views of the surrounding Provencal area from the Château d’Èze and nearby Jardin Botanique.

It’s home to a Fragonard factory, so once you’ve explored the streets, you can learn about France’s perfume history and take a free, guided tour of the factory to see how their cosmetics come together.

Visit Ventimiglia in Italy

The train from Nice to Monaco actually continues on through Menton, to Ventimiglia, an Italian town on the border with France. So why not take in the Riviera from the Italian perspective, over an Apérol and fresh pasta?

Where to Stay in Nice

Nice Garden Hotel – Located right off the Promenade des Anglais, this 3-star hotel is great for mid-range travellers using Nice as a base. They have a number of lovely rooms available along with an unbeatable location for exploring all this coastal French city has to offer.

Palais Saleya Boutique hôtel – Those looking for a luxury stay in Nice to ensure they’re well-rested will love this high-end hotel. Located in the city centre, there are a number of lovely rooms to choose from and a great location close to Nice’s top attractions.

Aparthotel AMMI Vieux Nice – Situated in the old town of Nice, these apartments are perfect for those who want their own flat while exploring the French Riviera and Monaco. There are a number of different apartments on offer, all ranging in size, and there is also breakfast available daily.

Hostel Meyerbeer Beach – Budget and solo travellers will love this highly-rated hostel in the centre of Nice. Offering both traditional dorms and private rooms, they also have excellent common areas and good self-catering facilities for guests to use.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Nice hotels!

Going on a day trip from Nice to Monaco is a great way to spend your time while exploring the French Riviera. This micro-state has a lot to offer visitors and it’s well worth spending a day exploring it.

Are you looking to visit Monaco? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Brittany Scott-Gunfield

Brittany is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Colchester, England, she is slowly but surely travelling the world as a digital nomad. She loves to hike around different landscapes and has a deep love for travelling around France (and elsewhere in Europe).

very informative,sounds lovely ,look to visit in the future

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The 5 Best Monaco Day Trips From Nice [2024 Reviews]

When we think of glamor and adventure, the city that often comes to mind first is Dubai. However, the true home of opulence is actually Monaco, which has made a name for itself by being the playground of the wealthy and famous.

Despite being the 2nd-smallest country in the world, it’s filled to the brim with immense casinos, designer stores, luxurious venues, and much more.

Whether you want to live like James Bond (without the enemies chasing after you) or simply want to get learn about this unique location, we have the perfect choices for you here.

These carefully-curated tours are simply the top Monaco tours from Nice that you cannot miss!

Best Day Trips To Monaco From Nice

Quick answer: the 5 best monaco day trips from nice for 2024.

• Monaco and Eze Small-Group Day Trip with Perfumery Visit from Nice
• Private Half-day Trip: Eze and Monaco from Nice by Minivan
• French Riviera Sightseeing Guided Day Trip with Transfer from Nice
• Monaco, Monte Carlo and Eze Private Day Tour from Nice
• Trip from Nice to Monaco with a Walking Tour

Monaco Day Trips from Nice Tour Reviews

1. monaco and eze small-group day trip with perfumery visit from nice.

• Duration: 8 hours
• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Departure Time: 9:00 am
• Includes: Professional guide, free guided tour in perfumery, transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned minivan

Did you know that Monaco is one of the top vacation destinations among Europeans? Not only does the country rely on tourism, it also relies on banking, and that’s evidenced everywhere you turn. Learn and see it all with the Monaco and Eze Small-Group Day Trip with Perfumery Visit from Nice Tour !

Your tour kickstarts at 9:00 am with a hotel pickup in a climate-controlled minivan that’s the perfect size for you and your small group. You’ll have plenty of room to stretch your legs, water bottles, and large windows for unobstructed views of the beautiful coastline on your way to Monaco.

Before arriving in Monte Carlo, you’ll first make an interesting stop in the seaside town of Èze. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to take an educational tour of their perfumery, where you’ll learn all about their traditional ways of concocting captivating scents.

Located right on the French Riviera, our guide was even thoughtful enough to take us to one of the best viewpoints of the sea afterward! Then, hop back in your bus and cross the border over to Monaco and on to the Old Town of Monte Carlo.

It may be a tiny country, but don’t think there’s ever a limit to the adventures you can have here. The picturesque Old Town sits on a hill surrounded by the rich, blue Mediterranean, with colorful, winding paths, ice cream shops, and much more.

Notice the yachts and super cars everywhere you turn, and if you have a need for speed yourself, you’ll really enjoy this next stop. Continue your tour by heading over to the legendary Formula One Grand Prix circuit, where you’ll be able to hop in a car and race around the track, too!

There’s a surprising amount of things to learn about here, with fun anecdotes and facts about the record-breaking races that have taken place at the track. Then, cool off by entering one of the famous casinos and follow it up with some free time to visit the palace, cathedral, shop around, or grab a bite to eat at one of their many renowned restaurants.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. private half-day trip: eze and monaco from nice by minivan.

• Duration: 5 hours
• Departure Time:  9:00 am, 2:00 pm
• Includes:  Professional guide, free guided tour in perfumery, transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned minivan

Perhaps your schedule doesn’t allow for a full-day tour or you simply don’t want to have to commit to one. Maybe you’d just like a taste of Monaco to see how you like it, beforehand. If that sounds interesting to you, we highly recommend the French Riviera Sightseeing Guided Day Trip with Transfer from Nice Tou r.

This half-day trip starts off again with you being picked up at your hotel by an air-conditioned minivan and you even get to select the start time that works best for your schedule.

As it is a private tour, it’s capped at just 8 participants, so you get more of a personalized experience and attention than you would in a large group. Ask any questions you want, and your guide will be more than happy to answer them.

The journey to Monaco isn’t short on postcard-perfect views, thanks to the Mediterranean coastal landscapes throughout, until you arrive at Monte Carlo’s famed Old Town. Here, you’ll get to learn about and see the cathedral where Princess Grace Kelly is buried, the Royal Palace, lush gardens, and much more.

While it is rather small, it’s no stranger to intricate detail, opulent architecture, and colorful homes. If you’re in Monte Carlo, you can’t forget a trip to their Formula One Grand Prix racing circuit and you’re definitely not going to be taking the minivan for this one!

Follow it up with a trip over to the Monte Carlo Casino where you can try your luck or opt for some shopping, exploring the city, or finding some top-notch cuisine!

3.  French Riviera Sightseeing Guided Day Trip with Transfer from Nice

• Duration: 10 hours
• Departure Time:  9:00 am
• Includes:  Professional guide, bottled water, transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned minivan

On the other end of the spectrum, we have the French Riviera Sightseeing Guided Day Trip with Transfer from Nice Tour – perfect if you’re looking for an even longer excursion. Clocking in at 10 hours, this chauffeured tour will take you not only to Monte Carlo, but to some of the other most picturesque villages along the French Riviera.

