On a trip to the French Riviera, hop across the border and spend a day in Monaco! This tiny country is the second smallest in the world, but is full of culture and things to see. On a day trip to Monaco from Nice, explore a charming old town, royal palaces and unique museums, as well as affluent ports and the Monte Carlo casino. And with the blue waters of the Mediterranean as a backdrop, there couldn’t be a finer place to spend a day.
It’s really easy to take a day trip to Monaco, and this guide will take you through everything you need to know. You’ll find some tips for planning your day, all the best things to do in Monaco in a day, and a suggested Monaco day trip itinerary.
Is it worth visiting Monaco on a day trip?
Yes, a day trip to Monaco is definitely worth it, especially if you are visiting from Nice or the French Riviera. The cost of staying in Monaco makes it inaccessible to many, so visiting for a day offers a chance to see this unique place. Plus, who doesn’t want to say they went to a different country for the day?!
One of the key draws of Monaco as a day trip destination is its size – as it’s so small, you can see all the country’s top attractions in just a day.
How to Plan a Day Trip to Monaco from Nice
It’s really easy to plan a Monaco day trip, especially with this guide! If you’re wondering what to do in Monaco for a day, I’ve selected all the best attractions to fit into your visit. Plus, you’ll find the perfect Monaco day trip itinerary later on in this guide.
If you’re visiting Monaco on a budget, you’ll want to do a little bit more planning for your day trip. Luckily, transport is cheap, and you can take the train from Nice to Monaco for just a few euros. Bring food and drink with you if you’d like to avoid Monaco’s steep prices, and I recommend heading back to your base on the Riviera for dinner.
You might prefer to have someone organise your day trip for you. Luckily there are plenty of options for day tours to Monaco from Nice. You’ll get a guide to take you around for the day and get extra insight into Monégasque culture and history. Check out some options below:
How to Get from Nice to Monaco
The easiest way to get between Nice and Monaco for a day trip is by train. Services are regular, with trains departing roughly every 20-30 minutes, and the journey takes just over 20 minutes. Tickets are only a few euros each way.
It’s easy to purchase train tickets at Nice-Ville station when you get there.
Read next: How to Spend an Amazing Weekend in Nice, France
The Best Things to Do in Monaco for a Day
Let’s get into how you’ll spend your time – these are all the best things to do in Monaco in a day! There’s a good mix of history and culture, and plenty of time to soak up all of the stunning views.
The Prince’s Palace
The Prince’s Palace is the official residence of Monaco’s Royal Family. The Palace was built in 1191, but served as a fortress for around a century before it was claimed by the Grimaldis in the late 13th century.
The Palace itself sits atop a hill on the southwest side of the country, in Monaco’s old town. You can admire the building from a large esplanade, which also boasts impressive views over Monaco.
You can tour inside the Prince’s Palace for most of the year (Mar-Oct), to see where the royals reside, plus a generous collection of Italian Renaissance art. Plus, you can see the changing of the guard outside the palace daily, just before noon.
Location | More information about visiting the Palace | Tickets
The Prince of Monaco’s Car Collection
The late Prince Rainier III, predecessor to the current Prince of Monaco, was a car enthusiast and his impressive car collection is on display in a museum in Monaco. Visit the Prince of Monaco’s Car Collection to see just shy of 100 cars, including many Formula 1 cars and vintage vehicles.
The collection is open year-round and can be found just next to Port Hercule on the western side of Monaco. Tickets can be booked online, and you can save money with a combo ticket for the Prince’s Palace and the Car Collection.
Monaco Old Town
As well as a visit to the Prince’s Palace, there are plenty of things to do in Monaco’s old town. Head up the hill from Port Hercule and you’ll soon find yourself wandering through narrow and colourful streets lined with shops and places to eat.
Look out for Monaco’s Cathedral, the Palais de Justice, and the Town Hall (Mairie de Monaco). You can also take a walk through the Jardins Saint-Martin for beautiful views out over the Mediterranean, plus Port de Fontvieille. You’ll see some royal statues in the gardens, including ones dedicated to Princess Grace, and Prince Albert I.
Oceanographic Museum
Just at the edge of the old town, you’ll find the Oceanographic Museum. Opened by Prince Albert I back in 1910, the museum is both an aquarium and an exhibition space dedicated to oceans and marine life.
You’ll find a huge collection of marine objects, including fossils, model ships, and more, plus aquariums with tropical marine life and corals, and Mediterranean treasures.
