Visiting Monaco is the perfect way to infuse a touch of glamour into your trip to the French Riviera! This sovereign city-state is easy to reach from Cannes, Antibes, and other coastal towns but you can take a super easy day trip to Monaco from Nice.
Monaco offers scenic marina views, luxurious casinos, palaces, charming narrow streets, and pretty gardens. It’s incredible how much is packed into such a small country!
This day trip guide is based on my own travels to the French Riviera. It’s for travellers who aren’t interested in spending all day shopping for labels or rolling dice but want to explore the highlights of this beautiful spot. This is how to make the most of visiting the richest country in just one day.
How To Get From Nice to Monaco
By Train
The easiest way to travel from Nice to Monaco is to hop on a train. On average, the journey time is only 30 minutes. Services depart from Nice-Ville station to Monaco-Monte-Carlo station as frequently as every 20 minutes!
Plus, you can enjoy the beautiful views along the coastline en route.
Buy train tickets in advance if you prefer, but regional TER services don’t usually offer seat reservations. The difference in cost is pretty minimal too. Head to a ticket machine to buy tickets with a payment card or use an app like “SNCF Connect”.
By Car
If you want to drive along the French Riviera coast or through the hills ala Grace Kelly and Cary Grant, rent a car. Parking is limited and often expensive in both Nice and Monaco so plan where you will leave your car ahead of your day trip. There’s no border control so that’s not something you need to worry about.
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is the easiest place to pick up a rental car if you’re flying into the city. Save yourself a lot of stress by renting a small car! Most people won’t need an international driving license to drive in France or Monaco, but check the specific requirements for your nationality.
By Boat
Why not push the boat out (pun intended) and take a direct ferry from Nice to Monaco? Sure, it’s not a quick or budget-friendly option, but it’s scenic and relaxing.
These round-trip ferry tickets cost around €50 per person and the journey is 45-60 minutes. Hop on the 9:15 AM ferry from Port de Nice (get there early) and arrive in Monaco at 10:00 AM. The return ferry departs from Monaco at 5:00 PM and arrives back in Nice at 6:00 PM.
The return journey is narrated by a tour guide which is fun and informative!
One Day in Monaco Itinerary
Morning
Start your day trip to Monaco from Nice with a visit to the Prince’s Palace. It’s located in Monaco-Ville (The Rock) and is by the country’s beautiful 275-boat marina. Soak in the panoramic views!
The palace dates back to the 13th century and state apartments are usually open to the public from April to October annually. Opening times during the summer months vary, but entrance is usually from 10:00 AM-6:00 PM daily.
Don’t miss the Changing of the Guard ceremony at 11:55 AM! It’s performed in Palace Square by the Prince’s Carabinieri in their black and white uniforms and accompanied by the military band.
Walk along the harbour to Cathédrale de Monaco. This Romanesque cathedral is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and holds the tombs of Monégasque royals such as Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly. Admission is free and the opening times are 9:00 AM-6:00 PM every day.
End your morning at Jardins Saint-Martin, a peaceful terraced oasis perched on Monaco’s cliffs. Take in the lush greenery and amazing views across the Mediterranean! It also has free entrance and is open from 9:00 AM-6:00 PM daily.
Afternoon
Spend your afternoon in the opulence of Monte Carlo. It’s arguably the most famous quarter in Monaco! Stroll through Casino Square where you’ll no doubt see supercars parked outside the casinos and hotels.
Stop for lunch or a coffee at the lively Café de Paris Monte-Carlo (take note of the menu prices before ordering – a glass of coke is €9!). This all-day brasserie is open from 8:00 AM-1:00 AM and has an elegant art nouveau-style decor.
Even if you don’t have the cash to splash, pop into the Monte Carlo Casino to see what it’s all about! This gorgeous 1865 Beaux-Arts building has appeared in so many films and books. There are strict dress codes and entry requirements (keep reading to find out what those are) but they’re easy to follow. It’s open from 2:00 PM-4:00 AM so it’s the perfect afternoon activity for your Monaco day trip.
Afterwards, take a breather at the Japanese Garden. It’s open from 2:00 PM-5:45 PM every afternoon. Alternatively, head down to Larvotto Beach. Monte Carlo can get a bit crowded during the peak summer months so it’s nice to escape somewhere!
Evening
Before catching your train or ferry back to Nice, wrap up your day trip to Monaco in Port Hercule. This is where all the biggest luxury yachts are moored overnight. Grab dinner or order a cocktail from one of the waterfront bars and restaurants here as you watch the sunset over the water.
Optional Things To Do in Monaco
There are so many more things to do on a day trip to Monaco from Nice, but they won’t be everyone’s cup of tea! Here are a few more suggestions for your itinerary.
Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
Prince Albert I was a keen navigator and oceanographer who founded this fascinating museum. There are lots of marine exhibits plus an aquarium with over 6,000 species! It’s located right next to Jardins Saint-Martin so that’s the best time to visit.
Keep in mind that it’s a huge museum that demands a couple of hours to explore. Don’t visit unless you’re really keen! Opening times are 10:00 AM-6:00 PM daily.
Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco
Petrol heads will love visiting Prince Rainier III’s priceless collection of high-end, vintage sports cars. It displays over 100 cars that he collected over 50 years. One of the reasons why he decided to house them in a museum was because he couldn’t store his massive collection!
Many are Formula 1 cars from previous Monte Carlo Rallies and the Monte Carlo Grand Prix. It’s open every day from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.
New National Museum of Monaco – Villa Paloma
How much do you really know about Monaco? Those keen to learn about the fascinating history of this uber-small country should check out the new National Museum in Villa Paloma.
There are four floors of exhibits in a beautiful whitewashed villa with Italianate gardens. Not to mention a fantastic sea view! Opening times are 10:00 AM-6:00 PM every day.
Essential Tips for a Nice to Monaco Day Trip
- Check the weather forecast: Yacht-spotting in the marina, the lush gardens… Some of the best things to do in Monaco are outside. Plan your day trip from Nice to Monaco when it’s dry!
- Don’t forget your passport: It’s good practice to carry your passport whenever you cross borders, but it’s a requirement to enter Monte Carlo Casino.
- Adhere to strict dress codes: Monte Carlo Casino also has a strict dress code. They require ‘smart attire’ which means no distressed jeans, no shorts, no sportswear, no trainers, and no flip-flops. It’s the perfect excuse to wear your best outfits and biggest sunglasses to blend in with the local people!
Enjoy This Easy Day Trip to Monaco From Nice
Seeing another country on your trip to France is an opportunity too special to miss, especially when a day trip from Nice to Monaco is so easy and fun. Take advantage of all the great things to do in Monaco in one day (the gardens, harbour, etc.) without staying too long and spending too much!
FAQs
- Is Monaco cheap or expensive?
- Monaco is an expensive place! The best way to visit on a budget is by spending time outdoors and not staying there.
- Is Monaco worth visiting for a day?
- Yes! Monaco is well worth visiting for one day because there are many things to do but it is the second-smallest sovereign state in the world.
- How much is a train from Nice to Monaco?
- A single train ticket from Nice to Monaco usually costs between €4 and €10. It depends on how far in advance you booked a ticket, public holidays, and other factors.
- Can you walk around Monaco in a day?
- Yes! Monaco is a very walkable place and the best way to explore. It’s possible to walk from one end of Monaco to the other in an hour.
- How much money do you need per day in Monaco?
- How much you will spend on your Monaco day trip depends on your budget and travel style. I would prepare to spend at least €100 per person for budget travellers and as much as €500 for luxury travellers. If you spend less, that’s a win!