Perfectly balancing art history, architecture, picturesque views, extravagance, and learning, it’s a fantastic option for just about anyone! Your professional guide (who will double as your chauffeur) will pick you and the rest of your party up from your hotel at 9:00 am.

Head out by mean of your air-conditioned minivan and set out onto the coastline of the Mediterranean. Expect to spend about 30 minutes at each of the stops before arriving in Monaco.

At Èze, you’ll learn how this seaside village dates back to the middle ages, soaring high over the sea down below. As you can imagine, it shows off some pretty astonishing views, as well as plenty of well-maintained Medieval architecture and churches.

With winding alleyways, old stone cottages, and plenty of art galleries, it’s no wonder that Saint Paul de Vence’s fairytale-like atmosphere was frequented by guests like Jean-Paul Sartre and Pablo Picasso.

Next, cross the border into Monaco where you’ll get a complete guided walking tour around its Old Town. Just like with the others, you’ll even get the chance to race a lap around the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit as well as some time at the casino.

On the way back, stop by Cannes, which is also ideal if you’re someone who appreciates the finer things in life.

4. Monaco, Monte Carlo and Eze Private Day Tour from Nice

• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included

If that previous tour caught your attention, we have another that’s very similar: the Monaco, Monte Carlo and Eze Private Day Tour from Nice . The main difference between the two is that you’ll have more time in each of these 3 locations, rather than stopping at the extra villages the previous tour includes.

If you’d like to get away for the day and enjoy a private tour through quaint medieval villages and high-rolling cities, this is the one for you. At 9:00 am, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in a comfortable minivan out along the Cote D’Azure.

Your first stop on the itinerary is to Èze: an enchanting village perched high on a hilltop. We aren’t exaggerating when we say the rocky outcrops standing out against the beautiful coastline makes you feel like you’re in a movie.

Explore the little shops, best vistas, and even a guided tour of the local perfumery where you’ll learn about how they craft their scents! Cross over the Monaco, where you’ll first explore its Old Town, which just seems a bit too clean and elegant in comparison to many other villages in the area.

Stroll through the beautiful, narrow streets and see the Prince’s Palace, which is the official residence of the Prince and Princess of Monaco. The Cathedral was also a fantastic experience – not only for the white marble structure itself, but for learning about the sheer amount of important historical events that have occurred here.

Most likely the highlight of the entire tour was the guided journey through the Cousteau Oceanographic Museum – there’s nothing like it on this planet, guaranteed. Next, hop on over to the Formula One Grand Prix circuit and explore around the Casino Square.

You’ll have time to check out the grade-A shopping, watch as luxury yachts sail by, or even try your luck at the casino!

5. Trip from Nice to Monaco with a Walking Tour

• Duration: 3 to 4 hours
• Departure:  Av. Thiers, 06008 Nice
• Departure Time: 10:05 am
• Includes: Guided tour, small group, transport by train

If you’re really on a tight budget or are looking for a compact tour that will fit into a busy schedule, we have the perfect tour for you.

The Trip from Nice to Monaco with a Walking Tour  gives you a taste of the affluent country in a private group setting that gives you personalized attention unlike what you’d receive in most tours. For the price, we can guarantee you won’t find a better experience than this!

No hotel pickup is included, as your transportation is going to be by train! Instead, you’ll meet your guide at the train station and your round-trip train tickets are included! This sure is a comfortable way to travel – not to mention, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking!

Once you arrive to Monte Carlo, you’ll head over to the Casino (and opera house!) and learn about how it was transformed into a lavish playground for the richest in the world in order to.

Take some photos at Casino Square (a must when in Monte Carlo!) before making your way over to the monaco Grand Prix circuit where you’ll get to take a lap around! The first race took place here almost 100 years ago, and is one of the oldest racing events in all of Europe.

Being here somehow still exudes that feeling of the Roaring Twenties, with class and a touch of rebellion. After, head over to the 11th-century Chapelle Sainte Devote, dedicated to Saint Devota, the patron saint of Monaco.

After learning about its intense history, you’ll visit the Monaco Harbor Port Hercules and pass by the gorgeous Les Jardins Saint Martin et Sainte Barbe. Discover the Port of Monaco and the starting point of the notorious Monte Carlo GP, followed up by the Monaco Opera, Notre-Dame Cathedrale, and Place du Palais.

Tour Guides

The Monaco and Eze Small-Group Day Trip with Perfumery Visit from Nice is our editors Choice for the best Monaco day trip from Nice.

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], 🍷 the 5 best florence wine tours [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

Day Trip to Monaco from Nice

Article written by Elisa This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Nice is one of the most beautiful cities in France , known for its scenery, heritage, and delicious food. A trip there can be filled with all of these amazing attractions, but you can also escape the city for a day and plan a Monaco day trip while you’re there.

It’s easy to get to Monaco from Nice. In fact, this is one of the most popular day trips from Nice . Spending one day in Monaco during your Nice trip will introduce you to a whole new way of life. Indeed, Monaco is part of the French Riviera , but it is a state independent of France.

How to Get from Nice to Monaco

The Nice to Monaco distance is so short (22 km) that it would be a pity not to make the trip! Here’s the best ways to visit Monaco from Nice:

A Nice to Monaco day trip by train is very easy to organize. The train from Nice to Monaco takes around 24 minutes, although a faster train cuts the journey down to 15 minutes. The train departs from Nice Ville and arrives in Monaco Monte Carlo.

Click here to buy your train tickets to Monaco

Getting from Nice to Monaco is easy if you have a car. It takes about 20 minutes to drive from Nice to Monaco. This option is great if you plan a French Riviera road trip , but we don’t recommend renting a car only for a day trip Nice to Monaco.

If you need to rent a car, we recommend booking your car with  DiscoverCars.com . This site is great because it takes all of the major rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, and more, and compares prices for you. This helps to ensure that you get a great price without all the time and work. Check out our best tips for renting a car in France .

What to Do in Monaco for a Day

Now that you have decided to spend one day in Monaco during your Nice trip, let’s go through the best things to do in Monaco in a day:

Le Rocher (the Rock)

If you’re exploring Monaco in a day, then you must see the Le Rocher known as the Rock. This rocky headland protrudes out into the Mediterranean Sea and was a shelter and a fortress in ancient days.

Today, the Rock holds Monaco-Ville, where Monaco’s royal family lives. Wandering around its pretty streets and exploring the shops and other historical attractions is one of the best things to do in Monaco.

Monte Carlo Neighborhood

The Monte Carlo neighborhood is simply gorgeous and must be on any list of what to do in Monaco. This neighborhood has all the glitz and glamor you would expect from Monaco, and it overlooks the glistening bay with the most fabulous views possible.

Monte Carlo is filled with chic areas that offer sublime but expensive shopping to the rich and famous who visit this city. This makes it ideal for people-watching, fine dining, elegant nights at the opera, and spending money at upscale jewelry and clothing boutiques.