The Oceanographic Museum’s building is an attraction in itself. The Baroque Revival building sits dominantly on the Rock of Monaco as if emerging from the Mediterranean.
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Monaco’s Ports
One of the things Monaco is most famous for is its lavish ports with beautiful, luxurious boats. And with one day in Monaco, you have to explore one or two of them! On either side of the Rock of Monaco, you’ll find Port Hercule and Port de Fontvieille.
If you’re short on time, opt to explore Port Hercule. It’s one of the first things you’ll see if travelling to Monaco from Nice by train, and is in a very central area. You’ll still enjoy great views of Port de Fontvieille when exploring Monaco’s old town.
Port Hercule location | Port de Fontvieille location
Fort Antoine Theatre
As you explore more of the Rock of Monaco, you’ll find the Fort Antoine Theatre. Initially a fortress dating back to the 18th century, the space is now used for summer performances of open-air theatre.
One of my favourite things about Fort Antoine is how secluded it is. Just steps away from the bustling old town, you’ll find this little pocket of peace tucked away.
Admire the architecture and the views here during the day, and if you’re lucky, you might catch an evening theatre performance during the summer.
Formula One Circuit
The Monaco Grand Prix is a car race held annually as part of the Formula One season and is one of the most famous racetracks worldwide. The Grand Prix takes place around the narrow streets of Monaco, and for one weekend a year, the city is transformed into a wonderland for racing fans.
If you’re lucky enough to visit Monaco on the weekend of the race (usually in May or June each year), then you can enjoy the full experience. However, the beauty of the Circuit de Monaco is that it’s in the heart of the city, so you can walk the route of the race and see famous highlights anytime. Look out for the Fairmont Hairpin and the Larvotto Tunnel.
If you’re a big fan of Formula One, I recommend booking a guided tour of the track.
Monte Carlo Casino
With one day in Monaco, you have to pay a visit to the country’s most popular attraction – the Monte Carlo Casino. The Belle Époque building is a stunning emblem of Monaco, and the interiors are as lavish as you would expect – they’ve even been featured in multiple James Bond movies!
Entering the Monte Carlo Casino is easier than you might think – you can head into the foyer for a quick peek around for free, or opt for a tour with an audioguide! Of course, if you dress up nice enough you could go all out, and visit the casino in the afternoon or evening to place some bets.
Princess Grace Japanese Garden
Another Monaco attraction dedicated to Monégasque royalty, the Princess Grace Japanese Garden is a small oasis in Monte Carlo. Take a stroll through the greenery to discover a fusion of cultures – you’ll find Japanese wood and bamboo, plants from the Mediterranean, and stone from neighbouring France.
The garden houses many traditional elements of a Japanese garden, including a pond with koi carp, a tea house, and lanterns, and is a great way to enjoy a peaceful break on your Monaco day trip. Entrance is free.
Read next: How to Spend 5 Days in the French Riviera
Suggested Monaco Day Trip Itinerary
Now you know all the best things to do on your day trip to Monaco from Nice, but you’ll want to make sure you plan out your day so you can make the most of your time. Luckily, I’ve got the perfect Monaco day trip itinerary for you to follow.
Morning
Start your day at Port Hercule, to admire the boats and yachts. If you arrive into Monaco by train this is one of the first things you’ll see, so it’s the perfect first stop. You might also want to stop by Port de Fontvieille.
Once you’ve seen Monaco’s ports, head up the hill to the Rock of Monaco. Here you can visit the Prince’s Palace, and then explore the Old Town. You’ll see Monaco Cathedral, Monaco Town Hall, the Saint Martin Gardens, and the Fort Antoine Theatre. Then, finish your tour of the Rock of Monaco with a visit to the Oceanographic Museum.
Afternoon
The next part of your day in Monaco will see you in Monte Carlo, on the east side of the country. Make your way along, following the F1 circuit route (or book a guided tour!). You can visit the Princess Grace Japanese Gardens, before heading round to the Monte Carlo Casino and the surrounding area. If you have time at the end of your day, pay a visit to The Prince of Monaco’s Car Collection.
More Ideas for a Day Trip from Nice
Due to its location on the French Riviera, a day trip to Monaco from Nice isn’t the only one you can take! In fact, there are a whole host of easy French Riviera day trips to choose from. Here are some of my top choices:
- Antibes
- Menton
- Èze
- Villefranche-sur-Mer
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