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 marinas, 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%, consider doing a relaxing Nice to Monaco day trip!
In this post, I’ll explain the best ways to visit get from Nice to Monaco, must-visit spots in the principality, and how you can make the most of your limited time there. So, if you’re keen on having an unforgettable experience, read on!
Is It Worth It to Day Trip to Monaco From Nice? (2024)
In my honest opinion, a day trip to Monaco from Nice is 100% worth it.
For starters, it’s an activity that can be done by anyone. 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, you can go on any one of the hundreds of tours from Nice to Monaco. They range from $50 – $1000+ USD and there are tons of different packages, so it’s an activity that can fit any person’s travel style and budget.
Not only that, but for most of us, the luxurious Monaco lifestyle is pretty much an elusive dream. However, with a day trip to Monaco, you can immerse yourself in all the glitz and glamour, even if it’s 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, some of the gorgeous architecture, the lovely weather, and many attractions to explore.
Plus, you would be experiencing 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 as well as the fact I had such a delightful time wandering around 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 close 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 literally takes 3x as long as taking the train, and it’s just not worth it in my opinion.
Nice to Monaco Tours
The easiest and most hassle-free option is to go on a private tour. With a private 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.
Not to mention, 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 700+ guests! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours
Why Choose 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! 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 is the tour for you!
The Monaco and Eze Small-Group Day Trip includes:
- Direct Pick-up from hotels in Nice
- Round Trip transportation in a comfortable minivan
- Scenic drive along French Rivera’s coast
- Guided tour of a perfumery in Eze, which is the perfume capital of the world!
- Walking around Monte Carlo’s Old Town
- Driving around the Formula 1 Track in Monaco
- Seeing the Prince’s Palace
- Time to spend a the famous Monte Carlo Casino
- Small group tour limited to 8 guests
“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
Why Choose This Tour? 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!
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
“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
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.
If this seems like your preferred method of transportation, I recommend booking your ticket ahead of time. Personally, I recommend booking 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.
If you don’t like being pressed up against other people, and possibly shoved on accident a few times, then consider private transportation via tour.
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 to do in Monaco for a day!
Oh! And just so you know… This itinerary was made with walking distance in mind. According to Google maps, it takes about 1.5 hours to walk the entire route if you didn’t stop.
Additionally, 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.
🇲🇨 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 posted at the end of this section, but you can jump to it here if you’d like to. 🤠
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 definitely 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.
Fun Fact: Contrary to popular belief, Monte Carlo, Monaco is not the gambling capital of the world…Macau is!
Tourists are allowed to walk around some parts of the casino free of charge, but you’ll need your passport to enter.
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 really 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 absolutely 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 like 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.
On the grounds, 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 if it’s not blocked off for construction.
This is again, part of the Monaco Formula 1 circuit, so it’s fun to walk along for any fans. Like I genuinely can’t 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…
Anyways, once you’re on the other side of the tunnel, you’ll see all the yachts parked in the Monaco Harbor and instantly experience what I like to call a “wealth check”.
To no one’s surprise — I failed miserably, but hey a girl can dream right?!
You can’t actually enter the yacht club since it’s private, but you can walk around the streets and take pictures…maybe use them for a vision board or something lol.
Oh! And if you’re a big Formula 1 fan like me and are interested in learning about the history of the Monaco circuit while walking the actual course, check out this highly-rated walking tour!
It’s centered around solely the Monaco Grand Prix, is run by a local super fan and is something I’m hoping to do when I’m back in the city. Although, my true hope is to return to Monaco to attend the actual Grand Prix!🤠
✅ 🏎 Check availability and rates for this walking tour around the Formula 1 circuit 🏁
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 absolutely gorgeous and it’s 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. In fact, I distinctly remember being surprised at how reasonable the prices were and how the portion sizes were fair.
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.
And while you might hate me for making you walk up the ramp, 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 really 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!
And just to throw a little bit of more background at yah, because of Monaco’s size, there is nothing for them to really export.
They have no natural resources to offer other countries. As such, what drives their economy is…tourists!
This is part of the reason why it’s so easy to get in and out of Monaco, there are large sporting events held here such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix and ATP Masters 1000 Monte Carlo tournament. They need us tourists to come and visit!
7. Prince’s Palace of Monaco
Once you reach the top, there are a few different things to see, but the first one is the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. It’s locally called the Le Palais des Princes de Monaco and 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 very 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.
It’s also worth noting that Monaco’s lack of space is another reason why this Palace is nothing like the other European palaces. There is literally nowhere else 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.
This said, 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 über 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.
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, definitely worth spending a couple of minutes walking around inside, especially with its fantastic price tag! 😉
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 really appreciated.
And of course, like most places in Monaco, the location of the museum features lovely views of the coast!
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 definitely 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 literally just a massive frame with a marvelous view of the French Rivera that makes it a lovely place to take a couple of pictures. There are also some benches to rest on because I’m willing to bet your feet are ready for a break like mine were.
Additionally, the area has lots of colorful flowers and is just generally well-maintained.
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!
Like 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! So, give it a go if you see one and want to refill your water bottle!
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
The last stop of the day for this one day in Monaco Itinerary is to make your way back to the Monte Carlo Casino.
By now, it’s probably early evening if not nighttime, so this makes for the perfect time to have some fun 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, I think it’s a lil 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 literally 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
Obviously, you’re free to go whenever you please, but if you have some flexibility in your schedule, here is my advice on the best time to visit Monaco.
The weather is at its best during the months of 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.
Personally, I’ve gone in June and September and both times it was delightful. As you can tell from the pictures, it was bright blue skies and pristine waters all around.
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 | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
- Hotel de France — highly rated, affordable 3-star hotel | ⭐️ 9 / 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 | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10
- Le Negresco — iconic 5-star hotel along Promenade des Anglais | ⭐️ 9.1 / 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
In my totally biased opinion, Monaco is well worth visiting! Visiting from Nice is quite affordable, and offers visitors a taste of the luxurious and extravagant lifestyle of the hyper-rich and famous!
There’s also a fair amount of fascinating history packed into the tiny principality. Plus, if you’re lucky you could even come home with more money than you left with! 😉
At this point, this is a bit redundant but you absolutely can do a day trip to Monaco from Nice. Millions of people do it every year and there are many ways to go about it! You can go on a guided tour or ride in with the train!
The distance from Nice to Monaco is about 13 miles or almost 21 km.
Technically no, there isn’t a boat that you can line up for to go from Nice to Monaco… But, you can ride a ferry from Nice to Monaco or do a private tour that sails off the coast of Nice and Monaco. There are options yanno! 🤠
The train from Nice to Monaco is very scenic! You’ll get to admire the turquoise coastline and take in the fabulous views of the houses dotting the mountainside.
Honestly, I didn’t think Monaco wasn’t 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 think I spent $14 on a salad bowl for lunch, just to give you an idea haha. But you can read my full take here.
Wrap-Up: Nice to Monaco Day Trip (2024)
Monaco is famous for its stunning coastline, its high-end fashion, ridiculously rich residents, and of course, the iconic Monte Carlo Casino. And if you’re staying in Nice, this is an excursion you won’t want to miss out on!
For me, wandering through the beautiful streets of this definitely extravagant country was one of the highlights of my trip to Europe, and it’s something I genuinely recommend to all my friends visiting Nice.
Plus, whether you’re traveling to Nice on a strict budget or want to travel completely stress-free with a tour, you have plenty of options for doing a Nice to Monaco day trip. So don’t miss out!
No matter 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!
Read More About Europe
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- Thinking of heading to Paris but not sure if it’s right for you? Here’s what to consider about the French Capital before you go!