Casino of Monte Carlo

Monaco is famous for its casino, so a visit is a must-do on a Monaco day trip. Designed by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Garnier Opera House in Paris , the casino building is a beaux-arts design that boasts opera and ballet performances.

You’ll probably recognize this building when you see it, as it’s been featured in several movies. It’s a smaller casino than you might expect if you’re used to Las Vegas, but the people-watching and gaming are amazing.

Palace of Monaco

The Palace is a must-see of any day trip from Nice to Monaco. Towering above the peninsula of Le Rocher, the Palais du Prince houses the Grimaldi family, rulers of Monaco since 1160. It offers beautiful views and has been renovated throughout the years into the luxurious palace that you can see today.

The Palace is only open at certain times of the year, so make sure you check whether you can enter the private residence before you go. This attraction is really worth seeing on your Monaco day trip from Nice as you’ll get the chance to explore the sumptuous décor of the State Apartments, the Throne Room, which houses official ceremonies, and the Blue Room, used for official state events.

Oceanographic Museum

With Monaco’s location overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, it’s no surprise that it’s become known for its Oceanographic Museum . First founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I, this museum is a must-see during your day trip to Monaco from Nice.

The museum exhibits are mostly from Prince Albert’s ocean expeditions and include a full whale skeleton and one of the best aquariums in Europe with more than 90 tanks of various ocean species. This museum is great for kids and adults, as the exhibits are interactive and interesting.

French Riviera Boat Cruise

Live the luxury lifestyle during your day trip from Nice to Monaco with this two-hour cruise along the French Riviera in a sleek motorboat. The cruise will take you past Monaco’s most beautiful beaches as well as sites like Cap Ferrat, the Bay of Eze, and Monte Carlo.

During your skippered boat cruise, you’ll be able to discover hidden beaches, coves, and celebrity villas. You’ll also get the chance to look for whales and dolphins while you snorkel in the Mediterranean. So if you want to feel like a movie star for the day, this is how to do it.

Experience the Monaco F1 Circuit on a Ferrari

Have you ever wanted to cruise along the French Riviera in a gleaming Ferrari? Now you can fulfill that dream during your day trip to Monaco. Drive or be driven along the panoramic roads overlooking Monte-Carlo and the Mediterranean Sea, and see the quaint hillside villages of Eze la Turbie along the way.

This is an experience from the golden days of film during which you’ll drive along familiar roads from some of the world’s most iconic films and even be able to experience the Monaco F1 circuit. This Ferrari driving experience is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so make sure that you enjoy the power of the machine under your hands while you explore the beautiful locale.

The Exotic Garden

The Exotic Garden first opened more than 75 years ago and showcases an extensive collection of rare cacti and plants. If you enjoy gardening or love being out in nature, then this attraction must be part of your Nice to Monaco day trip.

There are more than 1,000 plant species in the garden as well as an underground cave. If you want to explore the cave, you’ll need to take an official tour with a guide. 

Click here for more City Guides

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Ultimate Nice to Monaco Day Trip

World-famous for its prestigious Casino and Grand Prix, the elegant principality of Monaco is one of the most alluring places to visit in Europe… While technically a separate country, Monaco’s proximity to France’s Mediterranean coastline makes a jaunt from Nice almost obligatory. Therefore, when I found myself enjoying a long weekend on the French Riviera, I knew I had to take a Nice to Monaco Day Trip… And below you’ll find my ultimate Itinerary.

What to see in Monaco in one day – 

Monaco’s total area is only about 2km², making it the second smallest country in the world. This tiny size means you can easily tour Monaco in a day! In fact, I left Nice in the late-morning and still found I had enough time to enjoy most of the country’s highlights!

Monte Carlo Casino:

I started my Monaco Day trip at the principality’s most famous attraction, the Monte Carlo Casino. Built-in 1858, the casino quickly became a beacon of wealth and excess, and over the years it’s notability has only increased.  This is largely thanks to world-renowned films  featuring the casino in several famous scenes, such as James Bond: Golden Eye (1995).

There’s always something magical and thrilling about visiting such an iconic location! So I was such to get a photo in front of the Casinos magnificent fountain, and then simply enjoyed taking in the general grandeur and opulence of the surrounding area!

While I didn’t go inside myself, you can visit the Casinos first room (from 2pm onwards) for free. But, if you want to try your hand at gambling at this iconic establishment, you’ll have to dress to impress and admissions costs €17.

Port Hercules (Port de Monaco): 

Because no guide on what to see in Monaco in one day is complete until it features a superyacht, the next stop on my itinerary was Port Hercules.

Home to the annual Monaco Yacht Show , the port has been used since ancient times! However, it underwent major renovations at the start of the 20th-century so it could accommodate the evergrowing number of yacht’s visiting the Côte d’Azur.

Today the port is one of the most famous in the world, and it’s definitely the heart of Monaco as views throughout the city focus on it! For example, on my walk from Monte Carlo Casino to the harbor, I was treated to several glimpses of the magnificent boats on display.

However, I do think it’s worth taking the time to walk down to the harbor front as I was only able to truly appreciated the scale of some of the boats when viewing them from sea level!

Fort Antoine: 

Port Hercules also acts as a sort of central divide to the state, with Monte Carlo on one side and my next Nice to Monaco day trip destination, the Rock of Monaco, on the other. The ‘Rocher de Monaco’ is a 62m tall promontory that also happens to be the oldest part of the country…

Due to its naturally protected position, it’s really no surprise that ‘The Rock’ was home to an 18th-century fortress, parts of which still remain, such as  Font Antoine. Sitting right on the edge of the cliff, I’d read that this ancient structure provides breath-taking views over the Port and Monte-Carlo.

Therefore I decided to ‘hike’ up the path from Port Hercules towards Font Antoine and  Monaco-Ville  (the old town). And I certainly wasn’t disappointed as the views the whole way were spectacular.

The walk up to Font Antoine is quite steep in places, but it only took me around 15-minutes to reach the top, and the views made it more than worth the effort!

Musee Oceanographique: 

Close to Fort Antoine is the Musee Oceanographique, which turned out to be my favourite of all the places to visit in Monaco.

To begin with, the building itself is simply captivating. It’s dramatically located right on the edge of a cliff, and the embellishment on its facades are quite special. Since it was designed specifically to be a palace of art and science, the lavish architecture seems quite fitting!

On top of this, founded by Prince Albert I, the Musee Oceanographique has become a world-renowned aquarium/museum. Now home to a dazzling 450 marine species, its centerpiece is a  6m-deep lagoon that features sharks and a charming coral reef.

However, my personal favourite attraction was the newly opened outdoor turtle tank. Because, who doesn’t love turtles, but also never has an aquarium felt more connected to the sea!

