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Things to do in Monaco
Morning: Explore Monaco-Ville (Old Town) & Palace
- Walk through Monaco-Ville, the historical district on the Rock of Monaco.
- Look out for local souvenirs in the Old Town.
- Visit the Prince’s Palace and watch the Changing of the Guard at 11:55am.
- Explore the Saint Nicholas Cathedral, where Princess Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III are buried.
Midday: Oceanographic Museum & Port Hercules
- Head to the famous Oceanographic Museum, which features incredible marine life and exhibits.
- Stroll along Port Hercules, where you'll see some of the world’s largest luxury yachts.
- Option: Grab lunch at a waterfront café or enjoy Monégasque specialties like barbagiuan (a local stuffed pastry).
Afternoon: Monte Carlo & Casino Square
- Walk or drive along parts of the Monaco Grand Prix Circuit.
- Visit the Casino de Monte-Carlo (even if you don’t gamble, the architecture is stunning).
- Luxury shopping at the Monte Carlo Pavilions.
- Enjoy Café de Paris, a popular spot to relax and people-watch.
Late Afternoon: Exotic Garden or Larvotto Beach
- Visit the Exotic Garden of Monaco, featuring rare cacti and unbeatable sea views.
- If it’s warm, relax at Larvotto Beach, Monaco’s most famous beach.
Getting to Monaco from Nice
Self-drive
Best for: Flexibility, scenic views
Route Options
- A8 Highway (Fastest route): Reach Monaco in just 30 minutes, but be prepared for possible peak-hour traffic and a rather plain route without any scenery.
- Moyenne Corniche (Most scenic & popular): Set forth on the most popular route to reach Monaco in 40 minutes as you enjoy breathtaking viewpoints en route. Be prepared for winding roads and crowds in the summer.
- Basse Corniche (Coastal route): Drive right along the coast to reach Monaco in 45 minutes with many photo stops on the way. Pass through Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and Cap d’Ail on this route.
Parking in Monaco
- Public parking is available and is Well-organized but expensive (€2–€4 per hour).
- Best parking areas: Parking du Casino (Monte Carlo, ideal for the casino & shopping), Parking de la Condamine (near the harbor), and Parking des Pêcheurs (near the Old Town & Oceanographic Museum).
- Tip: Some hotels and restaurants offer parking discounts if you dine there.
Public transport
Best for: Affordability
- By train (fastest & easiest public option): Catch a train that departs from Nice-Ville Station every 30 minutes and reach Monaco in just 20 minutes, costing between €4–€7 one-way. The first train is at 5:30am, and the last train is at 11:30pm. Enjoy this fast, affordable, and comfortable mode of transport, but be prepared to miss out on the scenic route.
- By bus (cheapest & most scenic public option): Take bus line 607 (formerly Bus 100) and reach Monaco in 45 minutes at the cost of only €2. Buses leave from Nice Port (Le Port) or Promenade des Arts every 15-30 minutes. If you have the time, explore the scenic bus route along the coastline. The route you will take is Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer Èze-sur-Mer, Cap d’Ail to rach Monaco.
Guided day trips
Best for: Hassle-free experience
If you want a stress-free experience with expert insights, a guided tour is a great option. Many tours include stops in Èze, a perfume factory visit, and a scenic drive along the Corniche roads.
Benefits of a guided tour:
- No planning needed – everything is arranged
- Expert guide shares Monaco’s history & hidden gems
- Stops in Èze Village, Fragonard Perfume Factory, and the best viewpoints
- Comfortable transport (no need to deal with parking, tickets, or bus schedules)
Note that on a guided day trip, flexibility is a constraint and could be more expensive than public transportation.
Plan your day trip to Monaco from Nice
Overview
Getting there
Best time to visit
Visitor tips
- Distance from Nice: 2o kilometers
- Travel time: 30 to 45 minutes
- Budget range: €45–€100
- Trip duration: Half-day (4 - 5 hours) or full-day (10 - 11 hours)
- Meeting/drop-off point: Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Sites covered: Moyenne Corniche or Basse Corniche, Èze Village, Fragonard Perfume Factory, Old Town Monaco, and the Grand Prix circuit in Monte Carlo.