Upstairs, three huge beautiful rooms are filled with relics that depict the history of marine biology and the discoveries made by Prince Albert himself. While this wasn’t very interesting to me I still enjoyed the uniqueness of the numerous  displays. 

TOP TOP: If you only do one thing on your own Nice to Monaco day trip, it should be a visit to the Musee Oceanographique in my opinion! Adult tickets cost €14 but you can buy them in advance online to save a few Euros. 

Jardin de Saint-Martin: 

The garden of Saint-Martin sits on the outskirts of Monaco-Ville and it’s basically a perfectly manicured park. It’s a fantastic spot to enjoy a tranquil few minutes overlooking the coast. It’s also from here where you’ll get to see the unique perspective of the Musee Oceanographique hanging out over the cliff!

Cathedrale de Monaco:

The next thing on my Monaco sightseeing list, after the Saint-Martin garden, was the Monaco Cathedral. Small but elegant, the Saint Nicholas Cathedral looks like something straight out of a princess movie… This link to royalty is, in fact, a reality as most members of the Royal Grimaldi Family are buried here, starting with Jean II (who died in 1505).

 Monaco-Ville: 

The Cathedral lies right in the heart of Monaco’s old town, therefore from there it only seemed right to explore the winding streets of Monaco-Ville. Filled with centuries-old shops and restaurants, the area is no doubt the most charming in the small country!

It didn’t take me long to wander through the warren of streets. Therefore, I opted to grab some freshly made Gelato so I could immerse myself amongst the pastel hues of the old buildings for just a little longer…

The Prince’s Palace of Monaco

The last of my places to visit in Monaco was the official residence of the royal family: the Princes Palace. It’s separated from the old town only by the impressive Place du Palais square, which is itself worth a visit thanks to the breath-taking views from Rue des Remparts,  and the pretty-fronted buildings.

The Palace itself dates back to 1191, and over the centuries the sovereign Princes of Monaco have updated and expanded the Palace to what we see today. It now includes a grand Italian Renaissance style gallery, flamboyant state apartments, and an ornate columned courtyard.

Since the Royal family perfectly encompass the wealth and excess of Monaco, the Pristine Palace seemed the perfect place to end my Nice to Monaco day trip!

TOP TIP: You can tour the Palace’s fabulous state apartments (when the Prince isn’t home) for €10 during the summer months. It’s usually open from the start of April until the end of October, but check the official website for confirmed dates!

Other Things to do on a Nice to Monaco Day Trip – 

My  Nice to Monaco day trip itinerary allowed me to see the very best of the Principality. However, w hat makes Monaco one of the best day trips from Nice is the variety!

For example, on your own trip, you could choose to spend more time in Monte-Carlo visiting attractions such as the famous Café de Paris. Or you could dedicate your day to the country’s green spaces… The Princess Grace Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Jardin Exotique de Monaco are all supposedly well worth a visit!

So while my itinerary was perfect for me, you may want to add/swap some of the places to visit in Monaco to suit your preferences.

Travel from Nice to Monaco – 

By now you should be sold on a Nice to Monaco day trip, but you may be wondering the best way to get there. Thankfully there are plenty of options when it comes to travel from Nice to Monaco.

For example, if you wanted to relish in the true extravagance of Monaco, a helicopter is a great option… But as this will set you back at least €150, here are the three more ‘mainstream’ methods:

1) Train – 

At around €4 each way, the train is an easy and affordable way to get to Monaco. Nice’s main station ( Gare de Nice Ville ) is a short walk from the city center, and a direct train to Monte Carlo conveniently leaves every half an hour.

2) Uber/Taxi – 

Unfortunately, France was experiencing a national train strike on the day of my trip, so I went for ‘plan B’ and booked an Uber to take me to Monaco.

The average cost of an Uber from Nice to Monaco is around €40-60. I found this to be a pretty fair price (and much cheaper than the city taxi’s which quoted me €90).

However, you should note that Uber does not operate within Monaco itself. So, if you want to use the same transport method to get back to Nice make sure you get your driver’s number!

3) Bus – 

Finally, you could opt to take the Nice to Monaco Bus. But, while the 100E Bus  directly links the two destinations I found it extremely difficult to find reliable information about the journey. At the time of my trip, this timetable seemed to be accurate, but finding the exact location of the bus stops is basically trial and error…

Top Tip: I decided to get the bus back from Monaco myself and eventually found a bus-stop near the Monte Carlo Casino. Simply follow the road/park opposite the Casino uphill and you’ll hopefully find the bus-stop next to the first row of shops. 

Now you know how to get to Monaco, my ultimate Nice to Monaco day trip itinerary or guide is complete! As you can see from this post I really enjoyed my time in the Principality, there’s just something so perfect about its pristine streets and glamour!

Want to explore more of the French Riveria? Why not spend one day in Nice France ?!

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Ease into the local love of life and good food. Sun-kissed days and sizzling nights guide you along this Mediterranean trip through coastal Spain, France and Italy. Enjoy lunch with sisters Sandra and Antonella on their Tuscan agriturismo near Vinci.

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Combine the glamorous French capital with centuries of history and glorious sunsets on the French Riviera. This favorite French tour delivers it all in just nine days, from strolling around the Pont du Gard to soaking up the sun-kissed charm of St. Tropez and Monaco in France's glorious south.

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"From the fun nights at the Casino de Monte-Carlo to strolls along the luxurious Fontvieille Harbour, the world's second smallest country is definitely worth a visit"

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Visit Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée

The burial site of the famed Grace Kelly and Prince Rainer III, the magnificent Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée—also referred to as Saint Nicholas Cathedral of Monaco—sits proudly atop the Rock of Monaco. Take in this symbol of the country’s identity, a famed landmark built using unique white stones from a nearby village that become even brighter in the rain.

Try your luck at Monte Carlo Casino

Rub shoulders with high-rollers at the ritzy Casino Monte-Carlo, Monaco’s place to be and be seen. With many sections open exclusively to high-calibre gamblers, this casino is one of the most exclusive gambling facilities in the world, and the famous film set of the James Bond film, Casino Royale.

Wander around Jardin Exotique

As well as containing over 1,000 species of cacti and succulents, at this three-acre botanical garden, you will find the most magnificent coastal views in the area. Stand atop the landscaped garden and spot the yacht-dotted port, the Rock of Monaco, Monte Carlo casino and even Italy.

Stroll through Monaco Harbour

Perhaps one of the most famous harbors in the world, at Monaco’s Port Hercule you will witness some of the most extravagant water vessels money can buy. Framed by a mountainous backdrop, this natural bay is the postcard of Monte Carlo, attracting all those who visit Monaco.

Watch a race at the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix

Having its very first Formula One Grand Prix in 1929, this highly anticipated annual motor race is running strong in its 90th year. If you're traveling to Monaco in May, you will catch Bugattis and Ferraris zooming through narrow streets while spectators pay no less than 800 euros to soak up the brut of this prestigious automobile race.

Our top 5 things to do in Monaco

Once inside the extravagant walls of the Monte Carlo Casino, it’s hard to drag yourself away. But with the guidance of our expert Local Specialists, with Trafalgar you'll be rewarded with succulent gardens, impressive cathedrals and sunny days by the harbor.

Monaco-Ville

Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

Aptly perched on the waterfront is a planet of marine science, renowned worldwide for its expertise. Evoking an underwater nirvana, the museum-cum-aquarium guides you through more than 6,000 specimens. Setting an international benchmark for ocean awareness and conservation, you will find a new underwater world on the shores of the Mediterranean.

New National Museum of Monaco

Contrary to its old-world Belle Époque exterior, the NMNM showcases contemporary visual art across two locations. Wander the light-soaked halls dotted with abstract sculptures and witness long-standing collections by international photographers. With bi-annual exhibitions dedicated to designers, thinkers and innovators, this museum is a fascinating addition to Monaco travel.

Princess Grace Irish Library

A by-product of a prince’s love for his princess, this 35-year old cultural centre ventures far from the usual tourist tracks. Walk down a side street, ring a bell and be greeted by a wealth of books. Rumored to house almost every Ireland-related book under the sun, the trivial size of the library will quickly be forgotten. Between the covers, you’ll see Monaco in a new light.

Best museums in Monaco

This 200-hectare country epitomizes modernity and glamour more than most countries in Europe. Our trips to Monaco take you beyond the glitz to discover the culture and heritage between the super yachts, the port and the million-dollar cars.

Originating in Monaco, this flaky savory appetizer is a staple food excessively consumed on the country’s national day. A pastry stuffed with Swiss chard and ricotta, this dish has made its way along the French Riviera and across to Italy. But it is best enjoyed here in Monaco.

Found across Mediterranean countries in many different variations, Monaco serves a unique version of this crusty pastry topped with almonds. A practicality transformed into a delicious delicacy, fougasse was traditionally used to check the temperature of a wood-fired oven. Try it once and you'll be hooked.

Pissaladière

A small modified pizza topped with onions, tomatoes and olives, this Monégasque appetizer is said to have originated in Nice. Find it sold at high-end bakeries or daily markets, and see locals snacking on it hot or cold throughout the day. It is the perfect combo of French food with Italian influence.

Best food in Monaco

With Italy and France in such close proximity, Monaco’s food draws upon the best of the Mediterranean diet. Everything we do in Monaco is enjoyed between unforgettable dining experiences.

What to pack for Monaco

Both practical and stylish, a sun-hat is the ideal way to feel immersed in the chic Monaco setting whilst staying protected under the hot Mediterranean sun.

Comfortable flats

A comfortable and practical shoe is crucial for a trip to Monaco. The best way to explore this destination is by foot so you can find yourself comfortable as you explore hidden gems and grand sights of this glamorous nation.

Formal wear

Though there is no written dress code for Casino Monte-Carlo, you may feel out of place without the proper attire for an obligatory evening of rolling dice alongside Monaco’s A-list.

A good camera

Whether you’d like to take an HD photograph, film a continuous movement or snap a picture underwater, a good camera is a necessity for capturing your Monaco travel experiences.

Linen dress or shirt

Linen clothing is a perfect complement for the warmer months in Monaco. Effortlessly go from summer days to balmy nights.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and reusable toiletry bottles.

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Nerdy Footsteps

A weekend travel blog

Day trip from Nice to Monaco: the perfect itinerary (with an optional stop at Eze)

Updated on: July 20, 2022

I don’t know why I planned the trip from Nice to Monaco.

I don’t do luxury. I don’t understand luxury. When people talk to me about too much money, about millions and billions of dollars, I don’t care how much money they are actually talking about. It is beyond my comprehension. I just know it is too much money and move on. And it is not because I am bad at numbers, I just don’t care about shit loads of money.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t hate money, that will be stupid. We need money for our daily life, for sustaining, and for small luxuries. I need it for coffee, I need it for all the Harry Potter Merch in the world. I need money to travel and I need money to sustain this blog. All-in-all I can’t relate to shit loads of money.

So, I surprised myself when I decided to visit Monaco from Nice as a day trip. I never thought about visiting Monaco before. The only thing I knew about Monaco is that it reeks of money. And of course, the Grand Prix. 

I still try to think about why. Maybe the urge to visit one more country drove us there. Something irresistibly absurd about this tiny mini-state.

Guess what I learned from visiting Monaco, It reeks of money. Also that Grand Prix doesn’t happen in August.

I learned a lot more things about Monaco during and after the trip, let me walk you through the shiny streets of Monaco. But before, enjoy this visual representation of Monaco.

Table of Contents

Okay, I think I am done with all the money jokes (maybe), let’s have a look into Monaco.

In my first impression, the Monacan landscape was stunning, as in the rest of the French Riviera. Stunning view of the deep blue Mediterranean, luxury boats docked in two famous docks in Monaco. And then I realized, there are a lot more buildings, apartments stacked over each other. This felt a bit denser than other places in French Riviera. 

Monaco, the second-smallest nation in the world, is still six times the size of the smallest nation, Vatican City. Its area is only 2.02 square kilometers (0.78 square miles) making it one of the most densely packed countries.

Fun fact: The whole country of Monaco is smaller than Central Park in New York!

Since the land area is so small, Monaco has almost no natural resources to exploit other than its location and climate. Over the years, it has become a resort for tourists and a tax haven for wealthy people. 

This post contains some affiliate links and if you buy something using those links, I get a small commission, with no extra cost to you.

Fun fact: One-third of the population of Monaco is a millionaire.

All that money and no taxes? How does that sound? Known as Europe’s tax haven, each and every individual citizen of Monaco has enjoyed a tax-free lifestyle since the 1870s.

W Somerset Maugham described Monaco as a ‘sunny place with shady people. We didn’t see any shady people in Monaco. To be honest, we didn’t see many people in Monaco, surprising for a country this dense. But again, we were either walking or taking a bus, probably not a millionaire thing to do.

Fun fact: Monaco has the highest average life expectancy in the world around 89 years. I guess money can buy a few things!

History of Monaco

Looking at all the shiny roads and buildings, it is difficult to imagine this place is not brand new and has a history. It looks like it was built from scratch a few years ago. Well, some parts of Monaco are new as they were recently claimed from the sea. Yes, almost 20% of Monaco city was extended over the sea a few years ago. Another extension is planned to take place in the next few years. I did not know that was a thing!

Contrary to what it may seem like, Monaco indeed has a long interesting history.