By train (SNCF)
Fast & efficient
- Time: 20 minutes
- Cost: €4–€7 one-way
- Departures: Every 30 minutes from Nice-Ville to Monaco-Monte-Carlo station
- Pros: Fast, comfortable, no traffic
- Cons: Monaco's train station is underground, so you miss the scenic coastal views
By bus (Line 607, formerly Bus 100)
Best for scenic views
- Time: ~5 minutes
- Cost: €2 one-way
- Route: Follow the stunning coastal road through Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and Èze
- Pros: Breathtaking views, very cheap
- Cons: Can be crowded, longer travel time due to traffic
By car
Best for flexibility & side trips
- Time: 30 minutes
- Route:
- Moyenne Corniche: Best panoramic views, passing through Èze
- Basse Corniche: Scenic but busier; runs along the coast
- A8 highway: Fastest, but not scenic
- Pros: Freedom to stop at viewpoints, visit Èze
- Cons: Expensive parking in Monaco; traffic can be an issue
By boat
Unique & luxurious
- Time: 45 minutes
- Cost: €50–€100+ per person
- Pros: Stunning Riviera coastline views, relaxed experience
- Cons: Limited availability, weather-dependent
- The best time for a guided day trip from Nice to Monaco is during spring (March–June) and early fall (September–October) when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.
- Summer (July–August) can be very hot and crowded, making sightseeing less enjoyable. If possible, avoid visiting during the Monaco Grand Prix in late May, as the city becomes extremely busy and prices surge.
- For a smoother experience, opt for a morning departure (8am - 9am) to beat the midday crowds and heat.
- Weekdays are preferable over weekends for a more relaxed visit. Winter (November–February) is a quieter and budget-friendly option, though temperatures are cooler.
- Walk up to La Turbie or the Prince’s Palace for breathtaking panoramic views of Monaco’s skyline and the Mediterranean.
- Head to Café de Paris for a coffee or cocktail and casually people-watch—chances are, you’ll spot a celebrity or billionaire.
- Skip the fancy clubs and check out Plage du Solarium, a free sunbathing spot with a cool vibe, right by the port.
- Try Barbajuan (crispy pastry filled with cheese & chard) or enjoy a fancy cocktail at the Hôtel de Paris like James Bond!
Frequently asked question about day trips from Nice to Monaco
Do I need a passport to enter Monaco?
Technically, yes—Monaco is a separate country! But there are no border checks between France & Monaco, so you won’t need to show it unless you're entering the casino or booking a luxury yacht.
Is Monaco expensive?
It can be! But there are budget-friendly options. Grab a sandwich in Old Town instead of a 5-star lunch, and take the train instead of a taxi. Visit the casino lobby for free instead of gambling away your trip fund!
Can I drive the Monaco Grand Prix track?
Yes! The streets of Monaco ARE the F1 track! You can drive or walk the circuit, including famous turns like the Fairmont Hairpin and the Tunnel Section. Just watch out for traffic!
What should I wear in Monaco?
If you're sightseeing, comfy shoes are a must—Monaco is hilly! The Monte Carlo Casino requires smart-casual attire—no shorts, flip-flops, or beachwear inside. If you want to blend in with the rich & famous, dress sharp!
Can I really see all of Monaco in a day?
Yes! Monaco is tiny (only 2 sq. km), so you can easily explore its top sights in 5-7 hours and still have time for a fancy coffee at Café de Paris.
Is there anything fun for free?
Yes! Watch the Changing of the Guard at the Prince’s Palace (11:55 AM), walk the F1 circuit, and soak in the views from La Turbie!
Can I swim in Monaco?
Yes! Head to Larvotto Beach, Monaco’s public (and free!) beach, for a quick dip.