Greeks inhabited the harbor of Monaco in 6 BC and called it Monoikos. Legend says that Hercules passed through Monaco and a temple was built to honor him, the Temple of Monoikos. Because the only temple of this area was the “House” of Hercules, the city was called Monoikos  

Historically, Monaco was part of France, but in 1215, it became a colony of Genoa when Emperor Henry VI gave it as a land grant. The Grimaldi family settled in Monaco in 1297 and the ancestors of the family have controlled the principality for over 715 years now. This makes it the longest ruling dynasty in Europe. Even longer than the current British royalty! (But let’s see how long that lasts, Hi Meghan, Hi Harry)

In April 1955, the supermodel and one of the most popular actresses from the USA, Grace Kelly, met Prince Rainier III during a photo session. A year later, they got married! The wedding was very popular, and it was watched by almost 30 million people on TV.

When their first son was born, the day after was announced as a national holiday where everyone in the principality celebrated with free champagne. Free champagne!! That’s how they roll here!

Today, Monaco is governed by a constitutional monarchy but is a protectorate of France.

If you are interested in more information about Monaco, I think you will like this video from Geography Now . A big shout out to the wonderful team who create these videos for every country, alphabetically! And all their videos are heavily researched, informative, and entertaining at the same time.

What to do in Monaco for a day?

There is a lot to do in Monaco. Strike that! There is a lot to do in Monaco if you are not on a budget. Luxurious yachts, helicopter tours, Mediterranean-facing resorts, casinos, and a lot more.

I decided to spend just one day in Monaco to see what it offers for someone like me who are not interested in the luxurious options listed above. Neither could I afford them just for one day in Monaco.

So, my Monaco itinerary is a curated list of things I am interested in: The botanical garden, caves, museums, old town.

Jardin de exotique

After reaching Monaco from Nice, the first thing we did was to locate the Jardin de exotique. This stunning garden hosts a diverse assortment of succulent species, all expertly planted on the cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Most of these cacti and succulents were imported from Mexico around a century ago.

And the damn views! The views from the garden are splendid. The very definition of french riviera: the mesmerizing blues of Mediterranean, pastel-colored cliffside towns, clear blue sky. If not for the exotic succulents, visit this garden for the views.

Another attraction worth visiting the gardens are the caves! Admission to the garden also includes a visit to the Observation Cave at the bottom of the cliff. We went into the cave as a part of the guided tour and it was spectacular. It reminded us of the Postojna Caves in Slovenia , except it was smaller and didn’t have the cool underground train. But it was still really nice to go in the shade and see the beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. Don’t forget to ask the time of the next guided tour of the cave, when entering the garden.

You can reach the garden by bus or by walking up from the main train station/ city center. You can also use the free public elevators because it could be a steep walk up otherwise. That’s the kind of luxury I understand and appreciate!

Also, the entrance was free for us as we had French Riviera passes , which I highly recommend by the way.

Museum Oceanography

Since we wanted to make the most of our time in Monaco, we took a bus from the Botanical garden down to the Oceanography Museum.

This grand baroque building holds a world-class collection of marine life (both preserved in the museum and swimming in aquariums). 

This was my favorite thing to do in Monaco. I will definitely add it to the list of must-see in Monaco. The jellyfishes were an absolute favorite of mine. Seeing those beautiful creatures floating around with changing background lights was therapeutic. I spent a lot of time admiring the sea life there.

Also, you get a nice view of the city from the terrace of the museum building. Make those bucks count! The entrance was free for us since we had the, you guessed it right, the french riviera passes. Otherwise, you can get your tickets here .

Monaco-Ville, The rock

Monaco Ville, also called Le Rocher (The Rock), is the only part of Monaco to have retained its original old town. This is the part that resembles a typical European old town picture with its winding narrow streets lined up with pretty houses. 

I have a thing for pastel-colored houses. So I loved walking in the old town. Even though the old towns are the most crowded attractions in any European city, we didn’t see many people here.

Prince’s palace

After a short walk in the old town, you will find cannons and neat pyramids of cannonballs aligned together in a neat array. This means you have reached the Prince’s palace. Not that you wouldn’t have guessed it from the architecture.

Originally built as a fortress in 1191, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco sits high on a rocky hilltop overlooking the sea. In the 13th century, Francois Grimaldi, a member of an aristocratic family, disguised himself as a monk and requested shelter there. Once admitted, he and his men killed the guard and captured the fortress. Despite incursions and attacks from the French, Italians, Germans, and English, the Grimaldis stood their ground.  That’s one way to start a dynasty!

Since then, the palace has been expanded and restored. Visitors can visit the posh living quarters of Serene Highness Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly. The palace is still home to the current-day Prince of Monaco, Albert II.

The palace is open to visitors from April through mid-October. The changing of the guards takes place at 11:55 a.m. daily. Since we were there in the evening, we missed it.

Monaco Grand Prix

Most people know Monaco for the Grand Prix. During the Grand Prix, the whole country of Monaco transforms into a racing track.

Every year since 1955, the streets of Monaco have played host to one of the most coveted and glamorous Formula One races! However, this wasn’t the first road race Monaco staged; the first-ever race around Monaco was held on 14th April 1929, long before the Formula One World Championship was formed.

For someone who is just starting to learn to drive, I wasn’t interested in the Grand Prix. (An update: I have my driving license now, Yay!! still not interested in the Gand Prix though :D) Also, we didn’t visit the country when it was happening. I can’t imagine how expensive it would get during such a big event. But what you can do all around the year is to experience driving (or being driven around in) a Ferrari along the French Riviera and the F1 circuit . There is a similar tour for the Lamborghini lovers as well.

Monte Carlo Casinos

Yes, Yes! I know you have been waiting for this!

You have to talk about casinos when talking about Monaco. Casino driven economy has become analogous to Monaco.

I didn’t go in. That is not why I was there. Even though it is the stereotypical thing to do in Monaco, I didn’t give in!

Fun fact: Monaco does not allow its own citizens to bet in Casinos. Maybe that is how you stay being a millionaire.

So, for decades, Monaco lived off solely on its casinos. Now Monaco is putting in a lot of effort to diversify its economy. As a result, tourism has become its number one source of income. You are welcome Monaco, you are welcome! (My husband in the background: but didn’t you just visit the attractions that were included in your French Rivera pass?)

Alternative itinerary: Nice to Eze to Monaco

To make the best of our day trip in the French Riviera, we decided to stop by the popular village of Eze.

Eze the cute little Mediterranean village has become very touristic over the years, it still is worth having a short trip. I mean, we are talking about French Riviera, most of the things are tourist traps here.

Also, we had a voucher for making personalized perfumes in the perfumery in Eze, also included in the French Riviera card.

Yes, there I gave in. I have a weird relationship with perfumes.

What I liked the most about Eze was again the Botanical garden and beautiful views of the Mediterranean from it. There is a certain charm to walking amidst the exotic plants that are not very usual in the Mediterranean while gazing at the deep blue sea in front.

You can easily reach Eze from Nice by bus. It is the same bus/train that goes to Monaco. But at a different height. So, while the bus and train can leave you at Eze, you still need to go up to the village itself. We took another bus from the train/bus top to go up to the village on the top and vice versa.

FAQs about Monaco day trip

Monaco is the world’s second-smallest country and merely 30 minutes away from Nice. It shows you a unique picture of Europe. You can see most of the tourist attractions in half a day. So it does make sense to have a Nice to Monaco day trip.

Luxury makes Monaco unique, the riches, the grandeur makes Monaco unique. It may or may not be your style but it doesn’t matter to Monaco. Monaco has unusual demographics. The country’s native Monégasque people, who were born or naturalized in Monaco, are a minority. The biggest group are French nationals, who account for 28.4% of the country’s population. The Monégasques make up 21.6% of the population, followed by Italians (18.7%), British (7.5%), and people of various other nationalities.

Saying that Monaco is expensive is an understatement. Monaco is crazy-expensive. Monaco is bust-your-balls expensive.  Fun fact: The average home in Monaco costs $4,560 per square foot. That’s higher than some of the most expensive housing markets in the world, such as New York City and Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, the average price per square foot is $2,859, while in Manhattan, real estate costs an average of $1,773 per square foot. 

But don’t worry, all the riches are very safeguarded in Monaco. One Police officer per 100 citizens. There are multiple surveillance cameras around the city. But also, one-third of the population is Millionaire. No theft or petty crimes there.

Yes, very much. We walked all the way up to the botanical garden. There are public elevators to make walking across different levels of the city easier. The Old town itself is a typical European old town with its pretty houses and cobbled streets.

Budget tips and recommendations

We realized from our trip to Reykjavik that if you want to do the most in a limited time, city cards are the best option. We used the French riviera card for three days and it was the best thing ever! We got so much value out of this card. This card got us free transport by bus within French Riviera and so much more. In Monaco, we got free entrance to the Oceanology museum, the botanical gardens, and even our bus ride from Nice to Eze.

Where to stay in Nice

We stayed at this cute Airbnb in Nice . The balcony was the highlight and it was reasonably close to the city center.

If you would rather prefer hotels, I got you covered. I researched and found out the best options for you here:

Best budget option: Hotel de France

If you want to stay at a cute little boutique-style hotel at the perfect location in Nice, look no further. Hotel de France is your spot. Plus points are the outdoor terrace, free wifi, and extremely professional staff. But the selling point for me is a good coffee machine in any room and when I say good, I mean my favorite Nespresso coffee machine. And all this in a budget hotel in Nice!

Best mid-budget option: Hotel Nice Cote d’azur

Hotel Nice Cote d’azur puts the style in stylish. With such stylish rooms and wonderful staff, no wonder this hotel is so highly rated and loved by travelers. Great ratings and reviews online!

Luxury option: Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée

Cote d’Azur isn’t really for the budget guests. It is for luxury and if you want to do luxury, do it right at the Hyatt Regency . You get up and eat breakfast with the panoramic views of the coastline and then take a dip at one of the two in-house swimming pools, or relax at the sauna and hammam. Not luxury enough? Try the in-house casino!

Go all out: Hotel Negresco

One of the most famous hotels, no, scratch that, the most famous hotel in Nice is Hotel Negresco . Each room is designed uniquely and hosts period furniture and art pieces. I love a hotel with history and what better place than the Negresco. While the hotel is primarily famous for its grandeur design, did you know that the hotel actually served as a hospital during World War I? Yes, not only was the hotel that vintage, it actually served the war victims during the war. Once again, it opened its door for the victims of the 2016 Nice truck attack. That does earn brownie points for the hotel!

Nice to Monaco day trip

During the day, the number of people staying in Monaco doubles as the residents of France and Italy arrive for work. This makes the population of 40,000 grow instantly to 90,000.

That shows how easy it is to travel to Monaco from French Rivera and Italian border.

How to reach from Nice to Monaco

Bus no 100 takes you from Nice to Monaco in an hour for just 1.50 euros. Bus leaves from Nice le Port to Monaco Place Des Moulins every 10-15 minutes. It can be crowded at times so you might have to go standing but the views will make up for it. I could not take off my eyes from the window. By this time, I was already in French Rivera for a few days but there is something so captivating about the Mediterranean blue, that I could not look away.

While the bus is the cheapest option, I will still recommend taking a train, one way at least. And the reason is the beautiful train station in Monaco. The moment I got inside the station, I was gazing in excitement and wonder. Wow! How can a train station be this shiny and clean? The light was bouncing off the shiny floors. I have never seen a cleaner train station. Even the staff was dressed in formal clothing, almost like a flight crew.

You can take different trains from Thello, TGV, and SNCF. The cheapest one SNCF takes about 20 minutes from Nice to Monaco and costs about 4 euros. It leaves every half an hour and takes you through the stunning riviera. You can book your advance online ticket here to avoid queueing at the train station or any other last moment’s distress. Thello and TGV are on the more expensive front (costs about 8-25 euros) and takes around 12-15 minutes. I personally don’t think getting a more expensive ticket makes sense here as you will only be saving 5-8 minutes and pay more than double the price.

Usually, I don’t recommend renting cars and driving around. It is always more fun to travel on public transport. You get to know the public system and see daily life more closely.

But since the drive is so beautiful, I can make an exception. You can rent a car and drive from Nice to Monaco for a day trip. There are three different routes along the coast, by the sea, up high in the mountains, and one in between the two. You can pick whichever one you like.

By cruise/ferry

To enjoy the whole experience by the sea, you can take a ferry between Nice and Monaco .

With a guided tour

You can also take a guided tour from Nice to Monaco. You can check out the best of french riviera in a day (Eze, Monaco, Monte Carlo, and Antibes) in one day! If you do not have one full day, you can also try this half-day tour to Eze and Monaco.

By Helicopter

You can’t take an airplane to Monaco. It is tiny and doesn’t have space for an airport. If you want to fly in, Helicopters are the way. You can coordinate with your flight at Nice and they can schedule a helicopter for you to pick up from the Nice airport and fly you over to Monaco in just 7 minutes.

It is more common than you think to fly over by a helicopter. During the tourist season, a helicopter arrives every twenty minutes.

One word to describe Monaco is overwhelming. Yes, overwhelming. I was overwhelmed by this tiny little country, overwhelmed by its clean shiny streets, its pastel buildings, its fancy yachts, its shiny train station. I was overwhelmed by Monaco more than I have ever been by any other country.

Pin it for later!

Gleison says

October 5, 2022 at 9:10 pm

Thanks for the tips. That’s a great itinerary.

Nisha Dalal says

October 31, 2022 at 12:38 pm

February 3, 2023 at 4:21 pm

Thank you so much for this information!

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Skocjan Cave Day Tour From Ljubljana

Tucked away in the heart of Slovenia, the Skocjan Cave Day Tour from Ljubljana promises an unparalleled adventure. This 5-hour excursion transports visitors through one of the largest cave systems in the country, immersing them in a world of captivating geological formations . From towering stalactites to mesmerizing flowstones, the tour’s climate-controlled environment ensures a comfortable and engaging experience. With hotel pickup and drop-off , as well as a knowledgeable guide to provide historical insights, this tour offers a seamless and unforgettable way to explore Slovenia’s natural wonders. But what truly sets this experience apart is the sense of wonder and discovery that awaits those who…

• Skocjan Cave day tour from Ljubljana, priced at $100.74 per person, offers a 5-hour guided experience through one of Slovenia’s largest cave systems.
• The tour features a 1 hour and 45-minute walking tour inside the cave, with a constant temperature of 10 degrees Celsius year-round.
• Highlights include unique geological formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites, and insights into the cave’s historical significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and offers flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• On-site facilities like a café and modern restrooms enhance the overall visitor experience during the captivating underground adventure.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Slovenia in One Day: Lake Bled, Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle
• Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle – Entrance Tickets Included
• Pub Crawl Ljubljana
• 2-Hour Interactive Wine Tasting Experience in Ljubljana

Tour Overview

The Skocjan Cave day tour from Ljubljana offers visitors a chance to explore one of Slovenia’s largest and most impressive cave systems.

Priced from $100.74 per person, the tour lasts approximately 5 hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

Adventurers can marvel at the unique cave formations and learn about the site’s history from knowledgeable local guides.

The tour involves 1 hour and 45 minutes of walking, including many stairs, in a cave maintained at a year-round temperature of 10 degrees Celsius.

With the option to reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides a flexible and memorable experience for travelers.

Experience Highlights

Visitors can discover Skocjan Cave , one of Slovenia’s largest and most impressive cave systems, during this day tour. The guided tour allows them to admire the cave’s unique geological formations and learn about its rich history from knowledgeable local guides.

The 1 hour and 45-minute walking experience includes navigating many stairs, providing an immersive journey through this underground wonder. Maintained at a constant temperature of 10 degrees Celsius year-round, the cave offers a refreshing respite from the surface.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour provides flexibility and convenience for travelers exploring Slovenia’s natural beauty.

Transportation and Logistics

Typically, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour, providing a seamless transportation experience for travelers. The tour company arranges transportation to and from Skocjan Cave, ensuring a hassle-free journey. The entrance fee to the cave varies depending on the month, ranging from €12 to €20 per person.

Visitors should note that no food is provided during the tour, but a café is available on-site for purchases. Gratuities are not included in the tour price, so travelers may choose to tip the guides at their own discretion.

Booking Information

Tickets must be booked in advance via the provided link.

This Skocjan Cave day tour from Ljubljana offers a convenient and flexible booking option. Travelers can reserve their spots now and pay later , which is ideal for those who want to secure their tour without making an immediate full payment.

The tour price is competitively priced at $100.74 per person, and the company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Keep in mind that gratuities aren’t included in the tour price. Interested individuals should check availability for their preferred dates and the number of participants to ensure a seamless booking experience .

Customer Reviews

Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback, travelers have thoroughly enjoyed their Skocjan Cave day tour from Ljubljana. The tour has an impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 5 reviews. As seen in the table below, travelers from Spain, the Netherlands, and Romania have praised the friendly and punctual drivers, as well as the unique experience of exploring the cave’s impressive formations. The temperature-controlled environment and guided tour have also been highlights for visitors. With such positive reviews, the Skocjan Cave day tour seems to be a must-do activity for those seeking an exceptional underground adventure in Slovenia.

Cave Formations

Adorning the caverns of Skocjan Cave are an array of captivating geological formations .

Towering stalactites descend from the ceiling, their pointed tips glistening under the cave’s lighting. Stalagmites rise up from the floor, formed over millennia by the slow dripping of mineral-rich water.

Intricate flowstones cascade down the walls, created by the gradual accumulation of calcite deposits. Visitors are awed by these natural wonders , marveling at the incredible diversity of shapes and colors.

From delicate soda straws to massive columns, the cave’s formations showcase the power of water to sculpt the underground landscape over vast stretches of time.

Historical Significance

Exploring the historical significance of Skocjan Cave reveals its longstanding importance to the region.

This remarkable natural wonder has been a vital part of Slovenian heritage for centuries. The cave was first documented in the 13th century and has long been revered by local communities.

Over the years, it has played a crucial role in the area’s cultural and economic development , serving as a source of resources and a site of religious and ceremonial significance .

Today, the cave’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscores its enduring historical value, drawing visitors from around the world to experience this remarkable natural and cultural treasure.

On-Site Facilities

The Skocjan Cave offers a range of on-site facilities to enhance visitors’ experiences.

Guests can explore the cave’s interior at their own pace, as a café is available for refreshments and snacks. Though no food is served on the tour, the café provides a convenient spot for travelers to recharge before or after their underground adventure.

Plus, modern restrooms are located near the cave’s entrance, allowing visitors to feel comfortable throughout their visit.

With these thoughtful amenities , the Skocjan Cave ensures travelers have access to the essentials during their captivating exploration of this natural wonder.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

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• Slovenian Culinary Experience in Ljubljana – Small Group – Tour
• Food & Wine Tour Ljubljana – Local Foodie Adventure in Slovenia
• Ljubljana: Lake Bled Experience Small Group Half-Day Tour
• Ljubljana Small Group Food Walking Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour may not be fully accessible for people with disabilities. It involves 1 hour 45 minutes of walking and many stairs, which could be challenging. However, it’s best to check with the tour provider for specific accommodations and accessibility details.

Can Children Participate in the Tour?

Children can participate in the Skocjan Cave day tour, though it’s not recommended for those under 8 years old. The tour involves 1 hour 45 minutes of walking, including many stairs, which may be challenging for young kids.

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Cave?

Photography is allowed inside the Skocjan Cave, but visitors are reminded to be respectful and not use flash photography, which can damage the delicate cave formations. Tripods and selfie sticks are also prohibited to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests.

Are There Any Health or Fitness Requirements for the Tour?

There are no strict health or fitness requirements, but the tour involves 1 hour 45 minutes of walking with many stairs. Visitors should be able to walk moderately and handle the temperature inside the cave, which is 10 degrees Celsius year-round.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for the Tour?

There aren’t any specific discounts or packages advertised for this tour. However, the tour provider offers a reserve now & pay later option, which could provide more flexibility for some travelers.

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The Skocjan Cave Day Tour from Ljubljana offers an exceptional opportunity to explore one of Slovenia’s natural wonders. With a guided 1 hour and 45-minute walking experience, visitors can enjoy the cave’s stunning geological formations, rich history, and breathtaking natural beauty . Priced at $100.74 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off , making it a convenient and must-do activity for anyone visiting Slovenia.

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